Natural skincare is becoming the new norm thanks to its ethical and organic ingredients and its ability to truly transform even the toughest skincare cases. Made without sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and other nasty additives, natural skincare products utilize the power of nature to get the job done. But what ingredients are truly the best for your skin – and how can you include them in your routine? In this blog, you’ll learn the basics about 7 of our favorite natural skincare ingredients, if they’re right for your skin, and how to find them in EarthHero products!
What you’ll learn:
- Basic information around 7 of our favorite skincare ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and more!
- How to know what ingredients are right for dry, oily, and combination skin
- Products we love that contain these natural skincare ingredients
Rose
The basics: From rosehip oil to rosewater to sprinkling loose rose petals in baths, roses have been used in natural skincare and beauty products for centuries. From antioxidants that help tone and protect from sun damage to astringent properties that reduce inflammation and redness, there are many reasons your skin will love a product with rose in it.
Is it right for my skin? Rosewater can be used as a facial toner to soften, smooth, and calm inflamed skin. Toners are applied after washing the face and before moisturizer or you can spray it on throughout the day for an instant mood boost or a splash of energy. Rose essential oil is moisturizing and can help to reduce wrinkles and encourage glowing skin. A great ingredient for those looking to soothe and strengthen their skin for a more youthful appearance.
Products we love: Earth Harbor Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Facial Toner is a great place to start because they keep their ingredient lists short and always prioritize organic, non-GMO, and wildcrafted ingredients! Shorter ingredient lists mean you get more of what you want. The same goes for products with rose essential oil. Badger Balm Damascus Rose line of products containing rose oil or extract are a great starting point. You can feel confident in their ingredient list and organic certification!
Aloe
The basics: Aloe isn’t just for sunburns, this common houseplant can be your skin’s friend any time! Commonly known for its soothing properties, it’s no surprise that aloe is used for cooling and moisturizing cuts, abrasions, and burns. It can even be useful in calming rosacea and acne! Aloe is lightweight and hydrating, making it the perfect ingredient for skin moisturizers. It provides moisture while leaving no oily or greasy residue like some other typical lotions.
Is it right for my skin? Aloe can be used as a moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores, therefore making it suitable for all skin types. If you are concerned with dermatological issues like sensitive skin, rosacea, or acne, aloe can be useful to calm these symptoms. And of course, aloe is useful in relieving sunburns all over the body!
Products we love: For your trusty after-sun care, this Badger Balm Aloe Vera Gel is an excellent choice because it is cruelty-free, fair trade, and unscented. It will cool, soothe, and hydrate without irritating your skin even more! Little Seed Farm Goat’s Milk Facial Moisturizer utilizes aloe for its moisturizing properties to create a soothing and energizing lotion blend! From organic essential oils to sustainably and humanely raised goat’s milk, this moisturizer will renew and repair your skin with the best ingredients.
Chamomile
The basics: You might be familiar with chamomile as an ingredient in your tea cabinet, and for good reason. Chamomile is well known for easing stress, calming anxiety, and promoting relaxation. It just so happens that these properties carry over to skincare products that utilize chamomile!
Is it right for my skin? All skin types can benefit from using chamomile but those with sensitive skin are likely to see the biggest result as it is great at soothing irritated skin. Products that incorporate chamomile are also rich in antioxidants that protect the skin and keep it healthy. Those who have acne or are prone to breakouts will find chamomile most helpful. As a natural anti-inflammatory, it relieves inflammation and alleviates redness. It even helps skin recover from sun damage and can help prevent wrinkles!
Products we love: Bell Mountain Naturals Pink Theory Clay Mask is perfect for those with very sensitive skin or anyone looking to revitalize and give their skin a pick-me-up. After using this mask, your skin will be left smooth and bouncy! Badger Chamomile and Calendula Baby Oil is a safe, gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin of all ages. Made with only 4 organic ingredients, this oil will make your skin soft, supple, and silky-smooth. Now, if you are wondering if the effects of chamomile can be doubled if you use chamomile facial products and drink chamomile tea at the same time try steep & mellow Adaptogenic Organic Chamomile Tea.
Witch Hazel
The basics: Witch hazel is common in first aid kits for its ability to stop bleeding and inflammation and for its pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. It is used in beauty products for many of these same qualities. Well known for shrinking pores and firming skin, witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. Witch hazel pairs well with other soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and rose to create a perfect cocktail of natural ingredients for your specific needs!
