A Quick Look at Some of the Best Natural Skin Care Products

 Natural products have become increasingly popular in the world of skincare. Whether it's moisturizers, face masks, serums, or sunscreens, more and more people are turning to all-natural options.

There are several compelling reasons to incorporate natural skincare products into your routine. A 2015 study found that natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, offer a safe and cost-effective alternative to synthetic products. Furthermore, these plant extracts have been found to benefit the skin.

If you're considering adding more natural products to your skincare regimen or transitioning to an all-natural routine, we've compiled a list of the best natural products to enhance your daily skincare routine.

What Does It Mean for Skincare to Be Natural?

Unfortunately, there is no clear definition of what qualifies as natural skincare. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is unable to regulate the term "natural" due to the lack of extensive research on the benefits of natural skincare.

While some products may be certified by the Department of Agriculture or other skincare agencies, not all natural products are regulated.

According to Driver, this lack of regulation is due to insufficient regulations in the beauty industry and the prevalence of greenwashing. Greenwashing refers to companies making eco-friendly or environmentally conscious claims through advertising and marketing techniques, even when those claims may not be entirely accurate.

The term "natural" can refer to naturally occurring, naturally derived, or nature-identical ingredients. However, due to inconsistencies in skincare, it's essential to always check the product's ingredients.

What Is the Difference Between Naturally Occurring, Naturally Derived, and Nature-Identical?

While these terms may sound similar, they have distinct meanings:

1. Naturally Occurring: An ingredient is considered naturally occurring when it's found in nature and used in its natural form without further treatment or refining. Examples include raw honey and crushed flowers.

2. Naturally Derived: These ingredients require some form of treatment to access specific properties of the raw material. For instance, extracts of raw fat or coconut oil, commonly used in moisturizers, undergo treatment before being added to a product.

3. Nature-Identical: This means the ingredient is chemically produced in a lab and is identical to a natural product. For example, sorbic acid, which is originally derived from rowan berries containing vitamin C, can be produced chemically in a lab.

It's important to note that this guide is not definitive due to inconsistencies in skincare.

How We Chose the Best Natural Skincare Products

The skincare products listed here are either naturally occurring or nature-identical. Our selection process also considered factors such as budget, ingredient transparency, and customer ratings and reviews.

Pricing Guide:

• $ = under $20
• $$ = $20–$35
• $$$ = over $35

Now let's explore the best natural skincare products in various categories.

Best Natural Cleansers

Best Milk Cleanser: Beekman 1802 Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser

• Price: $$
• Best for: normal, dry, sensitive, and mature-looking skin
• Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, goat milk, probiotics, chamomile, cucumber, aloe
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: no
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Dissolves makeup, cleanses, and exfoliates without stripping the skin's microbiome
• Con: Higher price point

This multitasking cleanser transforms from a light jelly into a rich milk, effectively dissolving makeup and gently exfoliating the skin with natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). It helps to clarify and brighten the skin without causing dryness or tightness. The Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is microbiome certified, ensuring that it preserves the beneficial bacteria on the skin.

Best Drugstore Cleanser: Versed Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser

• Price: $
• Best for: dry and acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: oat milk, probiotics, marula oil, blackberry vinegar
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Budget-friendly with effective ingredients
• Con: Some may find the natural scent off-putting

This affordable cleanser is enriched with antioxidants like marula oil to balance the skin's pH levels and maintain a healthy microbiome. It helps to combat harmful microbes and germs while nourishing dry skin. The oat milk and blackberry vinegar in the formula provide anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing benefits. Reviewers appreciate its ability to remove residue, grease, and makeup. However, the natural scent may not appeal to everyone.

Best Cleanser for pH Balance: Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

• Price: $
• Best for: normal, combination, and oily skin
• Key ingredients: aloe, lemon, white tea, rice seed, sugarcane
• Scent: cedar, lime, spearmint
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Gently exfoliates while moisturizing
• Con: May be too harsh for very sensitive skin

This concentrated foaming gel includes gentle exfoliating properties with a hint of AHA. Regular use of this face wash helps maintain the skin's moisture and pH balance, promoting overall skin health. The formula features ingredients like rice seed for moisturization and sugarcane for natural glycolic acid, which brightens and clarifies the skin. Reviewers have found it effective as a gentle exfoliator when left on the face for a minute before light scrubbing.

