In the bad old days of beauty, the products in your bathroom cabinet were likely to contain a number of animal derived ingredients. From the beeswax used to keep lipsticks smooth and supple, to the fish scale derived guanine that gives your favorite eyeshadow its sparkle, you used to find animal ingredients in everything!

These days, the times are beginning to change. More and more companies are going vegan in their approach to product formulation, finding natural, plant based alternatives to traditional beauty formulations that relied on harsh chemicals and animal derived compounds. 

It’s easy to make the switch to a vegan, cruelty free beauty routine, that’s better for the planet, and for you! Here’s why you should consider making vegan cosmetics part of your lifestyle:

Fewer Harsh Synthetic Chemicals

Most people who use vegan cosmetics are seeking a more natural way of doing things. That means eating whole foods instead of processed junk food, wearing thrifted, upcycled, or higher quality natural fiber clothes, and generally living in tune with the rhythms of the earth, so they’re definitely not interested in purchasing chemical laden beauty products!

There’s also the fact that synthetic chemicals usually have to undergo animal testing to receive the approval of government agencies that certify beauty products. No animal testing means that synthetics gotta go! Instead, vegan beauty companies rely on natural ingredients sourced from seeds, nuts, plants, and minerals. Instead of lanolin, derived from sheep, OSEA’s vegan body lotion uses fatty plant oils—an earth friendly and effectively hydrating swap.

More Nutrients = Happier Skin and Hair

All those natural ingredients are more ethical and better for the earth, but they also simply make your beauty routine more impactful! Powerful plant based ingredients are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to thrive, and even better, they’re present in a form your body already knows how to absorb.

For instance, the highly acclaimed Vegamour hair serum is meticulously crafted from the potent combination of turmeric, red clover, and mung bean, presenting a product that accomplishes its purpose without resorting to synthetics. The outcome? A hair growth serum that embraces environmental consciousness, harnessing the innate attributes of these vegan phytoactive powerhouses to promote accelerated, robust, and aesthetically pleasing hair growth, all while steadfastly avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or animal-derived ingredients commonly relied upon by other brands.

Less Chance of Skin Irritation

There’s nothing worse than splurging out on a tiny bottle of super expensive skincare, makeup, or hair product—only to find that it makes you break out like crazy! This kind of waste can be frustrating and expensive. And when you’re using animal derived products, you’re throwing away all the work, emissions, and suffering that went into the bottle. You’re also creating a higher level of trash, as few companies accept returns of partially used beauty products. Not a great deal to say the least.

When you use vegan beauty products, you’re less likely to experience this skin irritation. All those natural ingredients means your body is less likely to react to a new vegan beauty product, reducing waste and keeping your beauty budget on track. Some vegan beauty brands, like fun, splashy cosmetics maker Pyt Beauty make a point of formulating their products to be hypoallergenic as well as clean and vegan, so you can rock a groundbreaking look without risking a breakout.

Enjoy Guilt Free Beauty

Your beauty routine shouldn’t make you feel guilty! Looking good and feeling good are closely related, and you want to know you’re indulging in products that align with your values, as well as your aesthetic goals. Vegan beauty products are totally guilt free, as they’re better for the earth, avoid the cruelty and harshness of animal testing, and often clock in with a lower carbon impact than conventionally formulated brands.

By making the switch to a vegan cosmetics and beauty routine, you’ll be able to enjoy looking your best while knowing you’re making a positive impact on mother earth and all her creatures. Some brands, like luxury makeup brand Thrive Cosmetics even pair their vegan products with donations to worthy causes, so you get to enjoy double the do gooder bang for your beauty buck.

Glow Up, Naturally

Making the switch to vegan beauty products might seem overwhelming, but these days it’s simple to upgrade to a better for you, earth-friendly routine. As your old products run out, do a little research for vegan alternatives to replace them. These days there are vegan formulations of everything from toothpaste to hair care to eye shadow, and beyond. When it comes to vegan beauty, the world is your oyster, so get out there and explore.

Cleaner, healthier, and better for the earth, vegan cosmetics are the clear choice for any beauty lover who cares about the beauty of mother earth. And with so many great vegan beauty alternatives out there, there’s no reason not to make the switch!

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This post was written by Gaia. Gaia is a passionate vegan beauty writer in her 20s. With a deep-rooted commitment to living a cruelty-free lifestyle, she has dedicated her career to spreading awareness about the positive impact of vegan beauty products on both personal well-being and the environment.