Where does it come from?

Algae, or alga (singular), are simple aquatic plants that include seaweeds, kelp and more. Marine algae such as Brown, Red and Green Algae, have strong antioxidant, antimicrobial properties.

Who should use it?

Algae-infused skincare can be used by anyone and everyone, but it is particularly useful to those dealing with dry skin, signs of ageing or acne.

Where does it come from?

Almond oil comes from almond kernels, making it a great natural ingredient. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing redness, puffiness and dry skin. It's especially high in oleic acid, a fatty acid that's good at targeting signs of aging.

Who should use it?

Gentle and non-fragranced, almond oil is a fantastic option for sensitive or dry skin. People with dermatitis and eczema often see improvement by using almond oil too.

Where does it come from?

Aloe vera is a versatile, sustainable plant used medicinally for hundreds of years. The main role it plays in beauty products today is calming irritation. This is because it has a fantastic mix of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that aid in soothing your skin.

Who should use it?

Anyone looking for an ingredient to soothe their skin. It can help whether you needs it due to burns, sun damage or irritation.

Where does it come from?

Arbutin is a skin brightener derived from natural ingredients. It's usually extracted from the bearberry plant, although it's found in blueberries and cranberries as well. Alpha arbutin is the most stable form, more effective than naturally-occurring or beta arbutin.

Who should use it?

Arbutin is generally safe for all skin types, and can be used with other creams and serums. Be sure that you're using alpha arbutin, other types such as beta arbutin are cheaper but much less potent.

Where does it come from?

As you can likely guess, apricot oil is a natural, sustainable oil extracted from the seeds of apricot fruits. It's high in fatty acids like omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, which makes it a top pick for achieving a fresh and dewy glow.

Who should use it?

Apricot oil is brimming with antioxidants. That makes it especially strong at protecting and rejuvenating all skin types.

Where does it come from?

Coming from the kernels of the argan tree, argan oil is a non-fragrant plant oil. It's rich in fatty acids which makes it a good option to moisturise and nourish, without leaving your skin or hair looking greasy.

Who should use it?

Argan oil is popular since it works for most skin types, even acne and sensitive skin. Be a little more cautious if you have an inflammatory skin condition as oils can aggravate these conditions.

Where does it come from?

Of course, avocado oil comes from avocados themselves! Just as you get amazing nutrients from eating them, avocado oil can make all the difference to your skin. It's a fantastic antioxidant and high in skin-repairing fatty acids. You'll see best benefits from organic, unrefined avocado oil.

Who should use it?

Avocado oil is great for people with eczema, acne, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. But just about anyone can benefit from adding it to their routine.

Where does it come from?

Azelaic acid is naturally produced by the yeast on your own skin. It can be derived from cereals and grains or created in a lab for cosmetic use. The acid not only benefits skin as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also decreases keratin levels, a protein which builds up to cause blemishes.

Who should use it?

Anyone with acne, rosacea or hyperpigmentation can see improvements from using azelaic acid. It can take a couple of weeks to be effective so stay patient!

Where does it come from?

Baobab can come in both oil and powder form for use in skincare. These are both derived from the fruit of the baobab tree, the world's largest succulent plant. Its packed full of the nutrients your skin loves, including vitamins A, B and C, essential minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids.

Who should use it?

An extremely skin-friendly ingredient, baobab is a good fit for all skin types. It's shown to improve acne in some people as it's high in linoleic acid which reduces inflammation.

Where does it come from?

Buckthorn oil is a natural ingredient extracted from the berries, leaves and seeds of the buckthorn plant. This plant is a small shrub that grows high in the Himalayas and northern Europe. It's rich in skin-kind nutrients including vitamins A, C and E and healthy fatty acids.

Who should use it?

Most skin types can use buckthorn oil but it's very effective for nourishing dry or mature skin. It's also a top choice for anyone trying to minimise discoloration and scarring.

Where does it come from?

You probably already know that caffeine is organically found in coffee beans. It's less well known that we can extract it from cacao and guarana plants as well. In the same way that caffeine is a stimulant when we drink it, it stimulates our skin by increasing the blood flow.

Who should use it?

Most skin types can benefit from caffeine in their skin care routine. People concerned with wrinkles or aging are likely to see the best results.

Where does it come from?

