As Veganuary 2025 unfolds, its impact has grown far beyond plant-based meals. It is now encompassing the beauty industry in a remarkable way. Launched in 2014 as a challenge to encourage people to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the month of January, Veganuary has since evolved into a global phenomenon. Initially focused on promoting dietary changes, the initiative quickly gained traction as a platform for exploring ethical living. It has been inspiring industries like fashion and beauty to embrace cruelty-free and sustainable practices.
This year, the movement’s expansion into beauty has sparked a surge in vegan skincare that aligns seamlessly with the principles of ethical living and sustainability. This evolution reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities. People increasingly seek products that are not only kind to animals but also environmentally conscious. The rise of vegan beauty signifies a transformative moment for the industry. It provides conscious consumers with an opportunity to merge their values with their self-care routines. As a concept, vegan beauty has become a powerful force, championing compassion, innovation, and a sustainable future for all. It has also grown into a very sizeable industry.
Vegan beauty products are those free from animal-derived ingredients. Such as beeswax, lanolin, or carmine, which is often used in red pigments. These products also align with cruelty-free principles, meaning no animal testing is involved in their development. However, it’s important to note that “vegan” and “cruelty-free” are distinct terms. A product can be cruelty-free without being vegan and vice versa.
To identify authentic vegan beauty products, certifications like The Vegan Society, PETA’s cruelty-free logo, or Leaping Bunny are valuable. These certifications provide reassurance that products meet strict ethical and ingredient standards, ensuring alignment with a vegan lifestyle. Reading ingredient lists carefully is another critical step for consumers. This is because some animal-derived ingredients may not be immediately recognisable.
| Organisation | Logo/Symbol | Key Features/Standards | Geographical Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Vegan Society | Sunflower logo | Most recognised. Strict standards prohibiting animal ingredients & testing. | International |
| Vegan Action | “Certified Vegan” logo | Well-known and widely respected certification. Clearly defined standards for vegan products. | Primarily North America, but recognised internationally |
| Certified Vegan Logo (Vegan Awareness Foundation) | “Certified Vegan” logo (different from Vegan Action) | Another widely recognised certification mark with clear vegan standards. | International |
| V-Label (European Vegetarian Union) | V-Label logo | Offers certifications for both vegan and vegetarian products. | Primarily Europe, but growing globally |
| Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) | Leaping bunny-like logo | Focuses specifically on cruelty-free status (no animal testing). Not exclusively vegan. | Australia, but recognised internationally |
Opting for vegan beauty offers a host of advantages. From a health perspective, vegan products tend to rely on plant-based ingredients, which are often gentler on sensitive skin and free from synthetic chemicals and irritants. Ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera and plant oils nourish the skin naturally, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling. By avoiding animal-derived ingredients, vegan beauty products often have a lower carbon footprint. They are also less resource-intensive to produce. Ethical considerations also drive the appeal of vegan beauty. Consumers increasingly seek products that prioritise animal welfare and sustainable practices. After all, it has been a long time coming.
2025 Vegan Beauty Trends
This Veganuary, several trends are dominating the vegan beauty scene. Innovative ingredients like edelweiss flower, known for its antioxidant properties and bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, are gaining traction. Natural hyaluronic acid, derived from plant sources, is also making waves for its hydration benefits.
Another significant trend is the rise of multifunctional products, such as tinted moisturisers with SPF or all-in-one balms, which support sustainable beauty by reducing the need for multiple items. Fragrance-free or naturally fragranced formulations are also in demand, catering to those with sensitivities while aligning with the clean beauty movement.
Leading the charge in vegan beauty are brands like The Body Shop, which champions ethical sourcing and cruelty-free practices. Milk Makeup has become a go-to for vegan cosmetics, offering high-performing products with minimalist designs. KVD Beauty sets itself apart with bold, innovative formulations, while e.l.f. Cosmetics remains a favourite for its affordability and accessibility. Pai Skincare and Fushi focus on organic, plant-based skincare solutions, further expanding options for consumers seeking vegan alternatives.
These brands are not only thriving during Veganuary but also influencing the broader beauty industry by proving that vegan products can deliver exceptional results without compromising on ethics or sustainability.
Top Vegan Beauty Brands
| Brand Name | Product Focus | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Body Shop | Skincare, Makeup, Body Care | First global beauty brand to be 100% vegan certified. |
| Milk Makeup | Makeup, Skincare | Known for multifunctional and unique, high-tech formulas. |
| KVD Beauty | Makeup | Bold, high-performance vegan makeup with a cruelty-free commitment. |
| e.l.f. Cosmetics | Makeup | Affordable, professional quality, cruelty-free and vegan. |
| Herbivore Botanicals | Skincare | Uses natural, plant-based ingredients; focuses on clean beauty. |
| Pacifica Beauty | Skincare, Makeup, Body Care | Affordable, clean, with eco-friendly packaging. |
| Cover FX | Makeup | High-performance, skin-friendly vegan makeup. |
| Rare Beauty | Makeup | Promotes self-expression with inclusive, high-quality products. |
| Thrive Causemetics | Makeup | Vegan, cruelty-free with a donation model for every product sold. |
| Live Tinted | Makeup, Skincare | Focuses on inclusivity, with carmine-free pigments and skincare. |
| Glamlite Cosmetics | Makeup | Known for innovative, highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes. |
| Axiology Beauty | Makeup, Skincare | Luxury with clean, organic ingredients; eco-conscious packaging. |
| Sephirine Botanicals | Makeup | Celebrates botanical beauty with a range of vibrant shades. |
| OSEA Malibu | Skincare, Body Care | Sustainable, natural, with Climate Neutral Certification. |
| Krave Beauty | Skincare | Committed to sustainability, with recyclable packaging. |
| Iota | Personal Care | Plant-based, focusing on natural wellness. |
| Elm Organics Norway | Skincare, Hair Care, Hygiene | Vegan, cruelty-free with a focus on organic ingredients. |
| Necessaire | Body, Hand, Hair Care | B Corp, Climate Neutral, and Plastic Neutral certified. |
| Cocokind | Skincare | Emphasizes transparency with Sustainability Facts on products. |
Building a vegan beauty routine starts with basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. From there, incorporating treatments like serums or masks and adding vegan makeup can complete the transition. Consistency and research are key to finding products that suit your skin type and align with your values.
The rise of vegan beauty shows no signs of slowing down post-Veganuary. As consumer demand continues to shape industry practices, brands are likely to invest more in innovative formulations and sustainable packaging. Biotechnology, such as lab-grown ingredients, could revolutionise vegan beauty by replicating the benefits of traditional animal-derived components without any ethical concerns.
With increasing awareness and accessibility, vegan beauty is poised to become a mainstay in the skincare and cosmetic industry. This movement reflects a broader cultural shift towards conscious consumption, where ethics and efficacy coexist harmoniously.
Looking Ahead
Embracing vegan beauty is more than a trend. It’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a commitment to sustainability, health and compassion. Whether you’re exploring this path for Veganuary or considering a longer-term switch, the options have never been more varied or effective. The vegan beauty industry is thriving, with the UK market alone valued at an impressive £800 million and growing annually.
On a global scale, the vegan cosmetics market is projected to reach a staggering $21.4 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6%. By choosing vegan products, you not only support this rapidly expanding sector but also contribute to a kinder, greener future while enjoying the benefits of high-quality, ethically crafted skincare and cosmetics.
