If not you yourself, you probably at least know someone who’s vegetarian or vegan. These days people don’t only care about what they put in their mouth, but also what they put on their skin. In the world of beauty, many are obsessed with plant-based ingredients. Of course, it’s not that surprising since plant-based skincare products have an incredibly long list of benefits for our skin. Keep reading to find out which ingredients you need to add to your skincare repertoire.
Phytoceramides
Phyto is a Greek word for plants, which makes phytoceramides a fancy term for plant-derived ceramides. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up our skin. They are the glue that holds our skin together. Unfortunately, ceramides production declines as we get older. Phytoceramides can be extracted from rice, wheat, potato, sweet potato, corn as well as konjac. When topically applied, phytoceramides help to combat dryness, soothe irritation and reinforce skin barrier function so that toxins, irritants and other harmful substances can’t easily enter our body and to prevent moisture from evaporating.
Product Recommendations:
PACIFICA Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream
“This moisturizer deserves more hype!! such a gentle moisturizer, fragrance free, super nourishing and can use as an eye cream.”
– skinbygib
NATURIUM Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream
“This rich cream is a lifesaver for dehydrated skin. My regular moisturizer just doesn’t cut it at night anymore.”
– Vixenette
CERAMEDX Ultra Moisturizing Cream
“It’s very hydrating and has a lot of great hydrating ingredients. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy once rubbed in and absorbs well.”
– Finchy
Squalane
Squalene is an oil produced by our liver and secreted by the sebaceous glands to protect and moisturize the surface of our skin. However, just like ceramides, it decreases over time. The good news is that we can find squalene in a lot of skincare products because everyone loves it – as they should! Squalene is found in a variety of plants, such as olives, rice bran, sugarcane, wheat germ and so on. For squalene to be stable and have a longer shelf life, it needs to be converted into squalane. It helps to restore skin’s suppleness and elasticity. Squalane is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including dehydrated, oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Product Recommendations:
THE ORDINARY 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
“I have purchased this product more times then I can count. My skin’s favourite oil (and any oil that doesnt break me out) I will always repurchase. And it is such a great price.”
– Megz
“I love how lightweight this oil is and how dewey it makes my skin look after applying. It has no scent which is great and it is fairly easy to apply with the pump. My skin is very moisturized and soft when I use this oil.”
– Misshell
“I do apply a few drops to the skin and the morning and at my night routine after serums and treatments. It softens and hydrates my skin without clogging my pores. The best part of it, it’s budget friendly.”
– tuttibelli
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of psoralea corylifolia – also referred to as the babchi plant. It has been getting a lot of attention these past few years. Word on the street is that this buzz-worthy ingredient is a plant-based retinol. Yes, bakuchiol is known for its anti-aging benefits! It is not only effective at targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but also uneven skin tone.
Sounds amazing, right? Surely, bakuchiol can be an alternative to those with sensitive skin or can’t tolerate retinol, but further studies are needed to back up its effectiveness.
Product Recommendations:
“I can’t believe how soft my skin feels, right from the first time of using it. It glides on great and leaves my skin glowing. It’s really nourishing too. I seriously love this stuff.”
– Pinaydora
BLOOMKA Bakuchiol + Grapeseed Facial Oil
“I’ve emptied my first bottle and really enjoyed using this. My combination skin has improved a lot since I regularly use face oil. It gives my skin such a nice glow.”
– SeptiaR
HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Soothing Serum
“I decided to splurge a bit for the holidays to treat myself and it is definitely worth it. It gives my skin a smooth feeling and am using it in my early 20s to start myself on my antiaging journey.”
– mehmeh
Ginger
Not quite spicy, not quite sweet. This pungent ingredient is not something I would add to my dish when I’m cooking, but when it comes to skincare, I’m all for it! Ginger extract has an active component called gingerol, which is a great antioxidant that fights off skin-damaging free radicals. Furthermore, it can even out our skin tone for clear, healthy and youthful looking skin.
Product Recommendations:
SWEET CHEF Ginger + Vitamin C Serum Shot
“I’ve been struggling with acne scars for years and within 3 days of using it my skin looked so glowy and over 75% of my scars were gone!! If you are struggling with acne scars this is a definite must try.”
– Shannie
FIRST AID BEAUTY Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask
“This mask has a jelly consistency and helps brighten, heal, & nourish my skin. Second go around with this mask and I would buy again”
– ayyeitsjosie
INNISFREE Ginger Honey Ampoule Skin
“I LOVE this ampoule, its great on my skin. Leaves my skin well hydrated and dewy thanks to the Jeju honey content.”
– NiaRey
Green Tea
If you can drink it, it’s safe to say you can slather it on your face as well. Even though that’s not always the case, I assure you – in terms of green tea – you would want to. This superstar ingredient is rich in polyphenols (or more specifically, catechins) which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Green tea can inhibit DNA damage in skin cells and activate some enzymes to help with DNA repair. Also, it aids in calming the skin as well as reducing redness and irritation. All in all, it is a gentle yet powerful ingredient that is suitable for all skin types.
Product Recommendations:
“This serum is packed with a lot of healthy and good botanicals for the skin and it really shows with how calm my skin’s been these past few weeks, as I had no major active breakouts or redness”
– juliandeabs
“I absolutely love this toner. It absorbs right into my skin very quickly. My skin looked softer, calmer, and less red after usage. I also noticed this calms my breakouts very effectively. It is indeed a refreshing and soothing toner as its given name”
– Newtoskincare
COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
“If you have acne prone skin then this is the moisturizer for you regardless if you have dry or oily skin…This moisturizer does such an amazing job at keeping my skin hydrated and very calm.”
– cdragoskin
Centella Asiatica
This one right here is a very famous ingredient in Korean skincare products. In fact, Centella Asiatica (or Cica for short) is a personal favorite of mine. Research shows that it can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria, soothe our skin and reduce redness, thanks to its main active compound madecassoside. Moreover, Cica is also known for its ability to speed up wound healing which minimizes the chance of scarring. Seriously, what’s not to love about this ingredient? If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you will definitely adore Cica as much as I do.
Product Recommendations:
![[BEAUTY OF JOSEON] Centella Asiatica Calming Mask 1Pack (10pcs) | eBay](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUgAAOSwi5xeICtq/s-l300.jpg)
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
“Woke up with a natural dewy look, seriously I had a BEAUTIFUL glow. My skin was nicely hydrated and my current breakouts were not as aggravated.”
– ishiskin
IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
“This is the only moisturiser that doesn’t break me out, isn’t too greasy, doesn’t pill up and does it’s job. I’m on my second bottle, its just perfect for oily/combo acne prone skin and I’m super glad it has no fragrance or any unnecessary stuff.”
– GigiXPaws
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
“I love the formulation of this serum! I have tried many Hyaluronic Acid products and usually I find a lot of them leave a sticky texture after using and requires a bit of time for absorption. But this one does not!”
– Meowstars
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One Response
Thank you for this honestly. Firstly i love that it’s all “Plant based” skincare and i believe most people really want and need skincare products that have a natural product in them. It makes them more close to home, its nature and more importantly healthier. So moving forward, I for one didn’t know ginger can also be use for skin purposes and to think that i have been cooking it for years actually baffles me. Also, i had never heard of Squalane and Bukuchiol so thank you for explaining everything and for the recommendations as well. Thank You!!!