What Is Vegan Haircare? Plus The Top 15 Brands To Try

From vegnews.com

Going vegan is more than the food you eat. Learn how to easily build your new vegan haircare routine in just a few steps

Traditional haircare products have a longstanding history of not being vegan. For centuries (yes, we mean that literally), animal ingredients have been used in haircare as a means to clean, condition, and style hair. However, the haircare industry is experiencing a radical shift. Shoppers are finally calling on their favourite beauty brands to make the switch to vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. And just as we’ve seen in the food industry, a bit of innovation and more intentional ingredient sourcing has led to the development of vegan alternatives that perform exactly the same—if not better—than its animal-derived counterparts. No longer a niche or hard-to-find category, vegan haircare is extremely accessible. With a little research and planning, you can easily transform your entire hair routine with all cruelty-free and vegan haircare products.

How to know if a beauty product is vegan

Knowing how to identify a vegan beauty product may initially pose some challenges; most consumers just aren’t educated on the ingredients that make up these household items. Some of the most common and well-known animal-derived haircare ingredients include keratin, collagen, elastin, beeswax, silk, squalene, carmine, and lanolin. With that said, many animal byproducts often sneak into the ingredients lists disguised under different names. Carmine—a colorant made from the crushed shells of the cochineal insect—is also referred to as natural red 4, E120, and C.I. 75470. In some cases, ingredients can be found in both animals and plants. For example, stearic acid, known for its ability to emulsify products and soften hair, can be derived from either sheep stomach or plant fat.

Oftentimes products that are 100-percent vegan will state this directly on the packaging. Reputable certifications from organizations like Vegan.org and The Vegan Society may also be present on the packaging. If the packaging does not explicitly state its vegan status, it’s best to either reach out to the company directly or avoid it altogether. 

Noughy

What’s the difference between vegan and cruelty-free haircare?

Animal testing continues to be an outdated practice when it comes to determining the safety of cosmetic products. And contrary to popular belief, vegan and cruelty-free are not synonymous. Just because a product is vegan does not guarantee that animals were not harmed in the creation of that product.

Animal testing can happen at virtually any stage of product development. Individual ingredients, vegan or not, can be tested on animals to see if it causes negative reactions. This can occur at any other stage of formulation as well, even after the products hit shelves. 

In some countries, cosmetic animal testing has been outlawed. The EU and Mexico are two nations that have banned this practice. Other countries, such as China and the entirety of the US, have fallen short in banning cosmetic animal testing. Thankfully, a handful of US states have passed legislation banning the sale of animal-tested products—a step forward to ending the inhumane and unnecessary practice for good.

Still, it’s important to remember that a vegan product does not guarantee it is also cruelty-free. One way to verify a cruelty-free product is to scan the packaging for reputable cruelty-free certifications. Leaping Bunny and Choose Cruelty Free are the two most respectable organizations. PETA certifications, while popular, do not abide by as strict regulations as the latter two. Therefore, additional research may be necessary to ensure you are making the most ethical purchases possible.

Where to buy vegan haircare

These days, accessing and purchasing vegan and cruelty-free haircare is easier than ever. Vegan options can be found in nearly every retailer, whether that be in-stores or online. Popular retailers like Sephora and Ulta make finding vegan haircare products a breeze—just look for the vegan label. Other retailers, such as Target, Walmart, and CVS, also carry a wide selection of available options. Again, check those cruelty-free and vegan labels—they’re easy to spot and don’t require reading a long list of ingredients you can’t identify or pronounce. 

