BEST VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE SKINCARE OF 2021

2021 is coming to a close and while it’s been another weird one (hello 2020, I’m looking at you!) we are as a whole, slowly beginning to find a new normal. Traditionally, we use this closing of a chapter to reflect on who we are and where we we’d like to see ourselves in the coming year. Personally speaking, I find that self reflection is perfectly paired with self care and as a professional that’s been in the industry for over a decade, my favorite way to engage in self care is through skincare. Self care is just as personal as skincare so I’ve taken each step of a routine and given my suggestions on which product is best for each specific skin concern!

MAKEUP REMOVER

Now that we’re going back into the world and seeing other people in person, wearing makeup is becoming an everyday thing again for many folks. My choices for 2021 for makeup removers are as follows:

Our winner for Best Makeup Remover of 2021:

Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm

$15 USD

This cleansing balm contains sea buckthorn oil, (a beautiful antioxidant) camellia oil, and shea butter so you don’t feel stripped or tight when using this product. It melts right into your skin to gently and effectively dissolve whatever makeup, dirt, environmental pollutants, and other impurities. Bonus points for being fragrance free!!

 

For those with Dry Skin/Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis: 

Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

$9.99 USD

This rich cleansing balm that is formulated with Oat Kernel Oil, Colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin while gently breaking down and melting away makeup and sunscreen without drying and leaving the skin feeling stripped, perfect for those with skin irritation.

For those with Oily and Acne Prone skin: 

Heimish All Clean Cleansing Balm 

$17.20 USD

The Heimish All Clean Cleansing Balm is a sherbet-type oil cleanser for removing makeup and sunscreen easily. Its Shea butter, citrus herb oil, and coconut extract helps to moisturize, soothe and soften skin. It also features white flower complex that improves skin balance and skin tone. This cleansing balm gently removes even the most long-lasting makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and protected.

 

For Those with Hyperpigmentation: 

Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil 

$21.99 USD

This is a mild cleansing oil that cleans deep make-up and skin wastes with natural plant oils, which nourish the skin. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and moist after cleansing. 

 

For Those with Mature Skin: 

Glow Recipe Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm 

$32 USD

A PEG-free cleansing balm that smooths the look of skin with natural papaya enzymes, while melting away stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF.

 

For Those that Wear Heavier Makeup: 

Dermalogica Precleanse 

$45 USD

Deep-cleansing oil melts make-up and impurities from skin. Achieve ultra clean and healthy-looking skin with the Double Cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse. Thoroughly melt away layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual products that build up on skin throughout the day. Ideal even for oily skin conditions.

CLEANSER 

Every good routine should start with a strong foundation.The perfect cleanser for your unique skin can elevate your routine and maximize results.  My choices for 2021 for facial cleansers are as follows:

Best of the year: 

Skin Fix Barrier + Foaming Oil Cleanser

$28 USD for 6oz/ 177ml

A lightly foaming sulfate-, fragrance-, and essential oil-free cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without stripping lipids from skin.

 

For Those with Acne Prone Skin: 

Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser 

$9.99 USD for 5oz/150 ml

A lightly-foaming cleanser that removes makeup and dirt, helping to reduce blackheads, acne, and blemishes while unclogging pores.

 

For Those with Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis: 

Pacifica Ceramide Cleanser 

$10 USD for 147ml

Formulated for sensitive skin, this dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, super gentle face wash uses vegan ceramides to support your skin’s barrier, while removing makeup, oil and impurities. This sulfate-free light foaming cleanser harnesses the power of plants and phytonutrients to gently cleanse without stripping your beautiful skin. Marshmallow root extract & calendula help calm & soothe.

 

For Those with Hyperpigmentation: 

Jumiso Vitamin C Cleanser 

$15 USD for 150ml

The Jumiso All Day Vitamin Clean & Mild Facial Cleanser is a gentle low-pH brightening cleanser that provides deep cleansing without irritation, dryness and tightness. This concentrated cleanser contains sea buckthorn extract and vitamin C to protect and brighten your complexion. Salicylic acid and chlorhexidine helps relieve skin troubles by melting sebum inside the pores, and from their anti-inflammatory effects.

