To make sure your skincare products are safe, start by reading the ingredients label. All skin care products, both synthetic and natural, contain items from the following five categories: emollients, humectants, emulsifiers, surfactants and preservatives.


Emollients

Emollients retain your skin's moisture and prevent dryness. However, synthetic emollients - mineral oil and petrolatum being the most common – coat your skin with a greasy film to prevent water loss. This, however, also prevents your skin from breathing.

Natural emollients such as jojoba, avocado and rosehip oils and shea and cocoa butters, act to nourish the skin. They are metabolised (broken down) by the skin's own enzymes before being absorbed.


Humectants

Humectants maintain your skin's moisture by attracting water from the air. However, synthetic humectants such as Propylene Glycol causes skin irritation and contact dermatitis.. Look for lecithin, which forms natural phospholipids similar to the ones found in the top layer of your skin.

It's a great natural humectant. So are panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and glycerin.


Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are used to bind together ingredients that normally don't mix, such as oil and water. Synthetic emulsifiers are usually a combination of petroleum and hydrocarbon derivatives, which are carcinogenic in nature.

Natural emulsifiers can easily be obtained from various nuts, berries and leaves. These include rice bran, carnauba and xanthan gum.


Surfactants

Surface-active-agents or surfactants, which are commonly used in skin cleansers and shampoos, dissolve oil and hold dirt in suspension so it can be rinsed away with water. Some synthetic surfactants are listed as ingredients ending with -eth, (like laureth sulphate) or PPG (Poly Propylene Glycol).

Natural saponins (foaming agents) such as castile soap, yucca extract, soapwort and quillaja bark extract are much better choices for shampoos. They gently cleanse the hair skin and scalp without stripping the natural oils.


Preservatives

Preservatives are added to skincare products to maintain its freshness. Synthetic preservatives such as Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben are commonly used because not only are they cheaper than natural alternatives, they can extend the product's shelf life longer. Tea tree essential oil, grapefruit seed extract and D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) make great natural preservatives.

Storing your natural skin care products in the fridge will also keep them fresh longer.