Derm's Guide to Vegan Skincare

When skincare brands like Skincare Junkie® say that they are cruelty-free and vegan (we are vegan certified and Leaping Bunny certified), what exactly do they mean? What is vegan and cruelty-free skincare? Is vegan skincare better for your skin? We asked Dr. Murphy-Rose, founder of the vegan brand Skincare Junkie® and a board-certified dermatologist who recently returned from The Vegan Women Summit, to explain. 

What Is Vegan Skincare?

Vegan skincare means skincare products that are free of animal-derived ingredients—this also means that no animals were hurt or exploited to make the product. Skincare and beauty products can include an array of animal-derived ingredients: gelatin, honey, beeswax, squalene, lanolin, collagen, carmine, cholesterol, silk, and pearl, to name a few. 

“An important part of this is the strict adherence to a policy of no animal testing, not using animal parts or ingredients,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Also using manufacturers that are cruelty-free.” Vegan skincare products are formulated with plant-based ingredients and synthetic alternatives that aim to provide the same (or better) benefits without relying on animal sources. Other than being ethical, vegan skincare tends to have a lower environmental impact. 

Key ingredients in vegan skincare include: 

1. Plant oils and butters: For example, argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are moisturizing and rich in antioxidants. 
2. Botanical extracts: Such as green tea, chamomile, and aloe vera, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. 
3. Synthetic alternatives: Vegan products may use synthetic (as in synthesized in a lab) versions of traditionally animal-derived ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, which can be derived from bacteria.

Is Vegan and Cruelty-Free Skincare the Same? 

This may be confusing, but vegan and cruelty-free mean different things. A skincare brand can claim to be cruelty-free and yet be non-vegan. Simply put, a cruelty-free skincare product means a product that has not been tested on animals and no animals have been harmed or exploited in the development of the product at all stages of formulation. A vegan skincare product is a product that contains no animal-derived ingredients. 

For the avoidance of doubt, it’s best to choose vegan AND cruelty-free products (like Skincare Junkie®). It is also worth noting that, especially when it comes to big-name skincare brands, it is possible for an individual skincare product or brand to be certified vegan and cruelty-free, but the larger company that owns them may not be. Do your research if you want to be 100% sure. 

Is Vegan Skincare Better for My Skin? 

“The benefits to vegan skincare are largely related to personal values and preferences," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "There may be no differences in efficacy or experience from non-vegan counterparts. However, we feel that protecting other species and our environment really should be a universal tenet.”

The biggest benefit of vegan skincare is ensuring the safety of animals and leading a cruelty-free lifestyle. Vegan skincare in general tends to have a lower environmental impact because many vegan brands prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. 

Vegan skincare is an obvious choice for those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle. However, vegan does not mean safe. Plant-derived ingredients can still cause an allergy or skin irritation. As always, read product labels and do your research. To avoid common skin irritants, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends looking out for vegan skincare products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and preservative-free.