Updated: February 2026
Let’s be honest: you’ve probably looked at your bathroom vanity lately and felt a little… uneasy.
Maybe it’s the long list of unpronounceable chemicals on that “miracle” cream. Maybe it’s the realisation that “natural” doesn’t always mean “kind.” Or perhaps your skin is simply staging a protest—dry patches, unexpected redness, and a dullness that no amount of highlighter can fix.
Here is the “Rule of One” for your skincare: You only have one face, and it is a living, breathing sponge.
If you wouldn’t put it in your body, why are you putting it on your skin?
At Scenturie, we believe your beauty ritual shouldn’t require a compromise. You don’t have to choose between high-performance results and your ethical heartbeat.
The “Squeaky Clean” Truth: Vegan vs. Cruelty-Free
Before we dive into the “why,” let’s clear up a common confusion. “Cruelty-free” means the product wasn’t tested on animals (which is a great start). But Vegan means there isn’t a single animal-derived ingredient inside.
No crushed beetles for pigment. No shark liver oil (squalane) for moisture. No sheep’s wool grease (lanolin) for “softness.”
When you choose vegan, you aren’t just opting for “no harm”—you are opting for plant-powered purity.
The Tallow Trend: Traditional, or Just Outdated?
You may have noticed tallow (rendered animal fat) making a comeback in “ancestral” skincare circles. It’s often marketed as “bio-identical” to human skin. But here’s the reality check: while tallow is a natural lipid, it is also a heavy, occlusive byproduct of the industrial meat industry.
For many, tallow is simply too “thick,” sitting on the surface and potentially trapping bacteria—the last thing you want if you struggle with congestion or breakouts. We believe in looking forward to botanical innovation, not backward to industrial byproducts. Why use animal fat when you can use high-performance plant oils that offer the same “bio-identical” benefits with a much more sophisticated nutrient profile?
Plant-Powered Performance vs. Animal Byproducts
| Feature | Scenturie Plant Oils (Argan, Cacay, Hemp) | Tallow (Animal Fat) |
| Pore Safety | Non-Comedogenic. Lightweight and allows skin to “breathe.” | High Risk. Heavy lipids can trap bacteria and clog pores. |
| Nutrient Complexity | Diverse. Rich in Phytosterols, Polyphenols, and antioxidants. | Limited. Primarily saturated fats; lacks plant antioxidants. |
| The “Glow” Factor | Fast-Absorbing. Leaves a silky, radiant finish. | Occlusive. Often leaves a thick, “greasy” residue on the surface. |
| Skin Repair | Active. Promotes collagen and repairs UV damage. | Passive. Provides a moisture barrier but lacks active repair. |
| Ethical Impact | Compassionate. 100% Vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free. | Byproduct. Derived from the industrial meat industry. |
A Note From Tania
“When I first began formulating for Scenturie, I was shocked by how often animal byproducts were ‘hidden’ behind complex chemical names. As someone with a background in health science, I knew that these ingredients weren’t just an ethical issue—they often lacked the sophisticated nutrient profile that high-quality botanicals provide.
I created this cheat sheet to help you cut through the marketing noise. You shouldn’t need a degree to know what you’re putting on your skin. Use this list to audit your current routine and see if your products truly align with the values you hold.”
Tania Cibulskis – Founder & Formulator Scenturie Natural Skincare
Check Your Labels: Is There Hidden Animal Fat in Your Bathroom Cabinet?
The Vegan Skincare Cheat Sheet: 5 Common “Hidden” Animal Ingredients:
Many skincare labels are written in “science-speak” to hide the origin of their ingredients. Use this list to audit your current bathroom cabinet:
Squalene (with an ‘e’): Traditionally sourced from shark liver oil.
The Vegan Swap: Scenturie uses Squalane (with an ‘a’), 100% derived from olives.
Lanolin: The grease from sheep’s wool. It’s a common emollient but can be highly comedogenic (pore-clogging) and a known allergen for many.
Collagen: Almost exclusively derived from fish scales or bovine (cow) hide.
The Vegan Science: We use plant-based peptides and Vitamin C-rich oils (like Cacay) to stimulate your skin’s own collagen production naturally.
Caprylic Acid: Often sourced from cow or goat milk.
The Scenturie Way: We use the coconut-derived version for a silky, non-greasy finish.
