The Ultimate Guide to Natural Ingredients in Skincare

The rising demand for natural skincare ingredients is largely driven by the increased awareness of the adverse effects synthetic chemicals have on skin, commonly known as irritation, dullness, and an increased risk of breakouts or other harmful reactions. Personally, I have experienced these side effects firsthand with conventional skincare products—my skin became dull, I had a lack of energy, and I struggled with frequent breakouts. 

 According to a report by Grand View Research, the U.S. skincare market was valued at $24.92 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2021 to 2028.

This growth is fueled by factors such as increasing consumer spending on personal care, the rise of natural and organic products, and innovations in skincare technology.” (Illumination Consulting, 2021). It is evident the shift from conventional skincare to the pursuit of clean, natural skincare products is more than just a trend —it's a movement driven by a desire for healthier, more effective alternatives. 

 In my skincare journey, I, too, have had to make this transitional shift from conventional products to all-natural skincare ingredients skincare. I’ve personally experienced the side effects of using products with harsh formulas, which caused my skin to break out in rashes, redness, blotchiness, and even a burning sensation. It’s no surprise there's an ever-increasing demand for natural ingredients that are gentler and kinder to the skin. 

 After having this experience, I set out to find a more holistic approach to my skin. I was determined to find healthy and more natural ingredient alternatives for my skin. I knew I wasn’t alone in this. I have heard horror stories from others about their bad reactions to harmful skincare products. Moreover, statistics have proven that many are embarking on their journey to find natural ingredients and then making that switch. It is expected to rise continually in the future. 

 One example is the Johnson family's journey to find help for their son. After seeing many doctors try to heal their son’s eczema but not being able to find a real solution, they set out to solve the problem themselves. They came together as a family to create a life-changing remedy—not just for their son but now for thousands of others. What began as a challenging and frustrating experience ultimately led to something beautiful: a natural ingredients skincare solution that has transformed the lives of many.

 I've found that the benefits of using natural ingredients for my skin far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Using completely natural skincare has improved my overall appearance, bringing forth radiant skin while providing deeper nourishment with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. These ingredients help my skin function as they were meant to, restoring my skin's balance and hydration and improving my skin tone.

 

Understanding Natural Ingredients in Skincare

A natural ingredient is anything from a plant, animal, or mineral.  These ingredients can include plant extracts, oils, butter, herbs, and animal-derived products like honey, beeswax, or goat milk. The defining characteristic of natural ingredients is that they have not been altered through a synthetic process. Instead, they come directly from nature, with minimal processing or refinement. Some of the natural ingredients Bend Soap uses are: 

• Fresh Goat's Milk
• Saponified Coconut Oil 
• Olive Oil
• Sustainable Palm Oil 
• Oats & Honey
• Beeswax 
• Cocoa Butter 
• Shea Butter
• Arrowroot
• Essential Oils
• Rice Bran oil 
• Aloe Vera

Bend Soap makes every effort to uphold transparency and integrity by producing 100% natural, healthy, and safe products for your skin. This is one of the many reasons I love Bend Soap. I appreciate a brand that genuinely cares about my health and well-being. Bend Soap's ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that harmonize with the skin’s natural processes to promote healthy, radiant skin. It's another reason their natural products are a must-have in my skincare routine!

In the skincare industry, it can be very easy to be deceived by what's read on the labels. This is why you must know what constitutes a ‘natural ingredient’ in the context of skincare. I know that, in my experience as an avid customer at Bend Soap, it's never been hard or confusing for me to read their labels. They make it short and simple to list the natural ingredients in each product—sometimes as few as six!

I can easily discern all natural products versus conventional products. 

However, we want to warn you that the term “Natural”  is often not adequately used on skincare labels. The word “Natural” appeals to consumers, so it is put on a label even though there are not just natural products in it. Sometimes, these products are full of parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals, making the product anything but natural. This is very confusing; the toxic chemicals contradict the product's claim of being “all natural.” 

I personally have fallen for those misleading“All-Natural” labels, purchasing products without reading the ever-long list of harmful ingredients like dyes, parabens, and sulfates. As a result, the chemicals dry out my skin, accelerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even causing rashes. I now regret not taking the time to research the ingredients and understand how they could affect my sensitive skin. 

