Natural skin care products typically do not contain chemicals or synthetic ingredients. They may also include more environmentally friendly options.
The natural skin care industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in beauty.
There are plenty of reasons to use natural skin care instead of traditional products, like avoiding potentially harmful synthetic chemicals. Plus, it can be an eco-friendly option.
Here’s how to get started with your own natural skin care routine.
The term “natural skin care” can mean different things. The “natural” label isn’t regulated across the industry. This means each company can choose its definition of “natural.”
“There’s a lot of debate in the industry on what’s considered ‘natural’ and what’s not,” said licensed aesthetician and beauty blog author Dana Murray.
“Often, natural ingredients can be inconsistent in makeup, so it’s hard to measure effectiveness and potency. [As well, some] natural ingredients, like essential oils, can cause irritation to the skin,” she explained.
According to a 2023 clinical review of plant extracts in skin care, botanical products can be a rich source of:
- vitamins
- antioxidants
- essential oils
- hydrocolloids
- proteins
- terpenoids
- bioactive compounds
According to the authors of the above review, plant extracts may be a safe and cost-effective alternative to synthetics. Here’s a quick look at how these may benefit different skin types:
For oily skin
A natural skin care routine for oily skin may help reduce oiliness without the use of expensive skin care regimens or prescription drugs.
There are several methods of using natural skin care and home remedies for oily skin.
For dry skin
There isn’t much more frustrating than itchy skin caused by dryness.
A natural skin care routine for dry skin may help reduce the effects of heat, hot showers, arid climates, and harsh soaps — all things that can trigger dry skin.
For combination skin
Caring for combination skin isn’t always the easiest. But it’s still possible to find a natural skin care routine that reduces both dry patches and shine.
Products that include harsh ingredients, such as fragrances, can irritate both oily and dry skin. Using natural skin care products may help those with combination skin.
For acne-prone skin
A natural skin care routine for acne may offer many benefits, like potentially saving money by avoiding expensive acne solutions. It can also help prevent undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness or brownness, and irritation.
Natural solutions and home remedies for acne can help meet your skin care needs.
For sensitive skin
A natural skin care routine for sensitive skin may help rebuild a healthy skin barrier by avoiding products with irritating ingredients.
A
For darker skin tones
Darker skin tone contains more melanin, the naturally occurring pigment that gives your skin and hair its color. A few conditions that can adversely affect skin with more pigment may include:
- acne
- acne keloidalis nuchae, which presents as bumps on the back of your head or neck
- keloids, which are raised scars on your skin
- skin cancer
- vitiligo, which causes a loss of skin pigment and may be more visible in darker skin tones
While natural skin care products may potentially benefit acne, it’s important to see a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis for other skin conditions, such as cancer or vitiligo.
Without strict definitions, you’re largely on your own to research which products are “natural,” depending on what it means to you.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding on a new product.
What is the product derived from?
This is the first question to ask yourself.
In other words, what’s in it, and where does it come from? Is it a natural source, like plants, animals, minerals, and marine sources? Or is it derived from petrochemicals?
- Naturally occurring: Ingredients in these products are used in their natural, unprocessed state. Examples include raw honey and crushed flowers.
- Nature-identical: Ingredients in nature-identical products are produced in a lab and are chemically identical to those that occur in nature. An example is sorbic acid. Originally derived from rowan berries, sorbic acid is now commonly included as a nature-identical ingredient.
- Synthetic: This term sits on the far end of the spectrum and includes ingredients that were created and processed in a lab. An example of this is parabens, which are
common preservatives in cosmetics and skin care products.
How is it processed?
Just because ingredients are derived naturally doesn’t mean they’re processed naturally.
Manufacturers can process ingredients physically or chemically:
- Processed physically means the molecular composition or structure stays the same.
- Processed chemically means the molecular composition or structure changes.
Examples of naturally derived but physically processed ingredients include raw, unrefined oils and butters. These are processed through means like cold-pressing or filtration.
An example of a naturally derived but chemically processed ingredient is castor wax. It’s a vegetable wax derived from the castor bean. It’s produced by adding hydrogen to pure castor oil, a process called hydrogenation.
Know your lab
There are various certifications and marketing words under the umbrella of “natural” products. Some are regulated and some aren’t.
Organic
Companies can have their products
They can also label their products as organic to indicate that all the ingredients are derived from organic sources. This means the product itself may not be certified, but all the ingredients are certified organic.
Green
This unregulated term refers to environmental impact and sustainability.
“Green” products are usually produced with the intention of limiting environmental impact.
For example, a green product may contain raw materials harvested in a way that supports the environment rather than harms it. Because this term is unregulated, it may mean different things for different brands.
Clean
This unregulated term describes products that typically focus on being nontoxic.
Note that this term may mean different things to different brands, as no federal regulation surrounds it.
Vegan
These products are created without animal by-products.
Cruelty-free
The term “cruelty-free” means that the finished product hasn’t been tested on animals. However, keep in mind that individual ingredients may still be tested on animals.
