Simple Swaps for Sustainable Vegan Skincare
Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Wild Rose Beauty Balm is not cheap (costs around £40), but it’s far better to buy one or two good quality skincare products, rather than lots of cheap ones that don’t work!
This is made by a reputable company, and contains organic plant-based ingredients, even the fragrance is real essential oils (so avoid for pregnancy/nursing). Keep away from children and pets.
The beauty of this beauty balm is that it’s multi-purpose. You can use it as a cleansing balm and also as a beauty mask, rather than buying two products. Featuring oils of geranium (good for dry skin) and rosehip (good to help reduce and repair scars), it has a delightful floral aroma.
Designed to deeply cleanse skin without stripping the skin barrier, and leave skin soft and nourished, it also contains pumpkin seed oil (packed with omega 3 oils), candelilla wax (a beeswax alternative to lock in hydration) and sumac berry wax, to effortlessly absorb, without leaving a greasy residue.
To use, just massage into the skin, and remove with a warm damp muslin cloth, or leave it on overnight for a nourishing treat. You can even use it to tame unruly eyebrows or add a sheen to lips.
This beauty balm is sold in a glass jar that is easily recycled. Most councils can recycle the plastic lid (if not, just pop it in your local Boots recycling bin, if you don’t live near a Neal’s Yard Remedies store.
Genuine User Reviews
My skin loves this nourishing healing balm. I use it nightly to cleanse, moisturise and as an overnight treatment. The overall feel and appearance of my skin has improved, including softening scar tissue. I would definitely recommend it.
Wonderful cream! It leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed. Light and not at all sticky. Can’t recommend this enough.
Can’t be without this miracle balm – amazing overnight on skin to really nourish. Also use no nails and hair to hydrate, and it smells wonderful!
This beauty balm has soothed and smoothed my 70-year old skin. I was suffering from very dry skin that was prone to allergic reactions. I’m so pleased.
Absolutely love this product. My face feels so moisturised, and no longer flaky or dehydrated. Going to make this a regular for my routine.
Alter/native by Suma Soap Bars are made with natural ingredients, then packed in recycled paper. Containing olive and coconut oils, with shea butter and essential oils.
Many liquid and bar soaps strip skin of natural oils or cause irritation. Alter/native by SUMA soaps gently cleanse and leave a soft, comfortable feeling. The rich blend of coconut oil, olive oil and shea butter helps soothe dryness and works well for most skin types, even if you’re sensitive.
Choose unscented soaps for pregnancy/nursing and babies. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Don’t use ‘human’ soap on pets (due to different PH and ingredients – read more on giving dogs baths.
SUMA is run by its workers as a co-operative. That means your money supports fair pay, strong working conditions and a business owned by its staff.
Why Choose Handmade Soaps?
Most soaps in shops are no longer made with animal tallow (sodium tallowate). But sodium palmate (palm oil) so no better, as its use is killing orangutans. Greenpeace says there is no such thing as ‘sustainable palm oil’ (a self-policed term from industry).
Real handmade soap (which retains glycerine, instead of selling it to industry) won’t dry your skin. Try using it and nothing else for a month, and see what happens!
Due to being more moisturising, store handmade soaps on a dry facecloth or slatted soap dish, to let water drain away, and help soaps last longer.
Storing Handmade Soap (to avoid going mushy!)
Due to being more moisturising, store handmade soaps on a dry facecloth or one of these options. to let water drain away, and help soaps last longer.
This soap saver pad only costs a few pounds. In four colours, they can be cut to size. They let air circulate, and if they get clogged with soap, you can just give them a wash (even pop them in the dishwasher) to use again.
Or use a slatted soap dish to drain water away, so your soap lasts longer.
This upcycled coconut husk soap rest is also good to store handmade soap. The large rest can store two bars side-by-side. Due to natural fibres, some minor shedding may occur when you first use them.
Suma’s travel soap tin is ideal for when you’re on the go.
Coraline Soaps (for very dry and sensitive skin)
Coraline Soaps (also sold at Blomma Beauty (use code englandnaturally for 10% discount) was created by the parents of a baby with Down Syndrome, who could not tolerate ‘sensitive skin’ soaps. The chamomile soap has anti-inflammatory ingredients to relieve dry itchy skin.
