Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to mean slathering on a bunch of synthetic chemicals or animal-derived products. A vegan skincare routine can be just as effective—if not more so—than traditional options. Plus, it’s better for the planet and cruelty-free!
Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, this vegan men’s skincare routine guide will walk you through a simple, effective, and 100% vegan men’s skincare routine.
Why Go Vegan with Your Skincare?
Before we get the vegan men’s skincare guide, let’s talk about why vegan skincare is worth the switch (whether you follow the dietary lifestyle or not):
🌿 No Animal Ingredients, No Problem: Vegan skincare skips animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and collagen, proving you don’t need to sacrifice ethics for effectiveness.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Vibes: Most vegan brands go the extra mile with sustainable packaging and ethically sourced, planet-friendly ingredients—because your skin routine shouldn’t cost the Earth.
💧 Gentle Yet Powerful: Plant-based products are often easier on your skin, loaded with natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that pack a serious glow-up punch.
Vegan Men’s Skincare Routine Guide – Essentials
Ready to glow up? Let’s break it down step by step. And like anything worth building up to, we must begin with a clean foundation, starting with our all natural, vegan cleansers.
Step 1: Cleanser – Start With a Clean Foundation
Your skin is exposed to a lot throughout the day: dirt, oil, sweat, pollution, and even bacteria. Without thorough cleansing, these impurities can clog your pores, leading to breakouts, dullness, and uneven texture. A good cleanser not only removes these unwanted elements without stripping your skin of its natural moisture but also preps your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare products more effectively.
How to Choose the Right Cleanser
Not all cleansers are created equal. Here’s what to look for when picking a vegan cleanser:
Skin Type Matters
- Oily Skin: Look for a gel-based or foaming cleanser that controls excess oil without over-drying.
- Dry Skin: Try a creamy or oil-based cleanser that hydrates while cleansing.
- Combination Skin: A balanced, pH-friendly cleanser works best.
- Sensitive Skin: Choose a fragrance-free, gentle formula with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Top Vegan Cleanser Ingredients to Look For
Here are some powerhouse ingredients commonly found in vegan cleansers:
- Coconut Water: Hydrates and replenishes the skin.
- Sea Algae: Rich in minerals, it helps detoxify and nourish the skin.
- White Tea: Packed with antioxidants, it protects against environmental damage.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and calms irritated skin.
- Charcoal: Draws out impurities and toxins from the pores.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Sulfates: These can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
- Parabens: Preservatives that may disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
- Artificial Fragrances: These can irritate sensitive skin.
Recommended Vegan Cleansers
Top picks for vegan cleansers, depending on your skin type:
For All Skin Types:
Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash: Gentle, hydrating, with its main ingredients, coconut water and sea algae.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
Derma E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash: Contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil to unclog pores and fight breakouts.
For Dry/Sensitive Skin:
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser: Fragrance-free and non-irritating, perfect for sensitive skin.
For Combination Skin:
Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser: A balanced formula with kale, spinach, and green tea.
Step 2: Exfoliant – Scrub Away Impurities
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Over time, these dead cells can build up, leading to dullness, clogged pores, and uneven texture. By exfoliating, you’re not only revealing fresher, brighter skin but also helping your other skincare products penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Think of it like sanding a rough surface to get that smooth, clean base. But don’t overdo it—2-3 times a week is plenty.
Types of Exfoliators
There are two main types of exfoliators: physical and chemical. Each has its own benefits, and the best choice depends on your skin type and concerns.
Physical Exfoliators
These use small particles or tools to manually scrub away dead skin cells.
- Examples: Scrubs with ingredients like walnut shell powder, jojoba beads, or sugar.
- Best For: Normal to oily skin types that aren’t sensitive.
- Pro Tip: Avoid harsh scrubs with large, jagged particles (like apricot kernels), as they can cause micro-tears in the skin.
Chemical Exfoliators
These use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Examples: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid), or fruit enzymes (like papaya or pineapple).
- Best For: Sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin.
- Pro Tip: Chemical exfoliators are gentler and more effective for deeper exfoliation.
How to Choose the Right Exfoliator
Consider Your Skin Type
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: BHAs like salicylic acid are ideal—they penetrate pores and reduce oiliness.
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: AHAs like lactic acid or gentle enzyme exfoliators are your best bet.
- Combination Skin: Look for a balanced exfoliator with both physical and chemical properties.
