Earth Day is observed on 22 April each year. So, let’s look at how you can love the planet as much as you do your skin.
The world is in a time where reducing your carbon footprint and protecting the environment is more important now than ever.
With there being an increased emphasis from buyers looking for cruelty-free, sustainable and environmentally friendly products for themselves and their homes, the vegan industry has seen a boost.
Going vegan doesn’t always mean submitting to a totally plant-based diet. South Africa’s vegan beauty industry has grown over the years to the point where it’s expected to add more than USD$50 million (about R948 million) by 2028 to our local economy.
Cosmetic companies like The Body Shop are becoming the world’s first global beauty brands to offer 100 percent vegan product formulations across all its ranges including skincare, body care, haircare, makeup and fragrances
Many local beauty brands have also either made the switch to using alternatives to animal-derived ingredients or have built themselves from the ground up on the basis of being 100 percent vegan.
From Iwori’s bath, body, hair and skincare ranges incorporating natural ingredients like mongongo oil to Amanda du-Pont’s skincare brand Lelive offering African botanics like green rooibos, marula and plant actives like bakuchiol. There’s so much to choose from to give your beauty cabinet an environmentally friendly and nourishing refresher.
READ MORE | Everything you need to know about Bakuchiol, nature’s retinol, plus 7 skincare benefits
Let’s explore some of Mzansi’s homegrown beauty brands that are doing just that:
1. Iwori Beauty of Africa
This local bath, body and haircare range has been inspired by the luxurious formulations of Africa’s most sought-after natural ingredients like jojoba and shea oil.
From their hydrating facial toner to their strengthening scalp and hair oil that are all vegan approved and free from silicones, sulfates and parabens, Iwori should be your next locally-sourced body and haircare range to add to your shopping list.
2. Lelive
Shadow actress Amanda du-Pont’s award-winning clean and conscious skincare range offers vegan, reef safe and cruelty-free products that doesn’t test on animals.
Proudly African-made, the skincare and body range includes exfoliators, washes, oils and lotions. Natural ingredients like aloe and shea butter are the heroes as well as harmless scientific active elements like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
3. WBeauty
Woolworth’s beauty range WBeauty has driven the charge in living an active vegan lifestyle since its 2019 announcement that all of its ranges have gone 100 percent vegan.
Working closely with animal activist group Beauty Without Cruelty, WBeauty’s bath and body skincare products range from toners and sunscreens to moisturisers that have been tried and tested as perfect alternatives for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
4. Ethnogenics
If you’re looking for a vegan haircare range born from the struggles of the hair loss condition alopecia, Unseen actress Gail Mabalane’s Ethnogenics products are the one for you.
Ethnogenics has ranges for all hair types including a protective styling range, which include products that are powered by vitamin E, flaxseed oil and pea protein. Not to mention it’s locally made and paraben and sulfate-free.
READ MORE | Gail Mabalane on creating a haircare range for all – ‘The time has come for us to take control’
5. MyEarth
Clicks’ very own MyEarth eco-friendly face, body and hair accessories are not only easy on the pocket but easy on the conscience too.
With a range of reusable facial pads and mittens, detangling combs and brushes, bamboo makeup brushes, bath and shower cleansers and feminine hygiene products. Going vegan has never been simpler.
6. Chick Cosmetics
Created in 2018 by Nomfundo Njibe, Chick Cosmetics prides itself on being cruelty-free in every sense of the word.
Boasting extensive product range including makeup palettes, beauty sponges, skincare serums and toners that break traditional styles and uses cruelty-free ingredients, ethical marketing and sustainable practices.
