10 Vegan Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you know how tricky it can be to find products that don’t cause redness, dryness, or irritation. And when you’re committed to using vegan skincare, the search gets even more challenging. Many products contain hidden animal-derived ingredients or harsh chemicals that can trigger reactions.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 lesser-known vegan skincare tips to help keep your sensitive skin calm, healthy, and happy.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser – No Harsh Surfactants!

Many face cleansers contain sulphates, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, look for a vegan cleanser that’s free from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate). Instead, opt for one with natural, calming ingredients like Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, beet root extract, and jojoba oil.

✔ Pro Tip: Don’t wash your face with hot water! Lukewarm water helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and reduces redness.

2. Choose a Hydrating Shower Gel Over Soap

Soap bars might seem like a natural choice, but many are too harsh for sensitive skin. They can strip your skin’s protective layer, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Instead, go for a vegan hydrating shower gel with plant-based ingredients such as coconut, shea butter, or calendula.

✔ Pro Tip: Look for products free from artificial fragrances and essential oils like which can be irritating.

3. Moisturise Immediately After Showering

Sensitive skin needs extra moisture, and timing is key. Applying body lotion straight after a shower, when your skin is still slightly damp, helps lock in hydration. Choose a vegan body lotion with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or avocado butter to soothe and nourish your skin.

✔ Pro Tip: Avoid lotions with alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as they can dry out your skin and cause flare-ups.

4. Switch to Body Oil for Deep Hydration

If your skin is extremely dry and reactive, body oil can be a lifesaver. Unlike lotions, which contain water, body oils provide pure, concentrated hydration. Look for fast-absorbing vegan options with ingredients like grape seed oil and vitamin E. These oils mimic your skin’s natural sebum, making them less likely to cause breakouts or irritation.

✔ Pro Tip: Mix a few drops of body oil into your body lotion for an extra hydration boost.

5. Pick a Sulphate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

Many mainstream shampoos contain sulphates, which can be too harsh for sensitive scalps. If your scalp feels itchy, flaky, or irritated, switch to a sulphate-free vegan shampoo and conditioner. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, coconut butter, or shea butter, which help calm the scalp without stripping moisture.

✔ Pro Tip:Try to avoid essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus, as they can be too strong for delicate skin.

6. Avoid Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells, but too much can damage your skin barrier. If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh scrubs with large exfoliating particles (like walnut shells) and opt for a gentler alternative.

✔ Pro Tip: A mild exfoliator with fruit enzymes (like papaya or pineapple) is a great vegan-friendly option that helps brighten your skin without causing irritation. Besides, using a washcloth is just as efficient for exfoliation as it is beneficial for the environment since it contains no microbeads.

7. Keep an Eye on Your Laundry Detergent

You might not realise it, but your laundry detergent could be causing skin irritation. Many conventional detergents contain artificial fragrances and strong chemicals that linger on your clothes and bed sheets, triggering reactions.

✔ Pro Tip: Switch to a vegan, fragrance-free, soft hypoallergenic detergent, and see if your skin feels calmer.

8. Be Wary of Essential Oils

Essential oils might sound natural, but they can be surprisingly harsh on sensitive skin. Oils like lavender, citrus, and peppermint are common triggers for redness and irritation. If you love scented skincare, look for products with natural plant extracts instead of essential oils.

✔ Pro Tip: Always do a patch test before trying a new skincare product – even if it’s natural and vegan!

9. Use a Silk or Bamboo Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases can be rough on sensitive skin, causing friction and irritation while you sleep. Silk or bamboo pillowcases are much softer and help prevent redness and breakouts. Plus, they absorb less moisture, keeping your skin hydrated overnight.

✔ Bonus Tip: Wash your pillowcase at least twice a week to prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to skin flare-ups.

10. Check the Ingredients – Even in Vegan Products!

Just because a product is vegan doesn’t mean it’s good for sensitive skin. Many vegan products still contain alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and other potential irritants. Always check the ingredient list and avoid anything that has drying alcohols (like denatured alcohol) or artificial dyes.

✔ Pro Tip: Look for calming ingredients like White water lily extract, Smoketree leaf extract, and chamomile, which help soothe sensitive skin.

Radiant & Gentle: Embracing Vegan Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Caring for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require extra attention. Switching to vegan skincare can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s important to choose the 100% natural vegan products from brands like MaGéAu Naturel that are gentle, hydrating, and free from common irritants.

By following these tips, from choosing the right cleanser and shower gel to being mindful of laundry detergents and pillowcases, you can keep your sensitive skin happy and healthy while staying committed to a vegan lifestyle.

Have you discovered any amazing vegan skincare tips for sensitive skin? Share your experiences in the comments!