Why Go Vegan and Cruelty Free with Your Skincare
By Rebecca Martin, Founder, Conscious Skincare
In recent years, more people are becoming aware of what goes into their skincare — and how those products are made. Whether for ethical, environmental, or skin health reasons, there's a growing shift toward vegan skincare and cruelty free skincare products.
But what does that really mean? And why should it matter to you?
In this article, we explore the benefits of vegan, cruelty free and organic skincare — and why choosing these consciously can make a real difference to your skin, animals, and the planet.
What is Vegan Skincare?
Simply put, vegan skincare means it contains no animal-derived ingredients. That means no honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, or animal-based glycerin.
Instead, vegan skincare uses plant-based or synthetic alternatives that offer the same benefits without animal exploitation. A great example is our Rejuvenate Day Cream which uses vegan collagen made from brewer's yeast.
According to ATTITUDE Magazine, vegan skincare can be gentler on your skin—thanks to fewer harsh chemicals and nutrient-rich plant ingredients.
What Does Cruelty Free Mean?
Cruelty free skincare refers to products that are not tested on animals at any stage of development — from raw ingredients to the finished product.
Sadly, animal testing still occurs in many parts of the cosmetics industry, despite available alternatives. At Conscious Skincare, we’re proudly approved by both the PETA Beauty Without Bunnies program and the Vegetarian Society.
Why Go Vegan and Cruelty Free?
Making the switch to ethical skincare isn’t just good for animals — it can benefit your skin and the planet too.
-
Gentler for skin – Vegan products often avoid common irritants like lanolin or carmine.
-
Environmentally responsible – According to BBC Good Food, vegan products (and a vegan diet) generally have a smaller carbon footprint than animal-based alternatives.
-
Ethically aligned – You can feel good knowing no animals were harmed for your daily routine.
How to Spot Genuine Vegan and Cruelty Free Products
It’s not always easy — some brands use misleading language or greenwashing. Look for:
- Certifications from PETA, Leaping Bunny, or The Vegan Society
- Full ingredient transparency - check out our ingredients to avoid list
- Clear cruelty free or vegan icons on packaging
You can also find helpful guidance on certification standards from the official PETA Beauty Without Bunnies program, which outlines how to verify cruelty-free and vegan credentials—including accepted logos and brands.
Our Commitment at Conscious Skincare
We proudly formulate every Conscious Skincare product to be:
-
Vegan – No animal ingredients or byproducts
-
Cruelty free – Never tested on animals
-
Organic & Natural – Using ethically sourced, plant-based ingredients
-
Zero waste packaging – Recyclable or reusable materials wherever possible
Explore our about us page to see how ethics and performance go hand-in-hand, why we do what we do, and how our skincare journey started over 13 years ago!
Best Vegan and Cruelty Free Skincare Products to Try
Here are some favourites our customers love:
FAQs
Is vegan skincare better for sensitive skin?
Often, yes. Plant-based formulations can reduce the risk of irritation from animal byproducts or synthetic ingredients.
What’s the difference between vegan and cruelty free?
Vegan means no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty free means no animal testing — but watch out, a product can be one without being the other!
Is Conscious Skincare vegan and cruelty free?
Yes — our entire product range is certified cruelty free and vegan-approved by PETA and the Vegetarian Society.
What ingredients should I avoid in non-vegan skincare?
Watch out for lanolin (from wool), carmine (crushed beetles), beeswax, and animal-based glycerin or collagen.
Final Thoughts
Going vegan and cruelty free with your skincare is more than a trend — it's a conscious choice for a better future. With brands like Conscious Skincare, it's now easier than ever to enjoy clean, effective, ethical skincare you can trust.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of Vegan Skincare and treat your skin — and the planet — with care.
Written by Rebecca Martin, Founder of Conscious Skincare