For 3 months and up only. Check for nut allergies.
Skin experts often recommend Coraline Soaps for people with sensitive skin. Their formulas are tested to make sure they’re safe and kind.
Coraline Soaps don’t just clean, they hydrate too. The blend of nourishing oils leaves skin feeling soft and never stripped. For people who get tight, dry skin after washing, this extra moisture can make daily washing feel soothing and gentle.
Coraline Skincare has a page on how to help people with eczema and similar skin conditions.
Helleo Olive Oil Soaps (great for sensitive skin)
This handmade strawberry mint soap is made with hand-picked strawberries and freshly-harvested peppermint.
Olive oil soap is famous for being soft on sensitive skin. The natural fats in olive oil keep moisture in and harsh additives out. This means fewer worries about rashes or irritation. Paper packaging also keeps extra chemicals away, so you get a pure bar each time.
Olive oil is good for sensitive skin. One woman went to a dermatologist for her ‘incurable itchy skin’ even though she was using the brand leading soap.
After he couldn’t help, she popped to Holland & Barratt and bought a cheap plain bar of Oliva soap (just olive oil, salt and water). And her skin began to heal in an hour.
The carob fig soap is made with fig juice and carob syrup. Many olive oil soaps in paper come from small family businesses or independent makers. Buying these bars often means supporting traditional skills and local jobs. You get a quality product and help communities grow.
Friendly Soaps (no palm oil, made in Northumberland)
Friendly Soaps (made in Northumberland) are all vegan and free from palm oil (so orangutan-friendly to protect their forest habits) and sold in zero waste paper packaging. They can be found widely at markets and in a farm shop and independent health stores. Or you can buy online (including in packs of 12).
Choose from the follow scents (you can also buy mixed packs, if preferred):
- Aloe vera (unscented, for sensitive skin and children)
- Fragrance-free cleansing Bar (coconut/rapeseed oil and shea butter)
- Lavender (relaxing)
- Ylang Ylang (floral)
- Rose geranium (feminine – good for grandma!)
- Cinnamon (warming)
- Lemongrass (a good antibacterial hand soap)
- Cedarwood or patchouli sandalwood (good for men)
- Rosemary (herbal and refreshing)
- Peppermint and poppy seeds (exfoliating)
- Tea tree and turmeric (deep-cleansing)
- A travel bar (a soap, shampoo and body wash with lavender, lemongrass, tea tree and peppermint).
This brand also makes specialist soaps for:
- Shaving bar (with kaolin clay and soy wax)
- Smelly feet!
- Mucky mechanics!
- Soaps on ropes (for showers, no soap dish needed)
- Mini Bars (guest-size soaps for bathrooms or hotels/guesthouses
- Hotels (guest-size soaps)
Discounted Bags of Soapy Scraps!
Friendly Soapy Scraps are discounted bags of their offcuts, all different shapes and blobs, if you want something more affordable, and to stop soap waste! Just put them into the soap saver made with sisal, to wash and naturally exfoliate skin at the same time. Hang up to dry, after each use.
A Friendly Soap Bar for Organic Gardeners!
Friendly Gardener’s Soap (made in Northumberland) is specifically designed for people who work in the garden, to remove dirt and mucky stuff under your fingernails and on your palms. A nice bar to keep in the bathroom or your allotment shed! Also sold in packs of 12.
Made with coconut and rapeseed oil, it also contains nourishing shea butter (not for latex allergies) and volcanic pumice to naturally exfoliate. Also contains poppy seeds, comfrey and soothing aloe vera.
Read our posts on pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. And how to help stop birds flying into windows.
A Friendly Soap Bar for Smelly Chef Hands!
Friendly Cook’s Soap (made in Northumberland) is specifically designed for chefs who regularly work with smelly ingredients like onion and garlic. It’s ideal to keep in the kitchen, when you need to quickly wash your hands. Also sold in packs of 12.
This bar contains coconut oil and shea butter (not for latex allergies) along with exfoliating bicarbonate of soda to remove odours, and essential oils of citrus and paprika.
Read our plant-based recipes for inspiration to start cooking! And our post on food safety for people and pets.
