A breath of fresh air, the smell of flowers, and the feeling of the sun on your face. We’ve all experienced the power of nature, but what can it do for your skin?

Where previous research showed women apply an average of 168 chemicals to their bodies every day, consumers are starting to ditch the toxins and are choosing plant-powered beauty instead. Synthetic-free and all-natural skincare products are on the rise in Europe and across the globe.  

So, are natural skincare products better for your skin? And what are the benefits of making the switch?

Natural skincare products vs. synthetic-based ones

Ahh, the great debate. Does nature know best, or are lab-created synthetics more effective? It’s time to clear up confusion and consider what skincare ingredients to include in your beauty routine.

Let’s start with synthetic-based skincare products. They’re often formed especially for their skincare function, and therefore can be very effective. That said, they’re not always kind to your skin.  Studies have found that many of the synthetic ingredients found in skincare can cause irritation and allergies.

Conscious Life & Style notes that these are some to watch out for:

•  Parabens
• Carbon black
• Oxybenzone
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Ethanolamines

To avoid them, you might wish to choose products with more natural ingredients instead. Switching to a ‘gentler’ routine (i.e. one with more nature-derived ingredients) can help soothe sensitivity. Natural skincare products are packed with plant-derived vitamins and minerals your skin needs. Not to mention, they’re better for the planet (we love that guilt-free glow!).

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there’s an ugly side to natural beauty too. Unless an ingredient has scientific data to back it up, it might not be all that effective. Sometimes you’ve got to do a bit of googling (or read ingredient pages) before you invest. Incorrectly used natural ingredients might also cause irritation, for example, there is a maximum percentage of pure essential oils that should never be applied directly to your face (if you are gentle, and keep the percentage low all should be fine!). 

Water-based products should always contain a preservative to stop bacteria growing quickly, and for the formula to be stable and safe for usage. But be aware that natural skincare products without preservatives might not last as long. Make sure you shop for skincare products that come in packaging that minimizes exposure to the elements.

So, are natural skincare products better for your skin?

There are perks and pitfalls of natural and synthetic-based skincare products, and now you know a little bit more about both we hope you’re confident in making an informed decision about which is best for you.  

At Mazillo, we love natural skincare best. Even though synthetics might make products effective for clearing skin, they can also increase the chances of making it a whole lot worse. Synthetics are more likely to lead to skin allergies, rashes, and irritations, than botanicals.

Now let’s dive into the details of why we prefer natural skincare…

5 benefits of switching to a natural skincare routine

1.     They protect (rather than add) toxins

Not only are natural skincare products free from toxins and harsh synthetics, but they can also protect your skin from these things. None of us are strangers to pollution, and over time environmental factors can contribute to inflammation and premature ageing.

Natural ingredients, such as the Bulgarian rose we use in our Purify + Nourish Face Mask, protect the skin from environmental pollution, fight impurities, and brighten the skin for an all-natural glow.

2.     They embrace plant power

Veganism has moved into the mainstream and there are nature-based alternatives for everything from the milk in your latte to the leather in your shoes. Basically, there’s no better time to embrace the power of plants.

For your skin, it seems their powers are particularly strong. According to this study, botanical products are a rich source of:

• vitamins
• antioxidants
• essential oils
• proteins
• bioactive compounds
• terpenoids (compounds that detoxify the skin and help control sebum levels)

3.     They’ve passed the test of time

Another beautiful thing about botanical-based skincare is that it’s passed the test of time. Way before there were lab tested, people were treating their skin with natural ingredients.

Did you know that reviving these ancient skincare remedies is the inspiration behind our brand? We believe looking back to what worked in the past, is a means to look forward and create effective skincare that works for us now and in the future.

4.     They’re backed by science

It’s not just ancient wisdom natural skincare relies on, though. Numerous scientific studies have looked at the benefits of plants for the skin. There are even innovative methods to elevate these ingredients, for example we use plant stem cells in our products, which have a regenerative and repairing effect on the skin.

5.     They might be grown in one place

As we’re now able to ship and source products from all other the world, we often forget that the plants that grow together work perfectly together. 

Skincare products can end up with a long, confusing, and completely untraceable supply chain, and ingredients we know very little about. Sourcing ingredients that grow naturally in one place (in our case, Bulgaria!) cuts down your beauty miles and taps into nature’s wisdom.

The future of natural skincare

The body of research that backs-up natural skincare is rapidly growing, and ingredients loved by our ancestors continue to be supported by scientific studies and statistics.

‘Cleanical beauty’ is a new skincare trend that captures the evolution of ‘clean’ and natural cosmetics, taken to a new level with performance-enhancing technology. It seems synthetic skincare is fading into the background, and the future is all about elevating nature-based ingredients. 

Mazillo: where nature meets science

Now you’re clued up on the benefits of nature-based skincare, we have the perfect routine for you to try. Our 5 products fuse nature’s finest ingredients and science’s cutting-edge research.

Buy it out and see what natural skincare can do for you!