 

For Those with Mature/Dry Skin: 

Troiareuke Cleansing Milk 

$59.99 USD for 300ml

An all-in-one milk cleanser developed to rid the skin of dirt and impurities, this professional formula boosts moisture levels while cleansing and purifying the face.

TONER 

A great toner can really help prep the skin for your products, while delivering ingredients through a light and watery vehicle. 

 

Best of the year:

Pyunkang Yul Essence

$12 USD for 100ml

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is an ingenious, richly hydrating formula designed to deliver nutrient-filled moisture to skin. 91.3% of this toner is astragalus membranaceus root extract which is full of skin-beneficial betaine and minerals. This K-beauty favorite toner quickly absorbs to hydrate the skin.

 

For Those with Dry Skin: 

Pure Am PH Balancing 

$28 USD for 250ml

A milky textured essence toner, rich in Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan Ceramide and Organic Cica. Provides deep hydration and leaves skin smooth and calm.

 

For Those with Acne Prone Skin: 

Isntree BHA Chesnut Toner

$21 USD for 100ml

An exfoliating toner infused with BHA & Chestnut Shell extract to clear rough skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

 

For Those with Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis: 

VeGreen Mucin 

$20 USD for 250 ml

This mild toner contains 68% mucin from wild yam extract that restores tired skin and improves skin vitality.

 

For Those with Hyperpigmentation: 

Niod Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2)

$50 USD for 240ml 

Niod’s Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist is not to be mistaken for yet another toner. This ultra-lightweight and refreshing mist is a dermal treatment that provides instant protection against stress, water loss and inflammation.

 

For Those with Mature Skin: 

Haru Haru Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner 

$22 USD for 150ml

Experience instant, yet long-lasting moisture with the WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner. The two star ingredients, fermented black rice and hyaluronic acid, combine to bring a boost of anti-aging nourishment to tired skin. Black rice is packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, which protect skin against free radicals, including pollution and ultraviolet radiation, and promote skin cell regeneration.

SERUM

Serums are the step in our routine where you will usually find your actives to treat your specific skin needs. My picks for best serums of 2021 are as follows:

 

Best of the year: 

Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C 

$23 USD for 35 ml

Formulated to rejuvenate dull skin, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop improves skin tone with brightening ingredients derived from plant extracts.

 

For Those with Dry Skin: 

The Ordinary HA and Lactic Acid 

$6.80 USD for 1 oz

Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% from The Ordinary is a high-strength lactic acid superficial peeling formulation. This lightweight, water-based serum is great for those looking for solutions for uneven tone / textural irregularities.

 

For Those with Acne Prone skin: 

Dr Sams Flawless Neutralising Gel 

$38 USD for 1 oz.

Your first line of attack against breakouts, blackheads and dark marks. It helps reduce redness, spot size and minimises future breakouts. And it’s actively hydrating, so it’s kind to your skin barrier. That means it won’t flake or peel so it works seamlessly under make-up.

 

For Those with Rosacea: 

Holika Holika Less on Skin Redness Calming Cica Serum 

$ 17 USD for 30 ml

A highly concentrated moisturizing serum formulated with 88% of calming activator including Cica-Nesium (Centella asiatica extract and Magnesium), panthenol and allantoin that effectively soothes sensitive and fragile skin from external irritation.

 

For Those with Eczema/Psoriasis: 

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum 

$20 USD for 30 ml

Specifically optimized with five types of ceramides and lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural barrier, this serum nourishes and replenishes for healthy-looking skin. Together, ceramides and complementary lipids are easily recognized and absorbed by skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and defend against external stressors.

 

For Those with Hyperpigmentation: 

Holifrog Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drop

$48 USD for 30ml

HoliFrog's Galilee Antioxidant Dewy Drop moisturizes dry or dehydrated skin for a complexion that looks fresh, bouncy, and soft. Lightweight with a silky texture, this hydrating emulsion is infused with moisture-attracting humectants, vitamins and antioxidants from plant-based oils and skin-strengthening botanical extracts to soothe, seal in moisture and balance your skin.

 

For Those with Mature Skin: 

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 

$49 USD for 1 oz

Enjoy visible anti-aging and wrinkle reduction at night with ultra-strong night serum with Vitamin A Crystal Retinal 10 containing a unique 0.1% retinaldehyde.

