The Benefits Of Vegan Skincare

When it comes to looking after our skin, guys have never had so many skincare products to choose from. From exfoliators and cleansers to toners and moisturizers, men’s skincare has, thankfully, come a long way since the days of our dads.  One form of men's skincare that has seen a spike in popularity is vegan skincare, which contains no animal products or animal-derived by-products (so they’re much kinder to our animal friends). 

If you’re weighing up the options of traditional skincare versus the vegan variety, this article will help you to decide what’s best for you and the environment. Read on to learn the benefits of vegan skincare and discover why it’s more than this season’s latest fad.

What is vegan skincare? 

Vegan skincare is free from animal products, animal by-products, and pesticides that animals encounter at farms. Animal by-products such as carmine, gelatin, beeswax, collagen, cholesterol, squalane, and lanolin are popular in many traditional skincare products. In fact, soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers frequently include animal-derived ingredients in their product formulations. 

Rather than using animal-derived ingredients, brands that are vegan certified tend to use synthetic or plant-based ingredients. 

When you opt for a vegan product that is also natural, this ensures you’re getting a product that is brimming with nourishing ingredients that are gentle on your skin. Furthermore, vegan skincare offers a stack of benefits to your health, animals, and the environment. 

Vegan, vegetarian, and cruelty-free: What’s the difference? 

'Vegan skincare' generally means products skip animal testing - but that is not always the case. Just because you see the 'vegan' label, this does not always mean that it is cruelty-free. On the flip side, ‘cruelty-free’ products may still contain animal by-products like honey and beeswax. 

It’s also important to know the difference between the terms ‘vegan’ and ‘vegetarian’. Yes, it’s true that vegetarian skincare products do not contain parts of an animal. However, vegetarian skincare products can still contain animal by-products like lanolin (which is actually a secretion from sheep’s skin). 

What are the benefits of vegan ingredients in skincare? 

You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the benefits of a vegan skincare routine. Vegan skincare products are healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable than products with animal-based ingredients like gelatin. Plus, they’re perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

If you’re still unsure, here are the major reasons that vegan ingredients should be among your men’s natural skincare routine:

Skip the toxins and harmful ingredients

Since our skin absorbs much of what we apply to it (up to 60% in many cases), it’s important to avoid products that contain chemicals, toxins, and harmful ingredients.  

Vegan skincare generally contains fewer ingredients - including parabens and artificial fragrances - that can irritate your skin or cause existing conditions to flare up. And because there are fewer ingredients, this makes it easier to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.  

Vegan products made with plant extracts and essential oils are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients not only nourish your skin but also keep it looking and feeling fresh for longer. 

Enhance the quality of your skin

Vegan skincare is predominantly derived from plant ingredients such as seeds, leaves, roots, and essential oils. These natural formulations are effective for all skin types and provide you with calming, anti-aging benefits for your skin. 

The vitamins and antioxidants - especially the raw, unprocessed variety - help to provide your skin with a natural defense against pollution and environmental damage. They’re also stacked with nourishing butter and oils, which gently cleanse your skin and give it a soft, supple feeling. 

As we’ve already mentioned, these products also contain more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than their traditional counterparts. These work to hydrate and repair the skin, which enhances its quality over time. 

Gentle on sensitive skin

Many of the harsh chemicals found in traditional skincare products (such as parabens and artificial fragrances) irritate your skin. Worse still, these ingredients are often no more than fillers - meaning they serve no real purpose. 

In contrast, most vegan skincare passes testing on animals. This means that the ingredients are safer and are less likely to irritate. 

The end result? Happy, healthy skin! 

Vegan skincare is better for animals 

This is one of the biggest benefits of vegan ingredients: They’re kinder to animals! 

Each year, more than 100 million animals are abused for product testing. To counter this shocking statistic, most vegan skincare products are cruelty-free. This makes a significant - and very welcome - difference to the world. 

With vegan skincare, no animals are exploited, hurt, or killed. That’s because animal-derived ingredients are simply not necessary for effective skincare. Instead, a host of plant-derived ingredients that are just as good (and in many cases superior) to traditional, animal-derived by-products are being used.

Vegan skincare is better for the planet 

Not only is it better for you and animals, but it’s also better for the planet. Vegan brands opt for more eco-friendly options, choosing renewable ingredients, and utilizing manufacturing methods that leave the smallest carbon footprint. 

These products are a more efficient use of our resources, as their ingredients require less water, less land, and less energy from fossil fuels. 

Because companies that are vegan certified want to preserve the environment, they spend more of their resources developing products that only contain sustainable ingredients.   

Are vegan skincare products better for your skin?

Vegan skincare products can be extremely beneficial for your skin. In fact, vegan ingredients like garlic, aloe vera, mint, and ginger are well known for their healing properties.

Vegan ingredients are also high in vitamins that contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, because there are fewer ingredients in vegan skincare, it’s a whole lot easier to know what you’re putting on your skin!

Why are vegan skincare products better for your skin?

The performance of vegan products is superior because they generally have fewer ingredients (and no chemicals) when compared to their traditional counterparts. And because those products typically focus on plant-derived ingredients containing antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, they are better for the health of your skin. 

With less exposure to harsh artificial ingredients, this encourages the natural production of collagen - which equates to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Is your skincare vegan? 

Now that you’re up to speed on the benefits of vegan skincare - for you and the planet - it’s time you make the switch. 

At VITAMAN, we’re proud to be leaders in men’s natural skincare. Our products are vegan certified and proven to leave your skin feeling clean, fresh, and vibrant.

Get yours today and you can feel good… while you're looking good!