Natural Skincare Ingredients That Work Just As Well As Their Artificial Counterparts

While many people have removed artificial ingredients from their diet, self-care and skincare products, there are a few that top the list of additives to avoid. Parabens, sulfates and various alcohols are often considered damaging to human health and some consumers like to steer clear of them. Luckily, when it comes to skincare, there are a few ingredients you can easily swap out for the more natural versions.

Mindbodygreen suggests getting closer to the Earth by opting for one-ingredient oils such as jojoba or coconut oil. If you have a facial oil that you love that uses synthetic additives, consider using either one of these or finding a product that uses them alongside only a few other ingredients. The outlet notes that both coconut and jojoba oils work as gentle cleansers (remember, oil lifts oil) while hydrating your cells. Helping take off stubborn makeup and leaving skin incredibly soft, these oils can work in your pantry and in your medicine cabinet.

As for your Vitamin C treatment, there's a natural alternative for that too: Acerola cherry extract. This natural ingredient helps prevent and treat sun damage while spurring collagen production, the outlet notes. Instead of using a chemical reproduction of the nutrient, organic substances work just as well.

When it comes to shopping for your natural skincare items, it can get confusing. Since "natural" means different things to different people, it's wise to have an idea of what you want before you shop. Do you want minimally processed items? Or just products made without parabens or sulfates? Dr. Alexis Granite tells Glamour, "generally, [natural] implies that the products are formulated with ingredients found in nature, often from plants, such as botanical oils."

For instance, rose oil works as a natural counterpart to hyaluronic acid. Since our bodies naturally produce this polysaccharide, it's important to supply our cells with it as we age, Makeup and Beauty notes. The organic counterpart to synthetically-derived hyaluronic acid, rose oil offers deep hydration while increasing the skin's permeability. Putting rose oil on prior to adding other products and serums will help your cells absorb the full benefits from them.

Another common ingredient that many people with oily skin opt for is salicylic acid as it helps prevent and treat breakouts. The outlet recommends making the switch to lemon essential oil for similar benefits without the chemicals. Lemon oil contains Vitamin C that offsets hyperpigmentation and pore blockages with the added benefit of skin detoxification. Dilute the ingredient with a carrier oil and dab it on your face in the morning and at night.

Natural skincare doesn't have to be complicated. Just do your research and find the ingredients that work best for you.