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Vegan Beauty Products vs. Conventional Products: What’s the Difference?

There are a million skincare products available on the market but how do you know how they have been made and packaged before they reach your hands? Thanks to the vegan movement, more and more people are demanding beauty products that have been produced without animal testing and are cruelty-free.

For those who aren’t acquainted with what exactly vegan beauty products are, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we will not only explore the ins and outs of vegan cosmetics but also break down the key differences between vegan and conventional beauty products.

What are Vegan Beauty Products?

The term “vegan” is used to describe skincare and cosmetics that do not have any ingredients derived out of animals. These products are formulated without common animal by-products like beeswax, lanolin, collagen, gelatin or carmine. Instead, they use plant-based alternatives like shea butter, coconut oil and botanical extracts.

As vegan makeup brands continue to grow within the beauty industry, they are increasingly offering high-quality products that are far better than conventional cosmetics. Most vegan products don’t contain toxic chemicals and are often enriched with vitamins, essential oils and natural extracts that support our skin health.

Key Differences Between Vegan and Conventional Products

1. Ingredients

Vegan skin care and cosmetic products are formulated without any animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, collagen or carmine. Instead, most of them use plant-based alternatives such as aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil and botanical extracts. Conventional beauty products, on the other hand, often contain animal by-products like keratin, squalene and gelatin along with synthetic chemicals like parabens, sulphates and phthalates.

2. Cruelty-free status

Besides being free from animal ingredients, most vegan products are also cruelty-free. This means that they are not tested on animals. While most vegan products avoid animal testing, not all cruelty-free products are vegan. Unfortunately, many conventional beauty brands still conduct animal testing. You’ll be happy to know that The Body Shop refrains from both animal ingredients and animal testing.

3. Skin sensitivy

Since vegan cosmetics and skincare products are formulated with natural, organic alternatives, they are gentler on the skin and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. As a result, they are well tolerated by even those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, traditional beauty products may include artificial chemicals and preservatives that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

4. Environmental impact

Besides being good for your skin, vegan beauty products are also good for the environment. Due to their reliance on plant-based, renewable resources and eco-friendly production methods, they have a lower carbon footprint. For instance, most of our products are even packaged with recycled materials. Unfortunately, conventional products with their synthetic chemicals and unsustainable packaging contribute to environmental degradation.

5. Ethical considerations

Vegan makeup brands like ours prioritise ethical values such as animal welfare, sustainable sourcing and environmental responsibility. After all, it’s for a reason why we’re so popular among conscious consumers like you. Sadly, many conventional beauty brands still ignore these ethical considerations and lack transparency regarding their sources and animal testing practices.

A Conscious Approach

All in all, vegan beauty products free from animal by-products offer a conscious approach that prioritises skin health, environment and ethics. By being a little more mindful of the products you’re using on your skin, you can support the development of a more sustainable beauty industry. So, start reading those ingredient labels before you integrate any beauty products into your skincare routine.

At The Body Shop, 100% of our product formulations are vegan and certified by The Vegan Society. We are proud to offer vegan skin care, body care, hair care and cosmetics that are packed with natural ingredients and are cruelty-free. From our nourishing Edelweiss Sleeping Bouncy Mask to our bestselling Tea Tree Oil, have your pick of our vegan VIPs.

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