At EcoVibe, we’re all about all things natural, especially when it comes to self-care. We’re trying to do as well by our bodies and the environment as possible, without the long (and seemingly everlasting) lists of ingredients including BPA, parabens and phthalates linked to harmful health effects, which can range from hormone disruption and cancer to plain-old skin irritation, found in regular beauty products.
Don't worry - as usual, Mother Nature has the answers. Check out some of our favourite, natural ingredients for a cleaner beauty regime.
1. Argan oil
Properties
This magical resource is produced from the kernels of the argan tree. It’s packed full of fatty acids including linoleic acid which is anti-inflammatory so it’s amazing for soothing the skin, and oleic acid which will protect and condition your skin, scalp and hair, as well as restoring hydration.
How to use it
Make a homemade hair serum to leave dry, coarse, curly or unruly hair smoothed and conditioned, or try it in a hydrating face mask for a natural and blemish-free glow.
Choosing sustainable
Argan trees are at threat from overuse, deforestation and even goats! If you’re buying argan products, buy the fairest argan possible. Look for Fair Trade standards or brands that specifically link to co-ops they’re working with.
2. Honey
Properties
Honey is a humectant, meaning it both attracts and retains moisture, which means it’s super hydrating on the skin and gives skin and gives shine and softness to the hair.
It has renowned antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which enable it to delicately but effectively cleanse the skin and scalp.
How to use it
You can use honey in pretty much everything with its gorgeous properties but our favourite ways are to use it in a face mask, mixed with lemon juice to leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and moisturised.
Choosing sustainable
While some honey producers have a bad reputation for bee welfare standards, many beekeepers are doing things differently. Check out Friends of the Earth’s guide for choosing honey that keeps bees happy and healthy.
3. Rosewater
Properties
Rosewater helps calm the skin and reduce redness, so it is absolutely perfect for facial skincare products! It’s a wonder for acne as well as cooling and soothing irritated skin. It acts as a cleanser for oily skin and as moisturiser for dry skin. It also serves as an anti-ageing ingredient because it can tone, soften, rejuvenate, and revitalise mature skin to bring back its natural glow.
How to use it
Rosewater also possesses astringent properties which helps clean the pores of oil and grime toning the skin further. It’s super soothing and is perfect for use as an all-natural skin toner. Just apply rose water on your face and allow it to settle in your pores.
Choosing sustainable
You can shop rose water affordably in most big supermarkets or zero waste stores but try to look out for one which is either made in the UK or made closest to you. Often rose water is produced in faraway countries, increasing its carbon footprint.
Even better, make your own at home! Roses are typically harvest in May or June. Just cover the petals with filtered water in a pot, simmer for half an hour or so and mix with equal parts of witch hazel.
4. Cider vinegar
Properties
Cider vinegar is very popular for hair and skin care, thanks to its purifying, shining and detangling properties. In a water solution, it’s thought to restore skin’s balance, helping to tackle the causes of dandruff and acne.
How to use it
It’s touted as a miracle by shampoo bar users! If you’re new to using bar shampoo or live in a hard water area, we’d recommend rinsing your scalp and hair with cider vinegar after using the bars, which will help with pH balance, detangle and add softness to your hair.
It also works wonders on mosquito and insect bites. Just dap a little on with cotton wool to soothe the itch. But be careful, this can cause a burning sensation on some skin types – stop using if this happens!
Choosing sustainable
With a relatively low water footprint, low carbon footprint and low significant damage to air, water, land soil or forests, apple cider vinegar is environmentally sustainable. Just be sure to choose non-GMO/organic as toxic, chemical pesticides contaminate our air water and soil.
5. Coffee grounds
Properties
Coffee grounds work wonders when repurposed into an exfoliating scrub for your face and body by helping to remove dirt and dead skin cells and promote overall health. They’re packed full of antioxidants which help fight ageing, increasing collagen and elastin, making your skin look and feel firmer.
How to use them
Coffee grounds make an amazing face and body scrub to tighten and brighten your skin! Try mixing with another of our favourite natural ingredients, honey, and spread over your face for an all-natural, DIY face scrub.
Choosing sustainable
It’s so great that you’re thinking of repurposing your old coffee grounds – what a great way to reduce your waste! Next step, make sure the coffee you’re buying is sustainable and ethical. Choose Fairtrade, Soil Association Organic, Bird Friendly and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee.
6. Aloe vera
Properties
Aloe vera is thought to be one of the oldest remedies, noted for its healing qualities. It softens, calms and helps to protect the skin. Known for its natural moisturising powers and high water content, it’s super hydrating on dry skin.
The cooling sensation you get when applying topically is totally amazing for soothing minor burns, calming sunburns or redness caused by the cold.
How to use it
The cooling sensation you get when applying topically is totally amazing for soothing minor burns, calming sunburns or redness caused by the cold. Just snap a little off and slather over the skin.
Choosing sustainable
By growing your own, you can avoid the extra packaging aloe vera gel usually comes in. It’s pretty easy to grow as a houseplant in the UK, as long as you have plenty of sun. Check out Good Housekeeping’s top tips on how to grow aloe vera here.
7. Kaolin Clay
Properties
Kaolin clay cleanses the skin by absorbing excess oil and benefits your skin by sloughing away dull dead skin, absorbing impurities from your pores, leaving your skin wonderfully soft! It's an amazing skin soother, fights acne and is even a great exfoliator too.
How to use it
Kaolin clay is perfect for use as a cleanser and clay mask. Simply mix the clay with enough water to make a thick paste and allow to sit on your face for 5-1 minutes and rinse.
Choosing sustainable
Kaolin clay is so abundant and easily accessible, making the kaolin clay mining process very efficient with minimal impact on the environment. If you can, look for kaolin clay which had been exported from the UK, minimising the carbon footprint as you're decreasing the number of miles the clay has to travel.