Best vegan skincare to keep your beauty routine cruelty-free

Taking the plunge towards a fully-fledged vegan lifestyle goes beyond just your diet. You may have dabbled in Veganuary, but if you’re taking it one step further, you may require a transformation of your beauty cabinet.

We’ve tackled haircare and the brands you need to know to keep your locks silky soft, but in this roundup, we will be introducing you to the world of plant-based skincare. But don’t worry, this does not require immediate action. Introduce new products into your regime gradually in order to prevent wastage and any negative skin reactions by giving your complexion time to adjust.

You’d be mistaken to think that just because the brands below are free from any animal derivatives that they do not pack the same punch for your complexion. In our edit of entirely vegan skincare brands, you’ll find high-powered products that will work wonders whether you have normal, combination, dry or blemish-prone skin.

By nature of being vegan, plant-charged skincare products are generally composed of fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, which makes them suited for even sensitive skin types. And the good news is, there is no category left unturned. Whether you’re in need of a new cleansing hero, hydrating moisturiser, or a supercharged serum, there’s vegan formulas aplenty - and they tend to have better eco credentials too. These products are better for your skin and the planet at the same time: win-win.

There is research to suggest that a vegan diet - generally packed with more antioxidants and vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables - can be beneficial on the skin and an effective routine will take that one step further.

Dr Shaaira Nasir, Consultant Dermatologist at sk:n shares her top tips to care for your skin, “Maintaining a regular cleansing routine is a fundamental skincare rule. Double cleansing daily will give you the best results, as it ensures all makeup, dirt and excess oils are removed from the skin each day. Avoid using products that are too harsh, as this can impair the cell structure of the skin and diminish the barrier function of the epidermis layer.”

She adds, “Along with increasing your fruit and veg intake, invest in a good moisturiser to restore the skin’s barrier and prevent water loss from the skin. Look for a moisturiser with occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum, or ingredients that attract moisture from the surrounding environment.”

Dr Nasir also stresses the importance of including sun protection factors into your regime, “applying a SPF daily, all year round, is the most important step. This is an easy habit to drop in January, with the short days and plummeting temperatures, but don’t forget that intermittent winter sun can still cause damage, even when it’s cloudy, so keeping up this routine is crucial.”

Below we’ve put a whole host of vegan skincare brands through their paces to find the ones you need on your radar. These are hard-working products that can be used whether you are following a plant-based lifestyle or not.

Goldfaden MD

Dr Gary Goldfaden’s eponymous beauty line combines his over 40 years in practice as a dermatologist to create some seriously supercharged products that combine active plant cells and antioxidant-rich botanicals. All the products are, of course, vegan and harness natural ingredients. They’re effective but still can still be used on sensitive skin types.

The brand’s bestsellers include the Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub (£65), an exfoliator created using crystals that have a polishing effect. They are combined with hyaluronic acid known for its ultra-hydrating properties that is derived from none other than the sweet potato. The nourishing effects are further heightened by seaweed and organic red tea extract. The product is designed to be used daily with glowing, firming and fortifying effects. The Goldfaden MD Radiance Repair (£90) is a serum that strengthens the skin’s barrier function, while offering a radiant and refreshed finish and the Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes (£48) reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

Buy now, Space NK

Pacifica Beauty

While Pacifica Beauty was founded in 1996, it has recently made its splash on UK shores - much to the delight of beauty obsessives who no longer need to hop over the pond to fill their suitcases.

The brainchild of aromatherapist Brook Harvey-Taylor, the brand has always been vegan and cruelty free. They are also a sponsor of Veganuary.

Pacifica Beauty offers skincare, body and hair but has also recently entered the fragrance realm with hair and body mists in two scents. But we digress - back to the skincare. New launches come in the radiance-boosting variety with Glow Baby Booster Serum (£22), a bioactive formula containing vitamin C and glycolic acid and the Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads (£17) with vegan lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid that are both a treat to uneven, lacklustre complexions. The formulas all use natural ingredients without sacrificing performance.

Buy now, Cult Beauty

Scientia

“I wanted Scientia to be inclusive to as many people as possible, and with the rise in veganism, I decided simply being Cruelty Free wasn’t enough. As technology advances it’s become possible to create vegan products that are just as efficacious, so why wouldn’t we?” explains Tiffany Salmon, the founder of Scientia.

The label curates each and every product to nourish skin with powerful active science-backed ingredients. Each one has been carefully thought out and sourced to ensure not only that it will work for a range of skin types, but it’s environmentally friendly too. Scientia stresses the importance of this throughout its supply, manufacturing and packaging processes. The latter is made from sustainable glass and FSC-certified soy ink printed packaging. All the range is made in the UK, is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty free and has been approved by the Vegan Society.

