Vegan skincare – plant-based without excuses

The skincare industry has a long and troubled history with animal-derived ingredients. Lanolin from sheep wool, beeswax, carmine from crushed beetles, collagen from fish, squalene from shark liver – the list is long and often hidden behind chemical names on ingredient lists. Many consumers don't even know the products they use daily contain animal derivatives.

Beyond ingredients, there's the question of animal testing. Despite growing awareness, many companies still test their products or raw materials on animals, sometimes indirectly through third-party laboratories or in countries where it's required by law. Transparency in the industry is alarmingly low.

This isn't just about ethics; it's also about results. Synthetic squalane works identically to shark-derived versions. Plant-based alternatives to lanolin and beeswax perform equally well or better. Animal ingredients remain in skincare out of tradition and cost – not superiority. It's time to question why we still accept this.