25 Best Vegan Beauty Products & Ethical Skincare
A Youth To The People cleanser has blown up on TikTok with 1.5 million talking about its incredible “holy grail” effect.
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Gone are the days when finding a vegan alternative to your favourite beauty product was a mission — or meant simply going without.
Today more and more brands are going vegan with no skimping on high quality formulas and ingredients.
Ere Perez, who recently marked the 20th anniversary of her eponymous clean beauty brand, told news.com.au there has “definitely” been a spike in demand for vegan products in the last few years.
“I feel that ingredient availability is so extensive and there’s so much out there that it makes it easier to achieve great formulas on natural botanical ingredients, therefore the demand for vegan beauty is soaring,” she said.
“Back then most companies were using animal derived ingredients and testing on animals — it was just the norm. The beauty industry has come a long way.”
Here’s our roundup of the best vegan beauty products that have cult followings on social media or are bestsellers according to sales data from Adore Beauty, Sephora and the brands themselves.
BEST VEGAN SKINCARE PRODUCTS
BEST VEGAN CLEANSERS
ALPHA-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm, Myer, $59.95
One of Alpha-H’s best-selling products, this cleaning balm is unique in that it transforms into an oil cleanser when applied to the face, making it ideal for washing off makeup, sunscreen and impurities.
Nourishing vegan ingredients include native wild orange leaf extra and grape seed oil, with this cleanser suitable for all skin types.
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser, Sephora, $55
Youth to the People was founded in 2015 and is a consciously sourced beauty brand that uses Pro-Grade Vegan™ actives. Its award-winning Superfood Cleanser is one of Sephora’s best-selling vegan products.
It contains a superfood extract blend of kale, spinach, and green tea that’s effective at removing makeup and keeping your skin’s pH in check.
This cleanser blew up big time on TikTok, with the hashtag #superfoodcleanser racking up 1.5 million views and spawning countless review videos of shoppers raving about it.
“Obsessed” TikTok users say the cleanser is like a “salad for my face” that “melts makeup” and other impurities off your skin.
“This is my holy grail cleanser and probably my sixth bottle … I use it in the morning and night, it has a very light herbal scent,” one shopper shared.
Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser Pump, Amazon Australia, $5.97 (down from $10.86)
Sukin is an Australian company that's 100 per cent vegan and cruelty free with its products made using essential oils and native ingredients.
Designed for normal to oily skin, this gel cleanser promises to be gentle while removing any built up dirt or excess oil.
Ingredients include camomile, aloe vera, green tea and witch hazel, evening primrose and rosehip oil.
“I have sensitive skin and I have been looking for a face wash that not only smells good but that also lathers without drying my skin,” one five star review says.
“I have been using this face wash daily and I love the way my skins feels afterwards.”
fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Sephora, $57
This is one of fresh’s best-selling products. It’s a universal face cleanser made from vegan ingredients that soften cleanse and hydrate skin.
It’s loved by Sephora shoppers too, with over 5900 five star reviews, with customers saying it made their skin feel “instantly soft” after use.
RAWKANVAS Clarity: Nourishing Dual-Phase Cleanser, Sephora, $45
This cleanser from vegan friendly Aussie brand RAWKANVAS only launched in May but is already proving seriously popular — it had a waitlist of 35,000 customers before it launched and sold out within four days of launching.
It’s now back in stock, with the cleanser a gentle water and oil hybrid that will cleanse oil prone skin while leaving it hydrated.
BEST VEGAN MOSITURISERS
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml, THE ICONIC, $17.10
As well as being one of the most affordable ingredients-driven beauty brands out there, did you know that The Ordinary is also 100 per cent vegan?
This moisturiser’s skin-loving ingredients include multiple amino acids, urea, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid.
It’s currently one of THE ICONIC’s most popular vegan moisturisers, with five star reviews saying it is a “holy grail” product.
KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturiser, Adore Beauty, $80
This turmeric-infused moisturiser helps target dark spots and dullness, as well as being refillable. It is one of Adore Beauty’s vegan bestsellers and sparked a frenzy among shoppers when it first hit shelves.
“This moisturiser sold out a bunch of times when it first launched!” Adore Beauty Senior Editor Amy Clark said. “I love how it gives my skin a soft-diffused look, it’s an excellent moisturiser for under makeup.”
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen Moisturizer, Sephora, $53
This hybrid product is another vegan beauty bestseller at Sephora, which is unsurprising given how lauded Rihanna’s beauty brand is.
