Starting a skincare routine can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when marketing is taking over social media, and you don't know what is truly good or not. On top of it all, you don't want to compromise your values. 

Here at Gentle Panda we specialise in curating all of our favourite cruelty-free and vegan skincare in one place, making it easier for you. Here's our ultimate guide for those that are new to skincare (or simply looking to make ethical swaps).

Why choose cruelty-free and vegan skincare in the UK?

The UK has banned animal testing for cosmetic products- but this doesn't mean that every brand is automatically cruelty-free. Unfortunately, a lot of them still choose to sell in markets where animal testing is required, or have suppliers that still do. 

Now, a company can still be cruelty-free even without certification, but this can be hard to navigate. Certification isn't widely used in certain countries, or it may simply not be a priority for small businesses who have a lot on their plate. This is why we directly speak to brands before stocking, ensuring they're cruelty-free and vegan every step of the way. 

Cruelty-free doesn't also automatically mean vegan, it may be cruelty-free but still contain animal derived ingredients (such as marine collagen, snail mucin etc) and vice-versa- it may be vegan but the brand itself isn't 100% cruelty-free. We do the hard work for you, ensuring everything on Gentle Panda is both. 

Building your Cruelty-Free and Vegan Skincare Routine (step by step)

You may have heard of the famous 10 step korean skincare routine, but the truth is you don't need that much. You just need a few steps, and consistency. Let's go one by one. 

Step 1: Cleansing

A good cleanser removes: make-up, oil, SPF, pollution and dirt

We always recommend double cleansing, a regular foaming cleanser won't dig deep into your pores to remove all the product build up of the day, and a cleansing balm won't leave your face fully clean. 

Our cruelty-free and vegan recommendations: Muihood's Good Chi Cleansing Balm followed by Arencia's Rice Mochi Cleanser 

Starting with the cleansing balm, massage it between your hands and proceed to gently rub all over your face before emulsifying and washing off with warm water. Proceed with one of Arencia's Rice Mochi Cleansers, using warm water to foam it up and deeply cleanse your face. 

Step 2: Serum (the main treatment for your specific skin concerns)

If you are to add only one treatment product to your routine, make it a serum. Here are some of our cruelty-free and vegan options by skin concerns:

Hydration: Arencia's Holy Hyssop Serum (a calming and hydration powerhouse)

Anti-Aging: UpCircle's Peptide Serum (a great vegan collagen alternative)

Brightening & Dark Spots: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Glow Serum (gentle alternative to Vitamin C serums, which can be too strong for a beginner) 

Try and stick to the same one morning and night, and your skin will thank you. 

Step 3: Moisturiser 

Even oily skin needs a moisturiser. This step helps to lock in your serum and protect your skin during the day. 

Our cruelty-free and vegan recommendations:

UpCircle's Moisturiser with Vitamin E + Aloe Vera: This moisturiser will plump, brighten and soothe your skin all at the same time. 

Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream: An iconic cruelty-free and vegan moisturiser, rich in blue azulene to calm your skin without heaviness. 

Step 4: SPF

Yes, everyday, yes even in the UK. SPF is a non-negotiable in the mornings, especially if you are now using serums with active ingredients. SPF protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, pollution and free radicals. 

Beauty of Joseon is a certified cruelty-free brand, and there is a reason why their rice sunscreens are a cult hit. 

For extra hydration try: The original SPF50+ Rice Relief Sun

For something lighter but still potent try: The Aqua Fresh variant. 

Common Beginner Skincare Mistakes

• Using too many products. Your skin can't even absorb it all! Focus on the ones listed here, and if you end up with more specific concerns such as smoothing or eye-care, you can always add to it. 
• Switching up your routine too frequently. Give products at least a couple of weeks before deciding they don't work for you. With active ingredients, it can sometimes take months before you see any noticeable changes. Patience is key with your new skincare regimen. 
• Using too many/too strong active ingredients. Don't use retinol, vitamin c, niacinamide and glycolic acid all at the same time. Start with a low percentage of whatever you're targeting and work your way up. 

That's all from us here at Gentle Panda. Take a look at our full range of products and cruelty-free + vegan bestsellers here: shop bestsellers.