Organic ingredients are everywhere in the world of beauty right now. Some products contain so many interesting natural extracts that you might mistake the ingredients panel for a green juice recipe.
But which ones will really benefit your skin? Are there certain vitamins, minerals, plants and herbs you should be looking out for?
We asked bellabox Global Brand Director Sam to explain more about the natural ingredients that are trending in the world of skincare. These are her picks for the best in green beauty.
Blue Cypress Oil
"Australian Blue Cypress trees yields a bright blue oil when the branches and leaves are steam distilled. It is known for its antibacterial and moisturising qualities, the Tiwi people have used it for thousands of years to soothe their skin in the dry desert heat. Due to its remarkable azure blue colour, it makes it perfect to tone brassiness in blonde hair, and Marc Daniels is one of the few hair care brands to harness this unique quality to keep blonde hair beautiful."
Super Greens in skincare
"So we know that green smoothies are a thing, but did you know that greens in your skincare can be beneficial as well? Kale will brighten your complexion, spirulina contains proteins, minerals and fatty acids to give you a youthful glow, chlorella will promote collagen production and parsley helps you maintain an even skin tone."
Antioxidant Support, Vitamins A, C and E
"Antioxidants are vital in skincare as they provide protection from free radicals. No, free radicals are not a punk rock band from the 80’s, they are unstable molecules that damage cells they come into contact with. They are all around us, the biggest source of free radicals in oxygen. In other words the very air around us produces the free radicals that age us! Think of a potato that goes brown when cut, or when a piece of iron goes rusty. When exposed to the elements over a long period of time, all substances eventually degrade without protection. Back to that potato, sprinkle lemon juice, a rich source of vitamin c, on it and it will not go brown as it is protecting the potatoes from the process of oxidisation. Your skin is the same, it needs to be protected from these free radicals. When we are young, our skin is loaded with antioxidants to protect the skin, but as we age our bodies produce less so we need to get them from food or apply them topically. Vitamins A, C and E are a potent combination to keep your skin protected so you should be looking for these vital ingredients in your skincare."
Rosehip Oil
"Rosehip oil a power packed ingredient used a lot in skincare. It has a moisturising, soothing and softening effect through the action of vitamin F and essential fatty acids. When these are absorbed through the skin, they help with cellular membrane and tissue regeneration so it is perfect to use when your skin is looking a little dull and tired."
Macadamia Oil
"Macadamia Oil is rich in Omega 7, an essential fatty acid that is naturally occurs in the skin, yet production diminishes with age so it has the perfect affinity with our skin. It keeps your skin deeply moisturised by replenishing the skins' protective barrier against moisture loss and plumps the skin giving a youthful glow."
What are some of your favourite natural beauty ingredients? Tell us in the comments!