I Switched to a 100% Vegan Skincare Routine for 90 Days. The Results Were Surprising
The Plant-Based Face Experiment
To align my routine with my diet, I committed to a fully vegan skincare regimen for ninety days. This meant ditching products with snail mucin, honey, and lanolin. I expected my skin to have a dramatic, positive reaction. The surprising result? My skin looked… exactly the same. It was a powerful lesson that the “vegan” label doesn’t automatically mean “better” for your skin’s appearance. A well-formulated product is a well-formulated product, regardless of its vegan status. The real benefit was psychological: I felt great knowing my routine was in perfect harmony with my ethical beliefs.
“Cruelty-Free” vs. “Vegan”: Decoding the Labels and Loopholes
Not All Vegan Products are Cruelty-Free (and Vice Versa)
I used to think “vegan” and “cruelty-free” meant the same thing. They don’t. “Vegan” means a product contains no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax or collagen. “Cruelty-free” means the product was not tested on animals. A product can be vegan but still be tested on animals. A product can also be cruelty-free but contain honey, making it not vegan. The biggest loophole is when a cruelty-free brand is owned by a parent company that does test on animals. I now look for both the Leaping Bunny logo (for cruelty-free) and a “vegan” certification.
The Best Vegan Retinol Alternatives That Actually Work (Bakuchiol and Beyond)
The Plant-Powered Path to Smoother Skin
When I went vegan, I worried I’d have to give up my powerful retinoid. While retinoids themselves can be vegan, I wanted to explore the plant-based alternatives. The most famous is Bakuchiol, a plant extract that has been clinically shown to provide similar wrinkle-reducing and brightening benefits to retinol, but with less irritation. Another great option I found was a serum with Granactive Retinoid, a gentle, synthetic retinoid derivative that is vegan. These alternatives prove you don’t have to sacrifice performance to have a plant-based anti-aging routine.
The Shocking Truth About “Cruelty-Free” Brands Owned by Parent Companies That Test on Animals
The Complicated Corporate Family Tree
I was devastated when I learned that my favorite “cruelty-free” brand was owned by a massive parent company that is known to test on animals in other parts of the world. This is a huge ethical gray area for many consumers. While the indie brand itself may maintain its cruelty-free promise, the profits from my purchase ultimately go to support the larger parent corporation. For me, this was a dealbreaker. I now make an effort to support independently owned brands or brands whose parent companies also have a firm cruelty-free commitment.
My Top 10 Holy Grail Vegan Skincare Products of All Time
The Plant-Based Pantheon
After years of testing, my vegan holy grail list is set. It includes: Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser for a gentle but effective wash. Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil for a radiant glow. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for affordable hydration. Herbivore’s Blue Tansy Mask for calming breakouts. Cocokind’s Ceramide Barrier Serum for skin support. Pacifica’s Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream for rich moisture. And for sunscreen, the Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte is a flawless, cast-free option. This lineup proves vegan skincare is both luxurious and high-performance.
Finding a Vegan Dupe for My Favorite Non-Vegan “Holy Grail” Product
The Search for a Cruelty-Free Replacement
My holy grail product used to be a famous sleeping mask that contained lanolin, an oil derived from sheep’s wool. When I went vegan, I was desperate to find a replacement with the same rich, occlusive feel. After much searching, I found my perfect dupe in the Alpyn Beauty Melt Moisturizer. It uses plant-based ingredients like squalane and ceramides to create that same nourishing, protective barrier on the skin overnight. Finding an ethical replacement that performed just as well felt like a huge victory for my skin and my conscience.
I Interviewed a Leaping Bunny Certified Brand Founder. Here’s What I Learned
The Rigorous Road to the Bunny Logo
I interviewed the founder of a skincare brand that is Leaping Bunny certified, the gold standard for cruelty-free. The process, she said, was incredibly rigorous and expensive. It’s not just about the final product. She had to get written guarantees from every single one of her ingredient suppliers, confirming that they also do not test on animals. The organization can conduct audits at any time. This level of diligence assured me that when I see that Leaping Bunny logo, it’s not just a marketing claim; it’s a serious, verified commitment to being cruelty-free.
