Welcome to the first post in my newest series, “Weekend Wellness”! It is my goal to provide you with a blog focused on both home love + self love. My intention is to help you create a life you love, and that includes more than just your physical space. After all, your body is your home too! So, every weekend (ok, most weekends because sometimes I get busy), I will have a new Weekend Wellness post for you with some great information on all things wellness.

Personally, I’ve been on a wellness journey for about a year. And I just want to share with you what I’ve learned and tried. Things to expect: posts about recipes, ingredients, routines, meditation, journaling, vitamins/supplements/adaptogens, exercise, beauty and skincare, and so on. Basically, the best of mind/body/spirit wellness. Best believe this will be really fun, but also really informative. So, let’s get WELL!

18 Best Single Ingredient Natural Skincare Products

It is my feeling that the simplest skincare routine is the best one. It’s maybe not the fanciest, has less steps, and is actually affordable, BUT it is something that you will actually do, with ingredients that will help and not hurt your body, and has been time tested by ancient civilizations. Pretty cool, right? Single ingredient skincare is fast, easy, affordable, and most of all, IT’S EFFECTIVE.

Psst…just so you know I’m not just some rando off the street telling you what to put on your face, here’s a fun fact about me: I was a makeup artist for 6 years for a natural beauty company while I was in college earning 2 Bachelors degrees. So, you can believe I know A LOT about beauty and skincare. I am obsessed with getting the best quality products for the least amount of money (livin’ in Manhattan ain’t cheap, ya’ll). For my inaugural post, I am thrilled to share with you the 18 best single ingredient natural skincare products.

1. Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is harvested from rose bushes grown mostly in Chile. It is chock full of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. Rosehips were actually used by ancient Egyptians and Native Americans for their healing properties. Plus this oil gives your skin the best glow.

Uses

• dark spots
• scars
• hydration
• fine lines

Directions

• Can be applied alone, but I prefer to apply over my night time moisturizer.

Get

• I use Pura d’or Organic Rosehip Seed Oil but you can get anything 100% cold pressed, certified organic, and unrefined. It should be amber in color and come in a dark bottle (sunlight makes it rancid). It’s not supposed to smell like roses.

2. Sea Buckthorn Oil

Believed to have originated in the Himalayas, this oil has been used for centuries by the Greeks, Asians, and Europeans, and is praised in Ayurvedic medicine. It is extracted from small reddish orange berries and contains vitamins A, C, E, and essential fatty acids.

Uses

• sunburn
• eczema
• stretch marks
• acne
• wrinkles

Directions

• Apply a few drops to hands, spread on face at night.

Get

• The Ordinary

 

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential in our diet, but also has great benefits to your hair, skin, and nails. It’s an antioxidant vitamin that actually slows down aging and prevents damage from free radicals. You can buy a bottle of it or even use what’s inside a capsule.

Uses

• fine lines
• wrinkles
• free radicals
• age spots
• hydration
• brightening
• cuticles
• lips
• split ends
• stretch marks

Directions

• Vitamin E is thick and greasy, so be careful if you are acne prone. Apply at night in place of a night cream. Great around the eye area.

Get

• Jason Vitamin E
• Break open the Vitamin E capsules and use its contents.

4. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba actually a liquid plant wax acting as a skin conditioner. Native Americans used it for skin and hair care. It stimulates collagen, is rich in iodine (bacteria fighter), and is rich in antioxidants that slow down signs of aging. There are SO many great uses for jojoba oil and you can read more about it. I use it as the last step in my nightly skincare routine to seal in my products and provide slip for my nightly Gua Sha. After applying to my face, I also take the leftovers from my hands to smooth the ends of my hair.

Uses

• acne
• oily skin
• wrinkles
• hydration
• makeup remover
• sunburn
• lips
• eczema and psoriasis
• hair (dandruff, hair loss, dry hair)

Directions

• Apply a few drops to hair, skin, and nails.
• For makeup removal, apply to cotton pad and wipe off makeup.

Get

• Leven Rose

5. Olive Oil

Homer described olive oil as “liquid gold”, and he was correct! Olive oil is great for a slew of things, and might be a VIP when it comes to DIY skincare. You can mix it with sea salt for exfoliation, use as a hair mask, or mix with other oils for the oil cleansing method. It is rich in antioxidants, squalane (more on squalane below), as well as vitamins A, D, K, and E. Also, Cleopatra loved it.

