44 vegan grooming products that do as good as they feel
By Zak Maoui, Aaron Toumazou and Daphne Bugler
Build an eco-friendly skincare routine with our picks of the best vegan grooming products for men
It’s no secret that veganism has boomed over the last few years. Countless celebrities follow a vegan diet (from Joaquin Phoenix and Benedict Cumberbatch to Zac Efron and Ariana Grande, to name a few), entirely vegan restaurants and meal delivery services are popping up and thriving, and it’s not uncommon for someone you know to have at least tried it out. In fact, the number of vegans in the UK has quadrupled between 2014 and 2018, with Britain launching more vegan products than any other nation.
But embracing a vegan diet and opting for sustainable fashion choices such as eco-friendly trainers is just the start. Revamping your entire grooming regime is a whole other ball game. The vegan trend is prompting real change in the beauty and grooming industry: vegan cosmetics launches have increased by 175 per cent since 2013 and the sale of vegan beauty products increased by 38 per cent in the last year.
So what should you be looking out for when looking for vegan grooming products for men? The vegan “certification” verifies that the product (and all their ingredients) have not been tested on animals and are free from any kind of animal extract too – no mean feat considering skin staples retinol, collagen and glycerin and byproducts such as honey and beeswax are all traditionally derived from animals. Thankfully, we’ve done much of the hard work for you, rounding up 44 vegan men’s grooming products with particularly strong appeal, regardless of whether you’re here for the plant-based cause or not.
- 1/44
The Gruff Stuff The Spray On Moisturiser
Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin, this soothing and anti-inflammatory vegan moisturiser is made from extracts of wild Australian plums and polysaccharide and works to reduce redness and irritation. £25. At Wolf & Badger. wolfandbadger.com
- 2/44
Aromatherapy Associates Bath And Shower Oil
Expertly hand-blended in its London laboratory, Aromatherapy Associates’ oils and body treatments are ethically made, using the purest, natural, raw ingredients on the planet. Inspired by the Japanese art of forest bathing, reset with this fresh, clean and invigorating Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil, created using a collection of nature’s most caring ingredients across our natural world, including evergreen pink pepper fruit native to the Peruvian Andes, uplifting juniper berry gathered from the mountainous regions of Macedonia to calming Mediterranean cypress and refreshing Sicilian Lemon. £49. aromatherapyassociates.com
- 3/44
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Renowned for its focus on affordable skincare that is based on the scientific use of effective ingredients, The Ordinary has become one of the hottest brands on the skincare market. This niacinamide and zinc serum is a great choice for anyone with blemished or congested skin, or with concerns about sebum production and pigmentation. A true skin saviour that is far more accessible, ethical and even effective than most. You can also be confident that The Ordinary’s products, having been certified vegan by Peta, are, in fact, suitable for use by vegans. £5 for 30ml. At beautybay.com
- 4/44
Zelens Daily Defence Suncreen SPF 30
The importance of incorporating a good sunscreen into your everyday skincare routine is something we cannot emphasise enough. Whether you're heading to the beach or just sitting indoors all day, wearing a SPF will protect you from any harmful light and sun that you might come across, even if it is just through a window. However, having said this, sunscreens that are suitable for vegans are notoriously challenging to come across. Thankfully, this sunscreen has been classed as suitable for vegans by Cruelty Free UK as part of Zelens wider mission to stand against animal testing and animal-based ingredients. Formulated with silica-based capsules, the sunscreen creates an invisible UV filter layer over the skin to prevent wrinkles and sun damage, while also incorporating ingredients such as vitamin C to brighten the skin at the same time. £55. At lookfantastic.com
- 5/44
Polaar Northern Light Cream
