Are There Benefits to Natural Ingredients in Skincare?
Published by Bonnie Annis on
Jul 13, 2021 2:03:00 PM
You would assume that “natural” ingredients are “naturally” going to be better for you. But are they?
We know that eating a slice of whole-grain homemade bread (mmmm….with lots of butter!) is healthier for you than eating from a loaf wrapped in plastic from the grocery store shelves. Does the same hold true for your natural skincare products?
Most of the available information talks about avoiding synthetic (aka “harmful”) ingredients, and you’ll find a significant amount of research on the topic of what to avoid, but less is written about what’s actually good for your skin.
We know that chemical/synthetic ingredients pass through the dermis, and it stands to reason that so too do natural ingredients.
What are the benefits?
- Natural ingredients generally have better absorption rates(bioavailability).
- People are less likely to have a reaction to natural products. Why? Because they generally contain fewer ingredients, which correlates to fewer irritants
- Time tested. Often synthetic ingredients have little long-term research, whereas, for example, ingredients like salicylic acid (sourced from white willow bark) have been used effectively and safely for millennia
- Better for the environment. The manufacture of some synthetic ingredients cause environmental damage and pollution
- There is no animal testing on natural ingredients, which is an ethical issue for manufacturers like Moor Spa and Makes Scents who espouse the natural personal care product philosophy
In addition to the natural ingredients themselves, there are two additional considerations when choosing healthy personal care products:
Packaging
You can effectively put many more healthy, natural ingredients in skincare products when you package them in ways that prevent contamination, such as the airless vacuum pumps and squeeze tubes that Moor Spa uses. Packaging that allows exposure to air (or your clients' fingers!) can and will be contaminated unless more preservatives are used (or there are no water-based ingredients).
Preservatives
A personal care product can be crafted from the most natural ingredients on this earth but may fall down with the preservatives they use to protect their product from contamination. It’s a more delicate, difficult, and expensive process to use natural source preservatives, but Moor Spa succeeds by using a natural source system that creates broad-spectrum protection from pathogens that spoil products.
Which Beneficial Natural Ingredients Are Found in Moor Spa Skin and Body Care Products?
Zinc oxide:
A mineral with highly effective UVA and B reflecting properties. Great protection from the sun
Where to find it: SPF30+ Lotion, SPF30+ Face Cream, Cover Cream, all Moor Spa moisturizers, Rejuvenating Hand Cream, Skin Balm, Men’s Oil-Free Moisturizer
Rosehip oil:
A healing oil with antiseptic properties; also helps regulate oil gland secretion. Rich in vitamin C.
AHA (glycolic acid):
Sourced from sugarcane, this acid is used for peeling - gentle removal of the dead outer layers of the skin.
Aloe vera:
One of the oldest medicinal plants known. It has remarkable healing properties because it draws and holds oxygen to the skin. For this reason, it is one of the most effective cellular renewal ingredients available in cosmetics. Because its pH is the same as the human skin it is extremely soothing and protective. It is also a natural astringent.
Where to find it: After Sun Gel, Neem Cream, Skin Balm, Facial Polish, Men’s Age-Defying Cream, Platinum Growth Factor Cream, Soothing Gel Mask
Calendula:
Calms irritated skin. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and has antiseptic properties. The flower petals can be added directly to a bath for soothing skin as well!
Shea butter:
Known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties and helps dry, dehydrated skin. (hello skin balm!)
Where to find it: Skin Balm, Massage Balms, Men’s Oil-Free Moisturizer, Body Lotion, Platinum Supreme Cream, Men’s Age-Defying Cream, Rejuvenating Hand Cream, Eye Zone Cream, Facial Soother, Replenishing Hand Cream, Soothing Gel Mask, Replenishing Cream
Goldenseal:
One of the most popular herbal remedies around the world, with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Contained in Moor Spa Skin Balm, it’s easy to see why it’s so helpful for many skin irritations, including rosacea!
Where to find it: Skin Balm, Hydrating Cream
Horsetail extract:
An anti-oxidant that refreshes, stimulates, tones, firms, and has the highest levels of naturally occurring silicon, for a wonderful feeling of smoothness on your skin
Where to find it: Platinum Supreme Cream, Plumping Serum
Colloidal oatmeal:
Soothing for skin irritation
Where to find it: 4-In-1 Bar
Want to learn more? People also ask us about Exfoliation: Your Secret Weapon for Healthy Skin