The 15 best vegan and cruelty-free haircare brands

Lovesong Beauty

1 Lovesong Beauty

Introducing Lovesong Beauty, the newest vegan haircare line that’s sure to clean and tame even the most unruly of locks. This Leaping Bunny certified company uses certified organic and clean ingredients in its formulas. With Lovesong Beauty, there’s no need to compromise the planet either. Its eco-friendly products are also sustainably packaged with recyclable aluminium and glass bottles. Product boxes are made using recycled paper and all items are shipped in compostable shipping materials. They’re a win for you, animals, and the planet. For a totally new and unique experience, try their signature dry shampoo gel.
FIND IT HERE 

Vegamour

2Vegamour

Looking for a vegan hair growth product? Then Vegamour is the haircare company for you. This Leaping Bunny-certified company uses scientifically-backed technology to boost hair density and promote hair growth simultaneously. Using vegan bioactive ingredients, Vegamour products also help to reduce hair fallout while repairing damaged hair. Vegamour uses Karmatin, a vegan alternative to animal-derived keratin that’s commonly found in many haircare products. Products include hair growth serums, shampoos, conditioners, vegan supplements, and even eyelash and eyebrow growth serums.
FIND IT HERE 

Function of Beauty

3Function of Beauty

Everyone’s hair is unique, so why not take a customized approach to your haircare routine? That’s the approach of Function of Beauty. This cruelty-free and 100-percent vegan haircare company will create customized formulas based on your hair type and concerns. Not only are Function of Beauty products vegan, but they also follow the European Union standards for safe cosmetics which bans over 1,400 ingredients from their formulas. This PETA-certified company creates customized vegan formulas across a wide variety of products, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and serums. 
FIND IT HERE

Olaplex

4Olaplex

Olaplex is known for its affordable yet salon-quality hair products. This cruelty-free and vegan haircare company can repair even the most damaged of hair. Olaplex uses patent bond repairing technology to strengthen damaged hair on a molecular level. Most Olaplex products are now available for at-home use, with several salon-exclusive products reserved for pro stylists. If you’ve been on the hunt for vegan hair repair products, then Olaplex will be the demise of your split-end battles.
FIND IT HERE

Pacifica

5Pacifica

If you’ve spent any time browsing the beauty articles here on VegNews, you’ll already be familiar with vegan-friendly beauty brand Pacifica. Beyond skincare and makeup, Pacifica also offers a wide selection of PETA-certified cruelty-free haircare products. Using innovative technology, this long-standing beauty company has developed effective vegan alternatives to animal-derived ingredients. Vegan alternatives to ingredients such as collagen, ceramides, and silk can be found across its various haircare and beauty products. Plus, all of the products smell fantastic.  
FIND IT HERE

JVN

6JVN

Well established in their own right, Queer Eye’s Jonathon Van Ness recently launched their own vegan and Leaping Bunny-certified haircare brand, JVN. This inclusive celebrity beauty brand has taken the haircare industry to the next level. Amyris, the parent company of JVN, is known for its clean beauty ingredient innovations. For example, all JVN products contain a key patent ingredient—hemisqualane (a cruelty-free alternative to shark-derived squalene). JVN also has a focus on formula sustainability, ensuring all ingredients are ethically sourced without harming animals or vegetation. 
FIND IT HERE

Noughy

7Noughty

Affordable haircare that’s also vegan? Sign us up! Noughty is a Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny-certified brand that’s been making headlines. Noughty creates its formulas using 97-percent natural ingredients. Ingredients are sustainably sourced, often supporting third-world farm communities. Product packaging is made using both sugarcane bio-plastic and post-consumer recycled materials. Whether you’ve got coils, curls, or anything in between, Noughty will add a smooth touch and natural shine to your locks. 
FIND IT HERE

LolaVie

8LolaVie

Jennifer Aniston is well-known for more than just her stellar acting abilities. Her beautiful tresses have made more hair trend lists than we can count, with her famed “Rachel Haircut” also making a recent revival. Now, Aniston has finally released her own vegan haircare line, LolaVie. LolaVie uses naturally-derived ingredients that are free from animal ingredients, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, and gluten. The Leaping Bunny-certified, celebrity beauty brand currently sells only two products—a Glossing Detangler and conditioning Perfecting Leave-In—but there are plans to expand this range in the near future. 
FIND IT HERE

Rahua

9Rahua

Vegan haircare brand Rahua was born from a centuries-long secret ingredient harvested in the Amazon rainforest: rahua oil. This hero ingredient is found in all Rahua products and continues to be ethically harvested in the Amazon by local tribes. Like others on this list, this beauty brand is also dedicated to sustainability. The company offers refill options for their products to cut down on plastic waste. Rahua also supports pro-planet organizations like The Pink Flamingo Project and is a carbon-neutral company. And of course, all Rahua products are cruelty-free, too. 
FIND IT HERE

