You clicked to find the best natural product for your skin. Here’s the truth: there isn’t one single winner for everyone. Skin type, climate, and your top goal decide what works. The good news? A small group of natural ingredients consistently perform, with real evidence behind them. Expect clear picks by skin type, simple routines, and how to avoid the usual pitfalls.
- TL;DR: There is no universal best natural product for skin. Match the ingredient to your skin goal.
- Top shortlist: colloidal oatmeal (barrier/itch), jojoba oil (balanced moisture), squalane (non-greasy hydration), manuka honey (wound care/spot treatment), green tea extract (oil + redness), aloe vera (soothing burns), shea butter (very dry skin), rosehip oil (post-acne marks), licorice root (pigment).
- Jobs you likely want to do: pick the right ingredient for your skin type; know how to use and layer it; avoid breakouts or rashes; buy real, high-quality product; set a simple routine you’ll actually follow.
- NZ note: our UV is fierce. Whatever you choose, pair it with a daily mineral sunscreen.
How to choose the right natural product (decision criteria that actually matter)
Start with your goal and skin type, then filter by safety and texture. This avoids the trap of buying what’s trending but wrong for your face.
- Goal first: Are you trying to calm irritation? Control oil and breakouts? Repair dryness? Fade post-acne marks? Each goal points to a different ingredient.
- Skin type reality check:
- Oily or acne-prone: light textures, non-comedogenic (look for comedogenic rating 0-2), proven anti-inflammatory action.
- Dry or barrier-impaired: occlusives and replenishing lipids; fragrance-free; patch test if eczema-prone.
- Sensitive or reactive: short ingredient lists, avoid essential oils and strong fragrance; stick to time-tested soothers like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera.
- Combination: split approach-lighter for T-zone, richer for cheeks.
- Stability and packaging: oils go rancid; extracts oxidise. Dark glass, airless pumps, and fresh batches matter more than the buzzword natural on the label.
- Evidence beats hype: plant origin is nice; clinical data is better. Look for ingredients with peer-reviewed support, even if the studies are small.
- Allergen risk: natural doesn’t mean gentle. Essential oils and unrefined botanicals can sensitise skin. If you’re reactive, choose refined, standardized extracts.
- Climate: I’m in Wellington, where the wind strips moisture fast. In a dry, windy climate, squalane or shea butter shines. In humid summers, switch to green tea serums or jojoba to avoid a greasy feel.
The shortlist: best natural ingredients by skin goal
Below are the natural standouts with what they do best, what to avoid, and realistic expectations.
1) Colloidal oatmeal (soothing, barrier repair)
Why it’s here: decades of use and strong safety data. The US FDA lists colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant monograph ingredient. Reviews in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology report reduced itch and improved barrier function in eczema-prone skin.
Best for: dry, itchy, sensitive, eczema-prone; wind-chapped skin; razor burn.
Use: cream or soak. For the face, pick a fragrance-free colloidal oatmeal cream as last step at night. For body, bath soaks help when flare-ups hit.
Watch-outs: oats can carry trace allergens. Patch test if gluten-sensitive or very reactive.
2) Jojoba oil (balanced moisture without heaviness)
Why it’s here: jojoba’s wax esters mimic human sebum, which helps balance oil without clogging. It’s light, stable, and works on damp skin.
Best for: combo and oily types needing a moisturizer; anyone who hates greasy creams.
Use: 2-3 drops on damp skin or mixed into moisturizer. Great as a makeup-melting first cleanse.
Watch-outs: rare, but some can react. Keep it simple: 100% cold-pressed, no fragrance.
3) Squalane (light, non-comedogenic hydration)
Why it’s here: squalane is a hydrogenated, stable form of squalene found naturally in skin. Olive or sugarcane-derived squalane is inert, non-comedogenic, and absorbs fast.
Best for: dehydrated but breakout-prone skin; Wellington wind faces; fragile barriers from over-exfoliation.
Use: 2-4 drops as a seal over serums; or add a drop to foundation to stop patchiness.
Watch-outs: none notable; extremely well tolerated.
4) Manuka honey (antibacterial and wound care support)
Why it’s here: medical-grade honey is supported by a Cochrane review for acute wound healing. Manuka honey has methylglyoxal (MGO) with antimicrobial action. For skin, it shines as a spot mask or on minor nicks, not as an everyday sticky layer.
