5 Of The Best Botanical Oils With Real Skin Benefits
When it comes to skincare ingredients, we believe in three important things. Animal testing is downright wrong; unnecessary chemicals are, well, totally unnecessary and some of the best, most effective ingredients come from nature.
Hence why you'll find your HIGHBORNS are jam-packed with so many scientifically proven natural ingredients!
Natural ingredients from plants, seeds, nuts and kernels have been used for centuries for their nutritional benefits to the face, body and hair. The history of argan oil as a beauty elixir, for example, dates back as far as 600 BC, while aloe vera is thought of as one of the oldest plants on record for its healing and medicinal qualities.
Of course, some synthetic ingredients do have their place (here’s looking at you retinol, vitamin C and friends) which is why we often combine nature with science in our formulations. Similarly, some natural ingredients have no place in your face cream because they can be just as bad for your skin as other harsh chemicals.
The great news is, you can rest assured that everything you’ll find in your favourite HIGHBORNS has fantastic skin benefits and works for most skin types. Our motto? Quite simply, if there's no certain benefit or need for your skin, it’s not coming in!
On that note, here are five of our favourite plant oils with proven track records for helping you maintain gorgeous skin…
1. Argan Oil
If there’s one oil that’s recommended for all skin types (yes, even oily and acne-prone skin), it’s argan oil. Extracted from the kernels of Moroccan argan tree fruit, it’s extremely nourishing and moisturising, but happens to be naturally non-comedogenic which makes it much less likely to block your pores than other, heavier oils.
Our Imperial Moisturiser and Night Elixir are chock-full of argan oil not only because of its prowess in the moisturising department, but because it contains a whole host of antioxidants to help combat environmental damage. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities to help soothe irritation and fight breakouts. Proof that nature is an incredible thing.
2. Evening Primrose Oil
You might remember your mother having a favourite face cream containing evening primrose oil back in the day. And for good reason. Harvested from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, this oil is hydrating, strengthening and extremely rich in a fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid (GLA).
GLA is not commonly found in plants but it’s fabulous for firming the skin, improving elasticity and reducing unwanted facial redness. This is why we formulate it into our Night Elixir face cream. You’re welcome!
3. Grapeseed Oil
Much newer to skincare, but no less beneficial than some of the older classics, this all-natural oil is great for sensitive skin because it’s light, yet very effective. An extremely potent antioxidant (just like red wine, whoop!), research suggests that the antioxidant powers of grapeseed oil are 50 times greater than that of vitamin C. A bold claim, indeed.
Grapeseed oil also contains linoleic acid which helps strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, prevents water loss and reduces inflammation for stronger, tighter, more even-looking skin. You’ll find this multi-tasking gem in our Organic Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 25.
4. Jojoba Oil
A veritable jack-of-all trades which is also formulated into our Organic Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 25, jojoba oil takes moisturising to a whole new level. How so? Well, it has a clever way of acting like your skin’s own natural oils to help create the perfect balance at a surface level.
Great for both dry and oily skin types, jojoba oil is full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to soften, nourish and strengthen your skin. And if you’re looking for a great oil to help control breakouts? Look no further because jojoba oil contains high amounts of antibacterial iodine and is very lightweight on your skin. Get in.
5. Rosehip Oil
Extracted from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip oil is an A-list favourite for its moisturising and radiance-enhancing skills. One of the best oils for glowy skin, it’s full of skin-loving vitamins like A and C, plus anti-inflammatory linoleic acid. Together, this dynamic trio helps treat the visible signs of ageing including pesky dark spots and premature wrinkles.
Rosehip oil also contains astringent properties to help smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. We believe in it so much we packed it into our Imperial Moisturiser and the much-loved Organic Age-Defying Facial Oil.