Is this right for my skin? Because of its antimicrobial properties and ability to shrink pores and calm inflammation, witch hazel is often found in products for oily or acne-prone skin. Witch hazel can be drying for some skin types, so if this is a concern for you it’s best to look for one that includes an ingredient that can also lightly moisturize, or search for an alcohol-free version.
Products we love: Botanical Republic Radiant Hydrating Toner is a great starting place because it includes rosewater to soothe and hydrate while the witch hazel balances and refreshes your skin. It’s also alcohol-free: win-win!
Oats
The basics: Oatmeal isn’t just a healthy and hearty breakfast food or cookie mix in, it’s also excellent for use in body care products! You’d never guess by looking at it, but oatmeal is very nourishing and great at helping treat dry and irritated skin.
Is it right for my skin? Oats have benefits for all types of skin! They contain anti-inflammatory agents that can help to control redness, inflammation, and can even assist in soothing common sensitive skin concerns like eczema, rashes, and sunburns. Oats contain saponin, a natural cleansing agent, that helps remove dirt and oil from pores making it perfect for oily and combination skin. Oats also create a protective barrier over the skin, this helps it absorb and attract water, meaning it is a great moisturizer too!
Products we love: Moon Valley Organic Oatmeal Sage Cold Processed Organic Soap Bar contains organic oat powder, adding to the exfoliating and moisturizing properties of the soap. Organic and cruelty-free, you can gently scrub away dirt and oil while moisturizing your skin! For more direct application, look no further than Province Apothecary Organic Healing Eczema Treatment Balm. The concentrated, plant-derived formula delivers fast relief and the oatmeal helps soothe irritated skin while locking in moisture.
Salt
The basics: Salts contain therapeutic and nourishing minerals useful to the skin, commonly used in cleansers and exfoliators, similar to oats. Sea salt dries and cleanses the skin and is excellent for drawing out toxins. Pink salt gets its color from a high iron content and contains 80 kinds of minerals such as magnesium and calcium! Epsom salt is often used for calming muscle soreness and drawing toxins from the body.
Is it right for my skin? Salts are often found in body care products like scrubs, bath soaks, and masks. As a natural exfoliant, salt helps gently remove dead skin and draw out impurities. Harsh exfoliants, even natural ones, can be irritating for some skin types, so it is best to test how your skin reacts before committing to a product.
Products we love: Earth Harbor La Sal Mineralizing Soap Bar is made with natural and organic ingredients. Cleanse and exfoliate with the power of both Atlantic Sea Salt and Himalayan Pink Salt, while coconut oil helps condition and repair skin. If you are looking for an indulgent soak, try Waterbody Alaskan Organic Salt Bath Soak. With a blend of organic essential oils and wildcrafted Alaskan botanicals, this soak will turn your bathtub into a self-care dream.
Clay (Bentonite + Green + Kaolin)
The basics: Clay is well known for its ability to nourish skin by drawing out toxins, firming and exfoliating, and providing minerals and nutrients. There are many types of clay that can be used in skincare products. Specific properties are determined by the amount and concentration of minerals.
Is it right for my skin? Bentonite clay is very mild and therefore good for all skin types. It is soft and exfoliates well while it dries. A simple mask made of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar or water is an excellent beginner’s product! Green clay is made from decomposed plant material often found in the ocean. It is also compatible with all skin types, making it an excellent clay to try! White clay, also known as kaolin clay, is the least drying clay yet still mild and is suggested most for dry or irritated skin.
Products we love: Nash and Jones Plant Clay Face Mask utilizes green kelp clay’s cleansing and nourishing properties. Perfect for normal to oily skin, this mask is powerful enough to remove dirt and oil, while also being gentle enough for those with more sensitive skin. Earth Harbor Blue Crush Marine Perfecting Mask combines the detoxifying power of both kaolin and bentonite clay to draw out impurities, brighten skin, and promote a more even tone. Mix with water or your favorite facial mist to whip up a luxurious face mask!
Shop all of our natural skincare products here!
*Even though natural ingredients are gentler, all products should be tested for reaction on a small area of skin before using.*
This blog post was originally published August 5, 2019 and was last updated February 23, 2022.
