Is vegan body care good for the skin?
von Katharina Marin
23 September 2025
Is veganism good for the skin?
Vegan skincare is becoming increasingly popular. Many people want to care for their skin consciously and sustainably. But the crucial question is: Do vegan skincare products really offer benefits for the skin, or is it just a trend?
Vegan skincare explained
Vegan skincare completely avoids ingredients of animal origin. These include beeswax, lanolin, and animal collagen. Instead, it uses plant-based oils, natural butters, extracts, and biotechnologically produced active ingredients. Minimalist formulas focus on the essentials and avoid unnecessary stress on the skin.
Benefits of vegan skincare
Gentle cleansing without drying out
Vegan cleansing products often contain sugar surfactants such as coco-glucosides or cocamidopropyl betaine . These cleanse effectively without damaging the skin's protective barrier. This makes vegan cleansing particularly suitable for sensitive skin types.
Effective moisture retention
Substances like glycerin , urea , or sodium lactate moisturize the skin by retaining water in the upper layers. This reduces feelings of tightness and prevents fine lines caused by dryness.
Skin regeneration and protection
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Panthenol soothes irritated skin and supports cell regeneration.
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Shea butter, coconut oil and macadamia oil strengthen the skin barrier with valuable lipids.
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Squalane improves suppleness and protects against water loss.
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Tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbyl palmitate have an antioxidant effect and slow down premature aging.
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Extracts such as linden or eyebright have a balancing and calming effect.
Minimalist formulations
Many vegan products are intentionally designed with minimal ingredients. This reduces the risk of irritation and makes them suitable for different skin types, including sensitive skin.
Is veganism automatically better?
Vegan skincare doesn't automatically equate to quality. The selection of ingredients remains crucial. Short and clear INCI lists show that a product contains only what the skin truly needs. Combinations of moisturizers, replenishing lipids, and antioxidants ensure optimal effectiveness.
Vegan everyday care
A healthy routine includes cleansing and care. Cleansing should be gentle but thorough. Products with mild surfactants and soothing ingredients are ideal.
One example is thecleansing essentials set from newkee . It combines vegan formulas with skin-friendly ingredients and is suitable for daily use without irritating the skin.
For subsequent care, creams or lotions containing shea butter , plant oils, squalane, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid are suitable. This combination stabilizes the moisture balance and supports the skin barrier.
Veganism is not automatically the better choice
Many people automatically associate vegan with skin-friendly. In practice, however, the quality depends heavily on the formulation. Even vegan products can contain long lists of unnecessary additives that can irritate the skin.
Recognizably good products are characterized by carefully selected ingredients. Glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate provide moisture, while shea butter and coconut oil stabilize the skin barrier. Antioxidants like vitamin E protect against oxidative stress, and plant extracts balance the skin. Minimalism is a clear indicator of quality here.
Who is vegan skincare suitable for?
Vegan care products are versatile:
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Sensitive skin reacts less strongly to minimalist formulas.
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Dry skin benefits from lipids and moisturizers.
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Combination skin is cared for by light textures without becoming greasy.
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Teenagers receive gentle care that does not stress the skin.
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Sustainability-conscious individuals can find an animal-friendly alternative.
Conclusion: Is veganism good for the skin?
Vegan skincare is a compelling option for all skin types. High-quality products with plant-based surfactants, glycerin, panthenol, shea butter, squalane, and antioxidants promote hydration, protection, and regeneration. Thecleansing essentials set from newkee demonstrates that vegan skincare can be both skin-friendly and sustainable.