28 Natural Skin Care Ingredients, Uses & Benefits

For good reasons, many prefer natural skin care ingredients over chemical-based ones. Unfortunately, some of the products we find in the market contain harmful chemicals which can have adverse long-term effects¹⁰. Studies reveal that we can link some harmful chemical ingredients to skin diseases, congenital disabilities, cancer, genetic mutation, etc

With natural ingredients, you can minimize the risk of skin reactions due to chemical substances while enjoying healthy skin. 

However, with many natural skincare products in the market, keeping up with each one and the benefits they provide for your skin can take time. This article will look at some natural ingredients that can benefit your skin. Whether you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, dry skin, or combination skin, read on as we dive into some natural skincare ingredients and their benefits.    

For a list of brands that use some of these ingredients and also shun the packaging waste inherent in traditional skincare, check out our list of the best zero-waste makeup brands. We’ve also got 20 tips for zero-waste skincare

Choosing safe, natural ingredients 

With so many skincare products tagged as “natural,” you want to ensure you go for real natural ingredients that are safe for your skin. Pay attention to the ingredient list when looking for natural skin care ingredients. Ensure these ingredients are easily identifiable. 

Note not all natural products qualify as organic depending on their growing methods. predominantly the use of pesticides. As such, you may also want to look for certifications like USDA Organic or COSMOS. You also want to ensure these natural skin care ingredients are suitable for your skin type and address your specific skin problems. 

28 natural skin care ingredients for healthy skin 

Here’s a list of some of the most popular natural skincare ingredients, their uses, and their skin benefits. 

Quick links to the natural skin care ingredients we've featured:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, one of the more well-known organic skin care ingredients, is a versatile plant that you can find in many cosmetics and skincare products. The Aloe Vera plant grows in tropical climates across the world.

This natural skin care ingredient contains active substances like Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, amino acids, and salicylic acids. Aloe Vera has healing properties and can effectively treat different skin conditions¹³. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a regenerative treatment. As such, Aloe Vera is a great addition to your natural beauty routine.

Aloe Vera uses and benefits 

• The Aloe Vera gel is useful in healing wounds, cuts, and burns. The gel has skin-soothing properties that provide relief to the stinging sensation on wounds. 
• Aloe Vera intensely moisturizes the skin, giving it a healthy glow.
• Likewise, it is useful in treating acne, eczema, cold sores, and even psoriasis. 
• It protects the skin against sunburn and may also act as an anti-aging agent.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic acid)

This natural ingredient comes distilled from apples through fermentation. The fermentation process forms acetic acid, which contains antibacterial properties. It is consumable, but you can also use it on the skin or hair topically. 

Apple cider vinegar uses and benefits 

• Apple cider vinegar can be effective as a cleanser.
• It also has natural exfoliating properties that help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. 

3. Argan oil

You can use argan oil topically or orally for good hair, nail, and skin health. Manufacturers extract this plant-based oil from kernels that grow in argan trees. You will also commonly find argan oil mixed in several cosmetics and natural products like soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.  

Argan oil uses and benefits 

• Argan oil is an effective moisturizer; this is why you can find it in zero-waste lotions, hair conditioners, and soaps. It contains a large amount of Vitamin E, which further helps the skin’s water retention.  
• Argan oil has anti-inflammation properties, which can help reduce inflammation caused by acne.
• Argan oil may protect the skin from the sun’s effect. According to a study, argan oil contains antioxidants that protect the skin from the sun and prevent hyperpigmentation and burns³.
• It contains lots of Vitamin E, which can also help deal with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

4. Avocado oil

Avocado oil is a non-fragrant plant oil pressed from the pulp surrounding the avocado pip. It contains essential nutrients and phytochemicals like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B12, and D, Vitamin E, lipids, fatty alcohol, etc. 

Avocado oil uses and benefits

• Avocado oil is a replenishing plant oil that helps reduce inflammation from skin issues⁸ like psoriasis, vulvar lichen sclerosis, and other skin problems.
• Avocado oil has anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce inflammation and redness from acne.
• It is a great foundation for organic makeup.

5. Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is well known for its absorption quality. This all-natural clay absorbs toxins from your skin, leaving it clean and healthy. It is aluminum-based and contains a soft group of minerals called montmorillonite, which forms crystals commonly called clay. Manufacturers use bentonite clay for medicine and skin care purposes. 

Bentonite clay uses and benefits 

• Bentonite clay removes excess oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells from the skin.
• It removes excess sebum oil, maintaining oil balance, which additionally may lead to less acne.
• Bentonite clay may also effectively improve diaper rashes in infants.

6. Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood essential oils come from the wood, foliage, berries, and stumps of cedar trees. You will mostly find Cedarwood oil in medicine, cosmetics, and also in art. It also comes with a natural scent. However, it is important to use Cedarwood oil carefully as it can aggravate the skin.  

Cedarwood oil uses and benefits 

• Cedarwood oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which can help reduce inflammation from acne, eczema, and other skin issues.
• Cedarwood oil also contains antioxidants that help to prevent skin dullness and aging.
• It also helps balance sebum production, reducing pigmentation and breakouts. 

7. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular natural ingredients. It comes from coconut trees, which you can find in tropical locations worldwide. This natural skin care ingredient contains a few bioactive compounds like lauric acid, fatty acids, flavonoids, etc. It also contains vitamin E and has hypoallergenic properties. 

Coconut oil uses and benefits 

• Thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can reduce inflammation from skin diseases⁷ like eczema, dermatitis, cuts, and wounds
• Coconut oil can be perfect for dry skin as it improves the skin barrier and provides deep hydration and moisture. Similarly, you’ll often find it in products like zero-waste lip balm and as a base component in zero-waste sunscreen. However, without the addition of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, it doesn’t in itself provide sun protection to protect from burns that may contribute to skin cancer. 
• Coconut oil softens the skin and is an excellent face moisturizer for the skin and lips.
• Manufacturers also combine coconut oil with salts and sugars to make exfoliators. 
• Coconut oil can also work as an effective zero-waste makeup remover. All you need to do is apply some to your face and wipe with a cotton pad soaked in warm water.

8. Evening primrose oil

Primrose is a plant native to central and eastern North America. People use Evening primrose oil for medicinal and ornamental purposes. The oil contains omega fatty acids, which help to fight inflammation and treat bruises and minor wounds. 

Primrose oil uses and benefits  

• Primrose oil contains soothing properties to help smoothen and hydrate rough and dry skin.
• Furthermore, it can help reduce wrinkles and regulate sebum production. 

9. Grape seed oil

As the name suggests, this oil is extracted from grape seeds. They contain antioxidants and linoleic acid, which improves the overall health of your skin. Its anti-inflammation properties, alongside high amounts of vitamin E and omega fatty acids, also make it an effective topical treatment for the skin. 

Grape seed oil uses and benefits 

• It helps to keep your skin hydrated and can help reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
• It is non-comedogenic and is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
• It has anti-inflammation properties, which additionally work well for acne-prone skin types. 

10. Green Tea

This tea is a popular beverage worldwide and has several beneficial properties for the body. The use of this tea started in the early 12th Century in China and has quickly spread to different countries worldwide. It contains antioxidants that help to reduce aging and repair the skin. 

Uses and benefits 

• This tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
• It helps with sun protection and consequently has anti-aging benefits.

11. Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil comes from the cannabis flower. More specifically, manufacturers derive this oil from pressing hemp seed. It comes in a dark to light green color and has a distinctive nut-like scent. It contains vitamins A, B, B1, C, and E, proteins, essential amino acids, magnesium, and other minerals. Manufacturers often mix this oil with carrier oils or creams, as they can drastically reduce dryness. 

Hemp seed oil uses and benefits 

• It is a natural humectant that helps to prevent dryness and protect the upper layer of the skin’s moisture.
• It has anti-oxidant and anti aging properties to inhibit skin oxidation stress. 
• It can also help to alleviate itchy skin and soothe the skin.

Related Read: Hemp - Everything you need to know.

12. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and helps to lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. It binds up moisture and increases the water content on your skin. Although the body naturally produces this natural skin care ingredient, you can also find hyaluronic acid in foods like potatoes, avocados, soy-based foods, green vegetables, and so on. 

Hyaluronic acid uses and benefits 

• Hyaluronic acid helps with dry skin and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
• It contains anti-healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help the skin heal faster.
• It can be a source of antioxidants for your skin.

13. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is one of the most widely used natural wound treatment ingredients. It is derived naturally from a shrub that grows in the American Southwest and  Northwestern Mexico. It became a popular skincare product and certified organic in the 1970s and contains a variety of alcohol and fatty acids. Jojoba oil has a chemical structure similar to human sebum(i.e., the oil produced by the human skin), which makes it easily absorbed into the skin. 

