Natural skincare is becoming the new norm. Made without sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and other chemical additives, natural skincare products utilize the power of nature. But what ingredients are truly the best for your skin – and how can you include them in your routine?

Rose

From rosehip oil to rosewater to sprinkling loose rose petals in baths, roses have been used in natural skincare and beauty products for centuries. There are many reasons your skin will love a product with rose in it: the antioxidants in roses protect your skin from damage that occurs during daily life.

Rosewater can be used as a facial toner to soften, smooth, and calm inflamed skin. Rosewater toner can also be sprayed throughout the day for an instant mood boost or splash of energy. Toners are applied after washing the face and before moisturizer. If you’re investing in a rosewater facial toner, make sure it is 100% pure rose water for best results- no filler ingredients necessary!

roducts we love: Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Facial Toner is a great place to start because they clearly promote their singular ingredient, 100% pure steam distilled rose water! The same goes for products with rose essential oil; water can often be a filler ingredient so search for the shortest ingredient list possible. Rose essential oil is moisturizing and can help to reduce wrinkles and encourage glowing skin. Damascus Rose Facial Cleanser Oil  line of products containing rose oil and extract are a great starting point. You can feel confident in their ingredient list and organic certification!

Aloe

Aloe is a common houseplant and is considered as skin’s friend any time! Commonly known for its soothing properties, aloe is used for cooling and moisturizing cuts, abraisans, and burns. Because of these properties, aloe can even be used as a skin moisturizer in place of typical lotions because it won’t clog pores. It can also sometimes be useful in calming rosacea and acne, too.

Products we love: For your trusty after-sun care, this Face and Body Aloe Lotion is an excellent choice because it is cruelty-free, fair trade, and fragrance free, meaning it won’t irritate your skin even more! Aloe Vera Soothing Natural Soap Bar utilizes aloe for it’s moisturizing properties, too, creating a soothing and energizing blend!

Chamomile

You might be familiar with chamomile as an ingredient in your tea. Chamomile is well known for easing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. It just so happens that these properties carry over to skincare products that utilize chamomile!

Products that incorporate chamomile provide antioxidants that protect your skin. It can also help to prevent blemishes and wrinkles and reduces inflammation to calm skin like it calms frazzled nerves.

Products we love: Balancing Toner uses chamomile for oily and acne prone skin. Chamomile and organic fennel seeds reduce inflammatory swelling and smoothe rough patches, while infused horsetail uses its high silica content to elasticize aging skin.

Salt

Salts contain therapeutic and nourishing minerals useful to skin, commonly used in cleansers and exfoliators. Sea salt dries and cleanses the skin and is excellent for drawing out toxins. Pink salt gets its color from a high iron content and contains 80 kinds of minerals. Some relief for eczema and psoriasis may be found from pink salt products. Epsom salt is often used for calming muscle soreness and drawing toxins from the body.

Salts are often found in body care products like foot soaks, bath soaks, and exfoliants. Harsh exfoliants, even natural ones, can be irritating for some skin types, so it is best to test how your skin reacts before committing to a product.

Products we love: Tonic Mineral Salt Bath Soak This natural mineral sea salt soak is made with Mediterranean and Dead Sea salt and is fragranced with notes of blonde wood and lime for a chilling feel perfect for long restful nights or bright mornings. Plus, it contains no phthalate, preservatives or oil so it won’t make your tub slippery!

Clay (Bentonite + Green)

Clay is well known for its ability to nourish skin by drawing out toxins, firming and exfoliating, and providing minerals and nutrients. There are many types of clay that can be used in skincare products. Specific properties are determined by the amount and concentration of minerals.

Bentonite clay is very mild and therefore good for all skin types. It is soft and exfoliates well while it dries. A simple mask made of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar or water is an excellent beginner’s product. Green clay is made from decomposed plant material often found in the ocean. It is also compatible with all skin types, making it an excellent clay to try! White clay, also known as kaolin clay, is the least drying clay yet still mild and is suggested most for dry or irritated skin.

Products we love: Plant Clay Face Mask that is made from kelp clay, this mask is perfect for normal to oily skin, and unclogs pores and removes blackheads easily. Matcha Lime Face Exfoliant Mask is packed with antioxidant matcha green tea, nutrient-rich and hydrating marshmallow root, enzymatic pineapple, absorbing green clay and healing aloe.