Vegan Skincare Brands You Need on Your Radar

Vegan Skincare Brands You Need on Your Radar

As I’m sure you all know, the beauty industry is an area that is always evolving; here is one sector of the industry however, that is gathering no moss: more brands are prioritising vegan skincare—and it’s not just about cutting out animal-derived ingredients. Today’s best vegan skincare brands are revolutionising the industry with eco-conscious formulas, sustainable packaging and innovative upcycling practices that minimise waste and environmental impact.

Whether you’re looking for certified sustainable skincare or pioneering brands using repurposed ingredients, this guide has everything you need.

Why Vegan Skincare Matters

Switching to – or even just incorporating – vegan skincare isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a step towards a cleaner, greener beauty industry. Here’s why it matters:

🌍 Reduces Environmental Impact – Plant-based skincare tends to have a lower carbon footprint than animal-derived alternatives.
🐰 Cruelty-Free Commitment – Vegan brands are often Leaping Bunny or PETA-certified, meaning no animal testing at any stage of production.
♻️ Sustainable Packaging – Many brands are moving towards refillable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging to cut down on waste.
🌿 Innovative Ingredients – Some of the best vegan skincare brands now use upcycled food waste in their formulations, turning coffee grounds, fruit stones, and plant extracts into high-performing skincare.

Let’s explore the top vegan skincare brands making a difference.

e.l.f. Cosmetics – 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free*

✅ Certifications: Leaping Bunny, PETA-certified
♻️ Sustainability: Eliminated plastic trays, switching to sustainable materials
🌿 Innovations: Affordable vegan skincare without compromising ethics

e.l.f. proves that sustainable beauty can be accessible to all. The brand has removed unnecessary plastic packaging and is transitioning to more sustainable materials, making it a great option for those looking for affordable yet ethical skincare.

Votary – Recyclable, Glass-Packaged Skincare

✅ Certifications: Leaping Bunny
♻️ Sustainability: Uses recyclable glass bottles, refillable options
🌿 Innovations: Natural plant oils to replace synthetic fillers

Votary’s plant-based, cruelty-free skincare comes in recyclable glass packaging, with a focus on natural, high-performance oils. Their commitment to refillable beauty helps reduce waste without compromising on luxury.

UpCircle Beauty – Pioneers of Upcycled Skincare

✅ Certifications: COSMOS Organic, Soil Association, Leaping Bunny
♻️ Sustainability: 100% recyclable and refillable packaging
🌿 Innovations: Uses repurposed ingredients like coffee grounds & fruit stones

If sustainability is your priority, UpCircle Beauty should be at the top of your list. This brand upcycles food waste—like coffee grounds, chai spices, and fruit stones—to create high-performance skincare. Their return and refill programme also reduces packaging waste, making them one of the most circular beauty brands around.

Glow Recipe – Eco-Friendly, Fruit-Powered Skincare

✅ Certifications: Leaping Bunny
♻️ Sustainability: Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and glass
🌿 Innovations: Fruit-based actives

Glow Recipe’s fun, fruit-infused skincare isn’t just effective—it’s also eco-conscious. Their packaging is fully recyclable, and they use natural fruit-derived actives instead of synthetic ingredients, reducing the environmental impact of their formulas.

Herbivore – Glass Packaging & Clean Formulas

✅ Certifications: Leaping Bunny, PETA-certified
♻️ Sustainability: Glass packaging, biodegradable ingredients
🌿 Innovations: Waterless skincare options to reduce waste

Herbivore is as aesthetic as it is ethical, with products packaged in recyclable glass and formulated without synthetic preservatives. Some of their water-free serums help cut down on excess water consumption in the beauty industry.

Aesop – Luxurious, Sustainable Skincare

✅ Certifications: Leaping Bunny, PETA-approved
♻️ Sustainability: Uses recyclable glass and aluminium packaging
🌿 Innovations: Prioritises biodegradable formulations

Aesop is the definition of conscious luxury. This Australian-born brand is known for minimalist, botanically powered skincare that delivers results without harming the planet. They package their products in glass and aluminium—materials that are infinitely recyclable—and are actively working to reduce plastic waste across their range.

Milk Makeup – Clean, Sustainable, & Trendy

✅ Certifications: PETA-certified, Leaping Bunny
♻️ Sustainability: Uses post-consumer recycled packaging
🌿 Innovations: Water-free skincare to reduce environmental impact

Milk Makeup has built a reputation for “clean beauty“, which means never including ingredients such as parabens, sulphates or mineral oil. Their solid skincare sticks use less water than traditional formulations, and they’re shifting towards fully recyclable packaging for a more planet-friendly approach.

Vegan Beauty: What’s Next?

The best vegan skincare brands are paving the way for a greener beauty industry by:

✔ Reducing Packaging Waste – Refillable, glass, aluminium, and compostable packaging.
✔ Using Upcycled Ingredients – Coffee grounds, fruit peels, and even marine extracts.
✔ Going Carbon Neutral – Many brands are moving towards net-zero emissions.

By switching to vegan skincare brands, you're choosing a cruelty-free routine that respects the planet.

FAQs About Vegan Skincare Brands 🤔

1. What’s the difference between vegan and cruelty-free skincare?

Vegan skincare contains no animal-derived ingredients, while cruelty-free skincare means the brand does not test on animals.

2. Which vegan skincare brands are the most sustainable?

Brands like UpCircle Beauty, Aesop, and Herbivore lead with minimal-waste and upcycled innovations.

3. How do I know if a skincare brand is truly vegan?

Look for certifications like The Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny, or PETA to ensure authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Try Vegan with Your Skincare (even in small steps)

🌱 Looking for the best vegan skincare brands? Whether you want luxurious formulations, budget-friendly picks, or innovative upcycled ingredients, these brands have you covered.