No one wants chemical warfare taking place on their precious, sensitive skin and you don’t want to put ingredients you can’t pronounce in your body. We certainly don’t want those ingredients on our bodies either because our bodies absorb the things that go on our skin. This absorption can cause problems if you’re not using natural skin care products.

Natural skin care products list organic, safe ingredients for use on our largest organ, our skin. They are naturally friendly and suitable for sensitive skin of all ages.

Your hunt for non-toxic, organic beauty products stops here. You will learn what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for the best natural beauty products. And finally, if you’re a DIY’er, you’ll learn how to make your own skin care goodies from the comfort of your own home.

What’s So Great About Natural Skin Care Products?

To ensure that you are not putting poison into your body, the use of natural skin care products should be a priority in your skin care routine. Normal beauty products use chemicals for added fragrance or to increase the shelf-life of a product. Ultimately this is not good for our body or skin. The same way that food is our body’s fuel, natural skin care products are the skin’s nourishment, so it should come from high-quality ingredients.

Laws surrounding personal care goods and cosmetics are non-existent for the most part. Store-bought beauty products aren’t actually required to go through rigorous testing or clinical trials. Crazy, right? In reality, the approval process is simple. As a result, this leaves the door open to companies whose only concern is getting in your wallet.

You’ll find nasty fillers in some beauty products. For example, you probably see things like mineral oils lining drugstore shelves. In short, this is the stuff of nightmares. It will clog pores. In fact, they even increase wrinkles and blemishes.[1]

Artificial fillers are harmful when used on our skin. From lotions to scrubs to cleansers, always follow the number one all-natural skin care rule: Avoid toxic chemicals.

As you know, putting chemicals on your body can cause a host of problems, such as:

Infertility

Almost 8 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 struggle with getting or staying pregnant.[2] Exposing our bodies to toxins found in some skin care products can, unfortunately, lead to sterility in both men and women.[3]

Hormonal imbalances

Prolonged use of toxic beauty products can cause hormonal imbalances. Synthetic hormones are chemicals that act like hormones after being introduced into or onto the body. Sadly, they can also negatively affect the endocrine system and disrupt your natural, healthy hormonal balance.[4]

Cancer

Bisphenol, better known as BPA, is a synthetic compound hiding in almost everything. It’s so widely used, it is impossible to avoid altogether. You can, however, avoid putting it on your skin. For example, this chemical has been linked to prostate cancer, and even breast cancer.[5]

Chemical burns and allergic reactions

Have you ever bleached or colored your hair? Have you ever gone a little too far with it? You suddenly feel a tingle or burn begin before quickly rinsing out your hair and crossing your fingers? You must be careful when putting chemicals on your scalp. Similarly, you need to watch out for the rest of your skin as well. Even if you have never been sensitive to a product before, time marches on. Your body goes through changes. You never know how your skin will react to something new. Natural skin care products are far less likely to cause painful reactions or problems.

Irregular periods

There are many reasons you might stop getting a period. Unfortunately, it can be a sign of infertility.[6] Moreover, chronic stress, low body weight, or poor diet can cause missed periods.[7] In other words, additives in beauty products can be a root cause of many of those ailments. This is why it is super important to avoid toxic fillers and chemicals if you are suffering from irregular periods.

What to Look for in Organic Beauty Products

Besides being able to pronounce every element on the label of a beauty product, the list should also be short. Take “grocery-shopping” logic with you on your natural skin care journey. Can you pronounce the ingredient? Do you know what the ingredient is? Do you know the source?

Coconut oil

Coconut oil should be a mainstay in your kitchen, and in your shower! This lovely, silky oil is chock full of healthy minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that keep skin nourished and soft. I use it as a moisturizer. For this reason alone, it deserves a place at the top of your natural skin care products list.

Coconut oil for skin care moisturizes and smells super yummy! You can use it to remove makeup (even that stubborn waterproof mascara), and you can even shave with it. If you replace these items with coconut oil, you can save money on expensive products that contain fake junk such as shaving creams and other lotions. You can use it on your hair, on your skin, and in your morning cup of joe (trust me, you deserve that decadence!).