Cannabis sativa seed oil (or hemp seed oil) is cold pressed from the hemp seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. It's composed of up to 90% omega fatty acid which help your skin to balance hydration. Be sure not to confuse it with CBD oil which comes from the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant.

Who should use it?

Since it doesn't clog pores in the same way as other oils, cannabis sativa seed oil is great for all skin types. Even those that usually struggle with oil based products can give it a try!

Where does it come from?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from castor beans. It's often used in cosmetics because its thick consistency binds together different ingredients. The moisturising benefits of the oil make it a good addition to products for chapped lips or dry hands.

Who should use it?

Castor oil can be used by most people. In skin care, it's good for those with problematic or mature skin. However, avoid using it if you're pregnant as it can induce labour.

Where does it come from?

Ceramides are naturally occurring fatty acids in the body. They're an essential part of your epidermis, making up half of your skin barrier. As we age, we lose more of these vital ceramides from our skin. Ceramide-rich products can replenish what's been lost and keep your skin looking healthy.

Who should use it?

Ceramides are an essential part of skincare for everyone. They're an ideal addition to the daily routine for dry skin or conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.

Where does it come from?

Chamomile is a herb used in traditional medicine to reduce stress and promote restful sleep. These days, it's often found in skincare products as a soothing ingredient. Not to mention being many people's calming tea of choice.

Who should use it?

Its gentle nature means chamomile is good for everybody. People with sensitive skin can get particularly beneficial relief from its soothing properties.

Where does it come from?

Charcoal comes from burning carbon-based materials. Activated charcoal is treated to give it a sponge-like structure, with lots of holes for absorption. This treatment is what makes it good at removing other substances on your skin, like a magnet for stubborn toxins.

Who should use it?

Those with oily skin are likely to see the best results from charcoal-based products. Use activated charcoal 4+ hours from taking any important medications as it may absorb active ingredients in them.

Where does it come from?

As the name suggests, citric acid is a plentiful ingredient found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. It's an alpha hydroxy acid which are plant and animal-derived acids mainly used for exfoliating.

Who should use it?

Citric acid works well with many skin types but is especially good for oily skin. Those with extremely sensitive skin or anyone using a retinoid should avoid it as it may cause undesirable irritation.

Where does it come from?

Clay is an organic soil material made up of many minerals. It's popular in skincare due to its absorption ability, drawing out oil to leave skin balanced. Clay products can be made from several different types of clay, such as kaolin or bentonite. One kind may better suit your skin than another.

Who should use it?

Clay is often used in acne and pore-refining treatments. Kaolin clay is a good fit for all skin types, whereas bentonite or green clay are best for oily skin.

Where does it come from?

Cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean. These are within the cocoa pods that grow on the cacao tree. The seeds are dried, roasted, and pressed to create the fat known as cocoa butter. This butter is full of fatty acids and nutrients that make it super effective at moisturising.

Who should use it?

Anyone looking for an intensively hydrating moisturiser for their body. Its rich, creamy texture may be too much for those with acne, so they might want to choose something a more lightweight.

Where does it come from?

The oil from coconut fruit is a versatile ingredient. Generally rich in nutrients, it's the two acids in coconut oil that make it a super ingredient for skincare: lauric acid and linoleic acid. These acids work to remove bacteria, reduce inflammation, and deeply moisturise.

Who should use it?

Coconut oil is a gentle ingredient, ideal to use on dry or irritated skin. Unless you're prone to breakouts, it's likely to be a good match. Organic, raw coconut oil is best for very sensitive skin.

Where does it come from?

Collagen is an important structural protein in your skin. Just as our own bodies make collagen, it's found in plants and animals too. We start losing our natural collagen from our 20s onwards. As we age, applying it topically can give skin a fantastic boost.

Who should use it?

Collagen products work with any skin type as a moisturising and anti-aging solution. Look for hydrolysed collagen to see the best effects.

Where does it come from?

People have used copper for thousands of years, right back to the Ancient Egyptians. It's naturally present in your skin tissue in peptide form, which are short strings of amino acids. Collagen and elastin production diminishes as you age. Using copper peptides on your skin helps to stimulate it.

Who should use it?

Anyone looking to get rid of hyperpigmentation or reduce the appearance of scarring. It's best not to use copper with vitamin C, retinol, or alpha hydroxy acids.