The Best Vegan Collagen-Boosting Products (Since You Can’t Use Animal Collagen)
The Plant-Based Plumpers
True collagen in skincare is always derived from animals (like fish or cows), and it’s too large a molecule to penetrate the skin anyway. So, vegan “collagen” products work differently. They don’t contain collagen. Instead, they contain ingredients that protect your existing collagen and encourage your skin to produce more of its own. I look for products with Vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis, and peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers, telling your skin to ramp up its collagen production.
Navigating the Drugstore: The Best Hidden Vegan & Cruelty-Free Gems
The Compassionate Aisle Hunt
The drugstore is becoming a great place for affordable vegan and cruelty-free skincare. Brands like Pacifica and Acure are almost entirely vegan and clearly labeled. But some of the best finds are hidden gems from larger brands. e.l.f. Cosmetics is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and their Holy Hydration face cream is a fantastic, affordable moisturizer. Brands like Versed and Byoma are also leading the way with transparent, vegan formulas. It just takes a little bit of label-reading to find incredible, ethical products without breaking the bank.
How to Find Vegan Alternatives for Common Ingredients like Lanolin, Squalene, and Glycerin
The Plant-Powered Swaps
Many common skincare ingredients are traditionally animal-derived, but vegan alternatives are now widely available. Lanolin, an oil from sheep’s wool used in rich creams, can be replaced by plant-based butters like shea or cocoa butter. Squalene, historically sourced from shark liver, is now almost always derived from olives or sugarcane (and is called Squalane). And Glycerin, which can be sourced from animal fats, is now predominantly plant-derived, usually from soybeans or palm oil. A little research shows that you can get the same benefits without the animal-based ingredients.
My Experience with a Vegan Skincare Subscription Box
The Plant-Based Present to Myself
I signed up for a quarterly vegan beauty subscription box to help me discover new brands. It was a great experience. Each box came with a mix of full-sized and travel-sized products from indie brands I had never heard of. It introduced me to some of my now-favorite products, like a beautiful face oil from a small, woman-owned company. While not every product was a hit, the value was incredible, and it was a fun, low-risk way to explore the world of vegan beauty beyond the mainstream options.
The Rise of “Beegan” Skincare: Is Honey and Beeswax Ethical?
The Buzz About Bee Products
The debate around using bee products like honey, beeswax, and propolis is a hot topic in the ethical beauty community. Strict vegans avoid these ingredients, as they are animal byproducts. Others, who sometimes call themselves “beegans,” argue that if the ingredients are sourced from small, sustainable, and ethical beekeepers who prioritize the health of the bee colonies, it can be an ethical choice. There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s a personal ethical decision about where you draw the line in your definition of veganism.
How to Email a Brand to Ask About Their True Cruelty-Free Status
The Polite Interrogation
If a brand’s cruelty-free status is unclear, I’ll email them directly. I have a template. I politely ask a few specific questions: “Are your finished products tested on animals by you or a third party?” “Are your ingredients tested on animals by your suppliers?” “Do you sell your products in mainland China, where post-market animal testing can be required by law?” A truly cruelty-free brand will be able to answer these questions clearly and confidently. A vague or evasive answer is usually a red flag.
I Tested 5 Vegan Sunscreens. Which One Performed the Best?
The Plant-Based SPF Showdown
Finding a great vegan sunscreen used to be tough, as many formulas contained non-vegan ingredients or were from brands that tested on animals. I tested five popular vegan options. The winner for my daily use was the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It’s a completely clear, gel-based formula that feels like a makeup primer and is totally invisible. For a mineral option, the Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen was fantastic; it provided gentle protection without a significant white cast. It proves that ethical sun protection can also be elegant and high-performing.
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan & Cruelty-Free Makeup Brushes
The Synthetic Bristle Superiority
For years, the most luxurious makeup brushes were made from animal hair, like squirrel or goat. Thankfully, that’s almost completely changed. Modern synthetic brush technology is so advanced that the best brushes on the market are now vegan and cruelty-free. Brands like Hourglass and IT Cosmetics make incredibly soft, high-performance synthetic brushes that mimic the feel of animal hair perfectly. They are also more hygienic and easier to clean. In the world of makeup brushes, the ethical choice is now also the superior choice.
The Financial Cost: Is It More Expensive to Go Fully Vegan with Skincare?
The Myth of the “Vegan Tax”
When I first decided to build a vegan skincare routine, I was worried about the cost. I assumed there would be a “vegan tax,” making everything more expensive. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a myth. While some high-end, niche vegan brands can be pricey, many of the most affordable and effective brands on the market, like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, and e.l.f., are predominantly or entirely vegan. It is absolutely possible to build a complete, high-quality, vegan skincare routine for the exact same price as a non-vegan one.
