Everything you need to know about vegan beauty products this Veganuary
Whether it's your first Veganuary, or you're a plant-based pro, veganism runs deeper than just your diet. January is the perfect month to expand into a plant-based beauty regime.
The number of vegans in the UK rose by over one million last year according to Finder. But it can still be tricky to find plant-based products in terms of hair and beauty.
Here's what you need to know before diving into a vegan beauty routine, according to the experts.
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What is vegan beauty?
Vegan beauty products avoid animal testing or ingredients that originate from animals in any way. These include beeswax, gelatine, honey or squalene.
“[Vegan ] products are often created with cruelty-free principles, supporting ethical practices in the beauty industry,” explains co-founder of Odylique, Abi Weeds.
“Vegan skincare works for all skin types and is packed with natural moisturisers, such as aloe vera and shea butter for hydration, alongside calming ingredients like tea tree oil and chamomile which reduce inflammation,” explains BEAUTY BAY‘s beauty expert Grace Ferns.
“Mature skin also benefits from antioxidant-rich formulas found in vegan products, which also help to combat ageing,” she claims.
How to tell if a beauty product is vegan
It's simple to discover whether or not a beauty product is vegan.
The vegan trademark guarantees a product is free from any ingredients derived from animals. The Vegan Society suggests keeping an eye out for this logo certification when shopping in the cosmetic aisle.
These trademarks can look different, whether they come from Vegan Action, Cruelty Free International, PETA or Choose Cruelty Free. Familiarise yourself with these logos to determine which products are vegan and non-vegan .
Is vegan skincare a good substitute for mainstream products ?
Vegan experts claim the pros of swapping out your mainstream products for plant-based beauty outweigh the cons.
According to Weeds: “ Vegan beauty products often contain fewer synthetic chemicals and harsh irritants, resulting in kinder formulations for the skin.
“Vegan skincare products are usually rich in antioxidants, botanicals and vitamins. They’re better for animals and the planet, and are also less likely to irritate the skin,” maintains skincare expert and founder of Update Aesthetics Clinics, Nina Prisk.
“This is because some of the popular skincare ingredients that are animal-derived can be heavier and more likely to clog pores.”
Easiest vegan swaps to make in your beauty routine
If you're lost on where to start, the experts have given their top advice for products they believe work better than animal-derived products .
“I’d recommend swapping out everyday products such as moisturisers, cleansers and make-up removers,” says skin therapist and co-founder of Ella & Jo, Niamh Ryan, “as these can often include harsh chemicals which we end up subjecting our skin to every day”.
These simple swaps in your beauty and skincare routine can be good for the skin as well as kinder to animals this Veganuary.
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