Plant-based skincare has grown increasingly popular due to consumer demand for natural, effective products derived from plant sources that include antioxidants, oils, butters and other botanical elements.
Benefits of natural and vegan skincare ingredients include skin protection, anti-ageing benefits and hydrating properties. Furthermore, many are cruelty-free.
Natural antioxidants
Plants provide an abundance of natural ingredients that can protect the skin against exogenous and endogenous factors, known as botanicals. Botanicals possess antioxidant properties which scavenge free radicals – these natural bioactives are widely utilized in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits of herbal compounds can include soothing and reducing inflammation in the skin, as well as helping prevent disease onset and progression, particularly hyperpigmentation reduction.
Botanicals can be procured from many different sources, but must be evaluated carefully for consistency. Reputable suppliers who can document quality and purity must also guarantee consistency from batch to batch.
Natural preservatives
There are various natural preservatives that are safe to use in cosmetic products. Examples include phosphatidylcholine (a naturally occurring compound in human cell membranes) which provides increased skin elasticity, hastens renewal processes and reduces fine lines; lecithin from sea buckthorn oil which moisturizes the skin.
Phospholipids can help prevent microorganism growth that could potentially compromise product purity. Natural alternatives do not pollute air, water, or soil as much as synthetic ones do; additionally they tend to come from sources which support biodiversity rather than harm it.
However, natural ingredients often have shorter shelf lives than their synthetic equivalents due to seasonality issues surrounding some plant-based ingredients and how they are grown and processed.
Natural colourants
Plant-based skincare formulations have seen increasing consumer interest as consumers seek products that align with their values of sustainability and transparency. This shift marks an innovative trend within the beauty industry as more individuals become aware of how synthetic colorants affect both personal health and the environment.
Natural colorants derived from plants or microorganisms are safer alternatives to synthetic dyes and can be used to produce various shades, as well as adding them to emulsions to stabilize them.
For example, yarrow essential oil contains the chemical chamazulene that gives it its vibrant blue hue; this chemical is extracted through steam distillation from its source herb. Other natural colourants available through organic and natural cosmetics can help create a ROYGBIV effect in skin tone.
Natural fragrances
Plant-based fragrances come from various sources, including essential oils and extracts. While plant-based perfumes tend to be more complex and balanced than synthetic perfumes, some may even provide therapeutic benefits – it is important that we evaluate the source and quality of these ingredients prior to purchase.
Green consumerism and the naturals movement have provided a boost to plant-based products like fragrances in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals, according to a recent report by Fact MR. As such, global sales for such plant-based items are anticipated to expand significantly in the next decade, according to this analysis.
Plant-based skincare contains natural vitamins and minerals to promote skin regeneration, healing, and protection from environmental stresses such as UV radiation and pollution. Furthermore, this form of skincare tends to be gentler on skin than its traditional counterparts.
Natural texture
Organic products have grown increasingly popular as people recognize the need for safe and effective cosmetics. Unfortunately, however, many consumers remain unaware that “natural” is often just a marketing ploy designed to coax them into purchasing something full of synthetic ingredients.
Antioxidant-rich plant-based skincare products work to repair and strengthen cells by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C helps brighten skin while E and A hydrate it further.
Plant-based beauty products contain naturally occurring polymers known as hydrocolloids that give their texture a smooth and natural feel without using harmful petrochemicals. Jojoba oil and carnauba wax both work to stabilise emulsions to prevent them from separating into grainy textures; in addition, these ingredients offer other cosmetic advantages, including increasing sebum balance and skin elasticity.