Key Benefits of Natural Ingredients for Skin Health

Natural ingredients have provided me with a wealth of transformative benefits for my skin health. I have experienced firsthand how rejuvenated and fresh I feel because the vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids significantly improved my skin's health. I truly feel like a new person- my collagen production has improved, inflammation in my arms and face has been reduced, and my skin’s elasticity has increased, leaving me with a radiant, glowing complexion. 

I also love that I am making wise choices for my health. I would recommend everyone make the switch. I wish everyone could have this experience and make this transition like I have. It would cause them to throw out every product that does not serve any good purpose.

Nourishment and Hydration

Natural ingredients play a significant role in enhancing the appearance of radiant skin by nourishing and rejuvenating it from the inside out. Some natural ingredients that have made a huge difference in my skin health are aloe vera, vitamin C, and avocado oil. I’ve noticed my countenance changes when I use them on a daily basis. 

These essential ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and work harmoniously with the skin’s natural processes to promote healthy, glowing skin. Because I have benefited so much from their use, I won’t go without them! Here’s why you should use these natural ingredients daily: 

Aloe Vera:  A natural ingredient derived from the gel inside the leaves of an aloe plant. Over 75 compounds have been in aloe vera, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, enzymes, and polysaccharides, making it an extremely versatile skincare ingredient. 

It is one of the few plants that naturally contains vitamin B12, adding to its unique benefits. These compounds work synergistically to hydrate, soothe, and repair the skin. Aloe Vera is most popular for sunburns and calming irritated skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, its rich antioxidant content helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerhouse nutrient with a plethora of benefits. One is that it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, helping to maintain skin elasticity, prevent water loss, and keep the skin deeply hydrated.

It also reduces hyperpigmentation by repairing damaged skin cells, fading sun spots, and giving the skin a smoother, even tone. Moreover, vitamin C is a protein that prompts collagen production, so it will naturally help repair your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and cartilage. It will give your skin the strength and elasticity it needs and will aid in healing wounds. Vitamin C’s potent powers keep your skin nourished, glowing, and deeply hydrated.

Avocado Oil:  Plays a key role in the health and vitality of your skin because it contains high levels of vitamins E and C. Both vitamins are essential for protecting your skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun and environmental stressors.

Avocado oil contains 62% lipids, counting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These high levels of nutrients are proven to help skin conditions like eczema, acne, and chapped skin. Statistics prove it penetrates your skin’s natural moisture barrier more effectively than other plant oils like olive oil, making it a first-choice moisturizer to hydrate dry, chapped, or flaky skin.

Gentle on Sensitive Skin

Natural Ingredients will be right down your alley if you have sensitive skin like me. They are much gentler on the skin, reducing the likelihood of breakouts and irritation. Completely natural ingredients do not contain synthetic additives like their traditional counterparts do, so you will not experience allergic reactions, dryness, or breakouts as quickly. 

Natural plant-based products contain mico properties that act as a powerful solution for nourishing, soothing, and protecting the skin at a cellular level, helping to promote healthier, more radiant skin.

These natural products, such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They are a perfect choice when soothing and nourishing sensitive skin because they are all-natural botanicals containing medical and therapeutic properties. Here’s a closer look: 

Chamomile: I don’t know about you, but I love chamomile! The smell is amazing; applying it to my skin right before bed is the perfect remedy before I fall asleep. 

Chamomile is known for its primary compounds, such as bisabolol and chamazule, which have potent anti-inflammatories, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties—making it the best choice for soothing redness, eczema, rosacea, sunburns, swelling, and skin irritations.

If you have delicate skin, chamomile would be a great go-to ingredient because it can be used for the most sensitive skin types. If you have a cut burn, chamomile will help because it accelerates the healing process with its wound-healing properties. I love chamomile; it leaves my naturally dry skin feeling hydrated, soft, and supple as I rest my head on my pillow!

Calendula:  Another one of my favorites, as I don’t rely only on one product before bed. I find using a combination of products simultaneously is more beneficial, as they work together to deliver the best results for my skin.

