The Rapid Rise of Vegan Skincare

As a leading personal care manufacturer in the UK, Hera Beauty is perfectly placed to provide an insider insight into why plant-based beauty is not simply a passing ‘fad’. As consumers continue to prioritise ethics in product purchasing decisions, vegan skincare is a trend that’s here to stay. But what’s driving the continued growth in the sector?

A recent report by The Vegan Society revealed that 97% of shoppers want more vegan cosmetics and toiletries on the market. The desire for these types of products is certainly there. However, opting for cruelty-free formulations is no longer solely the preserve of people who class themselves as vegans. More than a third of British women who purchase plant-based beauty products do not identify as vegan themselves, indicating that the trend has evolved beyond niche appeal.

What’s causing the popularity of vegan beauty? 

For a start, there’s now a rising number of Gen Z consumers gaining purchasing power. Having been brought up with smartphones and exposed to a never-ending stream of digital information, this socially progressive generation simply wants to create a better world. When buying personal care products, it’s no longer solely about choosing high-quality items. According to Merkle's Next Generation of Consumer Behavior report, 83% of Gen Z consumers want brands to take a stance on social issues.

The market potential for vegan beauty is substantial. Globally, it was valued at $19.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $32.56 billion by 2032. Let’s look into what’s driving the growth in this sector. Firstly, consumers are motivated by ethical reasons; prioritising cruelty-free products as assurance that their skincare choices do not involve animal testing or animal-derived ingredients. People also want natural products that avoid potential health implications (choosing organic ingredients is another priority too). Sustainability is a key concern, with many individuals opting for products offering eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients.

The rise of the vegan skincare market has been significantly influenced by social media trends and fuelled by influencers advocating cruelty-free products. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become pivotal in promoting vegan beauty brands and bloggers/vloggers have played a crucial role in boosting sales. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in internet searches related to vegan beauty products and market growth projections demonstrate the influential role social media has in shaping how consumers think, act, and endorse brands.

How can going vegan boost your brand?

The beauty industry evolves so rapidly that it’s important to keep one step ahead. At Hera Beauty, we understand the importance of staying abreast of key trends and consumer preferences to stand out as a brand. We know there’s a growing consumer demand for vegan beauty, yet many personal care manufacturers have yet to transition to cruelty-free practices and plant-derived products. This gap in the market presents a unique opportunity for brands to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

Beauty companies that commit to vegan standards can highlight their values by demonstrating ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, authenticity and transparency. All of this will resonate with consumers who prioritise an alignment of values when choosing products. Vegan brands are well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand by forming strong connections with conscientious consumers.

Want more convincing? Here’s why your beauty brand should consider incorporating vegan credentials into your skincare and haircare ranges:

●       Meet growing consumer demand

We’ve already seen how beauty consumers are more ethically-conscious than ever before. Offering a vegan skincare line allows your brand to attract a broader audience and enhance customer loyalty.

●       Strengthen your brand’s reputation 

Aligning with the global vegan beauty movement boosts your brand’s credibility and builds trust. It shows customers that your business is making ethical decisions and standing up for causes that you believe in.

●       Reduce environmental impact

Yes, vegan branding can attract customers. But ultimately, analysing your environmental footprint and reducing its impact is the right thing to do as a business. Animal agriculture contributes significantly to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. By choosing vegan skincare, your brand can help to reduce environmental harm.

●       Offer super skincare solutions

There’s power in those plants! Prioritising high-quality plant-based ingredients is a great way to provide a multitude of skincare benefits. Botanical extracts, plant oils, and fruit enzymes deliver essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin.

Your vegan skincare manufacturer

We know that building a successful beauty brand takes time, effort, and dedication. When it comes to ensuring your products are vegan-friendly, Hera Beauty has done all the hard work for you. We’ve already sourced suppliers who adhere to the strictest ethical and sustainable practices at all times. Not only do we offer comprehensive private label and new product development solutions to help your brand integrate vegan formulations into your beauty line-up, but we can also provide expert advice and strategic market insights.

Our business is guided by commitments to the following principles: leadership, inclusivity, transparency, integrity and continuous improvement. This means we can provide your business with a seamless transition to vegan skincare products. Let’s work together to create a product line that aligns with your customers’ values while driving your brand’s growth. Get in touch today.

After all, brands that adapt to meet and exceed consumer expectations are positioning themselves for long-term success. Vegan skincare isn’t just a passing trend - it’s the future of beauty.