7 Natural Ingredients You Should Know

Going Natural

The Upside:
Some natural products are void of fillers like water and petroleum. “Water dilutes a product and petroleum suffocates skin. Using bases of fruit juices and the like allow for the other ingredients in the product to work to their full potential,” says Hopper. Natural-based skin care not only takes the worry of toxicity out of the equation, but many commonly used ingredients (fruits, aloe leaf juices and extracted oils) can help hydrate and brighten skin and decrease blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. 

The Downside:
Dr. Munavalli says, “There is a misconception that plant-derived substances are better than artificial ones. There are many natural ingredients that are allergens and could be inflammatory if not altered.” Adds Dr. Waldorf, “Anything that employs a natural aspect needs to go through a purification process. There are lots of companies that use naturals but putting something in a bottle without the proper steps doesn’t make that ingredient a true active.”

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Natural Component:
Aloe Vera
 
What It Does:
Naturally hydrates
 
Find It In:
AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion works to soothe dry skin with a blend of Dead Sea minerals and aloe vera, which together refine and smooth the texture of skin, making it softer and smoother. $24, ulta.com

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Natural Component:
Chlorophyll
 
What It Does:
Softens and purifies the skin
 
Find It In:
Green in color, Farmaesthetics Vapor Bath Elixir is like a spa in a bottle. This immunity-boosting essential oil blend works on multiple levels to relieve congestion, relax the mind and body and soften and purify the skin when added to a hot bath. $40, farmaesthetics.com

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Natural Component:
Honey
 
What It Does:
Acts as an antiseptic and antibacterial
 
Find It In:
A different way to cleanse skin, May Lindstrom The Honey Mud utilizes raw honey, plant oils and clay to remove dirt, impurities and oil yet still leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Its pudding-like consistency and chocolatey scent make the experience of washing your face enjoyable. $80, maylindstrom.com

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Natural Component:
Plant Stem Cells
 
What It Does:
Shields the skin from environmental damage to prevent premature aging 
 
Find It In:
Lightweight and truly organic, Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex Eye Gel targets dark circles and puffiness with a blend of edelweiss extract and antioxidant-rich seed oils. $49.50, intelligentnutrients.com

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Natural Component:
Willow Bark
 
What It Does:
Acts as a natural form of salicylic acid
 
Find It In:
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser purifies as it exfoliates skin, to remove oil, dirt and other pore cloggers with natural anti-inflammatories and pimple busters to limit breakouts. $75, sephora.com

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Natural Component:
Raspberry
 
What It Does:
Soothes damaged skin 
 
Find It In:
Cleverly named Drunk Elephant, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum promises not to irritate skin (manufactured glycolic acid can sometimes do this) due to a cactus enzyme blend and carefully chosen AHAs to reduce sensitivities. $90, drunkelephant.com

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Natural Component:
Japanese Seaweed
 
What It Does:
Limits melanin production 
 
Find It In:
For those who find skin brighteners such as hydroquinone too harsh, something more natural, like Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum, may do the trick. Loaded with seaweed, argan oil, white lily, pine and algae extract, this freshly scented serum lightens dark spots and discoloration from acne to deliver a more evenly toned complexion. $72, kahina-givingbeauty.com