It may seem intimidating at first, but vegan skincare isn’t exclusive; you’ll still enjoy its benefits even if you don’t follow a vegan diet.

Most of us associate the word vegan with a meat-and-animal-product-free diet, but veganism also extends to other lifestyle aspects, including skincare. Vegan skincare products are often cruelty-free and contain plant-sourced or safe synthetic ingredients.

Julie Russak, MD, of Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City explains that because vegan skincare ingredients are natural, they tend to nurture the skin more and irritate it less. She recommends this, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Dr. Russak warns, “Our skin absorbs up to 60 percent of the products we apply onto it, which is scary to think about, especially if those products are processed and full of preservatives, chemicals, and toxins.”

Vegan skincare offers safe and equally potent alternatives. She explains that they “contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to repair and hydrate the skin,” which leads to healthier skin in the long run.

The Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free

While vegan skincare products completely avoid animal-derived ingredients, cruelty-free skincare products may still use animal-derived but ethically sourced ingredients.

Some vegan products are not cruelty-free. For example: anything vegan that includes palm oil and other ingredients that harm animals in the process.

The TreeActiv cruelty-free badge ensures that not only the finished products haven’t been tested on animals, but also, no animals are harmed in the sourcing or refinement of any of our ingredients.

If you want to be sure that you’re buying a vegan product, here are some common animal-sourced ingredients you have to look out for:

• Beeswax
• Collagen
• Keratin
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Squalane (shark liver oil)
• Lanolin (wool grease)
• Elastin
• Honey
• Silk

Dermatologist Dennis Gross points out, “Animal ingredients haven’t been proven to be superior in any way, and wholesome vegan alternatives do exist.” So when you have the choice, choose the cleaner, safer, and guilt-free option.

Some of these ingredients can be derived from plants or made synthetically. For example, Hyaluronic Acid can be created through bacterial fermentation and Squalane can be derived from plant sources.

It pays to check where your ingredients come from. If you’re not sure how these ingredients are sourced, you should ask the manufacturer.

For an easier alternative, simply look out for the vegan and cruelty-free badges like those found in the following TreeActiv products.

1. Acne Eliminating Face Cream

Our Acne Eliminating Face Cream contains the optimal combination of acne-fighting ingredients to fight multiple cases of acne. With daily use, this cream will unblock the sebaceous glands, tighten pores, lock in needed moisture and control oil production. With potent ingredients like Pink Grapefruit, Lemongrass, and Peppermint, the unique balance of this cream will disinfect pores while clearing up whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads.

2. Retinol Cream

Repair wrinkles and fine lines while you sleep. Our Retinol Cream is a day and night cream that restores elasticity while delivering hydration to visibly reduce the signs of aging. We’ve perfectly captured the the age-defying power of retinol and blended optimal concentrations of hyaluronic acid to deliver plumpness and diminish dullness.

3. Deep Wrinkle Anti-Wrinkle Serum 

This skin serum is an extra-strength, fast-absorbing anti-aging treatment that works to restore elasticity, firmness, and youthful glow by feeding your skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while boosting collagen production and moisture.

4. Cystic Acne Spot Treatment

Our Cystic Acne Spot Treatment is the most effective solution for severe and cystic acne. It works by unclogging pores, balancing oil production, killing harmful bacteria in the skin, healing acne scars, and fading irritation. Continued use helps to eliminate existing acne and reducing redness while preventing future breakouts.

5. Invisible Acne Spot Treatment

Made for daytime use and perfect under makeup, this spot treatment is completely invisible and mess-free. It's packed with potent, all-natural ingredients that fight acne from deep within your pores.

6. Crepey Skin Facial Cleanser

This multi-tasking face wash cleanses skin while reversing the signs of aging. Specially formulated for crepey, dry, and aging skin, the Crepey Skin Facial Cleanser delivers antioxidant goodness, boosts collagen production, and deeply moisturizes skin. With regular use, wrinkles will be minimized and elasticity restored.

7. Acne Eliminating Body Spray

TreeActiv Acne Eliminating Body Spray is made of all-natural ingredients that work deep into the pores to eliminate acne from the source by neutralizing harmful bacteria. Generously portioned at 8oz, this acne body mist goes a long way and works to dislodge lingering dead skin cells and effectively dry out annoying blemishes.

8. Skin Brightening Serum

Our Skin Brightening Serum utilizes natural ingredients like Alpha Arbutin, Lemon Peel Bioferment, and Licorice Extract to visibly even skin tone and help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. The anti-pigment formula minimizes the number and appearance of discolorations. Reduction of dark spots can be seen after as little as 8 weeks of use. Our clarifying ingredients penetrate skin to encourage healthy cell growth, improve skin tone, and fight the signs of aging.

9. Dark Circles Treatment Eye Gel

This anti-aging gel is a lightweight anti-aging formula that targets the delicate area around the eyes to improve dark circles, restore elasticity, and reduce puffiness. Also reduces fine lines and crow’s feet. Re-capture the youthful sparkle of your eyes with powerful natural ingredients like plant-based Hyaluronic Acid and dragon’s blood. Blended with intensely moisturizing ingredients, this eye cream improves tone and texture. Can be used under makeup.

10. Acne Eliminating Charcoal Mask

This charcoal mask naturally removes dirt and excess oil, controls sebum production, diminishes blemishes, and reduces the appearance of acne. Detox pores and heal troubled skin.

TreeActiv is all about making products that are good for you and the planet, so every TreeActiv product is cruelty-free. For ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, we make sure to only use vegan alternative sources.

References:
https://www.today.com/style/what-vegan-skin-care-it-better-you-t151466
https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/vegan-skin-care/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/style/why-you-should-care-about-vegan-beauty.html