Natural beauty is a growing trend. To restore your skin's radiance, nothing beats natural ingredients. Whether they are of plant, animal or mineral origin, these compounds are known for their benefits on the skin. They can soften, soothe, tan or even lighten the complexion. Let's discover these treasures of nature together, for healthy, glowing skin.
Understanding Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients are derived from nature and are usually transformed by simple processes, such as pressing or extraction, to be used in cosmetic products. They can come from different sources: plant, animal or mineral. Some are directly used in their raw form, while others undergo molecular transformation to increase their effectiveness.
To understand a natural ingredient, you need to look at its origin, its manufacturing process and its properties. For example, an essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of aromatic plants, while a vegetable oil is extracted by cold pressing of seeds or fruits. Each has specific properties: some are soothing, others purifying or even moisturizing.
It is also important to know that not all natural ingredients are necessarily organic. An ingredient can be natural without being organic. To be certified organic, an ingredient must meet strict criteria, particularly in terms of agriculture, processing and respect for the environment.
Natural ingredients are listed in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) lists of products. These lists allow you to know the exact composition of the products and to identify natural, synthetic or green chemistry ingredients.
Finally, some labels, such as the Cosmébio label, guarantee the presence of natural ingredients in the products.
The origin of natural ingredients
The origin of natural ingredients can be plant , animal or mineral . Plant-based ingredients come from plants and can be extracted from different parts: leaves, flowers, barks, roots, seeds or fruits. Essential oils and vegetable oils are examples of natural ingredients of plant origin. Less common animal-based ingredients can be derived from wool, honey or milk. Finally, mineral ingredients are extracted from rocks and minerals, such as clay or salts. Each source has its own properties and benefits for the skin.
The benefits of natural ingredients for the skin
Clay: a natural ingredient with multiple virtues
Clay, a mineral ingredient, is widely recognized for its benefits. With absorbent, purifying and soothing properties, it is ideal for skin care. Green clay , for example, is an excellent ally for oily and acne-prone skin thanks to its ability to absorb excess sebum, unclog pores and soothe irritation. Rich in minerals and trace elements such as iron, zinc, silicon, magnesium, potassium and calcium, it also contributes to skin regeneration and improved skin radiance.
Natural compounds beneficial for the skin
Natural compounds are full of beneficial properties for our skin. They are present in various sources like plants, fruits and even some minerals. Here are some natural compounds that you might want to pay attention to:
- Flavonoids , present in many fruits and vegetables, are recognized for their antioxidant capacities.
- Essential oils , extracted from plants, have varied virtues ranging from healing to moisturizing.
- Certain foods like nuts, seeds and dried fruits are beneficial for the skin due to their content of essential fatty acids, nourishing the skin deeply.
- When it comes to vitamins and minerals , it is essential to mention Vitamin B3, Omega-3, Zinc and Biotin, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
- Among the mineral ingredients , clay is particularly appreciated for its absorbent and soothing properties.
It is always recommended to choose products containing these natural compounds for healthy and glowing skin.
Natural ingredients: what are their benefits for the skin?
Natural ingredients are known for their many benefits on the skin. They generally ensure optimal hydration, regulate sebum and provide essential nutrients to the skin.
- Essential oils , extracted from plants, are rich in active compounds and offer various properties: hydration, skin regeneration, sebum balance, soothing irritations, etc.
- Vegetable oils provide essential fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin.
- Plant extracts are often rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Clays have absorbent and purifying properties, ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin.
Certain foods , such as fruits and vegetables, contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin.
Each natural ingredient has its own benefits, so it is essential to choose products that are suited to your skin type and specific needs.
Cosmetic products based on natural ingredients
The craze for cosmetic products based on natural ingredients is constantly increasing. These products, which combine benefits for the skin and respect for the environment, are appreciated for their healthier and more transparent composition.
- Coconut oil , for example, is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, deeply nourishes and softens the skin.
- Lavender essential oil , known for its calming properties, is often used in products intended to relax and soothe the skin.
- Clays are also natural ingredients widely used in cosmetics for their absorbent and purifying properties.
These products, which can be used pure or incorporated into more complex formulations, offer a natural and skin-friendly alternative to conventional products. They also allow you to personalize your care according to your specific needs.
Natural ingredients and cosmetics: a perfect alliance
Cream made from natural ingredients: what are the benefits?
Opting for a cream made from natural ingredients offers many benefits. First of all, these products are generally gentle on the skin, minimizing the risk of allergies or irritations. Natural ingredients, such as vegetable oils or plant extracts, are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for the skin.
Ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. They help restore skin hydration and protect it against external aggressions.
These creams are also environmentally friendly, as they are generally free of polluting chemicals. Finally, they offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to conventional products, for beauty that respects the skin and the planet.
