Just a few years ago, seeing cruelty-free and vegan labels on skincare products was a mere addition to a good formula. However, in the 2020s, the obsession with sustainably-made, vegan, and cruelty-free products has transformed these labels into essential components of any reputable skincare brand. This shift has compelled many brands to take important steps toward more ethical and sustainable practices.
For this very reason, we have curated a list of our favourite tested skincare brands that not only deliver amazing results but also advocate for better practices. These brands are not only delivering high-quality, effective skincare solutions but are also redefining what it means to be beautiful.
We believe there is a brand for everyone in this list, from really affordable drugstore skincare to high luxury labels, from brands with minimal design to embossed packaging and heavy bottles. Whether you are new to cruelty-free skincare or a seasoned enthusiast, these brands offer something special for everyone, and prove that you can be on a budget and still make a great choice.
REN
REN is the epitome of clean beauty. With a commitment to high-performance formulations and zero-waste packaging, REN Clean Skincare has set a gold standard in the industry. Their products are free from harsh chemicals, ensuring that your skincare routine is as kind to your skin as it is to the planet.
Our favourites
REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil - plant-based retinoid oil that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smoother and firmer overnight. Check it out here - £52.00
REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream - lightweight gel cream with stabilized vitamin C that brightens skin and evens tone for a healthy, radiant glow. Check it out here - £42.00
Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - exfoliating mask with glycolic and lactic acids that removes dead skin cells, reduces fine lines, and enhances skin's natural radiance. Check it out here - £42.00
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice is synonymous with research-based, results-driven skincare. Known for their transparency and no-nonsense approach, this brand offers a range of products that tackle every skin concern imaginable. The fact that they are entirely cruelty-free only adds to their appeal.
Our favourites
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid that unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, and brightens skin, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion. Check it out here - £12.00
Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA - advanced exfoliating treatment with 10% AHA that improves skin texture, minimizes fine lines, and promotes even skin tone for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Check it out here - £43.00
Paula’s Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer - rich, hydrating moisturizer designed to strengthen the skin's barrier, reduce signs of aging, and improve skin resilience with powerful antioxidants and essential lipids. Check it out here - £38.00
The Inkey List
For those who crave simplicity and effectiveness without breaking the bank, The Inkey List is a revelation. This brand demystifies skincare with straightforward, ingredient-focused formulations that deliver real results. Their minimalist approach is a breath of fresh air in a saturated market.
Our favourites
The Inkey List niacinamide - versatile serum that balances skin tone, reduces redness, and minimizes pore appearance with 10% niacinamide, leaving your skin clearer and more even. Check it out here - £10.00
The Inkey List retinol eye cream - targeted eye cream with retinol and peptides that smooths fine lines, reduces puffiness, and brightens the under-eye area for a refreshed, youthful look. Check it out here - £13.00
The Inkey List alpha arbutin - concentrated serum with alpha arbutin that brightens skin and fades dark spots by inhibiting melanin production, promoting a more even and luminous complexion. Check it out here - £10.50
Youth To The People
Youth To The People merges superfood ingredients with cutting-edge science to create products that are as healthy as they are effective. Their vegan formulations are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making your skin look and feel its best while staying kind to the planet.
Our favourites
Triple Peptide and Cactus Oasis Serum - hydrating serum featuring peptides and cactus extract that deeply nourishes and firms the skin, reducing fine lines and enhancing overall elasticity. Check it out here - £58.00
Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream - lightweight, nutrient-rich cream packed with superfoods that provides intense hydration and revitalizes skin, leaving it soft, balanced, and glowing. Check it out here - £45.00
Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial - invigorating exfoliating treatment with yerba mate and natural acids that renews skin texture, boosts radiance, and revitalizes tired skin for a refreshed appearance. Check it out here - £52.00
Dermalogica
Dermalogica is a cult favourite among skincare professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their commitment to education and innovation ensures that each product is formulated to deliver professional-grade results. Plus, their cruelty-free status means you can feel good about every purchase.
Our favourites
Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair - deeply nourishing moisturizer with peptides and antioxidants that combats severe dryness, reduces signs of aging, and restores skin’s resilience and radiance. Check it out here - £145.00
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum - high-performance serum that adapts to your skin’s needs, using advanced technology to address and correct multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture. Check it out here - £145.00
Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum - advanced retinol serum that accelerates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and improves skin texture, delivering a more youthful and even complexion. Check it out here - £89.00
Ole Henriksen
Ole Henriksen's vibrant, joyful approach to skincare is reflected in their effective, botanically-based products. Known for their luxurious textures and delightful fragrances, these products deliver serious results while making your skincare routine a pleasurable experience.
