The beauty shelves are now saturated with brands that are either vegan or boast vegan products. However, much like fries are (unintentionally) vegan but unhealthy, not all vegan beauty products are kind or beneficial to skin. Products celebrated for their vegan credentials can be loaded with questionable ingredients or bulking agents that provide little benefit to the skin. Even worse, some vegan beauty products are actually tested on animals!
Unfortunately 'vegan beauty' is a ubiquitous term. It encompasses a wide range of brands and products that use ingredients free from animal products. However, that doesn’t tell you much about the quality of a product, and, as we all know, product quality can vary hugely from brand to brand, even product to product!
Identifying good quality vegan brands and products can be difficult. We deserve vegan products that aren’t just vegan for vegan’s sake. We deserve products that are genuinely effective, so choose products wisely and look to those that have great results with in-vitro testing or clinical trials, or boast great (authentic) reviews online. Here are a few of my personal favourites...
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
The Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil removes all traces of makeup, dirt, and other impurities quickly and effectively.
KVD Beauty Good Apple Lightweight Full Coverage Concealer
This ultra long-wear, crease-resistant concealer delivers hydration and full coverage the skin.
Bringing the same benefits as KVD Beauty’s iconic Good Apple Foundation, this lightweight concealer keeps skin smooth on the outside and well-hydrated on the inside. It is formulated with ultra-concentrated interlace pigments that blend effortlessly across the skin for undetectable full coverage that is buildable - great for those with more stubborn spots and pigmentation. £23 | feelunique.com.
Oskia's hero overnight peel visibly illuminates and improves the skin, thanks to a cocktail of 10% lactic acid, super-nutrients, multi-vitamins, and antioxidants.
Lactic acid boosts moisture levels and improves skin texture, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, and niacinamide evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of congestion, pores, and pigmentation. Red snow and black carrot extracts are included to protect against environmental damage, while cactus stem extract, pro-vitamin B5, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are also included to calm redness and reduce irritation. £68 | feelunique.com.
This ultra long-wear, crease-resistant concealer delivers hydration and full coverage the skin.
Bringing the same benefits as KVD Beauty’s iconic Good Apple Foundation, this lightweight concealer keeps skin smooth on the outside and well-hydrated on the inside. It is formulated with ultra-concentrated interlace pigments that blend effortlessly across the skin for undetectable full coverage that is buildable - great for those with more stubborn spots and pigmentation. £23 | feelunique.com.
Oskia Liquid Mask
Oskia's hero overnight peel visibly illuminates and improves the skin, thanks to a cocktail of 10% lactic acid, super-nutrients, multi-vitamins, and antioxidants.
Lactic acid boosts moisture levels and improves skin texture, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, and niacinamide evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of congestion, pores, and pigmentation. Red snow and black carrot extracts are included to protect against environmental damage, while cactus stem extract, pro-vitamin B5, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are also included to calm redness and reduce irritation. £68 | feelunique.com.
Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF 30
This innovative SPF protects skin against UVA and UVB exposure, HEV light, IR, blue light, and pollution. Its weightless formula is infused with transparent non-nano zinc oxide, which forms an invisible veil that acts as the perfect base for applying makeup. Hyaluronic acid, plant stem cells, and antioxidants are also included to nourish and strengthen the skin.Applying the Sun Silk Drops is an absolute dream. Only 3-4 drops are needed per application and, thanks to their serum-like texture, they glide across the face effortlessly and absorb quickly. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and - importantly - doesn't leave skin feeling tacky or shiny. £44 | cultbeauty.co.uk.
MILK Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum
Ultra-nourishing and antioxidant-rich, this serum promises to even skin tone and revitalises the complexion, all while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Watermelon Brightening Serum is formulated with watermelon extract, prickly pear, Swiss garden cress sprout extract, and vitamins A, C. These powerful ingredients work together to protect against free radical damage, reduce pigmentation, and give life to depleted skin. Available in stick form, this serum is super easy to apply and makes the perfect travelling skincare companion. £16 | cultbeauty.co.uk.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating SPF25 Foundation Stick
bareMinerals's hydrating foundation stick is formulated with over 30% mineral water, red algae, and olive-derived squalane to guarantee am effortless application and weightless feel - not to forget a boost of nourishment to the skin. It is a medium coverage foundation that builds beautifully, without ever feeling cakey or heavy on the skin. It protects skin with an SPF25 and provides a natural dewy finish that has incredible lasting power. £29 | lookfantastic.com.
bareMinerals's hydrating foundation stick is formulated with over 30% mineral water, red algae, and olive-derived squalane to guarantee am effortless application and weightless feel - not to forget a boost of nourishment to the skin. It is a medium coverage foundation that builds beautifully, without ever feeling cakey or heavy on the skin. It protects skin with an SPF25 and provides a natural dewy finish that has incredible lasting power. £29 | lookfantastic.com.