MOISTURIZER 

It’s important to never forget that ALL skin needs moisturizer. My top picks for 2021 are:

Best of the Year: 

Pacifica Ceramide Barrier Cream

$16 USD for 57 ml

 This fragrance-free, moisturizing face cream is amazing for sensitive skin. Formulated with vegan ceramides, amino acids and shea butter, this melt-into skin cream hydrates & helps restore your protective skin barrier. Amino acid complex, niacinamide and calendula join forces to balance and calm

 

For Those with Dry Skin: 

Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream 

$26 USD for 80ml

Infused with yeast-derived Beta Glucan, this cream fortifies the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The Rich Moist Soothing Cream enhances the skin’s ability to repair cells by strengthening the protective layer of dry and sensitive skin from the inside out. This cream makes skin the most comfortable condition by balancing proper oil and water balance. With its spreadable and non-sticky texture, it absorbs effectively on the skin.

 

For Those with Acne Prone Skin: 

Face Reality Clearderms

$25 USD for 60 ml

Clearderma is a soothing moisturizer that offers antioxidant support. Key ingredients include Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac Stem Cells), Totarol, Green Tea Extract, Allantoin, and Cranberry Fruit Extract.

 

For Those with Hyperpigmentation and for Those with Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis:

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer

$35 USD for 1.7 oz

Naturally restore dehydrated skin's glow with this cloud-like cream's blend of superfood omega fatty acids, replenishing ceramides and antioxidants.

 

For Those with Mature Skin: 

Beauty Pie Super Retinol (+Vitamin C) Renewal Night Moisturizer 

$85 USD for 1.69 ml

This superstar Swiss overnight formula has everything anti-aging in it – Encapsulated Retinol (resurfacing), Ficucell Vita (antioxidant), Shea Butter (nourishing), vitamins E and C (elasticity+) and Ferulic and Hyaluronic Acids (plumping and hydrating).

 

For Teenage Skin: 

Bubble Level Up Balancing Moisturizer 

$15 USD for 1.7 fl oz 

This gel-based moisturizer gives hydration to the skin without adding the shine. Great for oily and combination skin.

OIL/BALM

We love a good nourishing balm for the cold and dry winter season! My picks for best oils/balms of 2021 are:

 

Best of the Year: 

PURE’AM Barrier Cream Balm 

$37 USD for 75 ml

A creamy balm textured moisturizer, rich in high Vitamins and Vegan Ceramide™ to nourish, repair, and strengthen your natural skin barrier.

 

For Those with Dry Skin: 

Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Sleep Mask 

$15 USD for 2 oz

This no-rinse, rich moisture mask helps restore hydration and leaves skin visibly improved with essential lipids, antioxidants and natural extracts to help revive and hydrate your skin.

 

For Those with Acne Prone Skin and Hyperpigmentation:

The Ordinary “B” Oil 

 $9.20 USD for 30mL

A nourishing formula that contains a blend of oils to fight dehydration and signs of aging, while providing antioxidant and healthy skin support.

 

For Those with Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis: 

Trader Joe’s Pure Jojoba Oil

$7.99 USD for 4oz

A gentle oil useful for removing makeup, cleansing clogged pores, softening skin, and moisturizing.

 

For Those with Mature skin: 

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 

$5.80 USD 30 mL

Retinol 0.5% from The Ordinary is a water-free formula containing 0.5% retinol. This Oil-like serum (anhydrous) is great for experienced users of pure retinol products looking for solutions for textural irregularities/signs of aging.

SPOT TREATMENT

For when you need just a little dab to treat that spot! My best of 2021 spot treatments are:

Best of the year: 

ZitSticka Killa 

$29 USD for 8 packs

KILLA is a zit patch powered by ZitSticka's signature microdart technology. These tiny microdarts self-dissolve to flood the epicenter of your early-stage zit with targeted ingredients, clearing the upcoming drama before it gets real.

 

Best Spot Treatment Cream: 

AcneFree Terminator Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment 

$8.29 USD

AcneFree Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide is an acne spot treatment ideal for breakouts that need targeted, fast action. Contains Ginger, Chamomile and Sea Whip extracts. Formulated with 10% Micro-Benzoyl Peroxide, the advanced ingredient reaches down to the pores fast and deep to fight acne.

