Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Skincare

There are countless facets into the realm of beauty, an oversaturation of information and claims, which can overwhelm a consumer, unless defined well. “Vegan” and “cruelty-free” are terms plastered on your products, which may seem intimidating at first, but it’s a fairly simple concept with a huge impact on your personal lifestyle, and in the long run, the well-being of the world you inhabit. Should you consider a vegan approach when it comes to choosing your products—and maybe even make the switch to veganism? Here are some points to keep in mind. 

Veganism aims to eliminate all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty, to animals for food, clothing, and other purposes. This also applies to your beloved makeup and skincare products. A vegan lifestyle is not just about the increasingly popular vegan diet, which actually promotes weight loss and offers protection against diseases like diabetes and cancer. More people are motivated to convert to veganism because it’s ethical; case in point, the compassion factor towards animals. It’s also just better for the environment, as it reduces energy consumption, conserves water, and it preserves wildlife. 

In addition, you may also want to look out for the cruelty-free label, which basically means that no animals are harmed in obtaining ingredients and material for your products. No animals should suffer for your products! In Korea alone, they’ve completely committed to a ban on animal testing for cosmetics, which makes it easier to choose from their seemingly endless selection of brands. Now, how do you start incorporating a vegan and cruelty-free approach to your personal routine? 

Let’s zero in on your skincare routine first. Something as simple as choosing ethical products by steering clear of animal-derived ingredients, which are byproducts from animals, is the best solution. Aside from the obvious beeswax, did you know that superstar ingredients like squalene (obtained from sharks) and collagen (from pigs and marine species) are taken from animals? This may be worrying to some, especially when these ingredients work well for many skin types, but don’t fret! Natural, plant-based alternatives are available in the market abundantly. There are plenty of natural ingredients derived from plants that you may already be incorporating to your routine like green tea, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid—just make sure it’s specifically sourced from plants! These are of high quality and promote an overall healthier complexion. 

In the Meekah community, we believe that skincare is immensely personal. That is why we’ve made it possible to choose from our vast line-up of vegan products. Pro-tip: Easily spot a vegan product by checking for a leaf icon!

We’ve curated a number of vegan brands in our collection, and one we’re particularly excited about is The Vegan Glow. Inspired by nature and enhanced by science, The Vegan Glow inspires consumers to adopt a simplistic yet effective approach to skincare. Their thrust in clean beauty assures the consumer that their gentle, skin-loving ingredients are derived from plants.

We had the opportunity to chat with The Vegan Glow’s founder, Hyojung Kim, about her purpose for creating an innovative beauty brand, which advocates for a vegan and cruelty-free approach, and her personal take on beauty. She shares, “I chose to make my products vegan because I felt that the way animals are treated at this era [is] not right. And I just wanted to bring some awareness, especially in Asian countries. Veganism is growing, however when I launched the brand, not so many people knew about it. And I’m glad we have contributed to this movement.”

Growing up as a young woman in South Korea, she actually experienced a lot of pressure to look beautiful with such limiting labels. Throughout the years, she’s learned that true beauty comes from your relationship with yourself. This has pushed her to create skin-loving products, which make you feel good about yourself. She explains, “I wanted to curate this brand because I wanted to share my experience where everybody is beautiful as they are—as long as they accept themselves. Skincare, to me, [is] some sort of first step in how I love myself.”

Now, an extensive and elaborate routine may appeal to many, but sometimes, sticking to the basics works best. Ahead, get to know The Vegan Glow’s hardworking products, strictly formulated with green safety levels by the Environmental Working Group, suitable for any skin type. 

1. Mild Foam Cleanser

The Vegan Glow Mild Foam Cleanser is a mild facial cleanser with a gel-like consistency formulated with a pH level of 5.5, which makes it a safe option for day to day. There’s no fragrance, which makes it a suitable cleanser for all skin types. Use it at the beginning of the day for a clean and fresh feeling. And use it after a long day to easily rinse away natural oils and grime with coconut-derived surfactants, which gently cleanse skin without irritating its moisture barrier. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water! 

2. Good Morning Cream

After cleansing and applying the rest of your products, seal the layers with The Vegan Glow Good Morning Cream, a lightweight and non-sticky day cream enriched with cocoa butter and panthenol, which protects the skin against moisture loss throughout the day. It quickly absorbs into skin and leaves a smooth finish for hydration you can actually feel. The cream is  also designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and other possible dangers from environmental factors, which makes it suitable even for those with sensitive skin. Now, don’t forget to apply an ample amount of sunscreen after!

3. Good Night Cream

End your day with The Vegan Glow Good Night Cream with anti-aging properties enriched with vitamin E (tocopherol) and adenosine, which improves skin elasticity. Superstar ingredient, vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, also helps protect your skin from free radicals like pollution and UV light. It’s also formulated with the buzz-worthy ingredient Madecassoside, derived from the Centella Asiatica plant, which soothes irritated skin and heals damaged skin. 

Now, both available creams have an herbal scent, which may be something to consider, especially for those with overly sensitive skin. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test on your hand or neck, to look out for any allergic reactions. Packaging wise, these products come in a convenient airless bottle made with recycled paper, which ensures a hygienic application for everyday use. 

Choosing your products need not be a chore. It should make you feel good and, ultimately, be in line with your lifestyle and values. Here at Meekah, we respect that approach and have made it possible for consumers to educate themselves and make different options available. For a more purposeful, well-thought-out routine that is both good for the skin and the earth, are you ready to make the switch?