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When it comes to caring for your skin, there are a huge range of products available, but many of these will contain harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and the environment. However, our beautiful planet is awash with wonderful, natural ingredients that are primed for use in beauty products – bringing you a natural and healthy glow inside and out.

Packed full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, in today’s post, we’re exploring five truly underrated natural beauty ingredients you definitely need to know more about.

Marshmallow root

Despite being used for centuries as an ancient herbal remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments, the benefits of marshmallow root extract when used in natural skin care products are still not as widely known as they should be. But this underrated oil is bursting with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that offer a myriad of benefits to the skin.

Extracted from the root of the marshmallow plant, the liquid substance appears more like a gel than an oil, containing polysaccharides and flavonoids which are associated with tissue repair. When applied to the skin, these properties provide a protective and soothing layer to reduce inflammation and seal in moisture, while also rejuvenating skin from deep within.

With exceptional moisturising properties, mallow oil soaks gently into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, and is ideal for both oily and sensitive skin types. With the added presence of mullein, delicate areas of skin around the eyes and mouth are beautifully replenished with moisture, and naturally plumped up – making visible lines less pronounced.

Jojoba oil

Pronounced, ho-ho-ba, you may have seen jojoba featured in a number of beauty products like body milk, face creams and hair conditioners – but to truly benefit from this natural wonder, it’s best to find organic skin care products which use this ingredient in its purest form.

Extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) plant, native to south Arizona, California and Mexico, jojoba oil is in fact a liquid wax rather than an oil. Boasting outstanding moisturising capabilities, this waxy liquid works very similarly to our skin’s natural oils, absorbing quickly into the skin – giving almost instant hydration, while helping to balance your skin’s oil production.

Suitable for all skin types, jojoba oil brings a generous helping of vitamins E and B, as well as copper, zinc and chromium and plenty of antioxidants, all of which work together to nourish and protect skin – making this a nutritious and gentle alternative to synthetic oils.

Apricot kernel oil

Apricot kernel oil is packed full of essential fatty acids and vitamins, which are key to keeping your skin healthy, supple and radiant. Cold pressed from the dried kernels of apricot fruit, this oil has a pleasant, nutty scent and is found in range of balms, lotions and creams – but organic options that contain its purest form will be most beneficial.

Brimming with high levels of vitamins E, C and A, along with fatty acids like oleic and linoleic, these properties work to soften, moisturise and rejuvenate from within. As a light oil, often used for massage and in face creams, it’s easily absorbed and is particularly powerful when used on mature, dry or sensitive skin, where extra oils and moisture are needed.

This natural ingredient is also highly compatible with other ingredients, like lavender oil and tea tree, to bolster its use as an anti-inflammatory treatment.

Rosehip oil

Cold-pressed from the seeds of the Rosa rubiginosa plant, rosehip oil is fast overtaking coconut oil as a miracle ingredient for moisturising, as well as treating the signs of aging. Like most natural ingredients, rosehip oil is gentle and kind on the skin, providing much-needed moisture without the use of chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

Filled with natural anti-inflammatory fatty acids (including oleic, palmitic and linoleic) and a multitude of vitamins (E, D, C and A), this wonder ingredient effectively hydrates skin, while also repairing damaged tissue – creating a more youthful and radiant complexion. The high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A work to rejuvenate skin cells and reduce pigmentation, like age spots and sun damage, making it a worthwhile addition to beauty regimes for mature skin or anyone keen to stay looking youthful for longer.

Echinacea

Harvested from the leaves and flowers of the Echinacea plant, this powerful ingredient can be put to many uses when it comes to skin care products, as well as supplements and tinctures. Featuring a distinctive flower with a bright, spiky centre, you can find Echinacea flowers in varying colours and can even grow them in your garden.

When ingested as a supplement or a herbal tea, Echinacea is thought to help the body’s immune system to recover after illnesses, such as the common cold, as it’s known to boost the production of white blood cells – while the antioxidants and antimicrobial substances help to ward off negative microorganisms, helping you feel better faster.

As a skin care ingredient, Echinacea is ideal for those who suffer from acne or have an oily complexion. Its mild astringent properties help to minimise pores, while its healing properties work to soothe redness and tissue swelling – making it a gentler alternative to strong acne treatments. These skin-tightening qualities also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, firming the skin’s surface. But the use of Echinacea isn’t limited to the face and body – applying it the hair and scalp can also alleviate dandruff and even improve hair growth.

Image source: Herbfarmacy

Whether you’re looking for the next miracle anti-aging ingredient or you simply want to swap out chemical-filled products for more natural alternatives, all of these ingredients have unique properties that can greatly benefit your skin. From herbs with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties to vitamin-rich oils, inviting natural ingredients into your skin care regime can be a fantastic way to find kinder treatments, while also helping the environment.