Skincare Powered by Plants - Reasons to go Vegan with Halcyon

In the past people perceived vegan beauty products to be of a lesser quality than their standard counterparts.  Now, thankfully, those days are behind us and the general public has accepted that this is no longer the case.  Halcyon vegan products are equal to - if not better quality than - standard products purely because of the lengthy development process and rigorous testing each product has undergone.

By definition, vegan skincare products are products not produced from any animal or any animal byproduct. This means that ingredients like beeswax, honey or collagen (sourced from bovine species) are not used.  Halcyon products are produced without any harm to animals because we really love our furry friends. 

Research shows us that our skin absorbs up to 60% of the products we apply to it.  It’s a scary thought if those products are synthetic, processed and full of preservatives, chemicals and toxins.  We are not sure about you, but we like our skincare products how we like our friends - non toxic!

To break this down: when you ingest something, it first travels through the digestive system and goes through the kidneys and liver before hitting the bloodstream; this is the natural filtration and detoxification process. Over time, the absorption of non-vegan ingredients can potentially cause negative side effects, and not just to your skin but your overall wellness.

The truth is, vegan products are actually better for your skin health, especially if you’re someone with sensitive or condition - prone skin. Animal ingredients can be harsh and clog pores, so our vegan products are a soothing alternative.

Our plant-derived ingredients contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, natural oils, vitamins and minerals.  These ingredients are better at repairing skin concerns and maintaining moisture levels and helping your skin naturally glow.  Some of these ingredients include vitamins A, B3, C and E; natural oils (such as jojoba, avocado, coconut, argan and rosehip); plants such as aloe vera and seaweed; fruits (such as acai berries, apples, blueberries and lemons). These ingredients are as - if not more - effective than their synthetic counterparts, since they are closer to their natural state.

We all swear by fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha for our gut health but do you know how good they are for your skin?  First a quick science lesson: Fermentation is a metabolic process in which compounds are broken down by the microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast into simpler and smaller molecules.  You probably already use some of these products successfully on your skin. For example Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids), these come from fermented sugar and fruit.

Fermented extracts are another important part of plant-based skincare as the process cultivates the synthesis of antioxidant compounds (specifically phenolics which protect collagen and elastin and flavonoids which protect and repair sun damage).  When you apply these topically they help support the health of the microorganisms that make up the skin's microbiome, just as in the gut.  When the skin barrier is robust, skin conditions such as irritation, dehydration, acne, eczema and rosacea may even be kept at bay.  

While it’s true that animal cruelty is a major concern when it comes to animal-based beauty products, the harmful effects of such products can extend beyond animals to include the environment as well.  

According to a 2010 report by the United Nations Environment Programme, animal products are a key cause of environmental problems including climate change, water depletion and soil erosion.  So, with people becoming increasingly socially aware and health conscious, and with vegan products more readily available, the sun is only just rising on a natural, cruelty-free world. Plant power indeed.

Last but not least, the packaging of our vegan skincare products are mostly made out of recyclable materials (such as glass and aluminium) to reduce the negative impact on the environment. So not only do our vegan products invest in using non-harmful particles for your skin, but the packaging has an eco-friendly approach.  We really are passionate about managing our supply chain in the most responsible, sustainable, fair and ethical way, and we have plans for the future on how to reduce waste further, so watch this space!

Our shop is live and we want nothing more than for you to be part of our beautiful vegan, cruelty free skincare community.  Enter LAUNCH20 at the checkout to receive 20% discount on your first purchase with Halcyon.