MOST USED BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS IN NATURAL COSMETICS AND WHY
Plants continue to be a fundamental pillar of our health, not only through nutrition, but also in pharmacology and cosmetics. Botanical ingredients obtained directly from plants or through biotechnological processes are more than ever the stars of next-generation cosmetics..
What is a botanical active ingredient?
A botanical active ingredient is an ingredient extracted directly from a plant—whether from flowers, fruits, roots, bark, leaves, or berries—to obtain the maximum beneficial components for the skin, such as antioxidants, oils, vitamins, minerals, and so on. Each botanical active has different extraction methods—steam distillation, solvent use, applying pressure to the raw material, or other techniques. The essential point is that each active is processed appropriately to purify it, concentrate it, and ensure its safety and stability.
Natural cosmetics, preferably based on botanical actives, take into account how these actives are prepared to truly address the skin’s needs. An active ingredient extracted by infusing a plant in an oil contains a greater number of nutrients and is used to revitalize and stimulate the skin’s functions over the medium and long term—for example, rosehip oil. If the active is an extract, we are referring to a specific molecule from the plant with a particular function, such as calendula extract, whose main benefit is to soothe the skin..
There are also natural-origin ingredients extracted through biotechnological processes that replicate one or more molecules from a plant material that would be impossible to obtain by other means—such as bakuchiol, or “plant-based retinol,” and hyaluronic acid, which is obtained by fermenting certain plants. These synthesized botanical ingredients retain their natural essence but act more directly on the skin to prevent or address specific needs, such as increased hydration, depigmentation, or firmness, among others..
The field of botanical pharmacy, with cosmetic or medicinal use, is vast. Plants produce a multitude of actives in different forms—extracts, oils, synthesized molecules, and so on. Likewise, the catalog of plants is endless, but we have selected our own particular top 10:
Most Commonly Used Plants and Their Skin Benefits
1 Damask Rose. In the form of an extract from the petals, it provides an active ingredient rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamins that revitalize and hydrate the skin, adding softness, elasticity, and radiance. It is also a soothing and toning ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier.
2 Olive Tree. Probably the plant with the greatest number of uses in botanical cosmetics, as its leaves, fruit (olive), and oil are all utilized. From the olive skin, one of the most powerful antioxidant botanical actives is obtained: maslinic acid, a true enhancer of skin health and longevity thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis.
3 Citrus Fruits. They are the main source of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, used in botanical cosmetics. This active ingredient is vital for maintaining radiant skin and an even tone thanks to its free radical–inhibiting action. It is essential to use stabilized vitamin C, as it is an ingredient that oxidizes rapidly.
4 Calendula. Calendula oil, extracted by infusion in oil, is a highly soothing and healing ingredient, found in many of the best natural cosmetic products designed for sensitive skin.
5 Centella Asiatica. Whether in water-soluble or oil-soluble form, Centella Asiatica extract is a star botanical active when it comes to providing healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing benefits. For this reason, it is also commonly found in anti-aging cosmetics that protect the skin from damage caused by external factors such as the sun, cold, and pollution.…
6 Jojoba. Cold-pressed from its seeds, jojoba oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in cosmetics due to its moisturizing and repairing properties. It has the advantage of being suitable for all skin types, non-comedogenic, and easily absorbed by the skin.
7 Jasmine. Another flower whose benefits go beyond perfumery. Jasmine extract and oil in botanical cosmetics are actives that promote skin longevity due to their regenerating, purifying, and sebum-regulating effects. Additionally, its essential oil provides a relaxing effect.
8 Grape. Along with the olive, it is another fruit of longevity due to its content of polyphenols, resveratrol, and vitamins that support collagen and elastin synthesis. Grape seed oil, rich in omega-6 and omega-9, nourishes the skin and protects the barrier function against environmental aggressors, while also providing softness and comfort for damaged skin.
9 Licorice. Licorice extract is packed with actives that even out skin tone, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. By inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production, licorice extract helps combat dark spots and maintain an even skin tone in a gentle and safe way, suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive.
10 Argan. It is the other “golden tree” of the Mediterranean alongside the olive. Its almonds yield the precious argan oil, whose benefits in natural cosmetics are also exceptional. This multifunctional oil can be used on both skin and hair to provide hydration and nourishment without causing excess oiliness. It is particularly suitable for oily skin, as it helps regulate sebum production, which can lead to acne..
Healthy skin comes in different types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. There are cosmetics formulated for one or more skin types, so it is advisable to check which skin types each product is suitable for and review its list of ingredients..
Skin with special conditions—such as atopy, severe acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and so on—requires special cosmetics or medical products prescribed by dermatologists or pharmacists.