Ask The Expert: All your beauty questions about vegan skincare answered

Vegan sheet masks contain ingredients like yuzu extracts, kombucha and sake extracts, which heal and restore the skin's microbiome. Photo: Instagram/Sigi Skin

Ask The Expert is a column where we get experts to answer questions on topics related to fashion and beauty.

Sigi Skin founder and managing director Xenia Wong answers your questions on vegan skincare (which means the absence of animal ingredients in its formulation) and alternative skincare ingredients.

What is the process behind sourcing and selecting ingredients for vegan skincare formulations? – Diana, KL

It begins by researching various vegan ingredients known for their skincare benefits. This involves studying scientific literature, consulting with experts and staying updated on emerging trends in skincare.

Before incorporating any ingredient into product formulations, rigorous quality control assessments are conducted to ensure purity, potency and safety. This may involve third-party testing to confirm the quality and authenticity of ingredients.

Once high-quality vegan ingredients have been selected, our formulation team carefully combines them to create products that are effective, gentle and suitable for various skin types.

We also continuously monitor advancements in vegan skincare ingredients and consumer preferences to refine our formulations and ensure we’re offering the best possible products.

Read more: Ask The Expert: Making your manicure last, and other nailcare doubts cleared

What are the challenges with formulating vegan skincare products? – Bella, KL

Formulating vegan skincare products presents several challenges.

Finding suitable alternatives to animal-derived ingredients can be complex, as they often serve specific functions such as texture enhancement or preservation.

To be a fully vegan brand in 2020, we discontinued our eye cream as it contains propolis (a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar).

We only launched a fully vegan eye cream in 2022 as we wanted the texture to be as lightweight as possible so it doesn’t cause millia seeds (small, white keratin-filled bumps that form just under the skin).

What common ingredients in skincare should I avoid that aren’t vegan? – Nur, PJ

Some common ingredients to avoid will be honey, milk, collagen and squalene.

Xenia Wong notes that finding suitable alternatives to animal-derived ingredients can be complex, as they often serve specific functions such as texture enhancement or preservation. Photo: Sigi Skin

What are some alternatives to honey and beeswax, or common animal-derived ingredients in skincare? – Divya, KL

Some great alternatives for honey will be agave nectar and for other animal derived ingredients such as amino acids from plant extracts and squalane derived from sugarcane.

What certifications or standards should consumers look for when choosing vegan skincare products? – Ellie, Kuching

While certifications like Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny can provide assurance, it’s important to note that standards and certification processes may vary.

Therefore, the most reliable way for consumers to ensure a skincare product is vegan is by carefully examining the ingredient list.

Look for products that explicitly state they are free from animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

This approach offers transparency and allows consumers to make informed choices based on their individual preferences and values.

What specific benefits do superfoods offer for skincare? – K.C., Bangsar

Superfoods offer numerous skincare benefits, thanks to their potent nutrient profiles and antioxidant content.

They protect the skin from environ- mental damage, reduce signs of ageing, and are great for people who have sensitive skin.

For instance, kale is rich in vitamins A, C and K that helps fight against free radical damage and has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for people who have sensitive skin.

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Can young children use vegan skincare that is not specifically made for kids? – June, PJ

While vegan skincare products are generally safe for use by young children, it’s essential to consider factors such as sensitivity and age-appropriateness.

Vegan skincare formulated for adults may contain potent ingredients that could potentially irritate a child’s skin barrier.

Does vegan and clean skincare have a shorter shelf life compared to products that use harmful chemicals? – Sara, KL

No, that’s a myth! Vegan does not mean all natural. And all natural doesn’t mean it is good, for example, some berries are natural but poisonous.

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