These are the 5 natural ingredients you need on your radar…
We have a lot to thank nature for. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the natural world around us is responsible for the general function of planet earth. It’s no wonder the power of nature has seeped into the skincare space, with many beauty products harnessing nature’s finest ingredients, in an attempt to promote stronger, healthy-looking skin.
The world of natural ingredients isn’t the easiest to navigate. Many products out there have tapped into nature’s benefits, making it difficult to know where to start, let alone which formulas are worth investing your money in. No strangers to natural formulas, we’ve cherry-picked our top 5 natural-origin ingredients to effortlessly transform your skincare routine.
Algae
Marine-derived ingredients are on the rise in skincare products because of their high water retention, making them a driving force for hydration. The most common algae used in skincare is macro-algae, also known as seaweed, and micro-algae (single cell microscopic organisms). Although there are over 20,000 different varieties of algae growing in the oceans, there are three main ones used by skincare companies, each with powerful benefits for your skin.
Brown algae is excellent at fighting free-radical damage, making it great to use if you live in a city and your skin is exposed to pollution, or if you’ve had a little too much sun. It’s the best algae for promoting collagen production, which helps improving fine lines and boosting youthful-looking skin.
Red algae is an all-round skincare hero, helping to absorb harmful UVA rays and shielding your skin against environmental aggressors. Keep blemishes at bay with this standout natural ingredient thanks to its incredible anti-microbial properties.
Green micro-algae contain a key phytochemical called astaxanthin, which is one of nature’s most powerful ingredients, designed to rejuvenate any complexion.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a natural skincare gem, cherished for its incredible versatility and skin-loving benefits. Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, this golden oil closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it a perfect moisturiser for all skin types. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores, making it ideal even for blemish-prone skin. Rich in vitamins E and B-complex, jojoba oil soothes, nourishes, and protects, while its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritation. Whether you're looking to hydrate dry skin, balance oil production, or enhance your glow, jojoba oil is a must-have in any natural skincare routine.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is the skincare superstar your routine has been missing! Packed with vitamins A and C, this golden elixir works wonders on your skin. Think of it as nature’s retoucher - smoothening the look of fine lines, helping to fade scars, and brightening your complexion like a pro. Cold-pressed from the seeds of wild rose bushes, rosehip oil is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, making it perfect for all skin types. Its fatty acids help lock in moisture, giving you that dewy, lit-from-within glow. Whether you’re aiming to turn back time or simply boost your skin’s radiance, rosehip oil is the little bottle of magic you’ll love!
Shea Butter
Loved for its hydrating and restorative properties, shea butter is often included in moisturisers and balms to nourish the skin and leave it feeling soft and supple. Rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, shea butter is a natural ingredient, extracted from the shea nut, which improves your skin's natural collagen production. To enrich dry, lacklustre complexions, shea butter-infused products are a must-have in your daily routine.
Witch Hazel
Helping to fight blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads and more, this shrub has been used by the Native Americans for centuries to cure several skin ailments and complaints. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to remove excess oil, witch hazel acts as an astringent, which helps to shrink large pores and relieve redness. It’s important to do a patch test before going all in to ensure that your skin isn’t irritated by this potent ingredient.
From a young age I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry, getting my first job at a skin clinic and staying there for almost 5 years. My love for skincare was born from the constant exposure to new French pharma skincare products, award-winning supplements and revolutionary techniques to snatch your face. My go-to look is a dewy, natural base using a tinted moisturiser, enhanced by a colourful eyeliner. The Garnier SPF50+ Face Fluid and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer are my holy grails.