Plant-Based vs. Vegan Skincare By Thirsty Turtl's Alisha

If you’re like me who was one of the last (if not the last) of her friends to start paying attention to her skin, navigating the maze of skincare labels in stores and chemist’s in person or online can feel like deciphering a secret code. Two terms I frequently encountered are "plant-based" and "vegan" skincare. For a long time, I thought that this meant the same thing and was only the result of a difference of phrasing between different companies. However, though these two terms seem similar, there are key distinctions between them (which I only discovered recently…like last week recently). 

So if you have some spare time maybe for a morning and you want to make yourself a cup of tea (I’m a huge T2 fan and love anything that smells amazing and even better if it includes bush food), let’s dive deep into the world of plant-based and vegan skincare! We can explore their definitions (i.e. break them apart), benefits, and potential cons of each. And hopefully I (and the Thirsty Turtl team) can help you determine which approach best aligns with your skincare goals and ethical considerations.

What is ‘Plant-based’ skincare? 

Plant-based skincare products are those that incorporate botanical ingredients derived from plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These ingredients offer a wealth of benefits (not just applied but ingested too):

• Natural Powerhouse: Plants contain an array of vitamins, antioxidants (desert plants are packed with these since they need to survive in tough conditions!), and other beneficial compounds that both nourish and protect the skin.
• Gentle and Soothing: Plant-based formulas tend to be less irritating which makes them suitable for sensitive skin. (To know whether you have sensitive skin or oily skin or even a combination, you can look up symptoms of each online and compare). 
• A Sustainable Choice: Plant-based options often align the best with eco-conscious practices and philosophies, supporting renewable resources which we love for the environment.

So why is ‘Plant-based’ skincare not necessarily ‘Vegan’ skincare? Here’s why:

• Animal Byproducts May Be Used in Plant-based skincare: Some plant-based products might contain animal-derived ingredients like honey, beeswax, or lanolin. These ingredients offer specific functionalities but might not be suitable for vegans (which people are according to a spectrum of course, but for those that do not desire to use any products containing anything from animals, plant-based products can still be a no-no). 

What is ‘Vegan’ skincare?

As such, vegan skincare goes beyond plant-based ingredients. It adheres to a very strict philosophy that excludes all animal-derived ingredients and avoids animal testing in the development process. This approach aligns with ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental impact.

Benefits of Vegan Skincare:

• Cruelty-Free: Supports the movement against animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
• Ethically Aligned: Offers peace of mind for those who prioritize vegan principles.
• Often Free of Common Irritants: Absence of animal-derived ingredients might further minimize the risk of irritation already presented by plant-based products.

Understanding the Cons:

• Limited Ingredient Pool: Excluding animal-derived ingredients might restrict the range of available functionalities.
• Potential for Higher Costs: Developing vegan alternatives to certain ingredients can be more expensive.

Plant-Based vs. Vegan Skincare: Choosing Your Path

So, which approach is right for you? Consider these factors:

• Your Values: If ethical considerations are paramount, choose vegan skincare.
• Skin Sensitivity: Both might be suitable for sensitive skin, but patch testing is always recommended as it is with any new product you’re introducing to your skin and body. 
• Desired Functionalities: Research the ingredients and their benefits to ensure they address your particular skin concerns.
• Budgetary Constraints: Vegan options might be slightly costlier due to ingredient sourcing and development.

Thirsty Turtl: Embracing Sustainability and Transparency

At Thirsty Turtl, we prioritize both sustainability and transparency. We strive to use plant-based ingredients whenever possible, focusing on natural and effective formulations. Additionally, we clearly list all ingredients on our packaging, allowing you to make informed decisions.

Beyond Labels: A Holistic Approach to Skincare

Regardless of your choice between plant-based or vegan, remember that effective skincare goes beyond labels. Here are some additional tips we as a team found:

• Know Your Skin Type: Choose products formulated for your specific skin concerns (dry, oily, combination; we have info on this in our blog if you haven’t done an exploration of that for yourself yet).
• Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality products that deliver results rather than a routine composed of multiple products (sometimes less is truly more!).
• Sun Protection is Key: Daily SPF 30 sunscreen is essential for preventing premature aging and sun damage.

The Final Sip: Let Your Skin Guide You

Ultimately, the best approach to skincare is the one that works for you and your unique skin. Experiment, listen to your skin's response, and choose products that deliver both results and align with your values. What someone else does may not work for your skin, it is a personal journey that can be enjoyable if you fall in love with the process…