A comprehensive guide to vegan beauty

Once upon a time, the word vegan might have been met with a confused stare. But times are a-changing, and plant-based diets and lifestyles have undeniably merged into the mainstream.

‘The market for vegan products is booming,’ confirms Andrew McDougall, global associate director of beauty and personal care for Mintel. ‘This is in line with growing consumer concerns about the ethical and environmental impact of animal-related products.'

But unlike a vegan diet, which is relatively straightforward, vegan beauty can be a little more ambiguous. Cruelty free, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean vegan, it simply means that no animal testing took place in any part of the product’s creation. Vegan, on the other hand, means that the product contains no animal products, byproducts or derivatives, although it should be pointed out that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is cruelty free or not tested on animals. 

Read on for the vegan beauty brands to know, covering everything from fragrance to skincare to nail polishes. 

Adopting a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean missing out on perfume, and US brand Le Labo believe it is ‘more humane to test cosmetics on New Yorkers than on animals’. From gentle hair care to hand-blended fragrances, the stylish products are changing the face of plant-based beauty.

Even your fingertips can be vegan thanks to Nailberry’s cruelty-free nail varnishes. Founded six years ago, the brand started life in a Chelsea nail bar, when Sonia Hully devised a range of polishes in a 12-free formulation (meaning they are free from 12 harmful chemicals) to protect and restore damaged nails, while also respecting the environment.

Sensitive souls rejoice – this Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny-certified brand, Pai, uses only the highest quality organic ingredients with no parabens, petrochemicals, detergents or other potential irritants. The ultra-pure, certified organic ingredients will soothe and calm skin woes.

Free from parabens, petroleum, mineral oils and sulfates, skin-soothing vegan brand Skyn uses potent natural ingredients to offset the stresses that cause skin conditions. From anti-ageing elixirs to hydrating treatments, your skin (and conscience) will be left as clear as a glacier.