“The skin is the largest organ of your body, and it should be treated with care – not chemicals.” – Jessica Collins, Owner & Founder of Wildflower Beauty by Jessica

There is a good chance you’ve heard about the importance of using all natural skin care products, but what is it exactly that you’re looking for and what makes them natural?

Over the past three and a half years, the discoveries I have made about some of the ingredients in skin care products are alarming. Many are even banned in other countries due to high toxicity levels, environmental risks, and side effects as severe as birth defects. Other ingredients were chemically created, like versions of plastic and silicone (usually listed as dimethicone) plus countless dyes, preservatives, and artificial fragrances. Everything that is applied on the skin is absorbed into the body, and the harmful side effects I personally experienced with these products is what sprung my awareness: breakouts, rashes, dry and flaky skin, itching, inflammation and even puffy eyes.

When you’re on the hunt for all natural products, it is so important that you read the label yourself. Mass-produced products typically require preservatives, so it is important to take a look at which ones are listed and conduct a little research of your own. A product may be branded in a way that highlights its natural ingredients, however that does not mean every single ingredient is natural; it is still crucial to read the labels to see exactly what is in the product. Bulk sizes are designed to last, and in my opinion, they are an immediate red flag. Natural whole foods like fruits and vegetables do not last forever naturally, so your skin care products shouldn’t either. Finding natural products in small sizes can be a great solution to this problem. Lastly, pay attention to the scent. This is one area that often gets overlooked but is equally as important as all other checkpoints. The word “fragrance” means a synthetic ingredient that is chemically designed to match the natural scent of its real counterpart. Scents that don’t typically exist so strongly on their own (for example, watermelon) are going to be synthetic, however naturally occurring scents like lavender, rose, and vanilla are still causes for concern. You should be looking for “essential oils” for the scent component of your product. This means the scent is derived from the plant or flower it originates from, and is extracted in a very specific way. Unscented products are no longer something to steer away from either. Your product search should be for products designed to compliment your skin and complexion as opposed to products with frills and additives that are just not necessary. As a challenge, pick out your favorite product and research the ingredients on the label. You may be surprised at what you find.