More and more consumers are looking to go vegan with their skincare regime. Thanks to the rising demand for animal-friendly products, more brands are getting on-board with 100 per cent vegan, plant-powered formulas that don’t compromise on efficacy. Projected to reach $21 billion by 2027, the global vegan cosmetics market is booming. Consumers everywhere are increasingly seeking out products that align with their own values, steering clear of brands that cause unnecessary harm to the planet and its inhabitants.
To ascertain whether a product really is vegan, look out the Vegan Society logo (UK) and the PETA-Approved Vegan certification (US) – proof that the formula is free from animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free is another label, meaning the product has not been tested on animals – for this, look out for the Leaping Bunny logo.
Over the last few years, vegan beauty and the concept of veganism have become more and more popular. With this trend boosting, many beauty and cosmetic companies are embracing organic and vegan products. “The beauty industry needs to stay up-to-date with the latest trends taking shape within this growing market in order to anticipate and respond to the opportunities presented now and in the future,” says Toni Carroll, founder and CEO of luxury nutricosmetic brand My Beauty Luv, who, having taken note of the trend, has recently added a vegan supplement to her range. Furthermore, the beauty industry is forced to adapt to products that are more sustainable – as consumers started reading labels and the ingredients of products, the trend of vegan skincare amplified.
Given the growth of the vegan market, there is a clear need for quality products and convenient ways of acquiring them. It’s not surprising then that we are seeing enterprising business owners like Kylie Jenner opting to relaunch her Kylie Cosmetics range with “clean vegan” formulas, and beauty brands like Urban Decay expanding their clean beauty and vegan offerings
Ingredients
Most products on the market for vegans are comprised of two basic ingredients: pea protein and other powdered plant proteins. But now, medicinal mushrooms, which have been used for thousands of years, are being increasingly added to the mix. This is due to their many health and beauty benefits like improved skin hydration, reduced wrinkle depth, and increased healthy fibroblast cell activity being scientifically proven in extensive studies, coupled with growing demand for natural health remedies. In fact, the global functional mushroom market size is expected to reach $13. 6bn by 2027.
Vegans wanting to stimulate collagen production are increasingly opting for ingestible beauty products packed full of essential and non-essential amino acids as well as antioxidants to help safeguard existing collagen levels. “Veganism is far from a passing fad, the more businesses that meet the demand, the faster and bigger the market will grow and the better the planet will be for it,” Carrol concludes.
Rimmel Answering the Call
Rimmel have launched their first clean vegan makeup range. The new Kind & Free collection comprises of five makeup products for skin, lashes & nails: a nourishing skin tint, a volumizing mascara, a hydrating concealer, a Talc-free pressed powder, and a plant-based nail polish. Their formulas are powered by natural origin ingredients with no unnecessary additives, such as mineral oil or fragrance.
All products made with a minimum of 70% natural ingredients, are 100% vegan, and are made with a percentage of recycled plastic. By 2025, Rimmel aim for 100% of their packaging to use recycled material or be reusable or compostable. Rimmel’s Kind & Free range will be widely available from March in all major pharmacies nationwide as well as a selection of online retail outlets.
Why Vegan?
The skin absorbs 60% of what you apply to it; now, that fact should have you rethinking your options. Animal-based skincare products are made from things like carmine extracted from crushed insects and uric acid from cows, and the products are enhanced further using synthetic (artificial) ingredients. While some of these products are beneficial, they clog your pores leading to skin breakouts.
However, vegan beauty products are purely plant-based. That means the ingredients are sourced from plants; thus, the products have no artificial additives, making them better for your skin. For instance, you will find vegan skincare products that contain tea-tree, aloe vera, chamomile, and other tried and tested plant extracts with amazing skin purification benefits.
Since the skin absorbs 60% of whatever you apply to it, it is best to consider using products that it can absorb and metabolize with ease. Vegan skincare products are a perfect choice to promote better skin health and overall wellness. The products are free of harsh artificial chemicals, meaning you will be less worried about developing skin problems like rashes, acne, or adverse health issues like skin cancer. Moreover, the potency of many of the natural ingredients used in making these products often results in a short ingredient list. As such, you are not overwhelmed by many unknown substances and can be confident about what you are applying to your face, body, or hair.
Vegan skincare products help remove excess oil and impurities that clog your pores. This is why they have contributed to the plant-based revolution. Therefore, they can be an ideal option if you struggle with acne. Also, make the switch if you want silky-soft skin because vegan beauty products are rich in Vitamins B, C, and E, essential for cell generation. Vegan skincare products will help you maintain a young and vibrant look. The products also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make them an excellent choice for people with skin inflammation, eczema, allergies, and other skin conditions.
