Greenwashing is pervasive in the beauty industry.
Terms like ‘clean’ are unregulated and ambiguous with no official definition or conditions that brands have to adhere to to use it in their marketing campaigns. So, when you’re looking for formulas without any toxic elements or harmful chemicals, you cannot simply rely on this.
What you can do is look for labels that detail organic ingredients or percentages of natural ingredients. This will be especially important for those with sensitive skin as it is often ‘unclean’ nasties like parabens, sulphates and synthetic fragrances that cause irritation.
You will find organic and natural compositions in every skincare category, including moisturisers (as we’ll be exploring here) that harness plant-derived ingredients to hydrate the skin and leave you with a healthy complexion. These nature-sourced extracts are also designed to soothe and calm inflammation, while components like vitamin C offer a boost in radiance and peptides or bakuchiol are included for anti-ageing benefits.
What should you know about expiry dates for organic, natural moisturisers?
While paying attention to expiry dates is important for any product that you are slathering on your skin, it is especially essential for organic and natural formulations. Dr Kajal Babamiri, dermatologist and aesthetic doctor at CLNQ explains, “Expiry dates for organic and natural moisturisers are crucial to ensure both effectiveness and safety. These products typically have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional moisturisers due to the absence of synthetic preservatives”.
She says, “Generally, organic and natural moisturisers can last anywhere from six months to a year after opening. It's important to store these products in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life. Signs of expiry include changes in texture, colour, and smell. Always check the product's packaging for specific expiration information and consider performing a patch test if you suspect the product has gone bad”.
What ingredients should you look out for in organic and natural moisturisers?
“When choosing organic and natural moisturisers, look for ingredients known for their hydrating and skin-nourishing properties”, reveals Dr Babamiri. “These include aloe vera, known for its soothing and hydrating effects; shea butter, which is deeply moisturising and rich in vitamins; and jojoba oil, which closely resembles the skin's natural sebum and helps balance oil production.
“Other beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid for its hydrating properties, green tea extract for its antioxidant benefits, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile for their calming effects”.
What ingredients should you avoid in organic and natural moisturisers?
According to the derm, “Certain ingredients should be avoided in organic and natural moisturisers, particularly those that can cause irritation or are known allergens.
“Synthetic fragrances and dyes are common culprits that can trigger allergic reactions and skin sensitivity. Additionally, parabens, which are used as preservatives, have been linked to hormonal disruptions and should be avoided”.
She adds: “Other ingredients to steer clear of include sulfates, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, and certain alcohols that can be drying and irritating to the skin”.
What skin types are organic and natural moisturisers suitable for?
In short, everyone. Dr Babamiri says, “Organic and natural moisturisers are generally suitable for most skin types, but it's essential to choose products based on your specific skin needs”.
She breaks it down:
- Dry skin can benefit from rich, emollient ingredients like shea butter and oils like avocado or coconut oil.
- Oily or acne-prone skin should look for non-comedogenic ingredients such as jojoba oil or aloe vera to avoid clogging pores.
- Sensitive skin types can benefit from formulations with minimal ingredients and soothing elements like chamomile and calendula.
- Individuals with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should consult a dermatologist before using any new product.
Can you make moisturiser at home? What ingredients should you include?
It may be easier than you think. The derm reveals that you can make moisturiser at home using readily available ingredients. She says “A basic homemade moisturiser can include ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, which provide a solid base and deep hydration.
“For added benefits, you can incorporate aloe vera gel for its soothing properties, and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil for their calming and antiseptic properties.
“To make the moisturiser, melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax together, then remove from heat and add the aloe vera gel and essential oils. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it cool and solidify. This homemade moisturiser can be tailored to your skin's needs by adjusting the ingredients and proportions”.
Don’t fancy turning your kitchen into a chemist? Shop the best moisturisers with natural and organic ingredients below.
Weleda Skin Food
The Weleda Skin Food is a certified hero product. It’s the bestselling product in the brand’s offering - and for good reason. The organic formula means it can be used by all skin types, providing a nourishing and protective layer whether you use it as a moisturiser or as an all-purpose balm. You can put it on any dry skin from your face to hands, while doubling up as a primer that will keep makeup in place for longer.
This is especially true for those with dry skin as the nourishing treatment will encourage your base to sit better (however, it’s not ideal for oily skin and may in fact have the opposite effect). It is made up of organic sunflower seed oil and extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary extract for a combination that is soothing and shielding.
Buy now £10.47, lookfantastic
Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Day Cream
Infusing the uplifting note of rose into your daily skincare rituals, the Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Day Cream is one of the most popular in its collection. This has as much to do with the addictive aroma as it does with its instantly hydrating feel on parched complexions.