My “Gateway” Products That Helped Me Transition to a Cruelty-Free Routine
The First Steps to an Ethical Shelf
Switching my entire routine to be cruelty-free felt overwhelming at first. I started with a few “gateway” products. The first thing I switched was my cleanser. I chose the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser because it was highly rated and from a brand I admired. Once I had used up my old moisturizer, I replaced it with one from Biossance. By replacing one product at a time as I finished it, the transition felt gradual and manageable, rather than like a massive, expensive overhaul.
How to Spot “Vegan-Washing” and Misleading Marketing Claims
The Plant-Based Pretenders
“Vegan-washing” is when a brand tries to market itself as vegan when it’s not. A common trick is to highlight a few “plant-based” ingredients on the front of the bottle, like “contains avocado oil,” while hiding the non-vegan ingredients, like lanolin, deep in the ingredient list. Another is to use a generic, uncertified bunny logo that looks official but has no real meaning. The best way to avoid being fooled is to look for official certifications from recognized organizations like The Vegan Society or to use apps and blogs that diligently vet brand claims.
The Best Vegan Serums for Every Skin Concern (Acne, Aging, Dryness)
The Plant-Powered Problem Solvers
Finding a powerful vegan serum is easy these days. For acne, a salicylic acid serum from a brand like The Inkey List is a great choice. For anti-aging, the Bakuchiol serums from brands like Herbivore or Acure offer a fantastic plant-based retinol alternative. For dryness and hydration, a hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid serum is almost always vegan by default. And for brightening, a Vitamin C serum from a brand like Mad Hippie provides potent, plant-powered results. There’s a high-performance vegan option for every single skin concern.
I Replaced My Lanolin Lip Mask with a Vegan Alternative. Was It as Good?
The Battle of the Balms
My holy grail lip product was a famous lanolin-based balm. Lanolin, an oil from sheep’s wool, is an incredible occlusive. When I went vegan, I was skeptical that a plant-based alternative could compare. I tried a few, but the winner was the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It uses a blend of shea and murumuru butters to create that same thick, nourishing, and long-lasting barrier on the lips. The performance was just as good, and I felt much better about the ingredients I was using.
The Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Brands for Sensitive Skin
The Gentle and Ethical Go-Tos
Having sensitive skin means I have to be careful with my products. Finding brands that are both gentle and ethical is a top priority. My favorite is Youth to the People; their products are effective but incredibly gentle and soothing. Another great option is Cocokind, which focuses on simple, barrier-friendly formulas. And for super-sensitive, allergy-prone skin, Tower 28 Beauty is fantastic. It’s one of the few brands that follows the National Eczema Association’s guidelines, and it’s completely vegan and cruelty-free.
The Most Innovative Vegan Skincare Ingredients on the Market
The Plant-Based Future of Formulation
The innovation in vegan skincare ingredients is incredible. I’m fascinated by vegan “collagen,” which is created by using yeast or bacteria to produce bio-identical human collagen peptides. Another is vegan “silk,” produced through a similar fermentation process, which creates a beautiful, smoothing texture in products. And the discovery of plant-based retinol alternatives like Bakuchiol has been a game-changer. These high-tech, lab-grown, and plant-derived ingredients are pushing the boundaries of what vegan skincare can achieve.
How I “Veganized” My Entire Bathroom Cabinet
The Compassionate Cabinet Cleanout
When I committed to a fully vegan and cruelty-free lifestyle, I did a massive audit of my entire bathroom cabinet. It wasn’t just my skincare. I checked my shampoo and conditioner (looking out for silk proteins), my deodorant (beeswax is common), my toothpaste (some brands are tested on animals), and even my razors (some lubricating strips contain animal products). It was a huge undertaking, but it was also incredibly empowering. I used apps like “Bunny Free” and “Is It Vegan?” to scan barcodes and check brands.
The Best Vegan Cleansing Balms That Melt Away Makeup
The Plant-Based Makeup Melters
Finding a cleansing balm that was both effective and vegan used to be a challenge, as many relied on beeswax for their texture. That’s no longer the case. The market is now full of amazing vegan options. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm is a super affordable and gentle option. For a more luxurious feel, the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm uses grapeseed and olive oil to melt makeup beautifully. And the Farmacy Green Clean is a cult classic that uses papaya enzymes for a gentle exfoliation while it cleanses.