Our favourites
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer - rich, peptide-packed moisturizer that strengthens and firms the skin while providing deep hydration, leaving your complexion more resilient and plump. Check it out here - £42.00
Ole Henriksen Truth Juice Daily Cleanser - refreshing, vitamin C-infused cleanser that gently removes impurities and brightens the skin, promoting a radiant, even-toned complexion with every use. Check it out here - £26.00
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum - brightening serum with vitamin C and banana powder-inspired pigments that illuminate the skin, reduce dark spots, and smooth fine lines for a youthful, glowing appearance. Check it out here - £58.00
Pai Skincare
Specialising in solutions for sensitive skin, Pai Skincare combines organic ingredients with cutting-edge science. Their cruelty-free and vegan products are crafted to soothe and nourish even the most reactive skin types, making them a must-have for anyone with delicate skin.
Our favourites
Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil - potent rosehip oil that regenerates skin, improves texture, and reduces the appearance of scars and fine lines, leaving the complexion smooth and radiant. - Check it out here - £29.00
Pai Skincare Love and Haight Hydrating Day Cream - rich day cream with avocado and jojoba oils that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and a healthy glow. Check it out here - £28.50
Pai The Anthemis Moisturizer - calming moisturizer formulated with chamomile and rosehip, designed to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and provide gentle hydration for a balanced, comfortable complexion. Check it out here - £39.00
The Ordinary
The Ordinary has revolutionized skincare with its no-frills approach and affordable pricing. By focusing on potent, active ingredients, they make effective skincare accessible to everyone. Their commitment to cruelty-free practices only enhances their appeal.
Our favourites
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - hydrating serum combining hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to replenish moisture, plump the skin, and enhance its suppleness for a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. Check it out here - £8.80
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution - powerful exfoliating solution with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that targets dullness, uneven texture, and blemishes, revealing brighter, clearer, and more radiant skin. Check it out here - £8.90
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - pure, organic rosehip seed oil that nourishes and regenerates the skin, improving texture and tone while reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines for a smoother, more even complexion. Check it out here - £9.70
e.l.f. Cosmetics
ELF Cosmetics proves that high-quality, cruelty-free skincare can be affordable. With a wide range of products that deliver impressive results, ELF has become a go-to brand for beauty enthusiasts who want to make ethical choices without sacrificing performance.
Our favourites
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser - gentle yet effective cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, leaving your complexion refreshed and hydrated. Check it out here - £6.00
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 - lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that protects against harmful UV rays while imparting a subtle glow, ensuring your skin stays radiant and shielded from sun damage. Check it out here - £14.00
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream - deeply nourishing face cream enriched with hyaluronic acid and peptides, designed to hydrate, plump, and firm the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and a healthy, youthful appearance. Check it out here - £13.00
Superfacialist
Superfacialist combines the best of nature and science to create products that are both effective and gentle. Their cruelty-free line offers targeted solutions for various skin concerns, all while ensuring a luxurious experience.
Our favourites
Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Micro Polish Wash - invigorating facial scrub infused with vitamin C and fine exfoliating particles that brightens the complexion, refines skin texture, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and revitalized. Check it out here - £6.67
Superfacialist Rosehip Hydrate Facial Oil - nourishing facial oil enriched with rosehip and essential oils that deeply hydrates and restores the skin, enhancing its natural glow and improving elasticity. Check it out here - £12.00
Superfacialist Rosehip Hydrate Creamy Cleanser - creamy cleanser formulated with rosehip oil that gently removes impurities and makeup while hydrating and soothing the skin, leaving it soft, clean, and comfortable. Check it out here - £13.33
Dr Barbara Sturm
Known for her science-driven approach, Dr. Barbara Sturm offers high-performance skincare that delivers transformative results. Her cruelty-free products are loved by celebrities and skincare aficionados alike, making them a staple in any serious skincare routine.
Our favourites
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum - highly concentrated serum that provides intense hydration with long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules, leaving the skin plump, smooth, and radiant. Check it out here
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream - luxurious moisturizer that nourishes and hydrates the skin, promoting a youthful, supple complexion while protecting against environmental stressors. Check it out here
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops - illuminating serum that revitalizes dull skin, providing an instant natural glow and even complexion while delivering anti-aging benefits and hydration. Check it out here
Kora Organics
Founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr, Kora Organics focuses on certified organic ingredients that nourish and revitalize the skin. Their cruelty-free products are designed to enhance your natural beauty while promoting overall wellness.
Our favourites
Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum - powerful overnight serum that combines AHAs with organic noni extract to exfoliate, smooth, and renew the skin, revealing a brighter and more refined complexion by morning. Check it out here - £70.00
Noni Radiant Eye Oil - rejuvenating eye oil infused with organic noni, tomato fruit, and marine bamboo extracts that hydrates, brightens, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and dark circles around the delicate eye area. Check it out here - £41.00
Turmeric Glow Moisturizer - rich moisturizer formulated with turmeric extract and microalgae to deeply nourish, even out skin tone, and impart a natural, radiant glow while addressing signs of aging. Check it out here - £21.00
Fenty
Rihanna’s Fenty Skin line is all about inclusive, effective skincare. With a focus on clean, vegan formulations, Fenty Skin delivers products that work for all skin types and tones, proving that luxury and ethics can go hand in hand.