When shopping for coconut oil, you should no doubt splurge. Look for unrefined, extra virgin organic brands.

Raw honey

Raw honey is another pantry staple that is highly versatile. The benefits of honey are almost never-ending, especially in the world of natural skin care products and ingredients. When used on the skin it prevents wrinkles – it even prevents infection. For centuries, honey has been used in cooking and also in skin care.

Did you know there is even medical-grade honey? It is particularly helpful for healing wounds and burns. It is also great in treating skin for dandruff.[8]

With this in mind, there are a few things you should look for before purchasing honey on your organic beauty products shopping trip. First, check the label. The one and only ingredient should simply be “honey.” Second, check its origin. For example, did you know that honey comes from many different kinds of bees and flowers? In fact, it comes from all over the world. Honey that comes from different flowers will have unique flavor profiles. Even so, unless you are taking nibbles of your own honey face mask, it shouldn’t matter.[9]

Remember, there are thousands of brands of honey on the market, so read reviews before deciding what to try. You can always check out a local farmer’s market. Nothing is as good for you as honey sourced from local bees!

Fun fact: Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, recommended an elixir of honey and vinegar to soothe persistent coughs hundreds of years ago. They made this magical potion of 4 parts raw honey with 1 part vinegar.[10]

Avocado

Avocado is jam-packed with nutrition. By including avocado in a regular skin care routine, you’ll get tons of benefits. This little fruit (not a veggie!) is a must-have in your organic beauty product shopping trip.

It’s filled with tons of valuable compounds that work inside the body as well as your skin. Avocados contain antioxidants. As a result, this cute fruit prevents wrinkles and preserves glowing, youthful skin.[11]

Even if you don’t like your avocado on toast, your skin will appreciate its natural skin care benefits.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil reduces redness and fights irritation of the skin. Therefore, this a fantastic product to keep in your skin care routine.

Tea tree oil derives from an Australian plant. It’s used to treat skin infections and soothe irritation. This useful oil is an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory product. Additionally, it is a potent purifier found in many skin creams, nail tonics, and shampoos. It has the noteworthy distinction of giving its user a menthol-like cooling sensation.[12]

Make sure to look for tea tree oil in a dark brown bottle made of glass. This is because the dark brown glass will protect the tea tree oil’s integrity.

Organic tea tree oil is best when purchasing natural skin care products. It is the purest in levels of its sterile properties. For that reason, you should avoid products that contain other oils mixed in with the tea tree oil.[13]

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural skin care product for washing away bacteria that causes acne. Its beneficial properties won’t clog pores. Further, it purifies the skin.

If you’re trying to get rid of those pesky age spots, try some ACV. Using apple cider vinegar as a skin toner will help remove those dark spots. You will see marked improvement after repeated daily use.

You might think that vinegar is a drying agent, but on the contrary, adding it to a warm bath with leave your skin glowing and hydrated. For sufferers of eczema, apple cider vinegar’s anti-inflammatory properties can be used to soothe angry skin.[14]

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is such a versatile and useful organic beauty product. It soothes and heals burns like a champ. It also contains age-defying vitamins and other perks. Furthermore, aloe gel can also be used as a remedy for the opposite of a sunburn, frostbite! For this reason, you should keep an aloe plant in your house.

Aloe vera can be used to treat cold sores and other skin problems, so it is truly a winner. Because of its many uses, you should surely include it in your skin care routine.[15] At the very least, pack it up for a sunny vacation. Keep aloe in the freezer alongside the ice cubes. Chilled aloe on a sunburn is a great relief.

Aloe vera plants can be found at any gardening shop. Generally speaking, look for a healthy plant that is big and robust. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can find aloe gel at any drugstore. Above all, make sure the one and only item on the label is aloe. Be certain there is no added color, fragrance, or alcohol. It is also important to look for the International Aloe Science Council Seal for a high-quality product.

Fun fact: Adding apple cider vinegar with raw honey and all-natural salts makes a great brightening and skin toning mask.

