As your largest (and most absorbable) organ, what you put on your skin matters. Avoid toxins, chemicals and otherwise icky ingredients that can cause harm and seek out clean ingredients with proven results.
We’ve gathered our top 20 skincare ingredients that are time tested and backed by science. Check out the video below, or keep reading to learn more!
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: There are many clean botanical ingredients that are incredible for your skin; keep an eye out for these in your skin care products.
Good to Know: Green tea isn’t just for drinking, it’s also great for your skin. It’s full of antioxidants and can protect your skin from environmental stressors.
Recommended Products: Starter Set and Deluxe Set.
1. Vitamin C
Arguably the most important ingredient in any anti-aging skincare regimen, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known as ascorbic acid. The most stable form of vitamin C is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (as opposed to the more commonly found L-Ascorbic Acid), which has all of the upsides but doesn’t pose the same risk of irritation.
What does it do?
Vitamin C plumps and smooths skin, fights signs of aging, brightens skin, evens skin tone, reduces the appearance of dark spots, protects against environmental stressors, strengthens skin, and softens the texture of your skin.
How do you use it?
Looking for it in a vitamin C serum and/or a moisturizer are the best ways to incorporate it into your skin care routine. You can also find it in powdered form to add to any of your current products.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Brightening serum Shop Nectar of the C →
- Brightening moisturizer Shop Crème de la Cream →
2. Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring substance in the body (and skin in particular), hyaluronic acid helps keep skin and joints lubricated; but production slows down as we age, hence the need to restore it to our skin via skin care products.
What does it do?
It helps retain water, keeping skin hydrated and looking plump, full, and youthful. Fun fact: hyaluronic acid can retain 1,000 times its weight in water within your skin cells.
How do you use it?
Look for it in products like a hydrating serum, hydrating moisturizer, and eye cream to apply topically to your skin for instant hydration.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating serum Shop Just Dew It →
- Hydrating moisturizer Shop H2 Oh Yeah →
- Brightening serum Shop Nectar of the C →
- Brightening Moisturizer Shop Crème de la Cream →
3. Vitamin E
Another key antioxidant and fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E is a key line of defense for the skin.
What does it do?
It helps protect against the free radicals that can cause premature aging and has healing properties. It’s also been shown to rejuvenate, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soften and moisturize skin — as well as diminish the look of any other imperfections.
How do you use it?
Look for vitamin E in serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. It can sometimes be called tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
4. Sea Buckthorn Oil
Derived from the sea buckthorn plant, a deciduous shrub that grows at high altitudes, the tart, yellow-orange berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, as well as eaten as part of a healthy diet and applied to the skin.
What does it do?
Sea buckthorn oil is deeply hydrating and features a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve the overall health and look of the skin.
How do you use it?
You can find it in serums and moisturizers that focus on hydrating and protecting your skin.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating serum Shop Just Dew It →
- Hydrating moisturizer Shop H2 Oh Yeah →
- Retinol moisturizer Shop Youth Fairy →
5. Vitamin B3
Also known as niacinamide, vitamin B3 is a key nutrient that helps the skin to retain moisture.
What does it do?
It evens out skin tone and texture, and also helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the look of temporary redness, and soothe skin.
How do you use it?
Look for it in toners, serums, and moisturizers to balance and protect your skin.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
6. Aloe Vera
This soothing plant has been used for ages to help address various skin concerns. Nutrient-dense, it contains vitamins A, B, C, D and E — as well as minerals including magnesium, potassium and zinc.
What does it do?
It moisturizes skin, calms, soothes and helps to provide a protective layer.
How do you use it?
You’ll find it in almost every skin care product, such as cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks and eye creams. You can also apply pure aloe vera directly to skin as a soothing moisturizer.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
7. Glycerin
This natural moisturizer comes from plant sources. As a humectant, it traps water in the skin, helping it to retain moisture.
What does it do?
Glycerin is known for its gentle hydrating properties, and its ability to temporarily tighten pores.
How do you use it?
Glycerin is found in skin care products including face wash, toners, eye creams, serums, and moisturizers. You can use pure glycerin on your face, but it’s recommended to dilute it with rosewater and do a patch test before applying. Those with sensitive skin should avoid using the pure form.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Toner Shop Rose and Shine →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
8. Coconut Oil
Derived from the white fleshy fruit of coconuts, coconut oil is a versatile skin care component. It’s solid at room temperature, and best to opt for organic, virgin, cold-pressed oil, as it retains the most nutrients.
What does it do?
Coconut oil hydrates, provides protection, smooths skin, minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, calms temporary redness, absorbs easily, soothes irritated skin and serves as a great base for exfoliants.
How do you use it?
Coconut oil can be used on its own as a moisturizer or makeup remover. After cleaning, simply rub a small amount between your palms to make it liquid, then apply all over your face. It can also be found in products including face wash, serums, eye creams and moisturizers.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
9. Peptides
These amino acids are the building blocks of key proteins that help keep your skin youthful and plump.
What does it do?
They make up proteins like collagen, keratin, and elastin, all of which are crucial for retaining a healthy complexion.
How do you use it?
Look for peptides in products including face wash, serums, moisturizers and eye creams. Usually they’re part of a “peptide complex”, but sometimes have more specific names like copper peptides, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 or other terms with “peptide” attached.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Brightening Moisturizer Shop Crème de la Cream →
- Retinol serum Shop ‘A’ Game →
- Retinol moisturizer Shop Youth Fairy →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
10. Squalane
Squalene is an ingredient that exists naturally in our skin, making up approximately 10 to 12% of the skin’s natural oil. When it’s produced for skin care products, it becomes known as squalane. Look for squalane that is derived from plants, such as olives and rice bran, rather than from shark liver.
