Ingredients extracted from nature are gaining increasing importance in cosmetics. By now, you’ve probably come across labels that classify products as natural, ecological, bio, or organic. And while it can be challenging to distinguish them, they typically share natural components and, often, an environmentally friendly production method.

What’s important in both natural and ecological cosmetics are the ingredients. Currently, there is no public regulation that clearly defines when cosmetics can be labeled as natural, bio, ecological, or organic. However, there are private standards that govern such products and have been developed by specialized entities in the industry.

For instance, there is a consensus that natural cosmetics are products that use raw materials of natural origin, have undergone a simple subsequent transformation process with minimal intervention of additives or chemical alterations, and have used only processes that are not harmful to the environment and people’s health.

Natural cosmetics and ecological cosmetics are not the same. The former uses raw materials of natural origin, while the latter requires compliance with organic farming standards.

They share a common foundation: the type of ingredients they use. And what are those ingredients? All kinds of vegetable oils, essential oils, hydrosols, waxes, butter, natural plant extracts, as well as mineral ingredients like clays or salt, among others.

Here, we share a list of the most common ones and their benefits so that when choosing the best organic skincare products, you can do so consciously, understanding exactly what you’re about to apply to your skin and its potential consequences.

Aloe Vera

It’s one of the most valuable and widely used plants in cosmetics due to its numerous benefits for the skin and hair, thanks to its high content of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.

The gel inside the plant’s leaves is used as a valuable skin remedy. This gel acts by creating a protective and refreshing layer that provides and retains moisture. Aloe vera contains over 95% water and more than 200 nutrients essential for the body.

Chia Seed Oil

It’s a plant source of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that help increase collagen production, acting as an anti-aging agent. Omega-3, besides regulating hormonal stress, combats wrinkles, acne, and imperfections, and leaves the skin looking smoother and younger.

Currently, chia seed oil is widely used in natural cosmetics, and its oil is extracted through cold pressing of these seeds.

Macadamia Oil

This oil contains oleic, linoleic acids, sterols, and antioxidants that soothe and deeply nourish the skin. Additionally, it’s super effective for hair rejuvenation without clogging pores, as it’s very similar to the human sebum. It’s said to be ideal for regenerating split ends and fighting frizz. It hydrates and strengthens the hair, preventing its loss.

Macadamia oil is obtained from cold-pressing the nut’s meat.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is ideal for dry skin, with great regenerative power and qualities for gaining flexibility and softness. It’s an excellent moisturizer and contains vitamins A, D, E, and F.

This ingredient is obtained from the fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, native to Africa.

Rosehip Oil

Recommended by surgeons to improve healing processes, as it’s a powerful skin regenerator that enhances hydration. It’s also a great ally against acne and useful for eliminating scar traces. Additionally, it’s considered a good agent against stretch marks.

Argan Oil

This oil has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. With a high percentage of essential fatty acids (80%) and antioxidant tocopherols (vitamin E), it’s one of the most sought-after ingredients for skin, hair, and nails, and for combating free radicals responsible for premature aging. It’s commonly called “liquid gold.”

Clay

Clay is often used for masks, natural creams, and baths. The basic composition of different types of clay is very similar. However, the higher presence of a specific mineral or its evolutionary state results in different colors with certain applications (white, red, green).

It’s a substance rich in a multitude of minerals that have a soothing effect, regenerate the skin, and stimulate the circulatory system. It’s widely used in rejuvenating treatments, anti-acne remedies, for poor circulation, and for sensitive skin.

Rosemary Extract

Rosemary acts as a potent antioxidant, and its extract protects the skin against free radicals, responsible for skin aging. Rosemary has been used for a long time as a healing remedy due to its anti-inflammatory nature and antiseptic ingredients.

Avocado Oil

This vegetable oil is obtained by cold pressing the pit and pulp of the avocado. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, proteins, and minerals, it contains vitamins E, A, B2, and B3. It’s claimed to have a protective and regenerating effect, preserving the skin from external agents. It also acts as an emulsifier.

Chamomile Extract

Extracted from chamomile flowers, chamomile extract has been used for thousands of years for various medicinal purposes. Chamomile extracts are used in cosmetic products for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, especially suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.

When acquiring products, you’ll find a wide variety of recipes and brands. The range of beauty products for women is extensive, which is why it is important to be informed about the characteristics, benefits, and contraindications of what we are interested in incorporating into our skincare routine.