Whether you're already vegan, making the switch or simply curious, it can be hard to build a routine. Here is our fool-proof guide and list of product recommendations for a full vegan skincare routine.

First, it's important to highlight the difference between vegan and cruelty-free beauty. Here at Gentle Panda we make sure that products are both, but what is the real difference?

Cruelty-free: The product isn't tested on animals at any point during production or post-market, and it also isn't sold anywhere that requires animal testing by law.

Vegan: The product contains no animal products/by-products. 

It can be hard to navigate this difference when you're new to the world of vegan beauty, because the two terms seem like they should go together. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Worry not- you can shop on our page with ease. Without further ado, here are our vegan and cruelty-free skincare recommendations so you can build your brand new routine:

Step 1: Double cleansing is a must for anyone who wears make-up and SPF everyday (the latter of which is a must!). It helps to really break down and remove any product in the skin, which just a regular foaming cleanser can't always do. It also prevents your skin from becoming too dehydrated and helps improve blackheads and appearance of pores. Our favourite is the Vegan and Cruelty-free Good Chi Cleansing Balm by Muihood, enriched with ginseng and jojoba oil for glow and anti-aging properties. Link down below. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/good-chi-cleansing-balm

Step 2: Foaming cleanser. The second part of a double cleanse, this is what's going to leave you feeling truly clean and fresh. We recommend SKIN1004s Tone Brightening Gel Cleanser for a Vegan and cruelty-free cleanser that won't strip your skin and also even out skin tone over time. Link down below. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/tone-brightening-cleansing-foam

Step 3: Toner. Not an everyday essential, but depending on your skin type it can work as an exfoliant when used with a cotton pad, or as an extra layer of hydration. A good toner is a base for the rest of your skincare and make-up routines. For a vegan and cruelty-free all round toner, we recommend the korean beauty favourite: Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Essence Water. This gives an amazing glow without feeling sticky, and the 2% niacinamide works around the clock to minimise acne scars and dark spots. It's truly perfect for all ages and skin types. Link down below. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/ginseng-essence-water

Step 4: Serum. Here you need to take a deep dive and think about what your skin truly needs. If you're looking for something all-round, we recommend UpCircle's Vegan and Cruelty-free peptide serum. It contains up-cycled custard apple which is high in Vitamin C, boosting skin's collagen production and keeping it plump and hydrated all winter long. Link down below. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/peptide-serum-with-custard-apple-blood-orange

Step 5: Moisturiser. If you were to only ever use one skincare product, let's be honest, it would be moisturiser. Dear, Klairs vegan and cruelty-free Vitamin E mask is the perfect overnight moisturiser to lock in hydration and even out skin tone. It's called a mask because you can layer it on thick, or only use a small amount as a daily moisturiser. Link down below. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/freshly-juiced-vitamin-e-mask

There you have it: the perfect vegan and cruelty-free evening skincare routine. Keep your eyes peeled for the morning version to find out about our favourite vegan and cruelty-free SPFs.