My Journey to Vegan Skincare: What I Wish I’d Known From the Start

Have you ever had that moment where you look at your bathroom counter and suddenly realize just how many products you’re using every day? That was me three years ago. I stood there staring at my collection of cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers, wondering what was actually in all these pretty bottles.

That moment of curiosity kicked off my journey into vegan skincare, and honestly, it’s been quite the adventure. If you’re just starting out or thinking about making the switch, I want to share some things I wish someone had told me from the beginning.

The Learning Curve Is Real (But Worth It)

First up, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: there’s a learning curve when transitioning to vegan skincare. I spent hours researching ingredients, trying to decipher those mile-long labels, and figuring out which brands actually walk the walk versus just talking the talk.

The game-changer for me was discovering Pacifica’s complete skincare line. Their ingredients list is refreshingly short, crystal clear about what’s vegan, and their Sea Foam Complete Face Wash literally saved my skin during that awkward transition phase where nothing seemed to work right.

Beeswax Isn’t the Only Wax in Town

One of my biggest “aha” moments was discovering that beeswax—which is in practically everything—isn’t the only option for creating that perfect balm consistency. Now I swear by products that use candelilla wax or carnauba wax instead.

Hurraw’s Moon Balm Lip Treatment uses carnauba wax, and let me tell you, it’s even better than the beeswax versions I used to use. My lips have never been softer, and I sleep better knowing no bees were exploited in the process. If you’re looking for more options, check out my detailed review of the 5 best vegan lip balms that will keep your lips moisturized year-round.

Your Skin Might Thank You

Here’s something I didn’t expect: my skin actually improved after going vegan with my skincare. I always had these persistent little bumps on my forehead that nothing seemed to fix. Two weeks after switching to Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution, those pesky bumps started to disappear.

It turns out many animal-derived ingredients can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some skin types. Who knew that going vegan would not just align with my ethics but would give me the clearest skin of my life?

Unexpected Ingredients to Watch For

Another challenge I faced was identifying hidden animal ingredients in products marketed as “natural” or even “organic.” Here are some sneaky non-vegan ingredients I learned to spot:

• Glycerin: Can be derived from plants or animals – look for “vegetable glycerin” specifically
• Squalane: Often sourced from shark liver oil, though plant versions from olive oil exist
• Stearic Acid: May come from animal fat unless specified as plant-derived
• Lactic Acid: Can be milk-derived, but vegan versions are fermented from plants
• Vitamin D3: Often sourced from sheep’s wool (lanolin), while D2 is typically vegan

I keep screenshots of these ingredients on my phone for quick reference while shopping. The 100% Pure Bright Eyes Mask specifically mentions plant-derived glycerin and squalane, which is why it’s become my go-to for reducing under-eye puffiness.

Final Thoughts

The journey to a fully vegan skincare routine is personal and different for everyone. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small wins, and remember why you started. For me, it was about aligning my bathroom cabinet with my values, but the glowing skin has been the most beautiful bonus. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might want to learn about the hidden animal ingredients in “clean” beauty products to deepen your understanding.

If you’re just starting out, I highly recommend beginning with HERBIVORE Rainbow Minis Set, which includes travel sizes of their bestselling products including facial oils and masks. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes into vegan skincare without overwhelming yourself or your skin.