Back to Basics: The Best Natural Beauty Products

With a heavy following in the natural, organic and “green” sector, it’s no surprise that more women are taking a back-to-basics approach when it comes to beauty. These days, we […]

NewBeauty Editors
NewBeauty Editors
About NewBeauty

Published: Apr 20, 2015 Updated: Mar 10, 2022

With a heavy following in the natural, organic and “green” sector, it’s no surprise that more women are taking a back-to-basics approach when it comes to beauty. These days, we are so focused on living clean, so why should the products we use be any different? This simplistic take need not be segmented exclusively to all-natural or purely organic products. It’s more about products that deliver results sans fillers, preservatives and harsh, irritating ingredients. Flip through for our favorite simple skin-care products—all organic or containing a high concentration of natural ingredients—and learn why you might want go back to basics.

1 / 10

Calms the Skin

Superhydrating and free of parabens, Atopalm Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream ($18) can be applied to the skin prior to your makeup to replenish lost moisture, calm irritations and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

atopalm PREVENT ACNE SCARS

2 / 10

Revives Color With Oil

Simple beauty isn’t limited to just the face—in fact, it extends to the hair, too. From Christophe Robin Hair Care comes his Regenerating Plant Oil ($55), which boasts prickly pear seed oil, a centuries-old essential fatty acid- and vitamin E–rich fruit, as a key ingredient to intensify your color and seal split ends.

christophe Robin PREVENT ACNE SCARS

3 / 10

Rejuvenates Aging Skin

New from a brand with deep roots in natural and simplistic beauty, Dr.Hauschka introduces its Regenerating Collection replete with a serum and eye, day and neck creams and body moisturizer to fight and reverse the signs of aging.

dr Hauschka PREVENT ACNE SCARS

4 / 10

Gives a Natural Finish

Packed with jojoba—a known nourisher and moisturizer— Everyday Minerals Jojoba Bases ($14.50) blend natural ingredients like mica and minerals for flawless-looking skin.

Everyday Minerals PREVENT ACNE SCARS

5 / 10

Provides Natural Sun Protection

With a history that dates back thousands of years and natural antioxidant benefits, einkorn wheat is a key ingredient in Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen ($23). This lightweight and oil-free fluid safeguards the skin and meets the new sunscreen standards set forth by the FDA.

kiehls PREVENT ACNE SCARS

6 / 10

Cleanses Naturally

A soap-free way to cleanse your skin, Pamela Bond Skin Fitness Honey Soothing Wash ($35) gently lifts away dirt and oil with a trio of antibacterial honey, vitamin-rich aloe leaf juice and the natural anti-inflammatory comfrey.

pamela Bond PREVENT ACNE SCARS

7 / 10

Pares Down Your Beauty Routine

Already a cult-classic in the UK, Japan and Europe,Konjac Charcoal Bamboo Sponges ($9) tackle acne-prone skin and blemishes without the need for an additional cleanser. Made of 100 percent vegetable fibers, the sponge (which doubles as a makeup applicator) removes excess oil and fights bacteria with charcoal, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

pumice PREVENT ACNE SCARS

8 / 10

Preps the Skin With Vitamins

RMS Beauty Oil ($74), a makeup artist must-have, is brimming with vitamin-rich oils, like jojoba, rose hip and tamanu, plus a pinch of rare herbs to create a nourishing, moisturizing and protective oil. Completely free of water, a drop or two on cleansed skin is all you need to create the perfect canvas for your makeup.

rms PREVENT ACNE SCARS

9 / 10

Maintains Your Skin’s Ph

Some cleansers can throw the skin’s pH off balance because of too many detergents or harsh ingredients. Charme d’Orient Black Soap with Eucalyptus ($21) gently exfoliates and leaves the skin feeling clean with just five ingredients.

savon Noir PREVENT ACNE SCARS

10 / 10

Delivers Pure, Simple Hydration

Following a back-to-basics approach, Simple Vital Vitamin Night Cream($11) is good for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The moisturizer, which is packed with skin-healthy vitamins and ingredients and free of irritants and dyes, nourishes skin and leaves it feeling soft.