Organic Skin Products

What's In Them and Why Should We Care?

More and more people these days are choosing organic skin products, mostly because they have the word "organic" on the label. But labels can be misleading, so choose your products carefully and be sure you know what the ingredients are.

Buyer Beware

Unfortunately, not all products are created equal. Many products that tout themselves as being "made from organic ingredients" may also contain chemicals and toxins. In the eyes of many cosmetics companies, organic and toxic don't seem to be mutually exclusive.

The good news is that consumers are growing wiser and more companies are stepping up to provide skin care products that are truly nutritious for skin.

Lavera's organic skin line uses only natural ingredients. Click HERE to check it out!

The Good Stuff

We are always being told what to avoid in skin products, but it's hard to find a list of what we should actually be looking for. Below is a list of some of the more common types of beneficial organic and natural ingredients found in the better products. As you shop for products, be sure to check for the presence of ingredients like these and the absence of chemicals.

Aloe Vera

One of the most well-known organic ingredients, Aloe Vera is an anti-bacterial with healing properties. Beyond its moisturizing and revitalizing abilities, Aloe Vera is also used medicinally to treat cuts and burns.

Avocado Oil

The avocado is a superfood and its oil is a super-drenching moisturizer that is packed with skin nutrition. Avocado oil contains loads of phytonutrients and vitamins like A, B1, B2, D, E, and Pantothenic acid.

Beeswax

This is one ingredient that vegans need to watch out for when shopping for organic skin products or cosmetics. In many natural cosmetics beeswax, organic or otherwise, is used as a thickening agent. Vegans avoid bee products as they are considered an animal product. For more information check out the debate on our Honey page.

Calendula Extract

Calendula is a type of marigold whose healing properties have been cultivated for centuries. Caldendula is used to promote wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Chamomile Extract

Chamomile extract has great anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a vasiodialator, meaning that it helps to increase blood flow to the skin. This has the effect of both soothing irritaion and causing skin look healthier and more radiant.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is used in many natural products as a preservative and has the added benefit of helping to balance skin pH.

Cocoa Butter

Ah, is there nothing that chocolate can't do? Cocoa butter, like its yummy counterpart, comes from the cacao bean and is a super rich emollient that works to moisturize and protect even the most sensitive skin, such as the area under the eyes.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is used frequently in anti-aging products due to its anti-oxidant properties. It prevents the breakdown of tissue and repairs damaged tissue. It's also a great exfoliant.

Echinacea Extract

As a medicinal herb, echinacea is known for its anti-viral properties. On the skin, it firms, tones, and is particularly helpful in clearing up certain skin conditions including acne and eczema.

Eucalyptus

Oils and extracts from this plant are used in anti-aging products. Eucalyptus is known to help heal skin infections and promote rapid healing.

Fennel Essential Oil

Extracted from crushed Fennel seeds, this oil increases elasticity in the skin by nurishing the connective tissues. Because of it firms and tones so well, it is often used in anti-aging products.

Grapefruit Extract

This extract is widely known in medicine as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. In skin products it helps to promote healing and prevent infections.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is made from the bean of the Jojoba plant. One of its greatest benefits is that it penetrates the skin very deeply, works as an anti-inflammatory, and helps skin to hold its moisture. It is often used to help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Lavender Essential Oil

This oil is extracted directly from the lavender flower. It has anti-bacterial properties and helps reduce the production of sebum (skin oil). It is great for use with acne or other skin irritation, and of course it smells wonderful!

Marshmallow Root Extract

As the name suggests, this extract is from the root of the Marshmallow plant. It helps to control oily skin, works as an anti-inflammatory, and can help to reduce pigmentation in age spots.

Nettle Extract

Extracted from the Stinging Nettle leaf, this ingredient can help to increase blood flow to the skin. This property, along with Nettle's anti-inflammatory benefits, can help to decrease dark circles under the eyes.

Rosehip Seed Oil

This oil is a healer and is known for its ability to rejuventate skin. It has been shown to be effective in reducing scars, age lines, stretch marks and age spots. Organic skin products with this ingredient will generally be geared towards anti-aging or healing.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is one of the most common ingredients in organic skin products. It helps to tone skin and improve its elasticity, it increases blood flow in the skin, and protects against UV rays.

St Johns Wort Extract

St. Johns Wort is often found in organic skin products for sensitive skin. The extracted oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is very soothing for irritated skin. A warning here - Try to avoid excessive use of products with this ingredient if you are taking any type of antidepressant. Although St. John's Wort is beneficial, it has a negative interaction with these drugs.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

This essential oil is anti-bacterial and antiseptic. It is used frequently in acne products because in addition to treating the acne it also helps to reduce redness and tone the skin.

Be a Label Reader!

Remember that 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. When choosing organic skin products, be sure to read the ingredient label carefully. If a label is not provided, the manufacturer's website should list the ingredients.

If you have a difficult time finding the ingredients, that should be a major red flag - don't buy the product because it probably contains harmful chemicals. Keep in mind that if a company uses only natural organic ingredients in their products, they will likely be shouting it from the rooftops and will have their ingredients readily accessible.

Looking for Organic Skin products? Be sure to check out Lavera!

Click here for more information about natural organic skin care.

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