The Ultimate Guide to Skincare—the Vegan Way!

Posted by Bridget on June 23, 2023

Caring for our skin and being kind to our bodies are acts of self-love, but nobody loves to find out that their skincare routine involves products that caused animals to suffer in experiments or for ingredients. Thankfully, many companies make cruelty-free skincare products, so we can truly feel excited about maintaining our glow. ✨

Check out the animal test–free, vegan skincare products that these compassionate companies offer.

ACURE: This company is 100% vegan, and its products can be found at Target and other drugstores. The Incredibly Clear Acne Spot treatment fights acne at its source and minimizes the appearance of zits.

Alba Botanica: We love the Acnedote cleanser to help zap zits. This deep pore wash is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial colors.

Aveda: The Outer Peace acne relief collection contains a cleanser, a cooling mask, lotion, and acne-relieving exfoliating pads.

Bliss: Bliss’ Pore Patrol Warming Oil Free Face Scrub clears away acne-causing dead skin cells and excess oil while minimizing the appearance of pores.

DERMA E: We love using the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum daily to treat our skin in the morning and evening.

Dermalogica: Luckily for us, Dermalogica has two skincare lines for troubled skin—one for adults and one for teens. Note: Avoid the Skin Smoothing Cream, Gentle Soothing Booster, Skin Hydrating Masque, and Essential Cleansing Solution, as they contain animal-derived ingredients.

Desert Essence: The company’s skincare regimen for oily and combination skin includes the Blemish Touch Stick and the Thoroughly Clean Face Wash.

Freeman: The Purifying Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask helps draw toxins out of the skin and leaves you moisturized to boot.

I Dew Care: This entirely vegan and animal test–free brand offers a variety of face masks, serums, moisturizers, and skincare routine accessories. We love the adorable packaging that makes us smile every time we use these products.

LUSH: One of our favorite skincare and beauty product lines offers several options for acne-prone skin, like the Herbalism and Grease Lightning cleansers and more.

Murad: This company has some interesting products in addition to its regular facial cleanser, including a four-step regimen to help get rid of acne scars, the 30-Day InvisiScar Kit. It also has an anti-acne supplement, the Clear Skin Supplement.

Pacifica: This entirely vegan and animal test–free brand is widely available and offers something for everyone. We love the GLOW BABY VitaGlow Face Lotion!

Yes to: The Daily Foaming Cleanser, which usescharcoal as a natural way to remove dirt and impurities from the skin, is great. Check out the entire Yes to Tomatoes line aimed at treating acne-prone skin.

Youth to the People: Dubbed “the daily green juice cleanse for your face,” Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser makes skin feel super-fresh.

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You can also help prevent future breakouts and keep your skin under control by eating healthy vegan foods!

Did you know about the connection between dairy consumption and acne? Avoiding cow’s milk helps prevent cows from suffering—and a study published in JAAD International found evidence of a correlation between acne and diets, particularly those with a high glycemic load and lots of dairy.

In addition to being dairy-free, vegans’ diets generally contain more vegetables than those of their meat-eating counterparts, which is good news for your skin. Plant-based foods are typically lower in fat and free of the pore-clogging saturated fats found in animal products. Fruits and vegetables are high in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, the fiber from produce and whole grains cranks up that healthy glow by flushing out toxins.

Vitamins C and E—which are commonly found in healthy vegan meals—are powerful antioxidants, and according to a 2014 review, zinc (which is found naturally in beans!) combats zits and decreases inflammation, preventing redness and pimples.

Ramping up your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans—while taking a pass on dairy and meat—is a recipe for clearer and more radiant skin that glows from the inside out.

Love the skin you’re in, and let animals be free to do the same. 💗