Expert Advice

Why You Should Switch To Using Vegan Skin Care

vegan skin care

If veganism and vegan skin care conjures up images of hippies, incense, and platefuls of beans, it’s time to reassess. Veganism has swept the world, loved by the health-conscious and eco-conscious alike – and unlike other trends, it’s here to stay. Veganuary is a global celebration of all things vegan. It’s the perfect kick-start if you’re considering the shift to a vegan lifestyle.  

Going vegan means saying goodbye to animal ingredients in the products we consume, use, and wear. Happily, it brings benefits that can enhance not only your wellbeing, but the health of your skin. 

What Is Vegan Skin Care? 

To be considered vegan, a product must be completely free from animal ingredients and by-products. You might be surprised by how many animal ingredients appear in skin care. Luckily, veganism is a big trend in the beauty world. It’s now easy to find animal-free alternatives to conventional products. If meat-free meals are a little daunting, filling your beauty bag with vegan skin care is a great start. You don’t need to go all-out. You can start slow, with simple swaps.  

Here’s why you should switch to vegan beauty this Veganuary, and beyond. 

It’s full of nutrient-dense ingredients 

Vegan formulations tend to prioritize natural, plant-based ingredients. These are naturally packed with vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Look for native botanical extracts such as Kawakawa leaf, found in Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser & Makeup RemoverKawakawa is a natural tonic that can help to control skin blemishes, which makes the cleanser beautifully gentle on skin while effective at removing makeup.  

Pure plant oils get a big tick in the vegan box. A nourishing vegan face oil, like Divine Face Oil Rosehip & Avocado Oilis full of them. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E to help moisturize and protect the skin – making it a star in vegan skin care. 

Vegan ingredients go beyond plants to artesian spring water and geothermal mud. The latter is found in Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask. Mineral-rich, the mud helps to detoxify and revitalize a dull complexion.  

It’s better for your skin 

By building formulations around natural ingredients, vegan skin care is more likely to be free from toxic nasties. Products that substitute harsh chemicals for botanical alternatives like lavender, marigold, and cardamon are often better for skin because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  

A vegan moisturizer like Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream contains ingredients that not only hydrate, but soothe and nourish. Thanks to antibacterial manuka flower and avocado oil, skin is kept fresh, calm, and blemish-free.  

It’s better for the planet 

Vegan skin care is potentially more sustainable because it is free from animal ingredients. A 2010 report by the United Nations Environment Programme said that animal agriculture has a destructive impact on our environment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recommended reducing meat consumption for the health of the planet†. Vegan products are therefore a great choice for anyone looking to lead an earth-friendly lifestyle.  

What To Look For  

The benefits of vegan skin care are many. But one word of warning. Not all vegan skin care is created equal. When choosing your vegan beauty staples, consider these fundamentals. 

Ingredients 

This Veganuary, read the labels on your skincare and get familiar with vegan and non-vegan ingredients. Lanolin (wool grease), squalene (shark liver oil), and carmine (beetles) are all commonly used by beauty brands. Although there are vegan alternatives for some of these ingredients, there is a high chance the product is not vegan. Research is key. 

vegan skin care vegan beauty products

Clean & Natural 

It’s easy to assume that vegan skincare is also natural – but that’s not always the case. Just as candyfloss or a bag of chips can be vegan, so can toxin-filled skincare. Many conventional (and even prestige) vegan products use synthetic ingredients like artificial colors and fragrances, as well as parabens and petrochemicals. These harsh chemical ingredients can irritate the skin and clog pores.  

To best serve your skin, look for products that contain ingredients of natural origin. Grapeseed, superfruit extracts, rosehip oil, and avocado oil are vegan, all-natural, and completely clean. You don’t need to compromise on clean to go vegan. Antipodes’ products are not only free from toxic ingredients, but use only ECOCERT-certified fragrances, derived from plants.  

Certifications 

If you’re pressed for time and don’t feel like wandering down the pharmacy aisles with magnifying glass and notepad in hand, certifications are your guiding light. Antipodes’ vegan beauty products are certified by the UK Vegetarian Societythe world’s oldest and most recognized vegetarian and vegan organization. We proudly display this logo on our labels and packaging. It takes the guesswork out of going vegan.  

High-Performance 

The fact that a product is vegan doesn’t necessarily indicate its quality. But what is the point of skincare if it doesn’t address your skin concerns? Choose vegan products whose formulations are backed by science. The key ingredient in the radiance-boosting Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum is Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi, clinically shown to help improve skin appearance*Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser is dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. Effective, certified vegan skin care you can trust. 

Celebrate Vegan January by exploring our vegan range. 

†IPCC Special Report on Climate Change & Land 

*Independent study by New Zealand Extracts: Eight-week independent clinical studies involving 10 women (2012). Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum, with Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi which is clinically shown† to help improve skin appearance: Clinically shown to improve skin cell membrane integrity by decreasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 16%, improve skin elasticity by 16%, decrease skin redness by 7% (erythema), and lighten skin by 3.5% (melanin content) 



Antipodes

Antipodes

Writer and expert