Where does it come from?

DMAE is an organic compound often thought to improve brain function. It's naturally produced in the body and found in fatty fish. In skincare, it's most often found in anti-aging products as a way to visibly lift and smooth.

Who should use it?

Those interested in anti-aging products or concerned about the loss of skin elasticity. It's fine for use by all skin types, even very sensitive skin.

Where does it come from?

The majority of enzymes used in beauty products come from fruit. Our organic enzymes are always working hard to keep skin healthy. Fruit enzymes can help to boost these natural processes in our bodies.

Who should use it?

Everyone can benefit from the boost of added enzymes. Those with mature or sun damaged skin should especially consider adding it to their list.

Where does it come from?

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaves of native Australian eucalyptus trees. It's used as a pure oil but that's usually for issues like clearing chest congestion. For cosmetic use, it's often added to cleansers, shower gels, beauty oils, and bath salts for revitalisation and fragrance.

Who should use it?

In skincare, those looking for an extra tool in their belt against acne. Anyone can use for wellness and relaxation as a fragrance oil or in bath salts to unwind.

Where does it come from?

Ferulic acid comes from plants like oats, brown rice, peanuts, and apples. For cosmetic use, it can be created in a lab as well. It tends to come in liquid form and used for added skin protection in serums.

Who should use it?

Anyone interested in anti-aging products. As with other acids, ferulic acid can cause irritation so it may not work for everybody with very sensitive skin.

Where does it come from?

Ginseng is a slow growing root, usually harvested after about 6 years. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and is popular today as a supplement for a strong immune system. In recent years, ginseng has been added in skincare because of its ability to stimulate circulation.

Who should use it?

Ginseng is a great choice for anyone looking to refresh and revitalise their skin. It's a fairly intensive natural ingredient so those with very sensitive or inflamed skin may want to skip it.

Where does it come from?

Glycerin is a natural compound in our bodies. It is a humectant, drawing water from the air and using this moisture to keep skin hydrated. This ability makes glycerin crucial to maintaining a healthy, protective outer skin barrier. Plant derived glycerin is usually used in cosmetic products.

Who should use it?

Glycerin is safe for all skin types. Products containing it can often be used multiple times a day. Pair it with other moisturising solutions like rose water or hyaluronic acid.

Where does it come from?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from sugarcane plants. As far as acids go, it's a pretty gentle choice. The molecular structure means this acid penetrates the skin more than most AHAs. That makes it more potent, working right down to the skin's deeper layers.

Who should use it?

Most people tolerate glycolic acid well since it's quite a gentle acid. It's available in many forms, from small amounts in over-the-counter creams right up to medical grade products.

Where does it come from?

Grape seed oil is a by-product of wine, so it's a brilliantly sustainable choice. The oil is rich in linoleic acid and vitamins C, D, and E which are all great for your skin. Its molecular structure means it's one of the most powerful antioxidants you can get your hands on in skincare.

Who should use it?

All skin types can use grape seed oil, including sensitive and breakout-prone skin. It might not work as well if paired with drying products like retinol or salicylic acid.

Where does it come from?

Honey is collected from bee hives, created from the nectar of flowering plants. A healthy food pick, honey is high in amino acids, peptides and vitamins. It can bring those nutrients to our skin too. They make honey a fantastic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which nourishes and replenishes skin.

Who should use it?

Honey is a natural nourishing option for pretty much anybody. It's perfect for those looking to treat dryness, acne and irritation.

Where does it come from?

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance found in your skin and connective tissue. The acid cushions and lubricates joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes so they can work smoothly. It's able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, meaning it's fantastic at keeping your body well hydrated.

Who should use it?

Hyaluronic acid is a real treat for dry skin but it's generally safe for all skin types. If you have rosacea or eczema, it's worth doing a patch test to make sure it doesn't cause irritation.

Where does it come from?

The jojoba (or chinensis) plant is a small shrub grown in Arizona, California, and Mexico. While we call the substance from its seeds jojoba oil, it's actually a wax ester! It's very similar to the sebum in our skin, making it a close match to your skin's own natural oils.

Who should use it?

Jojoba is a good option for all skin types. Anyone with dry, acne-prone, or inflamed skin can see results by adding it to their repertoire.

Where does it come from?

