When we talk about vegan anti-aging skincare, we have to talk about collagen.
Traditionally a non-vegan ingredient, the science of skincare today is advanced enough to let us enjoy 100% plant-based collagen and different vegan collagen blends.
Collagen is known for its ability to bind water which helps maintain proper water levels in the skin. Collagen also makes the skin smoother and brighter and reduces wrinkles.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of collagen without harming animals, see our collection of the best vegan collagen skincare for 2024.
PS All products below are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning they are free of animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals.
Best Vegan Collagen Skincare
Here are the best vegan collagen skincare products to keep your skin healthy and youthful. See our top cruelty-free vegan collagen skincare picks from these quality brands.
- Derma E Advanced Peptides and Flora-Collagen Moisturizer
- Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
- Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi-Correcting Cream
- Goodal Apricot Vegan Collagen Youth Firming Cream
- The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
Best Vegan Collagen Moisturizers
Here are the best vegan collagen face creams and vegan collagen-boosting face creams.
Derma E Advanced Peptides and Flora-Collagen Moisturizer
To reduce wrinkles and brighten aging skin, we recommend Derma E vegan collagen moisturizer. This cream is packed with plant collagen, vitamin C, pycnogenol, and green tea which all have excellent anti-aging benefits. This cream is also very reasonably priced.
- What we like: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, deep hydration
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: great price value, fast results, works great for anti-aging skin
Key ingredients: plant collagen, argireline, pycnogenol, vitamin C, green tea | Main benefits: smoothening, softening, hydrating | Features: vegan, dermatologist recommended, mineral oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free, recyclable packaging, made in the USA
Shop on: Amazon, Ulta, Official Site
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
This overnight vegan collagen moisturizer is perfect for all skin types and brightens up even the dullest skin. Featuring vegan collagen, antioxidants, and vitamins, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin while improving the skin texture.
- What we like: fast absorbing, leaves no greasy feeling, softens the skin
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: works great for different skin types, moisture boost during night time, brightens up the overall complexion
Key ingredients: vegan collagen, antioxidants, flower extracts, vitamins C & E | Main benefits: hydrating, nourishing | Features: vegan, mineral oil-free, made in the USA
Shop on: Amazon, Ulta, Official Site
Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi-Correcting Cream
Deep Hydration Multi-Correcting Cream is a natural vegan collagen moisturizer that can be used in AM and PM. This cream is perfect for mature skin but it gives a nourishing boost also for dry skin. We also love that this vegan cream is fast-absorbing and brightening.
While this cream is labeled to have marine collagen, it is 100% derived from fermented plants. Their collagen has the same properties as animal collagen while being animal-free.
- What we like: makes the skin softer, deep moisturizing, does not clog up pores
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: nourishes skin even during winter, works great with makeup, fast absorbing
Key ingredients: bio-designed vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid | Main benefits: hydrating, soothing, refreshing | Features: vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, made in the USA
Goodal Apricot Vegan Collagen Youth Firming Cream
This vegan collagen moisturizer from Goodal is perfect for dry and mature skin types. Containing catechin, apricot extract, and amino acids, it helps to prevent collagen breakdown in the skin. We also like that it’s artificial fragrance-free and has a nice subtle apricot scent.
- What we like: moisturizes, fast absorbing, smoothes skin texture
- What we don’t like: takes time to see results
- What reviews say: leaves a healthy glow, works great for dry skin, does not feel heavy
Key ingredients: apricot extract, catechin, amino acids | Main benefits: nourishing, firming, plumping | Features: vegan, artificial fragrance-free, artificial color-free
Best Vegan Collagen Serums
These are our favorite vegan collagen face serums for 2024.
The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
This vegan collagen serum is perfect for all skin types. Containing vegan collagen, natural hyaluronic acid, and seedcake extract, it hydrates the skin and leaves no greasy feeling. It is also perfect for sensitive skin types since the formula is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
- What we like: lightweight formula, deep hydrating, fast absorbing
- What we don’t like: it’s expensive
- What reviews say: fast results, works great for oily skin, reduces fine lines
Key ingredients: vegan collagen, botanical hyaluronic acid, seedcake extract | Main benefits: plumping, hydrating, smoothening | Features: vegan, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, gluten-free, recyclable packaging
Shop on: Sephora, Official site
Derma E Advanced Peptides and Flora-Collagen Serum
Derma E Advanced Peptides & Flora-Collagen Serum is the best serum for anti-aging. Featuring different vitamins, plant-derived collagen, and green tea, it gives a hydration boost and reduces fine lines and wrinkles while nourishing the skin. This daily serum is perfect for AM and PM.
- What we like: reduces discoloration, improves skin texture
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: lightweight on the skin, helps with fine lines and wrinkles
Key ingredients: green tea, panthenol, pycnogenol, plant-derived collagen, vitamin E, vitamin C ester | Main benefits: nourishing, smoothening, moisturizing | Features: vegan, mineral oil-free, soy-free, recyclable packaging, made in the USA
Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Complex Serum
Pacifica’s vegan collagen serum is perfect to use overnight but it also works during the daytime. Plant-based collagen and hyaluronic acid are there to hydrate the skin while japonica seed oil and flower extract soothe the skin. The serum is also really affordable.
