Helmut Melzer
What does natural cosmetics currently have in store for us with natural active ingredients? This question was asked about 40 organic and natural cosmetics manufacturers from the German-speaking countries. Apart from ecological origin, we were interested in one thing above all: the natural effectiveness on body and soul.
Here, well-tried plants as well as in our latitudes barely known natural active ingredients as "Trend-winner" came out: Because aloe vera and the classic cucumber are just as popular as many newcomers with exotic names. And a second aspect was also shown: The main focus is on donating skin moisture and an antioxidant effect.
The most important natural ingredients
Argan oil
Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the yellow berry fruit of the argan tree. Moroccans use unroasted argan oil to treat skin diseases and use it to skin and hair beauty care. The oil is moisturizing, helps against acne, peeling of the skin and burns and can be used in rheumatism.
Acai oil
The fruits of the Brazilian cabbage palm contain an extremely high level of natural ingredients in antioxidants as well as the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9. These unsaturated fatty acids are said to have a positive influence on the skin's appearance as they help to strengthen the skin barrier. Furthermore, the oil contains phytosterols, which have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as vitamin C, which makes an important contribution to collagen synthesis.
Totarol
Natural ingredients of the giant totem tree growing in New Zealand. From high-quality, recycled Totara the ingredients of the heartwood are processed to Totarol. The exceptionally high resistance against bacterial attacks and antioxidant effect protect the skin cells in a unique way.
Kukui oil (also light nut oil)
Because of its high content of vitamins A and E, kukui nut oil has a skin-tightening and moisture-regulating effect. In addition, it should strengthen the connective tissue and thus prevent, inter alia, stretch marks. Unsaturated fatty acids are said to support the development of epidermal ceramides and thus contribute to the regeneration of the skin barrier.
Ectoin
Ectoin, an amino acid, is made by Baktertien to protect against external influences. Cosmetics benefit from this: Ectoin strengthens the immune defense of the skin, prevents premature aging of the skin, stimulates the production of superior proteins, soothes, stabilizes, moisturises and protects against UV radiation. These natural ingredients make Ectoin an ingredient that is particularly suitable for the care of dry and mature skin.
Ravintsara
Ravintsara is also not yet well known, but the essential oil of the Malagasy camphor tree has very interesting properties in many areas. Its balancing and clarifying natural ingredients, which are mainly due to the ingredients cineole, alpha-terpineol and terpinene 4-ol, help an impure problem skin to regain a healthy balance. Ravintsara calms and refreshes the complexion. The scent is fresh and reminiscent of eucalyptus.
Inca nut oil
Sacha Inchi Oil (Inca Nut Oil) is one of the highest omega fatty acid plant oils. About 47 percent linolenic acid (Omega 3), about 35 percent linoleic acid (Omega 6) and about 10 percent oleic acid (Omega 9) make it a unique vegetable oil. It is suitable for dry and mature skin and, thanks to its cell-regenerating properties, also for increasing skin elasticity and as anti-wrinkle oil. On dry and mature skin, the Bio-Inkanussöl has a strengthening, regenerating, cell renewal and elasticity-enhancing effect on blemished skin, it has a balancing, refreshing and soothing effect.
Chia seed oil
Was already cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico and used as a medicine. Due to the balanced ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, many antioxidants and minerals, chia seeds are a "superfood" on everyone's lips. These precious natural ingredients are also good for the skin and give it a healthy complexion.
Tomato seed oil
From the seeds of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) the oil is rich in lycopene. They belong to the group of carotenoids, which are among the strongest natural antioxidants. These prevent the formation of free radicals, stimulate cell division, improve hyaluronic acid production. By incorporation into deeper skin layers Lycopene improve the skin's own UV protection (natural sun protection).
cucumber extract
Obtained from Cucumis Sativa (cucumber), for example by means of steam distillation, it is rich in vitamins A, B1 and C.
Among other things, vitamin A (retinol palmitate, retinol) is responsible for the growth, function and structure of the skin and mucous membranes and, together with vitamin B1 (thiamine), is involved in the amino acid metabolism and thus in the formation of proteins. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known for its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, cucumber extract has a moisturizing, skin-clarifying and soothing effect after sunbathing.
Cucumber Seed Oil
The refreshing all-round facial oil for all skin types: moisturizing in dry skin, firming connective tissue in mature skin, cooling and soothing on blemished skin. Cucumber seed oil with its rich mineral content (potassium, sodium, magnesium, silicon, etc.) supports the moisture balance of the skin and nourishes intensively without leaving shine or a greasy feeling on the skin.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, actually produced by the body itself, can also be made from microorganisms or vegetable. It can bind 10.000's volume of water to counteract the skin's natural loss of water, providing elasticity, smoothing and toning the skin. For the smoothness of the skin, an optimal water content is a basic requirement. This is ensured by the so-called natural moisturizing factors (also called Natural Moisturizing Factor, or NMF for short), such as the body's own hyaluronic acid. As the production of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, it is important to externally supply the lack of moisture to maintain a stable moisture balance and prevent dryness wrinkles.
rosemary
The natural extract of the rosemary bush has been used for beauty since the Middle Ages for its valuable properties. A true "anti-aging" herb. As an essential oil and dried herb also an active ingredient for soap types. Rosemary oil has antimicrobial activity against numerous bacteria and promotes blood circulation on the skin.
Guarana extract
The seeds of a Liana species from the Amazon basin are characterized by their high caffeine content. The caffeine stimulates and stimulates the entire metabolism of the skin and promotes blood circulation and detoxification.
Rosehip
Rosehip contains a high proportion of vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol), which accelerates the skin regeneration process, builds up natural collagen and improves moisture absorption.
Cashew juice
Cashew juice contains extremely high levels of antioxidants (carotenoids and vitamin C) and effectively combats free radicals and oxidative stress.
Aloe vera juice
The moisturizing, regenerating and healing natural ingredients power of Aloe Vera has been known for thousands of years in folk medicine. Pure Aloe Vera Juice intensively supports the natural process of continuous regeneration of our skin cells and represents a large nutrient reservoir with high bioavailability for new, young cells. Aloe Vera Juice contains around 200 vital substances in a natural compound, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes , various phytochemicals as well as mono- and polysaccharides. The most important ingredient is the Aloverose. The higher the aloverose content in aloe vera juice, the higher the active substance density of the vital substances and the more intense the positive effect on the skin.
Aloe vera flower nectar
Powerful antioxidants make the Aloe Vera blossom nectar an ideal anti-aging ingredient. The precious flower nectar of the Aloe Vera flower protects the skin with its antioxidant effect against oxidative "stress". Polyphenols, a powerful group of antioxidants, can neutralize free radicals and effectively strengthen skin cell protection naturally.
Pomegranate
Especially the shell is an important ingredient because its extract inhibits an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen in aged skin. At the same time, the fruit and peel extract activates an enzyme involved in the formation of collagen. The pomegranate seed oil, which is also often present in the extract, stimulates cell division of the skin-building keratinocytes.
Evening primrose
The effective evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds. For centuries, the healing effects of natural ingredients has been known, including eczema, acne or skin dryness. Many essential fatty acids have a positive effect on the appearance of the skin. Linoleic acids moisturize the skin.
Photo / Video: Shutterstock.