Best Oil Cleanser: Crude Cleanse

• Price: $
• Best for: normal, dry, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, grapefruit oil, ylang-ylang flower oil, bergamot oil
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Doubles as a moisturizer
• Con: Some users experience an adjustment period

Crude Cleanse is a minimalistic oil cleanser made with a few key ingredients. It effectively removes impurities and makeup while providing moisture to the skin. The combination of sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, grapefruit oil, ylang-ylang flower oil, and bergamot oil leaves the skin feeling nourished and refreshed. Some users may experience an adjustment period when transitioning to oil cleansing. However, many appreciate the moisturizing benefits and the simplicity of the formula.

Best Toners

Best Toner for Combination Skin: 100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Toner

• Price: $
• Best for: combination skin
• Key ingredients: fermented rice water, green tea, cucumber, chamomile, rose
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Balances and hydrates the skin
• Con: Some may find it less effective for oily or dry skin

This toner is formulated with fermented rice water, green tea, cucumber, chamomile, and rose extracts. It helps to balance and hydrate combination skin, leaving it refreshed and nourished. The natural ingredients provide antioxidant benefits and soothe the skin. While it is suitable for combination skin, it may be less effective for oily or dry skin types.

Best Toner for Acne-Prone Skin: Cocokind Organic Rosewater Facial Toner

• Price: $
• Best for: acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: organic rosewater
• Scent: natural rose fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Soothes and hydrates acne-prone skin
• Con: May not be as effective for severe acne

Cocokind Organic Rosewater Facial Toner is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. It contains organic rosewater, known for its soothing and hydrating properties. The toner helps to calm inflammation and reduce redness, promoting a clearer complexion. While it may not be the most effective option for severe acne, many users appreciate its gentle and natural approach to skincare.

Best Triple-Action Toner: Youth to The People Kombucha Exfoliation Toner

• Price: $$
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: kombucha, tree bark extract, ginger, lactic acid, glycolic acid
• Scent: natural, botanical scent
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Provides exfoliation, brightening, and balancing benefits
• Con: Higher price point

The Youth to The People Kombucha Exfoliation Toner offers a triple-action approach to skincare. It combines the power of kombucha, tree bark extract, ginger, lactic acid, and glycolic acid to exfoliate, brighten, and balance the skin. This toner helps to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores. While it comes at a higher price point, many users find it effective in achieving smoother and more radiant skin.

Best Body Lotion

Best Body Lotion: Bangn Body Firming Lotion

• Price: $$
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, caffeine -Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Hydrates and firms the skin
• Con: Higher price point

Bangn Body Firming Lotion is a nourishing body lotion that is suitable for all skin types. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and caffeine to provide intense hydration and help firm the skin. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling smooth and supple. While it may be pricier compared to other body lotions, many users appreciate its moisturizing and firming effects.

Best Moisturizers

Best Drugstore Moisturizer: Weleda Skin Food Original Cream

• Price: $
• Best for: dry and rough skin
• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, pansy extract, chamomile extract, rosemary leaf extract
• Scent: natural botanical scent
• Vegan: no
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Deeply nourishes and hydrates dry skin
• Con: May feel heavy for oily or acne-prone skin

Weleda Skin Food Original Cream is a budget-friendly moisturizer that targets dry and rough skin. It features sunflower seed oil, pansy extract, chamomile extract, and rosemary leaf extract to provide deep nourishment and hydration. This rich cream is especially beneficial for areas of the skin that require intense moisture, such as elbows, knees, and hands. While it may feel heavy for oily or acne-prone skin, it is highly praised for its moisturizing properties.

Best Moisturizer for Mature-Looking Skin: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer Cream

• Price: $$
• Best for: mature-looking skin
• Key ingredients: shea butter, evening primrose oil, antioxidants
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Hydrates and improves the appearance of mature skin
• Con: Higher price point

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer Cream is specifically formulated to address the needs of mature-looking skin. It contains ingredients like shea butter, evening primrose oil, and antioxidants to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its overall appearance. The cream helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking plump and youthful. Though it comes at a higher price point, many users find it effective in rejuvenating mature skin.

