As plant-based diets have grown in popularity in recent years, the trend has started to expand beyond what you put on your plate and onto your skin. Now, there are more plant-based beauty products than ever before, and they’re all claiming to be the best for your skin. But what does plant-based skincare actually mean, and is it really that much better for your skin?

Plant based skincare is any product that contains only natural, plant-derived ingredients. In practice, this means that the ingredients are either directly sourced from plants or derived from a naturally occurring source such as a nut, seed, or seaweed. Moreover, these products are usually free of artificial chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients. They are gentle enough to use for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

In contrast, traditional products can contain a wide variety of ingredients that come from animals. These may include waxes, beeswax, lanolin, or dairy products, among others. Some brands may also use animal-derived ingredients in their products to give them a particular scent or texture, but this is becoming less common as more consumers choose cruelty-free options.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing plant-based skincare is that it can be more environmentally friendly than traditional products. Many of the ingredients used in these products are derived from natural sources such as nuts, seeds, and flowers. They are also more likely to be organic, and thus more ethically produced. Additionally, many of the products are cruelty-free, which means that they have not been tested on defenceless animals.

This is because plant-based products are usually manufactured using a variety of biodegradable and sustainable natural resources. These products also tend to be more cost-effective than traditional products, which can be attributed to lower manufacturing costs.

These ingredients are infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to nourish the skin. They are also often formulated with essential oils that can help to calm acne, quench dryness, fight oiliness, and smooth scars. The most popular plant-based ingredients are aloe vera, chia seed oil, and shea butter.

Plant-based products can also contain natural ingredients known as hydrocolloids, which are naturally occurring polymers. These are designed to give a natural, smooth texture to the product without the need for harmful petrochemicals and other synthesized polymers. For example, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, which is an excellent thickening agent for hair conditioners, is a naturally-occurring compound derived from the seeds of the guar plant. It is then chemically modified in the laboratory to give it a positive (cationic) charge and make it more water-soluble, which is a desirable property for a hair care ingredient.

As more people are turning to plant-based skincare, there is a growing need for companies to provide a wider range of these products at all price points. It is important for consumers to understand the difference between vegan and plant-based skincare so that they can find the best products to suit their individual needs.Plant based skincare