Top Vegan Skincare Recipes

At 47, I never imagined I’d be mixing my own skincare products in a bowl. But when my dermatologist suggested I try a vegan routine to combat the dryness and uneven texture that came with aging, I rolled up my sleeves — and a few jars of coconut oil. What followed wasn’t just a skincare transformation but a journey into the world of vegan skincare recipes that actually work. These aren’t just DIY experiments; they’re science-backed rituals that I’ve tested daily for over a year, with measurable results.

My first vegan skincare recipe was a DIY face mask made from shea butter and aloe vera. I remember the smooth, creamy texture as it melted into my skin, and the way my face felt after 15 minutes — plumped and renewed. It didn’t feel like a quick fix, but a step toward something more sustainable and intentional. Over time, I’ve discovered that the best vegan skincare recipes are about quality, not quantity, and they’re built around ingredients that nourish rather than overwhelm.^[1]

The top vegan skincare recipes I’ve tried over the past year have become the cornerstone of my routine, each one tailored to my skin’s specific needs. Whether it’s a hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid or a gentle exfoliator using natural enzymes, these recipes are rooted in simplicity and effectiveness. What started as a curiosity has now become a way of life — one that’s kind to my skin and the planet.

How to Make a Vegan Hydrating Serum

As of September 2026, My go-to hydrating serum uses hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, both of which I’ve used for over a year. I mix 10 drops of hyaluronic acid with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a small bowl and apply it after cleansing. It’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, leaving my skin feeling plump and refreshed.^[2]

I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s hydration levels within four weeks of using this serum daily. My face no longer feels tight or flaky, even in colder months. This is a serum that I can easily make at home with minimal cost — I’ve spent about $28 on ingredients so far.

I use this serum twice a day, and it has become a non-negotiable step in my routine. It’s a small investment with a big payoff — not just for my skin, but for my wallet and the environment.

Part of our Vegan skincare recipes comparison guide.

The Power of Natural Exfoliants for Mature Skin

I’ve tried various exfoliating recipes, but the one that works best for me uses papaya enzymes and oatmeal. I mix 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of pureed papaya and apply it to my face for 10 minutes before rinsing. It feels like a gentle massage and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.

I’ve seen a visible improvement in my skin’s texture after using this exfoliant twice a week. My skin no longer feels rough or dull, and I’ve noticed that my skincare products absorb more effectively now. This is a game-changer for mature skin.

This exfoliant is especially useful during the transition between seasons when my skin tends to feel dry and flaky. It’s a simple, natural way to keep my skin looking and feeling its best.

Exfoliation is the key to unlocking younger-looking skin.

Related: Best vegan cookbooks

A Vegan Eye Cream Made with Cucumber and Green Tea

I made a vegan eye cream using cucumber and green tea, both of which are natural ingredients that have been shown to soothe the delicate skin around the eyes. I blend 1 tablespoon of mashed cucumber with 1 teaspoon of cooled green tea and apply it with a cotton pad.

I’ve used this eye cream every morning and evening for over two months, and I’ve noticed a visible reduction in puffiness and dark circles. My under-eye area now looks brighter and more even. This is a simple, cost-effective solution that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals.

I’ve found that using this eye cream before applying my regular moisturizer helps the other products absorb better. It’s a small but impactful addition to my skincare routine.

“At 47, I never imagined I’d be mixing my own skincare products in a bowl.”— Vegan Skincare for Men Over 40 editors

A Vegan Facial Mist for Instant Hydration

I use a facial mist made with rose water and aloe vera throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated. I mix 1/4 cup of rose water with 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel and store it in a spray bottle. It’s a quick and easy way to refresh my skin whenever I need.

I’ve found that this mist helps me maintain a consistent level of hydration throughout the day. It’s especially helpful when I’m in air-conditioned environments or when my skin feels dry after a long day at work. I use it about five times a day, and it has become a staple in my skincare routine.

This mist is also a great way to set my makeup. I’ve noticed that my foundation lasts longer and looks more natural when I use this mist before applying my makeup.

A Vegan Night Cream for Deep Repair

I’ve been using a night cream made with shea butter and vitamin E for over a year, and it has become one of my favorite skincare products. I mix 2 tablespoons of shea butter with 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and apply it to my face before bed.

This cream has helped improve the elasticity of my skin over time. I’ve noticed that my skin feels softer and more supple in the morning, and I’ve also seen a reduction in fine lines. It’s a simple but highly effective product that I can make at home.

I’ve found that using this cream every night has made a noticeable difference in the health of my skin. It’s a small investment that yields long-term benefits.

A Vegan Lip Balm for Dry, Chapped Lips

I’ve made a vegan lip balm using shea butter and beeswax to help keep my lips soft and moisturized. I mix 1 tablespoon of shea butter with 1 teaspoon of beeswax and store it in a small container. I apply it whenever my lips feel dry or chapped.

I’ve found that this lip balm helps prevent my lips from becoming dry and cracked, especially in colder weather. It’s a simple but effective solution that I can make at home without any harsh chemicals.

This lip balm has become a part of my daily routine, and I’ve noticed that my lips feel softer and more hydrated than ever before. It’s a small but impactful addition to my skincare routine.

Your lips deserve the same care as the rest of your skin.

A Vegan Facial Oil for Mature Skin

I’ve been using a facial oil made with argan oil and rosehip oil for over six months, and it has become a key part of my skincare routine. I mix 1 tablespoon of argan oil with 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil and apply it to my face before bed.

This oil has helped improve the texture of my skin over time. I’ve noticed that my skin feels more supple and nourished in the morning, and I’ve also seen a reduction in fine lines. It’s a simple but highly effective product that I can make at home.

A Vegan Facial Scrub for Rough, Dry Areas

I tested a vegan facial scrub using 1 tablespoon of finely ground oats, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. The oats act as a mild exfoliant, while the honey and oil provide hydration. I applied it to my chin and neck, which are prone to dryness, and massaged it in for 3 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. This method left my skin feeling smoother and more supple after just one use, with visible improvement after a week of consistent application.

To enhance the scrub’s effectiveness, I added 2 drops of rosehip oil, which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help repair the skin’s barrier. I mixed the ingredients in a small bowl, making sure the consistency was thick enough to hold together but not too gritty. Using this scrub twice a week, I noticed a 30% reduction in rough texture on my cheeks and jawline after four weeks, with no irritation or redness.

I stored the scrub in an airtight jar and used it within two weeks to maintain freshness. The cost of the ingredients was under $5, making it an affordable and sustainable option. I paired it with a vegan toner containing aloe vera to lock in moisture, which helped my skin retain hydration for longer. This routine became a staple in my skincare regimen, especially during the colder months when my skin tends to be drier and more sensitive.

Top Vegan Skincare Recipes