What Is Vegan Skincare?
Vegan skincare products are not produced from an animal. They also won't contain any animal-derived ingredients. So, animal by-products traditionally found in regular skincare products such as honey, collagen, beeswax, silk, and carmine won't be found in vegan skincare products (even if they're ‘ethically sourced'). It's important to note that skincare products labelled ‘cruelty-free' aren't necessarily vegan. The cruelty-free label simply means that neither the product nor its ingredients have been tested on animals at any stage in the production process. If you're looking for vegan skincare, make sure the label explicitly states that it's a vegan product.Why Use Vegan Skincare?
Vegan skincare products host a range of benefits for you and the environment. By using vegan skincare products, you're shopping more sustainably, as well as helping to reduce toxic waste and create a world that is kinder to and safer for animals. Your skin also benefits from switching to vegan skincare products. Plant-based ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which have healing and hydrating properties that are better for your skin and overall health.What Age Should You Start Using Skincare?
There's no absolute right or wrong age to start using skincare products. We generally recommend easing into skincare at around 12 years old with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Acne and troublesome skin problems often arise during the teenage years, which may require a few additional products. You may want to add an exfoliant and toner to your regime and opt for a more potent cleanser. As you move into your 20s and 30s, you may want to consider looking into using face serums, oils, and eye cream to combat fine lines and slow down the ageing process, as well as promote hydration. You may need to switch up your products as your skin matures if it becomes particularly dry or prone to redness.What Order Should You Use Skincare Products In?
In order to make the most of your skincare routine, it's important to get the order right. Below, we break down the most effective product order for morning and evening skincare routines. Your morning skincare routine order should look like this:- Cleanser – You'll want to clear your skin of oil, dirt, and grime before applying any other products.
- Toner – Toner will hydrate dry skin types and treat acne for oily skin types.
- Serum — Serums contain high levels of antioxidants and nutrients that will give your skin an extra boost of hydration.
- Eye Cream — An eye cream will be thinner than a moisturiser or oil, which means you'll need to pop it on before those products to allow it to absorb into the skin properly.
- Pimple Patches/Treatments — Next, treat any dark patches or pimples.
- Moisturiser — The moisturiser step is key. Not only will it hydrate your skin, it actually helps to lock in all of the products you have just used so that they can really work their magic.
- Face Oils — No product can penetrate oil, so oil needs to go at the very end of your skincare routine.
- Sunscreen — Think of sunscreen as a protective barrier. It's not actually doing anything to your skin which is why it can be applied on top of the face oil. Face sunscreen should be a minimum of SPF 30.
The Best Vegan Skincare Products In Australia
We've collated our top picks for the best vegan skincare products below.
Cleansers
Dindi Naturals Face Cleanser
Made from coconut milk, white tea, rosemary, and lemon, Dindi's vegan cleanser draws out toxins from the pores while hydrating and smoothing the skin.
Retreatment Botanics Purifying Gel Cleanser
This vegan cleanser is gently hydrating and balancing, designed to remove excess oils from the skin. The Aloe Leaf nourishes the skin while the Green Papaya enzymes smooth and clarify. It's best suited to normal, combination, and oily skin types.
Ethique Solid Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover Bar
Looking for a cleanser in bar form? This vegan option from Ethique is our top pick. It works well for all skin types but is particularly effective for dry skin. It features a rich combination of cocoa butter, kokum butter, and coconut oil that leaves the skin feeling silky smooth.
Toners
Butt Naked Fresh Face Complexion Toner
This vegan toner is made to brighten and tighten the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and native plant extract including Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum, Witch Hazel, and Desert Lime.
Simple As That Toner
Serums
Butt Naked Lighten Up Brightening Serum
This vegan serum is designed to brighten pigmentation, lighten dark spots, and smooth the complexion. It is rich in healing proteins and antioxidants that will leave your skin nourished and rejuvenated.
Acure Moroccan Argan Oil Serum
Acure's vegan serum improves skin texture and elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and improves tone. It is lightweight and easily absorbed, containing Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
Eye Cream
Retreatment Botanics Firming Eye Contour Cream
The Retreatment Botanics vegan eye cream firms the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid, Green Coffee, and Gotu Kola.
Exfoliators
Dindi Naturals Face Exfoliant
Made from rosehip and grape seeds, the Dindi Face Exfoliant is a gentle vegan face scrub that removes dead skin cells while firming and hydrating the skin. It can be used up to 4 times a week.
Evohe Face & Body Exfoliant
The Evohe Vegan Exfoliant is a creamy scrub made to be used as a gentle facial exfoliant or used on the body to heal ingrown hairs and target stretch marks. It's suitable for all skin styles, including sensitive skin.
Moisturizers
Mokosh Rich Face Cream
The Mokosh Vegan Face Cream is suitable for all skin types, including dry and maturing skin.
Ethique Solid Face Cream Tube
The Ethique Vegan Face Cream is ultra-moisturising, featuring hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. It helps to balance oil production, soothe blemishes, and smooth the skin.
Oils
Biome Pure Australian Jojoba Oil
Biome's 100% pure cold-pressed high-quality jojoba oil is produced locally in Goondiwindi, Queensland without pesticides. Jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types and is quickly absorbed without leaving an oily residue on the skin's surface. Biome's jojoba oil is vegan, palm oil-free, and cruelty-free.
Biome Be.Unity 100% Hemp Seed Oil
This vegan face oil is an anti-inflammatory, nourishing, and moisturising option. It works to heal acne scarring and skin irritation while creating a protective barrier on the skin.
Shop all of our Australian vegan skincare products here.
For vegan makeup, learn What is Carmine colour and how to avoid it.
