The popularity of natural and organic beauty products continues to grow. With a greater number of options on your list, you’d want to find more information about your product choices. What ingredients should you look for in cosmetics labels? Which products can work according to your needs?
To answer your questions without getting confused by the wealth of resources you may find, here’s an infographic featuring the list of natural beauty ingredients that you need to know from A to Z!
The ABC of Natural Beauty Ingredients
A
ALOE VERA
A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that offers protection from oxidative damage. It helps remove dead skin cells to allow healthy substances to penetrate the skin.
ARGAN OIL
Also known as the beauty industry’s ‘liquid gold’, argan oil offers an abundant source of Essential Fatty Acids and vitamin E. It offers extreme protection against environmental radicals while boosting skin elasticity, hydration, and repair.
B
BEESWAX
A water-resistant ingredient used in lip balms, lipsticks, moisturisers and mascara that works as a suitable replacement for alcohol. It boosts hydration to keep skin soft, supple, strong, and protected from environmental radicals. Best used to relieve chapped lips, cracked heels, and diaper rash.
C
COCONUT OIL
One of the most outstanding beauty ingredients with long shelf life, coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants that preserve a youthful glow and protects skin and hair from damages.
COLLAGEN
An anti-aging ingredient used in beauty products to support the need of older people to have a firm and toned skin.
DID YOU KNOW:
Upon reaching the age of 25, collagen production is reduced with an approximate rate of 1.5% less each year.
D
DIMETHICONE
A popular beauty ingredient for skin protection. It aids in preventing moisture loss to keep wrinkle formation at bay.
E
EMOLLIENTS
Commonly used to keep the skin smooth, soft and hydrated. Emollients appear as waxy lubricants and come in the form of lotions, creams or ointments.
F
FERULIC ACID
Used as an antioxidant, this natural beauty ingredient helps delay the aging process by working against the damaging effects of free radicals.
G
GLYCOLIC ACID
As one of the natural beauty ingredients that is easily absorbed by the skin, it effectively treats acne, blackheads, oily skin and other related issues. Glycolic acid also works great as an exfoliant as it helps get rid of dead skin cells.
H
HYALURONIC ACID
A dependable beauty ingredient commonly found in serums and is known to support the need for an intense boost in skin moisture.
TIP: When choosing beauty products with Hyaluronic Acid, choose those with at least 1% hyaluronic acid content for best results.
I
INOSITOL
Commonly mistaken as a B vitamin due to their resemblance. Inositol is another ingredient that can be produced within the human body and works by replenishing skin cells and nourishing thicker and healthier hair.
J
JOJOBA OIL
A miracle skincare ingredient, this natural beauty ingredient is known to cleanse, moisturise, and improve skin elasticity. Aside from its anti-aging effects, it is also used for the relief of chapped lips, dry hands and cuticles, eczema, scalp psoriasis, hair loss and dryness.
JASMINE
A fragrant natural beauty ingredient also referred to as the “King of Flowers”. Aside from being a popular ingredient used in perfumes, it helps in treating dry skin and also offers therapeutic effects with its scent that can uplift one’s spirit.
K
KERATIN
This beauty ingredient is a type of protein naturally found in the hair, nails and skin’s outer layers. It comes with strengthening capabilities that make it suitable in adding a layer of protection against environmental damages.
L
LIPIDS
Often labeled as ceramides and fatty acids, lipids act as anti-aging components that preserve skin barrier while effectively keeping the skin supple, nourished and properly hydrated.
LACTIC ACID
This beauty ingredient is a savior for those experiencing acne and blocked pores. It exfoliates the skin to remove its dead layers and eliminate congestion in pores.
M
MYRRH ESSENTIAL OIL
With its medicinal properties, this beauty ingredient effectively offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that support wound healing and boost skin protection.
MANUKA OIL
Known as the ‘miracle skin protector’, it comes with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which make it a natural beauty ingredient that can help in the treatment and prevention of acne. It also comes with anti-aging properties that help in delaying skin aging.
N
NIACINAMIDE
A potent skincare ingredient also referred to as Vitamin B3 that helps in improving the general appearance of the skin by keeping it moisturized and protected. Niacinamide is also effective in the restoration of skin elasticity and reduction of skin blemishes.
O
OLIVE OIL
With an abundance of polyphenols, amino acid derivatives and strong antioxidants, olive oil is a natural beauty ingredient that can nourish and hydrate skin while providing added protection against harsh environmental factors.
TIP: Use olive oil as a quick fix for problems with brittle cuticles or nails, dry and damaged hair-ends, and even diaper rash.
P
PEPTIDES
A common component of skincare products used for problems with aging skin. Peptides boost collagen production while penetrating the deeper layers of the skin to deliver other ingredients that can provide the nourishment it needs.
Q
QUERCETIN
With deep anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this multitasking ingredient helps keep the skin firm and supple as it facilitates skin regeneration, repair, and protection against oxidative stress. Use it as a quick treatment for skin allergies.
R
ROSEHIP OIL
A natural beauty ingredient used since the ancient times, this essential oil packs vitamins, antioxidants, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids that are responsible for the correction of dark spots, skin moisturization, and reduction of scars and fine lines.
DID YOU KNOW: Aside from its anti-aging effects, rosehip oil is also a preferred choice for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
S
SHEA BUTTER
Popularly known as the “skin superfood”, this natural beauty ingredient is rich in fatty acids which make it a suitable component for the treatment of dry knees and elbows. With an SPF of 6, it also offers natural protection against UV rays.
T
TURMERIC
One of the oldest beauty ingredients with a trove of benefits. It offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in skin detoxification. Not only can it bring out your beautiful glow, but it also helps facilitate wound healing and improves cell health.
DID YOU KNOW: Curcumin, a chemical compound present in turmeric, when applied to skin works as a natural antioxidant that helps control and reduce UV damage, as well as clear acne.
U
UREA
For the treatment of excessively dry skin conditions, skin care products like creams and lotions are treated with around 5% to 10% of urea. This ingredient helps in the restoration of healthy skin by trapping moisture and keeping its balance.
V
VITAMINS A, C, AND E
Vitamins are essential in keeping the skin protected against damages caused by free radicals, as well as aging signs. With regular use, it moderates the impact of external oxidative stressors that cause premature skin aging.
W
WITCH HAZEL
A plant-based ingredient that is commonly used in health and beauty products. It comes with powerful astringent and antioxidant benefits that promote skin healing damaged skin, cure acne, and prevent skin cancer.
TIP: Use this for the reduction of puffy eyes, lip and gum protection, as well as sunburn relief.
X
XYLITOL GLUCOSIDE
This natural beauty ingredient is actually a sugar extract of wood. It helps prevent moisture loss by binding moisture. It also contributes to maintaining a soft and smooth feel by keeping it within the deep layers of the skin.
Y
YLANG YLANG
Aside from being used as an essential oil for beauty products, this ingredient also has an effect on energy levels, heart health, and emotional wellness. It energizes skin while facilitating a relaxed mind and body and also known as a quick fix for hair loss and discolored skin.
DID YOU KNOW: Ylang Ylang has been used for decades as one of the key ingredients in the popular Chanel No. 5.
Z
ZINC
Researches revealed that this ingredient effectively cures a range of conditions because of its skin healing properties. While it is a known treatment for acne and inflammation when used in cosmetics, it can help trap moisture in the skin and boost cellular metabolism.
ZINC OXIDE
Known for its broad-spectrum UV properties, Zinc oxide works as a natural sunscreen. It comes with light absorbing and reflecting properties that make it the safest and most effective natural sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays.
