Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Skincare

The word ‘vegan’ to me isn’t just avoiding eating animals or animal produce, but it’s a whole lifestyle choice. From what you wear, to what you put on your skin and into your body, it encompasses a range of different health options and essentially living more consciously. Being concerned with animal welfare but also with making a difference to the environment and looking after your health.  Therefore choosing vegan skincare is an investment; one that requires you to look far deeper than the 'vegan’ label. Below is a list of some of the factors you should consider when buying vegan skincare.

 Ingredients

The majority of high street skincare products contain animal derived ingredients and to ensure their absence, you need to check the packaging has a 'vegan' label on or alternatively, look at the ingredients list. Substances such as honey, beeswax, gelatin, estrogen, and retinol (Vitamin A) are common animal derived ingredients often found in cosmetic products. Some of them are not only derived from animals but quite gross too - for instance the majority of lipsticks use carmine for the red shades which consists of crushed beetles! Here at Miss Organics we place huge importance on vegan and all natural ingredients which are also organic so causing the least harm to the environment hence you can rest assured of our vegan and ethical status.

Ethics and being Cruelty-free

Having mentioned our ethical status, I should explain why this is an important factor in choosing your beauty products. For me this includes everything from animal welfare to how the ingredients are sourced. Unfortunately cruelty-free and vegan are two separate things as products may be free from animal-derived ingredients (i.e. vegan) but still tested on animals. That's why it is important to look out for the cruelty-free status of the brand, which can be confirmed through a certified cruelty free sticker such as the leaping bunny or in the brand's manifesto, usually found on their website. The sourcing of raw ingredients in a product is important too, as if ingredients are taken from unsustainable sources this can damage the environment, animal habitats and even the lives of the local population. 

Environmentally friendly

The packaging of the products and how locally they are produced is also a factor that determines my product choice. The packaging ought to be sustainable and biodegradable, causing the least harm to the planet. Products that have minimal packaging made from materials such as glass or recycled plastic are always a plus in my eyes. Locally produced skincare means that damage to the environment is kept to a minimum due to a decreased transport related carbon footprint. Local production also supports our local businesses and directly contributes to our economy.

The Brand’s beliefs

A company's backstory reveals a lot about what their true values and morals are. When you buy from a company that shares your beliefs by placing importance on animal welfare, it makes you feel better about yourself and what you’re buying into. Every penny you spend is a vote for what you want to see in the world- buying ethically is an investment in the future. 

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