Top Vegan Beauty Products That Work for Skin and Hair

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably jumped on the vegan beauty train, hoping for skin and hair miracles, only to be a little disappointed. Vegan products sound amazing on paper, but not all of them deliver.

The truth is, vegan has become a buzzword, and some brands use it more as a label than a promise of quality. You don’t want to waste your money on products that don’t work or leave you guessing if they’re truly cruelty-free.

That’s why I put together this list of vegan beauty products that actually work. These are the ones I’ve personally tested and can confidently say work. These are the formulas that get results without compromising your values.

What Is a Vegan Beauty Product?

There’s no official legal definition of “vegan” in the beauty industry. Yep, brands can toss that word on a label without much regulation. But generally, vegan beauty products are those that don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. 

So when you see a product labeled “vegan,” it just means zero ingredients that came from animals or their by-products. Instead, you’ll find plant-based oils, botanical extracts, and lab-made alternatives that mimic the texture, hold, or shine that animal ingredients used to provide.

But vegan doesn’t automatically mean cruelty-free.

Many products are vegan in formulation but are still tested on animals. That’s why you’ll want to look for logos like Leaping Bunny, PETA Approved, or “Animal Test–Free” on the packaging. Or if you want to double-check a brand, Cruelty-Free Kitty has an excellent, regularly updated database. 

Do Vegan Beauty Products Mean Sustainable?

Short answer? Nope. Not always.

Just because a product is labeled vegan doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. It simply means it doesn’t use animal-derived ingredients. That’s it. It provides no information about how the ingredients were sourced, how the product was manufactured, or the type of packaging it comes in.

Kind of like vegan fashion. You’ll see shoes labeled “vegan” because they’re not made of leather. But they’re made of cheap plastic that sheds microplastics and pollutes waterways. 

The same goes for beauty.

A vegan lipstick might skip beeswax, but it could still come in a plastic tube that ends up in a landfill. Or it might be loaded with synthetic fillers that aren’t great for your skin or the environment.

Benefits of Using Vegan Beauty Products

Going vegan with your beauty routine comes with real perks for you, the planet, and everything in between.

Let’s break down the biggest benefits:

1. No Animals Harmed

When you choose vegan beauty products, you’re saying no to formulas that rely on anything sourced from animals. That means no beeswax, no lanolin, and no collagen from who-knows-where.

It’s a simple way to line your beauty routine up with your values. It’s one of the cleanest swaps you can make for cruelty-free living. And while not all vegan products are certified cruelty-free, most brands that adopt a vegan approach tend to also eliminate animal testing. 

2. Better for the Planet

Animal agriculture is a massive driver of deforestation, water waste, and carbon emissions. So when beauty brands cut out animal byproducts, they often reduce their environmental footprint, too.

Vegan beauty products typically use plant-based or lab-made alternatives. Things that require less land, less water, and far fewer emissions to produce.

Many vegan brands also push for:

• Sustainable ingredient sourcing
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Refillable containers or upcycled materials

That doesn’t mean all vegan beauty is 100% green. But a lot of it leans that way, and that’s a good place to start.

3. Your Skin Might Thank You

Plant-based ingredients are packed with nutrients your skin already loves. Think:

• Vitamin C from citrus
• Ectoin from algae
• Omega-rich oils from coconut, rosehip, or almond
• Soothing botanicals like chamomile, aloe, or calendula

Unlike some synthetic-heavy formulas, vegan skincare tends to focus on skin-friendly, non-irritating ingredients. Especially if you’ve got sensitive skin, this can make a noticeable difference.

And many vegan products avoid the harsher stuff like mineral oils, parabens, or dyes that can trigger breakouts or reactions.

4. More Options, Better Innovation

Ten years ago, vegan beauty was hard to find. But today it’s everywhere and better than ever.

Big brands and indie labels alike are rolling out high-performance vegan products that rival (and often beat) traditional ones. You’ll find:

• Long-wear vegan foundations
• Bold vegan pigments that show up
• Skincare that feels luxurious without animal-based thickeners or fillers

This surge in demand has pushed the entire beauty industry forward. The formulas are smarter, the options are wider, and the quality’s no longer a question.

Vegan Skincare Products That Work

Vegan skincare used to have a bad rep. Either it didn’t work or it irritated your skin. But that’s not the case anymore.

These products are fully vegan and perform:

Youth To The People 

This is the cleanser that never leaves your skin feeling tight. It’s gentle, non-stripping, and smells faintly of fresh greens. It is loaded with kale, spinach, and green tea, it removes dirt, sunscreen, and light makeup while giving your skin a calm reset.

