5 Natural Skincare Products that Work
The challenges of the past few years have forced many of us to reconsider our priorities, with the environment and wellbeing being pushed to the fore. In terms of skincare, this means incorporating a routine reliant on nature-based products from brands that respect the environment. Here’s a look at the best in natural skincare products that have proven results.
What is a natural skincare product?
The first thing to remember is that not all natural skincare products are quite as environmentally friendly as they could – or should – be. There is a lot of ‘greenwashing’ in the industry, with brands making big claims about being ‘natural’ when they’re only meeting some of your expectations. That’s why it’s always important to check the ingredients as well as the company ethos. Natural is a broad term that can refer to three things:
- Naturally occurring: This is where an ingredient is naturally occurring as in it’s found in nature and used in its natural form without refining.
- Naturally derived: These ingredients are treated to access particular properties of the raw material.
- Nature-identical: This is where the ingredient has been produced in a lab, making it chemically identical to a natural product.
If you’re really looking for a skincare product that is completely natural and sustainable, you might want to check the following:
- The brand is foundation-owned so the company is not profit-driven.
- The products are 100% natural certified organic using only the highest quality, medicinal standard plant extracts.
- The brand cruelty-free, meaning never testing products on animals or commissioning others to do so.
- The brand relies on a sustainable sourcing and ethical supply chains.
- The brand protects the ecosystem by not incorporating mineral oils, chemical preservatives or micro plastics.
- The brand use natural, recycled packaging to reduce waste.
What to consider when choosing natural skincare products?
Your skin type
Whether you have oily, combination, dry or sensitive skin, you need to ensure the product matches your skin type. Use this guide to help you.
Your sensitivities
Certain ingredients, even natural ones, can create skin irritations so you need to do an at-home patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t react badly to the product.
Your budget
Skincare products can be costly, but there might be ways to save. Some natural products are available in smaller sizes to start you off, and you can begin with just one or two products at first. Often product will last a few months so it works out less expensive than you thought.
The product effectiveness
Check on product reviews and research so that you’re not buying something that makes big promises but doesn’t deliver.
What are 5 natural skincare products that work?
One of the world's leading natural skincare ranges is Dr Hauschka, a company that has been running a sustainable operation since 1967. Here’s a look at their top 5 skincare products to try.
1. Dr Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk
Price: R85 to R665 (depending on size)
Skin type: Sensitive skin, all skins for make-up removal
Formulation: Anthyllis, jojoba and almond oil gently cleanse and maintain the skin’s naturally protective acid mantle.
Use: Each morning and evening, apply evenly to a damp face. Remove using water, a cosmetic sponge or a lukewarm cloth. To remove eye make-up, apply a little Soothing Cleansing Milk to a dampened cotton pad.
This Soothing Cleansing Milk removes dirt and make-up on all skin conditions prior to cleansing. For sensitive skin, Soothing Cleansing Milk can be used as a daily cleanser in the mornings and evenings to prepare the skin for a toner and day or night care. This product cleanses and nourishes, replenishing lost oils.
2. Dr Hauschka Clarifying Toner
Price: R695.00
Skin type: Oily, blemished and combination skin.
Formulation: Daisy and nasturtium minimise the appearance of blackheads and blemishes, visibly refine pores and reduce excessive oiliness. Anthyllis balances skin for a calm, even appearance.
Use: After cleansing in the mornings and evenings, mist Clarifying Toner onto the face and gently pat it into the skin.
This specially formulated Clarifying Toner will nourish oily or blemished skin and gently stimulates the skin’s natural processes, giving your complexion a rosy and vibrant radiance. It balances excessive oiliness, soothes redness and irritation and minimises the appearance of blemishes, blackheads and enlarged pores.
3. Dr Hauschka Soothing Day Lotion 50ml
Price: R695
Skin type: All types
Formulation: Premium botanical extracts and oils stimulate the skin’s natural process of oil and moisture production whilst at the same time reducing tautness. Valuable extracts of rose, borage and lady’s mantle strengthen the skin and foster an even complexion.
Use: Each morning after cleansing and toning, apply evenly to the face, neck and décolleté. With the lotion, a little goes a long way. It glides on easily making it the ideal base for make-up.
This Soothing Day Lotion soothes sensitive and reddened skin. Even skin that is prone to enlarged capillaries will appear less irritated. The silky-smooth texture offers long-lasting protection throughout the day. It creates an even appearance and is an ideal base for make-up.
4. Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Oil Serum Intensive 20ml
Price: R1 755
Skin type: Dry dehydrated skin, mature skin, sensitive skin
Use: In the morning, after cleansing and toning, decide what your skin needs at that moment. For more intense nourishment, mix with the Regenerating Day Cream Intensive. If you need additional protection, apply Regenerating Oil Serum Intensive directly on top of your day cream.
Regenerating Oil Serum Intensive is for mature skin that is becoming increasingly drier and more sensitive. It firms and stabilises while improving resilience and leaving the skin beautifully smooth.
5. Dr Hauschka Renewing Night Conditioner 50 amp
Price: R1 715
Skin type: All skin types
Formulation: Rhythmitised medicinal plant extracts of witch hazel, madonna lily and silver, along with precious rose, bryophyllum (kalanchoe), marshmallow and sunflower support the skin’s essential night-time tasks of cleansing, balancing and renewal.
Use: Skin cells are renewed every 28 days. Mirroring this same regenerative cycle, Renewing Night Conditioner should be used for 28 days in place of a toner. Apply nightly, after evening cleansing.
Renewing Night Conditioner is an oil-free night time skin care product from Dr. Hauschka, which allows the skin to breathe freely and reminds it of its natural renewal processes. Renewing Night Conditioner normalises the skin’s functions and stimulates its natural processes.
Dr Hauschka, this natural skincare brand, draws on extensive research and a deep understanding of nature. To find out more about these and many other products, visit www.drhauschka.co.za.
Read more: Best natural skincare routine for aging skin | The best natural skincare routine for dry skin