So, I always make sure to incorporate both calendula and chamomile into my everyday skincare routine. Both keep my skin moisturized, which is perfect because I have naturally dry skin. Calendula is known as a marigold or as the sunburst flower.

It is another plant-based natural ingredient with flavonoids and triterpenoids, packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which leads to premature aging and wrinkles. One of the many reasons I love Calendula is that it promotes collagen production. Collagen- what everyone is hyped up about these days! With every reason to be, as it supports skin structure elasticity and gives skin the perfect glow and lift it needs! Collagen deserves all the hype it can get! 

Like Chamomile, Calendula is also known for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent infection, reduce swelling, promote healing of minor cuts and abrasions, and soothe skin infections. I would highly recommend Calendula to anyone looking for skin-enhancing products! 

Free from Harmful Chemicals

When you go all-natural, you make the best choice for your skin by avoiding harmful chemicals. For me, going all natural was the best decision I made for my skin health. I noticed a total transformation, not just in my countenance but inwardly as well. Because what you put on your skin affects how you feel inside. Vice versa.

By throwing out your conventional products and switching to all-natural ones, you are making game changers in your skin’s longevity by providing it the nutrients it needs to flourish. Thus, you are protecting it from the likelihood of any long-term damage.

Many forget that your skin is the largest organ requiring the most care. Therefore, the best route is to go all-natural in all your everyday skin products. Trust me, you won’t regret doing this.  Here’s what you are protecting your body from by choosing to go all-natural:  

• Sulfates: A synthetic chemical that slowly builds up in your body when used long-term. Its primary side effects are skin and eye or scalp irritation, so it is best not to put them on your face or scalp to avoid unnecessary irritations. They are known to clog pores and cause acne. It is best to open a window or have a good ventilation source when using this product because it typically clogs your lungs. 

Parabens: An endocrine-disturbing chemical that confuses your hormones because it acts like estrogen in the body. This disrupts the hormone production and functioning systems, affecting reproductive development, fertility, and birth outcomes. The EU (European Union) has banned parabens in 2014. Synthetic Fragrances: Another hormone-disruptive chemical affecting reproduction. It is laced with respiratory toxins that affect your breathing and lung functioning. It has carcinogens known to cause lung cancer and asthma. Synthetic Dyes (FD&C Colors): Known for triggering allergic reactions, it is closely linked to increasing hyperactivity in children, particularly those with ADHD and other neurobehavior issues. Studies prove that large amounts of Dyes tested on animals (which we do not condone) will have carcinogenic effects. Formaldehyde (and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents): A human carcinogen linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Likely causes wheezing and shortness of breath and disrupts lung functioning. It can also cause skin irritations like dermatitis. Triclosan: Known for damaging your body’s antibiotic resistance and your skin’s natural microbiome, which helps combat infection. It’s also known for negatively impacting your thyroid. 

Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): Strip your skin from its natural ability to moisturize itself.

I have experienced some of the negative effects of these synthetic chemicals. They made it hard for me to breathe, made my scalp feel as if there were a heavy layer on it, and clogged my pores. Internally, I did not even feel good. It was as if my energy was depleted, and I felt zapped. Using the products had no calming, cooling, or soothing effect. In fact, it was quite the opposite; my skin felt irritated, and it was hard to fall asleep at night.

Essential Natural Ingredients to Include in Your Routine

No one wants to use conventional skin care products anymore. There is overwhelming evidence to prove that they do more harm than good and can potentially lead to long-term damage. If you are looking for some natural ingredients to incorporate into your regular skincare regime, here are some good choices: 

Jojoba Oil: The perfect oil to help both dry and oily skin. I have naturally dry skin, so jojoba oil has helped me tremendously by giving my skin the hydration it needs. The best choice if you have been outside in harsh, dry, dusty weather conditions dusty elements all day.

Lavender Oil is great for calming irritated skin and reducing inflammation. I have felt the benefits of using lavender oil when the tendons in my forearms are inflamed. Applying lavender oil to my forearms made almost an immediate difference as I felt the pain subside. 

