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While most of us find our skin care products on the shelves of beauty shops or local markets, the Earth is rich in natural moisturizers and provides some worthy candidates. From grains like oat to flowers to nuts, choosing a natural moisturizer makes hydrating your body complexion a truly organic endeavor—which is appealing in more ways than one.
“We absorb everything we put on our skin,” says herbalist Rachelle Robinett. “The more natural it is, the less work our liver needs to do filtering out unwanted or harmful compounds, the less likely the product is to imbalance our hormones, and the more likely it is to work in a way that encourages homeostasis in the body rather than disrupting it.”
Robinett notes that our skin is often a reflection of conditions within. “Keep in mind that when seeking more moisture, elasticity, or glow (or less redness, breakouts, or general imbalances), it’s often ideal to treat ourselves from the inside-out.” All of the naturally occuring options on this list can be used topically as well as internally in thoughtful doses and various forms—whether teas, juices, or powders.
7 Natural Moisturizers to Simplify Your Skin Care Routine
If you’re not ready to go all-natural, look for existing products that contain these ingredients. Your dry skin will thank you.
1, Oat
That’s right—this humble grain is a key to supple skin. “Oat is rich in beta-glucans, which form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture,” explains Robinett. Oat’s soothing properties can also calm the dryness, irritation, and itchiness that comes with certain seasons and climates.
In addition to your usual oat fix, Robinett suggests looking for milky oat tops in tea or tincture form for internal hydration.
2. Calendula
Calendula’s anti-inflammatory qualities lend to a powerhouse among natural moisturizers, serving to soothe and protect dry or cracked skin. Robinett notes that the flower provides lightweight hydration without clogging pores, all while promoting healing.
Infuse a favorite oil with calendula or try a moisturizer that features the flower, such as Mild by Nature’s Calendula Cream. You can also steep it into tea.
3. Chamomile
This small white flower nourishes your skin the same way it eases your nerves. “Chamomile is deeply hydrating and calming, reducing redness, and irritation,” says Robinett. She adds that chamomile’s antioxidants strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, enhancing your protection against harsh elements.
You may already have soothing chamomile tea on hand, so start there. As with calendula, chamomile can be mixed with oils and butters for added moisture.
4. Jojoba Oil
While many naturally occurring oils can be used to moisturize the skin, jojoba oil is among Robinett’s favorites for the face, body, and scalp.
“Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent emollient that deeply moisturizes and balances oil production,” she says. “It also forms a barrier to prevent water loss.”
5. Propolis
Bee products are known for their skin-healing properties, and propolis is no exception. The resinous substance that bees use to repair their hives is rich in antioxidants and comes with antibacterial properties.
According to Robinett, propolis hydrates skin while aiding in the repair of damaged or dry areas. “Egyptian Magic is an example of a propolis-containing product with just a few simple and natural ingredients that are beautifully effective for face, body, or hair,” she says.
6. Shea Butter
Derived from the nuts of African shea trees, this butter makes for a supremely emollient moisturizer. “Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter intensely nourishes and repairs dry, flaky skin,” says Robinett.
She adds that its thick and creamy texture make the butter an ideal protective layer when you’re weathering cold conditions. Smooth over hands, feet, and any particularly rough patches of skin.
7. Aloe Vera
If you’ve ever broken apart an aloe leaf and applied it to chapped or sunburned skin, you already know that the plant contains a hydrating gel with skin-soothing traits.
“Aloe vera replenishes moisture in the skin and helps alleviate irritation caused by dryness,” says Robinett. Apply pure aloe or products containing the plant part to areas of the body that are particularly inflamed and dry. The plant product is lightweight, making it ideal for layering beneath other products.
In need of some holistic hydration? Aloe juice, sipped alone or blended in a smoothie—and in modest amounts—bolsters skin health from within.
