Top 10 Best Vegan Skincare Brands in 2025 (Cruelty-Free, Clean & Glowing Skin Approved)

Is your skincare shelf ready for a glow-up that’s kind to your skin and the planet? If you’re over harsh ingredients, hidden animal byproducts, and complicated routines, it’s time to meet the best vegan skincare brands of 2025. These brands are plant-based, cruelty-free, and totally in tune with what your skin needs—especially if you deal with dryness, sensitivity, acne, or just want clean, effective products that actually feel good to use.

You’ve probably seen some of these names popping up on TikTok, at Target, or in your favorite stores. From budget-friendly cult faves like Good Molecules to minimalist powerhouses like The Ordinary, these brands are winning hearts (and glowing faces) across the skincare world.

So if you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf wondering, “Is this actually vegan?” or “Will this make my skin freak out?”—this list is for you.

Our Top Vegan Skincare Brand Picks for 2025

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of the best vegan skincare brands of 2025 and what each one does best. Whether you’re shopping for your sensitive skin, your budget, or a full “new routine, new me” moment, there’s a match here for you:

• Cocokind – Best gentle everyday vegan skincare
• e.l.f. SKIN – Best affordable vegan skincare under $20
• The Ordinary – Best for targeted treatments and minimalist routines
• Good Molecules – Best budget-friendly brand for sensitive skin
• OSEA Malibu – Best hydrating skincare for dry or mature skin
• Biossance – Best luxe, glow-boosting vegan skincare
• Youth to the People – Best superfood-based skincare with clean formulas
• Acure – Best drugstore vegan skincare with fragrance-free options
• Paula’s Choice (vegan-friendly picks) – Best for acne, clogged pores, and texture
• Pacifica Beauty – Best playful, plant-powered skincare with wide availability

What Makes a Skincare Brand Vegan & Cruelty-Free?

With so many buzzwords floating around, it helps to know what actually matters when you’re shopping for skincare that fits a vegan lifestyle. Let’s break it down quickly:

• A vegan skincare brand doesn’t use any animal-derived ingredients. That means no beeswax, lanolin, collagen, carmine, gelatin, silk proteins, or snail mucin hiding in the fine print.
• Cruelty-free means the brand does not test on animals — not the ingredients, not the final product, and not through third parties or in countries that still require animal testing.

“Natural” or “clean” on a label doesn’t automatically mean it’s vegan, and “cruelty-free” doesn’t guarantee there are no animal ingredients inside. That’s why it’s so important to look for brands that clearly commit to both vegan and cruelty-free standards, not just nice-sounding marketing terms.

How We Chose These Vegan Skincare Brands

There are a lot of brands out there calling themselves ethical or clean, so this list is focused on companies that check several boxes at once:

• Fully vegan or clearly labeled vegan-friendly product lines
• Certified cruelty-free or transparent about animal testing policies
• Good ingredient stories — no obvious red-flag fillers or mystery blends
• Real results based on reviews, customer feedback, and cult-favorite products
• Accessibility — available at major retailers or Amazon, not just one boutique site
• Options for multiple skin types (dry, oily, combo, sensitive, acne-prone)

For each brand, you’ll see one “hero” product that’s a great place to start — especially if you’re overwhelmed by long product lists and just want one thing that actually works.

The Best Vegan Skincare Brands of 2025 (and the One Product to Try First)

Here are the vegan skincare brands that stand out in 2025 for performance, ingredient quality, and overall value. Each one has a signature product that’s worth trying first if you want results without overthinking your routine.

Cocokind – Gentle, Everyday Vegan Skincare That Keeps It Simple

If your skin gets stressed out easily, Cocokind is like a reset button in brand form. The formulas are straightforward, barrier-supporting, and built around plant-based ingredients like oat, ceramides, and squalane. Nothing feels harsh or overdone, which makes this line perfect if you’ve over-exfoliated, tried too many actives at once, or just want everyday basics that won’t freak your skin out.

Cocokind also leans into transparency — they break down key ingredients and even talk about sustainability and pricing right on their packaging. It’s a “no drama, no hidden junk” kind of brand.

Hero product to try first: Ceramide Barrier Serum – This silky, milky serum is the product people reach for when their skin barrier is crying for help. It uses five types of ceramides to rebuild strength, plus soothing beta-glucan and oat extract to calm redness fast. If your face feels tight, itchy, bumpy, or sensitive, this serum gives that “immediate sigh of relief” feeling — and within a week, most people notice smoother texture and fewer flare-ups. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and layers under anything, making it an easy win for almost every skin type.

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e.l.f. SKIN – Budget-Friendly Vegan Skincare That Actually Works

e.l.f. built its name on affordable makeup, but their skincare line deserves just as much attention. Everything is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and most products come in under $20, which makes it an amazing option if you’re on a budget or just starting to switch your routine over to vegan products.

