What Makes Our Skincare Vegan? The Truth Behind Ethical Beauty

When you see the word “vegan” on a skincare product, you might assume it simply means no animal ingredients—but there’s more to the story. Many beauty products, even those marketed as natural, still rely on animal-derived ingredients in ways most people don’t realise.

At blu beryl, we take vegan skincare seriously—not just as a label, but as a commitment to ethical, effective, and plant-based formulations. That means zero animal ingredients, zero animal testing, and a whole lot of care for both your skin and the environment.

Let’s take a closer look at what truly makes our skincare 100% vegan—and why that matters.

The Not-So-Pretty Side of Traditional Skincare

Many mainstream skincare brands still use animal-derived ingredients, even if it’s not obvious at first glance.

Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Snail Mucin – Marketed as a “miracle” ingredient for hydration and anti-ageing, snail mucin is actually harvested from stressed-out snails in factory conditions. Some methods involve poking or agitating snails to force them to produce more mucin.
  • Lanolin – A moisturising ingredient sourced from sheep’s wool. While it might seem harmless, lanolin is often obtained from large-scale wool production, which is not always ethical.
  • Collagen & Elastin – Found in anti-ageing creams, these ingredients are typically derived from fish or cows.
  • Beeswax & Honey – Common in lip balms and creams, these are animal byproducts that vegan skincare avoids.

Many consumers don’t realise that these ingredients have plant-based alternatives that work just as well—if not better.

That’s where we come in.

How blu beryl Formulates Without Animal Ingredients

Instead of relying on outdated animal-based ingredients, we use cutting-edge plant-based alternatives that deliver the same (or better) results.

Here’s how:

No Snail Mucin – Just Powerful Mushroom Extracts
Our skincare is powered by mushroom mycelium extracts, which provide deep hydration, barrier support, and anti-ageing benefits—without the cruelty.

These botanical actives mimic the hydrating effects of snail mucin, but better, because they also strengthen the skin microbiome.

No Animal-Based Collagen – Just Smart Hydration
Many skincare brands use fish-derived collagen, but at blu beryl, we take a different approach.

Our formulas support your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture and build collagen, using ingredients like Schizophyllum commune ferment filtrate and other plant-derived hydrators.

No Lanolin or Beeswax – Just Clean, Effective Moisture
Instead of animal-based occlusives, our Daily Moisturiser locks in hydration using plant oils and natural butters that work with your skin’s own barrier.

Why Vegan Skincare is Better for You (and the Planet)

Choosing vegan skincare isn’t just about avoiding animal ingredients—it’s about using cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

Here’s why:

Fewer Irritants – Plant-based formulations often contain fewer allergens and irritants than animal-derived ingredients.
More Ethical & Sustainable – Vegan skincare reduces harm to animals and the environment by eliminating the need for mass farming or extraction of animal-based materials.
Better for Sensitive Skin – Our carefully formulated plant-based skincare products in South Africa are designed to soothe and nourish African skin without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

Experience the Power of Vegan Skincare with blu beryl

Skincare should be kind—to your skin, to animals, and to the planet. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a growing movement towards high-performance, plant-based skincare that doesn’t rely on outdated animal-derived ingredients.

If you’re ready to experience skincare that’s vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with botanical goodness, explore our range today. Your skin (and the planet) will thank you.