Best for: Sensitive, combination, or breakout-prone skin that needs a daily deep clean without harsh surfactants.

Naturium

If your skin looks tired or dull, this one brings it back to life. It brightens, evens tone, and feels light on the skin. With a stable form of vitamin C plus hyaluronic acid, it delivers glow without the irritation that a lot of C serums cause.

Best for: Dull, uneven skin or fading post-acne marks. Great for beginners starting vitamin C.

Biossance 

This moisturizer feels luxe but never greasy. It sinks in fast and leaves your skin looking fresh, full, and dewy. It is made with sugarcane-based squalane and omega fatty acids, and it supports your skin barrier and tackles flakiness from the first use.

Best for: Dry or barrier-damaged skin that needs deep nourishment without clogging pores.

Versed

It’s an exfoliating toner that doesn’t sting or strip. Just a clean glow that gets better with consistent use. The lactic and azelaic acid gently fade dark spots and smooth the texture. And yes, the bottle is recyclable.

Best for: Sensitive skin with discoloration, uneven tone, or rough patches.

Acure

A gritty, green scrub that leaves your face glowing without over-exfoliating or tearing up your skin barrier. It is made with walnut shell powder, clay, and lemon peel. This one gives immediate softness and helps unclog pores over time.

Best for: Oily, textured, or congested skin that needs a reset a few times a week.

Pai Skincare

This is your go-to if your skin is acting up. It calms inflammation and slowly fades old acne marks or scars. The cold-pressed rosehip fruit and seed oils give you a potent dose of omegas without heavy texture or added fragrance.

Best for: Red, reactive, or healing skin that needs TLC and glow without extra junk.

Klairs 

A no-frills moisturizer that works hard behind the scenes. It soothes, hydrates, and won’t clog pores or cause flare-ups. It’s vegan-friendly (just avoid their honey soap) and has ceramides that help repair the skin’s protective layer.

Best for: Dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin needing calm and comfort.

Drunk Elephant 

A reef-safe mineral sunscreen that won’t leave you looking like a ghost or feeling greasy by noon. The zinc oxide protects, while algae and sunflower sprouts soothe. It wears well under makeup and doesn’t cause breakouts.

Best for: All skin types, especially if you prefer a clean, fragrance-free mineral SPF.

Vegan Makeup Products That Don’t Disappoint

Not all vegan makeup is chalky or underwhelming. But these brands deliver performance without compromising on ethics.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

This is the brand that proves you can have it all. It is affordable, effective, and 100% vegan. Their Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a standout. It provides sheer, lit-from-within coverage that wears beautifully under foundation or on its own. e.l.f. makes it easy to build an entire vegan makeup routine without breaking your budget.

Milani Cosmetics

Milani blends luxe packaging with drugstore prices, and most of their line is vegan-friendly. Try the Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation for full coverage that still feels breathable. Or swipe on their Most Wanted Eyeshadow Palette. It is great for bold, dramatic looks that don’t cost a fortune.

Milk Makeup

This brand doesn’t do boring things. Every product feels modern, fresh, and functional. The Hydro Grip Primer has a cult following for a reason. It grips makeup in place without drying your skin. They’re fully vegan, cruelty-free, and a great fit for minimalists who love bold payoff.

Pacifica Beauty

One of the OG 100% vegan beauty brands, Pacifica stays clean, conscious, and fun. They use skin-loving ingredients, such as coconut water and SPF, in their makeup formulas. Try their Alight Clean Foundation for medium coverage with a radiant finish, or their Dream Big Mascara.

Thrive Causemetics

This brand lives at the intersection of beauty and purpose. Every purchase supports women in need, and every formula is vegan. Their Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is a fan favorite for fluttery, lengthened lashes with zero flakes or smudges. Everything is clean, effective, and made with skincare-level ingredients.

Kylie Cosmetics

Once known for bold glam, Kylie’s revamped formulas are now fully vegan and cruelty-free. From her Velvet Lip Kits to her Pressed Blush Powders, you still get that luxe, Insta-worthy finish.

100% Pure

If you love clean beauty, this one’s a gem. They color their products with fruit and plant pigments. Their 2nd Skin Foundation feels like serum and looks like skin, perfect for that “no makeup” makeup look. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with antioxidants.

Tower 28 Beauty

This brand is all about skin-first makeup that’s safe for sensitive types. Their BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Balms give a dewy flush that melts right in. Most of their line is vegan, and everything is clean, non-comedogenic, and designed with reactive skin in mind.

Merit

Minimalist makeup lovers, this one’s for you. Merit makes products that are elegant, fast, and easy to use. Their Flush Balm and Perfecting Complexion Stick are everyday staples. The brand is vegan, clean, and committed to reducing waste in its packaging, too.

