In many columns I’ve written about the importance of introducing veganism into our everyday lives. Whether it’s through consuming a plant-based diet, or ditching plastics for recyclable, sustainable materials —there’s a reason 2019 is labelled ‘The Year of the Vegan’. The vegan food industry alone has recorded 20 percent growth over the last year as more people have switched to way a life that is cruelty free for animals, doesn’t contribute to meat and dairy industries that are killing the Earth, and is instead full of health benefits for the long-term.
The growing demand for all things vegan has made other industries take notice, especially skincare and beauty. It’s because the ingredients found in a face cream, for example, are often plants or fruits that are classed as vegan. It can be said that: If it’s good to ingest, then it’s typically great to apply topically.
Vegan beauty and skincare means the absence of animal ingredients — and major brands are switching to vegan products in a bid to meet the growing demand. Perhaps the biggest benefit to come out of the vegan beauty movement is that it’s pushing customers to become more aware of what’s inside the products that we use in the bathroom, and it’s leading to more people wanting to assess ingredients of such products prior to a purchase.
People are starting to question and research what they’re buying, and in essence — it’s empowering individuals with knowledge that leads to the following realisation: nothing can be more beneficial for our skin than a 100% natural ingredient.
In addition to this, the future of the beauty industry is not just vegan, but it’s ‘not animal-tested’. Animal testing still exists today for many products, but more companies are waking up to the fact that it’s both unnecessary, and inhumane. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but introducing brands into the market that are centred around the ethics of Veganism will act as a catalyst that will lead to the following example: Let’s say I have two face oils, both promising to improve the elasticity and vibrancy of my skin. One is made from 100% natural ingredients, and the other has chemical additives to attempt to replace the true power of nature and has also been tested on animals — it’s clear that for the majority of us, it’s a no-brainer as to which face oil we would choose. Natural and ethical wins every time.
As part of my portfolio of my ethical, vegan businesses here in Qatar, I have launched a flagship store for my vegan alchemist brand. I wasn’t looking to enter a market whereby my products will change and adapt to compete with the fast-moving nature of the skin industry. Instead, my company is set around vegan values that remain at the heart of my brand. Values that mean the only ingredients found throughout the range are proven to heal, nourish, feed, rejuvenate, replenish, hydrate and restore the health of the skin—our biggest organ. They’re also ethical, vegan values that extend across my company. From the violet miron glass, a sustainable, recyclable material, that some of our products are bottled in, to the paper we send our invoices on, I’m focused on my commitment to veganism and sustainability, and I’m able to deliver that commitment through my ethical choices at the company.
When it comes to skincare, I like to keep things simple. In fact, there is an art to the simplicity of vegan skincare products, and less really is more. Performance wise, vegan skin and beauty products are considered superior since they have lesser ingredients in them.
The important takeaway here, is that there’s a vegan alternative not just to everything in your fridge…but to everything in your bathroom, cabinet or washbag. Not only will making the switch benefit our planet in the long term, but your skin will reap the rewards from day one.
* The author is an expert in vegan wellbeing and health. Instagram handle: @Ghanim92
By Ghanim al-Sulaiti