Uses

• anti-aging
• acne
• photo-aging
• sun damage
• free radicals
• hydration
• skin cleanser
• hair
• nails

***don’t use if you have sensitive skin, oily skin, or dermatitis***

Directions

• Apply a few drops to damp skin or hair. Remember, less is more! Overuse can result in clogged pores, so go easy.

Get

• Only certified-organic, non-GMO, cold-pressed, and unrefined extra-virgin olive oil.

 

6. Camellia Oil

You’ve probably heard of camellia oil if you are familiar with Japanese beauty secrets. How do you think the Geishas have such beautiful flawless skin? Camellia oil is full of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A, B, & E, linoleic acid, oleic acid, omega 3, 6, & 9 fatty acid. Made from the tea plant, camellia oil also boasts many of the same befits as tea! It’s super moisturizing but it also retains moisture, which is just as important. Don’t worry; it’s noncomedogenic and won’t clog pores.

Uses

• wrinkles
• hydration
• acne
• hair (dryness and dandruff)
• nails
• sun protection

Directions

• Apply a few drops to your hands and massage onto your face and hair.
• Can also be mixed with other oils to act as an affordable alternative to the pricey Tatcha cleanser.

Get

• Simply Earth

7. Marula Oil

Marula oil is known as a luxury oil, and for good reason. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acid, and flavonoids, it’s a power player. It’s also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Fun fact: The entire Drunk Elephant product line contains marula oil. Hence the name, because elephants get drunk off the fruit of the Marula tree. The more ya know!

Uses

• hydration (face and hair)
• sensitive skin
• radiance
• skin texture
• redness
• skin elasticity
• anti-aging
• build collagen
• reverse photo damage

Directions

• Apply directly after cleansing.
• Also works under your skincare as it allows ingredients to penetrate deeper.

Get

• The Ordinary

8. Essential Oils

Uses

• frankincense oil: acne, large pores, sun/age spots, wrinkles

• lavender oil: anti-aging, acne, scarring, dryness, cuts and scrapes

• carrot seed oil: aging, discoloration, wrinkles, oil production,  radiance, rosacea, pore size
• geranium oil: acne, dermatitis, eczema, anti-aging, dryness, elasticity, wrinkles
• rose oil: dryness, dermatitis, anti-aging, acne, tone & texture, plumps skin
• neroli oil: anti-aging, fine lines, sensitivity, pore size, stretch marks, scaring, dryness, acne
• tea tree oil: acne
• chamomile oil: rosacea, sensitivity, anti-aging, acne, eczema
• ylang ylang oil: scaring, anti-aging, acne, fine lines, elasticity

Directions

• Mix 29 drops EO with 1 oz carrier oil and store mixture in dark glass jar.

***ALWAYS DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS WITH A CARRIER OIL (such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil)***

Get

• Buy online or at Whole Foods (Aura Cacia is great).

***Always read EO ingredients to ensure they are pure (many are cheaper but are blends)***

9. Raw African Shea Butter

Ok. This is probably my favorite product and is the powerhouse of my skincare routine. I am 32 and have ZERO wrinkles. Truly. My only ailments are puffy eyes and some sun damage (teen life guarding years, man). Raw African shea butter is amazing; it’s 60% fat so it’s super rich and emollient, has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, is anti-inflammatory and will heal breakouts, it aids the skin’s natural collagen production, and regular use will reduce dryness and wrinkles.

This is the last step of my skincare routine (on days I don’t use Jojoba for Gua Sha), and when I wake up, my skin is radiant every single time. I love using this around my eye area and where I would apply highlighter. Reason being, I see women start to develop fine lines between the cheek bone and eye contour. Also, I rarely use a makeup highlighter, but if I want a little somethin-somethin, I apply shea butter to the tops of my cheek bones. Voila! It is one of the best single ingredient natural skincare products!

Uses

• wrinkles
• hydration
• acne
• collagen production
• healing

Directions

• Warm a small amount in your palms, then apply to face alone or over other skincare (works well under makeup).
• Use as lip balm, eye cream, hair mask, and as a base for any DIY skincare.

