Harnessing Natural Ingredients Power

The botanical and natural ingredients market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by a global shift towards health and wellness, sustainable living, and the clean label movement.

The market size for botanical natural ingredients was valued at USD 164.4 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2023 to 2030.

This growth is attributed to increasing consumer demand for products that support overall well-being, alongside a burgeoning interest in traditional medicines and the extensive utilization of herbs in various applications.

Companies in the botanical natural ingredients market are increasingly focusing on sustainability, clean labels, and product innovation to meet consumer demand.

Key players include Archer Daniels Midland Company, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., and Koninklijke DSM NV, among others, who are leading the charge in expanding product portfolios with sustainable strategies and catering to a global market with a focus on natural, organic, and health-oriented products

The beauty and skincare industry has increasingly turned towards nature for inspiration, harnessing the power of botanical natural ingredients to formulate products that not only enhance beauty but also promote skin health.

These natural ingredients, ranging from oils and extracts to herbs and flowers, are celebrated for their potent properties, including hydration, anti-aging, soothing, and healing effects.

From the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to modern scientific research, the journey of these natural ingredients from nature to cosmetic formulations is a testament to their enduring appeal and efficacy.

As consumers become more conscious of the products they apply to their skin, the demand for clean, sustainable, and effective natural ingredients has risen. This shift has led to the rediscovery of traditional botanicals like Green Tea, Aloe Vera, and newer innovations such as Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative.

Each ingredient carries its own unique story, from historical uses to contemporary applications, offering a blend of tradition and science in the quest for beauty and wellness.

Here is our list of 23 natural incredients, their place of origin, a short description and story, and some products that uses those incredients. Enjoy !!!

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

• • Origin: Ghana, Nigeria

• • Description: A fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree; ivory in color and creamy in texture with a nutty smell. Used for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It grows on the Shea tree.

• • Discovery Story: Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for skin care, cooking, and as a waterproofing wax. Its cosmetic use was discovered when its protective and emollient benefits were observed on the skin.

• • Products:
    • • L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: Moisturizer
    • • The Body Shop Shea Body Butter: Skin moisturizer
    • • Kiehl’s Shea Butter Lip Balm: Lip care
    • • Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter with Shea Butter: Body moisturizer
    • • Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter with Shea Butter: Skin moisturizer

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• • Origin: Australia, New Zealand

• • Description: Extracted from the leaves of the tea tree, not to be confused with the plant used for tea making. It is a clear to very pale golden color with a fresh camphoraceous odor. Used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is found on a small tree or bush.

• • Discovery Story: The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area.

• • Products:
    • • The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil: Blemish treatment
    • • Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo: Scalp treatment
    • • Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Cream: Moisturizer
    • • Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment: Skin treatment
    • • Lush Tea Tree Water Toner: Skin toner

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• • Origin: Mexico, India

• • Description: A succulent plant that produces a clear gel from its leaves, used for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties. It has a mild, watery scent with a refreshing feel. Grows close to the ground.

• • Discovery Story: Aloe vera was used by the ancient Egyptians who called it the “plant of immortality” and used it in burial rituals as well as skin care.

• • Products:
    • • Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel: Skin moisturizer
    • • Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner: Skin toner
    • • Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion: Body lotion
    • • The Face Shop Aloe Real Nature Mask: Facial mask
    • • Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel: Dietary supplement

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

• • Origin: Philippines, India

• • Description: Extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and used for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is solid at room temperature and has a distinct coconut smell. Comes from a tree.

• • Discovery Story: Coconut oil has been used in tropical regions for thousands of years, where it was discovered for its ability to nourish and moisturize the skin and hair.

• • Products:
    • • Kopari Coconut Melt: All-over skin moisturizer
    • • OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo: Hair care
    • • Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion: Body moisturizer
    • • RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream: Makeup remover
    • • Sun Bum Coconut Sunscreen Lotion: Sunscreen

Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis)

• • Origin: China, Japan

• • Description: Derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, this extract is rich in antioxidants and used for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It has a fresh, slightly astringent scent. Grows on a bush.

• • Discovery Story: The discovery of green tea is attributed to Emperor Shen Nong of China around 2737 BC, who accidentally tasted water that had a dead tea leaf boiled in it and found it refreshing.

• • Products:
    • • Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum: Hydration
    • • Sephora Collection Green Tea Face Mask: Detoxifying mask
    • • Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream: Body moisturizer
    • • Boscia Green Tea Oil-free Moisturizer: Face moisturizer
    • • Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50: Sunscreen

Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

• • Origin: France, Bulgaria

• • Description: Distilled from lavender flowers, known for its calming scent and soothing properties. Used in aromatherapy and skin care. Grows as a small bush.

• • Discovery Story: Lavender has been used since ancient times, with the Romans using it for bathing, cooking, and scenting the air.

• • Products:
    • • L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream: Moisturizer
    • • Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: Facial oil
    • • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Lavender: Soap
    • • Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist: Facial mist
    • • Neal’s Yard Remedies Lavender Essential Oil: Aromatherapy

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

• • Origin: Morocco

• • Description: Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Used for moisturizing skin and hair. Comes from a tree.

