VEGANUARY IS EASIER THAN EVER WITH OUR EDIT OF THE BEST VEGAN SKINCARE

Whether you’re doing Veganuary for animal welfare, personal or planetary reasons, we take a look at the cruelty-free Korean skincare you need to try now

If you’re anything like us, January signals not only a perfectly clean slate and promise of a new year but the chance to make resolutions and do better.

Whether you’re doing Veganuary because it’s better for the planet or are just a big believer in animal welfare, veganism isn’t just reserved for what’s on your plate – your beauty bag can get in on the action, too.

K-beauty has come a long way – no longer shrouded in 10-step mystery or formulated with alien-sounding ingredients, countless beauty brands that have cleaned up their act and now exclusively offer high-performance, vegan skincare.

‘There’s been a real shift towards plant-powered formulas and effective, natural ingredients in K-beauty,’ says TONIC15 founder Jin. ‘Extracts like Mugwort and Centella Asiatica have been relied upon for decades to heal, soothe and improve skin in traditional medicine and you’ll find them at the heart of many of the vegan formulas stocked at TONIC15.’

‘There are several reasons why you might want to explore vegan skincare,’ adds Jin. ‘As Korean vegan skincare tends to be formulated with all-natural ingredients, they might make a better option for sensitive skin that finds itself irritated by synthetic ingredients.’

‘Similarly, veganism continues to grow in popularity every year because society is increasingly aware of their personal impact on he earth and believe that that cruelty-free products are generally better for the planet,’ adds Jin.

So, whatever your reason for incorporating more vegan products into your regime, we’re here to hold your hand on your cruelty-free journey. From Cica to Chaga, we’ll shine a spotlight on the powerhouse, plant-based ingredients that are worth putting on your radar this Veganuary and then will serve up some of the best single ingredient products to try out if you haven’t yet..

MUGWORT

A healing herb renowned for its antibacterial, skin-protecting properties, Mugwort (also known as Artemisia) was originally used in traditional medicine to boost blood circulation and soothe symptoms associated with PMT. Since it’s found its way into skincare thanks to its anti-inflammatory action which helps to soothe dry and irritat- ed skin. Rich in antioxidant Vitamin E, it also helps protect against radicals whilst encouraging collagen production. The result? Youthful, healthier-looking skin.

CENTELLA ASIATICA

Haven’t heard of Cica or Centella Asiatica yet? Well, this multi-tasking ingredient is a real workhorse. Renowned for soothing sensitive skin, Cica helps to effectively reduce redness and inflammation. A staple in traditional medicine for centuries, the leafy green herb was originally used to treat wounds and burns and now, as well as soothing sensitivities, it also helps treat acne thanks to its antimicrobial properties. It can also help slow the ageing process due to increasing blood flow and supporting cell repair.

CHAGA

Chaga, typically found growing in birch trees in the cold climates of Korea, Russia, and Northern Europe, is a mushroom extract with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Highly efficacious, even a small amount of the ingredient can make a real difference to those suffering from acne, rosacea and even eczema. It also works to protect the skin from harmful UV rays as it contains high forms of pigment and melanin which help to shield skin. It also encourages cell restoration and regeneration to give skin back its bounce.

KOMBUCHA

No, it’s not just great for your gut – Kombucha spells good news for your skin, too. An active ingredient with a myriad of benefits, Kombucha helps to hydrate, boost skin elasticity and improve tone and texture. Rich in probiotics and vitamins, the ingredient derived from fermented tea, helps to restore barrier function, improve skin’s natural defences and help rebalance the levels of bad bacteria. It also has an anti-inflammatory action which can improve conditions such as acne and eczema.

TONIC15 FOUNDER JIN’S TOP VEGAN KOREAN SKINCARE PICKS

Now you’ve got the lowdown on the vegan ingredients to put on your radar, TONIC15 founder Jin has rounded up her go-to vegan skincare picks available at tonic15.

THE CLEANSER | Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet

This all-star, plant-derived vegan cleansing balm has been formulated with Canola Oil and organic Babassu Seed Oil to gently melt away makeup, grime and daily dirt.

DR CEURACLE VEGAN KOMBUCHA TEA ESSENCE 150ML

THE TONER | Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence

A multi-tasking, cream-essence hybrid, this lightweight toner has been formulated with probiotic and vitamin-rich Kombucha Tea and a Vegan Tea Complex to rebalance skin.

THE MOISTURISER | Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Enriched with Centella Asiatica, this nourishing, skin-calming cream helps to calm inflammation, reduce irritation and works hard to take the redness out of post-exercise skin.

THE SPRITZ | Sioris Falling Into The Rose Mist

A truly versatile product, the Sioris Falling Into The Rose Mist blends plant-derived Squalane, Argan Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil together to add moisture at a moment’s notice.

THE FACIAL OIL | Beigic Regenerating Oil

A fast-absorbing blend of Green Coffee Bean Oil, Rosehip Oil and Argan Oil, this luminous-boosting vegan facial oil instantly brightens the skin while keeping the complexion soft and supple.

THE FACE MASK | I’m From Mugwort Mask

Formulated with Mugwort harvested from the Ganghwa County in Korea, this quick fix mask is packed with vitamins and minerals to detoxify skin and nourish skin. A winter skincare saviour.

So, whatever the reason you’re incorporating more vegan skincare into your skincare routine, cruelty-free Korean products might just offer the answer. As always, if you have any questions or need help with your skincare selections, email pamper@tonic15.com.

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