Can you hear the rustling of the page? January 1st denotes the first page of a blank 365-page book. 

January is a time for new beginnings, new habits, and new goals. Whether it be fulfilling a New Year's resolution of hitting the gym, or partaking in "Dry January," there is a renewed sense of excitement and motivation.

As for us at Healthy Hoohoo® headquarters, January is a time to inspire our gal pals. This month, we'd like to inspire you through Veganuary, a non-profit that encourages people to try veganism for January and beyond. In true Healthy Hoohoo® style, we're putting our own spin to it and are sharing our favorite Bend-based vegan self care products. But before we do, allow us to breakdown these buzzwords.

Buzzword Breakdown

A company may tout the phrase "cruelty free," but that doesn't mean its products are vegan, and vice versa. Vegan means a product is made without any animal-derived ingredients, while Cruelty Free means said product is not tested on animals. 

 

Healthy Hoohoo's top 4 vegan self care products from Bend, Oregon

1. DANI Naturals

DANI Naturals is a Bend built company with bath, body, skin care and home products. The entire DANI Naturals product line is vegan--which is just one of the many reasons we love this company, and we think you will too. Throw your name into our Instagram giveaway for their Lemongrass Lavender Lotion and Coconut Hibiscus candle (giveaway runs from January 23rd-January 29th)!

2. AXIOLOGY

AXIOLOGY is a Bend built vegan makeup company for eyes, lips and cheeks. Made with only nine simple ingredients, their Balmies are perfect for a plant-based, minimal makeup look. Our owner, Ariana, regularly wears Clementine and Champagne! Participate in our Instagram giveaway to try to win the Strawberry and Cherry Balmies for a berry earthy vibe (giveaway runs from January 9th-January 15th)! 📷 : AXIOLOGY 

3. SmartyPits

Vegan deodorant cream is totally a thing. Bend based SmartyPits' Deodorant Cream is great for sensitive skin, and even if you go fragrance free, it still gets the job the done.

4. Healthy Hoohoo®

Did you know Healthy Hoohoo® is vegan? When Healthy Hoohoo® first came to market (way back in 2011!), there weren't many vegan products; let's be real, there weren't (m)any products in the feminine hygiene space, period. Healthy Hoohoo® is proud to say that since our inception, our products have always been vegan, or made without any animal-derived ingredients. Our entire product line is vegan, so whether you want some on-the-go wipes or prefer the silky texture of our Gentle Feminine Wash for cleansing, Healthy Hoohoo®'s got your (vegan) front and back. Now to the nitty gritty...

Do vegan cosmetics really make a difference? 

Dr. Hooman Khorasani, chief of the division of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, told TODAY.com, “Vegan products tout the same general benefits of a vegan diet in terms of reducing environmental damage and promoting kindness towards animals, but they can also be really beneficial for your skin." Vegan ingredients like aloe vera, garlic and ginger have been used for centuries due to their healing properties, he said.

Most often, vegan products are filled with thoughtful, powerful ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because they typically contain fewer ingredients, consumers have a better understanding of exactly what they're putting on their skin.

“If you can do without certain popular ingredients such as honey, elastin, lanolin and collagen, vegan skin care could be better for you especially if you have sensitive skin," Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified New York City dermatologist, told TODAY.com. "While many of the nonvegan ingredients are not harmful, when you use vegan products you probably are getting more vitamins and minerals from the ingredients that come from plants."

It's important to note that just because something is vegan, doesn't mean it may be better for you. Allergies still happen--vegan or not. 

Are all vegan products healthier than nonvegan products?

Think about this, some candies are vegan. Even many popular sodas are vegan. Does that make those items healthier than other snacks, sweets, or drinks?

“Chips are accidentally vegan, but they’re not healthy,” Sunny Subramanian with Vegan Beauty Review site told The New York Times. “It’s the same with makeup. Just because it’s vegan and cruelty-free doesn’t make it healthy. Its ingredient list can be chock-full of unhealthy chemicals and fillers.”

How to know if a product is healthy and vegan?

As a consumer, it's important to take the time to read the ingredients list and understand exactly what is in the product, and ultimately, decide if you want that ingredient on (or in) your body. Check out our blog on beauty ingredients to avoid for a great starting point on understanding what ingredients to avoid.

What do you think of our list of Bend-based vegan self care products? Be sure to throw your name into our Instagram Giveaways before they close!

Websites Cited: The New York Times, TODAY.com