What are ‘natural ingredients’ and how do they work?

At Natural Supply Co , we only stock products that are committed to harnessing the power of natural ingredients and help us all minimise chemical exposure

But then what do our products actually include and how do they work?

We have listed each product’s ingredients on each product page so that you can check for yourself and do your own due diligence, but as part of our own research we have learnt some fascinating information about the following amazing ingredients*, so we thought we’d share this information you. We will keep updating this information as we learn more and feel free to contribute with your own knowledge. 

The ABCs of natural ingredients

Almond Oil – nourishing and softening, it soothes dry skin and is an excellent oil for use after sun exposure. 

Aloe vera gel - one of the oldest medicinal plants used for its healing and cleansing properties. It gives superior protection, moisture and regeneration, while supporting your skins’ natural balance.

Avocado oil - full of vitamins and minerals that protect your skin from the elements, moisture loss and dehydration. It’s especially rich in Vitamin E, beta-carotene and essential fatty acids which may help increase collagen production.

It is full of vitamins and minerals that protect your skin from the elements, moisture loss and dehydration. It’s especially rich in Vitamin E, beta-carotene and essential fatty acids which may help increase collagen production.

Calendula Oil – intensely moisturising, soothing and nourishing, it helps the skin’s natural healing process. Derived from Marigold flowers, Calendula oil contains potent anti-oxidants which make it a powerful remedy for healing wounds, and soothing red, irritated and inflamed skin.

Camellia Oil - the oil comes from the nut of the Camellia flower and it’s packed with omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, polyphenols, Vitamins A, B and E, and plant collagen and proteins. It has been used for centuries in Japan to nourish and condition the skin. It penetrates quickly without clogging pores and is said to be beneficial for reducing wrinkles and age spots. May also aid in scar reduction with long-term use.

Carnauba wax - this comes from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm grown only in Brazil. The wax is obtained by beating the wax off of the dried palm fronds and then refining it for use. It is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. The combination of properties leads to many applications, including use in food and cosmetics. It is one of those extremely useful natural ingredients and renewable resources that doesn't have a synthetic equivalent.

Cetearyl Olivate/Sorbitan Olivate - derived from olive oil, it is added for its desirable emulsification properties. It hydrates and moisturises your skin while also smoothing and softening it.

Citric Acid - enhances the activity of many beneficial anti-oxidants and can help the regeneration of skin tissue while helping to slow down the ageing process.

 

Cocoa Butter – rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it softens and lubricates the skin and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It also makes body creams smell so delicious.

Coco Glucoside - a natural foaming agent, surfactant and conditioner derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars.

Coconut Oil – helps soften and moisturise the skin and lock in moisture. Deeply moisturising, soothing and cleansing. Extremely potent with antibacterial and anti fungul properties. It’s also packed with multivitamins, multi-nutrients and antioxidants.

We use it to soften our cuticles, for oil pulling (swish it around in your mouth for twenty minutes as a natural mouth wash) and to remove our make-up. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - from the native Australian Eucalyptus tree. When applied to the skin, it helps with nasal stuffiness and chest congestion. It has natural analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Evening Primrose Oil - has a high content of gamma-linolenic acid which repairs inflamed, damaged or dry tissue. It’s rich in unsaturated fatty acids, helping to repair and regenerate skin cells. It’s also easily absorbed into your skin, locking in moisture.

Glycerine - a naturally derived humectant which readily attracts and absorbs water (to your dermis) from the environment. Glycerine is able to carry active ingredients into the skin where their beneficial effects can be utilised.

Glyceryl Stearate - a natural vegetable derived emulsifier and acts as a lubricant for your skin, which gives it a soft and smooth appearance. It also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on your skin’s surface.

Green Tea Herbal Extract - a powerful antioxidant which protects your skin from free-radical damage. Helps to stimulate skin micro-circulation to promote the health of collagen, thereby maintaining firm and elastic skin. Has been shown to decrease wrinkles and slow down the ageing process.

Grapeseed Oil – rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids it leaves the skin with a smooth satin finish without being greasy, helps tighten and tone the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.

Jojoba Oil – a liquid plant wax, jojoba’s molecular structure is very close to the skin’s natural sebum which makes it very easily absorbed and suitable for all types of skin. It also helps reduce water loss and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It has regenerative and hydrating properties and dissolves excess natural skin oils, making it perfect for all skin types. Universally known as 'natures wrinkle fighter', it is no wonder a stack of our products include this ingredient. 

Kelp Herbal Extract - the natural iodine content in kelp aids in removing the accumulation of excess fluid. It’s full of powerful amino acids and vitamins which help strengthen skin tissue and protect it from environmental damage.

Lavender Essential Oil – known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties, it reduces stress levels and calms nervous tension. It regenerates healthy skin cells and is calming, balancing and healing.

Lemon Myrtle Extract - a plant native to Australia, it produces the purest natural form of citral in the world. It has potent anti-bacterial properties and is widely used in aromatherapy for its lemon scent.

Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam seed oil) - is a species of flowering plant in the meadowfoam family known by the common name white meadowfoam. This grassland wildflower is under small-scale cultivation as the source of meadowfoam seed oil. The oil is one of the most stable vegetable oils known and can be converted to waxes and lubricants. 

Macadamia Oil – easily absorbed it is highly moisturising, restores suppleness and helps protect from the ageing effects of the sun.

It contains palmitic acid found naturally in your skin oil (sebum). As we age, macadamia nut oil may help to replace the natural loss of sebum. It rapidly yet gently absorbs into your skin, nourishing and lubricating it, leaving it soft, smooth and supple. It also protects your skin from the elements.

