In previous blogs we have looked at why using natural skincare as well as what is a natural skincare.
In this blog let’s take a look at the ingredients you are likely to find in a natural skincare.
We know what we don’t want - synthetic and chemical ingredients which are likely to affect our health. Some of them are synthetic fragrances, genetically modified ingredients, parabens, microplastic, sodium Laurel Sulfate, phtalates, toluene, polyethylene glycol known as PEG, formaldehyde, triclosan, petroleum ingredients, methylisothiazolinone known as MIT, mineral oil. This list is likely to grow over time (sorry to say). Stay informed as the landscape for the skincare industry changes with more researches being done.
There are very little regulation relating to skincare. Which means that doing your own regulation is a good idea. When choosing beneficial natural skincare, it is up to you. Is what offered honest, clean and beneficial?
Once this is said and done we do want ingredients which will benefit our skin.
Let’s consider the main elements entering in the composition of natural skincare which are beneficial for you.
Base ingredients -
Liquid: Ideally it is purified water, the more water used in the formulation the lighter the consistence of the end product will be which means you are paying for water. Something to keep in mind when selecting a skincare.
Glycerine: vegetable origin helps to give a rich texture to the end product.
Emulsifier: beeswax or vegetable emulsifier it binds the water element of the formulation to the oil part.
Base oil: almond, apricot, olive, sesame, sunflower
Rich oil: avocado, argan, jojoba, macadamia, coconut
Natural preservatives: citrus seed extract, rosemary extract, vitamin E (be sure it is non GMO origin). Helps to extend the shelf life of the products.
Active ingredients -
Infused oil: plant material which have been infused in an oil to extract the beneficial qualities such as carrot, calendula, comfrey, chickweed, plantain, lavender being a few of them.
Butter: shea, coconut
Botanicals: Botanicals can be extracted in alcohol or made into an infusion. Examples are calendula, comfrey leaves, comfrey root, chamomile, marshmallow.
Clay: white, pink, yellow, green can be added especially to mask. They help to draw impurities, dust and pollutant.
Essential oil: they can come in different form such as pure or diluted in a carrier oil.
Floral water: made from the evaporation collected while extracting essential oil. Can be part of the liquid element of the formulation.
Origin -
When selecting a natural skincare consider the origin of the ingredients, how much they have travelled, if they have been irradiated or fumigated when coming into the country, if they are from ethical source.
Cruelty free and parabens free is nice yet not sufficient these days. Look at the complete list of ingredients not just the ‘active’ or ‘benefical’ ingredients. If not clear about something ask questions. It is your body and your health, short, mid and long term. Let's make choices which enhance our lives.