Vegan Korean Skincare: Dupes for Your K-Beauty Favorites

Vegan products are taking the skincare world by storm, and for a good reason! Whether you’re choosing to switch to a plant-based lifestyle, or simply want to be more aware of what is inside your skincare products, vegan (and cruelty-free) skincare products have a ton of benefits. 

Vegan skincare has also become the go-to choice for an increasing amount of Korean brands. It’s no surprise since vegan alternatives often are just as high in quality, reduce the strain on the environment, avoid animal cruelty, and are often the safer choice because of their less irritating formulas.

Vegan skincare:

• Does not contain animal ingredients
• Does not contain animal byproducts
• Uses plant based alternatives as ingredients

What is cruelty-free skincare? You will often find vegan skincare to also be cruelty-free. Certified cruelty-free skincare means that the full production process of the product excludes any testing on, or harming of, animals. 

South Korean skincare is always innovating and developing the most effective skincare formulas. While most of the korean skincare you will find in our store is already cruelty-free, some formulas still include animal byproducts like snail mucin, honey, or propolis. While these are all amazing ingredients that have loads of benefits, someone who strictly follows a vegan lifestyle cannot include them in their routine. Others may have allergies to these ingredients or simply prefer vegan formulas. That’s why we decided to put together a list of Korean vegan skincare dupes. With these products there is no need to compromise on quality or effectiveness, since vegan skincare can be just as luxurious and have amazing results.

Favorite Vegan Korean Skincare

Snail mucin has become a raving ingredient in skincare, but unfortunately it's not vegan. The ingredient tackles dehydration and wrinkles with its anti-aging, plumping, and antioxidant benefits. The iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serumis infused with the benefits of snail mucin. A great alternative to the serum with similar benefits is the Purito Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum. Bakuchiol is actually a plant-based sibling of retinol, making it a great ingredient with anti-aging and skin texture improving effects.

Beauty of Joseon’s Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA is a popular choice among exfoliating toners. It fights inflammation, gets rid of dead skin cells and delivers a healthy glow to the skin. If you’re on the lookout for a vegan alternative look no further than the Mixsoon H.C.T. Toner. Infused with skin calming and inflammation blocking herbs to minimize acne and redness.

We love ourselves some COSRX and their amazing cruelty-free skincare. The Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is another great choice that delivers that glass skin effect. We promise that the Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Deep Infusion Toner will have that same effect with just as much caring for your skin.

The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream has become a huge fan favorite. While the cream has some amazing plant-based ingredients such as rice extract, and is cruelty-free, it's unfortunately not vegan. But we bet that you will love its vegan alternative I'm From Rice Cream just as much! Similar texture? Check. Full of the magic of rice ingredients? Check. Luxurious feel? Check!

Check out more vegan dupes below!