Isn’t it funny how everything you should look for in your natural skin care products can be found in your own kitchen? This probably gives you the right idea about what to look for when choosing natural skin care products.

What to Replace in Skin Care Products

Avoiding certain chemicals is just as important as looking for high-quality ingredients in your beauty products. Buying beauty care products is easier once you understand where they come from.

High-quality natural skin care products will come from high-quality plants. Additionally, the plant will be properly processed and transported. With this in mind, you should read labels as if you are an executive chef at an organic restaurant. For instance, avoid products that are highly preserved, or that have been transported a long way. Just like farm-to-table dining, your skin care routine should include farm-to-skin ingredients.

Replace mineral oils

They may sound like something nourishing to put on your skin, but mineral oils do not come from organic plants. When a product is made with chemicals, using it on your skin will clog pores and increase wrinkles and acne. Furthermore, long-term absorption of these nasty parts in skin care products can lead to long-term problems. For example, your skin might no longer be able to rid itself of toxins. [16]

Replace mineral oils with organic beauty products that work even better, like coconut oil or olive oil. Plant-based oils like olive oil are great in natural skin care products because of their healing benefits. For example, healing wounds and preventing the aging of skin.[17]

Replace Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

SLS is a chemical used to make products wet and foamy. This toxic feature can be seen in many beauty products across the world. It has been linked to kidney damage and loss of lung function. This powerful chemical is by and large the top ingredient in products like shampoo and fruit juices. Similarly, it’s also listed as a top ingredient found in tick repellents, pesticides, plastics, and paints.[18] Yikes!

Replace SLS with natural ingredients like liquid Castile soaps. They are made from vegetable oils and full of natural goodness.

Replace Parabens

These preservatives have been shown to cause an enormous amount of health problems. This includes breast cancer, hormone problems, and even reproductive issues.[19]

In 2004, a British study showed that 19 out of the 20 women with breast tumors had traces of parabens in their bodies. This is a sign that this element in beauty products can travel through the skin and cause bodily harm. As a matter of fact, health advocates are calling for a ban on parabens in all US products. However, the FDA has not yet taken any action.[20]  

Replace this chemical with organic beauty products that are preservative free, or use antioxidants such as Vitamin E.

Replace fake colors

Color additives are made from petroleum. When shopping for natural skin care products, check the label for FD&C, or D&C (food, drug, and cosmetics.) These chemicals are believed to be a root cause of ADHD in children. It is considered so dangerous that the European Union has banned the use of them.[21] With this in mind, stay far, far away!

Replace synthetic colors with dyes that come from plants and minerals.

Replace fragrance

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database shows that fragrance mixes are presently associated with skin problems, allergies, fertility issues, and even respiratory illness.[22]

Replace beauty products with synthetic fragrances by opting for natural scents like coconut oil, lavender, or rosemary.

Replace formaldehyde

The FDA lists formaldehyde under several different names on a product label. Skin care companies use it to prevent bacteria from growing. Other health concerns are things like irritation and allergies.[23] As a result, you should keep a handy little list of all the different names these chemicals have.

Replace formaldehyde with natural preservatives such as honey or tea tree oil.

How to Make Your Own Natural Beauty Products

Here’s some good news — you probably already have everything you need for DIY skin care. Natural skin care products are easy to buy, and just as easy to make at home. These ideas will help you get started!

Avocado Face Mask

Three delicious foods make up this delightful face mask: Avocado, honey, and yogurt.

This recipe works well for: Acne relief, restoring pH balance

1. Use ¼ of an avocado and mash it up until it is free from lumps and bumps. We want it to be smooth and soft.
2. Next, add one teaspoon of plain, organic yogurt and ½ teaspoon raw honey. Stir and mix well.
3. Finally, you should have a nice even consistency you can easily apply to your face.
4. Slather this lip-smacking concoction on and leave it for as few as 10 minutes or just relax and wait until it dries. Because it is an all-natural skin care product, you don’t have to worry about leaving it to sit and soak into your delicate skin.

Fun fact: For oily skin, you can use low-fat plain yogurt instead.