This non-comedogenic and oil free formula bills itself as a lightweight two in one moisturiser and sunscreen (however we’d always recommend using a stand-alone sunscreen on top of any hybrid products).
The pink-tinted cream won’t leave you with a white cast or pill, all while boosting and brightening skin in the process.
BEST VEGAN SERUMS AND FACE TREATMENTS
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Sephora, $76
Don’t be fooled – this is so much more than just a toner and is loved by makeup artists around the world. This beauty fix-all spray went viral on TikTok earlier this year and it’s loved by celebrities like Blake Lively, Kaia Gerber, Zoe Kravitz and Madison Beer.
The plant-based mist preps skin, sets makeup, all while tightening pores and giving you a beautiful natural glow.
TikTok users say the spray is the “one product I think everyone needs” and a “a face mist that actually does something”.
Personally, I’ve always been sceptical of face mists, but after using this one I’m a believer — it’s incredible to use while layering skincare and sets my makeup perfectly.
Aceology Firming Peptide Hydrogel Mask, THE ICONIC, $69
Not only does this vegan sheet mask for a cute selfie (bonus points if you’ve got a wine in one hand), but it also works hard to refresh and renew skin.
Each pack contains four of the masks, which come in two separate pieces which makes it easy to mould to your face.
The mask contains six different peptides that help to trigger collagen production, leaving you glowing after use — I love using this mask when my skin is looking tired and needs a quick pick-me-up.
Caudalie Vinoperfect – Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, Sephora, $104
This is the number-one selling anti-pigmentation product in French pharmacies since 2008, in a country that takes its skincare very seriously.
The serum contains Caudalie’s patented viniferine which is said to be 62 times more powerful than vitamin C.
Shoppers rave about the vegan serum, describing it as “radiance on tap” and (our personal favourite) “amazeballs”.
Viviology Vitamin C Serum, Adore Beauty, $55
This hardworking serum is another vegan beauty bestseller from Adore Beauty. “Hands down, this is my favourite vitamin C serum under $100,” Amy says.
Not only is it vegan and cruelty free but each bottle is also made with a minimum of 30 per cent plastic.
Ferulic acid, native extracts and algae all make this a product that will help protect against free radical damage, even skin tone and brighten.
Eco Tan Organic Face Water, Adore Beauty, $39.95
Unsurprisingly this fake tan favourite is another vegan bestseller at Adore Beauty. The certified organic and cruelty product gives you a subtle glow, also promising not to clog pores in the process.
Five star reviews say it is “never orange” and “good for sensitive skin”.
Sephora Collection Hydrating Booster Pads, Sephora, $24
Another vegan beauty bestseller, these booster pads cost a fraction of the price of other beauty brands.
The seriously nourishing pads hydrate and smooth the skin leaving you with a beautiful natural glow.
Biologi BL Nourish Lip Serum, Adore Beauty, $24
There’s nothing worse than dry, chapped lips — which is why it’s unsurprising that this lip serum from cult clean beauty brand Biologi is one of Adore Beauty’s most popular vegan products.
Australia red finger lime will reduce redness and calm any lip inflammation, leaving you with soft and supple pout.
BEST VEGAN MAKEUP PRODUCTS
Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation, THE ICONIC, $54
Ere Perez’s Oat Milk Foundation is the brand’s best-selling vegan product thanks to its skin-loving ingredients.
“It’s vegan and made with oat milk, peach and vitamin E which is really incredible for your skin,” Ere told news.com.au.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner, Sephora, $33
This liquid eyeliner is loved by many a beauty devotee and makeup artist and is one of Sephora’s best-selling vegan beauty products.
The award-winning liner gives you great precision, is waterproof and has more than 8,300 five star reviews from Sephora shoppers.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, Sephora, $100
$100 is on the more expensive side for a primer but this best-selling vegan product from Sephora gets rave reviews.
With ingredients like hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, blue agave extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and sweet cherry this primer will give you a smooth “glassy” finish that’s perfect for makeup application.
McoBeauty Ultrastay Flawless Foundation, MCoBeauty, $28
Not only is this foundation affordable but it’s also vegan like all of MCoBeauty and ModelCo’s products.
This bestseller is a buildable foundation that gives full coverage and a matte finish that will be long-lasing without caking.
Skin-loving ingredients include camomile, calendula flower extract, pomegranate fruit extract and ginseng root extract.
Nudestix Vegan Splashproof Mascara, Sephora, $43
This best-selling vegan mascara has got serious staying power and is waterproof. With beautiful ingredients like argan oil, rice bran wax, bamboo extract and mango seed oil, this mascara will add length and volumise all while not clumping or smudging.
