The 15 Best Natural & Sustainable Skincare Ingredients

In today’s ever-evolving beauty landscape, consumers are increasingly seeking skincare solutions that align with their values of sustainability. As awareness grows about synthetic ingredients’ impact on personal health and the planet, the demand for natural and sustainable skincare options continues to surge. According to Mancunian Matters, 34% of customers preferred to buy natural products when given the option. 

We’ll delve into the world of eco-friendly skincare and unveil the 15 best natural and sustainable ingredients. We’ll also share natural skincare tips and products for healthy skin that share environmental benefits.

How to find the best natural skincare ingredients

To find the right natural skincare ingredients, you must understand your skin’s needs. Additionally, you should select ingredients that align with your values and concerns. You can start by identifying your skin type and what concerns you want to address. These problems can range from acne, dryness, or sensitivity. 

Next, familiarize yourself with common natural skincare ingredients and their benefits. This will determine which product is right for your skin type (keep reading to learn more)! When selecting your skin care products, prioritize those with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. 

Lastly, don’t forget about packaging waste! Choose skincare products that are organic and have sustainable packaging to avoid creating more environmental waste! Here are our top picks for natural skincare products:

1. Shea butter

This versatile butter, celebrated for its rich concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, originates from African shea trees. What sets shea butter apart as a sustainable choice is its environmentally friendly production process. After harvesting, these nuts boil in warm water. Once the shell becomes easier to break, people extract the seeds, roast them, and they expel their fats. 

Shea butter’s versatility makes it suitable for use in many self-care products. Products like shea butter lotion are ideal for dry skin and can ease irritation. Shea butter shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and hair while providing intense hydration and nourishment. 

Ideal skin type for shea butter: dry skin types

2. Green Tea

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, green tea helps fight free radicals. Radicals are molecules in your skin that often leads to premature aging. Green tea also protects your skin from environmental stressors like UV radiation. If you have particularly oily skin, green tea itself actually decreases oil production in your skin.  

Ideal skin type for green tea: sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin.

3. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of a plant found in the US and Mexico. This green skincare ingredient has lots of vitamin E and fatty acids. Its lightweight texture absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. A few more benefits of jojoba oil moisturizer include pain relief and protection against viruses for your skin. 

As a bonus, jojoba oil shampoo is key to growing long and healthy hair. Jojo oil is similar to the components found in the sebum. The element found in your body naturally produces to moisturize the skin, scalp, and hair. 

Ideal skin type for jojoba oil: sensitive skin

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera hails as a natural skincare ingredient for its beneficial properties. Extracted from the succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant, this gel-like substance is rich in vitamins and amino acids. Its moisturizing qualities make it a staple, particularly for soothing skin irritation and for being anti-bacterial. 

Aloe vera oil is particularly useful as an anti-irritant for skin burns and sunburns. Although aloe vera oil doesn’t prevent sunburn, aloe vera soothes sunburn with its cooling qualities and prevents peeling. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, many use aloe vera cream to prevent skin ulcers and burn wounds. Pregnant women often use aloe vera cream as a natural treatment for stretch marks for healthy healing. 

Ideal skin type for aloe vera oil: sensitive skin and dry skin

5. Avocado oil

Avocado oil’s rich composition of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids makes it a superb natural skincare ingredient. Derived from the pulp of ripe avocados, this luxurious oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. This green skincare oil treats and prevents acne and improves scalp health if you’re looking to green up your shampoo choice. 

Ideal skin type for avocado oil: all skin types

6. Vitamin C

This potent antioxidant helps to brighten the complexion and improves the appearance of wrinkles. Its active role in collagen production promotes skin elasticity and firmness while combating signs of aging. Vitamin C also aids in protecting the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. Vitamin C also brightens your skin and helps reduce the look of acne lesions. 

Ideal skin type for Vitamin C: oily, dry and sensitive skin

7. Lavender oil

Extracted from the lavender plant, this essential oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lavender oil is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores. Making this natural and green skincare product ideal for those looking to combat acne. This oil, known as an antifungal, can combat the bacteria that causes eczema. 

Aside from skincare, lavender oil is ideal for treating certain levels of anxiety. Many people use this purple-flowered oil as a sleep aid. 