Best Serums

Best Serum for Combination Skin: Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum

• Price: $
• Best for: combination skin
• Key ingredients: seabuckthorn oil, vitamin E, rosehip oil, citrus oils
• Scent: natural citrus scent
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Provides antioxidant protection and hydration
• Con: May not be suitable for very oily or very dry skin

Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum is a lightweight serum designed for combination skin. It features seabuckthorn oil, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and citrus oils to deliver antioxidant protection and hydration. The serum absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling nourished and refreshed. While it works well for combination skin, it may not be the ideal choice for very oily or very dry skin types.

Best Serum for Sensitive Skin: Burt's Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum

• Price: $
• Best for: sensitive skin
• Key ingredients: apple extract, hibiscus extract, apple fruit water
• Scent: natural botanical scent
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Gentle and nourishing for sensitive skin
• Con: May not provide intensive firming effects for all users

Burt's Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum is a gentle serum specially formulated for sensitive skin. It contains apple extract, hibiscus extract, and apple fruit water to provide nourishment and hydration. The lightweight formula helps to improve the skin's texture and firmness. While it may not deliver intensive firming effects for all users, it is well-tolerated by sensitive skin and appreciated for its gentle nature.

Best Multitasking Serum: LINNÉ Repair Face Oil

• Price: $$$
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: rosehip seed oil, argan oil, baobab seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, evening primrose oil
• Scent: natural botanical scent
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Nourishes, repairs, and protects the skin
• Con: Higher price point

LINNÉ Repair Face Oil is a luxurious multitasking serum suitable for all skin types. It combines potent botanical oils, including rosehip seed oil, argan oil, baobab seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and evening primrose oil, to nourish, repair, and protect the skin. This serum helps to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall skin health. While it comes with a higher price tag, many users appreciate its transformative effects on the skin.

Best Vitamin C Serum

Best Vitamin C Serum: Fleur & Bee Nectar of the C

• Price: $$
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
• Scent: natural citrus scent
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Brightens, evens skin tone, and boosts collagen production
• Con: Some users may find the scent overpowering

Fleur & Bee Nectar of the C is a potent vitamin C serum suitable for all skin types. It contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and boost collagen production. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with a youthful glow. While many users appreciate the serum's effectiveness, some may find the citrus scent overpowering.

Best Sunscreens

Best Sustainable Sunscreen: Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

• Price: $$
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, vitamin E
• Scent: natural botanical scent
• Vegan: no
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Provides broad-spectrum protection and is reef-safe
• Con: Thicker texture compared to chemical sunscreens

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is a sustainable sunscreen suitable for all skin types. It features zinc oxide as its active ingredient, providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The formula is reef-safe and contains nourishing ingredients like sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. While the texture may be thicker compared to chemical sunscreens, many users appreciate its effectiveness and eco-friendly qualities.

Best Lightweight Sunscreen: Cocokind Daily SPF, SPF 32

• Price: $
• Best for: all skin types
• Key ingredients: zinc oxide, turmeric, sea moss, avocado oil, green tea
• Scent: no added fragrance
• Vegan: yes
• Cruelty-free: yes
• Pro: Lightweight, non-greasy, and easily absorbed by the skin
• Con: May leave a white cast on deeper skin tones

Cocokind Daily SPF, SPF 32 is a lightweight sunscreen suitable for all skin types. It contains zinc oxide as its active ingredient for effective sun protection. The formula is enriched with turmeric, sea moss, avocado oil, and green tea to provide antioxidant benefits. The sunscreen is non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin, making it suitable for daily use. However, users with deeper skin tones may experience a white cast upon application.

In conclusion, natural skincare products have gained popularity due to their safe and effective ingredients. Whether you're looking for cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, or sunscreens, the options listed above offer a range of choices for different skin types and concerns. Incorporating natural products into your skincare routine can help promote healthier, nourished skin. Remember to always check the ingredients and choose products that align with your specific skincare needs.