The Top 20 Natural, Scientifically Tested Skincare Ingredients

If you’re like most of us, your skin isn’t just one way all the time. Sometimes it’s oilier, sometimes it’s drier, and it likely also changes with the seasons. In addition, you might be increasingly curious or concerned about buying “clean” skincare and cosmetics, which adds another wrinkle to the product-selection process. At PROVEN, we fully support the clean skincare movement—it’s why we formulate all our products with no parabens, phthalates, SLS, or formaldehyde.

To simplify your search, we’ve found ten of the most effective, scientifically tested, naturally occurring skincare ingredients. Many of these are also synthetically produced, which (as explained above), is just fine. Below, we’ve noted the natural origin of each ingredient, along with how and why it’s effective in skincare.

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Top 20 proven-to-work natural skincare ingredients:

#1 Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies, and it’s effective because it holds a thousand times its weight in water [1]. This not only helps skin retain moisture but also prevents that moisture from evaporating into the air [2]. It’s one of the best moisturizing agents available for both oily and dry skin types. A hyaluronic acid serum is a great addition to many skincare routines, especially during the summer-to-fall and winter months, when plummeting temperatures & humidity levels (not to mention indoor heating) can really dehydrate your skin.

#2 Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Glycolic acid and lactic acid are both members of the AHA family. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, while lactic acid is derived from milk [3]. The acids allow dead skin cells to slough off, revealing newer skin beneath. They also act as humectants, meaning they draw water from the environment into your skin [4]. These AHAs have also been shown to increase collagen production, help treat mild to moderate levels of acne, target wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce hyperpigmentation [5]. What's not to love?

#3 Ceramides

Think of your skin cells as the bricks, and these fats—ceramides are long-chain lipids—as part of the mortar that hold cells together and keep outside irritants at bay. The problem? Ceramide levels drop with age, so it’s important to slather on more to keep skin supple and smooth. The ceramides in beauty products are the spitting image of the real deal (a.k.a. skin identical), even in commonly used synthetic and plant-derived (phytoceramide) forms [6]. And the science is clear that they’re very effective—one Japanese study showed an increase in skin moisture content of more than 100 percent with ceramide use.

#4 Retinol

This Vitamin A derivative is one of the most widely-studied skincare ingredients that’s effective for all skin types. What does it do? It promotes healthy skin cell renewal, helps treat acne, and stimulates collagen production in the skin. “It also functions like an antioxidant to help address free-radical damage. It helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and it can even help reverse some of the side effects of sun damage.” A better question might be, what doesn’t it do?

#5 Argan oil

This plant oil, extracted from the Argania spinose tree [8] or argan tree, has multiple benefits for all skin types: it contains Vitamin E, ferulic acid, carotenoids, and a balanced ratio between oleic and linoleic acid, which means it’s less heavy than some other natural oils. Argan oil is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps prevent and treat signs of sun damage, promote skin healing, and moisturize skin [9]. It’s can also be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as scarring [10]. It’s best for acne-prone and normal to oily skin. If your skin is very dry, we recommend a heavier oil, such as jojoba oil.

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#6 Vitamin C

Vitamin C sounds simple, but there are actually several different kinds. Ascorbic Acid is the one you want in your skincare products—it absorbs the quickest and has the highest potency when applied topically [11]. Once absorbed, it helps to stabilize and create collagen molecules, making it one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market. Vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) is also an antioxidant that helps skin repair UV damage [12], and is extremely effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone [13]. Worth knowing: Vitamin C will destabilize when it comes into contact with the air, so look for small, opaque bottles and/or pump dispensers so that it won’t lose its potency before you use it.

#7 Vitamin E

"Vitamin E is the name given to [a] family of oil-soluble antioxidants," explains cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. "There are about eight different types" or forms of vitamin E, and of those, "tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol are most commonly found in skincare products.” Unless you have extremely sensitive, extremely oily, or acne-prone skin, Vitamin E can provide a whole host of benefits, helping to hydrate & heal skin and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Bonus tip: when paired with Vitamin C, both vitamins work better together than they do alone [14], which is why many serums and creams feature this winning pair.

#8 Vitamin B3

Topical vitamin B3, or niacinamide, provides a number of different benefits for the skin: helps increase elasticity, improves the skin barrier functions, evens skin tone, and helps soothe inflammation [15]. Another study showed that pigmentation and age spots on the face were significantly reduced after just 4 weeks of using topical vitamin B3 [16]. It also seems to be particularly effective at fighting acne, partly because of its anti-inflammatory properties and partly because it targets the very first stage of acne (sebum oxidization) and prevents pimples from developing in the first place.

#9 Green tea

The connection between drinking green tea and improved health has been suggested for years, but it may also help to use the plant on the skin. Green tea contains Vitamin C, which gives it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [17]. “The anti-aging benefits of green tea are attributed to polyphenols, a type of flavonoids found in plants,” says dermatologist Harold Lancer, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder of Lancer Skincare. “Early studies have shown that green tea [used in skincare] can reduce sun damage, protect skin from cancer and decrease collagen breakdown,” he explains.