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in the body, often associated with exercise. It forms when our bodies break down carbohydrates for energy when oxygen levels are low. Outside our bodies, it's derived from bacteria in fermented dairy products like yogurt.

Who should use it?

Anyone tackling breakouts or skin texture issues. It's even proven to reduce acne lesions so it wins the day for those with acne. Don't use it with other acids and exfoliants.

Where does it come from?

Lavender oil is an essential oil that comes from the flowers of the lavender plant. For skincare, it's more likely that you'll use it added to a product rather than as a pure oil. Linalool, lavandulol, and eucalyptol components make it both an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Who should use it?

People with acne are likely to get the best out of lavender oil. Avoid it if you have a history of allergies related to lavender, or if you often have a problem with fragranced products.

Where does it come from?

Licorice has been used for many reasons over the years – medicinal, food, and cosmetics. For all of these uses, it's extracted from the root of the licorice plant. It's packed full of nutrients so we often use it as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, both by ingesting it and using it in skincare.

Who should use it?

Anyone looking to improve the appearance of breakouts, irritation or hyperpigmentation. Pair with niacinamide or vitamin C to further boost brightening effects.

Where does it come from?

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from almonds. As with other AHAs, it's a deep exfoliant for your skin. What makes this acid unique is its large molecular structure. It penetrates the skin at a slower rate than other AHAs for a more gentle approach.

Who should use it?

Since it's gentle for an acid, mandelic acid tends to be good for all skin types. It usually works well in combination with other ingredients to improve skin texture, but avoid using it with retinol.

Where does it come from?

An incredibly versatile ingredient, marula oil is definitely one to watch. The oil comes from the nuts, seeds or fruit of the marula tree. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, it's perfect for skin, hair, and nails. It's rare to find as a pure oil, more often blended with other oils.

Who should use it?

From what we know, marula oil seems to be good for all skin types. Use it on top of retinol, peptides, or antioxidants in your routine to seal them in for a more effective result.

Where does it come from?

Micelles are the basis for micellar water. They are essentially tiny balls of oil molecules suspended in water. When these molecules group together, they form micellar water. They latch onto dirt and oil which is why they're often used for cleansing and makeup removal.

Who should use it?

Micelles are ideal for dry and sensitive skin types as they're gentle but hydrating. You might need to use a heavier remover for stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara.

Where does it come from?

Of course it's no surprise that milk proteins are derived from dairy products. The proteins themselves can improve your skin's elasticity. It's full of lactic acid which is known as a fantastic skin softener. Milk proteins are most commonly added to cleansers, moisturizers, and bath products.

Who should use it?

As they're especially non-irritating to skin, milk proteins can be used by everybody. They are a great choice for those with very sensitive skin who need a gentle but hydrating option.

Where does it come from?

Neroli oil is extracted by steaming the white flower blossoms of bitter orange trees. This process distils the flowers into a fragrant oil. For your skin, neroli oil's natural properties boost healthy cell regeneration. Plus its antibacterial nature balances sebum production, ideal for oily skin.

Who should use it?

Neroli oil is ideal for those with combination or oily skin since it removes excess oil. As it's fragranced, those with extremely sensitive skin may want to skip it.

Where does it come from?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It's an essential vitamin that our bodies don't create so we get it from food. Niacinamide plays many important roles in keeping your skin vibrant and healthy. It restores energy in your cells, repairs damaged DNA, and stimulates microcirculation to name a few.

Who should use it?

Anyone concerned about hyperpigmentation, early signs of aging, dryness, or dull skin. People with sensitivity, irritated skin or acne can all use niacinamide.

Where does it come from?

Omegas are important fatty acids but our bodies don't make them. That means we have to get them from food like fish, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Omegas are your internal moisturiser. They're very important for skin function and a healthy lipid layer.

Who should use it?

Anyone with dry, red or itchy skin can benefit from omegas. They're shown to improve the appearance of acne by reducing inflammation levels.

Where does it come from?

Panthenol is a provitamin for vitamin B5. It's a complicated process but essentially provitamins convert vitamins for use in the body. B5 is both a humectant and an emollient for your skin. Not only does it draw water from the air, it also seals up any tiny cracks to keep that moisture locked in.

Who should use it?