• • Discovery Story: The Berber women of Morocco have used argan oil for centuries to protect and nourish their skin and hair in harsh desert conditions.

• • Products:
    • • Moroccanoil Treatment: Hair treatment
    • • Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil: Moisturizer
    • • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil: Skin and hair oil
    • • Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion: Body moisturizer
    • • Acure The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil: Multi-purpose oil

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

• • Origin: United States, Mexico

• • Description: A liquid produced in the seed of the jojoba plant, closely resembles human sebum. Used for its moisturizing and skin-healing properties. Grows in desert regions.

• • Discovery Story: Native Americans first discovered the versatility of jojoba oil hundreds of years ago, using it for skin and hair care.

• • Products:
    • • The Jojoba Company 100% Natural Australian Jojoba: Skin oil
    • • Burt’s Bees Jojoba Oil: Hair oil
    • • Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: Moisturizer
    • • Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream: Night cream
    • • Herbivore Botanicals Jojoba Oil Facial Serum: Serum

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

• • Origin: United States

• • Description: Derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub, known for its astringent and soothing properties. Used in skin care products. Grows as a shrub.

• • Discovery Story: Native Americans extensively used witch hazel for medicinal purposes, including skin ailments, and its use was adopted by early settlers.

• • Products:
    • • Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner: Toner
    • • Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner: Toner
    • • Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner: Toner
    • • Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Toner: Acne treatment
    • • Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion: Skin care

Rosehip Oil (Rosa canina)

• • Origin: Chile, South Africa

• • Description: Extracted from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Used for anti-aging and moisturizing. Grows on rose bushes.

• • Discovery Story: Rosehip oil was used by ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and Native Americans for its healing properties, particularly in skin care.

• • Products:
    • • Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil: Skin oil
    • • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: Facial oil
    • • Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil: Facial oil
    • • Sukin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil: Moisturizer
    • • Teddie Organics Rosehip Seed Oil: Skin oil

Cucumber Extract (Cucumis sativus)

• • Origin: India, China

• • Description: Derived from cucumbers, known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in skin care for soothing and cooling. Grows on the ground as a vine.

• • Discovery Story: Cucumbers have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years, and their use in skincare was likely discovered due to their soothing and cooling effect on the skin.

• • Products:
    • • Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask: Cooling gel mask
    • • Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Daily Calming Moisturizer: Moisturizer
    • • Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner: Toner
    • • Boscia Cool Blue Hydration Essence: Hydration essence
    • • Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller: Eye care

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• • Origin: Mediterranean

• • Description: Extracted from marigold flowers, known for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Used in skin care products. Grows as a plant.

• • Discovery Story: Calendula has been used medicinally since at least the 12th century, known for its ability to heal wounds and soothe irritated skin.

• • Products:
    • • Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner: Toner
    • • Weleda Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash: Body wash
    • • Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream: Moisturizer
    • • The Organic Pharmacy Calendula, Hypericum & Propolis Cream: Cream
    • • Burt’s Bees Calendula Diaper Rash Cream: Diaper rash cream

Honey (Mel)

• • Origin: New Zealand (Manuka Honey), Turkey

• • Description: A sweet, viscous food substance produced by bees, rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Used for moisturizing and healing. Produced in beehives.

• • Discovery Story: Honey has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using it for wound healing and as a natural preservative.

• • Products:
    • • Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask: Face mask
    • • Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm: Lip care
    • • Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream: Face cream
    • • The Body Shop Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask: Face mask
    • • Manuka Doctor Bio Active Honey: Health supplement

Avocado Oil (Persea americana)

• • Origin: Mexico, Dominican Republic

• • Description: Extracted from the pulp of avocados, rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Used for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. Comes from a tree.

• • Discovery Story: The Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans used avocado oil for food and skin care, recognizing its health benefits.

• • Products:
    • • Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: Eye cream
    • • Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment: Hair treatment
    • • Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream: Night cream
    • • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil: Skin and hair oil
    • • Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream: Eye cream

Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)

• • Origin: Mediterranean Region (Spain, Italy)

• • Description: Extracted from the kernels of sweet almonds, known for its moisturizing, softening properties. Used in skin and hair care. Grows on trees.

• • Discovery Story: Almond oil has been valued for its health and beauty benefits since ancient times, mentioned in the Bible and used by Egyptian pharaohs.

• • Products:
    • • L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil: Body oil
    • • Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil: Face oil
    • • The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Restoring Body Butter: Body moisturizer
    • • Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Daily Damage Repair Shampoo: Shampoo
    • • Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: Face oil

Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

• • Origin: Mediterranean Region (Greece, Italy)

• • Description: Extracted from olives, known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Used in skin care and as a dietary supplement. Grows on trees.

• • Discovery Story: Olive oil has been a staple in Mediterranean cultures for thousands of years, used for cooking, lighting, and skin care.

