There are millions of beauty products and treatments out there on the market, but very few of those are entirely natural or at the very least, minimally processed. There are fewer still of these natural beauty products that actually work as they’re intended.

However, with many people looking to live more eco-friendly lifestyles and becoming aware of the potential health risks of certain cosmetics and toiletries on their skin, natural alternatives to beauty products and treatments are in higher demand than ever. If your clients are looking for natural alternatives to traditional beauty treatments, here are a few that actually work.

Natural Beauty Alternatives

Essential oils instead of perfumes

Most of us like to smell good but highly-processed perfumes contain chemical compounds that don’t agree with everyone. Perfume can cause headaches in some people, as well as rashes and other allergic reactions such as sneezing and eye-watering.

Essential oils on the other hand are entirely natural as they’re derived from herbs, plants and fruit, meaning they’re less likely to cause an immune response. They’re also longer-lasting and less expensive, meaning they’re a win-win if your clients are looking for a natural fragrance option.

Tan accelerators instead of sunbeds

Many people love to have that sunkissed look, which isn’t always easy to achieve when you live in the UK and don’t see much sunshine!

As a result, many people turn to sunbeds to help them get that glow but the dangers of sunbeds are well documented and we all need to be aware of the risks of skin cancer from too much sun exposure. Using tan accelerators can help clients to achieve the golden glow they’re looking for with less exposure to harmful rays, which means you get a happy client with less damage to their skin.

Castor oil for eyelashes

Castor oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is full of nutrients like proteins, minerals and fatty acids. It also contains Vitamin E and Ricinoleic Acid, which promotes hair growth, making it perfect for use on eyelashes and eyebrows.

Unlike chemical alternatives, Castor oil is natural so is safe to use around the delicate eye area. You can apply it directly to clients’ lashes using a mascara wand and leave it overnight for best results before wiping it off with their usual makeup remover.

Aloe Vera for skin hydration

Aloe vera is well known for its protective and soothing properties and is often included as an ingredient in many beauty and skincare products such as aftersun lotion. However, you can also use aloe vera on its own to soothe irritated skin and heal minor skin complaints such as acne, burns, rashes and small cuts.

Aloe vera is also great for dry or sensitive skin as it hydrates without clogging pores.

Apple cider vinegar for acne

If you have a client who struggles with spotty skin and is looking for a more natural way to deal with outbreaks, apple cider vinegar could be the solution.

Apple cider vinegar is packed with malic acid, which gently exfoliates skin to eliminate dead cells, clear out clogged pores and promote new growth. Be sure to dilute your apple cider vinegar first to avoid irritation.

For a client with oily skin, go for half water, and half vinegar, whereas a client with normal or combination skin should have a more diluted formula of two parts water, and one part apple cider vinegar.