What is Vegan Skin Care?

With the rise in alternatives to animal products, like the explosion of plant-based meat options at popular restaurants, going vegan (or at least reducing your consumption of animal products) has been in the spotlight more than ever. Being vegan is no longer on the fringe. Vegan skin care is also on the rise, making it easier than ever for consumers to take care of their skin while also caring for animals and the planet. So, what does it mean for skin care products to be vegan?

Vegan Skin Care 101

Vegan skin care products should not contain any ingredients that are sourced from animals. That means they will be full of plant-based ingredients to nourish your skin instead. Many people assume that vegan skin care products are not going to be as effective as other non-vegan products, but this is not true. Yes, non-vegan products have been around for longer, but those that use vegan products regularly can see that they can be just as, or more, effective in delivering the results you’re looking for. 

Is Vegan The Same As Cruelty Free?

These two terms are often used together and may be confused at times. However, the two terms are not interchangeable. A cruelty free product means that it was not tested on animals, but that does not necessarily mean it contains vegan ingredients. Vice versa, a product could be vegan and not cruelty free if it was tested no animals. Skin care companies that truly care about the environment, ethics, and the treatment of animals are likely to have products that are both vegan and cruelty free. So always be sure to check labels and do research if you aren’t sure!

Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid

Animal-derived ingredients can sneak into skin care products and go unnoticed if you don’t know what names to look for. Cosmetic product labels are written in a standard format known as INCI, which can be difficult to read. Keep an eye out for these animal-derived ingredients that are common in skin care:

• Squalene: This one may be the trickiest. Squalene with an “e” is not vegan. High concentrations of it are found in shark liver. Squalane with an “a” can be derived from plants like olives or grains. 
• Lanolin: A common ingredient in lip balms, lanolin comes from sheep. They secrete this oil to keep their wool dry. 
• Collagen: Another common ingredient in skin care, collagen is derived from the connective tissues of animals.
• Retinol: While there is plant-based or lab-engineered retinol, some retinol is non-vegan and derived from animal liver, so read the label carefully. 
• Keratin: Often used in hair and nail products, keratin is derived from animal horns, hooves, or hair. 
• Beeswax or Cera Alba: This is a popular ingredient in lipstick or lip balm that comes from bees.
• Honey: Another ingredient from bees that is often confused for being vegan is honey, however most vegans will not consume honey.
• Carmine or Cochineal Extract: This ingredient can be found in makeup and nail products as a red colorant, but it comes from a tiny beetle-like insect, the cochineal. 
• Tallow: A common ingredient in cosmetics and bars of soap that comes from animal fat.
• Gelatin: Found in certain nail treatments, gelatin is non-vegan as it is derived from animal bones. 

Vegan Skin Care Products from VXN Wellness

One of the pillars VXN Wellness is built on is creating a safe space for humans and animals alike which means creating skin care products that are both vegan and cruelty free. VXN Wellness has been certified by PETA as a cruelty free, vegan company and takes pride in providing high-quality skin care that does no harm.