My Journey to Aligning My Skincare Routine with My Personal Ethics
The Feel-Good Face Routine
For years, my skincare routine was just about results. I wanted my acne gone, and I didn’t care how. As I got older and more defined in my personal ethics—choosing a plant-based diet and being more conscious of animal welfare—my skincare started to feel disconnected. The products I was using didn’t align with the values I held in other parts of my life. The journey to a fully vegan and cruelty-free routine was about more than just my skin; it was about creating a sense of integrity and wholeness in my daily habits.
The Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Brands You Can Trust
The Affordable and Ethical Aisle
Shopping for cruelty-free products at the drugstore is easier than ever. The best and most reliable brands are the ones that have gone through the process of getting Leaping Bunny certified. Brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Milani, and Physicians Formula are all certified and offer a huge range of products. Other brands like NYX and Covergirl have also made strong cruelty-free commitments and are easy to find. It’s wonderful to be able to build a full, affordable face of makeup and skincare without compromising on ethical standards.
I Compared a Vegan Hyaluronic Acid to an Animal-Derived One
The Hydration Head-to-Head
Hyaluronic acid can be sourced in two ways: from rooster combs (the red fleshy part on a rooster’s head) or through bacterial fermentation in a lab. The vast majority of HA used in cosmetics today is the vegan, lab-created version because it’s cheaper, more stable, and more ethical. I once tried a very old-school, expensive serum that used the animal-derived version. Honestly, there was absolutely no difference in performance. The vegan, bio-fermented hyaluronic acid provides the exact same hydrating and plumping benefit.
The Best Vegan Face Masks for an At-Home Spa Night
The Plant-Powered Pampering Session
For a vegan at-home spa night, there are so many amazing mask options. For a clarifying treatment, the Herbivore Blue Tansy mask uses fruit enzymes and blue tansy oil to soothe and decongest the skin. For intense hydration, the Youth to the People Superberry Dream Mask is a rich, creamy overnight treatment packed with antioxidants. And for a quick, brightening boost, the single-use sheet masks from the brand Pacifica are affordable, fun, and come in a huge variety of formulas.
How to Find Reliable Information on a Brand’s Cruelty-Free Status
The Bunny-Approved Detective Work
Navigating cruelty-free claims can be confusing. My most trusted method is to check the official databases of certifying organizations. The Leaping Bunny Program (in the US and UK) and Choose Cruelty Free (in Australia) have searchable online databases of all the brands they have certified. I also rely on trusted cruelty-free bloggers and websites like Logical Harmony and Ethical Elephant. They do incredibly thorough research, including emailing brands directly, to determine a brand’s true status, including their parent company’s policies.
The Emotional Toll of Discovering My Favorite Brand Was Not Cruelty-Free
The Skincare Heartbreak
I had a holy grail face cream that I had used for years. It was perfect for my skin. One day, I decided to research the brand’s animal testing policy. My heart sank when I discovered that they secretly sold their products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law. They were not truly cruelty-free. I felt betrayed by the brand and heartbroken that I had to give up a product I loved. It was a difficult but necessary “breakup.” It strengthened my resolve to only support brands that are transparent and ethically aligned with my values.
The Best Vegan Body Lotions and Butters
The Head-to-Toe Plant-Based Hydration
Finding a great vegan body lotion is a breeze these days. For a lightweight, daily lotion, the Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer is a classic and smells amazing. For a richer, more intensive treatment, a body butter with shea or cocoa butter is perfect. The brand Buttah Skin makes a fantastic whipped body butter designed for melanin-rich skin. And for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, the Everyone 3-in-1 Lotion is fragrance-free, gentle, and comes in a huge, affordable pump bottle.
The Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Products for Acne-Prone Skin
The Clear and Compassionate Choices
Fighting acne on a vegan and cruelty-free routine is easy. Salicylic acid (BHA), a gold-standard ingredient for clearing pores, is vegan. Brands like The Inkey List and Paula’s Choice (which is cruelty-free) make fantastic BHA exfoliants. For a spot treatment, a benzoyl peroxide product from a brand like Humane is both vegan and cruelty-free. And for calming inflammation and fading the dark marks left by pimples, a vegan azelaic acid serum from a brand like The Ordinary is a gentle and effective choice.
