Clean And Green: Five Plant-Based Ingredients You Really Want To See In Your Skincare

Words by Gracie Stewart

4 min read

When it comes to skincare it’s easy to assume that the best products on beauty counters are the most high-tech, but the truth is there are many plant-based ingredients that have powerful skin benefits too. Here are five natural extracts you should be looking out for next time you're on the hunt for a new product.

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality”. Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it’s one of the leading therapies for sunburns. One of the great things about Aloe Vera is it contains all the vitamins and antioxidants your skin desires and it can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Although most spot treatments tend to dry out your skin, Aloe Vera is actually known for being extremely hydrating and can even be used raw as a moisturiser. Other benefits of using Aloe Vera on your skin include anti-ageing, boosting cell turnover, and of course, soothing and healing burns or redness.

Perfect for oily skin types, Aromatherapy Associates’ Mattifying Skin Serum is designed to create a more balanced, matte complexion and is infused with orange flower water and Aloe Vera to replenish moisture, net-a-porter.com

Jojoba oil
Although often referred to as an oil, Jojoba is actually a liquid wax that closely resembles the natural oils of the skin (sebum). Best known for its moisturising properties, Jojoba helps draws moisture to the skin and adds moisture without feeling greasy. It also helps the production of the acid mantle, balancing the pH that protects skin from harmful bacteria. It contains a cocktail of nutrients and antioxidants that help to soothe skin, calm inflammation, control acne breakouts and heal sunburn. Plus, since it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores making it ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin types.

Tata Harper’s Beautifying Face Oil is enriched with softening jojoba and argan oil, soothing arnica and moisturising calendula extracts helping to leave your skin brighter, firmer and more hydrated, cultbeauty.co.uk

Neroli oil
Originating in western India, eastern Africa and the Himalayas, Neroli is derived from orange blossoms and is best known for its soothing and skin detoxifying effect on even the most environmentally stressed complexions. According to Patricia Davis, author of Aromatherapy: An A-Z, neroli oil stimulates skin cells to regenerate, giving it anti-scarring properties. Along with its regenerative qualities, neroli oil is also antiseptic and antibacterial. It is often used to rub on stretch marks, age spots and scars.

The African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil unites the phenomenal, free radical-scavenging properties of pure Marula oil with the re-balancing benefits of neroli, to neutralise the ageing effects of oxidative stress and help to counteract congestion, cultbeauty.co.uk

Marshmallow root
No, we’re not referring to the delicious sugar-laden candy, but the ingredient chock-full of benefits for your skin. Marshmallow extract comes from the Althaea plant, which is native to north Africa, Europe and west Asia. The roots of the marshmallow plant contain a thick, gummy substance called mucilage, which is extracted and used for medicinal purposes. According to dermatologists, marshmallow root can help soothe the nerve-sense system of the skin, which, in turn, reduces skin irritation. The root can also be used topically to treat wounds, burns, insect bites and dry or chapped skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallow root are also helpful in treating eczema.

The eye area is delicate and prone to sensitivity and wrinkles caused by lack of moisture, which makes marshmallow root a fantastic ingredient to address visible concerns while preventing future ones. Dr. Hauschka’s Daily Hydrating Eye Cream is formulated with rose, marshmallow and pansy to support the skin’s natural processes of renewal, basharacare.com

Rose oil
A popular ingredient in skincare, the beauty of roses extends far beyond their pride of place in the garden. For years, the delicate bloom has been recognised for its extraordinary anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Valued for its complex array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, rose oil is great for quenching dry skin and also offers astringent properties to help battle acne, redness and inflammation. The oil is versatile, too, and can be used on all skin types.

The rare Rose de Mai blooms for only three weeks during the month of May in Grasse, France and it’s the key ingredient in Chantecaille’s Rose de Mai Face Oil. The high concentration of pure plant ingredients leaves your skin more supple, dewy and healthy looking, and lessens the appearance of fine lines, net-a-porter.com

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