Best for: inflamed breakouts (as a 10-20 min mask), flaky lips, winter-ravaged knuckles, minor cuts (use sterile, medical-grade where needed).
Use: dab a thin layer on clean skin for 10-20 minutes, then rinse. For authenticity, look for UMF or MGO ratings; in NZ, UMF certification is overseen by industry standards bodies and MPI monitors labeling compliance.
Watch-outs: avoid if allergic to bee products. Don’t use on deep or infected wounds without medical advice.
5) Green tea extract (oil and redness control)
Why it’s here: EGCG in green tea reduces sebum and inflammation. Small randomized and split-face trials (Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Investigative Dermatology) show improvements in oiliness and mild acne when used topically at active levels.
Best for: oily, acne-prone, redness-prone skin; humid climates.
Use: look for 1-3% green tea extract serums or gels. Morning use pairs well with sunscreen, as polyphenols also fight UV-induced oxidative stress.
Watch-outs: low risk. Choose fragrance-free formulas.
6) Aloe vera (cooling, post-sun, and irritation relief)
Why it’s here: meta-analyses and burn studies report modest improvements in healing time and pain for superficial burns. Day-to-day, aloe calms stings and over-exfoliation.
Best for: sun-exposed skin, mild irritation, after shaving.
Use: pure gel with high aloe content as a 10-15 minute calming layer, then seal with squalane or a cream.
Watch-outs: watch for added fragrance or alcohol that can sting.
7) Shea butter (heavy-duty moisture for very dry skin)
Why it’s here: rich in stearic and oleic acids plus minor unsaponifiables that soften rough patches. Excellent for heels, hands, and parched cheeks in winter.
Best for: very dry, non-acne-prone skin; eczema-prone hands.
Use: pea-sized amount warmed between palms and pressed in at night. Mix with a drop of squalane if it feels too thick.
Watch-outs: can congest acne-prone skin on the face. Use sparingly there.
8) Rosehip oil (marks and tone, with a caveat)
Why it’s here: rosehip contains linoleic acid and natural trans-retinoic acid in tiny amounts. Small trials and case series suggest improvements in post-surgical scars and PIE/PIH over months. It’s not a retinoid replacement, but it’s a gentle step for tone and texture.
Best for: lingering post-acne marks, uneven tone, dry spots.
Use: 1-2 drops at night under or mixed with your moisturizer. Store cold and use within 3-6 months to avoid oxidation.
Watch-outs: prone to go rancid; buy small, dark bottles.
9) Licorice root extract (pigment calming)
Why it’s here: glabridin inhibits tyrosinase. Clinical and in vitro data (Journal of Dermatological Science; Phytotherapy Research) show brightening and redness relief when used consistently.
Best for: melasma maintenance, post-acne hyperpigmentation, redness.
Use: daily serum or spot treatment, often paired with niacinamide or azelaic acid (the latter is lab-derived, not strictly natural).
Watch-outs: look for standardized extracts; avoid perfumed versions if sensitive.
10) Tea tree oil (targeted blemish aid, not a full-face routine)
Why it’s here: small RCTs comparing 5% tea tree gel with benzoyl peroxide show similar acne improvements but slower onset, with fewer dryness side effects. It’s potent-and easy to overdo.
Best for: dabbing on individual pimples, not as a daily all-over product.
Use: never neat. Use a 5% gel or dilute to under 1% in a carrier. Patch test first.
Watch-outs: common sensitizer. Avoid around eyes; keep away from pets; don’t ingest.
11) New Zealand spotlight: kiwi seed oil
Why it’s here: cold-pressed kiwi seed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E, making it a light, fast-absorbing option for barrier support. Great in windy cities like Wellington when you want featherweight moisture.
Best for: combination and dehydrated skin that hates heavy creams.
Use: 2-3 drops on damp skin, morning or night.
Watch-outs: as with all unrefined oils, patch test if reactive.
How to use them: simple routines, pairings, and patch testing
Keep it boring and consistent. Your skin barrier loves routine more than novelty.
Morning (oily/combo)
- Cleanse: gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
- Treat: green tea serum (1-3%) for oil control; optional licorice extract on dark spots.
