Why do people switch to vegan skin care products? Like the vegan diet, the new fad follows a strict no animal by-products policy. Then, it uses “all-natural” products from plants, which helps keep the skin both young and healthy.
Is Vegan Skincare the Same as Cruelty-free and Organic products?
The answer is a straight-up no. Cruelty-free is not the same as vegan skincare. While the latter avoids any animal products, the former only means the products were not tested on animals. It can and probably will still contain products derived from animals.
Lately, there is also a fuzz when it comes to organic or natural products that are the same as vegan once. That is not always the case. Yes, vegan skin care means using plant-based ingredients. However, you cannot be 100% sure that it grew without the use of synthetic fertilizers, which can also be derived from animals.
When the term “organic” comes up, it means that the product was grown without using any chemicals such as pesticides, GMOs (genetically modified organisms). However, if it says “natural” it only means the product itself does not contain anything synthetic.
What to Avoid in Vegan Skincare?
Since veganism is the practice of forgoing animal by-products as ingredients, it is true even for vegan skincare formula. And it certainly is difficult since a lot of the holy grails of skincare do come from animals. If you are planning to switch, here are some of the things you might want to avoid:
- Beeswax is the wax substance naturally produced by bees in their hives. It is believed to help heal and protect the skin, which is often found in lip products.
- Honey is once again, another product produced by the bees. Aside from being an antioxidant, it also has antibacterial properties, which is why it is often recommended for acne-prone skin.
- Collagen is made by boiling animal skin, cartilage, and bones and leaving them all to cool and thicken. It is also innate in humans but slowly loses production by age 25. Hence, it is believed to be an enhancer in stopping the formation of wrinkles and keeping the skin young.
- Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted by wool-bearing animals like sheep. It is almost similar to the oil found on your nose. In skincare, it is thought to be most effective as a conditioner or an emollient. Hence it is most prevalent in helping dry skin.
- Keratin is probably one of the most famous products of today in keeping the hair soft and bouncy. It comes from feathers, horns, and wool of various birds and animals.
- Carmine is a colorant that is usually bright red. It derives from the acid, which is about 17% to 24% of a dried insect’s weight.
If you are planning to make the big switch and jump on the vegan skincare wagon, there are two things you should equip yourselves. One, you must have intensive research skills to know and determine which ingredients are animal-derived. So, it does not happen overnight.
Second, you must be vigilant. Reading the ingredient list is not enough, you must also look for certifications such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) or USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) stickers.
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