Natural skincare can be easily found in the shops today. You might have noticed as you move down the aisle of your local supermarket or beauty retailer, or cruise around the internet and social media the 'natural' beauty category is growing in popularity. This demand is consumer-led which is fantastic because it means people are educating themselves and wanting products that contain fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients. The demand is eagerly being met by new emerging brands and established beauty brands introducing new 'natural' ranges. However, buyer beware. There is a big difference between a product that contains just a few botanical or natural ingredients, is 100% natural or a product that is 100% natural with active plant extracts.
Why would you only use natural products for your skincare?
There are several reasons to use natural products for your skincare. For example:
- Knowing you are buying ethical, plant-based products
- Natural skincare is free of manufactured chemicals which can be damaging to your skin
- Natural products can be more gentle on your skin
- Your natural skincare products are less likely to trigger allergic reactions
Read more: 7 reasons to switch to natural skincare
What makes the best natural skincare products?
Not all natural skincare products are created equal. Good quality plant extracts are expensive, so not many brands use them. They opt for only a small percentage of botanicals or essential oils. This creates a difference in efficacy, which is a medical term used to rate the effectiveness of the products.
At Botani, we use a high concentration of quality plant extracts, which delivers better value for money and better results.
Difference between holistic, organic & natural skincare products
Many products’ claims of being 'all natural' are all smoke and mirrors and not accurate or authentic. We all deserve transparency from brands. Here is what the different terms mean.
Holistic skincare
Holistic skincare looks at the whole picture. It's a complete approach to skin health and is about what's going on inside and outside. It's your lifestyle, overall happiness and well-being. This is Botani's approach and ethos. At Botani we are passionate about sharing supportive, holistic and complementary information about how to care for your skin. Your skincare products make up only one piece of your overall skin health plan.
Natural skincare
Natural skincare has many grey areas and can contain ingredients that are naturally derived but not necessarily complimentary for the skin as they are not biocompatible. If the percentage of the ingredients are not right, they won't be effective. For example, if they are too strong and it could irritate the skin, or if the ingredients are too diluted they won't be effective.
- A classic example of a natural skincare product is water in your moisturiser. Yes, water is natural, however, if you have too much water, there are not enough emollients to carry the active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin, and you won't receive lasting hydration. Not enough water and your moisturiser will be too oily.
- Filtered water is a common ingredient many brands use to 'pad out' their products, as it is low cost and generally works well with other ingredients. But have you ever used a moisturiser or hand cream which feels nice initially, but your skin still feels dehydrated not long after using it? Check the ingredients and where water is listed. If it's right at the start of the ingredient list, there is a good chance it's been used as a 'filler' to cut cost. We'd love to see skincare brands be more transparent about their water content. We think consumers deserve it! This is where expert knowledge and commitment to great formulations deliver the best results.
Organic Skincare
Relates to the way the ingredients have been farmed. With no pesticides and chemicals.
Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Skincare
Naturopathic skincare fits in with the overall holistic approach to skin. It's not just about the integrity of the products you are putting on your skin, but it's also about your mindset, your diet, your relationship with yourself and others, your overall lifestyle and environmental factors. To think that one product is going to 'fix' your skin without looking at the whole picture is really unrealistic. There are so many elements that impact your skin's health.
Ingredients to avoid if you want to use natural skincare products
If you're looking for all-natural skincare there are some ingredients you should avoid including:
- Propylene glycol (PEGS).
- Synthetics, fragrances and colourings.
- Parabens.
- Mineral Oils.
- Silicon.
- Isopropyl (alcohol).
- Oxybenzone (found in sunscreens).
Discover the full range of Botani’s natural skincare products made in Australia and commit to a beauty routine that's kind, conscious and transformative.