Be Free

10Be Free by Danielle Fischer

Boy Meets World’s Topanga was known for a lot of things, one being her iconic and luscious locks. Now, the actress has released her own clean beauty haircare line. Be Free by Danielle Fishel is Leaping Bunny-certified and free from fragrance, gluten, phthalates, parabens, and more. Be Free is also made in the US and supports the One Tribe organization which promotes rainforest conservation while fighting climate change. With Be Free, you can finally achieve the Topanga hair of your dreams without compromising your vegan values. 
FIND IT HERE

Aveda

11Aveda

Aveda is a popular and accessible vegan haircare brand that you may already be familiar with. Entirely vegan now and forever, Aveda has been setting the standard since 1978. This company makes virtually every single product you could possibly need for your hair. It’s also heavily engaged in corporate responsibility initiatives. Aveda supports Charity: Water, a non-profit organization that focuses on water conservation and bringing clean water to struggling communities worldwide. Most Aveda products use 100-percent post-consumer recycled materials, too. Carbon-neutral shipping helps offset CO2 emissions, making Aveda a standout company in all regards.
FIND IT HERE

NatureLab Tokyo

12NatureLab Tokyo

It’s progress over perfection, which is why cruelty-free haircare brand NatureLab Tokyo makes the cut. This PETA-certified company has made going 100-percent vegan a primary mission by the end of 2022. Currently, most of its products are vegan, with only a handful of vegetarian options. The brand also offers refill packets of their shampoos and conditioners, eliminating a whopping 85 percent of plastic than two full-sized bottles. NatureLab Tokyo leaves parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and gluten off the menu, making way for cleaner, healthier hair formulas.
FIND IT HERE

Maria Nila

13Maria Nila 

Maria Nila is a Swedish-born haircare brand known internationally for its animal-friendly formulas. The company is certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, and the Vegan Society, solidifying its place in the cruelty-free and vegan haircare community. Maria Nila also focuses efforts on combating deforestation by partnering with Zeromission to financially support third-world country farmers by replanting the under-utilized parts of their farms. Maria Nila carries a robust collection of salon-quality haircare products that are safe for colour-treated hair.
FIND IT HERE

Odele

14Odele 

Odele is a genderless cruelty-free beauty brand that formulates only vegan hair products. Abiding by the strict European Union standards, this brand bans more than 1,328-plus ingredients from its line, including known cancer-causing agents. Odele creates clean and approachable products using active ingredients that nourish hair and protect against damage while promoting hair health and human safety. Odele is also women-owned and operated, and all products are formulated and manufactured in the USA using exclusively wind-powered energy. Plus, you can easily find the vegan haircare brand at Target. 
FIND IT HERE

Original Sprout

15Original Sprout

Original Sprout is a Vegan Society certified brand that first launched with a focus on developing safe haircare formulations for children. Now, the company has expanded its product range, providing products for the entire family. This Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified company is made in the US, and leaves ingredients like lavender and tea-tree oil out of its products, which have been linked to hormone disruption in children. Original Sprout rigorously tests all formulas prior to release to ensure the safety and efficacy of its products. Its entire line is also paediatrician and dermatologist tested.
FIND IT HERE

https://vegnews.com/2022/7/vegan-cruelty-free-haircare-brands

 

Lush launches vegan haircare range for Afro hair

From veganfoodandliving.com

High-street favourite Lush has revealed its new hair care range - made especially for Afro hair

Lush has done it again. The high-street favourite has now launched a new Afro hair care range made with natural vegan ingredients.

Formulated by in-house Black haircare specialist Sarah Sango, the new range has been created especially for curly, coily and textured Black hair. The range will consist of six new products: two conditioners, a co-wash and three styling products.

The hero product in the line is said to be Renee’s Shea Souffle hair and scalp oil. Containing Ghanaian shea butter and essential oils, this concoction is based on a homemade hair treatment recipe and is essentially an elixir for healthy curls and coils.