Panthenol is found in many skin, hair, and makeup products so you might already be using it. It's well tolerated by all skin types but can be extremely beneficial for those with dry or flaky skin.

Where does it come from?

Peptides are naturally-occurring short strings of amino acids in your body, which are the building blocks of protein. They're able to communicate with surrounding cells and activate certain restorative processes. Peptides are often added to serums, moisturizers, and masks.

Who should use it?

Peptides are best for those concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin. When planning your routine, bear in mind that AHAs will make peptides less effective.

Where does it come from?

Phytic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in cereal, rice, and seeds. It's milder than other acids but still acts as a chemical exfoliant. What makes phytic acid different is its antioxidant properties. They overpower the exfoliating agent just enough that it doesn't irritate like other AHAs.

Who should use it?

People who have skin that's too sensitive for other acids (such as lactic or hyaluronic acid) can give phytic acid a try. It still offers smoothing effects without as much potential for irritation.

Where does it come from?

Purslane, or portulaca oleracea, is a leafy green plant that is edible and has many health benefits. It grows across North America and Mexico naturally and is rich in many minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, making purslane extract nourishing to sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Who should use it?

Purslane extract is full of nourishing vitamins and minerals, making it a soothing choice for sensitive or reactive skin. It also defends against acne, breakouts and pigmentation.

Where does it come from?

Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant in the skin of grapes, berries, and dark chocolate. It protects from cellular damage that accelerates aging. The antioxidant levels are why you often hear that red wine can be good for you! For your skin, find resveratrol in many serums, creams, and moisturisers.

Who should use it?

Most people can use resveratrol, and it's not known to interact with any other product. It's recommended for those with sun damage or anyone trying to minimise early signs of aging.

Where does it come from?

Retinol is derived from vitamin A. It absorbs deep into your skin where it becomes retinoic acid. Our skin has receptors for this acid, which it binds to. Once this happens, retinol encourages faster cell regeneration and increased collagen production.

Who should use it?

Most skin types can use retinol. People concerned with acne or aging skin can see real improvement with time. It's not recommended if you have very sensitive skin as it can cause irritation.

Where does it come from?

There are a couple of uses for rice in cosmetics. Rice bran, the outer layer of the grain, is used for its high levels of antioxidants and ability to stimulate collagen production. Rice starch, a powder extracted from rice grains, is good at maintaining the natural skin barrier.

Who should use it?

In any form, rice is a gentle natural ingredient that anybody can benefit from. It's been used as part of beauty routines in Asia for centuries so it has proven results.

Where does it come from?

Rosehip is the fruit that grows on certain species of rose plants. The pressed oil from rosehip is mostly known for its healing properties. It has high levels of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. These acids are vital for healthy skin barrier function, and leave skin softer and brighter.

Who should use it?

Rosehip oil is a good pick for anyone concerned about hyperpigmentation. Unlike many oils, rosehip can be an ideal oil for blemished or acne-prone skin.

Where does it come from?

Rosewater is made by steeping rose petals, whereas rose oil is an essential oil extracted from the petals. Rose is a mild fragrance often found in relaxation products. For your skin, it's an antiseptic and antioxidant. That makes it a gentle but powerful way to clear skin of impurities.

Who should use it?

Rose is gentle and maintains the natural pH balance of your skin so most people can use it. It's a top pick for people who struggle with other fragranced products.

Where does it come from?

Salicylic acid is extracted from willow tree bark. It's a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) so it acts as a chemical exfoliant. Salicylic acid is able to cut through oil unlike many other acids, which is why it's particularly popular for fighting breakouts and acne.

Who should use it?

Those with oily skin or acne can see the biggest benefits. Use salicylic acid in moderation at first to see how you tolerate it. It's best combined with a soothing moisturiser to calm any irritation.

Where does it come from?

Seaweed is a blanket name for certain plants in oceans, rivers, and lakes. It can be a fantastic sustainable ingredient as it grows abundantly around the world. Nutrients present in seaweed offer unique benefits for your skin such as iodine, sulphur amino acids, and silicone.

Who should use it?

Anyone looking for an option with healing properties, such as those with acne, rosacea, and skin irritation. It's also a powerful natural ingredient for hydration and exfoliation.

Where does it come from?

