Globally, the past few years have seen a major shift towards plant-based and vegan lifestyles, and the trend is not slowing down.

More and more people are not only cutting meat from their diets but also becoming increasingly aware that the exploitation of animals extends beyond the meat industry.

Every day, millions of animals are exploited, tortured and killed in the fashion and beauty industries, but thankfully, our collective awareness of this cruelty is growing.

It’s not just about eating in a way that doesn’t harm animals—we can also choose to dress, care for our skin, and wear makeup in ways that are cruelty-free and vegan. And more people are embracing this approach.

What is vegan skincare?

Much like following a vegan diet, vegan skincare involves avoiding all animal-derived ingredients. This means steering clear of substances like beeswax, collagen, lanolin, keratin, carmine, gelatin, honey and squalane.

But here’s where it gets a bit tricky.

It’s easy to assume that natural skincare is always vegan, but this isn’t the case. Similarly, a product labelled ‘cruelty-free’ does not automatically mean it’s vegan. ‘Cruelty-free’ means a product’s ingredients have not been tested on animals by a supplier, manufacturer, or third party. So, in practice, some brands might be cruelty-free and natural without being vegan and vice versa.

Vegan beauty market’s stratospheric rise

Social media and the internet have played a huge role in creating awareness about the reality behind conventional beauty and skincare products. Consumers today are more conscious and informed about what goes into their products—and what processes might have been involved in their creation.

Last year, Fortune Business estimated the global vegan cosmetics market was worth around 18 billion US dollars. This year, it’s risen to 19 billion. By 2032, it’s expected to soar to a staggering 32 billion dollars—and for good reason.

When it comes to embracing and leading the charge in innovative vegan beauty, Ireland is certainly a country to watch.

Here, the vegan skincare market has surged from niche to mainstream and ultra-trendy in what feels like no time at all.

Today, choosing products that are completely devoid of animal ingredients and cruelty-free is easier than ever. In Ireland, we’re fortunate to have a wealth of homegrown beauty brands, many of which are award-winning and leading the charge in vegan and cruelty-free skincare.

Best of Irish vegan beauty

Dublin Herbalists

Dublin Herbalists

Founded by Dubliner Claire Brett in 2013—Dublin Herbalists is a range of skincare products made with floral waters, natural butters and active ingredients to hydrate and nourish the skin. Starting with a simple moisturiser, Claire’s range has grown to become a popular vegan and cruelty-free option.

Hero product: Dublin Herbalists Rejuvenating Face Cream

Sculpted by Aimee

Founded by makeup artist Aimee Connolly—Sculpted by Aimee has grown into an award-winning Irish makeup brand, offering clever, easy-to-use beauty products. At just 23, Aimee launched a brand that’s now a household name. The range includes both makeup and skincare, and all products are vegan, kind to the planet, and cruelty-free.

Hero product: Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint—Moisturising Tinted Serum

Kinvara

Kinvara is a well-established Irish skincare brand from Co. Galway, located along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way.

Founder Dr Joanne Reilly ensures she sources only the highest quality plant-based ingredients, many of which are local.

We love Kinvara for its award-winning range, packed with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and potent active ingredients. True to their vegan ethos, Kinvara prioritises plant extracts, minerals, clays and seaweeds in eco-friendly packaging.

Hero product: Kinvara Precious Facial Oil

Bellamianta

Launched in 2015, Bellamianta quickly amassed a celebrity following—turning their tanning products into cult favourites. Loved for its high-quality vegan and skin-friendly ingredients, the entire range is vegan, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, non-toxic, safe during pregnancy and PETA-approved.

Hero product: Bellamianta Luxury Tanning Mousse

Nunaia

Nunaia—founded by Nicola Connolly, is inspired by her experiences living and working with communities in South America. The products are organic, vegan, cruelty-free and made with nutrient-dense botanicals from the Peruvian Rainforest and Andes Mountains. The brand also gives back to the communities it sources from through its Nunaia Community Fund.

Hero product: Nunaia Nourishing Radiance Serum

Skingredients

Jennifer Rock, aka The Skin Nerd—launched Skingredients to rave reviews. Known for her expertise in skincare, Jennifer created products free from animal ingredients and cruelty. The range includes effective serums, moisturisers and more, proving that high-quality skincare doesn’t have to exploit animals.

Hero product: Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanse Hydrating Cleanser

Poco Beauty

Model and influencer Pippa O’Connor Ormond’s Poco Beauty line offers multi-use, high-quality beauty products that are easy to use and effortless. The entire range is vegan and cruelty-free, providing natural beauty without the fuss.

Read more NAE Vegan Shoes: A new era in footwear—sustainable and stylish

Hero product: Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment

Pestle & Mortar

Pestle & Mortar

Co-founded by Sonia Deasy—Pestle & Mortar delivers skincare products rooted in natural healing and powered by science. Inspired by Deasy’s Indian heritage, the products are simple, effective and entirely vegan and cruelty-free.

Hero product: Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinoid Night Oil

Aliso

Andrea Roche’s brand—Aliso, began with a quest for a clean lip balm during her pregnancy. Since the success of her first product, the range has expanded, with all products remaining vegan and cruelty-free.

Hero product: Aliso Cryo Face Tools

Skin Formulas

Created by aesthetician Geraldine Jones—Skin Formulas aims to make skincare simple while remaining vegan and cruelty-free. The award-winning range includes products for every skin type and concern.

Hero product: Skin Formulas Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Serum

As the vegan beauty movement continues to gain momentum, Ireland is proudly at the forefront, with an array of homegrown brands championing cruelty-free and plant-based alternatives. These pioneering Irish companies are setting a global standard, proving that beauty, ethics and sustainability can go hand in hand.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out Botox: A multi-billion industry—but is it vegan? Perhaps take a look at ‘Making the Cut’ winner Yannik Zamboni: Redefining fashion with veganism and activism. Or explore the power of Asila: Taking the skincare industry to the next level.