This is a question I frequently receive from both natural cosmetics enthusiasts and beauty lovers in general. The answer that always comes to mind is "the best ingredient is the one that best suits your skin, the one you can afford, and the one you commit to using every day." If this answer still doesn't clarify your doubts about which is the best natural ingredient for the skin, below, I share my opinion on some of the most common ingredients found in cosmetic products today.
Pros: Essential for dehydrated skin. It is very effective even at low doses.
Cons: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is not always well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Panthenol
Pros: Suitable for all skin types due to its soothing and healing properties, it relieves irritated skin and reduces excessive sebum production in oily/congested skin.
Cons: In high concentrations, it can leave an unpleasant sticky residue.
Elastin
Pros: For healthy skin, we need elastin, one of the key proteins that our body stops producing naturally around the age of 25.
Cons: There is not much point in using topical elastin, as the molecule is too large to penetrate the skin, and the smaller (hydrolyzed) version does not provide the desired effect. The best strategy is to use other ingredients that prevent the degradation of elastin already present in the skin.
Pros: This "active" fraction of vegetable oil is one of the best natural ingredients for the skin. Highly biocompatible as it is one of the main components of human sebum.
Cons: They are not usually used in conventional cosmetics due to their high extraction cost and their long and complex formulation process.
Collagen
Pros: Provides structure and strength to skin tissue.
Cons: As with elastin, when used topically, the molecule is too large to penetrate the skin, and the smaller (hydrolyzed) version does not provide the desired effect.
Coconut Oil
Pros: Can be used alone to soften the skin and improve its tone and elasticity.
Cons: It is not the best natural ingredient for the skin if you are prone to clogged pores or blackheads.
Tea Tree Oil
Pros: A traditional and well-known ingredient for treating acne breakouts at low doses.
Cons: Like most essential oils, it can cause irritation.
Pros: Leaves the skin refreshed and soothed. Provides a gentle natural exfoliation to the skin.
Cons: Some formulas can leave the skin irritated and tight.
