4 (Not So) Surprising Benefits of Vegan Skincare
Veganism is so much more than just a diet. For many people, it’s a whole philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals and opposes the use of animals for any purpose. For example, vegans don’t use personal care products that contain animal ingredients and/or were tested on animals. Vegan skincare has a surprising number of benefits that extend beyond the ethical aspects of veganism.When it comes to skincare, “vegan” means the product doesn’t contain any animal products, including dairy, eggs or bee products. For instance, vegan beauty products do not contain ingredients such as beeswax, honey, propolis, carmine (since this red pigment is derived from beetles), emu oil, mink oil, lanolin, milk powder, etc.
Generally, vegans also choose cruelty-free products that were not tested on animals, which is confirmed by the Leaping Bunny sign on the packaging. However, you should keep in mind that not all cruelty-free products are vegan, as many products that are considered cruelty-free may contain honey, milk or other animal ingredients that are not associated with animal suffering.
So, what are the benefits of vegan products for your skin and the planet?
Vegan Skincare Is Good for Animals and the Planet
While this might seem a no-brainer, we feel like it should be mentioned. When you choose products that are both free of animal products and not tested on animals, you can be sure that no animals were in any way harmed in creating your creams, lotions or scrubs. And good for animals can only mean good for the planet in general. Besides, most vegan products come in recyclable/biodegradable packaging, which is an additional benefit for environmentally conscious consumers who choose eco-friendly products.
Vegan Skincare Helps to Change the World – One Step at a Time
Of course, it’s hard to imagine a situation where the entire population of our planet suddenly decides to go vegan and, more importantly, follows through. However, the more people choose vegan skincare, the more manufacturers begin to produce eco-friendly, cruelty-free products to accommodate the demand. By choosing vegan beauty products, you encourage beauty brands to cut back on animal products and become more environmentally conscious.
Vegan Skincare Is Good for Sensitive Skin
Of course, a lot depends on the manufacturer, but vegan beauty products usually contain fewer ingredients in them. A shorter ingredient list usually means that the product is not chemically enhanced and contains only the most essential active ingredients. Vegan skincare has gained approval from dermatologists for being natural and containing less irritating chemicals than regular skincare products. You should consider trying vegan skincare if you have sensitive skin prone to blemishes, rashes, or breakouts.
Vegan Skincare Is More Hydrating
The majority of vegan products contain a lot of water and carrier oils. This means that they are more hydrating than traditional moisturizers. Unlike animal-derived emollients (for example, lanolin), carrier oils don’t clog pores or leave the skin feeling greasy. Of course, there are plenty of good moisturizers among non-vegan products, but isn’t it great to know that your to-go moisturizer is eco-friendly?