As consumers become more conscious and intentional about what they buy, the act of buying skincare isn't only about the results; it's just as much about the values of those products. More widely than before, beauty consumers want to know the products they're consuming and using on their skin, who makes it, how they make it, and if any harm was done in the end.
It's hardly surprising that with buyers actively searching for cruelty-free products, 60% of the global consumer base chooses products labeled as cruelty-free! People want a line of products with kind and authentic values.
The emphasis on more humane practices in skincare is driven by Millennial and Gen Z consumers who are driving demand for ethical sourcing, proper labeling, and recycled packaging to the next level and paving the way for a kinder beauty care industry. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are clearly interested in doing more than just purchasing skincare; they want to purchase products from brands that represent their vision of a kinder and more environmentally friendly world. Cruelty-free and vegan products are leaving the "niche" market - they are becoming the expectation in beauty!
Whether you've been wondering what the true meaning of vegan and cruelty-free skincare is, why it matters, or how to switch from your current brand to a vegan and cruelty-free brand without sacrificing skin results, you are in the right place.
Let's get to what this beauty care power shift looks like and how you can enact the change, too.
What Is Vegan Skincare?
Vegan skin care involves the use of products that contain no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This includes:
· Beeswax
· Lanolin (from sheep's wool)
· Collagen (usually animal-derived)
· Honey
· Carmine (a red pigment from insects)
Instead, vegan formulas will have plant and synthetic (vegan) alternatives that provide the same, or in some cases, enhanced benefits for your skin; without hurting animals.
Not only is vegan skin care less harmful to animals, but it often tends to be cleaner and simpler formulations, often with lots of botanicals, essential oils, and plant extracts that support your skin health naturally.
What is Cruelty-Free?
Vegan describes the ingredients, cruelty-free means that the product was not tested on animals at any point - including:
· No testing on animals for raw ingredients
· No testing on finished products
· No outsourcing testing to countries or labs that require it
Cruelty-free is a promise that no animal was harmed for your beauty routine, and by choosing cruelty-free skincare, you are saying that animal cruelty testing is no longer needed!
Why Choose Vegan and Cruelty-Free Skincare?
· Being Ethical
By choosing vegan and cruelty-free skin care, you are driving your values forward and offering an act of compassion. You are also contributing to a world where no one is harmed or exploited for beauty.
· Environmental Impact
Plant-based products are generally lower in environmental impact, especially in some brands. The reliance on animal products means an even worse reliance on massive factory farming for animals, which can produce significant greenhouse gases and water use.
· Skin Health Benefits
A lot of vegan skincare brands are focused on clean and healthy ingredients and are also avoiding harsh chemicals, fillers, or animal by-products that can cause inflammation in sensitive skin. They use raw plant extracts, botanicals, and natural actives for potent results!
· Consumer Power
Each and every purchase is a vote. Supporting vegan and cruelty-free brands helps move all companies in that direction toward ethical and sustainable practices.
How to Build an Easy Vegan and Cruelty-Free Routine
Here’s a simple, effective approach for getting started:
1. Cleanse Gently
Choose a vegan and cruelty-free cleanser that balances and purifies without stripping. A calming cleanser with plant extracts, such as aloe vera or chamomile, would be most beneficial. One option to try is Sorboderm Natural Gentle Skin Cleanser for a pleasant, natural cleanse you like.
2. Hydrate and Tone
Toners and facial mists prep the skin to absorb moisture. Choose a toner or face mist that is alcohol-free and packed with nourishing plant extracts that hydrate and calm. A toner to look at is The Sea Berry Duo, which revitalises and hydrates for nature's perfect refresh.
3. Treat with Care
Serums and treatments provide targeted actives. Most vegan options contain plant-derived hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and plant extracts that help combat ageing, pigmentation, and dullness. A body wash option to look at is Softening Body Wash Sandalwood Fresh. This option is a gentle, skin-softening treatment inspired by natural botanicals.
4. Moisturise Deeply
Lock in moisture with a vegan and cruelty-free moisturiser. Choose a moisturiser catered to a specific skin type, with natural oils (jojoba, almond, rosehip) and plant butters that provide nourishment without the weight. One option to look at is Sorboderm Natural Restoring Gentle Moisturiser. Long-lasting hydration is calming on the skin.
5. Nourish Body and Hands
Don't forget your body! Vegan body lotion and hand cream options hydrate and soften without animal-derived waxes or lanolin. Don’t forget to explore More Vegan Body and Hand Care options to keep your skin healthy all over.
Do Vegan and Cruelty-Free Products Actually Work?
Are you worried vegan skincare doesn't actually work? The good news: plant-based science has come a long way. Many of today's brands are using highly effective botanicals, lab-created, bioidentical actives from nature, and recyclable packaging.
You still get deep hydration, anti-ageing performance characteristics, soothing benefits, and targeted treatments without animal-sourced ingredients or inhumane testing.
Final Thoughts
Beauty Without Cruelty is Beautiful
Transitioning to vegan and cruelty-free skincare is not just about a trend, but a way to have beauty aligned with your values. The best ethical brands today can demonstrate that you can have healthy, beautiful skin without hurting animals or the planet.
Check out the Full Natralus Australia Collection Here and find natural skincare that you will feel good about.
