For the skin I put on my face... You have to carefully check the ingredients and manufacturing process too [Weekend Beauty]

Vegan beauty, which does not use animal-derived ingredients, has become a major trend in the cosmetics industry. This is because value-driven consumption, which carefully considers not only a clean image but also the environmental impact of production, is becoming more pronounced. Recently, the concept has expanded into 'clean beauty,' which emphasizes eco-friendly values, and related product launches have continued.■ Growing concern over skin irritation and demand for gentle products
According to the beauty industry on the 30th, vegan beauty is gaining popularity as interest in health rises. As air quality worsens due to fine dust and yellow dust, more people are developing sensitive skin that is easily irritated, which is also driving interest in vegan cosmetics. The idea that safe ingredients are essential to minimize skin irritation is now taking hold.
To meet vegan beauty standards, products must use plant-based or synthetic ingredients instead of animal-derived materials such as honey and milk. They must also avoid animal testing during product development and manufacturing. Obtaining vegan certification in Europe, including in the UK, France and Italy, is also becoming increasingly common.
LF's ATHE, which started as a vegan cosmetics brand, emphasizes a mild and gentle feel. It has boosted trust by obtaining vegan certification for all of its products. The 'Ate Vegan Relief Sun Essence' is known for its non-stinging formula and lightweight texture. The 'ATHE Tone-Up Sun Cushion,' which combines skin tone correction and UV protection, saw sales rise nearly fourfold from a year earlier. The 'ATHE Authentic Lip Glowy Balm,' the first lipstick in Korea to receive vegan certification, strengthens skincare benefits along with lipstick functionality. With 80% of its formula made up of plant-based moisturizing ingredients, it also helps care for wrinkles. ATHE's related products are proving popular, with sales of sun care products surpassing 840,000 units and lip balm products exceeding 920,000 units.
The 'Post Laser Repair Cream' helps support the skin barrier. Human application tests confirmed its effectiveness in improving the sudden loss of moisture and irritation that occur after laser procedures. Based on a formulation designed through analysis of skin components, it combines Vitamin K Complex, ingredients similar to Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), panthenol and madecassoside to improve damaged skin and strengthen the barrier.■ AMUSE and Freshian, vegan makeup brands
Shinsegae International's AMUSE is highlighting its concept as a vegan color cosmetics brand. The 'Dew Power Vegan Cushion,' which has been popular in Europe, is drawing attention as a makeup product that creates healthy-looking skin. It contains 60% essence ingredients, including Centella Asiatica Extract and Mentha aquatica extract, and delivers a non-irritating feel by increasing the skincare component. The 'AMUSE JEL-FIT Tint' and 'Dew Tint' are also popular as moisturizing tints that maintain hydration rather than the dryness typically associated with tints.
LG Household & Health Care's vegan makeup brand Freshian is also expanding its product lineup. All products are vegan certified, and the brand is pursuing a 'conscious beauty' identity by introducing packaging made from sugarcane and puffs made from corn starch. The 'Fressian Egglike Blusher' contains nearly 70% skincare ingredients to create a healthy inner glow. It also focuses on clean ingredients by excluding artificial fragrances and microplastics. The 'Freshian Egg-like Cushion' is a vegan cushion with 75% moisturizing essence ingredients, delivering both a comfortable feel and a smooth finish. It contains hyaluronic acid in various sizes, madecassoside, ceramide and Amino Acid Coated Powder, a skin-moisturizing ingredient.■ Cleansing products are also becoming gentler with plant-based ingredients
The vegan cosmetics category is also becoming more diverse. FULLY's 'Pully Pack Cleanser' uses naturally derived ingredients such as rice, green tomato and red tomato, allowing consumers to choose products based on their skin concerns. The Green Tomato Pack Cleanser also drew attention after being mentioned by U.S. rapper Cardi B.
Aekyung Industrial Co., Ltd.'s cleansing brand POINT's 'POINT Rice Line' has received vegan certification from the Korea Vegan Certification Institute. With rice extract, it leaves skin feeling hydrated without tightness after cleansing. It has also undergone a skin irritation test so that even sensitive skin can use it. Animal-derived ingredients were excluded during manufacturing as well. The Dough Glow Pack Cleanser uses a rice dough formula containing three grains—Job's tears, oats and rice bran—to help create skin that makeup adheres to well.
ATHE's 'RICE GLOW PEEL,' which removes dead skin cells built up on the skin, adds brightening benefits with rice fermentation ingredients and rice bran water. It helps improve skin texture by managing impurities and excess sebum inside the pores. The ampoule contains 20% of eight acidic ingredients to manage dead skin cells and sebum at the same time. It can be mixed with natural powder and a high-concentration acidic ampoule.
An industry official said, "As more smart consumers emerge, interest is growing not only in ingredients but also in the manufacturing process of cosmetics, so the vegan and clean beauty trend is likely to continue."
unsaid@fnnews.com Kang Myeong-yeon Reporter