Built around a fascination with the Arctic world, as well as the lessons it could teach us about skincare, Polaar is an exciting brand that prioritises good-quality, natural ingredients that are effective. This smoothing cream is part of its “Northern Light” collection, which works against pollution and other natural aggressors to help restore the skin's radiance. The treatment is enriched with Siberian olive, a key source of vitamin C, as well as the exfoliating salicylic acid (great for blemished skin and wrinkles). Beyond this product being suitable for vegans, the brand also has plenty of other ethical commitments, including to stand against animal testing, support the preservation of polar diversity and use environmentally friendly packaging. £38 for 50ml. At lookfantastic.com
- 6/44
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Biossance is a brand that has been consistently prioritising the production of effective goods without contributing to the processes in the skincare and grooming community that have been damaging the environment. This product is not only vegan and cruelty-free, but it also uses sustainably sourced squalane. The cream is full of lipids and ceramides to help moisturise and replenish your skin, as well as squalane to repair your skin's moisture barrier and hyaluronic acid and shea butter for moisture and plumpness. Not only will it leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated, but it will also work to repair your skin and reduce the visibility of wrinkles and ageing. It's a yes from us. £49. At cultbeauty.co.uk
- 7/44
Lily & Loaf Luminescent Face Polish
Vegan and natural brand Lily & Loaf's miracle face polish works to deeply cleanse your complexion using the finest ingredients that Mother Nature gave us, such as apricot oil, crushed walnut, palm kernel and avocado oil. £19.95. lilyandloafinternational.com
- 8/44
Q+A Natural Skincare Peppermint Daily Cleanser
This completely natural cleanser will fight blemishes thanks to the cleansing properties of the peppermint oil, while additional coconut upholds your skin's natural oil balance. £7.50. At hollandbarrett.com
- 9/44
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
While Drunk Elephant isn't a vegan brand, its Lala Retro Whipped Cream is suitable for vegans. Bursting with natural ingredients, Marula oil nourishes and rejuvenates skin, Mongongo defends against environmental aggressors, baobab is rich in vitamin C and provides moisturising, antioxidant and soothing benefits, Kalahari melon is a super-moisturising, rejuvenating oil, ximenia is rich in vitamin C and, passion fruit is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C. £50. At cultbeauty.co.uk
- 10/44
Skingredients Skin Veg
Skingredients' Skin Veg contains a clinically-proven pro-collagen peptide to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to help your active ingredients to penetrate optimally. It's totally natural and will leave your skin feeling and looking more refreshed. £39. skingredients.com
- 11/44
Tinker Taylor lip scrub
It's one thing applying a lip balm, but applying one after having exfoliated your lips is another story. A lip scrub, such as this sustainable, vegan brown sugar one, leave your lips clean, smooth and ready for nourishing balm. That said, Tinker Taylor's product will also give your lips a boost of goodness, thanks to the addition of cranberry seed oil which has antioxidant and nourishing properties, encouraging new collagen production, baobab seed oil which helps reduce fine lines and creping, and vitamin E, which wards off free radicals. £20. tinkertaylor.com
- 12/44
Waken
Waken uses only natural ingredients, as well as promoting the use of recycled bi-products. Did you know that the black plastic caps on top of most mass mouthwashes aren’t recyclable at all? Lasers, cannot pick up black plastic. Its bottles and caps are made of endlessly recyclable aluminium, so, when you’ve finished with them, all you need to do is pop them in your recycling bin. For this mouthwash, only natural spearmint, eucalyptus and other botanical extracts have been used, rather than the alcohols you're likely to find in other mouthwashes. £8. wakencare.com
- 13/44
The Chemistry Brand Pro-Repair Skincare For Hands
This concentrated multifunctional hand cream from the alcohol-, silicone- and cruelty-free, vegan company The Chemistry Brand targets eight signs of hand ageing simultaneously. It contains a biotechnological derivative of the mushroom, tremella fuciformis sporocarp, shown to be 400 times more moisturising than hyaluronic acid. £19. chemistrybrand.deciem.com
- 14/44
