The vegan cosmetics trend

Share
  • February 17, 2022
  • 11 minutes of read time

The vegan cosmetics trend

In this blog article, we first take a closer look at the vegan lifestyle trend:  Why does it fit into the current lifestyle and is it so popular? Then we take a closer look at vegan cosmetics, the market developments and development opportunities and also consider the interested target group.

In our portfolio there are some active ingredients that are popular in the vegan diet. We take a closer look at these on our “vegan cosmetic menu". Almost all of our raw materials are vegan: let our excipients inspire you for your vegan formulations.  Let's go! :-)

The vegan lifestyle 

Veganism is more than a trend, it is a way of life that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

The first concepts of veganism took shape with Dr William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who were among the first Europeans to publicly speak out against eggs and dairy products for ethical reasons. The exact definition appeared in 1988 as a philosophy and way of life that aims to exclude all forms of products derived from animals (in terms of food, clothing and other uses). 

Until recently, veganism was considered a niche lifestyle, essentially limited to dietary requirements. Nowadays, more and more consumers are not only interested in a vegan diet, but are also looking for vegan alternatives in all areas of life.

Veganuary is taking place again this January: Veganuary is an international organisation that encourages people around the world to try an all-plant-based diet in January, as well as the rest of the year. Veganuary has helped more than half a million people in over 200 countries and regions try an all-plant-based diet in January during the 2021 campaign.

What makes this lifestyle so attractive to consumers?

All over the world, people are trying to make more conscious choices about what they buy, so vegan options can be an interesting alternative. 

In fact, the vegan lifestyle addresses 3 key concerns:

  • Environmental concerns based on scientific research on the devastating effects of livestock and dairy farming, the greenhouse effect, topsoil contamination, deforestation.... 
  • Health concerns based on medical studies linking meat and dairy consumption to poor health and chronic diseases. 
  • Ethical concerns, with social media playing a major role in increasing awareness of animal cruelty. 

In this interplay of trends like Clean Beauty, ethical beauty and more respect for the environment, this trend still has a great future ahead of it!

What are vegan cosmetic products?

In 2020, the market for meat alternatives on the plate grew by 49 % (ADN magazine report). After the food industry, veganism is also gaining momentum in the beauty industry, where the number of vegan products has increased by 15 % in the last five years. 

Vegan cosmetics are products that are free from animal ingredients, which can be either natural or synthetic. There are many vegan labels, and depending on the label, there are additional obligations regarding animal cruelty, origin of ingredients, transport or packaging conditions. However, these labels only certify the final products, not the cosmetic ingredients. 

If you take a closer look at the ingredients of vegan cosmetics, they are mostly plant-based - as they are considered healthier and safer than synthetic ingredients by consumers - and strongly influenced by the vegan diet. 

Vegan cosmetic products are widely used in Europe: In the UK, vegan products are the most prevalent with 20% of new products developed, followed by Germany with 19% in the last five years. Although the trend competes with the halal claim, vegan beauty is on the rise in Asia with almost 20 % of vegan product launches in the same period (Global Asia Zone).

Vegan beauty map Vegan beauty in numbers in the world over the last 5 years.

By product category, decorative cosmetics are the top adopters of vegan products with 44.7%, followed by skin and hair care products with 29.3% and 12.9% respectively (Mintel GNPD).

By 2025, the global vegan cosmetics industry is expected to be worth $20.8 billion (according to Grand View Research's Vegan Cosmetics Market Size), representing 3% of the cosmetics industry.

For whom are vegan cosmetic products important? 

While pure vegans currently make up 1% of the world's population, this is expected to rise to 10% by 2030 if the movement maintains its current growth rate (Sustainable Fashion Magazine).

However, most people who buy vegan products do not identify themselves as such, which shows awareness and interest in the ecological and ethical aspects of vegan cosmetics.

Some superstars such as Millie Bobby Brown (Florence by Mills) and Selena Gomez (Rare Beauty) have joined the ranks of celebrities launching their vegan cosmetics brands, which are especially targeted at younger generations such as Millenials and Gen Z. The latter demographic pays particular attention to a genuine and sincere commitment by companies to the environment and society, and does not hesitate to share their interest on social networks, thanks to #Vegan with more than 82.3 million posts on Instagram in 2019, for example (Briones Eric, André Nicolas (2020), Le Choc Z, Dunod). 

What is on our vegan active ingredient "menu"? 