What does it do?
A natural moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic, it has an array of benefits including: reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, softening texture, soothing the skin, balancing natural oils, helping fade the look of dark spots, and helping reduce temporary redness.
How do you use it?
You can use pure squalane oil as a moisturizer. After toning, apply a few drops to your fingertips and spread it all over your face. You can also look for squalane in products including face wash, eye creams, serums, moisturizers, and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
11. Jojoba
Derived from the seeds of a Southwestern shrub, jojoba oil is a clean, botanical moisturizer that mimics the skin’s own natural oil, or sebum.
What does it do?
Jojoba oil adds moisture, boosts antioxidants, soothes skin, balances natural oils, protects skin and helps keep your complexion clear.
How do you use it?
You can use pure jojoba oil as a moisturizer. After toning, apply a few drops to your fingertips and spread all over your face. You can also look for jojoba oil in products including face wash, serums, eye creams, moisturizers and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating, Retinol and Vitamin C serum Shop serums →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
12. Coenzyme Q10
Another naturally occurring substance in the body, CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant.
What does it do?
It provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and other toxins, as well as minimizing signs of aging and keeping skin looking firm and plump.
How do you use it?
Look for CoQ10 in skin care products, including moisturizers and serums.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
- Retinol serum Shop ‘A’ Game →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
13. Sunflower Oil
Derived from the sunny yellow blooms you know and love, this oil has a wide array of benefits for the skin.
What does it do?
Sunflower oil is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It adds an antioxidant boost, working to repair your skin’s natural protective barrier, which helps keep in moisture. It also minimizes the signs of aging and hydrates and soothes skin.
How do you use it?
Sunflower oil can be used on its own to pre-cleanse or moisture the skin. To pre-cleanse, rub a few drops between your fingers and apply the oil all over your face. Then follow up with a regular facial cleanser. To moisturize, apply a few drops to your face as your final step (but before sunscreen). If you are using pure sunflower oil, look for cold-pressed or expeller pressed oil, as other versions are chemically processed.
You will also find sunflower oil in many categories of skincare products, including face wash, eye creams, serums and moisturizers.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
14. Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Derived from the fruit of cacti, prickly pear seed oil is high in Vitamin E, Vitamin K, amino acids and omega-6 and -9. This antioxidant rich ingredient works wonders when used with Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin C.
What does it do?
Because it is an antioxidant, it's great for boosting your skin’s natural barrier, smoothing skin texture, and hydrating dry, dehydrated skin.
How do you use it?
To treat or moisturize your skin with prickly pear seed oil, apply a few drops to your face and neck and let your skin absorb it. You can find prickly pear seed oil as a key ingredient in pretty much any category of skin care products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating serum Shop Just Dew It →
15. Rosemary Extract
This extract made from the famous fragrant herb is full of antioxidants and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
What does it do?
Rosemary extract is said to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it is often used to help soothe the skin. It can also help to purify and decongest pores.
How do you use it?
Look for it in products including face wash, eye creams, moisturizers, serums, and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
16. Gotu Kola
This ancient herb (in the parsley family) is a combo of amino acids, beta carotene, and phytochemicals.
What does it do?
It’s known for its skin tightening properties and ability to improve skin’s tone and texture.
How do you use it?
Gotu Kola can be found in products including facial cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, serums, and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Hydrating moisturizer Shop H2 Oh Yeah →
- Brightening Moisturizer Shop Crème de la Cream →
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Cleanser Shop So Clean! →
17. Green Tea
An antioxidant rich in plant nutrients known as polyphenols.
What does it do?
Green tea offers soothing skin protection from environmental stressors and other toxins.
How do you use it?
Look for green tea in products including moisturizers, eye creams, serums, and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Eye cream Shop Eyes Eyes Baby →
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
- Hydrating, Retinol and Brightening moisturizer Shop moisturizers →
18. Activated Coconut Charcoal
Activated charcoal is made from burning coconut shells, then activating the charcoal in a furnace at high temps. When charcoal is activated, it creates tiny pores that have major absorbent abilities.
What does it do?
Coconut charcoal decongests pores, helps to even out skin tone, and cleanses impurities and toxins.
How do you use it?
Look for activated charcoal in skincare products such as facial cleansers and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
19. Kaolin Clay
This fine white clay is named for a location in China where it was first found.
What does it do?
Rich in silica dioxide, it helps balance natural oils, deeply cleanses and unclogs pores, and soothes skin.
How do you use it?
Kaolin clay can be used on its own as an exfoliating facial cleanser. Take a small bit of clay and massage it onto skin. Let it stand for a couple minutes, then rinse clean. Kaolin clay can also be found in cleansers and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
20. Bentonite Clay
This clay originates from volcanic ash and has significant absorbent properties.
What does it do?
Bentonite clay helps protect skin, forming a protective barrier. It also absorbs toxins and other impurities, as well as balances natural oils.
How do you use it?
Bentonite clay can be used as a mask on its own. Mix the clay with water and apply it to your face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse clean. Otherwise, bentonite clay can be found in cleansers and masks.
Which Fleur & Bee products have it?
- Detox mask Shop Prince Charcoal →
TLC for Your Skin
Next time you’re shopping for skin care products, bring this list along! These 20 ingredients are sure to help you get your glow on and cultivate a healthy, radiant complexion long-term.