It’s also important to note that, while vegan products are almost always cruelty-free, cruelty-free products are not always vegan. An example would be an organic lip balm that contains beeswax.
Brands can claim these terms without being certified, as there is currently no regulation for such terms. But, if brands want to ensure it, several organizations certify vegan and cruelty-free products.
Fair-trade
This regulated descriptor focuses on sourcing, ensuring that ingredients are sourced ethically in terms of the planet, people, or environment.
Everyone’s skin is different. What suits one person’s skin may not work for another. And as skin ages, it may need more care.
As hormone levels start to decrease during your 30s, the rate of collagen and elastin production also goes down.
As a general practice, the following routine may work for most.
Morning
1. Cleansing
This first step should occur every morning and evening. Gently apply a cleanser to your face in circular motions. Rinse and pat dry.
It’s best to look for a face wash containing skin-nourishing vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin E.
2. Exfoliating
It’s important not to use exfoliants every day. Instead, use them one to three times weekly to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. Apply exfoliants in a similar way to cleanser for 30 seconds at a time before rinsing with lukewarm water.
On the days when you aren’t exfoliating, simply skip this step.
3. Toning
Toners are one of the most common steps left out of skin care. Toner can help tighten pores, eliminate impurities, and rebalance your skin.
Clarifying toners can help rebalance your skin’s pH.
A few natural examples include grape seed extract or peach extract.
Additionally, you may consider talking with a dermatologist about vitamin E, ginseng powder, and other antioxidants that some
4. Moisturizing
Ceramides are key ingredients to look for in moisturizers. They help hydrate and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
To be specific, look for phytoceramides, which are plant-derived ceramides. These are waxy lipids found naturally in skin that help hold in moisture.
Serums are essentially next-level moisturizers. They deliver active ingredients deep into the dermal layers. Use a couple of drops of serum on your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead.
5. Sun protection
SPF is recommended daily for everyone ages
Mineral sunscreens may provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical sunscreens, which dermatologists also tend to recommend for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast on skin, which can be more noticeable on darker skin, so tinted options may help.
Pro tip: Apply creams with the lightest fluids first. For example, serum, moisturizer, and then SPF.
Nighttime
1. Repeat the a.m. routine
Follow each step, but skip the sun protection.
2. Eye cream
The skin around your eyes is the most sensitive part of your face and one of the first areas to develop wrinkles.
While eye creams often contain the same ingredients as regular moisturizers, they typically contain fewer aggravating chemicals.
Spend more time gently massaging your creams into your skin. This helps strengthen the muscles in your face and encourages collagen production. Also, you can apply eye creams with your ring finger — using this weaker finger may help reduce accidental tears on this naturally thin area of skin.
3. Night moisturizer
Using a night cream can efficiently support your skin through the regeneration process.
Aloe
Aloe vera is a plant with gel inside the leaves known for its healing properties for the skin. It can help
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an old remedy often recommended for dry skin. One
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is another great moisturizing ingredient that boosts rejuvenation and protects against environmental stressors due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, according to a
Vitamins
Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B2, and vitamin E offer benefits to the skin:
- Vitamin A is usually found in retinol creams and is known for helping skin renew itself faster, smooth fine lines, and boost collagen production.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from UV damage from the sun.
- Vitamin B2 or riboflavin can also
help protect the skin from inflammation and oxidative stress. - Vitamin E also helps protect the skin from sun damage and keeps moisture in.
Bonus tips
In addition to your daily routine, think about adding a few products once or twice per week for some extra TLC.
Detox mask
Consider using a lightweight mask that draws out impurities a couple of times per week.
Masks with charcoal or green tea leaves can help draw out impurities and rejuvenate your skin, respectively.
Bakuchiol serum
Retinol serum can be used to help with rejuvenation and pro-aging support. It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.
However, retinol is a synthetic ingredient and may cause side effects, such as stinging and rashes.
The plant-based alternative bakuchiol appears to have similar effects on the skin compared with retinol, according to
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (ADA), all-natural products, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, can potentially interact with cancer treatment — specifically chemotherapy and radiation.
This is especially true for vitamin A, vitamin C, and St. John’s wort. Serious side effects can occur if they are used during cancer treatment. So it’s best to talk with a doctor before starting a new routine. The ADA also points out that just because a product may be natural does not mean it is necessarily safe.
If a product is truly natural, keep in mind that one major drawback may be a shorter shelf life due to a lack of preservatives. A given product’s shelf-life
If any of your natural skin care products start to smell or change in color or texture, it may be time to discard them.
Another exception is sunscreen. Most have shelf lives of
Speak with a dermatologist if you have any concerns about using natural products for your specific skin condition. It’s also important to do a patch test before using a new product.
If you’re looking to go au naturel with your skin care routine, know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Brands can call their cosmetics whatever they want under the “natural” umbrella, so be sure to do your research.
Remember to read the labels and always do a patch test before fully diving into a new skin care product.
Ashley Hubbard is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on sustainability, travel, veganism, mental health, social justice, and more. Passionate about animal rights, sustainable travel, and social impact, she seeks out ethical experiences whether at home or on the road. Visit her website.