The truth is that harsh chemicals in products can be damaging to the skin, so it’s best to opt for natural and organic ingredients that It’s taken us years of research, but the truth is out – those parabens and petroleum by-products are no good for you. Let us look at some traditional natural ingredients that have been a part of the kitchen, and even our grandmothers also used it! And the best part; each of these features in beauty products today!
12 Traditional Natural Skincare Ingredients
- Coconut Oil
This has got to be the number one ingredient that every grandmother will insist on stocking upon. Dry skin? Dry hair? Hair fall? Premature wrinkles? Irritated skin? Coconut oil is the answer to all these and more! Whatever your skin or hair issue, you can be sure coconut oil features in it somewhere. Coconut oil has good penetration capacity, which means that it is absorbed easily. Coconut oil has a low risk of allergies, and virgin coconut oil is used to treat skin conditions like eczema and inflammation. Coconut oil also works well as a scrub base and a make-up remover.
Coconut oil is the base of most of our hair oils. It helps to condition and nourish hair from the roots to the tips. It is one of the most revered oils that has been used since the times of Ayurveda.
- Honey
Like coconut oil, honey is the ultimate remedy for all kinds of skin and hair problems. Honey is packed with plant-based antioxidants with a host of benefits, like delaying the signs of aging, keeping the skin moisturized, and even treating skin issues since it has antimicrobial properties. Use raw honey because it is unpasteurized and contains all the bits the bees brought in, including pollen. It is these elements that give honey its benefits, so get raw forest honey wherever possible.
- Rice Water
If you think rice water is some specialized extract of rice, think again! Know that starchy water you throw out after cooking rice – yes, that’s the famed rice water! Rice water has benefits for both skin and hair. It encourages the production of collagen, which we know is essential for maintaining the firmness of the skin. Rice water is also an excellent toner for skin. Rice water contains a compound called inositol, which reduces friction between hair strands, giving you that sleek, manageable mane. It also improves the hair’s strength and elasticity and stays on even after you wash it out.
- Turmeric
You won’t find any Indian grandmother or mother who doesn’t have her turmeric recipe for healthy skin and wellness! Apart from its fame to build immunity when consumed with milk, turmeric also boasts of skin wellness. With over 300 antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s no wonder that turmeric is a must-have for good health – both inside and out! Turmeric improves complexion by reducing hyperpigmentation, and it also works on scars and blemishes. Since it can fight inflammation, turmeric is also great at preventing visible signs of aging from appearing.
Turmeric is often considered a natural skin lightening agent. We use this ingredient in our face masks, scrubs, face washes, and more. It helps to even the skin tone by reducing the appearance of blemishes.
- Neem
Neem leaves have so many benefits that they are also used for medicinal purposes. Along with nourishing skin with Vitamin E and keeping the moisture trapped in, neem leaves are also used to cure rashes, blackheads, and other skin conditions. Neem has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making it a frequent feature in herbal face packs and other skin treatments.
Neem is a preferred ingredient that is recommended for acne-prone or oily skin. Regular application of neem oil helps to reduce excess oil production. Mamaearth Neem Face Mask is one of our best sellers.
- Eucalyptus
Like Neem, Eucalyptus is another plant that is packed with skin-specific benefits. Though eucalyptus oil is more prevalent in the modern world, our grandmothers made use of eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus leaves are stuffed with antioxidants like flavonoids that fight free radicals that cause premature wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Eucalyptus can also increase the ceramide content of the skin, preventing dryness. Along with these benefits, our ancestors also used eucalyptus to treat bruises, bites, and small cuts.
- Multani Mitti
Multani Mitti is a popular household name that you’ll find grandmothers telling all young girls to apply. Also known as Fuller’s Earth, this is clay with healing properties. It has the power to clear the skin of excess oil and accumulated dirt. This makes Multani Mitti a great pick for those with oily skin so you can also try multani mitti face wash, as they’ll end up with unclogged pores and a matte complexion.
- Gram Flour
In many parts of India, as soon as the girl’s wedding is arranged, the family starts preparing special Ayurvedic pastes called Ubtan, to apply on the skin to shine on her special day. The main component of this Ubtan is gram flour or besan, along with other ingredients like turmeric, neem powder, sandalwood powder, and saffron. The resulting paste has exfoliating and deeply nourishing properties. It also fixes hyperpigmentation, minor sun damage and leaves skin bright and glowing – just like a bride’s!
You can never go wrong with Ubtan! Can you? An age-old remedy to revive a glow to tired skin. You can find this ingredient in our Ubtan Face Wash, Ubtan Body Butter, Ubtan Body Scrub, Ubtan Face Scrub, Ubtan Yogurt, Ubtan Body Lotion, and Ubtan Face Mask.
- Sandalwood
Indians have used sandalwood since the 5th century B.C. as it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. These are great for skincare since they help get rid of blackheads and scars, and can also moisturize the skin and improve complexion. Make sure you get authentic sandalwood or sandalwood oil since there are a lot of fakes out there.
- Saffron
The world’s most expensive spice is also a jewel for your skin. And this is not something made up; it’s what Ayurveda says! Saffron is one of those spices that are renowned for their ability to make skin bright, clear, and looking healthy. Yes, it’s not a cheap spice, but a little goes a long way, especially when you consider it also tackles stubborn under-eye circles, pimples, and other skin conditions like inflammation.
- Rose Petals
Roses contain natural oils that offer deep moisturization and give you soft skin. They also fight acne, sun damage, and dark circles. Rosewater is an excellent natural toner to close those pores and give that smooth look. Last but not least, you’ll smell heavenly after using rose extract on your skin!
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is referred to as the miracle plant in Ayurveda, so it should come as no surprise that our grandmothers used it a fair bit in skincare! Today, we know that Aloe contains loads of antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. This helps fight visible signs of aging and fight sun damage like hyperpigmentation. Aloe vera penetrates deep into the skin cells and traps moisture in. The gel is also cool and soothing, making it ideal for sunburn, insect bites, and other rashes or irritations. Our skin is our largest organ, and it does a big job! So, it’s only fair that we treat it well and feed it with nourishing ingredients. The good news is that you don’t have to go far to find out what they are – our grandmothers knew it all! And that’s the wisdom that we tapped into some of our stellar skin and hair care products.
