There are so many hair, beauty and nail products claiming to be vegan that it can feel impossible to find the time to truly understand what makes them different. That’s why we’re going to run through some of the key ingredients that you should be looking out for on the labels of your favourite brands. The vegan alternatives to some of the most popular regular ingredients still offer amazing results, so we’ll show you what makes them worth the switch and also let you in on our favourite products that will give your routine a refresh.
Vegan Cosmetic Ingredients Explained
Active ingredients in vegan haircare
Argan oil
Found in the Moroccan deserts, argan oil is renowned for its moisturising properties and features antioxidants that leave your hair feeling silky smooth with a natural shine and lustre. Try Maria Nila's True Soft Argan Oil.
Pea protein
Pea protein is a vegan protein milk rich in amino acids that protects your hair against everyday damage and breakage. It stimulates growth and helps retain moisture, leaving your hair soft to the touch.
Soy protein
Soy protein is a remarkable conditioning agent that strengthens hair from within, maintaining its moisture while reducing dandruff and improving texture. Try Osmos's Scalp Therapy Detoxify Shampoo.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the ideal vegan option to strengthen your hair. This natural ingredient is rich in proteins and penetrates the root to help prevent dryness and split ends. Try Revlon's UniqOne All In One Coconut Hair Treatment.
Active ingredients in vegan nail care
Mica
Mica is a natural mineral that creates a beautiful shimmer effect in nail polishes, capable of adding colour without clumping or streaking.
Almond oil
Almond oil includes fatty acids and essential antioxidants that naturally restore and protect nails and cuticles against cracking, peeling and breakage. Try Skintruth's Manicure Cuticle Oil.
Wheat protein
Wheat protein is a vegetable-derived protein that makes a highly effective moisture binder, and this greatly improves the nail’s overall health.
Active ingredients in vegan skincare
Candelilla wax
Candelilla wax is a plant-based thickening agent that nourishes the skin while also reducing the appearance of stretch marks and signs of aging. Try Sienna X The Cleansing Balm.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is highly effective for treating all skin concerns from aging and dry skin in need of moisture to conditions including acne and eczema. Try Maskology's Hyaluronic Acid Professional Face Sheet Mask.
Soy protein
Soy protein is key in reducing the appearance of mature skin. It maintains the elasticity needed to stay youthful while also reducing redness and dullness.
Coconut oil
Perfect for hydrating your skin, coconut oil is packed with proteins and also creates an antibacterial barrier that helps protect your skin against dryness, infection and irritation.
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that immediately absorb into your skin. This moisturising quality leaves your skin soft to touch while improving its complexion and elasticity.
Our top vegan swaps
Swap lanolin, try avocado oil
Lanolin: What does it do and where is it from?
Also known as wool wax or wool grease, lanolin is a commonly used balm derived from sheep wool. Known for its softening and moisturising properties, it’s often found in haircare.
Avocado oil: the vegan swap
Avocado oil intensely nourishes and moisturises dry and damaged hair from roots to ends. Its rich blend of vitamins and healthy fats absorb easily into the scalp without causing irritation.
- Seals moisture into the cuticle
- Protects hair from damage
- Vitamin D maintains follicles and encourages hair growth
Feel the benefits of avocado oil in The Olaplex range
Swap keratin, try almond oil
Keratin: What does it do and where is it from?
Keratin is found in the hair and horns of animals and is often used in strengthening nail treatments and also to prevent chipping and peeling.
Almond oil: the vegan swap
Almond oil features rich antioxidants that are essential to restoring nail health. Infused with fatty acids and vitamins, including omega 6 and vitamin B1, it coats the nails to protect them against cracking, breakage and peeling.
- Hydrates and smooths the cuticles
- Stimulates nail growth while reducing brittleness and cracking
- Adds natural shine to the nails
Feel the benefits of OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener
Swap elastin, try hyaluronic acid
Elastin: What does it do and where is it from?
Elastin is a protein extracted from animal muscles, bones and hearts. Like collagen, often used in skincare and products to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid: the vegan swap
Hyaluronic acid is key for reinvigorating the skin. Fighting signs of aging, its anti-inflammatory properties help gently treat acne while reducing puffiness and skin discolouration.
- Reduces scar tissue and improves healing in cuts and burns
- Increases skin’s elasticity while reducing appearance of wrinkles
- Soothes irritated and sensitive skin types
Feel the benefits of hyaluronic acid in Skintruth Radiance Booster Serum
Top Tips
Now that we’ve explored the vegan ingredients that will leave your hair, skin and nails looking and feeling refreshed, here are our top tips for the next time you’re shopping for vegan products:
- Check if the packaging features logos certified by PETA, The Vegan Society and The Leaping Bunny. You can find out more about vegan certification in our guide.
- Check if a regularly non-vegan ingredient has a plant-based or synthetic alternative such as casein, keratin and oleic acid.
- Watch out for the following non-vegan ingredients: Beeswax, Carmine, Casein, Elastin, Guanine, Keratin and Lanolin