Rosehip Oil:  The best product for hyperpigmentation. In my experience, rosehip oil made a world of difference when I applied it to some of my acne scars. They embarrassed me for so long, so when I saw them start to fade, I was almost in disbelief! It is a must to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine if you have dark spots, scars, or patchy areas. 

Essential Oils for Aromatherapy and Skin Benefits

Essential oils offer a natural, therapeutic approach to addressing various skin concerns. Used for sentries in both skincare and aromatherapy by providing potent extracts most beneficial for one's health.

For aromatherapy, they are most commonly sprayed in the air to give an atmosphere a more aesthetic appeal, making it smell good. When inhaled, it helps relieve stress, bringing you to a relaxed and calming state. causing you to relax and.

A typical scene would be a massage therapy clinic. As you walk in, you’re instantly hit with the soothing aroma of fragrant essential oils filling the air with a diffuser.  

Another instance would be if someone had chronic respiratory issues like congestion or trouble breathing. They could inhale the essential oils sprayed into the air from a diffuser. Some common ones that promote the aid of the lungs are eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and geranium rose. This will clear the airways and promote easier, smoother breathing. 

Not only do essential oils have aromatherapy health benefits, they also yield transformative skin benefits. One example is lavender. What I love about lavender is that it smells amazing, and it gives that soothing effect I need once applied to my skin right before I go to sleep at night.

Lavender’s powerful potency can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, providing noticeable relief when you're experiencing discomfort. Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants, protecting my skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV sun rays. I also know it encourages the production of new collagen fibers, which I always want to incorporate into my skincare routine to combat signs of premature aging.  Lavender is my perfect go-to remedy, and I enjoy using it every time. 

Geranium Rose:

A natural ingredient I incorporate in my skincare routine is geranium rose—a total game changer. I’ve noticed that when I rub my skin at night with things like a jade roller tool after applying geranium rose, it boosts circulation in my face, preventing me from having those saggy under-eye bags. No one wants dark circles under their eyes; everyone benefits from better blood circulation. That’s why I love geranium roses.

Another thing I love about this oil is its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help treat my acne. Although I am no longer a teenager, I sometimes get frequent breakouts from stress.

Geranium rose has been my lifesaver; it kills bacteria, smoothes my inflamed skin, and reduces the redness as if I never had any pimples. As I get older, my skin also ages. Sadly, I have noticed this change in my skin and have noticeable age spots, pigmentation, and blemishes. Fortunately, using geranium rose promotes cell regeneration, giving me a fresher appearance and more youthful-looking skin. 

I can combine lavender, tea tree, and geranium rose into my daily skincare routines to create the perfect balance and harmony for my skin. I’ve noticed this is the best approach because each oil offers unique benefits; they complement each other by filling in the gaps where one may fall short. Together, they give me a high-performance skincare routine for my skin.

Botanical Extracts for Extra Care

Botanical extracts, like green tea and rosehip oil, share many similarities and are commonly used together. Both are a popular choice in skincare due to their powerful natural properties that offer a range of benefits for various skin concerns.

Our skin organs crave fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 because they play a vital role in helping it function the way it's meant to. Green tea contains these vital fatty acids, making it an invaluable ingredient because it retains moisturizer and lipid barrier, giving it the nourishment and support it needs. 

Although green tea is most commonly known for its high concentration of antioxidants, primarily, it is caused by catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A compound containing powerful anti-aging, anti-inflammatory antioxidants that support your body’s health, which is why green tea is a highly sought-after item because it reduces the signs of aging and is a great antidote for those who have acne-prone skin.

If you're heading outdoors for some yard work and aren't sure which drink will best hydrate you, green tea is an excellent option. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also offers protection against UV damage. 

Like Green tea, Rosehip oil is very similar. It, too, is rich in fatty acids like omega 6 and anti-inflammatories to help reduce redness and soothe flare-ups and skin inflammations like rosacea, eczema, acne, and psoriasis and can relieve itching and dryness.

