Take a look at the ingredients list on conventional skincare products—even the ones that claim to be "natural" or "botanical"—and you'll feel like you're in a chemistry lab, not an organic garden. But Mother Nature provides plenty of healing and nurturing substances for mom and baby. When choosing your skincare products, look for these natural healers—and more importantly, avoid the six most common toxins in skincare.
Shea butter
A natural moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter also provides a small amount of natural ultraviolet sun protection.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba is chemically similar to human sebum, making it an ideal ingredient in skin care preparations.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is naturally cooling and softening, great for soothing sunburned or wind-chapped skin.
Argan oil
Known as the “Gold of Morocco,” this oil, harvested from the kernels of the endemic argan tree, is naturally rich in Vitamin E and other nutritive ingredients.
Avocado oil
Highly nutritious, avocado oil it is a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid.
Colliodal Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a mild yet healing natural treatment for dry skin, eczema, and other itchy skin conditions.
Sea Salt
Commonly used in scrubs, sea salt naturally cleanses and exfoliates the skin.
Honey
Rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, honey has nourishing and skin-softening properties.
Safflower Seed Oil
This highly moisturizing oil contains oleic acid, which improves the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Pure Essential Oils
Pure essential oils can harness the healing power of herbs and plants to deliver safe and effective skin care.
Katherine Stewart has authored two novels and contributed to
publications including Newsweek International, Slate, Prevention, Marie
Claire, Yoga Journal, and Healing Lifestyles & Spas. She lives in
Santa Barbara, California, with her husband and two children.