by ZUKI NGAI

Why should I choose vegan skincare?

 

Not only is a vegan lifestyle choice more ethical, but it can help and support your skin’s health in a plethora ways, including anti-blemish, antioxidant and PH-balancing benefits – just to name a few. However, veganism does not have to stop at dietary choices – it can be carried into your skincare routine too!

 

Vegan skincare consists of products that do not contain any animal by-products or ingredients. It’s important to bear in mind that depending on the ingredient, the products we put on our skin are absorbed through our skin into our bloodstreams. Therefore, an effective lifestyle change is not just about what you ingest orally – what you out on the surface of your body also matters!

 

What are vegan skincare products and how to identify them?

For skincare to be classed as vegan, it must not contain any animal-derived ingredients, such as honey or collagen, and must not be tested on animals. But how do you know?

 

An easy way to identify a vegan brand is to look for the leaping bunny symbol. This symbol is a clear indicator that the products are certified by PETA or another animal-friendly organisation, meaning that they are completely free of animal cruelty or any animal-derived ingredients.

 

Another symbol to look out for is the sunflower vegan symbol, which will usually be prominent on the product packaging. This means that The Vegan Society has approved of the product and certifies that the ingredients used are plant-based and suitable for vegans.

 

Non-vegan ingredients to avoid

It’s time to put your products under a microscope.

In a long list of product contents, it’s extremely easy to get confused and lost. Knowing which ingredients to avoid will make your search for the right beauty product so much easier! Here is a list of common animal-derived ingredients to look out for when purchasing any beauty product:

• Honey
• Beeswax
• Collagen
• Animal-derived Glycerin
• Carmine
• Lanolin
• Gelatine
• Keratin

 

Other vegan considerations to make

 

In order to keep your skin and nails healthy you shouldn’t over look Omega-3&6. Some benefits of Omega-3&6 for the skin and hair include protection against sun damage, reduction of inflammatory conditions such as acne, fighting dry, red and itchy skin and promotes hair strength and growth. Other key ingredients to consider in your skincare Veganuary include: Hyaluronic acid for hydration and Vitamin C for brightening.

 

You can ensure your body has access to these nutrients and vitamins through a variety of ways, whether it’s from skincare products that contain these as ingredients, taking dietary supplements or through foods in your diet. 

 

Top 3 Kokoa vegan skincare picks

Here is our pick, ranging from bestsellers to essentials:

 

1. Kokoa’s Raw, Authentic, Organic, Traditional African Black Soap

African Black Soap is most famously known for its qualities to improve uneven skin tone, razor bumps, and quality of skin; it is also widely used for skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, as well as general skin care.

 

Our African Black Soap comprises of 4 wonderfully natural ingredients:

• Roasted Cocoa Pod Ash
• Shea Butter
• Sunflower Oil
• Water

 

Read more about this product here.

 

2. Kokoa’s Organic Coffee, Wild Raspberry & Brown Sugar Facial Exfoliator    

Exfoliation helps with removing dry/dead skin cells on the surface of the skin as well as increasing blood circulation, which ultimately helps you to achieve healthier and glowing skin.

Our coffee & brown sugar facial exfoliator comprises of 6 fabulous natural ingredients:

• Coffee Grounds
• Brown Sugar
• Organic Wild Raspberries
• Organic Safflower Oil
• Lemon Essential Oil
• Willow Bark Extract

 

              Read more about this product here.

 

3. Kokoa’s Organic Rosewater & Glycerin Toner

Toner can help clean the skin, hydrate the skin, balance your skin’s PH, and ultimately allow your skincare products to absorb better.

• The ingredient Glycerin is a plant-derived humectant, which allows the skin to retain moisture significantly
• The ingredient Rosewater has mild antibacterial, astringent and antioxidant properties that help to cleanse, tighten, strengthen and regenerate skin tissue

 

Read more about this product here.

 

Conclusion

• Vegan skincare consists of products that do not contain any animal by-products or ingredients
• Identify vegan skincare through the PETA leaping bunny symbol and the Vegan Society sunflower vegan symbol.
• Common non-vegan skincare ingredients: Honey, Beeswax, Collagen, Animal-derived Glycerin, Carmine, Lanolin, Gelatine and Keratin

 

To delve deeper into an array of other vegan skincare product recommendations, ranging from TikTok to beauty influencer Hyram approved skincare products, read our ‘Best winter skincare routine, tips and must buy products for 2021’ blog post.

 

Like what you’ve read? Perhaps you’re a natural/vegan beauty lover? Check out our amazing product range!

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