JOIN USBeauty and health are becoming the most debatable topics today, as there is always a new trend that comes up and we follow it blindly without understanding its true meaning. With labels like vegan, cruelty-free, organic and natural doing rounds, it is hard to choose from a wide range of beauty products that will suit your skin and hair. However, vegan beauty products are the most obvious choice today, as they are made from hand-picked natural ingredients without any chemical components.
Currently, veganism is the most trending health fad. From health to beauty benefits, going vegan can help detox your body. Vegan beauty picks are proven to be more effective and sustainable. Moreover, vegan products are animal friendly, as they don't contain animal by-products and are not tested on animals before being manufactured.
Ethical choices
Made from choicest of natural ingredients sourced from around the world, vegan products have zero side effects on your skin. They are safe for sensitive skin and damaged hair. These products are designed to maintain the natural tone of every skin and hair type. Natural ingredients such as coconut milk contain antibacterial properties and ginger, aloe vera, seaweed, tea tree oil, green tea, chamomile and seaweed gels work well on any skin type, as they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These products rarely cause any type of skin irritation or rashes.
What's more, vegan beauty products has been living up to their claims of being 100% vegetarian without compromising on morals and beliefs. Being 100% vegetarian implies that all the products that have been produced without the use of animal by-products. Vegan beauty ranges do not contain animal ingredients like honey, beeswax or milk.
Staying true to their philosophy, vegan beauty brands have been actively participating in Forever Against Animal Testing Campaign for a global ban on cosmetics' animal testing for products and ingredients, revolutionising the beauty industry and protecting millions of innocent animals around the world. Lets take a look at the benefits of a vegan beauty regimen:
* Soft & supple skin: Following a vegan beauty regime can bestow you with healthy skin. Vitamin B found in kale and vitamin C in oranges regenerate the skin cells making your skin soft and radiant. Vitamin C is known to enhance the natural radiance of the dull skin. Even melons and cucumber that are rich in water content can keep you skin hydrated.
* Thick & long locks: Natural extracts such as green tea in shampoos, hair scrubs and conditioners help get rid of impurities and clear the scalp, leaving you with longer and stronger hair. Products that are 100% vegetarian, without colourants and silicone, refresh the hair and scalp and act as natural conditioners to your hair. The use of banana and ginger in vegan products also fortify the hair, giving it a healthy shine.
* Acne control: Common ingredients in vegan products such as seaweed, tea tree oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, chamomile have energising properties. Chamomile purifies the skin and gives a silky soft feel and is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Aloe vera has soothing and calming properties that can fight skin irritation and inflammation. Seaweed is known to absorb excess oil and skin impurities, thus helps in treating acne. Tea tree oil targets the imperfections of the body and it is best suitable for blemished skin.
* Chemical free: Devoid of harmful chemicals, vegan products do not need any ingredient check. Fancy, scientific sounding names can be confusing and we often buy products containing chemicals without a second thought. We end up using these "fancy" products on a daily basis, gradually harming our skin and hair. Most cosmetics contain chemicals like lanolin (derived from sheep), butylated hydroxytoluene and formaldehyde that can have damaging effects on your skin, causing irritation and inflammation.
* Prevent skin problems: The chances of developing rashes, allergies, eczemas, acne, skin inflammation and skin diseases are low when one uses vegan cosmetics. Your skin becomes naturally beautiful and healthy with fruit and oil extracts.
* 100% cruelty free: Vegan products do not contain beeswax, collagen, gelatin, honey, carmine, cholesterol and other ingredients derived from animals. These products are 100% cruelty free and never tested on animals. Although not all of us are animal rights activists, knowing our beauty essentials are not made after harming innocent animals, is a relief.
* Animal-tested products are a threat to our ecosystem and also cause pollution during their manufacturing process. Rabbits, dogs, hamsters and mice are harmed because of inhumane testing techniques. Making another living being suffer for the sake of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, creams and foundations is a risk not worth taking, especially when you have a range vegan beauty products to choose from instead.
* Natural skincare products such as essential oils like tea tree and chamomile; herbal extracts such as aloe vera, green tea; vitamins such as E,C and A; fruits like ginger, melons and cucumbers and other antioxidants, are especially crafted for skincare. Vegan products take us back to the ancient times when man turned to nature for all his beauty and health needs.
(The author is head, training, The Body Shop India)