Get Healthy, Moisturized Skin with 3 Best Natural & Organic Lotions

Natural Lotions vs. Conventional Lotions

With the increasing popularity, availability, and affordability of natural and organic products, more people are choosing these options over their more conventional counterparts in everything from food to personal care to clothing. Additionally, with our improved connectivity, the word is spreading fast that choosing natural and organic products might be better for you in the long run.

Personal care products like lotions and creams for the face, hands, and body are designed to perform specific functions, such as moisturizing, balancing, and clarifying the skin. Conventional lotions tend to use more man-made chemicals and synthetic ingredients, while natural and organic lotions use more naturally-occurring and derived ingredients from the plant world.

Synthetic chemicals and man-made substances are cheaper to produce and use compared to more naturally-processed plant materials, and many lotions and creams made with these ingredients often appear to work well, or provide the desired effect - for a while. Ultimately, however, many people are bringing forth their own anecdotal evidence that these synthetic products can lead to worse skin problems in the long run, with more drying and aging effects than using nothing at all.

The chemicals used in conventional lotions can cause harsh effects for a variety of sensitive users, as well. Along with allergic reactions, chemical burns, and a plethora of varied topical irritations, more synthetically-blended lotions can contain ingredients causing potential internal harm, too. Some substances that you might want to avoid include: sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, paraffin, petroleum, mineral oil, formaldehyde (diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15), hydroquinone, parabens (methyl-, propyl-), phthalates (DEP, DBP), propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances (parfum), triclosan, toluene, bisphenol A (BPA), benzalkonium chloride, butoxyethanol, BHA/BHT, coal tar, cyclomethicone/dimethicone, DEA/TEA/MEA, EDTA, methoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone, oxybenzone, phenoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), PVA/VA copolymers, and synthetic colors (FD&C Red No. 6).

The Natural Advantages of Organic Lotions

Body and facial care lotions and creams made with a larger percentage of natural and/or organic ingredients offer a blend of plant-based substances our bodies are able to recognize, break down, and assimilate, resulting in the best possible benefits. They are specifically formulated to moisturize, balance and condition our skin, and are often available in unique blends for treating dry, normal, oily or aging skin conditions, providing just the right nutritional recipe for each type.

Natural and organic lotions are available in a wide array of blends to suit every user and every topical skin concern. The lotion or cream format is also utilized in a variety of natural insect repellents, sunscreens, and muscle/headache pain relievers for easy application and quick absorption. Ingredients vary widely across brands and products, but a few of the most important ingredients to look out for are as follows: 

• Shea butter - Packed with essential fatty acids like oleic and stearic acids, shea butter is a popular ingredient in lotions because it helps to lock in moisture and boosts collagen production. Suitable for all skin types, shea butter has natural SPF 6 protection from the sun, and is often used to help treat wrinkles, stretch marks, sagging skin, and blemishes.
• Cocoa butter - Extracted from the same bean we get chocolate from, cocoa butter is rich with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Non-irritating and extremely soothing, cocoa butter is ideal for cracked, super dry, or flaky skin, and is also used to treat dermatitis.
• Olive oil - As an age-old nurturing oil used in multiple skin lotion formulations, olive oil has naturally-occurring squalene, a beneficial fat found in our own cells, as well as hydroxytyrosol, a rare antioxidant proven effective against free radical damage and the bacteria that causes acne. It also naturally includes vitamin E which can help to keep the skin's natural barrier intact. It can be used for all skin types, and delivers effective, healing moisture.
• Aloe Vera - The gel from the center of aloe leaves acts as both a light moisturizer and astringent. It contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that help treat sunburn, burns, and a host of skin irritations and inflammation. Perfect for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin, as it won’t clog pores.
• Essential oils - Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, and are the concentrated, extracted volatile oils of plants. As the strongest form of natural medicine, essential oils impart intense fragrance and specific healing qualities in lotions both through inhalation and skin absorption.
• Jojoba oil - Not actually an oil, jojoba is really classified as a wax ester, mimicking our body’s natural sebum. With its immediate absorption into the skin, it helps to lock in moisture without leaving behind any sort of sticky residue that many other products can. It won’t clog pores, and it provides exceptional moisturizing and hydrating qualities for both skin and hair.
• Vegetable glycerin - Often used in natural lotions to give them a smoother consistency, vegetable-derived glycerin acts as an effective humectant, locking its moisture into your skin. This is a great alternative to the use of propylene glycol.
• Vitamin E - As a popular anti-aging ingredient found in both conventional and natural personal care products, vitamin E is used in lotions and creams to protect the skin against free radical damage. Highly moisturizing, this vitamin also helps to improve skin smoothness and elasticity.
• Sodium PCA - Also known as NaPCA, sodium PCA is a humectant naturally occurring in human skin, and helps to absorb water. These natural properties help your skin to retain hydration, for better moisturizing results.
• Avocado oil - Extremely rich and viscous, avocado oil is packed with essential fatty acids like phytosterols, vitamin E, and omegas, and can penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin. This oil aids in diminishing pore size, stimulates cell growth, and boost collagen production. Recommended for mature and/or very dry skin, and as a wonderful winter skin protectant.
• Coconut oil - Bursting with essential fatty acids like caprylic acid, vitamins, and other skin-nurturing compounds, coconut oil is one of the most popular skin care oils on the market. It works as a powerful emollient, softening even the driest or flakiest skin, and promotes cellular repair, fighting premature aging. It is used to counter acne-causing bacteria, while also helping the skin to retain moisture.