A Vegan Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

At The Vegan Shoppe I strive  to encourage people to embrace vegan and cruelty-free options. In a world dictated by capitalist forces, I firmly believe how we spend money is one of the greatest tools we have at our disposal for demanding a better, kinder world.

And as the winter season approaches, while it brings much beauty, many of us already dread the familiar feeling of dry, parched skin. I know I do.

During the winter, the cold air, low humidity, and constant exposure to indoor heating can take a toll on our skin. And for my fellow dry skin lovelies, I’ve learned we should adapt our skincare routine to combat further drying. 

I have a deep passion for skincare, to the point where my family might tease me about it. But this obsession has led me to discover some incredible skincare products that have kept my dry skin moisturized and glowing throughout the winter.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t my skincare already vegan?”

Unfortunately, that’s often not the case because many conventional, drugstore and even high-end luxury skincare products still use animal-derived ingredients. 

Some of the  common culprits  I see in skincare products:

- Lanolin: Obtained from the fat of sheep’s wool.

- Beeswax: Often used as an emollient and sourced from honeycombs.

- Collagen: Derived from animal tissue.

- Elastin: A protein found in the walls of animal arteries.

Navigating the world of vegan skincare can be daunting, but that’s where I come in! I want to help you make informed purchases so you know which products are both effective and ethical.

Here’s the routine I’m following and loving, and what I think could be a great, effective night time routine for anyone who struggles with dry skin in the wintertime.

Step 1: Cleanse (and then do it again!)

The foundation of any great skincare routine is a clean face. A clean face means you’ve effectively removed that day’s makeup, pollution and debris, and your skin is ready to absorb all the beautiful ingredients that follow in your routine.

For all skin types, skincare experts recommend following the double cleanse method: start with an oil-based cleanser on dry skin to break down oils, including sunscreen, makeup, and pollution, and then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. 

My favourite oil-based cleanser is the Heimish All Clean Balm for my first cleanse, and I follow with Dr Loretta’s Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which is my favourite cleanser of all time. Both products will leave your skin clean but won’t strip your skin of their natural oils.

I adore this cleansing balm.

It’s compact (which makes it easy to travel with), and you only need a little to melt the sunscreen, makeup and grime away. It’s lightly scented, non-irritating, and an all around lovely vegan, cruelty-free product.

If you crave a beautiful product that will convince you to wash your face after a loooooong day, this is it! I quite literally cannot wait to wash my face every night with this cleanser.

Step 2: Hydrate

While this isn’t a necessary step for all skin types, us dry skin folks need all the help we can get in the wintertime. My favorite way to incorporate more hydration into my skincare routine is through essences.

Essences, a popular step in Korean skincare, provide an extra layer of hydration to your routine. Think of them as a more hydrating and elegant version of the conventional toner.

I recommend Dr. Ceuracles Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence. I adore this essence.

I’ve tried many essences, but this one is a holy grail for me.

Another totally optional, but super hydrating addition, can be a hydrating serum. The Intense Replenishing Serum from Dr Loretta is a standout product. Not only does this product promise an instant, dewy glow, it contains a powerful antioxidant to protect your skin

If you have dry skin, or are living in a dry climate, this product will offer you the hydration your skin is craving.

Step 3: Treat (if needed)

If you have specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, uneven texture or hyperpigmentation, you can incorporate a vegan retinol product into your routine. 

Retinol is known for its anti-aging benefits but follow the application instructions carefully to avoid over-drying your skin.

Two vegan retinol products I recommend are: Dr Loretta’s Concentrated Firming Serum (0.5% Retinol) and Naturium’s Retinol Complex Serum.

Step 4: Moisturize

A good moisturizer is your skin’s best friend during the winter. Opt for a thick, occlusive moisturizer that forms a protective barrier to lock in hydration. Look for options containing ceramides, which help restore your skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss. I can’t get enough of the Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream, especially during the winter months. The Vegan Rice Milk Moisturizing Cream from Goodal is also a really nice product - and one I like to keep in my purse or bag.

This nourishing, rich moisture ceramide cream is a luxurious item that outcompetes moisturizers triple the price, in my opinion.

Step 5: Mask (if needed)

For those with extremely dry skin, adding an extra occlusive layer can be a game-changer. Consider using a sleeping mask or simply “slugging” with Vaseline or petroleum jelly. This extra layer will seal in moisture and provide intense hydration. If your lips need extra love in the winter, The Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask is a beautiful product to end your routine with, or you can use some trusty ol' Vaseline.

In the battle (yes, it's escalated to a battle) against winter dryness, adopting a vegan skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs can make a significant difference. Cleansing, hydrating, treating (if necessary), moisturizing, and using thick, occlusive masks when needed are the key steps to maintaining radiant, moisturized skin throughout the winter season. 

This winter and beyond, consider embracing vegan skincare and supporting the brands prioritizing animal welfare… because true beauty is kind.

Explore more of my favourite skincare.