The textures feel nicer than you’d expect at the price, and e.l.f. keeps the ingredient lists focused on things that work — think hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide instead of mystery “proprietary complexes.” It’s a great brand for teens, college students, or anyone who wants a simple routine without luxury pricing.

Hero product to try first: Holy Hydration Face Cream – This moisturizer punches way above its price point. It’s rich enough to comfort dry skin, but lightweight enough for oily and combination types — a rare balance. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture in, peptides help support firmness, and squalane keeps everything soft without leaving a film. Makeup sits beautifully on top of it, and at night it gives that “plush pillow skin” feel. If you want one affordable product that instantly makes your routine feel more effective, this is it.

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The Ordinary – Minimalist Vegan Skincare for Ingredients Nerds

If you love the idea of building your routine like a little skincare lab, The Ordinary is where that starts. The brand focuses on single or small groups of active ingredients in each product — niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, peptides — so you can pick and choose exactly what your skin needs instead of buying one expensive cream that tries to do everything.

The formulas are fragrance-free, vegan, and extremely affordable, which makes experimentation less scary. The trade-off is that you do have to pay attention to how you’re combining actives, but if you keep it simple, you can get serious results without a serious price tag.

Hero product to try first: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – This is one of the most talked-about serums online for a reason. It helps control oil, minimize the look of pores, fade dark marks over time, and calm that “shiny T-zone by noon” feeling. If your skin is acne-prone or easily congested, this gives clearer, smoother results without irritation. Many people notice a more balanced, less oily look within a few days — and long-term, it helps even out tone and keep breakouts from spiraling.

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Good Molecules – Gentle, Affordable Skincare for Sensitive Faces

If your skin throws a tantrum every time you try something new, Good Molecules is a soft place to land. The brand focuses on gentle actives that target real concerns — dark spots, redness, uneven texture — without the stinging, burning, or peeling that often comes with stronger formulas.

Packaging is highly transparent: many bottles list exact ingredient percentages, and formulas skip heavy fragrance and unnecessary fillers. It’s an easy brand to trust if you want results without irritation.

Hero product to try first: Discoloration Correcting Serum – This serum is famous for fading post-acne marks and stubborn hyperpigmentation without causing redness. It uses tranexamic acid and niacinamide — a powerhouse combo — to gradually brighten dark spots while strengthening the skin barrier. Most people start seeing a smoother, more even glow in 2–4 weeks. If you’re tired of makeup settling over dark marks or uneven patches, this serum earns its reputation.

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OSEA Malibu – Ocean-Inspired Hydration for Dry or Mature Skin

If your skin lives in a constant state of “thirsty,” OSEA is that tall glass of water you’ve been looking for. The brand builds its formulas around seaweed, algae, and other marine botanicals, pairing them with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid and plant oils. The textures feel luxuriously silky and leave dry or mature skin noticeably softer and bouncier.

OSEA also leans heavily into sustainability — glass bottles, ocean-friendly sourcing, and clean ingredient lists that fit beautifully into a vegan lifestyle.

Hero product to try first: Hyaluronic Sea Serum – This serum is like giving your skin a long drink of cold water on a hot day. It contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid so hydration reaches multiple layers, plus seaweed extracts to lock it in. Fine lines look softer, dry patches disappear, and your skin gets that fresh, dewy “I slept 9 hours” glow. If your face ever feels tight after cleansing, this fixes that immediately.

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Biossance – Luxe Vegan Skincare With Glow-Giving Squalane

Biossance is what you reach for when you want serious results in packaging that feels high-end but still aligns with your ethics. Most formulas center around sugarcane-derived squalane — a lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural moisture. It’s hydrating, soothing, and works for almost every skin type.

Combine that with brightening vitamin C, gentle acids, and peptides, and you get a line that helps dull, tired, or aging skin look smoother and more radiant.

Hero product to try first: Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil – This is Biossance’s crown jewel. It brightens, hydrates, and gives an instant glow without feeling greasy. Vitamin C helps fade dark spots and even tone, while squalane keeps your moisture barrier healthy. People love using it as the final step in their routine for a “lit-from-within” finish. If your skin ever feels dull or lackluster, this oil makes a visible difference fast.

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Youth to the People – Superfood-Powered Skincare With a Clean Aesthetic

Youth to the People feels like a green smoothie for your face. Their formulas are packed with kale, spinach, green tea, and adaptogens, then balanced with modern actives to help with brightness, texture, and early signs of aging.

Everything comes in glass bottles and small batches, perfect for anyone who prioritizes sustainability.

