By Liane Scior
Director of Education
Vegan skincare is totally booming in Australia right now, and it's not hard to see why. People are really clued in these days about choosing products that are kind to animals and the environment. Australians are waking up to the fact that their choices can make a big difference for furry friends and the planet, so they're all about finding skincare that matches their values. Plus, vegan skincare often comes packed with natural goodies, no nasty chemicals, or weird additives, which is great news for anyone wanting to be kinder to their skin.
Also, let’s not forget about the influencers and celebs shouting out the benefits of vegan living – they're making it super trendy and accessible for everyone. With more and more folks looking for ethical and sustainable options, the demand for vegan skincare in Oz is only going up!
So, maybe it's time to consider the immense benefits of incorporating vegan skin treatments into your offerings?
By introducing vegan skin treatments, businesses can attract a broader clientele base that prioritizes ethical skincare practices. It aligns with the current trend towards promoting wellness and sustainability, positioning businesses as leaders in the industry. Not only does offering vegan skin treatments differentiate businesses in the market, but it also contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts.
What is the difference between natural, organic, and vegan skin care you might ask?
In simple terms, Natural skincare products are made using ingredients sourced from nature, such as plants, minerals, and botanical extracts. These products typically avoid synthetic or artificial additives and focus on using naturally occurring substances.
The term "natural" has become somewhat overused and ambiguous in the skincare industry. While it suggests that products are derived from natural sources, the actual composition and manufacturing processes can vary significantly. Some products labelled as "natural" may still contain synthetic additives or undergo extensive processing, diluting the effectiveness of truly natural ingredients. It’s therefore important to scrutinize ingredient lists and look for certifications or transparency from brands to ensure you are truly getting a product aligned with your expectations of natural skincare.
Organic skincare products on the other hand are made using plants (botanicals) that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. These products are generally certified organic by regulatory bodies and adhere to strict guidelines regarding the cultivation and processing of ingredients.
While some skin care companies use organic botanicals exclusively in their products, they may not undergo the process of having their products “certified”. This typically involves undergoing a lengthy process conducted by accredited certification bodies or organizations and the following steps:
- Formulation with Organic Ingredients.
- Submission of Documentation.
- On-site Inspection.
- Review and Certification.
- Labelling and Compliance.
For smaller start up brands this process is often delayed due to time and expense constraints.
While there is no such thing as “International Certification” for organic skin care, several countries have certification bodies that provide standards and certification for organic skincare products. Some of the most widely recognized ones include:
- USDA - USA
- ECOCERT - France
- AIAB - Italy
- Soil Association - UK
- COSMOS - Brussels
- Natrue – Belgium
Finally, Vegan refers to skincare products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. These products are formulated using plant-based or synthetic alternatives to common skincare ingredients that are typically sourced from animals. Vegan skincare products are cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals at any stage of production.
Examples of common animal-derived ingredients found in traditional skincare products include beeswax, honey, lanolin (derived from sheep's wool), collagen (often sourced from fish or cows), and carmine (a red pigment obtained from insects). In contrast, vegan skincare products utilize ingredients such as plant oils, botanical extracts, fruit extracts, seed butters, and synthetic alternatives to achieve similar skincare benefits without the use of animal-derived substances.
So, to summarise, while natural skincare focuses on using ingredients sourced from nature, organic skincare emphasizes the use of organically grown ingredients, and vegan skincare ensures that no animal-derived ingredients are used in the products.
However, it's worth noting that a product can be natural, organic, and vegan simultaneously, but these terms are not interchangeable and represent different aspects of skincare formulation.