Hylamide SubQ Eyes
Hylamide sits as part of the Deciem brand and simplifies what you’re putting on your skin. This vegan SubQ eye serum uses a wide array of peptides, plant saccharides and active technologies to rehydrate the fragile eye area, combatting signs of ageing such as crows feet and dark circles. £17. hylamide.deciem.com
- 15/44
Niod Survival 30
Niod is a cruelty-free, vegan brand that aims to make the most out of the skin you already have. This Survival 30 potion has been specially formulated to help support the skin’s defence system against damaging effects of the environment and lifestyle, using purified lutein, an antioxidant ingredient extracted from marigold flower, which in turn helps counteract the effects of blue light while enhancing elasticity. £25. At cultbeauty.co.uk
- 16/44
Colgate Smile For Good Whitening Toothpaste
Most mainstream toothpastes contain glycerin, a byproduct of soap manufacturing used to prevent toothpaste from drying, which can be made from a blend of animal or vegetable oils. This year, Colgate introduced its first vegan-friendly toothpaste (and fully recyclable too, made from the same material used for milk bottles). Its ingredients are 99.7 per cent natural. Something to smile about. £3.32 for 75ml. At Superdrug. superdrug.com
- 17/44
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
Never one to be late to the party, Jack Black has had its finger on the vegan pulse for some time with vegan products ranging from cruelty-free skincare to synthetic shaving brushes. This take on the SPF moisturiser, an increasingly essential addition to your (vegan leather) wash bag, boasts high doses of vitamin A and E, plus the nourishing plant-based additions of blue algae and sea parsley. £29 for 97ml. At amazon.co.uk
- 18/44
31st State Spot Control Gel
There are few things worse in life than waking up with a spot on your face. Spot creams tend to contain harsh chemicals, which not only dry the skin out, but can also cause irritation. This spot control gel from 31st State prides itself on being skin-friendly and vegan. The solution combines antibacterial manuka with tea tree to help calm redness and irritation and help reduce the size of the spot, while the hazel acts as a natural antiseptic. £9.74 for 15ml. At amazon.co.uk
- 19/44
Aesop Deodorant
This unisex aluminium-free spray deodorant is a blend of eleven essential oils, including the likes of witch hazel, clove oil, vetiver root oil and lavender, and thanks to the active ingredient zinc ricinoleate, this deodorant conceals odour that is produced by bacterial decomposition in sweat. £23. At Space NK. spacenk.com
- 20/44
Laboratory Perfumes No 003 Samphire
Laboratory Perfumes works with a small, transparent supply chain located entirely in the UK for its small line of fragrances, and its homegrown approach to manufacturing is reflected in its suitably sophisticated pared-back aesthetic. For a particularly fresh, green-smelling scent, No 003 Samphire blends spicy juniper berries with lavender, rosemary, basil and oak moss. £70 for 100ml. At Liberty. libertylondon.com
- 21/44
Le Labo Santal 33
One of a select few in our higher tier of fragrance brands to receive Peta’s seal of approval, Le Labo doesn’t test any of the ingredients in its scents on animals and all are 100 per cent vegan, using natural essential oils and synthetics (which lends the fragrances their body and staying power). Santal 33 is the house’s masculine best-seller, a sandalwood-cedar-papyrus-leather blend that will fast become your most spritzed. £127 for 50ml. At John Lewis. johnlewis.com
- 22/44
Dr David Jack Yellow Face Paint Peel mask
Apply this miracle worker to your skin after cleansing and the vegan face paint will break down dark spots, even skin tone and deliver high-grade antioxidants thanks to a blend of kojic acid, which helps repair sun damage, mandelic acid, which accelerates cell turnover, and anti-ageing retinol. The paint also contains soothing aloe barbadensis leaf juice and ascorbic acid, which contributes to a youthful appearance. £139 for 50ml. At Space NK. spacenk.com
- 23/44
Omorovicza Reviving Eye Cream
Hungarian premium skincare brand Omorovicza makes vegan-friendly products with a relatively high-end price tag thanks to their enrichment with quality natural minerals. The headline ingredient in its eye cream is the thermal water from Hungary’s renowned springs, delivered to the thinner skin around the eyes with the brand’s patented “Hydro Mineral Transference” delivery system. £82 for 15ml. At Space NK. spacenk.com
