Vegan culture is fast gaining popularity as many are now shifting towards a lifestyle that eliminates products with animal-derived ingredients. From dairy and honey to leather and textiles like wool, veganism excludes everything that comes from animals. This also includes entertainment like a circus or zoo and avoiding products that have been tested on animals. If you too have accepted this lifestyle or simply want to switch to more planet-friendly products, there are several swaps you can make to live up to the principles of being vegan.
One such overlooked product that people forget to swap out is the face wash. As it is usually made of emollients and soap, many accidentally end up using face washes that could be made using animal products. There are many other benefits of switching to a vegan face wash for men, which we will dive into with this guide, along with what to look for and things to avoid. First, let’s start with understanding what vegan actually means and how it is different from ‘Peta-approved’ or ‘cruelty-free’.
What Is A Vegan Face Wash For Men?
Vegan face wash for men would mean no animals were used for the ingredients, production process, or packaging. ‘Peta-approved’ or ‘cruelty-free’ (with the bunny symbol) simply means that animals were not harmed to make the product. Similarly, simply having ‘vegan ingredients’ does not mean the product is vegan friendly as it could still be tested on animals or they may have been used during manufacturing. While it’s great that more and more beauty companies are opting for animal-friendly processes and minimising harm, understanding this key difference will help men who want to be 100% vegan.
Benefits Of Vegan Face Wash For Men
1. Nourishing: Vegan face washes for men often have plant-based ingredients that nourish the skin. With antioxidant and hydrating properties, they can help improve your skin health.
2. No toxins: Using vegan face washes for men will help you avoid toxins and harmful chemicals. They are gentle on the skin and free of sulphates and parabens that can cause dryness or irritation.
3. Eco-friendly: Most vegan face washes for men have natural ingredients that are good for the plant – and your skin! These eco-friendly ingredients reduce inflammation and help maintain the skin’s natural barrier
4. Kinder to animals: Along with using no ingredients from animals, vegan face washes for men are not tested on animals and save many fur babies from ending up in a lab. They’re also produced using ethical practices to reduce animal cruelty – plus points for kindness.
5. Suitable for all skin types: The natural plant extracts and oils in vegan face washes make them suitable for all skin types. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also make them ideal for sensitive skin.
What To Look For
1. Aqua: One of the most common vegan ingredients in skincare, aqua (water) is a universal solvent that binds thick ingredients like oils and butter. This helps make the texture lightweight and helps the product spread evenly.
2. Aloe Vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera is a soothing and calming ingredient. It is anti-fungal and has regenerative properties to heal your skin.
3. Plant Extracts: Vegan face washes contain plant extracts like bakuchiol and calendula that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and provide a healthy glow.
4. Actives: Ingredients like salicylic, niacinamide, retinol, and even vitamin E or C help tackle different skin concerns and are known as actives in the world of skincare. They are great for targeting acne, dark spots, pigmentation, and enlarged pores.
5. Oils: Even vegan face washes can be creamy and moisturising thanks to plant-based oils like avocado or argan and shea butter.
What To Avoid
1. Gelatin: Derived from animal bones. Opt for algae-based ingredients like agar agar instead.
2. Beeswax: Produced using bees. Castor and sunflower wax are some excellent alternatives for vegans.
3. Silk Powder: Made using protein from silkworms. Opt for vegan face washes with collagen peptides instead.
4. Glycerin: Opt for plant-based glycerin as opposed to the animal-derived humectant.
5. Lanoline: Known as sheep grease or wool fat, you can find many plant-based vegan fats like olive oil or shea butter. s
Conclusion
A growing number of people are embracing veganism, which is the lifestyle of avoiding any goods made from animals. This includes cosmetics and skin care products like face washes for men. They provide a number of advantages, such as hydrating the skin with plant-based ingredients, protecting the environment, being kinder to animals, and working for all skin types. They are kind to the skin and fauna as they are made with moral methods to minimize animal suffering. Men who aspire to be vegan must swap their face wash that match this lifestyle.