May Chang - a close Chinese relative of lemongrass, this oil has a beautiful citrusy aroma which is rejuvenating and uplifting to the senses. It's gentle astringent properties work to cleanse skins pores whilst it's natural antifungal and antibacterial properties make this a perfect addition to lotions and washes.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - widely found in many root vegetables and yeast. It may improve your skins elasticity, tone and texture, and erase discolorations. It is an excellent ingredient to help stimulate microcirculation in the dermis and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Organic Beeswax – known for its emollient, soothing and softening properties, it helps the skin retain moisture. Contains Vitamin A and possesses anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic and anti-oxidant properties.

Organic Bergamot - when used on the skin, bergamot acts as a natural antibiotic, disinfectant and may assist in the healing of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Organic Carrot Co2 Extract - rich in Vitamins A, C and E, and beta carotene, Carrot oil helps to balance the moisture in your skin as well as encourage healing and rejuvenating of skin cells.

Organic Castor Oil - a natural emollient which is readily absorbed across the skins surface to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin thus softening and hydrating the skin. It is high in unsaturated fatty acids so can aid in the treatment of dry, irritated and itchy skin. It has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Organic Ginger Root Extract - contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which may help even out your skin tone, prevent acne break outs and promote collagen production. The potent anti-oxidant called ‘gingerol’ fights against the free radicals that attack your skin.

Organic Grapefruit - with its sharp and zesty scent grapefruit revives and stimulates the mind. With its high Vitamin C content it tones and freshens skin and tissues. Its diuretic properties help to remove excess water from the body making this a powerful cellulite fighter.

Organic Lemon Oil - highly prized for its anti-bacterial and cleansing properties, it also has a wonderful toning effect on your skin. Its refreshing scent may help stimulate your senses.

Organic Nettle Extract - rich in antioxidants and nutrients such as Vitamin A & C, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium, nettle is naturally nourishing, healing and stimulating when used in skincare.

Olive Leaf Extract - packed with antioxidants and other phytonutrients, it protects your skin from damage caused by sun exposure and may heal wounds faster.

Olive Oil - has been known to soothe irritated, dry skin for centuries. It helps calm, rehydrate and soften your skin.

Organic Patchouli - in skincare it helps break down cellulite, stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and assists with wound healing and the appearance of scars.

Organic Roman Chamomile Extract - a powerfully calming and soothing oil with sedating properties, which may help calm irritable babies. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and brings welcome relief to sufferers of hay fever, due to its anti-allergen effect.

Organic Rose Oil - used in cosmetics for centuries, it’s full of antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent properties. It moisturises, hydrates and may help reduce redness, inflammation, wrinkles and broken capillaries. It also tones and lifts your skin.

Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil - it has a sweet, fresh and tangy scent, and its therapeutic properties include it being antiseptic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory. When used in lotions, it helps detoxify congested skin and assists the lymphatic system.

Organic White Tea - when used in skincare, white tea protects the skin & helps to reverse some of the damage caused by free radicles as a result of stress, poor diet, and environmental exposure. White tea scavenges these free radicals leaving skin healthy and radiant.

Organic Witch Hazel - a plant derived substance known for its astringent properties. When used in skincare, witch hazel can help control spots and blemishes, soothe and heal skin rashes and help reduce puffy eyes.

Peppermint Essential Oil - used in ancient medicine for years, this oil is said to stimulate the mind, increase focus and refresh the spirit. When applied to the skin it has a cooling effect and can reduce redness and calm irritation and itchiness.

Pomegranate Kernel Oil – rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it is highly moisturising and helps prevent premature ageing. 

Raspberry Seed Oil – has a high concentration of alpha and gamma tocopherols (Vitamin E) and antioxidants, and helps moisturise and restore elasticity to the skin.

Rosehip Oil - a rich source of essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9. The benefits of Rosehip Oil are both preventative and restorative as it’s full of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene and Vitamin C. It’s a natural skin moisturiser absorbing quickly and easily, aids in reducing facial rosacea, improves the appearance of psoriasis scars and may reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Rosemary Essential Oil - derived from a medicinal plant which has been used for centuries to improve mental awareness, clear the mind and improve memory. It helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling when applied to the skin and is beneficial for improving blood circulation. 

Safflower Oil - a natural emollient which traps moisture into your skin helping to keep it hydrated and nourished. Exceptionally high in Vitamin E, this oil helps maintain the skins outer protective layer, shielding environmental damage and reducing the risk of visible signs of skin damage such as lines and wrinkles.

Seabuckthorn Oil – soothing and rehydrating, it has a high vitamin and antioxidant content and enhances the skin’s natural regeneration process. 

Power packed full of vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, amino acids and anti-oxidants, as well as essential fatty acids of omega 3, 6 and 7. They are a miracle ingredient from the Himalayan mountains with a multitude of skin healing and rejuvenation properties.

Shea Butter – derived from a Shea Nut and native to Africa, Shea Butter provides superior healing properties, giving deep hydration and nourishment to your skin. It is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, and its multi vitamin content helps restore suppleness to dry skin.

We love lip balms that incorporate this ingredient because it is just so lip-smackingly good!

Sodium Stearate - stabilises natural formulations to prevent them from separating. Also acts as a mild surfactant.

Tocopherols - are a family of vitamin E compounds naturally found in vegetable oils, nuts, fish and leafy green vegetables. The nutritional benefits of Vitamin E and its importance as a daily part of the human diet have been well documented.

Vinegar - is made by two distinct biological processes, both the result of the action of harmless microorganisms (yeast and “Acetobacter”) that turn sugars (carbohydrates) into acetic acid. The acid in vinegar cuts through the grease and germs on your counter tops and can be used to clean carpet marks and stains on clothes plus in the bathroom. 

Xanthan Gum - a natural thickener and emulsifier. Derived from plants, it naturally soothes your skin.