K-Beauty changed from a trend phenomenon to an established part of our skincare. It has become a way to think about skincare holistically: gently, effectively, and increasingly also ethically.

Vegan cosmetics are on the rise globally as well as in Korean cosmetics since ethics and responsibility are continuously rising values. 

But what does vegan cosmetics actually mean and which vegan brands should you know about? 

 

What does vegan cosmetics mean?

 

Vegan cosmetics mean products that do not contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Examples include:

 

• honey
• snail mucin
• collagen (there is also a vegan version of collagen)
• certain colorants, for example carmine (red pigment)

 

Vegan is not the same as cruelty-free, although many vegan brands are also cruelty-free. If you want to learn more about what cruelty-free cosmetics really mean, read our article on the topic.

A product or brand can also be vegan even without certification. Certifications like EVE VEGAN or PETA Approved Vegan, however, help easily identify vegan products. Many Yeppo&Soonsoo brands also have KVCS (Korea Agency of Vegan Certification and Services) certificate, which is a certification body operating in South Korea.

 

 

Why choose vegan K-beauty?

 

Vegan cosmetics are attracting more and more interest because responsibility and ethics are rising values. Fortunately, K-beauty offers plenty of vegan products and brands, as many ingredients long used in Korea are vegan: rice, centella asiatica, bellflower extract, green tea, ginseng, and many other traditional ingredients. These Korean hanbang ingredients are vegan and provide gentle care for the skin. Korean cosmetics are also known for their innovation, so new vegan ingredients are constantly being developed. Popular ingredients like snail mucin, collagen, and PDRN all have great vegan alternatives 🌿

 

Many vegan K-beauty brands also focus on minimalist formulas and products that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, making them especially popular for sensitive skin care.

 

7 vegan K-beauty brands you should know

 

 

SKIN1004 – minimalist and soothing skincare

SKIN1004 is one of the most well-known K-beauty brands, and its core is simple: only what’s necessary, nothing extra. The brand’s name means "skin angel," because the number 1004 sounds like the Korean word for angel 👼🏻

 

The brand’s iconic ingredient is Madagascar Centella Asiatica, known for its skin-soothing and strengthening properties. SKIN1004 also focuses on sustainability by ensuring raw materials are harvested with respect for nature and growth – their centella asiatica is always handpicked without damaging the plant’s roots.

SKIN1004’s philosophy is based on the idea that sensitive skin primarily needs balance, not many active ingredients at once. 

 

💡 Why SKIN1004 is loved:

• gentle formulas
• products for every skin type
• simple and effective products

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• Madagascar Centella Ampoule – our all-time favorite, this soothing serum suits everyone
• Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum – this lightweight and hydrating sunscreen is one of Yeppo’s most popular products!
• Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream – a luxurious moisturizer for sensitive and dry skin

 

 

Unleashia – a vegan makeup brand that brings radiance to life

 

Unleashia brings playfulness, color, and glitter to K-beauty without compromises.

Unleashia is a PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free brand, known especially for its delightful glitter products that use biodegradable glitter.

 

💡 What makes Unleashia special:

• bold, youthful, and trendy aesthetics
• nourishing makeup products
• completely vegan makeup philosophy

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• Glitterpedia Eye Palette – iconic glitter eyeshadows in various shades that deliver intense sparkle!
• Get Loose Glitter Gel – the perfect product for festival makeup, suitable for both eye makeup and highlighting
• Don't Touch Glass Pink Cushion – natural and radiant finish with a large selection of shades

 

 

hwarang’ – the fight for stronger skin

hwarang combines traditional Korean hanbang ingredients with modern skincare science. The brand name historically refers to the “flowering knights” – In South Korea’s Silla dynasty, Hwarang referred to the most handsome men who took care of themselves using cosmetics and makeup. These men were also strong warriors, and this same ideology continues with the hwarang' brand: beauty, harmony, and strength.