- 24/44
No Ordinary Shampoo
No Ordinary uses only natural, sustainable ingredients and only the finest pure essential oils (which have been given Aromatherapy Trade Council certification and are used to work therapeutically for optimum results). This lavender and mandarin-infused shampoo both soothes the scalp and encourages hair growth and shine. £16 for 250ml. no-ordinary.co.uk
- 25/44
Bulldog Skincare Original Moisturiser
Since 2005, Bulldog has been making quality skincare at a supremely affordable price tag. The trusty men’s skincare label has been committed to creating its line free from all animal derivatives, and up there with the best of its products is its Original Moisturiser, containing aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea. £4. At amazon.co.uk
- 26/44
Kankan Mandarin & Clary Sage Hand Wash
Vegan, sustainable and suited to all skin types, Kankan opts for aluminium cans for its refillable hand washes as they take 95 per cent less energy to make than a plastic container, and 75 per cent of aluminium produced remains in use today. The floral formula within (mandarin, lavender, lemon, patchouli, palmarosa, clary sage and Vetiver) boasts rash- and skin-healing benefits, and the product is made in the UK free from palm oil, silicones, sulphates and parabens. £15 for 330ml. kankan.london
- 27/44
Korres Laurel & Echinacea Shampoo
Fight against both environmental damage and your dry scalp with Korres’ laurel and echinacea shampoo. It effectively balances sebum levels, moisturises your scalp, reduces itching and removes dead cells, thus preventing dry scalp conditions such as dandruff. Win win.
£5 for 250ml. At Waitrose. waitrose.com
- 28/44
Lush Jade Roller Naked Cleansing Balm
Cleanse, tone and massage in one with this easy-to-use clarifying cleanser. Murumuru butter will leave your skin in a glossy condition, while antibacterial chamomile vinegar and soothing rose water work together to tone and balance your skin. And, if that's not enough, mung beans are embedded on one side of this cleanser so you can exfoliate with it too and hazelnut oil is rich in vitamin E, which leaves you with a healthy glow. £5. lush.com
- 29/44
Balmonds Skin Salvation
First formulated by founder Natalie as an emollient for her daughter’s highly sensitive skin, this is Balmonds' hero product. Rich, oil-based and made with beeswax to lock in the moisture that dry skin so desperately needs, this vegan ointment is ideal for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. £7.99 for 30ml. balmonds.co.uk
- 30/44
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon found naturally in the skin and is an exceptional hydrator. Suitable for all skin types this serum will soften and smooth dry skin, giving it a super-charged boost and it can even be applied to your hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential. £5.50. theordinary.com
- 31/44
Neal’s Yard Invigorating Hair & Body Wash
At Neal’s Yard, all products are suitable for vegetarians and now it's got a growing range of vegan products, including this invigorating hair and body wash. Thanks to the energising aroma of organic grapefruit, bergamot and bay essential oils this multi-action product makes for the perfect start to your day. £15.50. nealsyardremedies.com
- 32/44
Mádara Intense Antioxidant Body Cream
Mineral-rich horsetail and antioxidant-loaded thyme and lemon balm make up this body cream, which won't just leave your skin feeling silky smooth, but will also improve elasticity, promote collagen renewal and prevent neuro-ageing, thanks to a unique bio-complex. £13.60. madaracosmetics.com
- 33/44
Clock Face Beauty Facial Serum
If your skin feels like it needs a boost of all-natural antioxidants and vitamins, then this is for you. Thanks to a heavy dose of vitamin E, which has been derived from plants and plants alone, this will revive tired-looking and feeling skin. £44. At immaculatevegan.com
- 34/44
Lush Dream Cream
Slather this body lotion all over your skin for a silky smooth result, thanks to the combination of soothing lavender and Turkish rose. For us, this is best before bed, lulling your skin and mind into a perfect calm. £4.50. lush.com
- 35/44
Awake Organics Shampoo
This shampoo is 100 per cent plant-based, plastic-free and vegan, but that doesn't mean it will leave you with dull-smelling hair. Instead, thanks to a blend of guarana seed, organic rosemary and lemongrass oil, it will smell spectacularly, while coconut milk protein will strengthen hair strands. £13. awakeorganics.co.uk