Tea Tree Oil Overnight Mask

Before starting, make sure that your skin is not too sensitive to use 100% tea tree essential oil. You may experience slight irritation at first, so test a small patch of skin before using it on your entire face. Natural skin care products are best, but all skin is different.

This recipe works well for: Acne relief, rosacea, eczema

1. First, take 12 drops of 100% tea tree essential oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons of 100% pure aloe vera gel.
2. Add a ½ teaspoon of unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil.
3. And lastly, this hearty combination goes on your face at bedtime and soaks all night long.
4. Wake up and rinse with warm water and admire your new glowing complexion![24]

Coconut Sweet ‘n Salty Hand Scrub

Sometimes all the lotion in the world won’t give you baby-soft hands. That’s when you should whip up some homemade hand scrub. It is a wonderful natural skin care product.

This recipe works well for: Dry skin, cracked skin, removing odors, dull skin

1. First, blend 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 2 tablespoons raw honey together until smooth.
2. Then in a separate dish, combine ¼ cup sea salt and ¼ cup organic sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the salt and sugar. It should be a crumbly mixture.
3. Next, combine the salt and sugar with the honey and coconut oil. Stir it all up. It should smell scrumptious by now!
4. Finally, put it on! Add a dollop to your hands, rough elbows, or knees. Use it anywhere that needs softening. Scrub it all around and rinse. Your skin should smell delicious and feel silky.

If you want to, you could leave out the salt and use it as a deliciously sweet lip scrub before bedtime! Coconut and sugar are a match made in heaven. Of course, you can make up your own recipe, too. Mix and match ingredients until you find the perfect mixture.

Go All Natural with Your Beauty Products

By now you have armed yourself with enough info to shop for the right ingredients. You are well on your way to making informed choices about natural skin care. It doesn’t matter whether you decide to DIY your homemade beauty products or purchase safe, non-toxic beauty products. Either way, your skin will thank you today and for years to come.

References

• [1] “13 Best Ingredients for Your Natural Skin Care Ritual” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/natural-skin-care/
• [2] “Infertility” NCHS. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm
• [3] “7 Steps to Balance Hormones Naturally” Dr.Axe. https://draxe.com/10-ways-balance-hormones-naturally/
• [4] “7 Steps to Balance Hormones Naturally” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/10-ways-balance-hormones-naturally/
• [5] “How Endocrine Disruptors Destroy Your Body + The Dirty Dozen to Avoid” D. Axe. https://draxe.com/endocrine-disruptors-how-to-avoid-excess-estrogen/
• [6] “8 Reasons for Missed or Irregular Periods” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/irregular-periods/
• [7] “8 Reasons for Missed or Irregular Periods” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/irregular-periods/
• [8] “Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.” NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
• [9] “Honey Types” The Nibble. http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/honey/types4.asp
• [10] “Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect”NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
• [11] “Avocado Benefits: The Most Nutrition-Packed Food on the Planet?” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/avocado-benefits/
• [12] “Tea tree oil.” NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22653070
• [13] “Terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol (tea tree oil components) inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 on human macrophages.” NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947163
• [14] “Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect”NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
• [15] “Aloe Vera Benefits: Heal Skin, Constipation & Immune System”Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/aloe-vera-benefits/
• [16] “13 Best Ingredients for Your Natural Skin Care Ritual” Dr.Axe. https://draxe.com/natural-skin-care/
• [17] “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils” NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
• [18] “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” NLM. https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+1315
• [19] “Should People Be Concerned about Parabens in Beauty Products?” Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/
• [20] “Should People Be Concerned about Parabens in Beauty Products?” Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/
• [21] “Color Additives: FDA’s Regulatory Process and Historical Perspectives” FDA. https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/RegulatoryProcessHistoricalPerspectives/default.htm
• [22] “Fragrance” EWG. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702512/FRAGRANCE/#.Wz-09NIzpPY
• [23] “FORMALDEHYDE AND FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES” Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/formaldehyde/
• [24] “Tea Tree Oil for Acne DIY Recipe” Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/tea-tree-oil-for-acne/