Left out of the beauty industry

The new products have been given uplifting names such as ‘power’ and ‘glory’, which is particularly important at a time where those with Black and Afro hair have been made to feel left out of the beauty industry.

Moreover, 78% of products marketed towards Black women were found to contain chemicals linked to cancer, fibroids, and respiratory problems. This is simply not acceptable and indicates that there is a lot of work to be done within the beauty industry. However, Lush’s new afro hair range will help to change the narrative, providing a natural, vegan solution.

‘Just getting started’

Commenting on the new range, Sango said: “When I look at these six products sitting together, I think joyous thoughts, knowing from cleansing to defining my style there’s finally a Black hair care range available for the community in every Lush store.

“Our ‘fro’s are worn in different shapes and sizes. Hair grows up, out, and down. On Monday, I might install my lace front, on Friday, Box braids down to the ground.

“The styles are endless so you can imagine how many more products can be created. Black hair is a journey—and mine with LUSH is just getting started.”

‘A love letter to Black hair’

Lush teamed up with Black filmmaker Kevin Morosky to create a short film to accompany the launch, entitled ‘Nestled’. The film explains the importance of hair treatments in Black culture, and how it encompasses the feeling of being protected nestled. Morosky describes the film as a ‘love letter from [himself] and Sarah to Black hair’.

Black hair care products are definitely lacking in the beauty industry, but thanks to Lush’s new range, they will now be available everywhere.

The range is available to shop online now, with products starting at £10.00. 

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/lush-launches-vegan-haircare-range-for-afro-hair/

23 things that shocked me when I went vegan for a month

From getsurrey.co.uk

Here are some of the things that surprised SurreyLive reporter Laura Nightingale when she did Veganuary

Vegan this, vegan that, it has certainly become a topic of conversation in both the newsroom and among my circle of friends.
With some of the UK's biggest chains launching new vegan-friendly products this year and some of my favourite Surrey restaurants bringing out plant-based alternatives, I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.

 powered by plista

So I pledged to give up animal products for one month and join the thousands of others taking part in Veganuary.

The first few days of going vegan was exciting, fun and pretty easy.
But halfway through, I hit a wall, struggled to fight off peer pressure and I had a really strange craving for eggs.
Here are some of the things that shocked me when I went vegan for 31 days.

              Laura Nightingale tests out the vegan menu at Harvester in Frimley Green

1. Eating at chain restaurants is easy

Whether they are competing against each other or simply more mindful of people with dietary requirements these days, eating out at chain restaurants was effortless.
There were plenty of options on the menu allowing me to try dishes I would never order normally such as "fish-less" fish and chips and pulled roasted jackfruit.
Wagamam, Pho and Las Iguanas were among my favourite high street chains for trying vegan food.

                                            Fiesta Ensalada at Las Iguanas in Woking

2. Eating at your local pub was not easy

However, in stark contrast finding a vegan dish on the menu down my local pub was much trickier.
You'd find one or two vegetarian dishes, normally a risotto or a brie tart, but vegan-friendly options not so much.
To get round this predicament, I would order a side of chips and a salad.
But with that said, many of the pubs I did go to were happy to adapt dishes to suit me which was fantastic.
Asking the waiter in front of other people in the pub was embarrassing though and I felt like I was being difficult.

3. There seems to be milk in everything

I learnt to read the ingredients on everything I picked up from the supermarket and I was shocked to find that milk powder was sneaked into so many foods.
Salad dressings, bread, cereal, and even ready salted crisps — why did they contain milk?!
I was pleasantly surprised, however, that some everyday foods, which I definitely thought were off the cards, were actually vegan, such as bourbon biscuits and jam doughnuts from the Co-op.

4. You feel like the odd one out

Like I said, there were occasions that I felt embarrassed when dining out.
I felt awkward asking if there was a vegan alternative or if a dish could be tweaked.
None of my friends or family joined me in the Veganuary challenge which made me feel a bit isolated.
However, I ploughed on through.