Vegan beauty products are a step in the right direction if you are environmentally conscious and which to make eco-friendly life choices and decisions. They might be made from plants, but that does not mean many plants die to make these products. The cultivation process for the source of the necessary ingredients is sustainable, and the same goes for the packaging, which is made from recyclable materials. In short, every bit of vegan skincare product is made in an environmentally sustainable manner.
As much as vegan beauty products are exemplary regarding safe, sustainable skincare solutions, they are pegged by many misconceptions. One of the biggest misconceptions that many people have is the assumption that these products are not cheap because they are made from natural, eco-friendly ingredients and processes. While vegan skincare creams and products might not be as cheap as their animal-based counterparts, they are affordable and cost-effective when considering the health benefits you accrue. In short, switching to vegan products will be a decision that offers you significant value for your money.
No animal or insect comes to harm during the product of vegan beauty products. They are purely plant-based products that are never tested on animals. Therefore, make the switch if you strongly advocate for an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Flexitarians
The choice of using vegan skincare and makeup is rising just like the rise of veganism when it comes to diet. Evidence suggests that the shift is coming from younger generations, who are placing personal health, animal welfare, and climate change as the forefront of their consumer habits. In fact, 87% of Generation Z are becoming more conscious about the environment, with 35% wanting to be meat-free, according to Finder. What’s even more impactful though are the people who may not be strictly vegan but would consider themselves flexitarians. Polls show 79% of this generation go meatless at least once or twice a week. This term used to describe the occasional meat-eater is growing in popularity. In fact, reported sales of alternative meat products are growing at an annual rate of 24.5%, according to the Nielsen Total Food View.
This trend has been influenced by a variety of factors. Generation Z wants to understand their food supply and has an interest in how climate impacts lifestyle production as well as the entire supply chain. They realize that supply may eventually be eclipsed by demand due to environmental issues.vTheir health and wellness are also playing a factor. A study published in the British Medical Journal recommended a 50% reduction in meat and sugar consumption for the health of the average person as well as the planet. Although this area of the market is growing rapidly, there’s room for innovative start-ups who are willing to take on a plant-based business. There are many ways that start-ups can grow and take advantage of this trend.
Vegan-based health and consulting are going to be a significant part of the market. Many people or even companies may want to go vegetarian or vegan but may not know how to do this in a sustainable manner. Trained dietitians and health coaches can work with clients and businesses to achieve this goal. By helping clients transition to a vegan or more plant-based lifestyle, they’re offering a valuable service that will take the stress and anxiety out of the process.
If we consider plant-based milk as an example, it is clear that veganism has not only become a global discussion, but may also replace the use of traditional cow’s milk within the next decade. A report by AT Kearney suggests that 60% of meat will no longer come from animals, but rather cultured meat or plant-based alternatives by 2040. But while food is shaping our markets and even cultural identities, it is clear that this holistic transition will affect every corner of our lifestyle and planet.
When it comes to joining this international trend, the sky’s the limit. There’s no shortage of possibilities in this market. With more people than ever before interested in sustainability, entrepreneurs and start-ups can gain from considering sustainability into their business plan. Having an eco-friendly business can only be beneficial and bring in a larger market.
Labelling
In 2021, UK sales of prestige vegan make-up rose an impressive 28 per cent, according to market research firm The NPD Group. With demand comes supply and the latest make-up must-haves put the planet, and its animal inhabitants, first. “Consumers are increasingly choosing to follow a vegan lifestyle, from food, drinks and supplements to clothing, shoes and cleaning products,” says Emma Fishwick, account manager for NPD UK beauty. “It’s only natural that these consumers would want to opt for vegan beauty products, too.”
To be 100 per cent vegan, a make-up product must be free from animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, honey and lanolin. Look out for the PETA-approved vegan logo (US) and The Vegan Society trademark (UK) to ensure that the product truly complies.
The Vegan Trademark has been helping people identify that a product is free from animal ingredients since 1990. Registration with the trademark gives brands the confidence to shout about their vegan credentials. Look out for the Vegan Trademark on over 60,000 products worldwide, including cosmetics, clothing, food, drink, household items, and many more!
It’s a well known saying, but sometimes nature really does know best. Since it takes such good care of us it’s only fair that we give back too. The best vegan products are also 100% natural and organic. This means that they don’t harm the environment after use, breaking back down into non-harmful components and being reused by their surroundings.