We have moisture-rich hyaluronic acid, plant-derived fatty acids, plumping olive leaf extracts and organic grapeseed oil to thank for this as well as the radiance-boosting rosehip seed oil. The product calls on organic and naturally sourced ingredients and can be used by those prone to sensitivities.
Buy now £32.00, John Lewis
The Organic Pharmacy Vitamin Protection Face Cream
Fresh from a recent rebrand, The Organic Pharmacy has supercharged its own offering and new to the line-up is this Vitamin Protection Face Cream. The composition is precisely 80.6 per cent organic and 79.5 per cent natural (according to the brand), using ingredients you will recognise.
Carrot is front and centre, selected for its anti-ageing powers. There is also calendula to combat inflammation and nourish the skin, while MSM shields against oxidative stress. One enthusiastic reviewer has dubbed it “the best product ever”.
Buy now £45.00, The Organic Pharmacy
Evolve Beauty Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream
Peptides are lauded for their anti-ageing benefits and they play a vital role in this cream from Evolve Beauty. The two forms of the ingredient are certified organic and when layered onto the skin, work their magic to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and offer a firming effect. Alongside these scientifically advanced components are hydration-offering superfoods to support the skin barrier like cupacu butter, glow-giving cacay oil and more oils and butter for intense moisturisation.
Buy now £38.00, Sephora
Pai Skincare The Anthemis Soothing Moisturizer
Whether you have sensitive skin or you’ve gone a touch heavy on the active ingredients, Pai’s The Anthemis is TLC in a bottle. The soothing, calming components work to offer respite to inflammation and irritation with the duo of chamomile and rosehip. These elements are organic, and the entire composition is vegan and cruelty-free. You only need a little and it goes a long way, absorbing speedily into the skin for immediate relief.
Buy now £39.00, Sephora
Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream
Softening, smoothing and hydrating, it is no wonder that the Vital Moisturising Cream is a bestseller in Trilogy’s collection. Designed to be used daily in the AM, it treats dehydrated complexions with a wash of hydration, while remaining free from potential irritants like parabens, palm oil, mineral oil or petrochemicals.
The brand is likely best known for its use of rosehip oil and it takes a starring role, set alongside marula oil and pure botanicals. While it is packed with skin-loving nutrients, it remains lightweight and brimming with anti-ageing benefits.
Buy now £27.17, Naturisimo
Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream
Direct from Down Under, Jurlique demonstrates nature’s endless power by formulating this day cream from farm-grown chamomile and calendula extracts. These ingredients were carefully selected for their long-lasting moisturisation and ability to be applied on all skin types without fear of irritation.
The brand pays close attention to the harvesting process to ensure that each component is extracted at the optimal moment to maximise its effectiveness, all from its own farm in Adelaide Hills, South Australia.
Buy now £62.00, Amazon
Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream
For a visibly more radiant complexion each morning, Antipodes has powered this moisturiser with kakadu plum, known in the beauty community as one of the most antioxidant-rich sources of vitamin C. Made in New Zealand, the brand uses only natural, cruelty-free and certified vegan ingredients to create the refreshing water cream.
The bouncy texture glides onto the complexion, no doubt on account of the plant-derived hyaluronic acid. But there is also another element worth your attention: bakuchiol. This natural alternative to retinol provides a plumping effect and alongside the aforementioned vitamin C minimises the look of pigmentation and discoloration.
Buy now £37.00, Antipodes
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
Revitalise the skin with Dr. Hauschka and its luxurious Rose Day Cream. Think of the most nourishing ingredients on the market and you will no doubt list those written on the back of the packaging; shea butter, beeswax and rose extract. But that’s just the start of the conditioning components within. There are also peanut and avocado oils that all combine to create a moisture-rich lotion that calms irritation, combats redness and soothes the dryest and most dehydrated complexions. The formula is all-natural, vegetarian and certified organic.
Buy now £32.00, Sephora
Green People Scent Free 24-Hour Cream
A firm fan favourite for caring for sensitive skin with over a thousand five-star reviews, this certified organic cream can be used day and night to create a cocooning shield that helps protect and soothe rosacea-prone complexions. Plant oils including evening primrose, avocado and squalane from olives ensure that skin feels comforted and nourished as well as improving its health and helping to hang on to essential moisture, while prebiotics also help soothe redness and inflammation.
There are also anti-ageing benefits from baicalin, which works to regulate cell production and improve firmness, plus green tea boosts antioxidant protection too. The cream may feel a little thick when you apply it, but your skin will happily drink it in for a calm, soft and velvet finish in moments.
Buy now £25.50, Green People