- What we like: feels refreshing on the skin, very moisturizing
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: improves skin texture, great price value, reduces fine lines
Key ingredients: vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, japonica seed oil, flower extracts | Main benefits: hydrating, refreshing, soothing | Features: vegan, mineral oil-free, silicone-free, made in the USA
Goodal Apricot Vegan Collagen Ampoule
Goodal vegan collagen serum leaves a youthful glow and nourishes the skin. Vegan collagen and apricot extract are hydrating and make the skin softer and plumper. This serum is also suitable for sensitive skin since it is free of artificial colors and fragrances.
- What we like: firms and tightens the skin, works great with other skincare
- What we don’t like: takes a long time to see results
- What reviews say: reduces dark spots, softens the skin
Key ingredients: soluble vegan collagen, prunus Armeniaca fruit extract | Main benefits: plumping, firming, nourishing | Features: vegan, artificial fragrance-free, artificial colors-free, alcohol-free, mineral oil-free, silicone-free
Truly Vegan Collagen Booster
Truly Vegan Collagen Booster serum on Ulta is perfect to fight anti-aging. This vegan serum helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and the skin starts to feel softer over time. Containing a high amount of vitamin C, it minimizes hyperpigmentation and leaves a beautiful glow.
- What we like: leaves a glow on the skin, quick results
- What we don’t like: consistency is sticky
- What reviews say: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, pleasant smell, leaves a smooth feeling
Key ingredients: plant collagen booster, retinol, vitamin C | Main benefits: hydrating, brightening, tightening | Features: vegan, artificial fragrance-free, sustainable packaging, made in the USA
Shop on: Ulta, Official site
Other Vegan Collagen Skincare Products
See our collection of the best vegan collagen cleansers, eye creams, and more.
- Vegan Collagen Cleanser: Innbeauty Project Keep It Clean Gel Cleanser
- Vegan Collagen Toner: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Milk Tonic
- Vegan Collagen Eye Cream: Andalou Deep Hydration Reviving Eye Cream
- Vegan Collagen Face Mask: Truly Vegan Collagen Jelly Face Mask
- Vegan Collagen Face Oil: Anima Mundi Collagen Booster Face Oil
- Vegan Collagen Sunscreen: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen SPF 30
- Vegan Collagen Hand Cream: Derma E Anti-Aging Hand Cream
- Vegan Collagen Body Lotion: Sol De Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
- Vegan Collagen Skincare Set: Pacifica Beauty Vegan Collagen Duo
- Vegan Collagen Supplement: Vegan Vitality Vegan Collagen Complex
Is Collagen Vegan?
Collagen in skincare can be both vegan and animal-derived. Most commonly, collagen is derived from the bones and collective tissues of cows (bovine collagen) or from fish (marine collagen).
These days, collagen can be also made from plants or genetically engineered from yeast and bacteria. Collagen made from fermented plants is called vegan collagen, plant collagen, or sometimes bio-collagen.
Vegan collagen also refers to ingredient blends that support our skin’s natural collagen levels. Vegan collagen blends are often made from amino acids and antioxidants such as vitamin C or pycnogenol.
Since vegan collagen is man-made, it is typically less expensive, less allergy-triggering, and has a smaller molecule size that can absorb into the skin better.
For its better absorption, vegan collagen is often better suited for different problematic skin types such as acne-prone skin and sensitive skin.
What To Look For In Vegan Collagen Skincare?
There are the main things you should be looking for in vegan collagen skincare.
- One of the best ingredients in vegan collagen skincare products is vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the skin boost our natural collagen and reduces the levels of free radicals in the body. It’s a key ingredient in vegan collagen-boosting blends.
- If your vegan collagen skincare does not include vitamin C, look for other high antioxidant content from plant extracts. Some excellent anti-aging antioxidants include pycnogenol and different types of algae.
- Good vegan collagen blends can also include mineral compounds such as copper and silica. They help the skin look more healthy and youthful by smoothing and softening the skin.
- Some vegan collagen formulas feature retinol. Retinol is an excellent ingredient to reduce acne and smooth wrinkles. Just introduce this potent ingredient into your routine slowly to avoid extra dryness and irritation.
- Containing a variety of amino acids, copper, silica, and vitamins, vegan collagen blends also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
FAQ About Vegan Collagen Skincare
Collagen is usually not vegan and is derived from animal proteins. Nevertheless, some skincare products use ‘plant collagen’ or ‘vegan collagen’ which is usually a mix of ingredients to support our skin’s natural collagen levels.
No. Marine collagen is derived from fish.
The best vegan collagen moisturizer is the Derma E Advanced Peptides And Flora-Collagen Moisturizer.
You will find the best selection of vegan collagen skincare online, especially on Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora.
No. Elemis still uses animal testing, so none of its products can be deemed vegan.
No. The cream includes animal collagen and L’Oréal is a company that still tests its product on animals.
No. While Algenist uses vegan collagen, the company still tests on animals, so none of its products can be considered vegan.
Summary
While traditional collagen is not vegan, we are able to find amazing vegan collagen skincare from Derma E, Pacifica Beauty, and other vegan skincare brands.
Vegan collagen skincare products are made from innovative plant collagen or collagen-supporting ingredients that can work even better than bovine or marine collagen.
As the popularity of vegan collagen is on the rise, we will keep on trying new vegan collagen moisturizers and other skincare products. Our top picks will arrive on this very list.
See also: Vegan anti-aging skincare
Update on May 04 (2023): Fact checked and medically reviewed by MD Shimona Garg
Update on February 19 (2023): Added more references