Its hero Green Supreme range - comprising of a serum and mask - deserves your attention. Its packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients as well as niacinamide to tackle uneven skin tones and French Green & Bentonite Clay to counteract blemishes. Both also contain soothing and redness-calming ingredients like aloe, avocado, CBD and hemp. Scientia Green Supreme CBD Vegi-Tox Serum (£28) offers hydrating and energising results, while the Scientia Green Supreme CBD Vegi-Tox Rescue Mask (£26) should be used once or twice a week as a real pampering experience for the skin.

Buy now, Scientia Beauty

Typology

Parisian beauty is renowned for its effortless, pared-back approach and that is what defines Typology. The skincare label was borne from a desire to create ingredient-led formulations that contain only the essentials - and no parabens, phenoxyethanol, paraffin oil or sulphates that can be irritating. Clearly detailed on the front of the bottle, they are made up of just a few natural active ingredients and kept simple and fuss-free.

The product line-up covers skin, hair and body products as well as a recent foray into the cosmetics sphere with a tinted lip balm. They are minimalistic and targeted so that no matter your concern - breakouts, dullness, or dryness - you’ll be able to find the solution to suit.

The bestsellers include the Tinted Serum (£25.90), composed of Vitamin C, Squalane & Aloe Vera as well as a subtle hue for that coveted no-makeup makeup skinamlism. The Facial Moisturiser (£18.20) has just nine ingredients and is ultra-lightweight with no fragrance and so can be used on all skin types, especially those with sensitivities. Last but not least, the Radiance Serum (£21.90) contains 11 per cent vitamin C with impressive glow-giving results.

Buy now, Typology

Youth To The People

Youth To The People is another US import that has taken over the UK beauty scene. The high-performance skincare began over 40 years ago as a family secret and has been passed down through three generations to become the brand that it is today. The label was founded in 2015 by cousins Greg Gonzalez and Joe Cloyes and is known for its entirely vegan formulations that use consciously-sourced and nutrient-rich ingredients - we’re talking spinach, kale and a whole lot of vitamins. These are paired with the brand’s trademarked Pro-Grade Vegan active to create the skin-boosting goodness.

From the 15% Vitamin C Clean Caffeine Energy Serum (from £19) and the beloved Cleanser (from £12), to the Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask (£31), the products are curated with the utmost quality. The latter is known for its niacinamide-based and salicylic acid combination that clears pores, balances uneven skin tone and supports its natural barrier. All the products are housed in glass bottles and recycled boxes.

Buy now, Cult Beauty

The Ordinary

If you’ve not yet been initiated with the wonders of The Ordinary skincare, prepare for an entire beauty overhaul. Under the banner of the Deciem group, the label has become cult across the world for its no-nonsense approach to its formulations - not to mention its superb price point. You will find exactly what the product contains in its name. The brand has, no doubt, had a hand to play in the ever-growing public consciousness of skincare ingredients and mindful shopping.

The entire range is entirely vegan and free form any animal-derivatives. Furthering the environmentally friendly approach, the bottles are in plastic, glass or aluminium packaging - all widely recyclable.

Among the many, many hero items in its skincare collections, the brand’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum (£8.90) is one of the bestsellers for a reason. The ingredient may be less known that some of the others of the Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and retinol variety but deserves its place in your collection for its ability to tackle uneven tones, skin clearing and oil absorbing abilities.

The brand’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (£5.80) puts everyone’s favourite pick-me-up alongside green tea extracted EGCG to transform peepers, minimising the appearance of dark circles and reducing puffiness. The intensely nourishing Natural Moisturising Factors + HA (£4.90) should also been on your radar for its topical dose of amino acids, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and more.

Buy now, Cult Beauty

Pai Skincare

Sarah Brown founded Pai Skincare in 2007 after being unable to find products suitable for her sensitive skin that still packed a punch. The label specialises in certified organic, vegan products that are every bit as efficacious as its acid-based competitors. Brown explains, “Gone are the days that natural means low or no performance. Emerging natural actives have science and efficacy data behind them, while also being better for the environment.”

With its HQ (including the factory) in West London, the label is constantly innovativing, while staying true to its cruelty-free and eco-conscious mandate (the packaging is laminate free and made from recycled cardboard). There’s no leaflets and the products are housed in either glass, post-consumer recycled plastic or a bio-based renewable material. No plastic in sight.