• • Products:
    • • DHC Olive Virgin Oil: Facial moisturizer
    • • Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo: Shampoo
    • • The Body Shop Olive Body Butter: Body moisturizer
    • • Mario Badescu Olive Eye Cream: Eye cream
    • • Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Gro Therapy: Hair treatment

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• • Origin: Western Europe, India

• • Description: Derived from chamomile flowers, known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Used in skin care and teas. Grows low to the ground.

• • Discovery Story: Chamomile has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, including by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, for its calming effects.

• • Products:
    • • Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream: Night cream
    • • The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter: Makeup remover
    • • Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque: Face mask
    • • Burt’s Bees Baby Calming Shampoo & Wash: Baby shampoo
    • • Mario Badescu Chamomile Night Cream: Night cream

Cacao Butter (Theobroma cacao)

• • Origin: South America, West Africa

• • Description: Fat extracted from cacao beans, known for its moisturizing properties and rich texture. Used in skin care and chocolate. Grows on trees.

• • Discovery Story: Cacao has been cultivated by South American indigenous cultures for over 3,000 years, initially used in beverages and later for its butter in skin care.

• • Products:
    • • Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Lotion: Body lotion
    • • The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion: Body lotion
    • • Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Creme: Body creme
    • • Burt’s Bees Cocoa and Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion: Body lotion
    • • Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer: Makeup with cocoa powder

Seaweed (Various species)

• • Origin: Japan, Ireland

• • Description: Marine plants and algae, known for its hydrating, nourishing, and detoxifying properties. Used in skin care and dietary supplements. Grows in the ocean.

• • Discovery Story: Seaweed has been used in East Asian and coastal cultures for centuries as a dietary staple and for skin health, recognized for its rich mineral content.

• • Products:
    • • La Mer The Moisturizing Cream: Moisturizer
    • • The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream: Moisturizer
    • • OSEA Malibu Atmosphere Protection Cream: Moisturizer
    • • Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream: Night cream
    • • Bumble and bumble Seaweed Shampoo: Shampoo

Squalane

• • Origin: Squalane can be derived from olives, sugarcane, rice bran, or sharks (though plant-derived squalane is preferred for ethical and sustainability reasons).

• • Description: A stable hydrocarbon that mimics squalene, a natural compound found in human skin sebum, known for its moisturizing and non-comedogenic properties. It is used to hydrate and protect the skin without clogging pores. Squalane is a clear, odorless liquid at room temperature.

• • Discovery Story: Initially derived from shark liver, the cosmetic industry has shifted towards plant-derived squalane due to environmental concerns. Its compatibility with skin lipids was discovered, making it a valuable ingredient for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity.

• • Products:
    • • Biossance 100% Squalane Oil: Pure squalane oil for face, body, and hair.
    • • The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane: Hydration booster.
    • • Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil: Moisturizing facial oil.
    • • Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane: Lightweight moisturizer.
    • • Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream: Moisturizer with squalane.

Bakuchiol

• • Origin: Derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, found in India and Sri Lanka.

• • Description: A natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol offers similar benefits without the irritation associated with retinol use, such as reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and improving skin elasticity. It is a pale purple flower when in bloom.

• • Discovery Story: Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries, the cosmetic industry recently embraced bakuchiol for its retinol-like effects on the skin, promoting collagen production and reducing signs of aging.

• • Products:
    • • Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum: Anti-aging serum.
    • • Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème: Night cream.
    • • The Inkey List Bakuchiol: Moisturizer.
    • • Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum: Anti-aging serum.
    • • Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment: Anti-aging treatment.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

• • Origin: Native to the wetlands in Asia

• • Description: Known for its healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Centella Asiatica is used to soothe irritated skin, promote wound healing, and reinforce the skin’s barrier. This herb grows close to the ground and has small, round green leaves.

• • Discovery Story: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties, it was discovered by modern skincare for its ability to stimulate collagen production and improve skin hydration and elasticity.

• • Products:
    • • Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment: Color-correcting treatment.
    • • LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask: Overnight mask.
    • • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule: Soothing ampoule.
    • • COSRX Centella Blemish Cream: Blemish treatment.
    • • Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum: Soothing serum.

Marula Oil

• • Origin: Southern Africa and Madagascar

• • Description: Extracted from the nuts of the Marula tree, this oil is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, making it excellent for moisturizing, treating, and nourishing the skin and hair. Marula oil is a clear, pale yellow liquid with a light nutty aroma.

• • Discovery Story: Traditionally used by women in Southern Africa for centuries to moisturize and protect their skin against harsh weather conditions, its cosmetic benefits were discovered by the global beauty industry for its rich content of antioxidants and fatty acids.

• • Products:
    • • Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: Hydrating facial oil.
    • • The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil: Antioxidant-rich hydration.
    • • African Botanics Pure Marula Oil: Multi-purpose oil for skin and hair.
    • • Acure The Essentials Marula Oil: Facial oil.
    • • Marula Pure Beauty Oil Foaming Cleansing Oil: Cleansing oil.