Perfume and natural ingredients: a winning combination
Perfumes made from natural ingredients are a real trend in the world of beauty. They offer a unique sensory experience, while respecting the skin and the environment. The natural ingredients used in these perfumes can have beneficial properties for the skin. Fruit and flower essences, for example, can provide antioxidants and vitamins that brighten the complexion. Essential oils, for their part, can have soothing and moisturizing effects. Thus, these perfumes become more than just a beauty gesture: they are a true ode to nature, a skin care product and a way to feel good about yourself.
Inci: understanding the origin of the components of our beauty products
The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, better known by the acronym INCI , is a standard for naming cosmetic ingredients. It allows you to determine the exact composition of a beauty product and understand the origin of each component.
The INCI lists ingredients in two ways: Latin names generally indicate natural or naturally occurring ingredients, while English names generally represent chemical substances.
For naturally derived ingredients, for example, the botanical name of the plant or animal source is used. This provides valuable transparency for consumers looking to understand the composition of their products.
It is essential to note that the presence of an ingredient in the INCI list does not necessarily mean that it is harmful or beneficial. It is the concentration of this ingredient, its origin and its combination with others that will determine its impact on the skin.
The trend of products with few ingredients
Along with the craze for natural ingredients, another trend that is gaining popularity is simplicity. There is a rise in skincare products with minimalist formulas, containing a reduced number of ingredients.
These products, sometimes known as "clean beauty," are valued for their transparency and targeted approach. They offer an attractive alternative for those who want to avoid complex and potentially irritating formulations.
Aloe vera , honey , jojoba oil and coconut oil are examples of natural components often used alone or in combination with a limited number of other ingredients. They are known for their nourishing and skin-protecting properties.
The trend towards products with few ingredients is part of a more conscious and respectful approach to consumption for the skin, but also for the environment.
The importance of choosing products with ingredients of natural origin
Choosing products with ingredients of natural origin means choosing a beauty that is more respectful of the skin and the environment. These products are generally free of potentially irritating and polluting chemicals. They are also often richer in nutrients that are beneficial for the skin.
Natural ingredients have many benefits. They are generally gentler on the skin, thus avoiding allergic reactions or irritations. In addition, they are often more biodegradable and less polluting than synthetic ingredients. Vegetable oils, plant extracts or clays, for example, are treasures of nature that can provide the skin with essential nutrients such as:
- Vitamins
- Antioxidants
- Essential fatty acids
By using products with ingredients of natural origin, we ensure that we give our skin what it really needs, without superfluous or potentially harmful ingredients. It is also an environmentally friendly approach.
Ingredients of natural origin: what does it mean?
Products of natural origin: how to recognize them?
Recognizing products of natural origin is not always easy. To be certified as such, a cosmetic product must contain at least 95% natural or naturally derived ingredients. Reading labels is therefore essential. You can identify natural ingredients by referring to the INCI, which uses the botanical name for these elements.
Labels and certifications are also reliable indicators. Logos such as Ecocert or Cosmébio guarantee the share of natural ingredients in the product.
Finally, the transparency of brands in terms of the composition and origin of ingredients is another criterion to take into account. The more open a brand is about this, the more you can trust its products.
Selection criteria for ingredients of natural origin
The selection of ingredients of natural origin in cosmetic products is not a random process. It is based on a set of precise criteria to guarantee their quality and effectiveness.
- Origin and quality : The origin of the ingredient is a key criterion. It is preferable that it comes from organic farming or sustainable harvesting to guarantee its unpolluted appearance and its richness in nutrients.
- Obtaining process : An ingredient of natural origin has undergone a low-level chemical transformation. Environmentally friendly obtaining processes, such as green chemistry, are preferred.
- Efficacy and safety : The ingredient must have proven efficacy and safety for the skin. Laboratory tests and scientific studies are therefore essential.
- Respect for the environment : The ingredient must be biodegradable and its production must not contribute to the degradation of biodiversity.
These criteria ensure that the ingredients of natural origin used offer the best for our skin while respecting our environment.
The impact of natural ingredients on our skin
Natural ingredients have a significant impact on the health and appearance of our skin. They have the ability to provide essential nutrients, which are easily assimilated by the body. Thus, they help maintain the skin's natural balance, promoting hydration, regeneration and protection against external aggressions.
- Hydration : Natural ingredients, such as vegetable oils or vegetable butters, are able to retain water in the upper layers of the epidermis, ensuring long-lasting hydration.
- Regeneration : Some ingredients have healing and regenerating properties, such as honey or aloe vera, which promote the repair of skin tissues.
- Protection : Natural ingredients can also form a protective shield on the skin, which protects it against external aggressions (pollution, UV rays, cold, etc.). Some, such as vegetable oils, are also rich in antioxidants, which fight against skin aging.
These positive impacts of natural ingredients on our skin can vary depending on the specificities of each ingredient and its use. It is therefore essential to choose products adapted to your skin type and specific needs.
