Discover the ten most used ingredients in natural cosmetics and what they can bring you

Beauty

Oils, butters and minerals are the basis of environmentally friendly cosmetics

How to read the labels of the creams and cosmetics you use

Roxana Ibanez Machado

Macadamia oil, shea butter, clay or honey…. Ingredients extracted from nature are gaining more and more importance in cosmetics. By now you have surely come across the seals that classify products as natural, ecological, bio or organic. And although it is difficult to differentiate them – you will find the keys to doing so in this recent article – it is true that they have in common their components of natural origin and, normally, an environmentally friendly production method.

What is important in both natural and organic cosmetics are the ingredients. Although there is currently no public regulation that clearly defines when one can speak of natural, bio, ecological and organic cosmetics, there are private regulations that order this type of product and that have been developed by entities specialized in the sector.

For example, there is a certain consensus that natural cosmetics are those products that use raw materials of natural origin, that have gone through a simple subsequent transformation process, with the minimum intervention of additives or chemical transformations, and that have used only those processes that are not harmful to the environment and people's health, says Nuria Alonso, BioVidaSana certification manager.

Also the types of ingredients are basic for ecological, bio and organic cosmetics, which come to be synonymous from the point of view of certification, although in the dictionaries we find nuances that differentiate them.

Discover the ten most used ingredients in natural cosmetics and what they can bring you

Natural cosmetics use raw materials of natural origin; the organic one requires that, in addition, they be produced according to organic farming standards

The main characteristic of organic cosmetics is that it uses materials that, in addition to being natural, have been produced following the criteria for organic farming established by the European Regulation or other equivalent standards from other countries for organic production. "These criteria include the non-use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, among others," says Alonso. "Organic ingredients have to be certified in order to be recognized as such," Nuria points out.

And what are those ingredients? There are many components that are used as the basis of cosmetic products that we find in stores and specialized companies. All kinds of vegetable oils, essential oils, hydrolates, waxes, butters, natural plant extracts... And there are also mineral ingredients, such as clay or salt, among others. From the Freshly brand they detail some of the most frequent and their properties.

Aloe vera

It is one of the most valuable and most used plants in cosmetics due to its multiple benefits for skin and hair, thanks to its high content of amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The gel that the plant contains inside its leaves is used as a valuable skin remedy. This gel works by creating a protective and refreshing layer that provides and retains moisture. Aloe vera has more than 95% water and contains more than 200 essential nutrients for the body. In the INCI, abbreviation for International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient, the list of ingredients that each cosmetic product carries, is registered as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, which is how we will see it on the labels.

chia oil

It is a vegetable source of omega 3, 6 and 9 fats. Specialists say that it helps increase collagen production, acting as an anti-aging agent. Omega 3, in addition to regulating hormonal stress, fights wrinkles, acne, blemishes and leaves the skin looking smoother and younger. Currently, chia seed oil is widely used in natural cosmetics, and its oil is extracted by cold pressing from these seeds.

macadamia nut oil

This oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, sterols and antioxidants that soothe and deeply nourish the skin. It is also a super powerful oil for hair, since it rejuvenates it without clogging the pore, as it is an oil very similar to that produced by human sebum. They assure that it is ideal for regenerating split ends and fighting frizz. Moisturizes and strengthens the hair preventing its fall.

Macadamia oil is obtained from the cold pressing of the gravel of the macadamia nut. You will be able to recognize it in the INCI as Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil.

shea butter

There are other ingredients that are also considered beneficial for the skin and that are used by other manufacturers of natural cosmetics. Among them, shea butter, ideal for dry skin, with great regenerative power, and qualities to gain flexibility and softness. It is a great moisturizer and has vitamins A, D, E and F. Shea butter is obtained from the fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, from Africa.

rosehip

Rosehip oil is recommended by surgeons to improve healing processes. This indicates that it is a powerful regenerator of the skin, thanks to the fact that it improves hydration. It is also a great ally against acne, and useful for removing the trace of scars it leaves behind. It is also 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 is one of the most requested to care for skin, hair, nails and to combat free radicals responsible for premature aging. It is commonly called 'liquid gold'.

Clay

Clay is very frequently used for masks, natural creams, baths... The basic composition of the different types of clay is very similar. However, the greater presence of a specific mineral or its evolutionary state makes it present in different colors with certain applications (white, red, green). It is a substance rich in a multitude of minerals that exerts a calming effect, regenerates the skin and stimulates the circulatory system. It is widely used in rejuvenating treatments, anti acne, for poor circulation and for sensitive skin, among other indications.

rosemary extract

Rosemary acts as a powerful antioxidant, and its extract protects the skin against free radicals, responsible for skin aging. The rosemary plant has long been used as a healing remedy for its anti-inflammatory nature and antiseptic ingredients.

Avocado oil

This vegetable oil is obtained by cold pressing the stone and pulp of the avocado. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, proteins and minerals. Contains vitamins E, A, B2, B3. They ensure that its protective and regenerating effect preserves 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.