 

💡 Why hwarang’ stands out:

• inspired by traditional Korean hanbang ingredients
• focuses on strengthening the skin’s protective barrier and is suitable for sensitive skin
• fragrance-free and free of essential oils
  

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• Bellflower Cleansing Balm – melts away makeup and impurities without drying the skin
• Moisturizing Barrier Cream – protects and strengthens sensitive and damaged skin
• Extreme Glow Ogok Creamy Latte Toner – a rapidly viral rich toner that soothes and hydrates the skin while delivering unprecedented radiance! 

 

 

Rovectin - effective products for sensitive skin

 

Rovectin is a popular brand among sensitive skin users. The brand has developed its own The Rovectin Repair Complex™ ingredient that aims to revive dry and damaged skin. The brand’s philosophy is largely based on gentle care and treatment of dry and damaged skin. 

 

💡 Why Rovectin is on the rise:

• targets the needs of sensitive skin
• innovative and science-based
• popular in Korea among dermatologists 

 

✨ Product recommendations: 

• Calming Lotus Toner - Rovectin uses lotus, which has cleansing and soothing effects
• Pore Care Tightening Cleansing Foam - a cleansing product suitable for oily skin that exfoliates, brightens, and cleanses without drying the skin

 

 

Kaine – a modern and minimalist brand

Kaine is one of the most interesting indie K-beauty brands, built from the ground up around powerful and unique plant-based ingredients.

The brand combines minimalist design, skin-friendly formulas, and a focus on natural ingredients. Kaine focuses on balanced and gentle formulations.

 

💡 Why Kaine is on the rise:

• completely vegan brand philosophy and innovative ingredients
• modern, minimalist skincare
• strong emphasis on the skin’s protective barrier and firming ingredients

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• Lavender PDRN Revitalizing Toner – a moisturizing and firming toner containing plant-based PDRN and lavender water
  
• Chaga Collagen Charging Serum – a serum supporting skin elasticity containing plant-based collagen

 

 

🌿 About Me – effective yet gentle skincare

 

About Me products have long been loved by our customers! Their products are simple and effective, and also suitable for sensitive skin. Their products focus on natural ingredients found in traditional Korean hanbang skincare, such as fermented rice.

 

💡 About Me strengths:

• powerful natural ingredients
• simple and effective products
• suitable for many skin types, including sensitive skin

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• SOOP Calming Aqua Serum - a soothing and cooling serum especially for oily and combination skin
• Rice Makgeolli Ceramide Cream - one of our favorites is this rich moisturizer, especially loved by those with dry skin! Contains skin-strengthening and brightening ingredients like fermented rice and ceramides. 

 

 

Axis-Y - environment and community at the core

 

Axis-Y is a brand loved by our customers, thanks to their effective products and commitment to more environmentally friendly production. Axis-Y supports several environmental organizations, such as One Tree Planted.  

 

💡 Why Axis-Y is loved:

• the perfect combination of nature and science
• fragrance-free products
• focus on environmental friendliness and sustainability

 

✨ Product recommendations:

• Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum - one of our most popular serums for evening out skin tone!
  
• Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream - a soothing face cream especially for skin prone to impurities 

 

 

Summary – vegan K-beauty is the future 🌍

Vegan K-beauty is no longer a small category – it is a rapidly growing part of the entire beauty industry. Brands like SKIN1004, Axis-y, hwarang', and many other vegan cosmetics brands show that effective skincare and ethics can go hand in hand. Many brands favor vegan products even if their entire range is not vegan; for example, BBIAs super popular Never Die mascara is vegan. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced K-beauty fan, vegan options offer plenty of opportunities to build an effective and gentle skincare routine.

 

Explore Yeppo's vegan Korean cosmetics products and find your favorite 🌿
👉 Easily create your own glow routine with the best vegan Korean skincare products 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.vegan-korea.com/certification/product-search

https://www.axis-y.com/pages/sustainability

https://www.evevegan.org

https://crueltyfree.peta.org