MASKS

Masks are my favorite step of my routine. My favorite face masks of 2021 are: 

 

Best of 2021: 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

$7.20 USD 

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution from The Ordinary is an exfoliating facial with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. This water-based rinse-off weekly treatment is ideal for experienced users of exfoliating acids looking for solutions for textural irregularities, dullness, and signs of congested pores.

 

Clay Mask: 

Bubble Come Clean Detoxifying Clay Mask

$19.00 USD 

Play dirty so you can come clean.

Our creamy Brazilian purple clay mask gently pulls out impurities, toxins, and other pore-clogging culprits for a deep skin refresh.

 

For Those with Dry skin: 

Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask 

$42 USD for 3.4 fl oz

Achieve next-level hydration and transform your skin with 10% niacinamide, shea, squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid in just 10 minutes. It’s like a big glass of water for overwhelmed skin.

EYE PRODUCTS

It’s no secret that I don't love eye creams. I don’t think they’re a must for all people, and they are full of marketing gimmicks. With that being said, here’s the eye products I deem worthy in 2021:

 

Colorescience Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

$74 USD for 0.23 ml

Treat your eyes to Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while protecting the delicate eye area against photoaging with 100% SPF 35 mineral sunscreen. An anti-aging eye treatment that improves signs of dark circles and wrinkles.

 

EYE PATCH:

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

$25 USD for 6

These gold foil eye masks visibly brighten, hydrate and reduce puffiness while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

 

Skyn Iceland Dissolving Microneedling Eye Patches 

$14 USD

Pioneering, press-on treatment patches featuring advanced bioactive dissolving microneedles that melt down into skin’s surface layers to help hydrate, firm and smooth the appearance of fine lines around the delicate eye area.

Prescription Service

Sometimes over the counter treatments aren’t enough for certain conditions. While we always encourage you to see a dermatologist, we know sometimes it can be a challenge, which is why services that offer custom prescription skincare are so valuable!

Our top pick this year is: Apostrophe 

Apostrophe connects you with a dermatologist who went to medical school for a (really) long time to become an expert in all things skin. They’ll assess your selfies, medical history, and skin quirks to understand what your skin needs to thrive.

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is a must every single day! Here are my picks for 2021:

 

Best Sunscreen of the Year: 

 Dr. Sam’s FLAWLESS DAILY SUNSCREEN SPF 50

$36 USD 

A cosmetically elegant broad-spectrum dream that defies your preconceptions about sunscreen. Like a (silky) safety belt for your skin.

It calms and coddles blemish-prone skin, with a soft-focus primer-like finish, and makes your morning routine run smoothly.

Best for those with Dry Skin: 

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

$18.55 USD

The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is soft, lotion-like sunscreen that sinks into the skin to create a barrier and protects it from the harsh UV rays. Formulated with Centella Asiatica and Fig Extract quickly relieve irritation and angry, heated skin to prevent dryness and improve overall skin health.

 

Best for those with Acne Prone skin: 

Zit Sticka Megashade 

$40.00 for 1.69 fl oz 

Formulated for breakout-prone and sensitive skin, MEGASHADE's lightweight SPF 50 serum formula is a mineral-chemical hybrid, for broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Blending sheer-to-clear for a luminous glow and zero white cast, MEGASHADE is a 6-in-1 multitasker:



 

Best for those with Rosacea/Eczema/Psoriasis: 

Cleure Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 30

$39 USD 

Cleure Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 30 contains non-micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This mineral sunscreen will not clog pores. Protect your sensitive skin every day with hypoallergenic sunscreen SPF 30.

 

Best for those with Hyperpigmentation/ Mature Skin: 

Jaxon Lane Rain Or Shine

Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen

$32 USD

This sunscreen is non-greasy, and does not clog pores. Has no white film, and suitable for all skin tones. 2-in-1 sunscreen + moisturizer. Improves skin with Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, Licorice Root, Ginseng. UVA & UVB protection to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. Dermatologist recommended. Fragrance free. Cruelty free. Benzene free.

DEVICE

Hair Removal: 

Kenzzi 

$249 USD 

The Kenzzi IPL Handset has been designed to deliver results in 3-4 weeks. The Kenzzi has 5 different power setting to suit your skin-tone or skins sensitivity while still producing results at any level.