Our favourites
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup Melting Cleanser - luxurious jelly-oil cleanser that effortlessly dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, transforming into a milky lather that leaves skin clean, soft, and nourished. Check it out here - £25.00
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor - Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer with Niacinamide - multitasking moisturizer with mineral SPF 30 that hydrates, brightens, and protects the skin. Infused with niacinamide, it helps even skin tone and reduces the appearance of pores. Check it out here - £32.00
Fenty Skin Blemish Defeat’r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel - targeted gel treatment with BHA that quickly addresses blemishes and breakouts. It soothes inflammation, unclogs pores, and helps to clear skin without drying it out. Check it out here - £21.00
OSEA Malibu
Inspired by the ocean, OSEA Malibu creates luxurious, vegan skincare using marine-based ingredients. Their cruelty-free products are crafted to rejuvenate and restore the skin, making you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a spa.
Our favourites
OSEA Ocean Eyes Age Defying Serum - anti-aging eye serum enriched with seaweed, peptides, and hyaluronic acid that targets fine lines and wrinkles, firms the delicate eye area, and reduces puffiness for a youthful, refreshed look.
OSEA Collagen Dream Night Cream - rich, overnight cream formulated with vegan collagen and sea minerals to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines while you sleep.
OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream - lightweight moisturizer that shields the skin from environmental stressors and pollution while providing hydration and balance, leaving the skin smooth and protected throughout the day.
Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe brings the fun back into skincare with fruit-powered formulations that deliver radiant results. Their cruelty-free products are as delightful to use as they are effective, making them a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.
Our favourites
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops - versatile serum that combines watermelon extract and niacinamide to hydrate, brighten, and give skin a natural, dewy glow, perfect for use as a primer or highlighter. Check it out here - £32.00
Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner - essence-toner hybrid infused with cloudberry and vitamin C to hydrate, brighten, and even out skin tone, leaving the complexion radiant and refreshed. Check it out here - £34.00
Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol - nourishing eye cream with avocado and retinol that targets fine lines, firms the delicate eye area, and provides deep hydration for a youthful, revitalized look. Check it out here - £41.00
Murad
Founded by a dermatologist, Murad offers high-performance skincare solutions that address a wide range of concerns. Their commitment to cruelty-free practices ensures that their clinical results are achieved ethically.
Our favourites
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum - potent serum that combines vitamin C and glycolic acid to brighten skin, even out tone, and enhance radiance, while also reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Check it out here - £88
Murad Daily Clarifying Peel - gentle yet effective peel with a blend of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids that exfoliates, clears pores, and smooths skin texture, promoting a clearer, more refined complexion. Check it out here - £47
Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream - luxurious day cream infused with vitamin C and powerful antioxidants that firms, hydrates, and brightens the skin, providing a radiant, youthful glow and protection against environmental damage. Check it out here - £86
Sibu Beauty
Sibu Beauty harnesses the power of sea buckthorn, a superfruit known for its healing properties. Their cruelty-free products are designed to nourish and repair the skin, offering a natural solution for a healthy, radiant complexion.
Our favourites
Sibu Beauty Nourishing Face Cream - hydrating face cream enriched with sea buckthorn and essential fatty acids that deeply moisturizes, revitalizes, and supports skin repair for a soft, smooth, and balanced complexion.
Sibu Beauty Polishing Facial Cleanser - gentle yet effective cleanser with sea buckthorn and natural exfoliants that removes impurities and dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more polished complexion.
Sibu Beauty Purifying Clay Mask - clarifying clay mask formulated with sea buckthorn and kaolin clay that detoxifies and purifies the skin, drawing out impurities and excess oil while soothing and refining the skin’s texture.
Tata Harper
Tata Harper sets the bar for luxury, natural skincare. Handcrafted on their Vermont farm, Tata Harper’s cruelty-free products are made with the highest quality ingredients and offer a truly indulgent experience.
Our favourites
Tata Harper Water Lock Moisturizer - deeply hydrating moisturizer that infuses the skin with moisture using natural botanical extracts, leaving it plump, smooth, and refreshed while enhancing its natural glow. Check it out here £61
Tata Harper Elixir Vitae - luxurious, anti-aging serum packed with potent natural ingredients that targets deep wrinkles and fine lines, boosting skin’s firmness and elasticity for a more youthful and radiant appearance. Check it out here - £300
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser - revitalizing exfoliating cleanser with natural fruit enzymes and micro-polishing beads that gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves the skin bright, smooth, and invigorated. Check it out here - £79
