The Art of Crafting Vegan Beauty: My Journey of Research & Discovery

Creating high-quality vegan beauty products isn't just about replacing animal-derived ingredients—it's about understanding the science behind plant-based alternatives and how they interact with the skin. Every product in Rylee’s Kind Beauty is developed with intention, research, and a passion for clean, effective skincare. Here’s how I approach formulating these products, from research to final selection.

Researching the Best Vegan Ingredients

Before I start creating a new vegan formula, I dive deep into ingredient research. This includes studying the benefits of different plant-based oils, butters, and waxes to ensure they provide the same (or better) performance as non-vegan counterparts. Some of the key factors I consider include:

• Moisturizing Properties – I look for oils and butters that deeply hydrate without clogging pores, such as mango butter, kokum butter, and shea butter.
• Absorption Rate – Some oils absorb quickly (like jojoba oil) while others provide long-lasting hydration (like avocado oil).
• Nutrient Content – Ingredients rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as rosehip oil (high in Vitamin C) or argan oil (packed with Vitamin E), play an important role in skin health.
• Texture & Stability – Butters and oils must blend well together without creating a greasy or unstable final product.

Pairing Oils & Butters for Maximum Benefits

Once I have a list of potential ingredients, I experiment with different combinations to see how they complement each other. For example:

• For a lightweight yet deeply hydrating moisturizer, I might pair jojoba oil (which mimics the skin’s natural sebum) with mango butter for a silky finish.
• For a nourishing lip balm, I combine coconut oil (for softness), shea butter (for protection), and candelilla wax (as a vegan alternative to beeswax).
• For a body scrub, I choose oils that provide slip and hydration without feeling too heavy, like sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil.

Finding the Best Vegan Alternatives

Because I started with non-vegan formulas, I needed to find high-performing replacements for some of my go-to ingredients. Here’s how I tackle that challenge:

• Beeswax ➝ Candelilla Wax or Carnauba Wax – These plant-based waxes provide structure and hold while still being smooth and nourishing.
• Lanolin ➝ Shea Butter or Kokum Butter – Lanolin is known for its deep hydration, but I’ve found that shea butter and kokum butter deliver a similar protective barrier without the animal-based component.
• Emu Oil ➝ Squalane or Meadowfoam Seed Oil – Emu oil is a favorite in my non-vegan products, but I’ve found that squalane (derived from olives) and meadowfoam seed oil provide similar skin-loving benefits.

Brainstorming New Vegan Ingredients

I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of my vegan beauty line. Some ways I explore new options include:

• Studying Ancient Skincare Practices – Many plant-based remedies have been used for centuries. I research ingredients like aloe vera (soothing), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), and moringa oil (anti-aging).
• Exploring Sustainable Options – I focus on ingredients that are both effective and environmentally friendly, such as hemp seed oil (rich in omega fatty acids) and rice bran oil (a lightweight moisturizer with anti-aging properties).
• Testing Emerging Ingredients – As clean beauty continues to evolve, I keep an eye on innovative ingredients like bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative to retinol) and fermented plant extracts (which boost hydration and skin barrier function).

Finalizing My Vegan Formulas

Once I’ve selected my ingredients, I start small-batch testing. I pay attention to texture, scent, feel, and performance. If needed, I tweak the formula to achieve the right balance between hydration, absorption, and overall effectiveness. Only when I’m completely satisfied with the results do I finalize the formula and prepare it for Rylee’s Kind Beauty.

Commitment to Kind Beauty

Creating vegan beauty products isn’t just about removing animal-based ingredients—it’s about crafting formulas that are just as luxurious, effective, and skin-loving as their non-vegan counterparts. Through dedicated research, thoughtful ingredient selection, and endless testing, I’m excited to expand Rylee’s Kind Beauty into a line that embodies compassion, sustainability, and undeniable self-care.

Stay tuned for new vegan product launches! What vegan skincare ingredients are you curious about? Let’s chat in the comments!