If you’re a part of the vegan community or simply interested in a plant-based beauty routine, finding a suitable face cream that suits your skin type can be tricky. The term vegan and cruelty-free are often used interchangeably, however veganism is more than just a food lifestyle; it’s about leading a conscious life that reaches far beyond the plate. In the beauty world, this means avoiding products with animal by-products or ingredients (like collagen) that aren’t ethically sourced. This is why choosing a vegan face cream is so important.
Vegan skincare is free from all of the harmful chemicals found in traditional beauty products, which not only irritate the skin but also put our fellow earthlings at risk. In fact, over 100 million animals are abused each year for product testing. A vegan skincare routine is one of the best ways to help reduce this number, as these products are formulated without any ingredient that could harm our furry friends.
To qualify as a vegan face cream, most brands have to eliminate all ingredients derived from animals or their body parts. This includes honey (which irritates many people with sensitive skin), squalene, shea butter and beeswax. Instead, many vegan-friendly beauty brands opt for a vegan substitute such as olive oil or sunflower seed oil. Some brands even use man-made ingredients like glycerin, which is a natural hydrator that can be derived from algae and other plants.
The majority of the products below are certified as vegan by The Vegan Society or PETA, and are also cruelty-free. They’re free from animal by-products, as well as sulphates, phthalates, parabens and artificial colouring. You can check the full list of approved products here.
Our list features a wide variety of options to suit most skin types and budgets, from luxe to affordable. You’ll find moisturisers from brands that have been carefully selected for their excellent customer service and a high standard of ethical production. In addition to ensuring the highest quality of ingredients, these brands also prioritize environmentally sustainable packaging and manufacturing.
As you browse, you’ll notice that many of these face creams have been categorized as organic as well. That’s because most organic skincare products are formulated with natural, organic and fair trade ingredients, which are not only better for your skin but are also much easier on the planet. In addition, the packaging of most organic products is made from recycled and biodegradable materials.
We’ve curated this collection of the best vegan face creams to ensure you get a healthy glow while reducing your environmental footprint. Each of these products is packed with nourishing plant ingredients that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.
We’re dedicated to ensuring that all of our products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We’re proud to offer a wide range of natural, organic and ethical makeup, beauty and skincare products that you can feel good about using. To start your journey with Grove, you can shop our vegan collection below or sign up to receive our monthly Beauty Box, which includes four or more cruelty-free and vegan beauty products.