Shea butter comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. It's an emollient which works quite similarly to some oils. Shea butter is a rich source of vitamins A, D and E, along with a ton of antioxidants. These properties are what makes it so good at hydrating and soothing.

Who should use it?

Shea butter is non-irritating and doesn't clog pores. It's good for just about anyone who wants a hydrating option, especially those with very dry skin.

Where does it come from?

Silica is a form of silicon, a mineral often found in nature. Silica or silicone dioxide can be found in quartz, glass or beach sand, and is also found naturally in some foods. In skincare, it is responsible for enhancing collagen production and absorbing excess oil.

Who should use it?

Silica is particularly useful for anyone with oily or breakout-prone skin. In makeup, it can mattify, while in skincare, it can prevent signs of ageing and prevent against acne.

Where does it come from?

Chemical sunscreens are lab-made compound formulas often with multiple active sun filters. They can ensure effective protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Essentially they're used to absorb the sun's rays like a sponge.

Who should use it?

Anyone can use chemical sunscreens but the filters in them can be irritating for sensitive skin. Remember that you need to wait about 20 minutes for chemical sunscreens to properly kick in.

Where does it come from?

Physical sunscreens are lab-made creams containing fine mineral particles, usually titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are less irritating for sensitive skin than chemical alternatives. Physical sunscreens blended poorly in the past but advancements have made them more pleasant for daily use.

Who should use it?

Most people can use physical sunscreen. Since it's so much thicker than chemical sunscreen, it might not be the best choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Where does it come from?

Squalane is a natural fat in the body secreted by the sebaceous glands. It's a hydrogenated, more stable form of squalene (with an e). Squalane was previously a hotly debated ingredient as it came from shark liver. These days it usually comes from plant sources like olives and sugar cane.

Who should use it?

Squalane is safe to use multiple times a day, and works with all skin types. It combines well with alpha hydroxy acids and retinol.

Where does it come from?

Sulphur is an essential element in all living cells. It's found throughout our body in amino acids and vitamins. In skincare, it's an antibacterial added to products for treating acne and breakouts.

Who should use it?

Those who need an antibacterial for acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Avoid combining with other exfoliants like retinol or salicylic acid.

Where does it come from?

Sunflower seed extract comes from the seeds of the sunflower plant. The sunflower seed is full of unsaturated fatty acids, and sunflower seed oil is non-comedogenic making it a good hydrating oil for all skin types.

Who should use it?

Sunflower seed extract is perfect for all skin types. It is particularly helpful for anyone dealing with dark spots, scars, post-acne marks or discolouration due to its high linoleic acid content.

Where does it come from?

Several types of tea are common in skincare: black, green, matcha, and white. They all comes from species of the tea plant, but each offers slightly different benefits. Green tea is probably the one you'll see the most because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Who should use it?

Tea is well tolerated by almost all skin types. The only exception is for those who have a known hypersensitivity to it.

Where does it come from?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil sourced from the leaves of Australian Melaleuca trees. It's been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its healing properties. It's a complex oil made up of over 100 components, some of which have fantastic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Who should use it?

Tea tree oil can be a bit of a lifesaver for those with acne or fungal skin conditions. That said, applying it to skin as a pure oil causes irritation so make sure it's diluted or in another product.

Where does it come from?

Vitamin C is a nutrient found in foods like citrus fruits and certain vegetables. We use it to grow and repair tissue in our body, and to remove toxins that cause damage. By inhibiting the products of melanin, vitamin C helps to minimise hyperpigmentation.

Who should use it?

Most skin types can use vitamin C. It's not recommended if you have very sensitive skin as it can lead to irritation.

Where does it come from?

Vitamin E is naturally found in your skin but its levels deplete with age. For beauty products, vitamin E is usually produced synthetically but it's found in foods like avocado, pumpkin, and wheat germ as well. It's both high in antioxidants itself, and boosts the power of other antioxidants.

Who should use it?

Vitamin E is great for anyone with dry skin. It's generally not recommended for those with very sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.

Where does it come from?

Witch hazel for cosmetics is derived from the leaf, bark, and twigs of the hamamelis virginiana plant. It has many properties that make it an all-rounder for skin. It's an anti-inflammatory and emollient so it softens skin and eases inflammation.

Who should use it?

Anyone trying to soothe irritated skin can benefit from giving witch hazel a try. Ideally use it alongside hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.