 

Facial Contour: 

Nuface Mini 

$209 USD

Developed with the same microcurrent technology as the NuFACE Trinity, the Mini is FDA cleared to gently stimulate the larger surface areas of your face and neck to help improve facial contour & tone, and the look of fine lines & wrinkles. Besides its compact figure, Mini’s greatest strength lies in its simple design that allows for a 5-Minute Facial-Lift® anytime, anywhere.

 

Anti Aging:

Medicube Age R 

$300 USD

The Medicube Age-R Device is an advanced device that helps to improve facial contour/features and appearance of line from inside out by gently massaging and stimulating sub-dermal muscles using medium-frequency-energy.

The core of skin elasticity lies in the muscles below the skin’s surface. Mid-frequency energy currents can help massage and stimulate inactive muscles in the skin, which supports skin elasticity.

Led: 

Dermabeam 

$399.99 USD

The Dermabeam Pro is the most advanced LED Light Therapy mask in the world – with 7 different colored LED lights, it has everything you need to reduce wrinkles, lower inflammation, and enhance skin elasticity. This product is an essential item for your daily skincare routine. Once you start seeing the improvements in your skin, you’ll never want to stop using it!

BODY CARE

Best of the Year:

Necessaire The Body Serum

$45 USD

The Body Serum is a daily Hyaluronic Acid treatment for the skin. This fast-absorbing gel is formulated with 5 molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid for multi-level hydration. The formula also features Niacinamide for barrier support and Ceramide NP to help skin retain moisture. Apply all over body or to areas where extra hydration is needed. Follow or mix with moisturizer.

 

For Those with Dry Skin: 

Ceramedx Ultra Moisturizing Cream

$17.99 USD

This intensive cream for the body relieves, soothes and protects even the most severely dry skin. It contains our exclusive Riceramide®-3 blend of plant-based ceramides, natural essential fatty acids and cholesterol, combined with soothing emollients and hyaluronic acid to help relieve chronically dry skin.

 

For Those with KP: 

Peach & Lily Bump Boss 

$28 USD

Inspired by the super-smoothing Korean bath scrub, KP Bump Boss delivers the benefits of a chemical peel, microdermabrasion treatment and skin-softener in one. 10% AHA, PHA, and micro-crystals smooth KP bumps and unclog pores while Korean spa ingredients, mugwort, barley, cica and tea extracts visibly calm redness and nourish skin. Hyaluronic acid, cucumber and squalane deeply hydrate while being lightweight on skin. Visibly transform your KP bumps, ingrown hairs, rough flaky skin, body breakouts, and strawberry legs with our scrub. Your body, now you're the boss.

 

SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion 

$35 USD

To truly tackle rough, dry, and bumpy skin you need to moisturize. But you also need to exfoliate. Glycolic Acid Body Lotion does both, at the same time.

Lightweight body lotion

Developed to tackle rough, bumpy skin caused by the buildup of keratin and dead skin cells

Suitable for keratosis pilaris-prone skin

Shea butter moisturizes and locks in hydration

 

For Those with Dull skin:

Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion 

$17.99 USD

With pure retinol, nourishing cocoa butter, and moisture-replenishing squalane, this body lotion repairs more than dryness. It helps firm skin, smooth texture, and brighten dullness. Encapsulated retinol gently renews skin, while the moisture-locking ingredients relieve dryness. The lightweight formula won’t leave you feeling greasy, but it will deliver the retinol results you love for your face everywhere else. Massage into dry skin to help refine crepiness on the chest, firm skin around the knees, smooth rough elbows, and leave you radiant from shoulders to toes.

 

For Those with Acne prone: 

Zitsticka Silkshake Body Wash 

$25 USD

Packed with pre, post and probiotics, this nutrient-dense body cleanser balances your skin's microbiome; helping good flora thrive whilst melting breakout-causing baddies. This lather-rich formula contains tea tree and Omegas 3, 6 & 9 to diffuse redness and irritation during your daily deep cleanse.

Mature Skin

Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer 

$20 USD for 8fl oz

This luxurious body moisturizer combines rich jojoba, shea butter, and nutrient rich fatty acids with brightening malic acid, Vitamin C, and peptides help firm skin from head to toe.