Get

• Molivera Organics (I’m on my second tub and the quality and price are fantastic.)

10. Rosewater

I had a brief stint in department store cosmetics (NEVER AGAIN. WHY, GOD, WHY???). But the one good thing that came out of it was my discovery of rosewater. My beauty counter was next to Lancome, who had a glorious rosewater toner. Then I found that I can make it myself or find it at a better price. Anyways, I’ve been using rosewater in my skincare routine since like 2008, and the glow is real.

Uses

• anti-inflammatory
• antioxidant
• free radical protection
• acne
• rosacea
• hydration (skin and hair)
• makeup remover
• tones
• puffiness
• anti-aging
• pore size

Directions

• Apply to a cotton round and smooth over face, neck, and chest.
• Add to conditioner and apply to hair.

Get

• Make yourself with rose petals and distilled water recipe.
• Or buy my favorite toner of aloe, rosewater, and witch hazel.

11. Plant-Derived Squalane

I love Squalane! It’s naturally found on the skin and is an excellent hydrator. It’s non-comedogenic and naturally antibacterial. This saturated fat can also increase heat protection in hair!

Uses

• oil control
• fine lines and wrinkles (especially around eyes and lips!)
• acne
• hydration
• dermatitis
• eczema
• sensitive skin

Directions

• Apply to face after water based treatments (like your rosewater toner).
• Apply to hair to prevent breakage and heat damage.

Get

• The Ordinary

12. Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is also called ‘Indian Healing Clay’, and for good reason. This will unclog your pores like no other when used as a mask. Even Cleopatra used clay from the Nile River! It is perfect for pimples, blackheads, and skin tightening. You can mix with water or apple cider vinegar for a reeeeeally deep clean. Don’t use if you have sensitive skin though; it might be too intense for you.

Uses

• pimples
• blackheads
• tightening
• deep clean

Directions

• Mix equal parts clay and water or apple cider vinegar in a non metal bowl with a non metal untensil. Apply to face for 5-10 mins (sensitive skin) or 15-20 mins (normal skin). Rinse with warm water (redness is normal).

Get

• Aztec Secret

13. Activated Charcoal

I love activated charcoal powder! It draws out toxins, dirt, bacteria, and any other small particles trapped in your pores. This stuff is so powerful that medically, it is used to draw out poisons. It can even be used to whiten teeth. On hair, it deeply cleans, pulling out dirt, oil, and toxins. It basically binds to any dirt and removes it.

Uses

• pore size
• blackheads/clogged pores
• acne
• oily skin
• removes bacteria
• deep cleans skin
• cleans hair
• scalp (oil, dandruff, redness)
• whitens teeth
• removes tartar from teeth

Directions

• For skin: mix with rosewater or plain water to form a paste and apply mask, use on wet skin as an exfoliator, or add to your bentonite clay mask.
• For hair: add a small amount to your shampoo and wash hair as usual.
• For teeth: use once a week on teeth by adding a small amount to your toothpaste and brushing as usual.

Get

• Viva Doria (I’ve had this forever and it’s not even half gone).
• It also comes in easy to use capsules you can break open and use (think of them like ‘single servings’).

14. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a staple of any natural beauty routine. American Indians used it for sores and infections because of its natural antifungal properties. Witch hazel is perhaps the most effective acne treatment, making it a cult favorite. It reduces inflammation and its tannins remove excess oil, making it perfect for those with problematic skin. It is a natural antioxidant and protects the skin against free radical damage.

Modern witch hazel needs to be distilled and therefore contains some alcohol. However, there are alcohol-free versions that contain skin calming ingredients like lavender and glycerin. I DO NOT recommend EVER using alcohol on your skin, as it breaks down the essential lipid barrier of the fragile epidermis. Therefore, I am recommending the alcohol-free witch hazel, despite not being a true “single ingredient” skincare product.

Uses

• pore size
• astringent
• free radicals
• acne
• brightens under eyes
• eye puffiness
• oily skin
• irritated scalp

Directions

• Apply to face using a cotton pad after cleansing.
• Excellent for DIY spot treatment when combined with tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar or coconut oil.
• Add several drops to shampoo and cleanse hair as usual.