5. It's hard eating at other people's houses

This was the biggest challenge I faced.
On one occasion I went round a friend's house and she was cooking spaghetti bolognese for everyone.
She freaked out when I said I wasn't eating meat and said she had no idea what to cook me.
I was happy to make up a little bolognese for me at home using tinned lentils, chickpeas and chopped tomatoes and bring it with me, so she could serve it alongside the pasta.
Tupperware has become my new best friend.

6. My dad can't get his head around it

I don't know whether it's an age thing or if it's just because he is the biggest steak lover I know, but my dad couldn't get to grips with me doing Veganuary.
He like many others I know think vegan food tastes disgusting and consists only of lettuce leaves.
While so many more people are adopting a vegan lifestyle nowadays, it's still going to take a long time to convince the majority.

7. I don't like quinoa

I tried it about half a dozen times at restaurants over January but I just don't like it.
It may be packed full of protein, fibre and other nutrients, but for me, it just tasted bitter, grainy and nutty.

8. I now love tofu

On the other hand, I have become obsessed with tofu.
It took me a good couple of weeks experimenting with the soya product to know what to do with it, but once I knew what I was doing, I was hooked.
For a speedy supper, I threw cubes of it in a wok and stir-fried it with noodles, lots of veggies and soy sauce.
I have also discovered the amazing dish that is tofu scramble (see below).

9. I really missed eggs

I didn't think I was that fussed about eggs until I had to cut them out of my diet.
Not only is egg listed on the labels of so many foods including some breads, poachies on toast were one of our weekend staples being so quick and easy (plus cheap) to rustle up.
In a bid to cater for my odd egg craving I learnt the art of cooking tofu scramble and it has changed my life.

All you need to do it is throw some firm tofu in a frying pan, mash it up, add a pinch of black salt if you have it or just normal table salt if you don't, a pinch of black pepper, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, a splash of soya milk and 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast (available in most major supermarkets).

10. You can bake a vegan cake

I love baking and when it comes to birthdays in my family, they all call on me to make the cake.
With eight birthdays among us in January, it was a great opportunity to tweak my classic Victoria sponge recipe and make it vegan-friendly.
Now feeling smug that it can be done, I also experimented with my new favourite ingredient (tofu) and conjured up a vanilla tofu cheesecake.
You can find the recipe on Instagram @cakeontherun.

            Very healthy vanilla cheesecake by CakeOnTheRun (Image: @cakeontherun)

11. Food labelled 'vegan' is expensive

This became a bug bear of mine.
Just because it is labelled as vegan it doesn't need to be double the price.
I learnt to look out for everyday products that were naturally vegan to save me so many pennies.
Plus I kept an eye out for buy one get one free offers and 50% off deals to stock up.
After all, my wallet was pretty battered from Christmas.

12. Vegan shampoo and conditioner is lush

I attempted where I could to expand my vegan habit to my lifestyle as well as my diet.
I switched my shower gel, shampoo and conditioner to a vegan-friendly brand and I discovered Faith in Nature.

I first came across it in Holland and Barrett and later realised Oxfam in Guildford stocked it too.

It is more expensive than the other brands I used to buy, but it smells divine, lasted all month and I will be continuing to only use this from now on.
Friends, please take note for my birthday.

13. Food shopping has become fun

I don't tend to nip into Tesco Express on my way home from work as much anymore as I can't always get everything I need, plus as I plan ahead now I don't run out of things as often.
I've started shopping at some specialised shops and testing out some excitingly new (to me) products.
I've also discovered the amazing Free From aisle at my local supermarket.

14. Vegan cheese doesn't taste the same as non-vegan cheese

While there are many plant-based alternatives that taste very similar to the real thing, I am not convinced with cheese just yet.
Melting it seems to be the biggest challenge as it doesn't drip the way it normally does.
However, that said, I've never been a huge cheese fan anyway, shock horror, so I can't say I missed it in all four weeks of going vegan.

15. There is an amazing vegan-friendly café in Guildford

Tucked away behind Guildford train station is a fantastic café which is 100% vegan.
Not the easiest place to find, with it being a 15-minute walk from the town centre and The Friary, Brasil Vegano Café is inspired by Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest.
It opened at the end of last year, just in time for my vegan journey.