POPbeauty

POPbeauty nails the bold-but-wearable vibe. Their Plump Pout gloss hydrates and gives juicy color, while the Permanent Pout liquid lipsticks stay put all day. Plus, they sneak in skincare ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils so your lips look and feel good.

Doll Face Beauty

Doll Face Beauty is perfect for natural makeup lovers. Their Doll Squad 24 Shade Shadow Palette mixes everyday neutrals with just enough shimmer to keep things fresh.

L.A. Girl Cosmetics

L.A. Girl is known for contour kits, bold liners, and matte foundations that last. Their Velvety Contour Sticks blend like butter, and their neon eyeliners are shockingly good for the price.

Flower Beauty

Founded by Drew Barrymore, this brand brings soft-focus beauty with a romantic twist. The Blush Bomb Color Drops deliver a believable flush that lasts. Their Stellar Prismatic Highlighter adds glow without glitter. Most products are vegan-friendly and easy to work with for any skill level.

NYX Cosmetics

NYX offers vegan-friendly classics at drugstore prices. It is great for testing trends or building your kit. Try the Bare With Me Jelly Primer for a hydrated base, or go for the #NoFilter Finishing Powder for smooth, set skin.

Vegan Haircare That Improves Your Hair

Plenty of vegan products go beyond clean labels. They genuinely improve the health, texture, and shine of your hair.

These vegan options deliver real benefits without animal ingredients or harsh chemicals.

The Shampoo: Beauty Kubes by Eve of St Agnes

Forget bulky bottles. These shampoo cubes are tiny but mighty. You crumble one or two cubes in your hands to create a shampoo paste that cleanses thoroughly but gently.

They’re free from sulfates, silicones, and plastic packaging, so they’re kind to your hair and the planet. Plus, the naturally derived ingredients leave your scalp feeling fresh, not stripped.

The Conditioner: To The Rescue Moisture Boost by Noughty

Dry hair, meet your new best friend. Noughty’s conditioner is packed with shea butter and sweet almond extract, ingredients that lock in moisture and strengthen each strand.

Use it after shampooing, just a small amount from mid-lengths to ends, and leave it on for a minute or two. You’ll notice your hair feels softer, less brittle, and way more manageable.

This is especially perfect if your hair tends to get dry or damaged, but you want something lightweight that won’t weigh it down.

The Oil: Oil Non Oil by Davines

If frizz is your enemy, this oil is a lifesaver. It’s lightweight enough for fine hair but packs a punch when it comes to controlling static and smoothing strands.

Almond proteins inside moisturize without heaviness, leaving your hair shiny and silky, not greasy.

Use it on damp hair before styling. It also works as a heat protectant. So you get sleek, shiny hair plus some defense against hot tools.

The Mask: Reincarnation Mask by BLEACH London

Color-treated or bleached hair often feels dry and fragile. This mask tackles that head-on.

Sunflower seed extract and micro wheat proteins work together to bring back shine, softness, and bounce. It’s like giving your hair a big drink of water.

Apply it after washing, comb through to distribute evenly, and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. Then wrap your hair in a warm towel. Rinse and enjoy hair that feels revitalized and looks healthy.

The Heat Protector: Thermal Protection Spray by Sachajuan

Hot tools can do a number on your hair, but this spray acts like a shield.

It uses something called “Ocean Silk technology”. It contains proteins and minerals from sea algae that smooth strands and protect against heat damage.

Spray it evenly on dry hair before you style. Just make sure your hair is dry first; otherwise, the water in the spray can cause damage when heated.

It also helps keep your color vibrant, so if you dye your hair, this one’s worth a try.

The Volumizer: Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly by Naturelab Tokyo

Volume starts at the scalp, and this jelly is designed to nourish right where your hair grows.

With apple stem cells and proteins, it strengthens follicles and supports healthy hair growth.

Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying, and you’ll get a full, bouncy finish that lasts. Plus, it smells like a fresh cherry blossom garden.

Vegan Hair Vitamins like SugarBearPRO

Great hair isn’t just about what you put on it. Vegan hair vitamins with biotin, vitamin C, and plant-based nutrients can fill gaps in your diet and promote stronger, healthier hair growth.

If you’re looking for a simple boost, adding vitamins to your routine can make a noticeable difference over time.

Final Words

Choosing vegan beauty isn’t about giving up quality. You don’t have to switch everything at once. Start with a few easy swaps, see how your skin and hair respond, and build from there. It’s all about finding what feels right for you. So take your time, experiment, and enjoy a routine that’s both effective and aligned with what you believe in.