Plant-derived ingredients have been used for thousands of years and are still the most effective way to rejuvenate and nourish the skin naturally. Botanical might be the latest buzzword, but the truth is, it’s nothing new. Whether you want to address dullness, acne, dark spots, or uneven skin tone, you’ll be happy to learn that certain botanical ingredients in skincare products can have a significant impact on your complexion!
That’s why we want to highlight a few of our favorites and the benefits they offer.
But first, let’s talk about what botanical means…
What Are Botanical Ingredients in Skincare Products?
Botanical ingredients in skincare products are potent extracts and oils derived from various plant parts, such as flowers, roots, fruits, leaves, seeds, and herbs. Many plant extracts and oils have rejuvenating properties that make them ideal for improving a wide range of skin conditions on various skin types.
Are Botanical Ingredients Good for Your Skin?
Certain botanical ingredients can help improve your skin and clear up any issues you may be struggling with. However, there are some you may want to steer clear of. Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean your skin will react well to it. That’s why you need to consider your unique skin type when choosing any new skincare product.
If you have sensitive skin, for example, experts recommend avoiding essential oils like tea tree oil and citrus oils.
6 Botanical Ingredients Worth Checking Out
If you’re looking to harness the power of nature in caring for your skin at home, take notes. We use the following botanical ingredients in some of our skincare products for a reason—they can go a long way toward improving tone, texture, and more!
Let’s dive in…
1. Pumpkin
If you only use pumpkins to make delicious pies or create festive fall decorations, you’re missing out! Pumpkins offer a wide range of skin benefits, from hydration to lightening. Other benefits of pumpkin for your complexion include the following:
- Helps moisturize and hydrate
Pumpkin contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E—a few nutrients that are beneficial for dry skin. The vitamins and fatty acids in pumpkin can moisturize and hydrate the skin, even when applied topically. Many people have found that applying products with pumpkin can have an impressive softening effect.
- Brightens dull skin
Pumpkins are rich in enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin. At a deeper level, they encourage cell turnover and cause a brightening effect. This can reduce the appearance of sun damage, leaving the skin looking more youthful.
- Prevents acne breakouts
A surprising benefit of pumpkin as a botanical ingredient in skincare products is that it can help fight breakouts! Along with vitamin E, the zinc in pumpkin works to regulate oil production—a common cause of breakouts. Additionally, potassium can eliminate the redness and inflammation accompanying acne.
At Ethos Skincare, we have a Warming Pumpkin Masque that softens, smooths, and rejuvenates skin!
2. Aloe Vera
Chances are you use aloe vera gel to treat sunburns. But did you know that it can have an even greater impact on your skin?
Dermatologists praise aloe vera for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In addition to healing the skin, these properties can keep the skin moisturized, fight against acne, and even help reduce signs of aging.
- Aloe contains vitamins C and E, both of which are antioxidants that can prevent free radicals from causing cell damage.
- It also features salicylic acid, which is a known acne fighter. Further, it removes dead skin cells.
- Aloe also has aloesin and aloin, which have been shown to reduce the appearance of dark spots and stretch marks.
At Ethos Skincare, we love the Sheer Delicate Moisturizer, which is formulated with soothing aloe vera and a rich blend of antioxidants. This moisturizer is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it keeps the skin soft and supple.
3. Bamboo
To understand why bamboo is one of the most effective botanical ingredients in skincare products, you need to understand the role of silica. This nutrient naturally occurs in the body, but like many others, its production slows down as we age. As silica helps with storing collagen in the body, there is a decrease in skin elasticity as time goes on. Thankfully, bamboo is a rich source of silica, which means it can help improve skin flexibility and elasticity once your natural production starts to decline.
But that’s not all!
Bamboo offers several other benefits, including the following:
- It contains many antioxidants, which can protect the skin against free radicals and UV damage.
- It has anti-irritant properties, so it’s great for sensitive skin.
- The silica in bamboo helps in synthesizing glycosaminoglycans, which prevent moisture loss within the skin and keep skin plump.
Ethos Skincare’s Rx Serum, which reduces visible signs of aging, has bamboo as one of its ingredients.
4. Licorice
Licorice extract is made from the root of the licorice plant, which has been used for medicinal purposes for years. Licorice extract can also be applied topically on the skin to provide various benefits, including…
- Brightening and decreasing dark spots
- Serving as an anti-inflammatory
- Controlling oil production in the skin
- Fighting oxidants that age the skin
Our Restorative Eye Serum uses licorice extract to reduce melanin production and lighten pesky dark circles.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is another popular botanical ingredient in skincare products because it’s rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Some of the skin-related benefits of green tea include the following:
- It fights free radicals and addresses UV damage.
- It reduces sebum production and excretion on the skin, which can help with managing oily skin and preventing breakouts.
- The naturally occurring caffeine in green tea can assist in reducing puffiness.
- The polyphenols in green tea can also help reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Our Gentle Foaming Cleanser is made with green tea to protect against free radicals and rejuvenate the skin.
6. Swiss Apple
One of the hottest botanical ingredients in skincare products is Swiss apple—specifically Swiss apple stem cells. Discovered roughly a decade ago, the stem cells from a rare Swiss apple were shown to protect human stem cells from stress. They can also deliver benefits such as…
- Repairing damaged tissues and encouraging skin cell regeneration
- Increasing skin stem cells’ vitality and longevity via metabolites
- Reducing signs of aging by decreasing wrinkles and fine lines
Ethos Skincare DNA Repair Crème uses Swiss apple stem cells to deliver dramatic antiaging benefits you can see!
Shop for the Best Botanical Ingredients in Skincare
It’s clear that botanical ingredients in skincare products can go a long way toward improving your complexion. But it’s important to select the right ones in the right formulations. So, consider the ingredients above as you browse for at-home treatments that are suitable for your skin type and concerns.
Shop Ethos Skincare’s collections now and discover the benefits of botanical derivatives backed by science actives firsthand!