- Moisturize: 2-3 drops jojoba or a gel-cream.
- Protect: broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen, SPF 30-50 (zinc oxide is a natural mineral filter).
Morning (dry/sensitive)
- Cleanse: skip cleanse or use a creamy cleanser.
- Sooth: colloidal oatmeal cream on damp skin.
- Seal: squalane or a light layer of shea butter on the driest spots.
- Protect: mineral sunscreen SPF 30-50. In NZ’s high UV, pick 50 for summer.
Night (oily/acne-prone)
- Double cleanse on makeup days: oil cleanse (jojoba), then gel cleanser.
- Treat: spot treat with tea tree gel under 1%, or manuka honey 10-20 minutes then rinse.
- Moisturize: squalane 2-3 drops, or a light lotion.
Night (dry/sensitive)
- Cleanse: creamy cleanser, lukewarm water.
- Sooth: aloe vera gel 10 minutes.
- Repair: colloidal oatmeal cream.
- Seal: shea butter pea-sized amount; if too heavy, switch to squalane.
Pairing tips
- Manuka + blemish: honey mask first, rinse, then a thin layer of green tea serum.
- Licorice + sunscreen: best brightening combo for pigment-prone skin.
- Rosehip at night, vitamin C in the morning: gentle brightening without overdoing it.
- Keep essential oils away from broken skin. Focus on actives, not fragrance.
Patch test method (48 hours)
- Apply a small amount behind your ear or along the jawline.
- Wait 24-48 hours without washing that spot.
- If you see redness, itching, or bumps, skip it.
Dose and storage rules
- Oils: 2-4 drops face; 5-8 drops neck and chest combined.
- Serums: a pea-sized amount is enough.
- Store oils in cool, dark places. Rosehip goes in the fridge. Use within 3-6 months.
- Look for batch dates. Fresh wins.
Comparisons, tables, and quick checks
Use this snapshot to decide fast.
| Ingredient | Best for | Not ideal for | Evidence snapshot | How to use | NZ tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colloidal oatmeal | Itch, eczema-prone, wind-chapped | Severe oat allergy | Monograph skin protectant; trials show reduced itch | Cream nightly; bath soaks for body | Great after windy days |
| Jojoba oil | Light moisture, makeup removal | Rare allergy | Biomimetic sebum; low clog risk | 2-3 drops on damp skin | Good in humid summers |
| Squalane | Non-greasy hydration, barrier support | Few cons | Well tolerated, stable | Seal over serums | Perfect for windy Wellington |
| Manuka honey | Spots, minor cuts, dry patches | Bee product allergy | Cochrane supports medical-grade honey for wounds | 10-20 min mask; rinse | Look for UMF or MGO rating |
| Green tea extract | Oil control, mild acne, redness | Fragranced versions | Small trials show sebum and acne improvement | 1-3% serum AM | Pairs well with SPF 50 |
| Aloe vera | Post-sun soothing | Alcohol-laced gels | Burn studies show modest healing aid | 10-15 min layer | Keep in fridge |
| Shea butter | Very dry skin, hands, heels | Acne-prone faces | Occlusive; barrier support | Pea-sized at night | Winter lifesaver |
| Rosehip oil | Post-acne marks, tone | Oxidation risk | Small trials/case series on scars, PIH | 1-2 drops PM | Buy small, dark bottles |
| Licorice extract | Hyperpigmentation, redness | Perfumey blends | Glabridin brightening data | Daily serum | Patch test if reactive |
| Tea tree oil | Spot treatment only | Sensitive skin full-face | RCTs show acne benefit vs benzoyl (slower onset) | <1% dilute, patch test | Keep away from pets |
Quick decision tree
- If your face is oily, shiny by noon, and breaks out: green tea serum AM, jojoba as moisturizer, tea tree only on individual spots.
- If your skin burns from most products and feels tight: colloidal oatmeal cream nightly, squalane on top, keep formulas fragrance-free.
- If your cheeks are flaky but T-zone is normal: squalane to cheeks, gel-cream to T-zone. Optional rosehip at night on marks.
- If your barrier is wrecked after acids: stop exfoliants, use aloe gel nightly for 15 minutes, follow with oatmeal cream and squalane for a week.