It possesses powerful antioxidants that reduce the signs of aging. It yields large amounts of vitamins C and E, enabling collagen production and maintaining skin elasticity, prolonging the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

How to Transition to Natural Skincare

Integrating natural ingredients into your skincare routine is your next best step. However, one must be careful to ensure your skin reacts well and gives you the best results. We’d like to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do this: 

1.) Slowly Start With Patch Testing: If it's a new product you have never used, you won’t know how your skin will react. Therefore, starting slowly is vital so your skin is not overwhelmed. Patch testing is the best way to go about this, which looks like: 

• Apply the new natural ingredient to a small area of your skin, like your forearm.
• Wait to see if you notice redness, swelling, or irritation. If you don't, you know it is safe to proceed with using it in other areas.
• Integrate each new product by following this same model, ensuring you always give your skin a chance to adjust. Remember to always apply gradually to prevent irritation. 

2.) Assess Your Skin Type Needs: Everyone’s skin type is different. It’s important to know what yours is before trying new products. What does your skin respond well to?  What are you sensitive to? Are you naturally oily or naturally dry?  These are good considerations to be pondering before trying new products. 

• Purchase products tailored to your skincare needs. If you have dry skin, buy a good moisturizer containing natural ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for natural ingredients with antibacterial and oil-balancing properties, such as tea tree oil or green tea.

3.) Ensure You Use Proper Amounts: It is best to follow the recommended usage of an ingredient because even using too much of a natural ingredient can lead to skin irritation. Just stick to the instructions, and you will be fine! If the label does not contain proper instructions, it would be best to call a dermatologist to consult about using the right amount. 

• Essential oils: A few drops are all that is needed for your face. However, remember that essential oils are highly concentrated. Therefore, it is best to dilute them with jojoba oil. 

We are excited for you and look forward to hearing about your new skincare journey and new endeavors! Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Reading the Label: 

Remember that commonly used terms like ‘natural,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘fragrance-free’ are not adequately regulated. We understand this is deceiving, so we do our best to provide you with the truth so you are aware. 

Remember always to avoid products with long lists of synthetic chemicals. They are easy to spot because they are long and hard to pronounce.  The best products are the ones that are simple to read and have a shortlist. So you know exactly what you are putting on your body. 

What to look for:

• Plant-based oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil.
• Botanical extracts like aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender.
• Natural butter such as shea butter or cocoa butter.
• Essential oils for fragrance and skin benefits (ensure they’re appropriately diluted).

Check for Certifications or Labels on Products:

Another way to make an informed purchase is to see if that natural product has any specific certification seal that indicates it has met the necessary standard. This is an honorable thing, meaning you are safe to purchase it. The most common certifications to look for include:  

• USDA Organic: Guarantees that at least 95% of the product is organic.
• Non-GMO Project Verified: Indicates that the product is made without genetically modified organisms.
• Cruelty-Free: Ensures the product has not been tested on animals.
• Vegan: Indicates no animal-derived ingredients.

Conclusion: Bend Soap was the best choice I made when switching to all-natural products. Before, my complexion was dull, and I always wanted glowing skin. I never knew it was the harmful products I was using. The transition to using nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients was exactly the hydration and restorative balance I needed, promoting new cell growth and making my skin glow.

 I feel like a completely new person with radiant skin! What I love most about Bend Soap is how gentle it is on my skin and how I can trust the brand to uphold integrity in every product they make. The transparency they offer—providing a simple, honest list of ingredients and showing me how each one benefits my skin—gives me confidence that I’m taking care of my skin in the best way possible.

One product I highly recommend to anyone is the all-natural Unscented Goat Milk (link here). This is the most gentle and effective option to nourish your skin. They provide a regular size for everyday use and a travel size for on-the-go care.

 If you aren’t a fragrant person, this is a great option because there are no scents or essential oils in the Unscented Goat Milk Soap. The short list of all-natural ingredients includes Fresh Goat's Milk, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Sustainable Palm Oil.

That's it! These natural ingredients are potent potents packed with vitamins, minerals, and moisturizers, giving your skin everything it needs to feel clean, soft, and supple. The Unscented Goat’s Milk is famously known for aiding our customers with sensitive skin types. 

Our Unscented Goat Milk Soap is just one of our many amazing products. We invite you to explore our entire collection, which includes a wide range of skin-transforming products. From nourishing lotions and soothing lip balms to exfoliating salt scrubs and luxurious bath minerals—there's something for everyone. Explore our site here! (link here)