Considering Natural Skincare with S.W. Basics

I am proud of the fact that my company, S.W. Basics, creates 100% natural skincare products. Moreover, I can confidently say that naturals really do “work,” providing efficacious, safe, and gentle nourishment for your skin. Yet, I can’t delve into the subject of natural beauty without first examining what “natural” really means. I know, you think it would be simple and straightforward, but it’s actually a problematic and hugely misunderstood term. See, when it comes to beauty marketing, “natural” legally means nothing. It is a completely unregulated designation that marketers love to use to attract an increasingly “natural-friendly” customer (maybe someone like you). Here’s the truth: A skincare product can have a slew of synthetic ingredients – plus contain natural elements – and nevertheless be marketed as “natural.” Although it sounds a lot nicer than “synthetic,” it’s not exactly accurate. So, my first piece of advice when considering natural skincare is this: Be sure you’re actually assessing products that are natural. Beware of long, complex ingredient lists; be wary of products that list a slew of ingredients you can’t understand or pronounce. Really scrutinize the products you’re buying, because when it comes to naturals, ingredients are everything. Oftentimes, simpler really is better. This brings me to my second piece of advice with natural skincare: Seek out the simple. Trust me, I know this can be an adjustment. As a culture, we’ve become so conditioned to value and prioritize complex beauty formulas, entrusting that the whizzes behind our favorite brands have our skin’s best interests at heart. Yet, just like food, complex ingredient lists are often our bodies’ worst enemies, laden with synthetic chemicals, irritating fragrances, and harmful preservatives and lacking in true nutritional value. The one way to ensure your skin routine is truly “natural”? Begin with one single ingredient. This brings me to my third and final natural skincare recommendation: The rule of one. Start with just adding just one 100% natural element to your beauty routine and I can guarantee you’ll see a difference. For example, I love organic, plant-based oils (avocado, jojoba, olive) and fair-trade shea butter for their moisturizing properties, sea salt for treating bacteria and acne, coarse sugar or ground oats for natural exfoliation, and apple cider vinegar for its pH-balancing effects. Best part? You might already have some of these ingredients kitchen cabinet. So, go on – begin your natural skincare routine… now! Enjoy! Adina Grigore of S.W. Basics and Suja Juice