- If you want pigment help without harsh actives: licorice extract daily plus strict sunscreen; add rosehip at night.
Shopping checklist
- Short INCI list, no added perfume for sensitive routines.
- Dark glass or airless packaging for oils and plant extracts.
- Manuka honey: look for UMF or MGO rating on label; avoid vague wording.
- Fresh batch date; smaller bottle if it oxidises easily (rosehip).
- Patch test plan in your calendar. No surprises.
Mini-FAQ, real-world trade-offs, and what most people ask next
Is mineral sunscreen natural and is it enough in NZ?
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals. They count as mineral filters and are great with natural routines. In New Zealand’s high UV, use SPF 50 in summer and reapply outdoors. No natural routine outperforms daily sun protection.
Can natural oils clog pores?
Some do. Jojoba and squalane are low risk. Coconut oil is comedogenic on the face for many; keep it for body or hair. If you’re acne-prone, stick to lighter, faster-absorbing oils and use them sparingly.
What about vitamin C from natural sources?
Plant extracts contain vitamin C, but L-ascorbic acid is unstable in water. If you want a natural-leaning brightener, use licorice extract or rosehip oil. Pair with sunscreen and patience.
Can manuka honey cure acne?
No cure. It helps with spots and healing, especially as a short mask or on minor irritated areas. For moderate acne, consider adding proven actives (like adapalene or benzoyl peroxide) after chatting with a pharmacist or GP.
Is tea tree oil safe?
It can help, but it’s a common sensitizer. Never apply neat. Keep it under 1% in a carrier and patch test. If you get redness or a rash, stop.
Are essential oils okay for sensitive skin?
Often not. If you’re sensitive, skip them on your face. Choose fragrance-free products and stick to soothing, standardized extracts.
How long till I see results?
Soothing is immediate to a few days (aloe, oatmeal). Oil control is about 2-4 weeks (green tea). Pigment improvements take 8-12 weeks (licorice, rosehip). Take progress photos every 2-4 weeks in the same light.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Stick to gentle moisturizers and soothers (oatmeal, squalane, aloe, manuka). Avoid potent essential oils. When in doubt, ask your midwife or GP.
Next steps and troubleshooting by scenario
If you’re starting from scratch (beginner)
- Pick one goal (example: calm redness) and choose one product (example: green tea serum).
- Patch test for 48 hours.
- Use daily for 2 weeks before adding anything else.
- Only then add a moisturizer (squalane or oatmeal cream) if needed.
If your skin is breaking out more after starting oils
- Stop the oil for a week. Switch to gel moisturizer and green tea serum.
- Once clear, reintroduce 1-2 drops of squalane only (avoid heavier oils). If it breaks you out again, skip oils altogether on the T-zone.
If you’re dry and tight but still get pimples
- Use squalane instead of shea. Keep tea tree only on spots, not full-face.
- Add colloidal oatmeal cream at night to rebuild the barrier.
If your pigment isn’t budging
- Double down on sunscreen. Reapply late morning if you’re outside.
- Layer licorice extract AM, rosehip PM. Give it 12 weeks.
- If still stagnant, talk to a professional about azelaic acid or tranexamic acid (lab-derived but well tolerated).
If you overdid acids or retinoids
- Go into barrier rehab: aloe gel, oatmeal cream, squalane, sunscreen. No exfoliants for a week.
- When calm, reintroduce actives on alternate nights only.
If you want an ultra-minimalist routine
- AM: rinse, green tea serum, mineral SPF 50.
- PM: cleanse, squalane or oatmeal cream.
- Spot: manuka honey 10 minutes on pimples when needed.
Final tip from a windy city
Here in Wellington, the weather can bully your face. A drop of squalane under sunscreen in the morning, and an oatmeal cream at night, is the small tweak that keeps my skin from going tight and cranky when the northerly kicks up. Keep it simple, pick the right natural for your goal, and let consistency do the heavy lifting.
Credibility notes: Evidence mentions draw from the US FDA skin protectant monograph for colloidal oatmeal; Cochrane reviews on honey in wound care; trials and reviews in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Journal of Dermatological Science, and Phytotherapy Research. For manuka authenticity, UMF and MGO ratings are industry standards, with labeling oversight in NZ by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