- 36/44
Lush Rosy Cheeks Fresh Face Mask
If you suffer from redness or rosacea, especially after drinking, then use this before a night out or big event. A formula of calamine, rose clay and kaolin help to absorb excess oils, while fresh rose petal infusion and rose oil are astringent and toning on the skin, helping to reduce redness and balance skin tone. £9. lush.com
- 37/44
The Lost Explorer Volcanic Face Scrub
Both removing impurities and dead skin cells and nourishing the skin, this scrub by The Lost Explorer will leave your face smooth and hydrated. Thanks to willow bark, aloe vera and blood orange it will help your skin fight pollution and environmental damage, plus the siliceous rock will help sebum control. £12. thelostexplorer.com
- 38/44
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream For Men
Made from a combination of marine algae and padina pavonica, this powerful anti-ageing cream will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase hydration and add moisture. Simply apply the moisturiser to cleansed skin daily and sit back and wait for the results. £43.50. At Amazon. amazon.co.uk
- 39/44
Odacité Baobab-Sarsaparilla Serum Concentrate Eye Contour
With a mission to produce the most effective, 100 per cent vegan, cruelty-free and non-genetically modified products sans les toxins, Odacité includes only the highest quality ingredients. This baobab-sarsaparilla eye serum is rich in nutrients and vitamins specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes. Rich in vitamins A, E and F, it will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and relieve puffiness. Simply mix two to three drops with your facial cream of choice or apply direct for a more intensive treatment. £43. At Space NK. spacenk.com
- 40/44
Dr Jackson’s 05 Face And Eye Essence
With the belief that beauty should be clean, safe and, most importantly, effective, Dr Jackson is a sustainable, science-led cosmetics company that uses only natural ingredients. Caring both for your skin and the planet at the same time, the Face And Eye Essence is perfect for when your skin needs a bit of a pep talk. Rich in vitamin C, this toner has a lightweight formula with fragrant botanicals that will balance your skin tone in between cleansing and moisturising. £60. At Space NK. speacenk.com
- 41/44
B Skincare Argon Oil & Lemongrass Beard Oil
B Skincare wishes to leave as small an environmental footprint as possible: its glass jars and bottles are sourced from the UK rather than imported, its products are posted in cardboard boxes re-used from other local businesses, its packing chips are compostable and dissolve in water and its beard oil is 100 per cent vegan as well as brilliant. Lemongrass, cypress and rosemary essential oils are combined with argon oil, sunflower and vitamin E leaving your beard shiny and you skin moisturised. £8.50. bskincare.co.uk
- 42/44
Haeckels Exfoliating Seaweed Block
Free of synthetic fragrances, this low-foaming, vegan-friendly seaweed soap is luxuriously hydrating and moisture rich, leaving your body smooth, clean and refreshed. A formula of raw crushed botanicals, including coriander seeds and peppercorns, scrub away dirt and smooth rough patches of skin, while the seaweed, aloe vera and tea tree actively hydrated and repair. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types. £18. haeckels.co.uk
- 43/44
Lush Kalamazoo Beard And Facial Wash
Killing two birds with one stone, this face wash works for both your skin and beard. Fresh pineapple juice cleanses the skin and zaps away dirt, while almond oil, jojoba oil and cupuaça butter will leave your beard strokably soft. To use, simply scoop a dollop out, massage in and rinse off. £8.50. lush.com
- 44/44
Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel
With a mission to treat and alleviate the effects of stress on skin, while also promoting a stress-free life full of balance, health and wellness, Skyn Iceland has a strong commitment to nature. Simply smooth a pad over your face once daily, or three to five times a week for sensitive skin, and it will gently dissolve dead cells to restore a smooth, even surface. The perfect way to restore a dull, congested complexion to its former glory. £39. At Marks & Spencer. marksandspencer.com
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