Veganism is becoming more and more prolific but is often only known for its plant-based food. We’re actually seeing a real surge in recent years, with plant-based food sales in the UK increased by an impressive 1,500%. However, veganism is actually an umbrella term influencing not only what you eat but what beauty products and clothing you will purchase. However, for some people, it is still hard to get their head around what veganism is and why they should invest in vegan beauty products. Are they better for your skin? Is it worth the extra money?
What are vegan beauty products exactly?
Vegans follow a strict diet of no meat, eggs or dairy consumption but also a lifestyle free from animal cruelty all together, including wearing wool, leather or going to the zoo and animal races for example. Vegan skincare follows this philosophy too, with no animal derived ingredients such as beeswax, honey, collagen, silk or animal hair (for brushes).
It’s also important to make the distinction between vegan products and cruelty-free. To sum it up, cruelty-free means a product or its ingredients have not been tested on animals, some brands may be labelled as vegan (so not using animal derived ingredients) but are still testing on animals.
Many beauty and hair salons are now using and selling vegan products to their customers for their great benefits but also because they’re so popular. Even nail salons are now switching to ethical and sustainable nail art thanks to vegan products such as liner brushes with bristles made from synthetic fibers.
What are the benefits of using vegan beauty products?
Our skin is like a sponge and whatever product you choose to put on it will be absorbed, so making sure you are using quality ingredients is important. Skincare products free from animal derived ingredients tend to be gentler on sensitive skin, animal ingredients can be harsh and clog your pores.
Moreover, vegan skincare is generally fuelled with amazing minerals and oils, filled with antioxidants and vitamins, in fact products such as hemp, lavender or aloe vera have been used for centuries for their healing properties and are known to be incredible for our skin. These ingredients are more efficient than synthetic or animal derived ingredients as they are generally as close as you can get to their natural state. However, keep in mind that vegan products don’t mean allergen free, they can also potentially cause irritation.
If you are concerned about the price of vegan skincare, don’t be put off, there are now many affordable products out there at any price point.
