When it comes to skin health, there are a few key nutrients to ensure you are getting enough of. Some protein powders have more of these nutrients than others. Before we get into the actual protein powders, let us first review the nutrients important for skin health.
Vitamin E is a key antioxidant that helps prevent skin aging and reduce the effects of UV rays. Vitamin E is in many nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
Vitamin C is another key antioxidant that not only helps prevent skin aging but it also helps with collagen formation to make skin appear plump and reduce fine lines and wrinkles (which is why we love this Vitamin C Serum for faces).
Vitamin D can help psoriasis and helps with overall skin tone. Because many people are deficient in Vitamin D, it is likely beneficial to take a vitamin D supplement. None of the vegan protein powders we are reviewing (or any that we could find on the market) have Vitamin D so it could be important to make sure you are getting enough.
There are many other vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin K, iodine, and zinc but for today’s purposes, we’ll be sticking to the first three vitamins.
7 Best Vegan Protein Powders for Your Skin
7. OWYN 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein
What We Love: It’s a simple and straightforward vegan protein powder for your skin that relies on whole foods that is free from the top 8 allergens including dairy, soy, gluten, peanut, and egg. This non-GMO protein powder packs in essential vitamins and minerals for your skin that will leave your skin glowing head to toe. The essential amino acids ensure proper skin and muscle regeneration and the high omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve overall skin quality and tone. Check out OWYN 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein HERE.
Considerations: There are 400mg of sodium per serving which helps it taste great but can be quite a bit if you are on a lower sodium diet or you need to be considered about the amount of sodium in a supplement shake as this is near the recommendation of about 500mg of sodium per meal. And if you have a problem with excess salt, that can actually cause you to accumulate fluid – which would certainly take away from that glowy skin look!
6. Amazing Grass Vegan Protein and Kale Protein Powder
What We Love: With a full serving of greens per serving like kale, alfalfa, and wheat grass, these superfood greens will add vitamin A, K, and potassium to your diet to help your skin stay radiant. The whopping 20 grams of plant-based protein will help you stay satiated and satisfied in between meals. Amazing Grass has many protein powders but the full serving of greens is an added bonus in this variety! Find Amazing Grass Vegan Protein and Kale Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: The container doesn’t come totally full so it does feel like there’s some empty space that is not well utilized but it’s still one of the better protein powder options out there – especially when it comes to greens for your skin.
5. Vegansmart Vegan Protein Powder
What We Love: Like many vegan protein powders, with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this non-GMO option helps skin repair and provides a skin defense. The whole foods included in Vegansmart add antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a total of 23 vitamins and minerals! Now if that’s not enough to get your skin glowing, I’m not sure what is! Find Vegansmart Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: Inulin from chicory is added as a prebiotic fiber that not everyone, especially individuals with IBS can tolerate well. Many people have no issues digesting and breaking down this fiber and for other people it is highly fermentable resulting in flatulence.
4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Powder
What We Love: With a bit more protein (22 grams per serving), Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Powder comes from USA grown peas and 13 raw sprouts. This means that the protein is clean and is also easily digestible. The soy free, gluten free, and organic vegan protein has little additives which means better for you and your skin. With the raw food, this Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Powder is a good source of vitamin A, D, E, and K. Find Garden of Life Raw Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Powder has 3 billion CFU probiotics per serving (which is great!) but this is at the time of manufacturing and there will likely be less by the time you consume the product. This is not a huge point but just a consideration and I wouldn’t rely on the probiotics in this product for your gut health – however the fiber and plant-based foods are still very helpful and prebiotic.
3. Amazing Grass Protein Superfood: Vegan Protein Powder
What We Love: This comprehensive protein powder has whole fruits and vegetables to help support healthy skin – this includes 7 alkalizing greens that can help remove imperfections caused by certain imbalances. With two full servings of fruits and vegetables per serving PLUS 20 grams of protein per scoop, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood: Vegan Protein Powder is a true superstar in the protein powder world. Check out Amazing Grass Superfood HERE.
Considerations: It can be a bit on the chalkier side compared to some other protein powders but then again, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood: Vegan Protein Powder does pack quite the nutritional benefit.
2. EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder
What We Love: This protein powder from EarthChimp tastes great! The chocolate is especially tasty when mixed with a frozen banana and a few dates – tastes like a healthy version of chocolate ice cream. That makes this vegan protein powder more versatile than just your standard protein powder. With great sources of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder is a great choice for your skin and your body. Find EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: Like a few other protein powders, EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder uses chicory or inulin fiber to provide prebiotics which may not be tolerated by those individuals with IBS or IBD as it is a highly fermentable fiber that can cause gas and bloating. However, if you do tolerate inulin, it’s a great prebiotic fiber that can help support your gut microbime and thus support your skin.
1. KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
What We Love: KOS Protein Powder has a lovely creamy vanilla flavor with coconut milk and vanilla. There’s enough sweetness but also not too much with the help of Himalayan Pink Salt. It’s a delicious protein powder that has whole foods that contribute to a healthy skin and a healthy body. The USDA organic vegan protein powder is plum full of vitamins and minerals to help soothe and balance your skin without any hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics that would be found in whey and other protein powders. Find KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: Because nearly every ingredient is certified organic, KOS is a bit pricier than other vegan plant-based protein powders but one might say that you are paying for high quality healthy ingredients for your skin, hair, and body and there is a premium to that.
There you have it…the seven best protein powders for your skin that are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin A, C, D, and E to help tone your overall complexion while fighting against free radicals that can damage your skin over time. Have you tried any of these protein powders? If so, which one is your favorite?? If not, which one are you excited to try out on your plant-based journey??