There has been a lot of talk around veganism in the recent past and rightly so. For centuries, we’ve been abusing voiceless animals to fulfill our greed. I understand why humans started using animal fats and other ingredients to nourish their skin, but the question is whether this is still ethical in the 21st century? We’ve reached the Moon and Mars, I’m sure we can do away with animal-derived ingredients in our skin care products. We do not want to force this change on you. But through this blog, we will talk about how there are enough plant-based and cruelty-free substitutes to keep our skin as beautiful as before, if not more.
Table of contents
Vegan Skincare: No Guilt, Only Glow!
History of Veganism in skincare
● Packed with plant-powered goodness
● Eco-friendly and sustainable
Making the switch: What to look for
Be mindful of packaging & sustainability
Oteria: One of the leading Vegan skincare brands in India
What is Vegan skincare?
Vegan skincare refers to beauty and skincare products that are entirely free from animal-derived ingredients and by-products. This means they do not contain common animal-based substances such as honey, beeswax, lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool), collagen (typically sourced from animals), carmine (a red pigment made from crushed insects), or gelatin. Instead, vegan skincare relies on plant-based alternatives that are not only ethical but also rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support healthy skin.
Many vegan skincare brands use botanical extracts, fruit enzymes, plant oils, and natural butters to provide hydration, repair, and protection. Ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and plant-derived hyaluronic acid are commonly found in vegan formulations. Vegan skincare is also sustainable and eco-friendly, making it a popular choice for conscious consumers who care about both their skin and the environment.
History of Veganism in skincare
Veganism in skincare stretches back centuries, as ancient civilizations frequently used plant-based remedies for skincare. However, the modern movement toward explicitly vegan skincare gained momentum in the late 20th century and experienced significant growth in the early 2000s.
The rise of veganism as a lifestyle, initiated by the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944 by Donald Watson, laid the groundwork for ethical consumerism, which eventually extended into the beauty and skincare sectors. By the 1990s and early 2000s, as awareness of animal testing, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing increased, brands began developing skincare products that were entirely free from animal-derived ingredients.
The introduction of dedicated vegan and cruelty-free certification programs, such as The Vegan Society’s trademark (established in 1990) and Leaping Bunny certification (1996), further accelerated the movement. By the 2010s, with growing demand for transparency in beauty products and the rise of conscious consumerism, major skincare brands started offering vegan lines or transitioning to fully vegan formulations. Today, vegan skincare is a rapidly expanding segment within the beauty industry, driven by concerns for sustainability, animal welfare, and the benefits of plant-based skincare ingredients.
Why choose Vegan skincare?
The reasons to choose vegan skincare are many. I can write paragraph over paragraph explaining why to switch. However, the switch has to come from within. Your heart must tell you to move towards being kinder and wiser:
● Kinder to animals
Vegan skincare is cruelty-free, ensuring that no animals are harmed during product development. This aligns with ethical consumerism and supports more humane practices in the beauty industry.
● Packed with plant-powered goodness
Vegan skincare products are rich in natural, plant-based ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and botanical extracts. These ingredients are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that promote healthier and more radiant skin.
● Gentle on the skin
Vegan skincare products tend to be gentler on sensitive skin because they avoid harsh chemicals, synthetic fillers, and animal-derived components. The absence of artificial fragrances and dyes minimizes the risk of irritation and breakouts.
● Eco-friendly and sustainable
Vegan skincare brands prioritize sustainability by using biodegradable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and eco-conscious manufacturing processes. This reduces environmental impact compared to traditional beauty products that may contribute to deforestation and pollution.
● Free from harmful additives
Many non-vegan skincare products contain parabens, sulfates, and artificial preservatives that can be harmful to your skin and overall health. Vegan skincare brands focus on natural formulations, reducing exposure to toxins and promoting healthier skin.
Making the switch: What to look for
Transitioning to vegan skincare is no rocket science with the right approach. Here are key considerations for a smooth transition:
Check the labels
Many brands clearly indicate if a product is vegan, but it's crucial to look for trusted certifications. Labels like 'Vegan,' 'Cruelty-Free,' or 'Leaping Bunny' ensure the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and hasn't been tested on animals. However, note that Leaping Bunny only verifies cruelty-free status and does not guarantee vegan status. Other certifications, such as PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies or The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark, can help identify genuinely vegan skincare products.
Read the ingredients list
Even if a product is labeled 'natural' or 'organic,' it might still contain animal-derived ingredients. Common non-vegan ingredients to watch out for include:
● Beeswax: Commonly used in lip balms and moisturizers.
● Collagen: Often derived from animal bones or fish scales.
● Lanolin: Sourced from sheep’s wool, frequently found in lotions and creams.
● Carmine: A red pigment extracted from crushed insects, often used in tinted skincare and makeup.
● Gelatin and Keratin: Animal-derived proteins used in certain skincare and hair care products.
Opt for plant-based actives
Vegan skincare relies on powerful plant-based ingredients. Some effective alternatives include:
● Hyaluronic acid from plant sources: Traditionally derived from animal sources, but now widely available in plant-based versions.
