What Are Vegan Cosmetics?
Vegan cosmetics are made without any animal derived ingredients, relying instead on plant based or safe synthetic alternatives. What sets them apart is the careful oversight of the entire process, from sourcing raw materials to production and packaging, to ensure no animal involvement at any stage.
Common animal derived ingredients that are excluded from vegan formulations include:
❌ Honey, milk, collagen, snail mucin, and lanolin (wool-derived fat)
Instead, vegan cosmetics rely on plant-based and sustainable alternatives such as:
✅ Aloe vera, shea butter, plant-based squalane, and seaweed extracts
Vegan cosmetics go beyond just ingredient choices. They reflect a broader commitment to ethical consumption, environmental protection, and sustainable beauty.
As a result, vegan cosmetics have become a key standard for both brands and consumers in today’s clean beauty market.
The Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Vegan cosmetics are made without any animal-derived ingredients,
while cruelty-free refers to products that are not tested on animals during its development or production.
A product can be cruelty-free yet still contain animal derived ingredients, meaning it isn’t truly vegan.
These two terms are complementary but not interchangeable — understanding both is key to making ethical and informed choices.
Why Choose Vegan Ingredients
▪️ A beauty choice that supports the environment and sustainability
▪️ Promotes ethical consumption by respecting animal rights
▪️ Ideal for sensitive skin and aligned with the clean beauty trends
▪️ A key differentiator that builds trust in global markets
5 Key Vegan Ingredients Commonly Used in Skincare
▪️ Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Benefits: Calms irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces redness
Why it matters: A must have in K-beauty routines for those with sensitive skin and those with acne-prone skin.
▪️ Green Tea Extract
Benefits: Powerful antioxidant, soothes the skin, and helps control sebum
Why it matters: A traditional favorite that continues to see high demand in the clean beauty space
▪️ Rice Extract
Benefits: Brightens, hydrates, and evens out skin tone
Why it matters: A traditional K-beauty ingredient used across all stages of skincare
▪️ Plant-based Squalane
Benefits: Deep hydration, helps prevent loss of moisture, and mimics skin’s natural oils
Why it matters: A lightweight yet rich moisturizing agent ideal for vegan formulations that are focused on barrier support
▪️ Algae & Seaweed Extracts
Benefits: Hydration, detoxification, and rich in minerals and antioxidants
Why it matters: A rising star in sustainable skincare, known for its visible results
Popular Vegan Skincare Products in Korea
▪️ THE FACE SHOP – Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredient: Fermented rice extract
Benefits: Brightening, antioxidant protection, hydration
Highlight: A cleanly formulated vegan cleanser that utilizes fermented rice water to effectively brighten your skin.
▪️ SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica + plant-based oils
Benefits: Effectively removes makeup while minimizing irritation for sensitive skin
Highlight: Gentle cleansing oil powered by Madagascar centella, a product that is certified vegan.
▪️ I’m From – Rice Toner
Key Ingredient: Rice extract
Benefits: Deep hydration, improved skin tone, enhanced radiance
Highlight: A vegan toner made with 77% rice water, free from alcohol and artificial fragrance for a soothing touch.
▪️ PURITO SEOUL – Wonder Relief Centella Serum
Key Ingredient: Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Benefits: Calms irritation, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier
Highlight: Vegan and cruelty-free formula, especially suitable for those with sensitive skin.
▪️ DEWYTREE – 100 Mask Sheet
Key Ingredients: Birch leaf, centella asiatica, and seaweed extracts
Benefits: Soothing, moisturizing, and helps strengthen the skin barrier with natural-derived ampoule essence; balances dryness, sensitivity, and oiliness
Highlight: Certified vegan by the Korea Agency of Vegan Certification, cruelty-free, and available at Olive Young; suitable for those with sensitive skin thanks to its clean and gentle formula.
Benefits and Considerations of Vegan Skincare Ingredients
Why They’re Suitable for Sensitive Skin:
Vegan ingredients are typically plant-based or derived from safe synthetic alternatives.
They tend to cause fewer allergic reactions and less irritation than animal-derived substances.
Many vegan skincare products also minimize the use of fragrances, dyes, and unnecessary additives —
making them gentle enough for sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier.
Because of this, vegan cosmetics are increasingly becoming popular among those looking for mild, low-irritation formulas.
What to Consider in Manufacturing & Distribution:
To earn vegan certification, every step from ingredient sourcing and manufacturing to packaging must be carefully verified as consistently free of any animal involvement.
This requires early integration of vegan standards during the planning stage of OEM/ODM product development.
Neo Mirae supports this process by systematically applying vegan certification requirements from as early as the concept phase. We ensure that your brand is fully prepared to enter both domestic and international markets with compliant, high-performing vegan products.
Vegan Ingredients & OEM·ODM Development Trends
In the K-beauty market, demand for vegan cosmetics is rapidly increasing.
Brands are actively partnering with OEM and ODM manufacturers to develop vegan product lines that emphasize low irritation, eco-friendliness, and sustainable packaging.
Cruelty-free claims and vegan certification logos are now essential for building brand trust not only in Korea, but also across global markets including the U.S, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
OEM/ODM development is evolving beyond simply using “vegan ingredients,” and now focuses on:
🌱 Using officially certified vegan raw materials
🌱 Adopting biodegradable or recyclable packaging
🌱 Designing sustainable manufacturing processes with reduced carbon impact
🌱 Building product concepts aligned with global vegan certifications (PETA, The Vegan Society, etc.)
Vegan, clean beauty, and sustainability have become powerful differentiators that boost competitiveness in the global skincare market.
As a result, OEM/ODM manufacturers are increasingly adopting integrated planning strategies in order to incorporate vegan standards and eco-friendly conscious practices from the very beginning of product development.
Neo Mirae is an OEM/ODM cosmetics manufacturer specialized in custom skincare formulations.
We provide total solutions for developing clean and premium skincare products using vegan ingredients.
From gentle yet effective formulations that minimize irritation,
to daily use products for beginners and intensive care solutions.
Neo Mirae designs targeted vegan skincare with a variety of plant-based ingredients.
Every detail from texture, fragrance, format, to function
is carefully customized to reflect your brand’s identity.
We offer a one-stop system that covers everything from global certification requirements and sustainable packaging to export compliance.
Looking to create next gen skincare that aligns with ethical consumption and sustainability?
Neo Mirae empowers your brand with next-generation skincare solutions.
