For many people, veganism is more than just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. Being vegan means that you don’t consume any animal products (including meat, dairy, fish and eggs, plus derivatives like gelatin) and many vegans choose not to wear animal products like leather or suede.

When it comes to skincare products, it’s important to know exactly what you’re putting on your face or body, and many vegans seek out skincare products which don’t contain any animal by-products or ingredients. Many beauty companies are also taking a very different approach to how their products are made and placing a greater focus on cruelty-free methods and ingredients. If you want to know more about vegan skincare ingredients and what goes into your products at home, read on for our handy guide.

What is vegan skincare?

Vegan skincare is defined as any product which doesn’t contain animal by-products, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen and gelatin. If you want to know whether a skincare product is vegan, look for the certified logos from Vegan Action and The Vegan Society on the packaging.

The majority of vegan skincare is also cruelty free (meaning it hasn’t been tested on animals), but this isn’t always the case. Look for the leaping bunny logo if you want to be sure that your skincare doesn’t contain any ingredients tested on animals.

Common ingredients

Like a vegan diet, a lot of vegan skincare is plant-based, with a focus on natural ingredients. This is particularly beneficial if you have sensitive or allergy prone skin, as vegan products tend to be gentler and contain fewer harsh chemicals and ingredients which might aggravate the skin. Below we will look at some common natural ingredients in vegan skincare and their benefits.

Sweet almond oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to calm and soothe stressed skin. It’s also an emollient, which helps to improve skin tone over time and replenish moisture lost in dry skin.

Aloe vera: This plant extract contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it’s highly anti-inflammatory - not bad for just one ingredient! Aloe vera soothes sunburn and can also reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scars.

Polysorbates: Polysorbates are derived from a fatty acid chain found mainly in coconut oil. They’re added to skincare products due to their effective soothing, calming and lubricating properties.

Neem: Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree and it’s packed full of vitamin E and fatty acids. This allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and it also has antibacterial properties to help tackle acne.

Rose water: Rose water helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance and it contains anti-inflammatory properties to calm the skin and reduce signs of acne. It can also help to control excess oil and remove dirt and grime from clogged pores.

If you’re looking for some of the best vegan skincare on the market, browse the vegan range from Herbal Essentials. We’re proud to state that every product in this collection has been certified by The Vegan Society and we’ve got all the skincare products you need, including night creams, creamy and foaming cleansers, day creams and toners. Our award-winning products use the highest quality natural ingredients, including pure Himalayan spring water, so the ingredients are gentle enough for all skin types. We also include a full list of ingredients for every product, so you can be sure you know exactly what’s gone into your skincare.