16. It took me a month to like soya milk

Soya milk does not taste anything like dairy milk.
I can't start my day without a hot brew at my desk so I needed to find a suitable alternative.
After a month of persisting with soya milk, I've now become acclimatised to it.
I tried rice milk and almond milk in tea but it was too weak, however, I have found oat milk to be very lovely.

17. I now like dark chocolate

Once a month I do get a monstrous craving for chocolate.
I needed to satisfy that craving.
As a huge bar of Dairy Milk was off-limits, I picked up a bar of dark chocolate instead.
Again, after a bit of persisting, I am now a big fan.
Lindt Excellence Caramel With Touch Of Sea Salt is a dream.
Plus I need far less of it to please my appetite as it is richer than the milk variety.

18. I'm now a huge fan of meal prepping

Making a vegan dish at home requires a bit of planning as it requires a bit more effort than just throwing a chicken breast in the oven and some spuds on the stove.
So on a Sunday and a Wednesday I would spend a few hours in the kitchen and get my batch cooking on.

Being that it's winter, coming home to a hearty veggie stew or cosy lentil (Shepherd's) pie that only needed heating up was the best.
I need to get myself a slow cooker.

19. There is so much support on social media

I am an Instagram addict, so naturally I started following other people who were in the same boat as me.
I learnt that thousands of others shared the same solitary feelings at a restaurant and difficulties at other people's houses.
Social media has become a place for me to share concerns, pick up recipe ideas and ask silly questions.
It made me feel connected and united with other vegans out there, so thank you, guys.

20. Linda McCartney sausages are incredible

I first found a pack of these lurking down the freezer aisle of Sainsbury's.
As they were on offer I thought I would give them a go. Wow.

The texture is nothing like a normal pork sausage, it's better.
They are soft, juicy, flavoursome and taste wonderful with a big dollop of mash, peas and a jug of gravy on the side.
They also taste awesome in a butty with ketchup.

I now always keep a couple of boxes in my freezer at home - ideal for when I want a quick dinner and need to find something to shove in the oven.
They normally cost £2 for a pack of six.

21. Being vegan doesn't mean healthy

Many people I know, my father included, assume vegan means healthy.
While it does encourage you to eat a lot more vegetables and pulses, there are plenty of vegan foods out there which are junk food.
If you only eat the vegan convenience foods on the shelf, you'll end up putting on weight.
Just because a pizza or chocolate cake is vegan doesn't mean it hasn't got any calories.

22. You won't be able to touch office snacks

No one in the SurreyLive office is vegan, so when it came to birthday snacks I had to resist the cupcakes.
Thankfully, at the start of the month, I filled my desk draw up with some sweets so I didn't get withdrawal symptoms.
It's all about planning.

23. I want to give up more animal products from now on

I had one slip up during the 31 days, after all, I'm only human.
But the little hiccup did not stop me from continuing the challenge.

I fell in love with plenty of new products - tofu, Linda's sausages and Faith in Nature toiletries to name a few - and I will be putting them in my shopping basket from now on.

I really enjoyed taking part in Veganuary and it has inspired me to consume far less animal products in future, both in my diet and lifestyle.

Now to convince the husband.

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-opinion/23-things-shocked-went-vegan-17655795

How your beauty routine can go vegan

From irishexaminer.com

Extending veganism to your hair and beauty regime is getting easier thanks to a growing industry response to the movement, writes Rachel Marie Walsh.

Pursuing Veganuary with conviction in the kitchen or even staying dyed-in-the-Tencel vegan year round, can make using non-vegan cosmetics feel a little like cheating.

“For me, as long as people wear leather and eat meat, I don’t get the message,” the late Karl Lagerfeld told the New York Times of those who protested his using fur as fashion, and surely he’d say the same of anyone condemning Chanel’s definitely-not-vegan cosmetics.

Consistency matters in these polarising times, and it is possible to get a sophisticated, vegan-approved hair and beauty regime together, if still a little pioneering.

There is no legal definition of a vegan beauty product

Need your cosmetics to meet an independent standard of veganism? The European Commission was scheduled to begin work on one for vegan food just last year, so cosmetics may take a while.
Products can be approved by The Vegan Society, a UK-based charity that regularly requires re-registration to ensure brands and products meet their standards.

