The world of skincare has been undergoing a quiet revolution. Increasingly, individuals are looking beyond glossy packaging and trendy ingredients, asking deeper questions about where their products come from and how they’re made. For many, this journey leads to vegan skincare—an approach rooted in nature, ethics, and clean beauty principles.
But what exactly makes skincare "vegan"? Is it better for your skin? And how do you navigate the growing world of plant-based skincare options? In this guide, we break it all down so you can make informed, confident choices for your skin, your wellbeing, and the planet.
Understanding Vegan Skincare: More Than Just a Trend
At its core, vegan skincare means products containing no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. While conventional skincare often uses animal-based substances like beeswax, lanolin, collagen, keratin, or carmine, vegan formulations rely on botanical, mineral, or laboratory-created alternatives that achieve similar results, without the ethical concerns.
It’s important to clarify that “vegan” doesn’t automatically mean “cruelty-free.” A product may not contain animal ingredients, but could still be tested on animals. At Ae Botanicals Skincare, our approach ensures products are vegan and cruelty-free because true ethical skincare must protect animals at every stage.
Why More People Are Choosing Vegan Skincare
Vegan skincare offers a number of unique benefits that go beyond simply avoiding animal ingredients:
-
Kind to Sensitive Skin: Plant-powered ingredients are often gentler, with naturally soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant properties.
-
Ethically Conscious: Vegan skincare eliminates animal exploitation from both ingredients and testing.
-
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Many vegan formulations focus on environmentally friendly harvesting, sustainable farming, and responsible manufacturing.
-
Clear Transparency: Vegan skincare brands, like Ae Botanicals Skincare, often disclose full ingredient lists, allowing customers to better understand what they're applying to their skin.
How to Build a Simple Vegan Skincare Routine
Creating your plant-based skincare ritual doesn’t need to feel complicated. Start with these five simple, effective steps:
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleanse Kanohi Horoi Gentle Cleanser — View Our Cleanser
A daily gentle cleanser that purifies without stripping moisture. This formula uses native New Zealand botanicals to balance the skin while cleansing away impurities.
Step 2: Hydrate & Prepare
Dawn Glow Day Serum — View Our Serum
This light, fast-absorbing serum blends Vitamin C, B5, squalane, and mamaku to brighten, nourish, and prepare your skin for moisture and protection throughout the day.
Step 3: Moisturise
Universal Moisturiser Whakamākuku — View Our Moisturiser
A multi-purpose moisturiser formulated with native clays, plant actives, and nourishing oils. Hydrates deeply while protecting the skin barrier.
Step 4: Treat (Nighttime)
Golden Glimmer Night Serum — View Our Serum
This luxurious nighttime serum combines rosehip, camellia, kawakawa, CoQ10, frankincense, and reishi to deeply restore and repair while you sleep.
Step 5: Protect
Complete your morning routine with a vegan, reef-safe mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Ingredients to Avoid in Vegan Skincare (with references)
Even in vegan skincare, label reading matters. Some ingredients, while technically vegan, may still irritate sensitive skin or pose potential health concerns:
-
Sulphates (SLS/SLES): Can strip natural oils.
-
Synthetic Fragrances: Associated with allergies and sensitivities. EWG
-
Mineral Oil & Petrolatum: May clog pores.
-
Phthalates: Potential endocrine disruptors. NIH
Natural Vegan Ingredients to Look For
- Native New Zealand Plant Extracts (featured in Ae Botanicals Skincare)
- Kawakawa — Known for its anti-inflammatory, healing properties.
- Kumerahou — A natural foaming cleanser derived from native bush. NZPCN
- Mamaku (Black Fern) — Promotes hydration and cellular renewal.
- Fucoidan (Brown Seaweed Extract) — Offers antioxidant and skin-protective benefits. PubMed
- Halloysite & Glacial Clay — Gently detoxifies while replenishing minerals.
Powerful Vegan Actives & Oils
- Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Camellia Oil, Macadamia Oil, Avocado Oil.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane (plant-based), CoQ10.
Vegan Skincare for Different Skin Concerns (with references)
- Acne-Prone & Blemish-Prone Skin
- Kawakawa Extract — deeply calming and anti-inflammatory. 5
- Kumerahou — natural foaming cleanser to gently purify. NZPCN
- Macadamia Oil — lightweight hydration that helps regulate oil.
Dry & Dehydrated Skin
- Avocado Oil — nourishes and repairs the skin barrier.
- Shea Butter — deeply moisturizing for dryness.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HLA High & Low) — multi-layer hydration. NIH
- Squalane (plant-derived) — moisture retention.
Sensitive & Irritated Skin
- Mamaku (Black Fern) — renews and hydrates.
- Jojoba Oil — balances and reduces sensitivity. PubMed
- Camellia Oil — calms delicate skin. PubMed
- Rosehip Oil — regenerates and calms irritation.
Anti-Aging & Skin Vitality
- CoQ10 — supports collagen and defends from stress. NIH
- Rosehip Oil — improves elasticity and reduces lines.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside) — brightens and supports collagen. NIH
- Reishi Mushroom Extract — adaptogenic antioxidant support. PubMed
Final Thoughts
At Āe Botanicals Skincare, we believe skincare isn’t simply about appearance—it’s an opportunity to nourish your skin, honor the land, and protect all living beings. Our carefully formulated vegan skincare range celebrates New Zealand’s rich native plants while delivering results you can see and feel.
Explore our full skincare collection here: Ae Botanicals Skincare Range