Seppic offers a Vegan Beauty Menu: This is a list of vegan-suitable and plant-based active ingredients that is geared towards the vegan diet. 

Our menu consists of 4 courses

Vegan beauty menu

GRAIN FROM THE FIELD 

Proteins play a fundamental role in our diet as they build our bodies and tissues . Cereals are often the most important source of protein for vegetarians. They are rich in carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. 

  • WHEAT SEED 

CERAMOSIDES™ HP (INCI name: Glycosphingolipids - Glycolipids), is a unique complex of plant ceramides (50%), which are similar to the ceramides found on the skin (ceramides 2, 3 and 8), and digalactosyl diglycerides (DGDG) (40%) from wheat seeds, which have always been cultivated for use as food.

Produced in France, the product is obtained through an extraction process that allows the elimination of residual proteins such as gluten, gliadins and glutenins. 

Therefore, these phytoceramides are gluten-free and also suitable for allergy sufferers.

In vivo studies show an improvement in skin texture after 28 days of application with 0.2%. The skin texture is more homogeneous and the colour more even. 

In addition, CERAMOSIDES™ HP ensures a healthy skin appearance thanks to its moisturising and antioxidant effect. 

Another in-vivo test in collaboration with a neuroscientist shows that CERAMOSIDES™ HP stimulates positive emotions and self-esteem. Subjects express feelings of joy, become calmer and reduce their feelings of sadness and nervousness.

CERAMOSIDES™ is also available as a nutritional supplement, both for tablets and beauty shots. The combination of cosmetics and supplements, both backed by clinical studies, improves hydration, elasticity and wrinkle action for a win-win result.

This unique patented complex is naturally biomimetic and ensures perfect skin and improved well-being inside and out.

Learn more about ceramides in general and their importance for the skin as well as about our Ceramide Booster in our blog article.

  • QUINOA SEED

ADIPOLESS™ ECO (INCI name: 1,3-propanediol - Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract) is a very high quality vegetable extract from quinoa, which is organically grown. Quinoa, also called the "rice of the Incas", is a noble plant with a valuable nutritional value due to its richness in bioavailable minerals (iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese), vitamins, essential amino acids etc. 

ADIPOLESS™ ECO reduces the concentration of red blood cells in the capillaries that are responsible for the colour of dark circles, giving the eyes a more radiant look.

ADIPOLESS™ ECO also inhibits the maturation of adipocytes by reducing MMP-9, thus limiting the process of adipogenesis. Through its anti-angiogenesis and anti-adipogenesis activities, ADIPOLESS™ ECO also acts as a preventive anti-cellulite agentl. 

In this way ADIPOLESS™ ECO ensures that the skin and vascular structures remain intact.

VEGETABLES FROM THE GARDEN 

  • WILD SPINATE 

SEA SATIN™ (INCI name: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract) is an oily extract of wild spinach, also known as sea beet, which has been eaten as a vegetable since prehistoric times. Only the leaves are consumed, which grow back all year round and make an excellent base for salads or warm preparations. Its genetic resource is considered valuable as it contains more resistance genes that can be used for breeding to strengthen current species against attacks. 

SEA SATIN™ is produced in Brittany and is a natural ingredient with properties for hair care applications. 

From 0.2%, SEA SATIN™ shows an alleviating effect in vitro by regulating inflammatory mediators and the effects of oxidative stress (IL-1, IL-6, PGE2, MDA). The scalp is better protected against inflammatory processes and maintains a healthier balance. 

After 28 days, the in-vivo self-assessment of SEA SATIN™ an increase in satisfaction of 22% in hair shine and 14% in volume compared to the placebo. It also shows a restructuring effect on the appearance of the scales and the global aspect of the hair. The hair regains its natural vitality and volume, is shinier, silkier and less dry.

  • SEA KALE

BLUE SEAKALE HC (INCI name: Aqua/Water - Butylene Glycol - Crambe Maritima Leaf Extract) is an extract from the leaves of sea kale, an edible European plant considered a delicacy at the Court of Versailles and in Britain during the Victorian era. 

Produced in Brittany, this plant has 2-in-1 properties for skin and hair care. 

In terms of hair appearance, this ingredient shows an overall improvement in shine and smoothness with 1% BLUE SEAKALE HC over placebo after just one application.

