The trending vegan skincare ingredients to add to your routine

Writer and expert3 months ago

With breakout searches for ‘vegan face cream’ and ‘vegan makeup brands’ making Veganuary the talk of Google Trends, we’re shining a spotlight on our favourite vegan-friendly formulas that use zero animal-derived substances in their products – whether you’re on the hunt for a new sugarcane-based skin staple or a plant-powered anti-ageing icon!

What are the best vegan skincare ingredients?

Squalane

Hailed for its ability to hydrate intensely from top to toe, squalane is a complexion-quenching emollient that mimics your skin’s natural oils to help keep face, hair and body comfortably moisturised. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is made from plant-based Brazilian sugarcane, acting as a 100% vegan multipurpose oil that supports soothing hydration for all skin types – even those prone to sensitivity! What’s more, it’s believed to be a powerful antioxidant, backed by a wealth of pro-ageing power to help minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Caffeine

Derived from the coffee bean plant, caffeine as a stand-alone ingredient can be classed as entirely vegan, bringing a jolt of energy and balance to our hair, skin and body. Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum Intense provides an instant pick-me-up for limp locks, powered by caffeine to invigorate the scalp and support the growth of long, healthy-looking strands.

Bakuchiol

Stealing the scene as the vegan alternative to popular ingredient retinol, bakuchiol is the gentle, plant-powered anti-ager that helps to refine uneven texture, balance uneven tone and minimise the look of fine lines. Bakuchiol is also said to be a gentler version of retinol. We love BYBI Beauty Eye Plump Overnight Eye Cream for its plumping power, working to brighten and restore the delicate contour while you sleep.

Vitamin C

You’re likely not new to beauty brightening ingredient vitamin C, but did you know it’s 100% vegan? Originally found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes and leafy greens (to name a few!), vitamin C has long since found its way into the skincare space, thanks to its potent youth-boosting benefits. Our favourite vegan formula? Medik8 C-Tetra is equipped with staple vitamin C and vitamin E to help lend instant radiance to dull complexions, while minimising the appearance of fine lines for a smooth, youthful-looking finish.

Please always check your products’ full ingredient list to determine whether they are suitable for vegans.

Penny Lafferty

Writer and expert