Jojoba oil uses and benefits

• Jojoba has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties that help reduce acne.
• It contains Vitamin E, which makes it effective in combating sun damage and the appearance of scars on the skin.
• Jojoba may be effective in speeding up the healing of wounds and scars¹¹.
• Jojoba is also great for dry skin, has deep moisturizing properties, and helps balance the skin's natural oils

14. Kojic acid

Kojic acid is a natural metabolite found in most depigmentation creams, facial cleansers, serums, soaps, and cleansers. It inhibits the formation of tyrosine required for melanin production. 

Kojic acid uses and benefits 

• Kojic acid works as a skin-lightening element and effectively treats depigmentation and skin issues like melasma.
• Kojic acid also works against yeast infection, ringworm, and candidiasis thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties⁶.

15. L- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that’s popular for consumption. However, it also has great benefits for the skin and is suitable for most skin types. L- Ascorbic acid, just like other antioxidants, can break down when exposed to light or air. You want to ensure you correctly store them in an air-tight bottle or tube. 

L- Ascorbic acid uses and benefits 

• It has strong antioxidant properties that can be effective for anti-aging.
• It helps with collagen production, inhibiting melanin production and preventing your skin from sagging. 
• Vitamin C can also help with healing sores and wounds more quickly.
• With constant use, it helps improve hydration and skin tone.

16. Lavender oil

You can find the Lavender plant in different parts of the world, including Europe and North and East Africa. The Lavender essential is distilled from the plant and appears colorless. It also comes in a delightful natural fragrance making it popular in natural cosmetics.

Lavender oil uses and benefits

• Lavender oil is effective for wound healing and burns, repairing dry and chapped skin, soothing sunburn, and reducing the appearance of scars.
• It may help promote collagen synthesis and the fibroblasts of the skin⁴, the most common skin connective tissue.
• It is anti-inflammatory and reduces irritation and pain in the skin. (Note: Lavender essential oil is a potent ingredient and should be used in moderate quantities to avoid skin irritation).

17. Licorice root extract

Licorice root extract is an essential natural skin care ingredient considered one of the oldest herbal remedies. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia and is used for treating various ailments and flavoring. Licorice root extract also has many benefits for the skin, including inhibiting the production of melanin pigment. 

Licorice root extract uses and benefits 

• It has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have found licorice gel effective in treating skin issues like eczema¹², psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
• It contains glabridin, an active compound with skin-lightening properties that helps with hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone. 
• It is also useful for reducing inflammation from acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.  

18. Neroli oil 

Neroli essential oil is a natural skin care ingredient extracted from the flowers of bitter orange trees through steam distillation. It has a rich floral scent in perfumes and other scented products. You can also use Neroli oil in body lotions and cosmetics. 

Neroli oil uses and benefits 

• Neroli oil contains anti-scarring properties, which help to stimulate skin cells, making it a useful ingredient for fading dark spots, scars, and stretch marks.
• It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for reducing inflammation from pimples and acne.
• It also helps to reduce fine lines and keep all skin types hydrated.

19. Olive oil

Olive oil is a common natural skin care ingredient that goes as far back as the early 7th century BC. It is an important cooking oil in countries around the Mediterranean. However, it is not new to the beauty industry. It is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that moisturize and protect your skin.  

Olive oil uses and benefits 

• This natural skin care ingredient works as an effective moisturizer. However, you should use it in the right quantities as it can be sensitive to your skin. It is best to combine olive oil with other natural ingredients. 
• Olive oil contains antioxidants that help to fight oxidative stress associated with aging skin¹.
• Olive oil is also effective in healing burns and wounds⁹.

20. Pomegranate extract

Pomegranate is a fruit from the Middle East cultivated throughout northern India and the Mediterranean. Most parts of the Pomegranate contain beneficial nutrients, including its roots, oils, seeds, juice, bark, etc. It also contains powerful antioxidants like punic acid. 

Pomegranate extract uses and benefits 

• It protects the skin against oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.
• It may reduce the effect of sun damage and matrix metalloproteinase - enzymes that increase skin degradation.
• It helps with the regeneration and thickening of the epidermis.

21. Rosemary Extract

Rosemary extract is a woody herb known for its unique natural scent. It contains strong antioxidants which protect the skin. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent and also helps in soothing skin issues like acne and eczema.

However, because of the high concentration of fragrance compounds, this natural skin care ingredient should be used moderately (especially if you have sensitive skin) to prevent aggravation of the skin. 

