As we step further into 2025, the beauty industry continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on conscious consumerism. More people than ever are prioritizing products that are not only effective but also kind to animals and the planet. Vegan skincare and haircare have moved beyond a niche interest into mainstream must-haves, offering clean, ethical, and sustainable solutions without compromising on performance.
If you’re new to vegan beauty or looking to level up your self-care routine, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the top vegan skincare and haircare brands worth exploring this year. We’ve curated a mix of high-end and affordable options, indie favorites and cult classics—each chosen for their integrity, innovation, and results.
Making the switch to vegan skincare and haircare is more than just a trend—it’s a reflection of a growing awareness around health, environmental impact, and animal welfare. Here’s why it’s a smart move:
No Animal-Derived Ingredients: Vegan products are free from common animal by-products like beeswax, lanolin, collagen, and carmine, making them suitable for those living a vegan lifestyle or anyone with sensitive skin.
Cruelty-Free by Nature: While not all cruelty-free products are vegan, most vegan beauty brands avoid animal testing, aligning with ethical and compassionate values.
Cleaner, Safer Formulations: Many vegan products emphasize natural, non-toxic ingredients, steering clear of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Eco-Friendly: Vegan brands often take sustainability seriously, using recyclable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and carbon-neutral shipping.
Whether you’re concerned about your health, the environment, or the animals, vegan beauty is a win-win on all fronts.
Top Vegan Skincare Brands to Explore in 2025
1. Herbivore Botanicals
Based in Seattle, Herbivore Botanicals has made a name for itself with Instagram-worthy packaging and high-performance natural formulas. Each product is crafted in small batches using food-grade, plant-based ingredients.
What Sets Them Apart: Herbivore uses sustainably sourced botanicals, glass packaging, and is completely free from synthetic preservatives. They’re also Leaping Bunny certified.
2. Youth to the People
Youth to the People (YTTP) combines cutting-edge science with antioxidant-rich superfoods like kale, spinach, and green tea. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in California.
Why We Love It: The brand uses eco-conscious glass containers and prioritizes transparency. Their commitment to social justice and sustainability is as strong as their formulations.
3. Biossance
Biossance is a biotech beauty brand known for its plant-based squalane, derived sustainably from sugarcane. This luxurious yet effective skincare line is vegan, non-toxic, and ideal for all skin types.
Unique Feature: They partner with environmental organizations and offset their carbon emissions. The formulas are clinically tested and dermatologist-approved.
4. Pai Skincare
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, Pai Skincare might be your holy grail. The London-based brand is dedicated to soothing, repairing, and protecting with certified organic and vegan ingredients.
Why It Works: Each product is formulated in-house and backed by dermatological testing. Their commitment to transparency makes them one of the most trustworthy names in clean beauty.
5. Versed Skincare
One of the most accessible and affordable vegan skincare lines, Versed delivers results-driven products without the luxury price tag. Their formulations are straightforward, effective, and perfect for everyday use.
Ethical Edge: Versed is Climate Neutral Certified and uses post-consumer recycled packaging. Every formula is tested for safety and efficacy.
6. Evolve Organic Beauty
Handcrafted in small batches in the UK, Evolve Organic Beauty offers artisanal vegan skincare that’s as beautiful to use as it is effective. The brand focuses on natural actives and essential oils.
Standout Qualities: Handmade, recyclable packaging, and ECOCERT certified. Their products offer a luxurious spa-like experience at home.
7. The Ordinary
Known for their ingredient-first approach and clinical results, The Ordinary is completely vegan and extremely budget-friendly. Their straightforward, no-frills products allow you to customize a routine to your specific needs.
Why They Stand Out: Unmatched pricing and transparency. Each product focuses on a key active ingredient, eliminating the fluff.
Best Vegan Haircare Brands to Try in 2025
1. Ethique
Ethique, based in New Zealand, is a pioneer in zero-waste beauty. Their solid shampoo and conditioner bars are packed with plant-based goodness and come completely plastic-free.
Eco Bonus: One bar saves three plastic bottles and up to 5 liters of water. All products are pH-balanced and soap-free.
2. Aveda
Once vegetarian, Aveda has now made the full transition to vegan formulations as of 2022. With decades of experience in botanical haircare, Aveda blends science and plant power like no other.
Why They Excel: Aveda has a long-standing commitment to fair trade sourcing, renewable energy manufacturing, and environmental activism.
3. Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica offers a colorful and diverse range of vegan beauty products, with haircare that caters to all textures and needs. Their ethos revolves around inclusivity and sustainability.
What We Appreciate: Affordable, easily available at most drugstores, and focused on clean formulas without compromising on fun packaging.
4. Maria Nila
This Swedish brand delivers salon-quality haircare with a focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Every product is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and climate-compensated.
Extra Perks: Color-protecting formulas, sulfate and paraben-free, and part of the Plan Vivo Foundation.
5. Function of Beauty
If you love personalization, Function of Beauty offers custom haircare made just for you. You fill out a detailed hair quiz, and the brand creates your own shampoo, conditioner, and treatments.
What Makes It Unique: Custom formulations based on your hair type, goals, and fragrance preferences. All vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful additives.
6. Acure
Acure is a family-owned brand offering clean, affordable vegan haircare that works for all types of hair. From clarifying shampoos to deep conditioners, they cover every base.
Sustainability Highlights: Fast-rinse conditioners, ethically sourced essential oils, and 100% recyclable bottles made from recycled materials.
How to Know If a Product Is Truly Vegan
With so many labels and claims out there, it’s easy to get confused. Here are a few ways to ensure your beauty products are genuinely vegan:
Check Certifications: Look for trusted labels like The Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny, or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies.
Read the Ingredients: Watch out for animal-derived substances like lanolin (from sheep’s wool), beeswax, keratin, collagen, and carmine (a red pigment from beetles).
Visit the Brand’s Website: Reputable brands usually have clear statements about their vegan status and animal testing policies.
Use Trusted Retailers: Online stores like Credo Beauty, Ulta, Sephora, and Target now offer vegan filters that help you shop consciously.
Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Beauty Routine
Start Small: Begin by swapping out products as they run out.
Focus on Essentials: Prioritize items you use daily, like cleansers, moisturizers, shampoo, and conditioner.
Research Brands: Look into the company’s ethics, ingredient sourcing, and packaging.
Patch Test: Even natural products can cause irritation, so test new items before full application.
Final Thoughts
Vegan beauty has come a long way, and 2025 offers more exciting, high-quality choices than ever before. Whether you’re driven by animal welfare, a desire for cleaner ingredients, or a mission to reduce your environmental footprint, the brands on this list have something special to offer.
From the minimalist formulas of The Ordinary to the luxurious rituals of Biossance, and the eco-conscious innovations of Ethique and Aveda, there’s a perfect vegan skincare and haircare routine for everyone.
By making the switch, you’re not just investing in your skin and hair health—you’re supporting a more compassionate and sustainable beauty industry. So go ahead, treat yourself to products that align with your values and make you feel as good as you look.
Ready to make your routine kinder, cleaner, and more conscious? These vegan brands are a perfect place to start.