● Bakuchiol (Plant-based retinol alternative): Provides similar anti-aging benefits as retinol without irritation.
● Botanical extracts: Ingredients like green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, and rosehip oil are packed with antioxidants and skin-rejuvenating properties.
● Plant-based squalane: A lightweight moisturizer derived from olives or sugarcane, instead of shark liver.
Be mindful of packaging & sustainability
Vegan skincare is often associated with eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Look for brands that use recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable packaging to minimize environmental impact.
Oteria: One of the leading Vegan skincare brands in India
Oteria is a prominent brand in India's skincare market, known for its commitment to cruelty-free and plant-based formulations. Our products are rooted in traditional Indian skincare wisdom and backed by modern science, offering a range of formulations designed to nourish and heal without harming animals or the environment. Along with being vegan, Oteria’s products are gender neutral and made for all skin-types. Not to forget that our products work in sync with the body’s circadian rhythm. Here are a few hero vegan Oteria products:
Plumpy Skin Serum
Oteria’s Plumpy Skin Serum is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that deeply hydrates and firms the skin. Enriched with Polypeptides and Hyaluronic Acid, this wrinkle lift serum boosts collagen, reducing wrinkles for a smoother, youthful look. Its skin tightening and firming properties help lift and rejuvenate the skin—naturally and ethically.
Benefits
● Instantly lifts skin
● Increases skin elasticity
● Immediate wrinkle lifting effect
● 55 % wrinkle volume reduction in 2 weeks
● Elasticity increases (+49%) in 2 weeks
● Decreases crow feet depth by 150% in 2 weeks
● Reduces frown lines depth by 14.3% in 2 weeks
● Reduces nasolabial folds depth by 87.5% in 2 weeks
● Advanced wrinkle reduction
● Provides deep skin moisturisation
Key ingredients
● Polypeptides: Relax facial muscles with a botox-like effect.
● Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates for a plump, healthy look.
How to use
Using the dropper, apply a pea-sized amount of serum on your face. Gently dab it onto your skin and massage until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation.
Revive Skin Cream
Oteria’s Revive Skin Cream is an advanced anti-wrinkle cream designed to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Enriched with Stem cells and Niacinamide, this skin repair cream helps reduce acne scars, enhance elasticity, and prevent pigmentation. Its powerful formula works as an effective pigmentation cream for the face, promoting a smoother, more even-toned complexion.
Benefits
● Anti-wrinkle and anti-inflammatory
● Prevents pigmentation and removes acne scars
● Antioxidant and hydrating effect
● Deeper penetration for long lasting results
● Improves skin elasticity and minimises pores
Key ingredients
Niacinamide: Locks in moisture.
Human Adipocyte Conditioned Media Extract: Boosts collagen, enhances skin texture.
How to use
Apply a small quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation.
Check out our entire range of Vegan and cruelty free products here.
You don’t need to be cruel and harm animals to achieve beautiful skin. Nature has blessed us with enough plant-based resources that can help us do that. We promise you that by going vegan in your skincare journey, your skin will not suffer at all. Plant based products are safe, and provide all the goodness and nourishment you need. Also, in the process, you will help your furry friends live a free and happy life outside laboratories.
FAQs
1) What is vegan skincare?
Vegan skincare refers to beauty products that are free from animal-derived ingredients like honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, and carmine. Instead, they use plant-based alternatives packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients for healthy skin.
2) Is vegan skincare cruelty-free?
While most vegan skincare brands are cruelty-free, the two terms are not interchangeable. Vegan means no animal-derived ingredients, while cruelty-free means the product was not tested on animals. Always check for certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA’s cruelty-free logo.
3) Are vegan skincare products as effective as traditional skincare?
Yes! Vegan skincare products often contain powerful botanical extracts, plant-based hyaluronic acid, and natural oils that are highly effective in nourishing, hydrating, and repairing the skin without harmful chemicals or synthetic fillers.
4) What are the benefits of switching to vegan skincare?
Vegan skincare is ethical, eco-friendly, and gentle on the skin. It helps reduce irritation, prevents exposure to harmful additives, and supports sustainable beauty practices, making it a great choice for conscious consumers.
5) Can vegan skincare help with acne and pigmentation?
Absolutely! Many plant-based ingredients, such as niacinamide, bakuchiol, tea tree oil, and green tea extract, help fight acne, reduce pigmentation, and promote clear, even-toned skin without harsh chemicals.
6) Are vegan skincare products suitable for all skin types?
Yes, vegan skincare caters to all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Since plant-based ingredients are often free from harsh chemicals, they are gentler and less likely to irritate.
7) How do I know if a product is truly vegan?
Look for labels and certifications from reputable organizations like The Vegan Society, PETA’s ‘Beauty Without Bunnies,’ or the ‘Certified Vegan’ logo. Also, check ingredient lists to avoid hidden animal-derived components.
8) Does vegan skincare contribute to sustainability?
Yes! Vegan skincare brands prioritize sustainable practices, using biodegradable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and eco-conscious formulations, reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing harm to the environment.