Ideal skin type for lavender oil: all skin types

8. Sunflower seed oil

Organic sunflower oil is a natural superpower for your skin. Sunflower seed oil for skin is most notable for its emollient (skin softening) properties. Sunflower oil allows your skin to more easily retain moisture and helps improve your skin’s natural barrier. Similar to lavender oil, organic sunflower oil prevents oil from clogging your pores. 

Ideal skin type for sunflower seed oil: dry and oily skin

9. Primrose oil

Derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, this oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) for maintaining skin health. Its hydrating properties make it particularly beneficial for providing deep moisture and improving skin age. Additionally, primrose oil’s anti-inflammatory characteristics can soothe irritated or inflamed skin conditions. 

Ideal skin type for primrose oil: dry skin

10. Olive oil

Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, this versatile oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. People use olive oil to treat bacteria on their skin because green skincare products have anti-bacterial properties. In the same way, olive oil is used by some as an exfoliator for dry skin by mixing olive oil and sea salt. 

Ideal skin type for olive oil: dry skin

11. Argan oil

Derived from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, this golden oil is rich in fatty acids. Argan oil’s lightweight texture allows for easy absorption into the skin which allows for deep hydration. This green skincare ingredient is high in vitamin E, making it a powerful antioxidant. Many people know that Argan oil reduces signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

Argan oil shampoo and conditioner can help prevent hair frizz. Argan oil can also stimulate hair growth and can protect your hair from breakage. 

Ideal skin type for argan oil: all skin types

12. Coconut oil

Derived from the kernels of coconuts, this versatile oil is renowned for its moisturizing abilities. Coconut oil has lots of fatty acids that fight acne-causing bacteria and prevent water loss. This is all thanks to its antimicrobial properties! Additionally, coconut oil contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect the skin from stress and promote a youthful complexion. 

Ideal skin type for coconut oil: all skin types especially dry and sensitive skin

13. Tea tree oil

Sourced from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, this essential oil is renowned for its ability to combat acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory nature also helps to soothe redness and irritation associated with various skin conditions. Many people use tea tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer. Studies have shown that tea tree oil kills several common bacteria and viruses like e-coli. 

Ideal skin type for tea tree oil: oily skin

14. Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is perfect for all skin types because of its many properties. Rich in fatty acids, hemp seed oil is great for nourishing dry skin and reducing irritation. Especially for those with itchy beards as hemp seed is also known to reduce redness. 

Hemp seed oil lotion contains a lot of vitamin F which plays an important role in preventing aging. Many people use hemp seed lotion as a solution to treat fine lines and wrinkles. 

On the other hand, hemp seed oil benefits for hair are vast. For hair, hemp seed oil can be ideal for those looking to stimulate hair growth. Hemp seed oil is used to strengthen hair strands and condition your hair for a smoother texture.  

Ideal skin type for hemp seed oil: all skin types

15. Pomegranate extract

Pomegranate extract comes with a wide range of benefits for your skin. Rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, pomegranate extract is used to protect your skin from free radicals. In the same way, this green skincare ingredient can be used to hydrate and moisturize your skin while also reducing wrinkles. 

Ideal skin type for pomegranate extract: dry skin

Other natural and eco-friendly skincare tips

If you’re still searching for the best organic skin care products for your skin type, in the meantime, check out our tips for a more holistic skincare routine: 

1. Prioritize Minimalist Skincare: Simplify your skincare routine by opting for fewer products with high-quality, natural ingredients with sustainable packaging. 
2. DIY Skincare Recipes: Experiment with homemade skincare recipes using ingredients from your kitchen, such as honey, oats, and avocado. 
3. Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage when cleansing and rinsing your face. 
4. Use Reusable Makeup Removers: Swap disposable makeup wipes for reusable options like microfiber cloths or organic cotton rounds. 
5. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreens: Opt for mineral-based sunscreens free from oxybenzone which can harm coral reefs and marine life. 
6. Upcycle Skincare Containers: Reuse empty skincare containers for storing DIY creations or repurpose them for other household purposes.

In a world where conscious consumerism is gaining momentum, choosing natural and eco-friendly skincare products for our daily care is paramount. As we learn more about how synthetic ingredients can affect our health and the environment, there’s a bigger demand for natural and eco-friendly skincare options. These are just a few ingredients you can implement in your routine for a more natural and eco-friendly approach! 

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.