Veganism In Skincare And Why It Matters

Consumers today are becoming more and more conscious about the ingredients used in their favourite face care products, how they are sourced and what is used for packaging them. While many opt for organic skin care products, natural face serum and natural face wash, thinking that it is better for them and the environment, but the reality is something else.  

You may not realize it, but your regular wellness and skincare products are loaded with animal-based ingredients. Still unsure of what we’re talking about? Here’s a list of some of the most popular animal-based skincare ingredients in wellness and beauty products.

• Beeswax
  

  That lipstick and lip balm you love so much probably contain beeswax, taken from the honeycombs built by bees. Also known as Cera Alba and Cera Flava, Beeswax helps keep emulsions from separating into its oil and liquid components. Soya and Candelilla Wax are vegan alternatives to this animal-based ingredient in organic skincare products.

• Guanine
  

  Also known as Mearlmaid AA, Guanine is extracted by scraping the scales of a dead fish and is commonly found in eye shadows, bronzers, and nail polishes. Mica and Rayon are vegan alternatives to this animal-based ingredient in face care products.

• Lanolin
  

  Extracted from glands of sheep and other woolly animals, Lanolin works as an emollient in moisturizers, lotions, and balms, preventing the loss of moisture. When looking for alternative wellness and beauty products, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil are vegan alternatives to this animal-based ingredient.

• Carmine
  

  Your favourite red lipstick probably contains Carmine, a red pigment extracted from the shells of the female Cochineal insect. Also known as Cochineal Dye, a single gram of this ingredient is created by crushing hundreds and thousands of these insects. Beetroot is a vegan alternative to this animal-based ingredient when sourcing organic skincare products.

• Keratin
  

  Found naturally in our nails and hair, Keratin is known for its strengthening and rebuilding properties. However, the Keratin in shampoos is extracted from animals’ claws, fur, horns, and hooves. Almond Oil and Avocado Oil are vegan alternatives to this animal-based ingredient. 

  
  

  Rearing animals for their products and by-products is energy-intensive, pollutes the environment, and puts a massive strain on our planet and environment. So, it is not surprising that so many of us turn to veganism and are modifying our lifestyles to be sustainable and eco-friendly.

  
  

  By opting for vegan products, you ensure that no animals are harmed in the process. Unlike other body and face products that exploit animals to be used as ingredients, vegan products don’t harm animals in any way and use plant-based ingredients that are kinder to the environment and you. 

  
  

  From your night cream to anti-ageing cream and your favourite face wash for acne, many of the facial care beauty products we use contain harsh and harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin in the long term. Vegan products are formulated with natural and plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your skin and packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients. If you’re someone who suffers from frequent skin breakouts or has sensitive skin, vegan products can be a lifesaver for you.

  
  

  Our planet is getting warmer by the day, and rearing animals for dairy, meat, wellness, and beauty isn’t helping in any way. By switching to vegan products, you are choosing sustainability as a lifestyle. Moreover, vegan brands often go the extra mile to opt for eco-friendly packaging, which further helps lower its environmental impact.