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The Best Plant-Based Ingredients in Skincare to Take Notes
by WISHCOMPANY INC on Feb 17, 2021
The skincare industry keeps on evolving and nowadays, consumers have an increasing interest in “natural” or “plant-based” products in their skincare. In general, the term “natural” refers to ingredients being sourced from flowers, fruits, stems, or leaves of plants. However, it is important to recognize that it can mean just about anything since there are no strict rules/regulations of the use of the term in the US or anywhere else in the world. 
Some of these plant extracts have been used for centuries for beauty purposes and found to be beneficial, such as aloe vera, green tea, or even rice extracts. It has been used by women all over the world before readily-available cosmetic products exist. On the contrary, some naturally-occurring skin-damaging compounds can be found in nature, for the extreme example as Poison-ivy, which contains a phytochemical that can be super irritating for the skin or poisonous for the body. We just want to point out that natural doesn’t always mean better but some plant-based ingredients can do wonders for our skin. Today we are going to talk about some of the trendiest, well-studied plant-based ingredients and how they benefit our skin.
How can plant extracts benefit our skin?
The bioactive extracts from botanical ingredients are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, essential oils, hydrocolloids, proteins, etc. Different botanical extracts have different compositions and can benefit in different ways. However, in general, they function as:
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1️⃣ Antioxidant
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2️⃣ Brightening
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3️⃣ Antimicrobial
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4️⃣ Anti-inflammatory
Plant extracts and their benefit
Aloe vera extracts:
Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis extracts) is another extract that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. They are popular due to their anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe sunburn and provide hydration (protection) when we have a minor cut. It fastens the healing process and prevents scarring formation. We highly recommend using an OTC processed aloe vera and doesn’t use it straight from the plant by itself since it may contain some constituents that cause contact dermatitis.Green tea extracts:
Packed with powerful antioxidants and nutrients. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a type of catechins that are naturally found in high concentrations on green tea extracts. Research has shown that EGCG can reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and control acne. Application of 6% green tea extracts to the skin can increase hydration on the skin which is the main key to healthy skin.
Centella Asiatica extracts:
Centella Asiatica is a plant mainly found in Asia, South Africa, and Europe. The most common constituent is their terpenoids include: Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, and Madecassic acid and flavonoids. They have been shown to promote wound healing (strengthen skin barrier), have antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Avena sativa (oat) extracts:
Oat extracts have been used for centuries to relieve dry, itchy skin and reduce the appearance of redness. Colloidal oatmeal has been regulated by the FDA as a skin protectant since 2003. Their high concentration in starches and beta-glucan provide skin barrier protection and water-holding properties. It also contains different types of phenols that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.Rice extracts:
It is not only a fundamental food in Asia, the rice water has been used for centuries in the cosmetic industry. It is well known for its high antioxidant and brightening properties. Some of their components such as gamma-oryzanol, phytic acid, and ferulic acid have been widely used to treat several types of skin diseases. The rice bran is high in omega fatty acids and micronutrients as well as polysaccharides.
Licorice root extracts:
Or sometimes called Glycyrrhiza glabra contains numerous bioactive components that are potent and beneficial. Some of their constituents such as glycyrrhizin and glabridin in this extract have been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Their benefit doesn’t stop there because they have been shown to has a depigmenting activity that helps fade hyperpigmentation.
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