Vegan versus clean skincare – What’s the difference?

In a world where conscious consumerism is on the rise, it is no surprise that the beauty industry has seen a surge in demand for skincare products that align with ethical and health-conscious values.

Among the terms buzzing in the beauty realm, ‘vegan’ and ‘clean skincare’ have gained significant attention. But what is the difference between these two popular categories, and how can they influence your skincare routine?

Understanding vegan skincare

At its core, it is about the absence of animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

This means that vegan skincare products do not contain components like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen, commonly found in traditional skincare formulations.

For ethical reasons, vegan skincare avoids cruelty to animals and appeals to those who prefer a plant-based, eco-friendly approach.

ALSO READ: Three underrated skin care products for your beauty regime

The clean skincare philosophy

Clean skincare places its focus on safety and transparency. They formulate a clean skincare product to minimise exposure to potentially harmful or questionable ingredients.

This category emphasises excluding ingredients such as parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances.

Clean skincare strives to offer products that are gentle on the skin and free from toxins, catering to individuals who are conscious of their health and the environment.

Spotting the differences

While vegan skincare emphasises the exclusion of animal-derived ingredients, clean skincare prioritises the exclusion of harmful chemicals.

Note that these two categories can overlap. Some vegan skincare products are also clean, as they avoid both animal-derived components and toxic substances. However, not all clean skincare products are necessarily vegan.

Choosing what is right for you

The choice between vegan and clean skincare ultimately depends on your personal values, skin type, and specific concerns.

Vegan skincare may be ideal for those who prioritise animal welfare, while clean skincare appeals to those seeking a gentler and potentially safer approach to their skincare routines.

Regardless of your choice, it is essential to read product labels carefully, as the terminology in the beauty industry can sometimes be vague or misleading.

Benefits of vegan and clean skincare

• Ethical and environmentally conscious choices: Vegan skincare supports animal rights and sustainable practices, while clean skincare reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

• Suitable for sensitive skin: Both vegan and clean skincare often use milder ingredients, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.

• Transparency: These categories often emphasise transparency in ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes, giving you peace of mind.

In conclusion, the distinction between vegan and clean skincare lies in their respective priorities. While vegan skincare focuses on excluding animal-derived ingredients, clean skincare emphasises the removal of harmful chemicals.

Your choice should align with your values and skin needs. Both categories offer the advantage of promoting ethical and transparent beauty, ensuring a positive impact on your skin and the planet.

Make an informed choice for your skincare routine and embrace the philosophy that best resonates with your values. Whether you opt for vegan, clean, or a combination of both, remember that a well-informed choice is the key to glowing, healthy skin.

Article: Nicole Sherwin, founder Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare, www.ecodiva.co.za

About the author

Nicole Sherwin is a serial ecopreneur with a mission to inspire more change for good. She is the founder and director of Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare and a partner at the Danish furniture brand SOFACOMPANY. She is laser-focused on bringing about more consciousness around health and safety in cosmetics, personal care products, care for the environment, care for animal welfare and self-care, something most of us put off as a nice-to-have.

In 2011, with a lifetime of holistic health experience and wellness knowledge, garnered from her father, Dr Philip Sherwin, Nicole revived her health after a life-threatening heavy-metal poisoning episode (lead and mercury found in her cosmetics and personal care products) and healed her own skin from adult acne, pigmentation and rosacea.

They invited Nicole to join the team on SABC3’s Expresso Show every Thursday morning as their plant-based cosmetic chef.

For two years, she created over 85 natural personal care, skin care and cleaning products and launched Eco Diva Natural – Superfood Skincare. Eco Diva Natural offers biology smart, functional skincare, gut balance nutricosmetics and superfood make-up products that focus on holistic beauty, wellness and sustainability.

ALSO READ: The beauty of ageing -Busting menopausal skincare myths