Alter/Native Facial Cleansing Bar is handmade in Yorkshire by a co-operative. The pink clay version has a light floral scent, while the gently exfoliating charcoal soap restores balance to tired and oily skin. Contains olive/coconut oils, shea butter and essential oils.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Keep skincare products away from pets, due to cocoa butter and essential oils (zinc oxide is found in some sun protection productions, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!)
Store bar soaps on a slatted soap dish (or dry facecloth) to help them last longer. Handmade soaps contain moisturising glycerine (rather than removing it and selling it to industry, like conventional soaps). This means the soap is better for your skin, but will go mushy, if it sits in water.
SBTRCT: Biodegradable Facial Cleansing Bars
SBTRCT is a zero waste beauty brand, which offers solid facial cleansers made with biodegradable ingredients. Choose from a fragrance-free version, a Rose and Tonka Bean cleanser (scented with geranium oil) or a Make-up Melt bar.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Keep skincare products away from pets, due to cocoa butter and essential oils (zinc oxide is found in some sun protection productions, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!)
SBTRCT makes all its products in the UK under high standards. They work with trusted suppliers and keep a close eye on quality. This supports local jobs and helps make production more transparent and fair, something many brands can’t guarantee.
Organic Calendula Skin Cleansing Cream
Neal’s Yard Remedies Calendula Cleanser is an organic cleansing cream to cleanse and remove make-up, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
Made with jojoba oil, the Frankincense Cleanser is enriched with baobab seed oil and organic cocoa butter. Kerbside collections should recycle the packaging (if not, you can take empty items back to the store for recycling).
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Keep skincare products away from pets, due to cocoa butter and essential oils (zinc oxide is found in some sun protection productions, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!)
Green People’s Organic Vegan Skin Cleansers
Green People is an organic beauty brand (everything bar the balm is vegan), which sells cleansers for oily, mature or teenage/oily skin, in easy-to-recycle packaging (mostly made from sugar cane). There are scent-free options, and a cleanser for men, which doubles as a shave gel.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Keep skincare products away from pets, due to cocoa butter and essential oils (zinc oxide is found in some sun protection productions, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!)
Green People also makes a line of face washes especially for teenage or acne-prone skin:
Hand-Knitted Cotton & Linen Facecloths
These hand-knitted facecloths are made from a blend of recycled cotton & flax. Cotton is one of the most farmed crops on earth, but uses around 25% of the world’s chemicals. So if not choosing organic cotton, recycled cotton is the next best thing to help farmers, wildlife & the planet.
This facecloth also safely launders, without releasing microplastics (as in polyester fibres) in washing machines, which go out to sea and get accidentally ingested by marine wildlife.
Flax is also a biodegradable crop used to make make linen clothing & home furnishings (and unlike cotton, can be locally-grown). And unlike cotton, it can be grown locally.
SBTRCT is an excellent skincare brand, founded by the former execute at male skincare brand Bulldog. He has turned facial skincare on its head, offering a small line of vegan natural skin items (cleansers, exfoliators and face creams, with vitamin C booster).
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Wash off cocoa butter, before letting pets kiss you!
Sustainable Zero Waste Packaging
All are sold in zero waste bamboo packaging, you just buy refills thereafter, which also saves you money. Note the squalane is plant-based (not from sharks, like some brands).
Green People (organic vegan skincare products)
Green People is a quality brand of organic skincare, sold in easy-to-recycle sugar-cane packaging (most items are vegan). The range includes unscented and Oy!, which is specially formulated for acne-prone or teenage skin. As well as a range of skin creams with built-in sun protection.
The range also includes add-ons like anti-redness facial oil drops, and retinol-booster serums.
Coraline Skincare (soothing balms and serums)
Known for their extra-gentle handmade soaps (for 3 months and above), Coraline Skincare is a family company (founded to provide soap gentle enough for their daughter’s skin, who has Down Syndrome), which has recently added a small line of skincare products for adults.
SOS Recovery Oil is good for dry and mature skin, or itchy skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. Unfragranced (with a natural nutty seedy grassy quinoa aroma). Just apply 1 to 2 pumps to damp skin, and massage in morning and night.
