When it comes to beauty trends that’ve changed our standing-in-front-of-the-mirror routines lately, you can count them on both hands. The recent surge in eyebrow products has meant our brows are always ‘on fleek’. The world’s obsession with matte lipsticks has been single-handedly created by Kylie Jenner, and so the list goes on.
But when it comes to beauty trends that are destined to have a positive effect on not only your skin, but your wellbeing, the Natural Ingredients Movement is up there. Yes, products free of synthetic chemicals that use naturally-derived products are having their moment.
In 2017, you can expect to see the usual natural culprits (coconut oil, we’re looking at you) taken over by several new super ingredients that will up your beauty game. Here are the six we’re hoarding:
1. Olive leaf extract
As far as ingredients packed with antioxidant properties go, this is the super-sized meal deal. Olive Leaf Extract protects your skin from free radical damage (which conveniently includes signs of ageing) and it’s super nourishing. The good stuff doesn’t stop at your skin though, it’s also an ingredient to look out for when picking a shampoo and conditioner as it’s believed to protect our follicles from damage and give you the kind of shine you need sunglasses to look at.
Give Organic Care’s Dry Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner a try. It’s a plant-based formula packed with olive leaf extract to whip dry, damaged hair back into it’s original shape.
Plant-based formula for the win! Image: Organic Care.
If you’re someone who finds they get a lot of split ends, it’s a goodie. Plus, the brand is against animal testing (tick) and doesn’t contain any parabens or petrochemical cleanser (tick, tick), so you know it’s completely safe for you.
2. Coffee beans
Image: iStock.
Our dear friend coffee is not only responsible for keeping us from falling asleep on our keyboards or shouting at our colleagues each morning, it’s also a natural ingredient worth incorporating into your skin care. A powerful antioxidant, coffee beans in hand wash and face and body scrubs can de-gunk clogged pores and boost your skin’s protective barrier. We’ll drink to that.
3. Calendula extract
If you’ve got dry, flakey or sensitive skin, we have two words for you: Calendula extract. This natural ingredient contains sky-high levels of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that help to protect your skin against irritants. It’s like a warm, soothing bath for your skin.
4. Shea butter
Look, anything that has the word ‘butter’ in its name is welcome in my bathroom cabinet any day. Rich and creamy in texture, Shea Butter is a natural ingredient currently having a resurgence. Brimming with fatty-acids that replenish your skin, this is the one ingredient you can rely on to prevent desert skin this summer. It’s also high in antioxidants (are you seeing a pattern here?).
5. Echinacea
Yeah, yeah, we’re all across the fact that echinacea is great at helping to relieving colds and flus, but it’s also a natural ingredient that’s great at healing your skin. It’s anti-inflammatory properties have been said to calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
6. Sunflower seed oil
It’s great to cook with, but sunflower seed oil is one natural beauty ingredient to look out for if you’re after hydration. It’s high in Vitamin E, A and C and has great antioxidant properties. If you struggle with acne, pick up a body wash that contains sunflower seed oil - the linoleic acid component is said to ward off pimples.
What natural ingredient do you swear by?