GREEN TOPPING

  • SEA FENNEL

NATIVE ESSENCE™ (INCI name: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride-Crithmum Maritimum Extract) is an extract of sea fennel. It is a very aromatic vegetable described with a slightly salty taste and some notes of celery, followed by light notes of common fennel and green citrus peel with a sharp aftertaste. A forgotten edible plant, its leaves are prepared for salads or with white vinegar like pickles. 

This halophytic plant is adapted to the extreme living conditions of the sea coasts. This very special plant family is very resistant to salt, wind, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, while wind and waves are deadly for land plants. 

This high resistance to the coast is due to its hydrophobic molecules, is due to its lipids, which is also needed as an extreme resistance for the skin.

Ceramides and filaggrin are both important components of the skin's stratum corneum barrier. NATIVE ESSENCE™ provides comprehensive protection and restructuring of the skin by stimulating the synthesis of these essential lipid molecules and cell renewal. In addition, its lipidic composition contributes to good cell cohesion on the skin surface, limiting water evaporation.

NATIVE ESSENCE™ also acts as a global detoxifier by reducing lipo-peroxidation by 24% and protecting the skin by 31% against inflammation induced by asphyctic cells (In vivo protocol on reconstructed epidermis in the presence of NATIVE ESSENCE™ with and without cell asphyxia. Investigation of MDA and ICAM-1 for oxidative protection and anti-inflammatory effect, respectively).

NATIVE ESSENCE™ contributes to more beautiful, radiant and smoother skin by improving the appearance of the skin and reducing blemishes. 

In our blog article you can learn more about our vegetable ingredients from the sea garden.

  • GOTU KOLA

TALADVANCE™ (INCI name: Glycerin - Aqua/Water - Centella asiatica Leaf Extract) is an extract of Gotu Kola, also known as Centella asiatica, a plant that grows wild in Madagascar. 

This ingredient is the molecular image of the leaf of the Madagascan plant in its wild form. Its richness in active molecules makes it a powerful ingredient that improves the radiance of the complexion and the suppleness and smoothness of the skin day and night.

TALADVANCE™ shows a significant in vivo improvement in skin suppleness of 11% after 28 days with 2% TALADVANCE™, in addition to in vivo results on the immediate and long-term effect on skin radiance after 30 minutes with 5% TALADVANCE™ and after 28 days with 2% TALADVANCE™ respectively..

Internally, a new in vitro chronobiology model has also been developed to highlight the fact that. TALADVANCE™ can resynchronise fibroblasts and participate in the restoration and maintenance of skin homeostasis, restoring the circadian rhythm of the skin when it is deregulated.

TALADVANCE™ is a Cica (Centella Asiatica) extract, a current trend in skin care. We also offer other Cica active ingredients

ROOT INFUSION

  • GREATER BURDOCK

EQUIBIOME™ (INCI name: Propylene Glycol - Aqua/Water - Arctium Lappa Root Extract) is a water-soluble extract from the roots of the greater burdock. This plant has been used for more than 3,000 years to improve general health, but also as food, as its roots are edible.

It is known for its use as a topical remedy to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and wounds, and is considered the original plant of the skin (skin cleansing properties, skin protection, etc.). The most active ingredients are contained in the roots and are said to have an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Skin cells and microbes are closely linked. Microbial imbalance leads to skin dysbiosis such as sensitivity, dryness, itchiness and skin reactivity. EQUIBIOME™ restores the harmony of reactive skin by balancing the skin's microbiota and protecting the integrity of the skin.

In tests on subjects with very dry and/or sensitive skin, this active ingredient improved skin tolerance to environmental stress by reducing redness by 60% and burning by 20% after 14 days compared to placebo. For better quality and long-lasting skin comfort, the product also promotes EQUIBIOME™ also increased skin hydration by 56% after 21 days compared to placebo.

VEGAN FORMULATIONS

Seppic also offers a range of excipients that are suitable for vegans, so a pleasant sensory experience need not be missing from vegan beauty. 

This palette for creating textures and applications consists of e.g. :

  • Natural emollients : e.g. EMOGREEN™ L15 & EMOGREEN™ L19, 
  • Natural thickeners: SOLAGUM™ AX and TARA
  • Natural Texturizing Agent : SEPIFINE™ BB
  • Natural emulsifiers: e.g. MONTANOV™ 202 or 68MB, FLUIDIFEEL EASY 

For formulation ideas, take a look at our freely accessible online formulation database with many filter options!

We will be happy to send you a statement regarding vegan compatibility, which lists all of Seppic's relevant ingredients, on request