You Must Be Sisters Facial Oil contains collagen-boosting ingredients like oils of rosehip fruit, açai seed, passion seed oil (rich in fatty acids) and blackcurrant skin (helps eczema and psoriasis).
The Everlasting Facial Balm is richer (contains immortelle facial oil, so check for allergies, some people may be sensitive). As with all essential oils, avoid during pregnancy/nursing.
The Ilex Wood (rose & frankincense face cream)
The Ilex Wood Rose & Frankincense Face Cream is made from natural vegan ingredients, is packed in a zero waste glass jar, and has super reviews. This cream is for dry and older skin, for deep glowing skin and to help reduce fine lines.
Packed with plant-based nutrients, this contains carefully selected essential oils of rose, frankincense, geranium and lavender, for a lovely scent. A little goes a long way!
The cream is made from a luxury blend of shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and raspberry seed oil, with no palm oil. Store at room temperature, then apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin, allowing to absorb completely.
Green People Organic Eye Creams & Serums
Green People Rejuvenating Eye Cream (also in a scent-free version) hydrates the delicate skin around your eyes using over 89% certified organic ingredients. The ingredients (including soothing seaweed) help to smooth fine lines, and lighten dark circles. It sinks in quickly, never feeling greasy or heavy. Use morning and night for skin that looks rested and bright.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Keep away from children and pets.
Firming Eye Serum
The firming eye serum plumps up skin by 26% in just 1 hour, and increases radiance after a month of use. Made to tone (not tingle!) this includes a calming chamomile aroma.
Age Defy+ Line Eraser Serum
Green People Line Eraser Serum blends 23 science-backed actives. Key plant extracts like pomegranate, sea holly and baicalin work to firm and brighten. The light gel texture absorbs quickly, leaving no residue. Daily use helps soften crow’s feet and makes eyes look brighter.
Tips to Reduce Crow’s Feet Around the Eyes
Skin around the eyes is very thin, so be gentle (dry your face by tapping with a towel, not scrubbing). Also tap eye creams and serums gently onto your skin, using your ring finger (uses less pressure).
- Try to get enough sleep. Rest lets your skin repair itself. Aim for regular sleep at the same times each night. Eating fruit and drinking water can also help your skin stay healthy.
- Give up smoking. This also helps to prevent cigarette litter!
- Protect your skin from the sun, and wear sustainable sunglasses (they block out light, and keep you from squinting).
Always wash sun creams off before letting pets kiss your skin, due to zinc oxide.
Neal’s Yard Organic Rosehip Oil (for scars & pigmentation)
There’s nothing wrong with having a few laughter lines or scars. But if you wish to reduce age spots and scarring, don’t fall for the expensive miracle creams.
Neals Yard rosehip oil is organic to naturally reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring with vitamin E. Just a few drops needed to give 250 uses per bottle used two times daily.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing. Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
Scars are the skin’s natural way of healing from injuries, but sometimes you may end up with hypertrophic scars, which sit above the skin, or keloid scars, which grow and spread.
Atrophic scars, on the other hand leave a sunken look (like acne scars). Others may have scars from injury or surgery.
Simple ageing can also lead to age or liver spots (flat brown spots that tend to show up mostly on sun-exposed areas like the face and hands).
Preventative Measures for Scars
Any dermatologist will tell you that the best way to prevent age spots is to keep out of strong sun and use a good natural sunscreen.
Most contain zinc oxide, so wash off before letting pets kiss you!
Eating foods high in antioxidants also helps (fresh fruits and veggies). Gentle exfoliation also helps to buff away dead skin cells, but only do this once or twice a week.
Proper cleansing removes dirt, sweat, and makeup that can irritate your skin. Use a mild cleanser like a calendula cleanser or frankincense cleanser.
Treat Early with Healing Balms and Serums
Quick action can prevent lasting marks. Apply a wild rose balm or wild rose beauty serum to areas where skin feels tender or looks red.
These products help calm skin, reduce inflammation, and support quick healing. They create a healthy environment so spots and scrapes don’t become scars.
Kleen exfoliating soap (handmade in Kent) is vegan with no palm oil, and sold in zero waste packaging. It also has an integrated rope, to hang in the shower. So no need for a slatted soap dish.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Keep skin exfoliators away from pets (due to coffee grounds, citrus or cocoa butter).