Get

• Thayers

15. Citrus

Vitamin C. It’s everywhere! Well, instead of buying an expensive product, you can reap the benefits just by cutting open some citrus and applying it directly to your skin. Citrus will diminish discoloration, add radiance, protect your skin against free radicals, and kill bacteria. You know about AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and how they are present in skincare products meant for skin renewal? Well citrus contains AHAs and is already in your kitchen. Grapefruit even contains the retinol antioxidant. Score! To me, if it can be found in my fridge, it’s technically free skincare.

Uses

• sun spots
• age spots
• acne
• radiance
• collagen
• exfoliation
• strengthens hair
• dandruff
• makes hair shiny and thick
• deodorize armpits (yes, I’m serious)

Directions

• Cut citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) and run fruit wedge over face, neck, and chest (PM only).
• Add lemon juice to a damp cotton pad as a natural astringent (PM only).
• Squeeze lemon juice on hair in shower, then rinse.
• Apply to armpits for a fresh scent!

***Vitamin C increases your sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen or apply at night***

16. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another powerhouse product. Apple cider vinegar helps to refresh and tone skin while the beta carotene from apples actually protects against future damage. Its acidity helps with fine lines and improves the clarity of your skin.

Uses

• acne
• sun/age spots
• fine lines
• dandruff
• cleanses hair
• whitens teeth

Directions

• For dandruff: mix equal parts ACV + water, spray on hair after shampoo, and leave on for 15 mins before rinsing (use 2x/week).
• For face: dilute ACV and apply with cotton round or q-tip for a PM spot treatment.
• For teeth: rub ACV directly on teeth, then rinse (don’t do too often or it will break down your enamel).

Get

• Bragg (found in most grocery stores)

17. Raw Local Honey

Raw local honey is great for more than just allergies. It works wonders at hydration, preventing free radical damage, and its antioxidants will repair skin. I actually washed my face with raw local honey for a spell (and it worked…until I ate it all).

Uses

• acne
• aging
• radiance
• pore size
• free radicals
• hydration

Directions

• Use as a mask, cleanser (yes, you read that correctly), spot treatment, makeup remover (for eye makeup: mix with coconut oil).

Get

• You can find local honey at a farmer’s market or natural grocery store like Whole Foods (just check the label for production location).

18. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is super popular these days. It can be used for everything from oil pulling to preventing dandruff. Most popularly, it is used on the face as a makeup remover and moisturizer. I like to use it on my lashes and brows, as well as in my hair. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, and antifungal, however, it is NOT noncomedogenic. So, if you are prone to breakouts, using it on your face isn’t the best idea. But if you’re dry, might as well apply a thin layer and give it a whirl.

Uses

• hair mask
• makeup remover (even waterproof mascara!)
• cuticle oil
• scars and stretchmarks
• dental hygiene via oil pulling
• double cleansing

Directions

• For hair: apply a small amount to hair and leave for at least 30 mins before rinsing (can also be applied overnight).
• For skin: apply to cotton round to remove makeup, apply to entire face as first step in double cleansing, apply thin layer as moisturizer.
• For teeth: place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in mouth and swish around mouth for 5-10 mins before spitting out. DO NOT SWALLOW.
• For nails: apply a small amount to cuticles.
• For DIY scrubs: mix with sugar and use to exfoliate lips and body.

Get

• Organic, cold pressed, unrefined, virgin coconut oil is best and should be white when solid and clear when liquid (if yellow, it is rancid).

 

And there you have it! The 18 best single ingredient natural skincare products. I hope this was informative and helpful for you if you are searching for natural beauty products. Let me know if there’s anything that you love that didn’t make the list!

-Kristen

 

Disclaimer: I am not an expert, just a woman with tried and true methods to share. It is important to do your own research, as information is ever changing–even on the good stuff! For instance, this list originally included aloe vera, until I researched it and found an Allure article from March 2018, stating that aloe vera is now on Prop 65 (also known as The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 in California. This act protects people from chemicals known to cause cancer. The Prop includes non-decolorized, whole-leaf aloe extract because it contains a chemical called aloin, which causes cancer in rats. So, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest research.