Hero product to try first: Superfood Cleanser – This is one of the most beloved cleansers online because it actually cleans without stripping. It removes makeup and sunscreen, balances oil, and leaves skin feeling fresh, soft, and never tight. The slightly herbal scent makes it feel like a mini spa moment. If your current cleanser leaves your skin squeaky or dry, you’ll immediately feel the difference.

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Acure – Easy, Accessible Vegan Skincare You Can Grab Almost Anywhere

Acure is one of the most approachable vegan skincare brands out there. You can find it in grocery stores, Target, online — basically anywhere you already shop. The formulas are straightforward and cover almost every need: brightening, hydrating, anti-aging, acne care, and more.

Most products are under $20, and the brand avoids parabens, mineral oil, and formaldehyde donors.

Hero product to try first: Brightening Facial Scrub – This scrub has a cult following because it gives instant results. Sea kelp and green clay help draw out impurities, while finely milled exfoliants buff away dullness and dry patches. After one use, skin feels smoother, softer, and genuinely refreshed. It’s the perfect “reset” product when your complexion looks tired or textured.

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Paula’s Choice (Vegan-Friendly Picks) – Targeted Help for Acne, Texture & Congestion

Paula’s Choice isn’t a fully vegan brand, but many of their most famous products are vegan-friendly — and they’re some of the best on the market for dealing with clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture. If you’ve tried gentle products and still feel like your skin is bumpy or breakout-prone, this is where more targeted treatment comes in.

The brand is known for being science-driven and transparent about ingredients. Everything is fragrance-free, and the textures are designed to be effective without feeling harsh when used correctly.

Hero product to try first: Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – This cult-favorite exfoliant dives deep into pores to clear out buildup, smooth rough texture, and keep breakouts at bay. Unlike harsh scrubs, it works gradually and gently, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Most users notice smaller-looking pores and fewer bumps within a week or two — and long-term, it can completely transform uneven or congested skin.

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Pacifica Beauty – Fun, Colorful, and Surprisingly Gentle

Pacifica is ideal if you want your skincare to feel fun, not fussy. The brand leans into bright packaging, beachy or fruity themes, and plant-based formulas that still stay conscious of sensitive skin. Many of their products are fragrance-free or softly scented, and they cover everything from cleansers and serums to mists and overnight treatments.

Because Pacifica is easy to find at Target, Ulta, and online, it’s a great “bridge brand” if you’re just starting to transition to vegan skincare and want products that feel joyful but still effective.

Hero product to try first: Glow Baby Vitamin C Serum – This brightening serum is perfect for anyone dealing with dullness or uneven tone. Vitamin C brings instant radiance, while glycolic acid helps gently smooth texture — giving you that “lit-from-within” look without irritation. Makeup goes on more evenly, and skin looks fresher within days. It’s one of those products that makes you excited to do your routine.

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How to Choose the Right Vegan Skincare Brand for You

If all of these sound good (and honestly, they kind of are), here’s a quick way to narrow things down based on what your skin is doing right now:

• If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated: Try Cocokind, Good Molecules, or Acure.
• If you’re dealing with dryness, tightness, or fine lines: Look at OSEA Malibu or Biossance.
• If you’re on a strict budget: e.l.f. SKIN, The Ordinary, and Acure give you the most mileage per dollar.
• If your main concern is acne, blackheads, or clogged pores: Start with The Ordinary or Paula’s Choice (2% BHA is a classic).
• If you want more glow and brightness: Youth to the People, Biossance, and Pacifica have some great glow-boosting options.
• If sustainability is a big priority: Youth to the People and OSEA Malibu stand out with glass packaging and thoughtful sourcing.

Whatever you choose, try to introduce one new product at a time. That way you’ll actually know what’s helping — and you’ll be less likely to overwhelm your skin with too many actives at once.

Final Thoughts: Glow Clean, Glow Confident

Finding skincare that fits your values and your skin type doesn’t have to be complicated. These vegan and cruelty-free brands take a lot of the guesswork out of shopping — you can focus on your skin’s needs without worrying about hidden animal ingredients or outdated testing practices.

Whether you’re keeping things minimal with The Ordinary, treating yourself to a luxe Biossance oil, or building a fully budget-friendly routine with e.l.f. and Acure, there’s a brand on this list that can easily slip into your daily routine.

You don’t have to swap everything overnight. Even replacing one or two products with vegan options is a step toward a kinder, cleaner routine — and your skin just might thank you for it.

Ready to Glow? Start With This Vegan Skincare Staple

If you want one product that delivers instant radiance, long-lasting hydration, and a noticeable boost in overall skin smoothness, Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is the perfect place to start. It works for almost every skin type and gives that “healthy, lit-from-within glow” people notice right away.

This is the kind of product that makes your routine feel luxurious — without sacrificing clean, vegan ingredients. Whether you’re upgrading your current routine or starting fresh, it’s an easy win.