Move over, coconut oil. Here are seven new (but ancient) natural elements emerging as hero ingredients in hair, skin, and body products.
Though they’ve been known for their beautifying properties for millennia, their use in modern cosmetic formulations has only started to rev up.
As beauty brands increasingly turn to natural and sustainable ingredients to satisfy more and more discerning consumers seeking clean beauty treatments, these seven powerhouse products from nature are enjoying a resurgence.
Batana Oil
The rich “miracle oil” extracted from the nuts of the American oil palm in South and Central America is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, and has long been used in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Brazil to deeply moisturize and nourish skin and hair.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are touted for soothing irritated scalps. Batana oil is denser than coconut or argon oils, and recommended especially for extremely dry hair and skin. (Not for those with nut allergies.)
Try It: Batana Babe Shampoo, Conditioner, Batana Oil
Macadamia Oil
High in vitamin E, macadamia nut oil is touted as not only a beauty treatment, but a health elixir and cooking oil alternative due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and high-fiber and -calcium benefits.
As a natural moisturizer for hair and skin, it's light and relatively low on the comedogenic (pore clogging) scale compared to other botanical oils, and is one of the closest matches found in nature to the skin’s naturally occurring sebum.
It’s rich in anti-aging palmitoleic acids, absorbs quickly, and has a non-greasy after-effect. (Not for those with nut allergies.)
Try It: Jindilli Pure Macadamia Oil and skin/body care
Birch Juice
Korean skincare lines have been at the forefront of modern use of this antioxidant-packed extract derived from the sap of birch trees, to alleviate acne and redness while nourishing, infusing moisture, and stimulating cell renewal.
Birch juice is heavy in amino acids, proteins, and enzymes, is fast absorbing, and has tightening and rejuvenating benefits as well.
Try it: Elina Organics Ageless Wrinkle Filling Serum; Skin Recovery Protective Healing Cream; Ageless Restoring Hand Cream
Pecan Oil
Antioxidant-laden, vitamin A- and -E rich pecan oil contains a multitude of amino acids that promote healthy cell regeneration and is used both to rejuvenate hair and to prevent acne and fine lines.
For the skin, pecan oil is prized for anti-aging properties and to improve the appearance of sun damage; for the hair, its fatty acids and lipids deeply moisturize and condition hair and follicles, as well as offer natural heat protection. (Not for those with nut allergies.)
Try it: Bare Fruit Beauty Tetelestai Hair Serum; San Saba Soap Co. Pecan Face Oils
Burdock Seed Oil
In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock seed oil is used to banish toxins in the body and fight inflammation; in skincare, it’s long been used homeopathically to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other conditions that respond well to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Recent studies have shown major promise for skincare products using burdock seed oil enriched with its own natural anti-inflammatory compound, arctigenin (ABSO).
In the lab, the extract was found to “clinically improve skin brightness” and to even out skin tone, possibly dethroning Vitamin C as nature’s most powerful ingredient to prevent photoaging.
Try It: Epicutis Arctigenin Brightening Treatment
Caviar
Just the word caviar invokes visions of luxury: the cured roe (or eggs) from endangered wild sturgeon fish has long been one of the most expensive ingredients in the world. The tiny spheres are brimming with omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and amino acids.
Caviar serves the hair by nourishing and moisturizing intensely, improving elasticity, repairing and strengthening the hair shaft, and reducing dryness and flakiness in the scalp.
With caviar for cosmetic purposes sustainably farmed from non-endangered sturgeon, its use in hair products has accelerated as consumers flock to its anti-aging and anti-frizz benefits.
Try It: Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture & Caviar Multiplying Volume hair care
Chébé Seeds
Powder made from the seeds of the central African Chébé plant is so ingrained in the culture as a hair-strengthening and growth potion that ancient rock art paintings found in Chad depict women performing beauty rituals with it.
The women of Chad and other parts of central Africa credit the use of a mixture featuring Chébé seeds for their famed long, thick, luxurious hair.
In recent years this hair mask — which contains other seeds, spices, resins, and natural oils and butters — has made it to mainstream hair care to rebuild and strengthen the bond and shaft of hair strands.
Try it: Design Essentials African Chébé Growth Collection