As vegans, we’ve all heard the assumption that adopting a cruelty-free lifestyle leads to healthier, glowing skin. Though the argument that an animal based diet is damaging to the human skin is infallible, maintaining your complexion through more direct external practices is still vital in achieving healthy vibrant skin.
Exfoliating or scrubbing the skin is a perfect way to gently remove dead skin cells, particularly on your face, to promote the production of natural oils and nutrients and to balance your complexion.
However, purchasing the most beneficial and safe facial exfoliators can often be an arduous ordeal, especially with the countless skincare and cosmetic products lining the aisles of conventional supermarkets today.
Most standard exfoliators contain harsh toxins and chemicals that damage your skin as well as containing harmful plastics that damage the natural environment.
By choosing a vegan, environmentally sound product, not only will your skin reap the benefits but your carbon footprint as well.
Below is a round up of the top 7 vegan facial exfoliators.
Peter Lamas Naturals Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub (Top Pick)
Earning itself as our top pick, Peter Lamas Naturals Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub is a deeply penetrating exfoliator that leaves the user’s skin feeling fresh and luminous.
Suitable for all skin types, this scrub includes a powerful selection of natural ingredients that cleanse the skin and leave it silky and balanced.
The added pumpkin enzymes penetrate deep into pores to eliminate dirt and excess oils. The apple and almond acids help loosen dead skin cells and makes it easier for the natural apricot grains to gently exfoliate and scrub them away.
Finally, the added vitamin E and pumpkin oil hydrates the skin and protects skin from cellular damage.
Furthermore, this scrub is free of parabens, sulfates, and harsh chemicals, so you are guaranteed to receive the best treatment for your skin. The company prides itself on finding the perfect marriage between nature and science to formulate products that are highly effective.
What We Love
It’s suitable for every skin type! Its versatility is a huge bonus as finding the right type of exfoliator for your skin type can be a challenging and costly experience. With this scrub, that’s not an issue as it’s suitable for sensitive, normal, oily, dry, young, mature or acne-prone skin.
The Downside
Judging by a handful of Amazon reviewers they have experienced allergic reactions after using this product, either breaking out in a red rash or breaking out into acne spots. So though the product says it’s suitable all skin types, there may be a few ingredients in the formula that aggravate your skin.
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Fruit Enzyme Scrub - For All Skin Types
Mychelle’s Fruit Enzyme Scrub contains a unique blend of fruit enzymes and Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids that gently clarifies and balances skin to an optimal glow.
The natural scrub also contains biodegradable and hydrating Jojoba beads to softly exfoliate the skin and eliminate a build-up of natural oils.
It’s is boosted with antioxidants to revitalize skin and is free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas and artificial fragrances and colors.
Finally, the added Bamboo Stem Powder polished skin without tearing or damaging it.
What We Love
It’s EWG certified! This means that the product exceeds its positive impact on the environment adopts good manufacturing techniques with full transparency. You can purchase this product being reassured that your choice won’t impact negatively on the natural environment.
The Downside
The Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids! Even though using these acids is not directly harmful to your skin, and promotes cleaner, fuller skin cells, a word of caution would still be wise. AHA’s can increase your sensitivity to the sun by up to 50%, so it’s also important to consider wearing a sunscreen when outdoors. Furthermore, Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids might not be suited for sensitive skin.
ACURE Brightening Facial Scrub
This modest looking bottle of Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub sure packs quite a punch which its diverse and unique selection of ingredients.
Your skin is left exfoliated and renewed with the combination of sea kelp and lemon peel while the soothing French green clay eliminates excess oils without stripping your skin of its natural protection.
It is cruelty, paraben, sulfate, silicone, phthalate and synthetic fragrance-free so it effective in cleansing the skin without damaging it with any synthetic chemicals.
The family-owned company’s mission is to have a positive impact on the world we live in, and they’ve certainly achieved that through their animal-free facial scrub.
What We Love
It’s inexpensive! This product is the cheapest brand of facial exfoliator or scrubs featured in this list of vegan brands. This is additionally beneficial as the scrub is suitable for all skin types, guaranteeing you’ll get the most bang for your buck!
The Downside
The smell! Some consumers have complained the scrub doesn’t have the most pleasant aromas. Maybe this has something to do with the salty sea kelp, but nevertheless, if you can persevere through the unique scent, this product will leave your skin feeling fresh and silky smooth. Some customers have mentioned that the smell is quite pleasant so it might just come down to personal preference.
Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub
Based on herbal and botanical principles this exfoliator is formulated with the perfect blend of nature and science.
This gentle scrub from Arbonne is infused with added antioxidants to assist in drawing out impurities and exfoliates to uncover glowing fresh skin.
The fresh carrot cells revitalize the skin’s surface along with the diverse variety of essential oils and herbs.
Some key ingredients are cucumber, birch leaf, watercress, water blossom, rice starch, bamboo extract and jojoba oil.
Finally, it’s been tested hypoallergenic through voluntary human testing!
What We Love
It’s botanical! The long list of ingredients is easy to read, and the formula uses only natural but effective plant-based products. It also contains no nasty or harsh chemicals and is formulated without any synthetic fragrances or dyes, making it suitable for all skin types.
The Downside
The exfoliating component of this product, according to consumers, is a little too soft. If you prefer a more abrasive exfoliator or scrub, then this product might not be a perfect choice, as the exfoliating beads are very fine and gentle on the skin.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner
This beadless, clear exfoliating tonic from Pixi Glow is formulated with 5% glycolic acid to leave the skin fresh, bright and glowing.
With the combination of aloe vera, ginseng, and other botanical extracts, the skin is left revitalized and clean, improving the user’s overall complexion.
It boasts to be 100% alcohol-free, vegan and hypoallergenic, suitable for all skin types.
What We Love
It’s a tonic! Instead of having small granules or beads to exfoliate the skin, this product relies solely on a chemical-based exfoliation.
As it’s alcohol-free, this might work well for people with more sensitive skin, and as it’s a clear balancing serum, it can be used to remove makeup or debris without leaving an oily or creamy residue.
The Downside
The price! For such a tiny bottle of tonic, it really is quite expensive, costing around $25 a bottle. However, some consumers have recommended checking your local Target or supermarket because it can often be cheaper in retail stores. Another downside would be that although this product has a selection of plant-based oils and ingredients, there are a whole bunch of chemicals added as well, urea included.
Sibu Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Scrub
This scrub manufactured by Sibu is an exfoliator that utilizes the powerful benefits of omega 7 fatty acids, to leave the user’s skin soft, supple and rejuvenated.
With a blend of apricot, aloe, and the unique sea buckthorn, skin is deeply cleaned without stripping away the essential oils your skin naturally produces.
Sea buckthorn berry is mostly found on coastal peninsulas, due to the plant’s tolerance of salty air but is also found in desert conditions in central China and Tibet.
It is the addition of this small, powerful berry that gives the exfoliator that extra fatty acid bonus! It is suitable for all skin types.
What We Love
The price! Usually when we see an obscure plant ingredient added into a skincare product the price soars, but this isn’t the case for this amazing scrub. For 100 ml customers agree that it is very reasonably priced and lasts a considerable amount of time as a little goes a long time.
The Downside
Though there have been mostly positive reactions to the exfoliating component of this scrub, a couple of consumers have complained that the cream is too abrasive for their skin type.
Thesis All Natural Facial Scrub
Thesis All Natural Face Scrub contains only 100% certified organic herbs, flowers and natural clays.
The scrub is free from damaging plastic beads, rather, using natural poppy seeds to strip the skin of excess oil and dead cells leaving it glowing fresh.
It is suitable for all skin types and has a pleasant aroma of fresh flowers and subtle spices, leaving you with a attractive natural fragrance.
It prides itself on being detergent, preservative and toxic irritant free.
What We Love
The packaging! Displayed in an apothecary glass bottle, the scrub really makes you feel like you’re doing something special for your skin.
It will look aesthetically pleasing placed in your bathroom cabinet or sink and is a nice change to the plastic bottle or tube. It is also easier to see when you are running low, so you can make sure you never run out.
The Downside
This product is unique as you have to add water to make it the desirable consistency for you. Though this is fun, consumers have argued that the balm doesn’t mix well with water and that it results in an uneven consistency. It can also get messy!
Exfoliate the Vegan Way!
With the countless cruelty-free options listed above, and the many more available online or in your local health food store, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve that glowing, balanced complexion you’ve always strived for.
Most vegan exfoliators are suitable for all skin types as they use natural and noninvasive ingredients, however, with this wide variety you can choose the type of scrub that works best with your personal preferences.
Finally, compared to conventional skincare products, vegan scrubs are not only the same price as their traditional counterparts but can often be cheaper!
And for guaranteed flawless skin, going cruelty-free always pays off!