Oleic Acid: Can be derived from animal fat (tallow).
The Botanical Alternative: We source our Oleic acid from high-quality cold-pressed oils like Argan and Avocado.
At Scenturie, we’ve done the vetting for you. Every bottle is 100% plant-powered, with zero hidden animal byproducts. Shop the Vegan Collection.
Your Skin is Starving for Nutrients, Not Fillers
Conventional skincare often uses animal byproducts like collagen, lanolin, or tallow because they are cheap “fillers.” The problem? These molecules are often too large to actually penetrate your skin. They sit on top, feeling greasy while your deeper layers remain thirsty.
Plants, however, are biological powerhouses. When we formulate in small batches at Scenturie, we use:
Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: To “re-inflate” dehydrated cells.
Bakuchiol: The “gentle sister” to retinol that smooths fine lines without the chemical burn.
Native NZ Extracts: Like Pohutukawa and Kawakawa, which soothe inflammation at a cellular level.
The Result in the Mirror: Your skin stops looking “coated” and starts looking alive.
The Wellness Link: Reduce Your “Body Burden”
Your skin is your largest organ. Within seconds of application, what you put on your face enters your bloodstream.
Many non-vegan products rely on synthetic stabilisers, parabens, and phthalates to mask the scent of animal-derived ingredients (like the distinct smell of tallow). These are known endocrine disruptors. By switching to vegan skincare, you are essentially “detoxing” your daily routine. You’re reducing your exposure to toxins and letting your body’s natural healing mechanisms take the wheel.
A Kinder Footprint (Without the Guilt)
It’s no secret that animal agriculture is a heavy weight on our planet—from water consumption to CO2 emissions.
Choosing vegan skincare is one of the easiest ways to lower your personal carbon footprint. But it goes deeper than that. At Scenturie, we prioritise sustainable sourcing. We don’t just want to save the animals; we want to save their habitats. When you buy a Scenturie bottle, you’re supporting biodiversity and ethical small businesses right here in New Zealand.
“How Do I Start Without Binning Everything?”
I get it. Transitioning can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to clear out your cupboards overnight.
The Scenturie Strategy for a Vegan Glow:
The “One-In, One-Out” Rule: When your current cleanser runs out, replace it with a vegan one. It’s less waste and less stress.
Read the “Fine Print”: Look out for “hidden” animal ingredients like Carmine (crushed insects), Guanine (fish scales), or Stearic Acid (often animal fat).
Start with the “Hero”: If you only change one thing, make it your Serum. Because serums penetrate the deepest, this is where a vegan, toxin-free formula makes the biggest impact.
Scenturie: Crafted with Intention, Not Just Ingredients
We don’t do mass production. We do small-batch, intentional skincare. Every bottle of Scenturie is 100% vegan, 100% cruelty-free, and 100% focused on your skin’s health.
We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. We’ve sourced the botanicals, so you can just enjoy the glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is vegan skincare as effective as traditional products? A: Many people worry they’re sacrificing results for ethics. In reality, plant-based actives like Bakuchiol and Botanical Hyaluronic Acid are often more biocompatible with your skin than animal-derived alternatives. Because these plant molecules are smaller and more “bio-available,” they penetrate deeper to repair damage rather than just sitting on the surface.
Q: I have very sensitive skin; will these botanicals cause a reaction? A: Actually, this is where vegan skincare shines. Conventional products often use harsh synthetic fragrances or stabilisers to mask the scent of animal byproducts (like tallow or lanolin). By removing those animal ingredients and the chemicals needed to process them, we create a much “cleaner” formula that is significantly less likely to trigger rosacea, eczema, or irritation.
Q: Does ‘Vegan’ always mean ‘Natural’? A: Not always, and that’s a great catch. Some brands use synthetic lab-made chemicals that are technically vegan but not great for your “body burden.” At Scenturie, we go a step further: we are 100% Vegan AND 100% Plant-Based. We don’t just avoid animal harm; we embrace the full, raw power of nature.
Ready to make the switch that your skin (and the planet) will thank you for?
You’ve spent years wondering if your skincare is doing more harm than good. It’s time for a routine that aligns with your heart. Explore our collection of high-performance, award-winning, plant-based essentials and feel the difference of an ethical glow.