The Two Types of Skin Exfoliators
As we age, our skin cells turn over less and less, and all dermatologists say that regular exfoliation is a good idea. This can be done in two ways:
Physical exfoliation can be as simple as using a facecloth or loofah (on your body). Or it can include made products like scrubs made with exfoliating ingredients from oats to coffee grains.
Chemical exfoliation is a bit more advanced. It likely has better results, but you have to be careful as some brands use a lot of chemicals. You’ll likely see these listed as AHA or retinol creams.
Exfoliating Natural Konjac Sponges
These exfoliating natural konjac sponges are the ideal alternative to nylon bath sponges, which leach microplastics into the sea, once rinsed.
Made from Japanese potato fibre, they are also vegan friendly (sea sponges are made from living creatures, cut away with knives by divers).
Sold in zero waste packaging, konjac sponges are gentle enough for all the family. Just rinse to activate a gentle sponge that can be used alone or with your favourite cleanser, then rinse. After a few months, just bin to naturally biodegrade, or cut up and compost.
One sponge should last 2 to 3 months, with normal use. Use the attached rope to hang it up to dry, in a well-ventilated area. Sold in a pack of 3 or 6, the colours correspond to added ingredients for different skin benefits:
- White (konjac root)
- Green (French clay)
- Black (bamboo charcoal)
- Orange (turmeric)
- Red (red clay)
- Purple (lavender)
A Natural Loofah (to exfoliate skin)
This natural loofah is made from plant-based materials (as opposed to sea sponges, which are living creatures cut away with knives from the sea bed by divers). Designed to last for years, just wet and use with your favourite soap or shower gel, to buff away dry rough skin.
It’s important to leave loofahs to dry in an airy place, to prevent mould.
The loofah is dry and stiff, and softens when you wet it. Just be sure to store it in a dry area with circulating air, to prevent mould after use.
Use up to three times a week. Hang up to dry, then it naturally biodegrades at end of use, around 3 months.
Loofahs are actually a kind of Egyptian cucumber, and when wet, they become nature’s own exfoliator. When young, they are eaten. It’s when they are dried that they become loofah sponges.
Look in zero waste stores for other types of loofahs, which are often used as dishwashing sponges and cleaning sponges too!
Natural Loofah Body Scrubs
These natural loofah body scrubs (use code ENGLANDNAT10 for 10% discount) are made from a biodegradable plant (related to cucumber) that is ideal to exfoliate skin without chemicals or plastic.
Before first use, soak for a few minutes until the sponge becomes soft.
After three to four months of use, just cut up and compost or bin to naturally biodegrade. The loofahs are blended with leftover organic cotton made for other products.
These loofahs are handmade alongside an organisation that helps support Burmese refugees on the Thai-Myanmor border, so your purchase makes an impact beyond the bathroom.
SBTRCT: Solid Willow Bark Facial Exfoliator
SBTRCT Exfoliating Cleanser is a zero waste bar sold in sustainable packaging, made with natural ingredients. Created by the former execute of Bulldog Skincare, he decided to create his own zero waste vegan beauty brand, which has fabulous reviews.
This is made with willow bark (a gentler alternative to salicylic acid) and upcycled rice powder, to lift away dead skin cells and decongest pores. Buy the starter kit, then just refills after.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Keep skin exfoliators away from pets (due to coffee grounds, citrus or cocoa butter).
Blackberry & Honeysuckle Skin Scrub
This blackberry & honeysuckle sugar scrub is a vegan (no palm oil) beauty basic, sold in a zero waste glass jar. Ideal to exfoliate dead rough skin, the scents remind you of an English hedgerow. Contains almonds.
Made with antioxidants-rich blackberry fruit powder, along with coconut extract, mango butter and vitamin E.
Crafted by hand with real sugar, everything is made from scratch with only natural exfoliants (no plastic microbeads to wash down drains and harm our marine friends). This scrub cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises dry skin, and also washes off easily, to leave skin soft and smooth.
- Or choose Meadow (lavender, rose and chamomile).
- The Woods (vetiver and cedar) is a unisex fragrance.
One of the best remedies for blemished skin is charcoal soap, which absorbs extra oil, ideal for teenage acne or hormonal skin.