#10 Algae extract

Algae is the key ingredient in luxury brand La Mer’s famed formula. (“La mer” means “the sea” in French, an homage to this active marine element). All kinds of algae contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Today, there are many different algae extracts, so here’s a breakdown of the most effective skincare ingredients:

Ahnfeltia concinna. Ahnfeltia concinna (red algae) extract is a highly-tested ingredient that can produce a 128 percent moisture surge with one application [18].
Spirulina is a great source of chlorophyll, which has cleansing properties, and it also helps your skin retain moisture, helping skin stay smooth and hydrated.
Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, an extract from red microalgae, is a powerhouse ingredient. It’s 150 times stronger than Vitamin E, and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, which makes it one of the most potent antioxidants in the world [19]. It helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Gigartina skottsbergii and Undaria pinnatifida. The former is hydrating and plumps up wrinkles and fine lines; the latter protects the skin's natural stores of collagen and hyaluronic acid (helping retain moisture).
Red, green, blue, and brown algae. These types of algae generally have notable skin brightening properties. Brown algae and green algae have particularly high levels of vitamin C, a skin-brightening powerhouse. Red marine algae has beta carotene, which can help treat blemishes like blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
Chlorella. Chlorella, a green microalgae, can help with detoxifying the skin because it contains B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc [20]. It can also help treat atopic dermatitis and eczema [21].

#11 Tea Tree Oil

If there is one versatile essential oil that's worth praising, tea tree would be at the top of the list. Tea tree oil is known for its powerful antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. When added to skincare, this natural ingredient can reduce inflammation and irritation and work as an effective acne treatment [22]. It also helps encourage wound healing and prevent bacterial growth. On its own, it can be too strong and cause skin irritation or dry skin. We recommend combining it with a moisturizer or other moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

#12 Shea Butter

An emollient and moisturizer that's been used in the beauty world for centuries, shea butter is extracted from the nut of the Vitellaria paradoxa that is grown in West Africa. It is rich in vitamins A and E as well as antioxidants, which help encourage skin cell renewal [23]. Essential fatty acids found in shea butter make it incredibly hydrating to help soothe and heal the skin. This naturally derived skincare ingredient is also praised for its anti-aging properties to help stimulate collagen production, protect the skin barrier to boost elasticity, and lock in moisture to nourish and plump the skin [24].

#13 Willowbark Extract

Willowbark extract is an effective natural skincare ingredient that can help soothe, hydrate, and nourish the skin. It's also a rich source of salicin with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Other benefits of willowbark extract include reducing bacterial acne and regulating oil production to prevent breakouts, stimulating cell turnover and renewal, and reducing the appearance of fine lines [25].

#14 Licorice Root Extract

This natural ingredient has long been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines as an anti-inflammatory and healing agent for the skin. Licorice root extract is also praised for its ability to help fade dark spots and neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage [26]. The active molecule licochalcone A found in licorice root extract can help control sebum production and control acne breakouts [27]. All in all, it's an incredible addition for any skin type to help fight signs of aging, brighten the skin, and control acne.

#15 Jojoba Oil

Derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia Chinensis shrub, jojoba oil can be an effective and important skincare ingredient as it mimics the natural sebum produced by the skin; thus, it regulates oil production, soothes, and properly hydrates the skin [28]. Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and encourage a more firm and supple complexion [29]. In general, it can be beneficial for all skin types and can help target skin concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, excess oil, and acne.

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#16 Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a powerful ingredient that can work wonders for the skin and provide an array of benefits. Besides the fact that it can help soothe skin burns and inflammation, aloe vera is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. Its antioxidant component from vitamins A, C, and E allow it to neutralize free radicals and protect against sun damage [30]. Additionally, aloe's moisturizing properties allow it to help stimulate collagen and elastin production [31]. 

#17 Kojic Acid

Derived from fungi of several different species, kojic acid is a traditional ingredient used in Japanese cuisine. Besides the tasty food and drinks it's used to create, this natural ingredient provides incredible benefits when added to skincare products. One of kojic acid's main benefits is that it helps lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more radiant complexion. It can also help reduce sun damage and acne scars, as well as prevent wrinkle formation [32]. When used with the correct formula, kojic acid can be beneficial for any skin type and target a number of concerns.

#18 Witch Hazel

Made from dried bark, twigs, and leaves of the flowering shrub Hamamelis Virgina, witch hazel is a powerful remedy for many topical skin concerns. It's mainly renowned for its benefits in reducing inflammation and irritation and is commonly used to treat acne, stubborn blemishes, and even bug bites [33]. Other benefits include tightening pores, controlling excess sebum, targeting uneven skin tone, and balancing pH levels on the skin's surface.

#19 Sea Buckthorn

Fruit from the sea buckthorn plant, native to certain parts of Asia, Europe, and Canada, produces oil which is then extracted and used in skincare and cosmetic products. The extract is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals to help the skin barrier retain moisture, fight signs of aging, and stimulate skin cell renewal [34]. Other benefits of sea buckthorn include treating acne, eczema, and hyperpigmentation [35]. Generally, it can improve overall skin health and complexion.

#20 Clay

Clay is a natural ingredient that has been commonly used for centuries and is known for its benefits in detoxifying and clearing the skin. It can be used to draw out impurities to help treat acne and blackheads [36]. It can also help control sebum production and reduce inflammation caused by acne [37].

The Power of Natural Skin Care Ingredients

Remember, many of the natural ingredients listed above are also synthetically produced. Again: synthetic equivalents are not inferior to, and are almost always chemically identical to, their “natural” counterparts. (Sometimes, a synthetic version might even be better, if the chemical structure is tweaked to make it more stable or readily absorbed).

At PROVEN, we’re committed to using the best possible blends of naturally-occurring and synthetic ingredients. Because each formula PROVEN makes is personalized just for you, you don’t need to worry about reading ingredient labels and comparing different brands and ingredient combinations. We hand-select the ingredients in each product that have been proven to work on your individual skin. Click here to see how this personalized approach is drastically improving our customers’ skincare experience.

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The Top 20 Natural, Scientifically Tested Skincare Ingredients

Top 20 proven-to-work natural skincare ingredients:

The Power of Natural Skin Care Ingredients

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