Rosemary extract uses and benefits 

• Rosemary extract works as a therapeutic agent for healing wounds.
• It may reduce the harmful effects of UV rays and help prevent damage to some cells.
• It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that may serve as a natural preservative for skincare products.

22. Sandalwood 

Sandalwood is well-known for its woody fragrance. Many people use sandalwood for aromatherapy and meditation. It also comes in varieties, including East Indian Sandalwood, Pacific Islands Sandalwood, Australian Sandalwood, etc. 

The East Indian Sandalwood is the most common and has been used to treat different health problems. You can also find sandalwood in zero-waste hand soaps, body scrubs, body creams, and other natural skin care products.  

Sandalwood uses and benefits 

• Sandalwood is rich in antioxidants, which work great for reducing wrinkles. Using sandalwood oil on your skin regularly may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s youthful glow.
• Sandalwood may also be effective in reducing skin issues like acne. Applying sandalwood powder on the face can reduce excess sebum, reducing the formation of acne. 
• Sandalwood also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help heal and soothe wounds. 
• According to a study, Sandalwood may help in the prevention of cancer and other diseases on the skin².

23. Sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn oil is plant extracts from the shrubs’ fruits and seeds. You can find this shrub across Europe and Asia. Manufacturers use this ingredient for medicinal purposes. However, it also comes with major benefits for the skin.         

Sea buckthorn oil uses and benefits                      

• It is effective for treating dry and aging skin.
• It has repair and regenerative properties.
• It is also effective for skin problems like sunburn, wounds, cuts, and bed sores.
• It helps to reduce the harmful effects of acne, dermatitis, eczema, stretch marks, etc. 

24. Shea butter

Shea butter comes from the African shea tree and is a common natural ingredient in many moisturizers. It contains fatty acids and antioxidants that help hydrate the skin deeply.

Shea butter uses and benefits 

• Shea butter is excellent for soothing skin problems⁵ like blemishes, eczema, rashes, etc.
• Overall, shea butter is effective for moisturizing and protecting the skin from the environment. You’ll often find it in products such as zero-waste shampoo bars and zero-waste deodorants. 

25. Sunflower seed oil

Sunflower seed oil is a mild, non-comedogenic carrier oil that is very absorbent. It also has no fragrance and can work for all skin types, including dry, normal, acne-prone, and oily skin. It contains a high level of fatty acids, Vitamin E, squalene, and sterols. Using natural skin care products with sunflower seed oil is also a great way to enrich your skin. 

Sunflower seed oil uses and benefits 

• It helps protect the skin's outermost layer, protecting a person’s skin barrier and improving hydration.
• It contains constituents that reduce inflammation on the skin.

26. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a herbal remedy made from tea tree leaves and is native to North Eastern Australia. This essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help tackle germs, fungi, and bacteria. 

Tea-tree oil uses and benefits 

• Tea tree oil is effective in reducing breakouts and acne.
• It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties and can also reduce redness on the skin.
• It helps with scar treatment and also helps moisturize the skin.

27. Turmeric

The Turmeric plant is native to Southeast Asia and is a well-known spice in Asian meals. People also use Turmeric to make traditional medicines and dyes for clothing. It mainly contains chemical compounds called curcuminoids, which makes it anti-inflammatory. 

Turmeric uses and benefits 

• Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to reduce skin inflammation and pigmentation. 
• Turmeric can effectively treat various skin injuries, e.g., wounds, burns, acne, and so on.
• Turmeric also helps reduce sun damage and skin photoaging, giving you a youthful appearance.

28. Witch hazel

Witch Hazels are plant extracts from the bark, twigs, and leaves of plants in North America and some parts of Asia. Witch hazel is an astringent that helps to tighten the skin. Moreover, it contains chemicals that may help fight bacteria, reduce swelling, and repair skin. Accordingly, when applied, it may help to minimize skin irritation temporarily. 

Witch Hazel uses and benefits 

• Witch hazel is an astringent and antioxidant that helps to reduce the appearance of acne, insect bites, and blisters.
• It helps shrink pores, reducing the number of bacteria generally found on the skin that can penetrate and cause blemishes. 
• Witch hazel also helps eliminate excess oil, making it great for people with oily skin. 

Final thoughts on natural skincare ingredients 

Some of the best ingredients for natural skin care products have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. They also contain nutrients like vitamins A and E. These natural skincare ingredients can slow down aging, inhibit the effect of harmful UV rays, and improve the skin's overall health. Some ingredients may work for one person’s skin and not work for another. 

We have listed 28 natural ingredients you can add to your skincare routines for various skin types and conditions.