Check the Ingredients
- Natural Exfoliants: Jojoba beads, rice bran, or oatmeal are gentle and effective.
- Acids: Glycolic acid (AHA) for surface exfoliation, salicylic acid (BHA) for deep pore cleansing.
- Soothing Additives: Aloe vera, chamomile, or green tea can calm the skin post-exfoliation.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
- Microbeads: These are bad for the environment and can irritate the skin.
- Alcohol: Can dry out and irritate the skin, especially if you’re using a chemical exfoliator.
Best Vegan Exfoliators
Here are a few top picks for vegan exfoliators, depending on your skin type:
For All Skin Types:
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub: Uses walnut shell powder and lemon peel for gentle exfoliation.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: A chemical exfoliant that unclogs pores and reduces breakouts. Good for acne prone skin.
For Dry/Sensitive Skin:
Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub: Combines physical and chemical exfoliation with jojoba beads and glycolic acid.
For Combination Skin:
Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Mask: A gentle yet effective chemical exfoliator made to clarify skin for a brighter, softer complexion.
Common Exfoliation Mistakes to Avoid
–Over-Exfoliating: This can strip your skin’s natural barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and sensitivity.
–Using Harsh Scrubs: Avoid scrubs with large, jagged particles that can damage the skin.
–Skipping Moisturizer: Exfoliation can leave your skin dry, so always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.
–Exfoliating Before Sun Exposure: Freshly exfoliated skin is more prone to sun damage, so always wear sunscreen.
Step 3: Toner – Balance and Refresh
Is it really necessary to use a toner? Of course you don’t have to, but toners help balance your skin’s pH, tighten pores, and prep your skin for the next steps in your routine. After cleansing, your skin’s pH can be slightly disrupted, and toner helps restore balance. It also removes any leftover impurities, tightens pores, and preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively. Think of it as the bridge between cleansing and the rest of your routine.
Types of Toners
Not all toners are created equal and there several out there to cater to your specific skin needs.
Hydrating Toners
- What They Do: Packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, these toners add moisture to the skin.
- Best For: Dry or dehydrated skin.
- Example Ingredients: Aloe vera, rose water, or cucumber extract.
Astringent Toners
- What They Do: These contain alcohol or witch hazel to remove excess oil and tighten pores.
- Best For: Oily or acne-prone skin.
- Caution: Avoid overuse, as they can be drying.
Exfoliating Toners
- What They Do: These contain AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin.
- Best For: Dull, uneven, or acne-prone skin.
- Pro Tip: Use these 2-3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
Soothing Toners
- What They Do: Formulated with calming ingredients, these toners reduce redness and irritation.
- Best For: Sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Example Ingredients: Chamomile, centella asiatica, or oat extract.
How to Choose the Right Toner
Match It to Your Skin Type
- Oily Skin: Look for a lightweight, oil-controlling toner with witch hazel or salicylic acid.
- Dry Skin: Opt for a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Combination Skin: A balancing toner with niacinamide or green tea works well.
- Sensitive Skin: Choose a fragrance-free, alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Check the Ingredients
- Hydrating Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
- Soothing Ingredients: Chamomile, centella asiatica, or oat extract.
- Exfoliating Ingredients: Glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA).
- Avoid: Alcohol denat, synthetic fragrances, or harsh astringents if you have sensitive skin.
How to Use Toner Effectively
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cleanse First: Always start with a clean face.
- Apply the Toner:
- Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or your hands.
- Gently swipe or pat it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
- Let It Absorb: Wait 30 seconds to a minute before moving on to the next step.
- Follow Up: Apply serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (in the morning).
Recommended Vegan Toners
Here are a few top picks for vegan toners, depending on your skin type:
For All Skin Types:
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Alcohol-Free): A cult favorite with aloe vera and witch hazel.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
Pixi Glow Tonic: Contains glycolic acid to exfoliate and brighten.
For Dry/Sensitive Skin:
Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Spray: A hydrating and soothing mist.
For Combination Skin:
Andalou Naturals Facial Toner: Helps hydrate balance skin pH For clear bright skin with a citrus scent.
Step 4: Serum – Targeted Treatment
Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids packed with high concentrations of active ingredients. They’re more concentrated than moisturizers and are designed to deliver targeted treatments for specific skin concerns, making them a crucial step in any skincare routine.
Ingredients to Look For
Here are some powerhouse ingredients commonly found in vegan serums:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture for plump, hydrated skin.
