Whether you're a beauty maven or a skincare novice, it's likely you're no stranger to the hype surrounding botanical skincare. But what exactly makes botanical ingredients so good for your skin, and which plants in particular are the ones you want to find in your beauty cabinet?
What exactly is botanical skincare?
For starters, botanicals are plants (or parts of plants) that are used for their medicinal or healing properties. Nutritious, natural and packed with unique properties, these superfoods are just as beneficial when applied to your skin as when cooked in your food (and you've heard the apple a day saying). Particularly, when it's the powerful and resilient flora native to Australia – these ingredients have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, making them veritable protectors for your skin against environmental stressors.
Keep browsing to learn about the best botanical ingredients for your skin, and which skin concerns their natural properties antidote.
1. Witch Hazel: Nature's Toner
Witch hazel is a natural astringent – meanings it causes tissue to shrink – that helps to tighten pores and reduce inflammation. It's an excellent preventative measure against acne as it balancing oil production, limiting acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin. Lauded as 'nature's toner', witch hazel essence is an excellent alternative to harsh alcohol toners. Add this to your skincare arsenal to pave the way for healthy moisture levels and soft skin with a light "airbrushed" effect.
Find witch hazel in our Deep Pore Cleanser, Porefining Face Mask and Flash Perfection Exfoliator.
@sandandskyaus Get ready for your close up! Our Pink Clay Mask will leave your skin looking and feeling its best. Perfect for a spa day at home! #skincare #pinkclaymask #beauty #selfcare #tiktokbeauty #fyp ♬ original sound - Sand & Sky
2. Kakadu Plum: The Vitamin C Powerhouse
Kakadu plum is a small Australian fruit that contains the highest concentration of vitamin C among all known fruits. To paint you a better picture, Healthline reports that a single plum contains about 436 mg of vitamin C – that's 484% the recommended daily intake. This powerful antioxidant helps to brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote collagen production. If you're striving towards a more plump, youthful complexion, consider incorporating kakadu plum into your skincare routine.
Find kakadu plum in our Super Bounce Mask, Enzyme Powder Polish and Dreamy Glow Drops.
3. Old Man Weed: The Soothing Herb
Old man weed, also known as centella asiatica or by its culinary name gotu kola, is a leafy green native to India, Southeast Asia and Australia. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, making it ideal for soothing irritated and sensitive skin. Regular use of this herb can help calm redness and promote a healthy skin barrier.
Find old man weed in the Clearing Cleanser, Clearing Mask and Clearing Moisturiser.
@sandandskyaus The product you’ve all been waiting for is FINALLY BACK IN STOCK! Our Oil Control Cleanser has shown results across the globe ✨ Removing excess oil & impurities for a clear complexion is her superpower 💚 #oilyskin #oilcontrol #oilyskincare #oilyskintips #oilyskinhacks #oilyskinroutine #salicylicacid #acne #acnefighter #acneskin #acneskincare #fyp #australia #skincarebrand #aussieskincare #skintok #cleanser ♬ original sound - Sand & Sky
4. Fermented Seaweed: The Hydration Booster
Fermented seaweed is a powerhouse ingredient that provides intense hydration to the skin. It's rich in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, which help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Search for fermented seaweed in your skincare regimen if a glassy, hydrated appearance is your desired goal.
Find fermented seaweed in our Intense Hydrating Mask and Renewing Night Cream.
@sandandskyaus MYTH BUSTED! Did you know that your skin can still be dehydrated even though it's oily 😱 When your skin is dehydrated, it may actually start to overcompensate by producing even more oil 🥵Fret not though, we have the perfect thing just for you! Meet our 3-step routine for maximum hydration with our NEW Skin Barrier Relief Kit 💙 #fyp #SkincareTiktok #tiktokmademebuyit ♬ original sound - Sand & Sky
5. Red Algae: The Anti-Aging Secret
Red algae, also known as astaxanthin, is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It has anti-aging properties, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin firmness. Regular use of red algae can help you maintain a youthful and radiant complexion.
Find red algae in our Hydration Boost Cream.
6. Australian Finger Lime: The Exfoliating Gem
Australian finger lime is a unique citrus fruit that contains tiny pearls filled with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – you're probably familiar with this one! AHAs gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover. Thanks to their small molecular size, they're able to seep into the lower layers of skin to dislodge impurities embedded deep within. Keep Australian finger lime in your skincare rotation to give your skin a thorough yet gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week.
Find Australian finger lime in the Deep Pore Cleanser, Clearing Cleanser, and Flash Perfection Exfoliator.
7. Quandong: Plump and Soothe
The dessert quandong, also known in its native Australia as the native peach, was traditionally crushed into a paste to remedy sore gums and oral boils. If that alone wasn't a testament to its soothing and calming properties, you'll be pleased to learn it's also charged with antioxidants, granting a brightening effect and evening out hyperpigmentation. Those who have sensitive skin can turn to this superfruit for a radiant glow with a gentle touch.
Find quandong in our Enzyme Powder Polish.
sand and sky
When it comes to skincare, nature knows best. Their unique properties, developed in the harsh Australian environment, make them superfoods for your skin. Next time you're shopping for skincare products, keep an eye out for these nourishing botanical ingredients and enjoy the natural, glowing results they provide.
Written by: Celeste Lee
