Top 5 Natural Ingredients You Should Be Using On Your Skin

Natural beauty has been steadily making a comeback in our beauty routines, and for good reason. The personal care industry is effectively unregulated, which means that many commercial products today may contain synthetic ingredients that may not be as beneficial for your skin in the long run. Using natural ingredients dispel any concerns over the ingredients list, are suitable alternatives for those plagued with sensitive skin, and aid overall healthier, better skin.

But it is important to note that ‘natural’ is not synonymous with ‘better’ and not all ingredients are created equal. Ultimately, it’s important to look at what ingredients suit the needs of your skin best.

Fret not, for we’ve rounded up the top 5 natural beauty ingredients that offer a whole host benefits for your skin. Look out for these powerhouses over your next beauty purchase to give your skin that clean, radiant upgrade you’ve been coveting.

1. Argan oil to improve overall skin

Probably one of the most common skincare ingredients out there, Argan oil is certainly worth the hype. Pressed from the nut of Argan trees in Moroccan climates, Argan oil contains a unique molecular makeup that is packed with omega fatty acids, vitamin A and E, and linoleic acids. What this means is that these nutrients work to lightly moisturize your skin, soften dry patches, and even reduce acne. Plus, unlike other oils, it's non-comedogenic, so you do not have to worry about it clogging your skin and causing unwanted breakouts. Its lightweight texture is also not too heavy, nor to light, and absorbs on easily, making it suitable for our humid weather. Incorporate the oil in your routine by adding a few drops to your regular moisturiser, or look out for it in products such as in Frank Skincare’s Juicier Luxury Face Oil.

2. Honey to brighten your complexion

Have your honey and cleanse with it, too. Honey has numerous health benefits, but this sweet ingredient is also incredibly nourishing for the skin and is one of the best natural skin brighteners out there. In fact, Cleopatra was rumoured to mix honey and milk to her face masks. Honey boosts a whole host of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and skin-boosting acids, along with antimicrobial properties that accelerate healing of your skin. With regular masking and cleansing with honey, it promises to reduce breakouts and brighten your complexion. Create a natural honey mask for your face using high-grade raw or manuka honey, sourced from Australia or New Zealand, or look for a honey-based cleanser such as WANT Skincare’s Beet This Honey Cleanser.

3. Tea tree oil to combat acne

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to fight breakouts, redness, and inflammation. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal oil, which makes it one of the most popular essential oils out there. This is a great replacement for benzoyl peroxide for acne-related issues, which some may consider too strong for their skin. Try The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment, or a mask with tea tree extracts, such as Innisfree’s It's Real Squeeze Mask Tea Tree.

4. Frankincense oil for anti-ageing properties

If you’re a fan of retinol and its powerful, anti-ageing effects, but crave for something less processed, look towards Frankincense oil. Used since ancient Egypt and India for the past 5,000 years to lift, tone, and tighten skin, the ancient oil derived from the distilled resin of the Frankincense tree in Africa and the Middle East can rapidly increase cell turnover, minimize signs of wrinkles and scars, and act as a disinfectant. What’s more, it contains a luscious woody aroma that is both soothing and reinvigorating to the senses. Simply add a few drops of this essential oil to your moisturiser to reap its benefits, or look towards moisturisers that contain it, such as the Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Frankincense Intense Cream.

5. Yoghurt to hydrate and exfoliate

Yoghurt is a delicious option for breakfast or a snack, but if you haven’t been incorporating it into your skincare routine, you’re missing out. Yoghurt contains lactic acid, a great natural source of AHA, or Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, which are chemical exfoliants used to whisk dead skin cells away. This less irritating natural alternative works to resurface lacklustre skin, improve overall hydration and tone of skin, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Talk about a hard worker! It’s a great natural ingredient for anyone looking to brighten a dull complexion.Try plain, organic yoghurt in a DIY mask, or in a serum such as the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment.

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