This handmade charcoal soap is vegan, free from palm oil and sold in zero waste packaging. Handmade in Yorkshire, keep on a slatted soap dish, to drain away water, when not in use. Contains olive and coconut oil and shea butter.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Keep these products away from babies and pets due to essential oils (also keep cocoa butter or zinc/titanium oxide, away from pets).
If you prefer something with a bit of scent, Coraline Skincare’s Minty Soap contains activated charcoal, and you can use alongside the calming facial tonic to absorb excess oils through the day.
Activated Charcoal Soap (on a rope!)
This activated charcoal soap is not just vegan and free from palm oil, but sold with an attached rope. So you can use it in the shower, then let gravity drain the water, eliminating the need for a slatted soap dish, to stop your soap going squidgy.
Made with plant oils (coconut, olive, ricebran, castor), it also contains shea butter and essential oils of bergamot, cedarwood and ajowan (like thyme) plus healing kaolin clay.
Tips to Help Prevent Acne and Problem Skin
Acne is simply when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. And this in time can lead to pimples, blackheads or more severe cysts. Genetics sometimes plays a role. more common is foods high in sugar and dairy, which often can trigger acne in some people
- Cleanse skin thoroughly using a good charcoal-based soap and use charcoal oil-absorbing face mask once or twice a week.
- Drink plenty of water and eat plant-based foods.
- Do relaxing activities (walking, swimming, prayer, yoga) and exercise to strengthen immunity.
- Let Dr Pimple Popper (a dermatologist) show you the safe way to pop a pimple, if you just have to! Doing it the wrong way could make things worse, and cause lifelong scarring.
- Oliva soap is sold in health shops or online (olive oil, salt and water). It’s not pretty, but dirt cheap and many people find it starts to heal problem skin in hours.
Most Miracles Cures Don’t Work!
- Aloe vera won’t harm, but it likely won’t help other.
- Apple cider vinegar is way too harsh for skin, as is witch-hazel.
- Green tea won’t work either.
- Tea tree oil is (on its own) is too harsh for skin’s natural PH
- Turmeric won’t work and may stain your skin.
Green People Oy! (cleansers to help prevent acne)
Green People OY! Foaming Cleanser is designed for teens, but can be used by anyone. It’s organic and vegan, and specifically designed to cleanse acne-prone skin, without harm. It’s made with green tea, tea tree oil, willow bark and witch hazel (but not in strengths to irritate skin).
Scented with mandarin, bergamot and clary sage. The packaging is also made from sugar-cane, so easily recycled after use.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Keep these products away from babies and pets due to essential oils (also keep cocoa butter or zinc/titanium oxide, away from pets).
Dr Vegan Skin Saviour Supplement (for glowing skin)
Dr Vegan Skin Saviour is a plant-based supplement that supports skin health from within. Sold in a metal tin, you then just order refills in sustainable pouches. Formulated by experts, expect results in around 3 months.
Check with GP before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or on medication or supplements. Keep away from children and pets.
Good skincare starts by what you eat, and this is a good add-on, to ensure you are getting enough of all the nutrients needed for healthy skin:
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen formation, for firmness and elasticity.
- Zinc: Aids skin repair and helps reduce signs linked with irritation and breakouts.
- Biotin: Contributes to normal skin and hair health
- Selenium: Helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- Beta-carotene: A source of vitamin A, supports skin glow
- Hyaluronic acid: Helps bind water to skin cells, supports plumpness and smoothness.
- Silica from bamboo: Supports connective tissue strength
Most people notice changes after 4 to 6 weeks, with deeper benefits building over 8 to 12 weeks. Skin renewal takes time. Take daily with food, and pair with a balanced diet.
Benefits of Using Dr Vegan Skin Saviour
The above is a photo of a genuine user (before and after taking this supplement). Users report fewer rough patches and less redness, with steadier oil balance and less breakouts (which heal quicker). Plus more even tone.
There are bonus effects of this supplement. As biotin and zinc both support healthy hair and nails.
Obviously good skincare is helped with natural sun protection. Wash sunscreen off before letting pets kiss you, due to zinc oxide.
