Vegan / cruelty free skin care suggestions

[Flaxbee]

I used to buy and looove Clinique's eye cream, but Clinique (Estee Lauder parent company) now states that it does animal testing "where required by law". They caved in order to have access to Chinese markets, which apparently demand products be animal-tested. Fuckers.

Anyway. I bought an alternative cream that was paraben free, etc., etc., supposedly hypoallergenic, no animal testing, etc. And was in pain, with puffy eyes, every time I tried to use it (twice - first time I thought it was a fluke, second time I wised up).

I don't want to use anything heavy with petrolatum for obvious reasons, nor to I want to dab straight coconut, Vitamin E, or other oil on the delicate skin around my eyes at night. But my skin is dry, and I do like to take care of my skin as best I can (esp. as I slide toward middle age)

There are many, many vegan/cruelty-free brands listed at PETA, but I'm wondering if anyone here has a brand they like and trust. No guarantees I won't have problems with it, I know, but I always like to have input before I try something new.

Thanks.

[Chan790]

1. My stock answer when looking for something veg*n...

is Vegan Store/Pangea. http://www.veganstore.com (Vegan Store is the online store, Pangea is the brick and mortar store which is about 20 minutes from here in Rockville, MD.)

They have everything...including a wide range of skincare products. http://www.veganstore.com/category/vegan-body-care

Based on the description of what you're looking for, if the price isn't horrifying ($19 for 1oz. which should last 4-6 months, half that if you apply twice a day), might be this eye-cream. http://www.veganstore.com/product/230/facial-care

Eye products are kind of tricky because most skin-moisturizers are likely to irritate your eyes and there is not a wide range of vegan cruelty-free eye-creams to my knowledge. Never use anything to moisturize around the eyes not designed for that purpose; in addition to puffiness and irritation, there's a risk of conjunctivitis (pink-eye) and other eye inflammation.

Alternately, there's the old-world/rustic solutions: cucumber rounds, oatmeal masks.

[Flaxbee]

3. thanks for the links, Chan790. I was so disappointed to read about Clinique because

the product I used was nice, not greasy, didn't irritate my skin, was specifically for eyes. Sigh. Greed is going to destroy this planet.

Anyway, I'll check those links out. That price is fine, if it's good quality...

[LeftyMom]

5. I was going to suggest the same stuff.

I haven't tried a BWC product I didn't like, except one cleanser.

[Still Blue in PDX]

2. Have you heard of Carley's?

I started buying it on eBay years ago and wouldn't use anything else now.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_8?rh=k%3Acarley%27s+moisturizer%2Ci%3Abeauty&keywords=carley%27s+moisturizer&ie=UTF8&qid=1357863270

[Flaxbee]

4. no, have never heard of it. Will check it out. Thanks!

Right now I'm looking specifically for eye cream, but these products look nice for lotions, soaps, etc.

[onestepforward]

6. I like Kiss My Face Eye Repair Creme Eyewitness

http://www.vitacost.com/kiss-my-face-eye-repair-creme-eyewitness

I've been using it for years and I'm very happy with it. It's gentle, effective and lasts a very long time.

[Albertsmith]

7. skin care suggestions

It is certainly the fact that the skin care suggestions for the individuals is mostly in demand. By looking at the the threads that provide with the elements related to the skin are supremely interesting for me, specially. Also, I would like to add on that the skin care is the thing that is always in demand and people search out for the remedies that can be helpful for them.

[kestrel91316]

10. Well THAT was enlightening.

[CrispyQ]

8. Aubrey Organics

Here's what I use on a regular basis & love.

English Primrose lotion
Rose Mosqueta lotion
Rose Mosqueta shampoo & conditioner
Eucalyptus bath soak - my weekly pedicure treat - hubby loves this too

http://www.aubrey-organics.com/

[kestrel91316]

9. My skin care:

I wash my face with Dr. Bronner's baby soap bar (unscented). I then wipe my skin with a blend of 75% witch hazel/25% rubbing alcohol to get soap and makeup residues off. My moisturizer is just a drop or two of hemp seed oil if I have it, olive oil if I don't.

That's it.

Of course my makeup is all Cover Girl, lol, so I'm not perfect.

[athena]

11. Have you actually tried coconut oil, or did you assume it won't work?

I've been using it on my face for a while now, including near my eyes, and I'm very pleased with it. It's slightly oily when I first put it on, but it's not heavy like petrolatum. Not only is it vegan, but it's also environmentally friendly: no plastic containers to throw away.

If you absolutely want something commercial, Paula Begoun makes some good products. Most are vegan:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/who-we-are/faq/animal-testing-and-by-products/
She points out, further, that you don't need a special eye cream:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/eye-care/_/you-dont-need-an-eye-cream-and-heres-why