I Switched Over to Vegan Skincare–Here Are My Thoughts

Here at Who What Wear, we’re committed to helping you, the
members of our beauty community, find the results-driven products
that are right for your lifestyle. Whether your skincare objectives
are centered around fighting
acne, anti-aging,
hyperpigmentation,
or any of the myriad concerns in between, we are constantly aiming
to bring you the information to help you make empowered choices
about the products you bring into your routine.

One area we’re consistently curious about is vegan skincare.
There’s a lot of noise out there about its benefits and
drawbacks, and we knew that if we, as editors, were still combing
through the details, then consumers were likely struggling to do
your due diligence as well. In an effort to open up the
conversation and create some clarity, we wanted a member of our
devoted community to be involved in this process with us. That’s
why we decided to choose one of you to test-drive Versed
skincare (our sister brand, which is 100% vegan) for a full
week to dive headfirst into how switching to a clean, vegan
skincare regimen might work for the everyday woman.

Below, meet our tester, Deb. She’s a skin enthusiast, content
creator, and healthcare professional who wanted to know a bit more
about vegan skincare and how it could fit into a busy lifestyle.
Our pals over at Versed put together a routine tailored to Deb’s
specific needs and concerns so that she could put it to the
ultimate test. Ahead, check out Deb’s honest thoughts on her
personalized vegan skincare regimen.

The background: “As someone who struggled with
a long-term cycle of active breakouts, my main skin care concerns
are hyperpigmentation and adequate hydration that doesn’t clog my
combination skin. Given my background as a healthcare clinician, I
am aware that my lifestyle choices have a direct effect on my skin.
Though I am not vegan, I am a firm believer in a balanced way of
living.”

Why vegan skincare? “I am interested in a
vegan skincare routine for two reasons, the first being the
positive impact it can have on animals and the environment.
Secondly, vegan skincare is more simple in terms of ingredients.
With so many brands and products to choose from, it will be nice to
take a break from so many steps and utilize a pared-back regimen
from a single brand.”

“Although
I normally don’t prefer to have essential oils in my skincare
routine, the peppermint oil in this product left a very subtle mint
scent that did not irritate my skin. I expect cleansers to
effectively lift dirt and grime without leaving my skin feeling
stripped or dry, and this cleanser delivered.”

“The
vitamin C serum felt thin in consistency and not tacky. It also
contains niacinamide, which reduces inflammation and evens out skin
tone, and palmaria palmata extract, which inhibits melanin
production. Using this every morning for one week, I did not see a
lifting of my chronic hyperpigmentation, but it did provide an
overall glow for my morning routine.”

“I’d
used this eye cream before, so I already knew I loved it. It
contains ethically sourced mica, which provides instant
brightening. Using this day and night consistently for one week did
not cause milia around my eye, which is a problem I sometimes have
with heavier-based eye creams like this one.”

“I
was weary to try this since I prefer gel-based moisture and
hydration. However, as I was introducing new actives from the
Stroke of Brilliance Serum and the Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel,
I welcomed the extra-rich moisture. I used it morning and night,
and my skin felt soft and supple with each use. Even for my combo
skin, it did not feel greasy. This will definitely be a staple in
my routine from now on.”

“I
used this three times over the week, and I did experience slight
irritation after the first use. The Hydrating Plumping Mask
countered this irritation, and by night three, my skin appeared
clearer and brighter.”

“I
used this mask the day after I used the overnight peel to ensure
hydration and prevent signs of irritation from the intense
exfoliation.”

The Versed verdict: “Overall, using Versed
for one week really simplified my routine and worked perfectly with
my busy on-the-go lifestyle. I am a fan of how affordable it is
and what the brand chooses not to put into its formulations
(including silicones and synthetic fragrances). Versed makes
quality skincare that’s accessible to all, and it aligns with my
own personal values of inclusion. Though I may not be a vegan, I
truly believe simple swaps such as adding vegan products to one’s
routine can have a profound effect.”