Body & beauty

Your Skincare Wishlist

26 of the best natural ingredients and what they can do for you…

Aloe vera

Not only a popular summer staple for soothing sunburnt limbs, aloe vera also has many benefits from reducing redness to balancing blemish-prone skin. Due to its antioxidant and moisturising properties, it is great for a powerful hit of hydration, whilst calming oily skin. it can also be used to help protect hair from heat styling, as according to Faye Purcell, chemist, and skincare expert at Q+A skincare, it is, “rich in polysaccharides, a molecule that hydrates whilst creating a protective barrier from any environmental stressors”.

Charcoal

Applying activated charcoal is one of the best ways to keep slick skin in check. If you’re experiencing excess oil and want to stop some of the shine, it is incredibly beneficial for absorbing surplus sebum, mattifying, cleansing and even reducing dullness of the skin. It also tackles grime and dead skin cells, leaving your face fresh, purified and toxin-free.

Eucalyptus

Not only does eucalyptus smell incredible, this essential oil’s plethora of antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties make this a true skincare saviour. Applied topically, it can repair damaged skin, cleanse the epidermis, and unclog pores for an all-round smoother, brighter and cleaner complexion.

Bakuchiol

Showcasing the power of plants, Bakuchiol is a celebrated alternative to retinol and Dr. Richard Blackburn, co-founder and Director of Dr. Craft skincare describes it as “a potent antioxidant that mimics the behaviour of retinol without the same kind of irritation”. It can significantly decrease wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and UV-related skin damage with fewer side effects resulting in smoother, firmer, and all-around more youthful-appearing skin.

Dandelion

Purify stressed skin with vitamin C-packed dandelion. Known for its potent healing properties, it is revered for its ability to tackle signs of ageing, boosting brightness, and even smoothing scars. A natural detox for your skin, dandelion is also great for tackling acne and battling stubborn breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid

A true hero of the skincare world, this humectant acts like a sponge to draw and lock in moisture to the skin. Packed with youth-boosting benefits, it is great for any skin that needs a hit of hydration and Laura Rudoe Founder and CEO of Evolve Beauty notes that this water-retention ability reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leaving skin firmer, more youthful and with an enviable glow.

Frankincense

It may be famous for featuring in the Nativity, but frankincense has also traditionally been used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and various spiritual communities for hundreds of years. It has serious strengthening properties in skincare, helping to fight against blemishcausing bacteria, whilst brightening and tightening the skin. The aromatherapy effect is also amazing for soothing a speeding mind pre-sleep.

Grape seed oil

Packed with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, grape seed oil helps skin to fight free radicals and other harsh environmental factors. According to Faye Purcell it is “great for your skin but also the environment, as it is a bi-product of the wine producing industry. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and it’s easily absorbed into the skin”. It also protects the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and boosts your skin health.

Isoamyl Laurate

The chemical compound of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid, this enhancing ingredient can either be plant-based or synthetic. It is used within make-up, skincare and haircare to improve spreading, smoothness and emulsification. It also helps to keep skin soft, whilst enhancing the application process of products.

Jojoba oil

“The chemical composition of jojoba oil is very similar to our own skin. This makes it easy to absorb and helps improve your skin’s elasticity and suppleness,” notes Faye. It is also a heavy hitter when it comes to hydration as well as balancing sebum levels and offering antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, too. Suitable for all skin types, jojoba is a must for your skincare shelf.

Kaolin

A naturally occurring mineral clay, Kaolin is found in many detoxing facemasks due to its deep cleaning and impurity lifting properties. Especially good for acne-prone skin, this ingredient offers reduced redness and inflammation, perfect as a pick-meup for stressed out skin. Less drying than other clays, Kaolin can also be used on sensitive or drier skin types too.