How the Definition of “Cruelty-Free” Changes in Different Countries (e.g., China’s Laws)
The Global Animal Testing Landscape
A brand’s “cruelty-free” status can be complicated by international laws. For a long time, mainland China required all imported cosmetics to be tested on animals. This meant that any brand that sold their products in physical stores in China could not be considered truly cruelty-free. While these laws are starting to change, there can still be requirements for post-market testing. This is why many cruelty-free advocates will not support brands that sell in China, as it creates a potential loophole in their commitment.
The Best Vegan Hand Creams
The Compassionate Care for Your Hands
Finding a hand cream that is both effective and vegan can be a challenge, as many rich formulas rely on lanolin or beeswax. My favorite vegan options utilize plant-based butters and oils. The brand O’Keeffe’s, known for their intense “Working Hands” cream, actually has a formula that is vegan and incredibly effective for very dry, cracked skin. For a more luxurious feel, the hand creams from the brand Necessaire are packed with peptides and niacinamide and are completely vegan and cruelty-free.
My Top 5 “Accidentally Vegan” Skincare Products from Mainstream Brands
The Unintentional Plant-Based Gems
Sometimes, a great vegan product comes from a mainstream brand that isn’t entirely vegan. These are my favorite “accidentally vegan” finds. The classic CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a simple, effective, and fragrance-free moisturizer that happens to be vegan. The popular EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen, a dermatologist favorite, is also a vegan formula. Many of the hydrating serums from brands like La Roche-Posay are vegan as well. It just requires a quick check of the ingredient list to find these hidden gems.
I Tried to Make My Own Vegan Skincare. Here’s How It Went
The DIY Kitchen Concoction
In my quest for a pure, vegan routine, I tried making my own face mask. I mashed up an avocado for healthy fats, added some turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, and a little bit of oat flour. It was a messy, gloopy experience. While it was fun to play kitchen chemist, the mask didn’t have any noticeable effect on my skin, and it started to go bad within a day. It was a good reminder that while DIY can be fun, professionally formulated products have the benefit of preservatives, proper pH balancing, and effective concentrations.
The Performance Myth: Proving Vegan Skincare Can Be Just as Effective
The Plant-Based Power
There’s a lingering myth that vegan skincare is somehow less effective than its non-vegan counterparts, that you’re sacrificing performance for ethics. This is completely untrue. The most powerful, science-backed “active” ingredients in skincare—retinoids, Vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycolic acid—are all available in vegan forms. With the advances in plant-based alternatives and bio-identical synthetic ingredients, there is absolutely no compromise on performance. A well-formulated vegan product can be just as, if not more, effective than a non-vegan one.
The Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Anti-Aging Products
The Ethical Elixirs of Youth
Building a powerful anti-aging routine that is also vegan and cruelty-free is simple. The gold-standard ingredient is a retinoid. A brand like a Mad Hippie offers a gentle, vegan Vitamin A serum. For antioxidant protection, a Vitamin C serum is a must; the one from Marie Veronique is a fantastic, high-performance option. And for firming, a peptide serum from a brand like The Inkey List or Pacifica can help to stimulate collagen production. Combining these with a daily, cruelty-free sunscreen creates a potent, ethical anti-aging arsenal.
How to Transition Your Routine Without Wasting Your Existing Products
The “Finish, Then Replace” Method
When I decided to go fully cruelty-free, I had a cabinet full of half-used products from brands that tested on animals. It felt incredibly wasteful to just throw them all away. I adopted the “finish, then replace” method. As I used up a product, like my old cleanser, I would replace it with a new, cruelty-free alternative. This made the transition feel gradual and financially manageable. It also allowed me to honor the money I had already spent, rather than just creating more waste.
My Favorite Vegan & Cruelty-Free Indie Brands You Haven’t Heard Of
The Hidden Gems of Ethical Beauty
Beyond the big names, there are some incredible small, indie brands that are vegan and cruelty-free. One of my favorites is “Meow Meow Tweet,” which has quirky packaging and amazing natural deodorants. Another is “Alpyn Beauty,” which uses wild-crafted ingredients from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to create beautiful, high-performance skincare. And for makeup, “Axiology” makes beautiful, zero-waste lipstick crayons. Supporting these smaller, passionate brands feels like being part of a special, ethical beauty community.
