unlocking the secrets of plant-based skincare

You’ve heard about plant-based skincare, but what exactly does it mean to be plant-based?

It’s not so different from standard skincare. But where other products might rely on lab-created chemicals to address your skincare concerns, plant-based skincare will deliver naturally-occurring antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, extracted from plants you can find in your own backyard. 

Whether or not you prioritize plant-based products in other areas of your life, it’s always a good idea to turn to Mother Nature to help care for your skin. Read on as we share eight plant-based ingredients – straight from the garden – that can help you achieve glowing, ageless skin!

• Chamomile: If you’ve ever had chamomile tea before bed, you already know the soothing power of this flower. Historically, people have used chamomile flowers and extract to treat a host of illnesses and irritations – including skin conditions. In modern skincare, chamomile extract helps calm the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. It is a great ingredient to look for if you have sensitive skin.

• Dandelion: Did you know the bright yellow weeds popping up in your lawn boast skin-enhancing properties? It’s true – dandelion extracts protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.  These are oxygen atoms that have an unpaired electron, so they steal an electron from a nearby atom, inciting a domino effect that weakens the oxygen atoms in your body. You might see the results of this reflected in your skin as wrinkles, dullness or hyperpigmentation. Dandelions are a great source of antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which neutralize free radicals by providing an electron they can steal without causing damage. 

• Geranium: Colorful, wild-crafted geranium offers many benefits to the skin. Geranium extract can repair damaged tissue, minimizing the appearance of scars and reducing hyperpigmentation. Both astringent and anti-inflammatory, it’s the perfect acne-fighting ingredient for a clean, plant-based cleanser.   

• Carrots: No, won’t find shavings of the familiar orange root vegetable in your plant-based skincare, but you may spot carrot seed oil. This is an essential oil distilled from seeds of the wild carrot plant, also called Queen Anne’s lace. Research has shown it to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, and it even helps absorb sunlight before it reaches the skin! Carrot seed oil can also balance both dry and oily skin, help revive lost elasticity, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Horsetail: Horsetail is an ancient plant. Dubbed a “living fossil” by botanists, its oldest remains date back to the Jurassic era. Ancient Greeks used it to heal wounds; today, we use it to improve your skin! Horsetail is rich in silica, a mineral that can improve the elasticity and firmness of skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A natural astringent, it can decrease oil production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores – but it’s still mild enough for sensitive skin, so you might find it in a gentle cleanser. Horsetail is also a natural source of several essential nutrients, antioxidants and bioflavonoids that help protect your skin from environmental damage and stressors. 

• Camellia: A popular ornamental plant originating in Asia, camellias have potent skin protecting abilities. Camellia oil has been used traditionally in Japanese haircare (called tsubaki) for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. It is rich in vitamins A, B, D and E, and as a source of antioxidants, protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In our reset cleansing oil, it contributes nutrients and anti-aging properties. 

• Turmeric: Yes, that bright golden powder in your spice drawer has benefits for your skin. Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is high in antioxidants and has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Formulated into a skincare serum, it soothes redness, regulates sebum production and can help ease issues like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. Used consistently, turmeric can even reduce discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

• Calendula: Calendula refers to a genus of plants in the daisy family that you might recognize as marigolds. It has been used medicinally for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. When it comes to skincare, calendula soothes irritated skin, reduces redness and promotes skin regeneration. Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect cells from damage and aging, making it a key ingredient in a plant-based mineral sunscreen.

These are just a few examples of the plants we use to formulate natural, clean skincare. Explore our ingredient lists and you’ll find many more – both skincare staples like aloe, jojoba and shea, as well as more unfamiliar species like passionflower, gotu kola and meadowfoam. Start exploring and see where the power of plant-based skincare leads you!