The Difference Between Natural, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free Skincare

September 14, 2022

The evolution of healthy and conscious skincare has introduced various new terms, which can confuse any skincare enthusiasts. To meet the increasing demand for safe and chemical-free skincare products, manufacturers have stepped up their game and delivered a vast range of conscious products that fall within several categories.

However, there are also cases of manufacturers taking advantage of this progression simply by confusing end-users with fancy labels.

That is why it is becoming challenging for conscious end-users like yourself to choose skincare products that meet your specific requirements.

"Are all conscious skincare products natural?", "Do natural products fall under the vegan category?", "Does cruelty-free also means vegan?" - these are probably among some of the questions that run through your head when you stroll through the skincare aisle. We've got the answers you're looking for, so read on.

 

Natural, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free: Differences Explained

Conscious beauty and skincare products are on the rise! However, you must learn the difference between the various categories of clean skincare products to purchase the right kind to serve your exact conditions.

Here, we have decoded each of the terms to help you understand them better and steer clear of any confusion that arises due to fancy labels.

 

Natural Skincare

The problem with this term is that it is too vague. However, in general, when a skincare product is labelled 'natural', it means that the product does not contain any synthetic chemicals that can cause health problems. Natural skincare products are usually made of animal and plant-derived ingredients, free of fragrances, preservatives (such asparabens), and dyes.

However, this does not mean that a natural skincare product must be safer or healthier for your skin.

Natural products often contain essential oil, these products may likely trigger a reaction on your skin. This is why you must ensure the product does not have elements that your skin is allergic to, even though it is labelled 'natural'.

Which is why if you have sensitive skin and are looking for natural skincare products, look for one with a hypoallergenic label as it is less likely to trigger an allergy.

Key Ingredients In Natural Skincare Product

Like any clean product, natural skincare products offer excellent benefits to your skin when used correctly. To reap the optimum advantages of a natural product, you must ensure it contains ingredients that act in your skin's best interest.

Here are some key ingredients to look for in natural skincare products (provided you're not allergic to any of these):

• Beta carotene – protects your skin against damage caused by the sun
• Soy – brightens dull skin
• Vitamin C – fights ageing symptoms like wrinkles, sagging skin and fine lines
• Liquorice extract – aids in treating rosacea and skin redness
• Green tea extract – has strong anti-inflammatory properties
• Willow herb – contains anti-bacterial properties
• Oats – soothes skin irritation

 

Vegan Skincare Products

Vegan skincare products typically do not contain animal-derived ingredients. They are mostly made of ethically sourced plant-based substances and may include synthetically produced elements. The most common ingredients in a vegan skincare product include lavender, aloe vera, mint, ginger, and even garlic, which have been used for healing and cosmetic purposes for centuries.

One of the reasons vegan skincare products are mostly preferred is that although fewer ingredients are used to produce them, these products contain more minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants than non-vegan products. Not only does this reduce the chances of the product irritating your skin, but it also makes it a lot easier for you to understand the ingredients and be sure of what you're applying to your skin.

However, some sensitive skins are also prone to allergies caused by plant-derived ingredients, so do a patch test before applying any new vegan skincare products.

P. s. If you're looking for vegan skincare products in Malaysia, visit allyoung. From vegan face cleanser to vegan mist and lotion, we offer a wide range of vegan skincare products you can consider adding to your skincare routine.

 

Cruelty-Free Skincare Products

The skincare products that fall under this category are made of ingredients that are not tested on animals. However, the terms 'cruelty-free' and 'not tested on animals' are not regulated. This significantly raises the risk of consumers being misguided by product manufacturers.

Here are some of the ways product manufacturers mislead ethical consumers:

Claiming their products are not tested on animals – this may be true about their finished products, but they may rely on suppliers for individual ingredients. These ingredients may have been tested on animals, which makes their product not cruelty-free.

Labelling their products with unverified cruelty-free logos – unless a product contains a logo from registered organisations like PETA or the Leaping Bunny, you can never be sure that the claims the company make about their products being cruelty-free is legitimate.

 

Skincare brands certified to be cruelty-free by registered organisations like PETA and the Leaping Bunny undergo strict vetting and evaluation processes. This is why the logos carry significant value and assure consumers that the brands are trustworthy.

Vegan vs Cruelty-Free

The most common misconception is that vegan products are also cruelty-free. You must remember that for a product to be cruelty-free, it can only contain ingredients not tested on animals, but it may have ingredients derived from animals. On the other hand, vegan products are made of plant-sourced ingredients, but these ingredients can still be tested on animals.

 

How to choose the right skincare products for you

Maintaining healthy skin is no walk in the park. Plus, all these newly added buzzwords make the task even more challenging. Here are some tips for you to find the right skincare products:

• Identify your skin type. Not all skin types can tolerate any skincare ingredients.
• Educate yourself. Skincare is not just about purchasing the right products. It is also about investing time to learn about the various skincare ingredients that offer magical benefits to your skin. Choose the product with the correct elements according to your skin's needs.
• Don't hurry to follow a new trend. The beauty industry is constantly evolving. However, you have to be cautious as some products may be detrimental to your health in the long run. Take time to do your due diligence before jumping on the bandwagon.
• ALWAYS read the labels. Never miss this extremely crucial step in finding suitable skincare products for you. Product manufacturers tend to mislead the consumers by using fancy words to conceal the actual ingredients used in their products. So, take your time, and read each word on the product's container. If you encounter an unfamiliar term, feel free to use the all-time weapon – GOOGLE!
• Look for the expiry date. Never overlook this particular information.
• Do a patch test. This is especially if you're trying a new skincare product.

 

Are you seeking sustainable skincare products? Find out more at allyoung!

If you're looking for conscious and sustainable skincare products, check out our promising collection of skincare products at allyoung. From natural to vegan, cruelty-free, and even organic skincare products that are less detrimental to the environment but highly beneficial for your skin - we've got you covered.

At allyoung, we are committed to providing all our customers with quality skincare and body care products. Here, you get to experience an enjoyable shopping experience and receive lifestyle tips and information that holistically complement your health and beauty journey.

Don't miss out on the best deals – visit allyoung today and shop for conscious beauty care products at the best rates!

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