Skincare is typically packed with animal ingredients. Common ingredients like squalene and collagen are used to promote youthful skin, but often come from animals. Anti-aging ingredients may come from animals. Hydrating products may contain honey, which comes from bees. However, there are also plenty of vegan skincare options. The best vegan skincare includes plenty of science-backed, effective ingredients that don’t come from animals.
I participate in affiliate programs, including Amazon Affiliates, and may earn a small commission if you purchase items through the site’s links.
Please note that brands may change formulas over time. Always double-check the website or product packaging for the most up-to-date information regarding products.
Is Vegan The Same As Cruelty-Free?
No, vegan and cruelty-free are not the same thing. Vegan means that a product does not have animal ingredients or byproducts in it. Cruelty-free means that no animals were harmed to make the product and there is no animal testing.
Many vegan products are also cruelty-free, and vice versa, but that’s not always the case. A vegan product may be sold or made somewhere where animal testing is required by law, so that product wouldn’t be considered cruelty-free. On the other hand, a cruelty-free product may contain ethically sourced ingredients, like beeswax, so that product doesn’t involve hurting animals but it’s also not considered vegan.
Common Animal Ingredients
Many skincare products have ingredients that come from animals, such as collagen. These are some of the most common animal ingredients found in skincare:
- Beeswax: Beeswax is also called cera alba on the ingredient list. Beeswax always comes from animals and is made by bees. However, some companies include synthetic beeswax, which is not derived from animals.
- Elastin: Elastin is often found in the aorta or vertebrae of cows. It’s almost always animal-derived, and believed to make your skin more elastic and less likely to have fine lines and wrinkles.
- Casein: Casein is also called milk protein. It’s found in shampoo and cosmetics.
- Guanine: Guanine is a name for a pearlescent product that can add shimmer to everything from shampoo and nail polish to liquid highlighter and skincare products. It’s also called pearl powder. Most guanine is made from ground up fish scales.
- Collagen: Collagen makes your skin more elastic to help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. It’s found in animal skin. Many products that simply say “collagen” have animal-derived collagen. However, there is also synthetic and vegan collagen now.
- Carmine: Carmine is typically a red color that is made from ground up cohineal beetles. It made be listed as cochineal instead.
- Keratin: Keratin is frequently found in products for hair and nails. It’s often derived from the hooves, nails, feathers, and hair of animals. Once it’s extracted, the keratin is included in formulas.
- Estrogen: Estrogen can have a restorative effect on the skin. However, sometimes it’s derived from horse urine.
Many animal ingredients are used in beauty and skincare products, and this isn’t a comprehensive list. For example, squalene, which often comes from sharks, is also used. It’s best to opt for vegan products to ensure you don’t accidentally purchase a product with animal-derived ingredients or byproducts.
Best Vegan Skincare
Ahava Mineral Body Lotion
Ahava Mineral Body Lotion is one of the brand’s most popular products. Ahava has been a vegan brand since it’s inception, so you won’t have to worry about them sneaking animal-derived ingredients into products. It helps fight dehydration while smoothing the skin for a silky skin feel you’ll fall in love with. This lotion is also available in a triple size, ensuring you don’t have to worry about running out.
It’s made with Ahava’s signature blend of Dead Sea minerals and nourishing botanical ingredients to promote healthy skin. It’s free from parabens, GMOs, and alcohol. It’s safe for pregnant women to use. The long-lasting hydration ensures you don’t have to constantly re-apply your lotion throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love It
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Hydrating
- Available in multiple sizes
Orgaid Cleansing Oil
Orgaid is a smaller organic skincare brand that goes above and beyond to be kind to animals and the planet. 85% of the ingredients in this cleansing oil are organic and non-toxic. The brand is vegan and cruelty-free. They include plant ingredients that are good for your skin and backed by science.
This cleansing oil easily washes away makeup and sunscreen to leave your skin dewy and soft. The ingredients list is so small you can easily look up the one or two ingredients that might not sound familiar. You’ll also discover ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, sunflower oil, and more. This cleansing oil is good for your skin and effective.
Why You’ll Love It
- Effective
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
- Great customer service
Dr. Brandt Fatigue Fighting Eye Gel
Dr. Brandt is not a 100% vegan brand, but they do offer vegan products and clearly label them as vegan, such as this eye gel. The cooling gel and ceramic applicator help fight the signs of fatigue and de-puff your undereye area. More natural ingredients like fig stem cells are packed with nutrients for your eyes.
Why You’ll Love It
- 94% of ingredients from their natural origin
- Fights the signs of stress and fatigue
- Instantly cooling
- Both short and long-term results
E.L.F. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Gel
E.l.f. is worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for the best vegan skincare or makeup. All of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so you don’t have to decipher ingredient lists or search for a logo. The brand is affordable, and products are effective. The only downside is they don’t have a massive skincare line, so you might not be able to find what you need.
This acne-fighting gel is packed with powerful ingredients to help fight breakouts. Aloe, witch hazel, and salicylic acid help soothe skin while fighting breakouts, including before they happen. The roll on gel application makes precise application a breeze, too.
Why You’ll Love It
- Prevents breakouts
- Helps control oil
- Soothes skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Homemade Turmeric Soap
Hillman Reid is a wonderful place to shop if you’re vegan. The turmeric soap is homemade. It’s also packed with coconut oil, shea butter, castor seed oil, and olive oil to keep your skin velvety soft while turmeric helps visibly brighten the skin. The butters and oils deliver a powerhouse of nutrients to your skin for vibrant, healthy skin.
Why You’ll Love It
- Handmade in Canada
- Vegan
- Effective
- Moisturizing
Hillman Reid has a ton of handmade products to meet various skincare and vegan needs. You’ll discover vegetable-based deodorant and plenty of vegan beard products. They also have body butter, massage products, and various scents of handmade soap.
Lemon Aid Detox & Glow
Nudestix has a commitment to being vegan and cruelty-free, making them a safe brand to shop for people living a vegan lifestyle. You’ll discover makeup and skincare, including this mask. It’s specially formulated to give you glowing skin.
This at home chemical peel exfoliator helps detoxify the skin, clearing away dirt and debris while cleaning deep within your pores. Vitamin C and Lemon Peel Oil both pull double-duty to nourish and brighten skin. Niacinamide helps minimize the appearance of pores and promotes an even skin tone while hyaluronic acid helps soften the skin.
Why You’ll Love It
- Brightening
- Exfoliates
- Minimizes pores
- Softer skin
Brightness Boosting Serum
Sam’s Solutions is definitely worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for the best vegan skincare. Sam’s Solutions offers vegan and plant-powered skincare, body care, and there’s a line for your pets.
Infused with one impressive ingredient after another, this brightening serum provides multiple benefits. Aloe vera juice soothes the skin, fights inflammation, and moisturizes skin. Stable Vitamin C helps fight the appearance of scars, premature aging, and brightens skin. Ferulic acid helps protect skin against dangerous free radicals. White tea helps naturally boost collagen and elastin production.
Why You’ll Love It
- Anti-aging
- Protects skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Effective, science-backed ingredients
Best Vegan Skincare
Remember, the best vegan skincare is the skincare brand that suits you, whether you want a 100% vegan brand or are searching for plant-based products. Many of the brands listed above have comprehensive lines of skincare, including vegan skincare. They make finding vegan skincare products on the website easy for customers if they aren’t 100% vegan. Check out the rest of the site to learn more!
Related Articles
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Plumping Jelly Mask Review