Battle Green Clay Face Masks are sold in compostable brown paper bags. You can buy multi-packs, to save on postage (each sachet gives 5 to 8 applications).
Perform a patch test first (remove immediately and rinse, if irritation occurs). Avoid direct contact with eyes. Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Keep away from children and pets.
Made with a blend of kaolin and bentonite clays and arrowroot powder, mix one teaspoon with a little water to form a paste, apply and leave on your skin for 5 minutes (until partially dry, don’t let the mask dry completely). Choose from:
- Beetroot Rose (brightening): Contains beetroot and mango powder, and rose geranium essential oil
- Chamomile (inflamed skin): Contains fragrance-free chamomile flower and carrot powders, and turmeric
- Orange Raspberry (exfoliating): Contains upcycled raspberry seeds, with hydrating seaweed powder and brightening sweet orange oil
- Charcoal & Tea Tree (congested skin): Contains upcycled charcoal powder and tea tree oil
Sweet Cecily’s Clay Beauty Masks (in glass jars)
Sweet Cecily’s Green Clay Mask is ideal for oily/congested skin, sold in a glass jar with metal lid. This Whitby company also offers a Pink Clay Mask for dry and sensitive skin.
One jar (around £10) will last ages, as you only need 2 teaspoons per application (mixed with equal amount of water).
Green People Organic Facial Beauty Masks
Green People Purifying Face Mask is made with vegan organic ingredients, sold in easy-to-recycle sugar cane tubes. Made with purifying charcoal, bentonite clay and sustainably-sourced alpine willow.
Ideal for oily or congested skin. Just smooth over clean dry skin, leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth. Scented with eucalyptus oil.
Green People AHA Radiance Mask is for dry and ageing skin, with 5 types of alpha-hydroxy-acids to promote cellular renewal. Contains extracts of bilberry, rosehip, cranberry and maple sugar, scented with oils of mandarin and neroli. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, then rinse off.
Raw Beauty Lab’s Vegan Collagen Face Mask
Raw Beauty Lab’s Vegan Collagen Face Mask (sold in a pack of 4) is made with bio-identical vegan collagen (made from natural yeast) that gives plumper skin after just one application (20 minutes) and clinically proven to hydrate and brighten skin, in just 8 weeks.
This mask has peptides that are small enough in molecular size to make a real difference. After use, you can add a little warm water to remaining serum, leave it to soak for a couple of minutes, and massage the infused water into your arms, neck, décolletage or legs for a full-body collagen boost.
Green People offers organic vegan skincare for men, many items are scent-free. Everything is sold in easy-to-recycle sugar-cane packaging.
Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Wash off natural sun protection before letting pets kiss you (due to zinc oxide).
Read The Labels Carefully
There is a lot of greenwash in the beauty industry, so look beyond buzzwords like ‘eco’ or ‘natural’ or ‘green’ that don’t carry any real meaning. Check for:
- Ingredient lists: Look for plant oils, clays, butters, and natural extracts. Avoid animal by-products such as beeswax, lanolin, and tallow.
- Packaging info: Genuine zero waste products use cardboard, glass, metal, or compostable materials. Skip anything in single-use plastic, shrink wrap, or that can’t be recycled.
- Simple, short ingredient lists: Usually, fewer ingredients means less chance of hidden nasties or synthetic bits.
Build a Zero Waste Grooming Routine
You only need a few items, so make a quick list of what you use daily – a face wash, soap, deodorant, razor and moisturiser, and maybe a hair product or beard balm.
Then find simple vegan zero waste swaps:
- Solid shampoo or soap bar (for hair and body)
- Metal safety razor or electric shaver
- Powder or paste deodorant in a cardboard tube or tin
- Plant-based oil or balm (works as a beard balm, aftershave, or moisturiser)
Hiltwood Natural Soaps (especially for men)
Hiltwood Turmeric Soap Bar is a unique soap, that is not just vegan and free from palm oil, but specially designed for men. Made with olive and coconut oils, shea butter and natural essential oils, turmeric is ideal for stripping unwanted oil and inflammation from the skin, while cedarwood oil gives a masculine fragrance. Ideal for spotty or red skin, it also contains thyme essential oil.
Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Lime & Charcoal is ideal for congested skin, like acne