- Vitamin C: Brightens skin, evens tone, and boosts collagen production.
- Niacinamide: Reduces redness, minimizes pores, and improves skin texture.
- Retinol (Vegan): Stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines.
- Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts.
How to Choose the Right Serum
Identify Your Skin Concerns
- Dryness: Look for hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Dullness: Brightening serums with vitamin C or niacinamide are ideal.
- Aging: Anti-aging serums with retinol or peptides work best.
- Acne: Opt for acne-fighting serums with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
- Sensitivity: Choose soothing serums with centella asiatica or oat extract.
Recommended Vegan Serums
Here are a few top picks for vegan serums, depending on your skin concerns:
For Hydration:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: A budget-friendly option for intense hydration and smoother, plumper skin.
For Brightening:
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: Packed with vitamin C and ferulic acid for glowing skin.
For Anti-Aging:
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Serum: Boosts elasticity and hydration with plant-based collagen.
For Acne-Prone Skin:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: Unclogs pores and reduces breakouts.
For Sensitive Skin:
Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil: A soothing serum with blue tansy and squalane.
Step 5: Moisturizer – Lock in Hydration
Moisturizers are an essential of any skincare routine. They don’t just hydrate dry skin, they also strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, prevent premature aging, and protect against environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, a good moisturizer is key to keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing.
Your skin’s natural barrier is made up of lipids (fats) that keep moisture in and irritants out. Moisturizers help replenish these lipids, keeping your skin healthy and resilient.
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer
Match It to Your Skin Type
- Oily Skin: Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic gel moisturizers.
- Dry Skin: Opt for rich, creamy formulas with ceramides or plant oils.
- Combination Skin: A lightweight lotion works best.
- Sensitive Skin: Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas with soothing ingredients.
Ingredients to Look For
Look for these powerhouse ingredients commonly found in vegan moisturizers:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture for plump, hydrated skin.
- Shea Butter: Deeply nourishes and repairs the skin barrier.
- Ceramides: Strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates irritated skin.
- Plant Oils: Jojoba, argan, or rosehip oil provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
- Alcohol: Can dry out and irritate the skin.
- Fragrance: May cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
- Sulfates: Can strip the skin of natural oils.
Recommended Vegan Moisturizers
Our top picks for vegan moisturizers, depending on your skin type:
For All Skin Types:
- Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer: Brightens and hydrates with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
- Pacifica Beauty Wake Up Beautiful Moisturizer: Lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for oily skin.
For Dry/Sensitive Skin:
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: A rich, soothing formula with colloidal oatmeal.
For Combination Skin:
- Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream: Balances and hydrates with adaptogenic herbs.
Step 6: Sunscreen – Protect and Prevent
Sunscreen is not just to prevent sunburn, it’s your best defense against premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer. UV rays from the sun (and even fake tanning beds) can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Sunscreen acts as a shield, protecting your skin from these harmful effects, maintaining your skin’s natural, healthy barrier.
Did you know that regular sunscreen use can reduce your risk of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) by 50%? It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your skin and your health.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
Match It to Your Skin Type
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas labeled “matte” or “lightweight.”
- Dry Skin: Opt for hydrating sunscreens with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Sensitive Skin: Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Combination Skin: A lightweight, non-greasy formula works best.
Check the SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection
- SPF 30 or Higher: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Higher SPF offers minimal additional protection.
- Broad-Spectrum: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Look for Reef-Safe Formulas
- Why It Matters: Some chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral reefs.
- Reef-Safe Options: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are eco-friendly.
Recommended Vegan Sunscreens
Here are a few top picks for vegan sunscreens, depending on your skin type:
For All Skin Types:
- Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30: A gentle, mineral-based formula that’s reef-safe.
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: A lightweight, invisible formula that doubles as a primer.
For Dry/Sensitive Skin:
- Derma E Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30: Hydrating and soothing with green tea and vitamin E.
For Combination Skin:
- Pacifica Sun Vegan Collagen Face Lotion SPF 30: A lightweight, non-greasy formula with coconut water and hyaluronic acid.
Bonus Tips for a Killer Vegan Skincare Routine
–Patch Test New Products: Always test new products on a small area of skin to avoid irritation.
–Stay Consistent: Skincare works best when you stick to a routine.
–Hydrate and Eat Well: Your skin reflects your overall health. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced, plant-based diet.
–Don’t Forget Your Neck: Your neck needs love too—extend your skincare routine below your jawline.
Also Read:
