Most beauty, skin care and cosmetics products are packed with synthetic materials and chemicals that consumers often absorb in the process of application. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of these products and maintains that the chemicals are safe in small quantities, but it's becoming more and more commonplace for consumers to seek out natural ingredients in skin care products.
Beeswax
Female honeybees have glands that secrete beeswax, and it's the substance that builds up and forms honeycombs. This natural wax is useful in skin care because it combines well with most other cosmetic ingredients and it's very durable, so it will last a long time after it's applied. According to the herbal and natural-medicine site Botanical.com, beeswax can even boost protective activity of sunscreen, cleansers, and other skin care products in many cases.
Beeswax is a natural emulsifier, which means that it disperses fluids successfully, hydrates well, and easily joins together elements such as oil and water, which normally don't combine (but are often combined in skin care). Beeswax also works effectively as an emollient to soften, smooth, and soothe dry or damaged skin. It does not clog pores, and it's almost never a skin irritant.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an incredible retainer of fluid, so it works well as a natural moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and give it a healthy glow. It's also a natural source of vitamins C and E, which nourish skin and help to break down decaying skin cells. Salicylic acid, a natural antiseptic, is found in aloe vera and is often used to treat acne or oily skin.
Aloe vera is also sometimes used to treat minor skin irritation, cuts, or burns. It feels naturally cool and soothing on damaged skin, and it can work to fight harmful bacteria, infections, inflammation, itching and redness.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural fat that comes from the African shea tree. It's often used as a moisturizer or salve due to its water-retention properties and emollient qualities. Shea butter, like beeswax, is a natural product that has lasting effects, so products containing shea butter may need to be applied less often than those with other moisturizing ingredients.
You can also use the butter to soothe dry skin, rashes, sunburns, cuts, acne, redness and minor burns.
Witch Hazel
Often used as a natural acne treatment and a way to soothe inflamed, oily skin, witch hazel is an herb that is commonly found in Europe. NutraSanus states that witch hazel is so effective due to its volatile oils and tannins, which work to bind natural proteins and amino acids. These oils reduce inflammation and can improve eczema and even out skin tone.
At-Home Naturals
Many perishable ingredients are beneficial for skin but do not often show up in skin care products because they're difficult to combine in stable products with long shelf lives. For at-home skin care, you can create natural moisturizers and exfoliating products with milk, honey, olive oil, avocado, eggs or a sugar scrub.
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