Among the range, the Oil Cleanser (£33), Rosehip Oil (£16) and British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen (£29) are considered Holy Grail among the beauty community. But if you’re looking to add some high-performing boosters to your serum selection, the brand’s Concentrates are on hand. You can use them alone or combined with your existing moisturiser and even can work for the most sensitive of skin without causing irritation. There are three to date - Vitamin C 20% for its radiance-giving, and pigmentation-reducing properties, Prebiotic Inulin 4% to calm and balance the skin and aid in recovery and the collagen-boosting Peptides 5% to smooth out fine lines.

Buy now, Cult Beauty

Lumene

Harnessing the power of the Nordic landscape, Lumene combines nature with scientific innovation to create hard-working formulations that soothe and hydrate the skin. At the heart of the label is its use of natural ingredients developed and sourced from the food and forest industries. All of the brand’s skincare product are vegan (as well as its makeup) and the brand is consistently reformulating with the aim to have the rest of its ranges following suit.

The brand’s Nordic-C Valo Glow Boost Essence (£23.92) is a complete game-changer. In just one use, you’ll notice the immediate skin-brightening effects. We suggest keeping the Nordic Hydra Lahde Arctic Spring Water Facial Mist (£5.20) on your desk or by your bed for an instant hit of moisture. It combines the brand’s signature ingredient - the Arctic Spring Water - that acts as a refreshing, hydration boost at any time of the day. The Nordic Hydra Lahde Moisturising Prebiotic Oil Cocktail (£19.92) is like a cold drink of water for parched complexions.

Buy now, lookfantastic

Skin Proud

Self-dubbed a gen-z skincare label, Skin Proud houses its products in tonal pink packaging that would look attractive in any shelfie snap. The formulas are vegan, PETA-approved and work in tandem to help you create a step-by-step routine that enhances your natural skin.

Honourable mention goes to the Jelly Bright Essence (£13.95) that is formulated with antioxidant-rich magnolia extract and peony and has skin protecting properties. The addition of betaine - a naturally derived amino acid - gives a hit of hydration and leaves it feeling silky smooth. The Skin Proud Fruit Smoothie (£14.95) is particularly welcomed in the winter months when skin can feel dehydrated and dry. With natural fruit extracts, the gentle exfoliator calms irritation, protects against harmful external aggressors, and gives a natural radiance boost.

Buy now, Boots

Morphe 2

You may already be familiar with Morphe for the brand’s hyper-pigmented eyeshadow palettes beloved by professional makeup artists the world over, but did you know it had a second label? Helpfully dubbed Morphe 2, the entire range is vegan and packed with soothing solutions for irritated or acne-prone skin - and at purse-friendly price tags.

The Clear Things Up Clarifying Serum (£18) has been created to clear imperfections with the renowned blemish-busting ingredient salicylic acid at its heart. This, combined with willow bark, niacinamide and white shiitake mushroom, give the product its pore-declogging power. It’s offered alongside the Keep It Calm Facial Mist (£16) for an instant refresh and the Hit The Dot Spot Solution (£15) for a more targeted fast-acting treatment.

Buy now, Morphe

Pleasing

One of the newer skincare brands on the block, this brand comes from none other than Harry Styles. The former One Direction singer is known for his boundary breaking fashion and his unisex beauty line follows in the same vein. The brand explains, “We take inspiration from the way nature adorns itself and the multitude of unique identities in our community. We believe by exploring the contradictions around and within us, we dispel the myth of a binary existence.”

Founded in 2021, there is just one drop to date that is made up of four nail polishes with a pearlescent shimmer, the Illuminating Serum (and primer) and the Pleasing Pen. The latter is a dual-ended product containing both a depuffing eye serum and a matte lip oil.

Buy now, Pleasing

BYOMA

BYOMA is here to simplify your overcomplicated skincare regimes with its essential products. The brand keeps it streamlined with three lipids to protect the skin barrier that is its signature tri-ceramide complex. They have all been clinically proven and dermatologist approved to give you your best skin each day – and the packaging adds style points too. The range is entirely vegan, cruelty-free and available at accessible price points. They are also free from alcohol, fragrances and are non-comedogenic.

As far as the products go, each comes in a cute pastel-hued bottle. The range is made up of the Clarifying Serum (£12.99) to banish blemishes without feeling too harsh on the skin, the Hydrating Serum that does as it says on the tin and the Brightening Serum for glow-getting results. The Creamy Jelly Cleanser (£9.99) uses a pH balanced formula that transforms for gel to cream on application, while the Balancing Face Mist (£11.99) protects the skin’s barrier. The Moisturising Gel Cream and Moisturising Rich Cream (£13.99) combine actives to hydrate and leave skin dewy.

Buy now £11.99, Cult Beauty