The Best Vegan Eye Creams
The Compassionate Care for a Delicate Area
The skin around the eyes is delicate, and a good vegan eye cream can provide targeted hydration. My favorite for daytime is The Inkey List’s Caffeine Eye Cream. It’s lightweight, helps to de-puff, and is incredibly affordable. For nighttime, the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is a richer, more luxurious option that helps to hydrate and plump fine lines. It uses plant-derived squalane and peptides to provide powerful results without any animal-derived ingredients.
How to Build a Complete Vegan Travel Skincare Kit
The Plant-Based, TSA-Approved Pouch
Building a vegan travel kit is all about multi-tasking, solid products. I start with a solid cleansing bar from a brand like Ethique. For my serum and moisturizer, I decant my favorites into small, reusable travel pots. My hero product is a multi-purpose beauty balm, like the one from Milk Makeup, which can be used on lips, cheeks, and dry spots. And for sun protection, a solid sunscreen stick from a brand like Supergoop is perfect. The entire routine is vegan, carry-on friendly, and spill-proof.
The Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Haircare Brands That Are Good for Your Scalp
The Happy Scalp, Happy Hair Connection
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Many vegan and cruelty-free haircare brands are now focusing on scalp health. The brand Act+Acre uses a cold-pressed method to preserve the nutrients in their plant-based ingredients, and their scalp detox is fantastic. Another great brand is Briogeo, which offers a wide range of products for different hair types and concerns, including a charcoal-based scalp scrub that helps to remove buildup. These brands prove that you can care for your hair and scalp effectively and ethically.
The Ultimate Resource List for Cruelty-Free Shoppers (Blogs, Apps, Certifiers)
The Ethical Shopping Toolkit
Navigating the world of cruelty-free shopping can be confusing. I have a toolkit of trusted resources. For official certifications, I always check the Leaping Bunny Program and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies databases. For in-depth brand research and product recommendations, the blogs Ethical Elephant and Logical Harmony are my go-to’s. And for shopping in-store, I use the “Bunny Free” app on my phone, which allows me to scan a product’s barcode and instantly see its animal testing status. These tools make ethical shopping so much easier.
I Replaced Snail Mucin with a Vegan Alternative. Did It Work?
The Plant-Based Slime Substitute
I used to love the hydrating and healing properties of snail mucin essence. When I went vegan, I was sad to give it up. I went looking for a vegan alternative. I found products that use plant-based ingredients like fermented soybeans, wild yam extract, or cactus extract to create a similar, slightly viscous texture and provide intense hydration. While nothing has the exact unique texture of snail mucin, I found that a hydrating essence from the brand Then I Met You gave me that same plump, dewy, and healed skin feeling.
The Best Vegan Deodorants That Actually Work
The Plant-Powered Pit Protectors
Finding a vegan and cruelty-free deodorant that actually works can be a challenge. Many natural deodorants are vegan, but they don’t always hold up during a stressful day. After much trial and error, I found a few winners. The brand Salt & Stone makes a fantastic deodorant with hyaluronic acid that is both effective and beautifully packaged. For a more affordable option, the brand Schmidt’s offers a range of scents in a sensitive-skin formula that uses magnesium instead of baking soda. These prove that you don’t need animal products or testing to stay fresh.
The Future of Skincare: Lab-Grown Ingredients and a Cruelty-Free World
The High-Tech, Humane Horizon
The future of beauty is both high-tech and highly ethical. The need for animal-derived ingredients and animal testing is rapidly becoming obsolete. Scientists can now bio-engineer vegan versions of ingredients like collagen, silk, and even squalene in a lab. These lab-grown ingredients are often more pure, more sustainable, and more effective than their traditional counterparts. And with the development of advanced computer modeling and in-vitro testing methods, animal testing is becoming scientifically unnecessary. A truly cruelty-free industry is not just a dream; it’s an inevitability.
My “If I Could Only Use 3” Vegan & Cruelty-Free Products for Life
The Desert Island Plant-Based Picks
If I had to choose only three vegan and cruelty-free products to use for the rest of my life, it would be a tough choice. But I would pick: first, the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser. It’s gentle, effective, and works for my skin in any season. Second, the Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. It’s a fantastic, non-greasy sunscreen that protects my skin without a white cast. And third, a simple, effective retinol serum from The Inkey List to keep my skin smooth and healthy for the long haul.