Ere Perez carrot colour pot, Ere Perez, $40
This hardworking product can be used on multiple parts of the face, making it serious value for money.
“Our Carrot Colour Pots are another vegan product that our customers love,” says Ere. “These are a cream blush for your cheeks and lips and are a blend of carrot, avocado and castor oil, carrot is a natural pigment.”
Available in six shades, customers write in reviews that the pots come in “beautiful” colours that “lasts all day”.
Huda Beauty Glowish Cheeky Vegan Blush Powder, Sephora, $32
Another vegan bestseller at Sephora, this beautiful pressed powder blush from Huda Beauty is designed to give a natural velvety finish.
Available in four different shades, it has skin-nourishing ingredients like damascus rose oil, red bell pepper extract, plant-derived squalene, shea butter and vitamin E that won’t dry your skin out.
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer, Sephora, $44
This easily blendable concealer is another popular vegan product at Sephora. This concealer will give you full coverage while also doubling as a highlighter to help smooth and brighten skin.
“This concealer is by far my favourite. It’s super creamy and full coverage, but doesn’t feel heavy. Little bit goes a long way, so product lasts ages as well!” one five star review from a shopper reads.
KVD Beauty Go Big Or Go Home Mascara, THE ICONIC, $36
Another cult favourite from KVD Beauty this mascara uses plant-based fats to create extreme lash volume.
Using a custom-made fluff brush that’s designed to catch and coat lashes easily, this mascara will deliver a gorgeous full lash look.
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Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream, Adore Beauty, $79
This beautiful BB cream not only gives you full coverage but it’s also one of Adore Beauty’s vegan bestsellers made from cruelty-free ingredients.
The non-comedogenic formula is dermatologist-tested and designed to brighten your complexion all while diminishing the look of fine lines and pores.
BEST VEGAN HAIR PRODUCTS
Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil, Adore Beauty, $54
This popular styling oil is a best-selling vegan product at Adore Beauty. Not only does it repair and restore hair, but it also smooths frizz and flyaways, all while protecting hair against extreme heat.
It also gives your hair a gorgeous glossy finish, with five star reviews saying it “smells amazing” and also “does wonders” for dyed hair.
Coco & Eve Sweet Repair Mask, Oz Hair & Beauty, $51.90
This hair mask only launched back in June but it’s already gotten a devoted following thanks to TikTok. This intensely-nourishing mask contains biomimetic ceramides, vegan keratin complex and hyaluronic acid to strengthen hair while reducing damage.
“Love this mask! Texture is a dream. I found it so nourishing my hair felt amazing after,” one five star review reads.
ELEVEN Australia Hydrate My Hair Moisture Conditioner, Adore Beauty, $26.95
This best-selling vegan conditioner is also highly recommended by shoppers who said it is great value for money.
Containing essential fatty acids, this conditioner coats and protects hair to minimise breakage and nourish brittle tresses.
KEVIN. MURPHY Plumping Wash, Adore Beauty, $47.95
Designed to add volume to fine hair, this gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is designed to support healthy growth.
Ingredients include ginger root and nettle, aloe vera leaf, rice bran, amino acids, bamboo extract, silk amino acids and acai berry extract.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BEAUTY PRODUCT IS VEGAN?
Ere says that many beauty product labelling can be “confusing and difficult to understand”, especially with the rise in popularity of clean or cruelty free products.
“Look for beauty products that say ‘suitable for vegans’ or have the certified vegan logo on the product packaging,” she said.
Adore Beauty will always have vegan beauty products clearly marked in the product description, however, Amy recommends also being aware of popular beauty ingredients that are derived from animals.
“Although a lot of brands use synthetic, vegan versions of key ingredients nowadays, some ingredients you might not know can be animal-based include: hyaluronic acid, squalene, collagen, keratin, stearic acid, lanolin, beeswax, honey, milk protein (and) bee pollen,” Amy says.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VEGAN AND NON-VEGAN BEAUTY PRODUCT?
“A lot of perfuming ingredients are not vegan so you might find that vegan products have a more natural smell instead of something artificially perfumed,” says Ere.
“Consistency wise textures may be different as in many vegan cosmetics they remove preservatives and additives that may help maintain structure.
“Sometimes products may separate but you can easily shake them back together — consistency is rarely an indication of quality. Vegan cosmetics perform just as well as non vegan.”
More Coverage
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