Outspoken artist, vegan, and makeup brand Kat Von D notes the lack of legal guidelines for US consumers.
Her e-commerce store uses its own definition (“a product that does not contain any animal products or by-products, and has not been tested on animals”) and marks vegan formulas like her new Kat Von D Everlasting Blush, €27, #VeganAlert.

Inspired by flowers and packaged in a petal-detailed compact, this blush is available in warm shades of pink, peach and coral.

It is a highly pigmented, soft matte formula that — as the name suggests — both lasts all day and only requires a touch to make an impact.

Clarins applies a similar definition of vegan-friendly to selected formulas. Their millennial-targeted My Clarins range is also more purse-friendly than their other products.

I particularly rate the My Clarins RE-BOOST Refreshing Hydrating Cream, €25, for normal-to-dry skin, its rich blend of acerola cherry, Vitamin E and coconut is very comforting.

Vegan formulas are not always more sensitivity-proof or child-friendly

Many vegan beauty products arrive on my desk with claims of being better for sensitivity or acne-prone skin or even better for children and babies.

Maybe some really are great for these delicate types, but there is no evidence that it is their veganism that makes them so.

Veganism may be making more cosmetics animal-free and cruelty-free but it is not a dermatological innovation in itself.

Ingredients like alcohol and perfume (even organic alcohol or natural perfume oils like lavender and eucalyptus, as well as the common fragrance compounds linalool and geraniol), are just as irritating and sensitising in vegan formulas.

Animal-derived ingredients from collagen to beeswax to squalene have been used in skincare for newborns since long before the stars went green, so unless your politics conflicts, there really is no need to feel like you are not making the most nurturing choice for your own skin or that of your baby if your products are not as vegan as Alicia Silverstone’s.

That said, if a product is fragrance and alcohol-free and vegan — as well as packed with goodies like proven antioxidants and plant fats — you can stick to your principles while still making a great choice.

Vegan skincare is not always more effective than non-vegan alternatives

Veganism is an increasingly popular dietary choice, and hair and beauty trends are frequently influenced by food trends long before topical benefits are well-established.

The jury is still out on whether vegan diets are a route to superior health, and it is worth noting that the skin absorbs ingredients topically in a radically different fashion than the way the body breaks down and extracts nutrients from food.

I still feel the choice to go entirely vegan with your beauty is a political one — at least until we have adequate independent dermatological research to prove it the more healthful choice.

Your favourite products may already be vegan

Don’t bin any favourite buys before looking them up, as brands that aren’t exclusively vegan sometimes have quite a few vegan options.

TooFaced is famously cruelty-free but not totally vegan, so the brand offers a list of their vegan buys at TooFaced.com.

Living Proof, the innovative US haircare brand, has several vegan formulas, including Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo, about €28.97 plus shipping, exclusive to cultbeauty.co.uk.
This is a gentle coconut and charcoal-based shampoo that combats the effects of pollution, tough-to-rinse products and hard water.

It doesn’t have much of a scent, which is actually great for scalp health — but if you love perfumed shampoo this also works as a clarifying alternate for weekends when you’ve used lots of styling products.

Your favourite scent probably isn’t vegan

If you are anything like me, your attachment to perfumes is an emotional thing, governed by positive memories and moods.

It is troublesome, then, that fragrance seems unlikely to make a major shift towards veganism, if only because the biggest names make billions from the existing formulas we love. Musks alone make perfume halls a minefield when you are shopping for a vegan.

Consider the hit fragrances of Christmas 2019 — YSL’s Libre, Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet, Lancôme’s Idôle… there is not a vegan-friendly blend among them, and you probably like at least one.

If you are really going cold gherkin, you might try Clean Perfumes, Floral Street, or Lush Cosmetics.
Staying vegan from your pedicure to your perfume really is impressive but this last category is still a swap too far for me.

Will there ever be v-quivalents to my favourite fragrances? Maybe next Veganuary.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/fashion/how-your-beauty-routine-can-go-vegan-977051.html