A clear complexion is important, but protecting your skin is essential. Before you grab just any skincare product, you’ll want to check the ingredients. Many face washes, creams, and other cosmetics are filled with harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good. In fact, while they could be helping to clear your complexion right now, they could be contributing to serious skin issues you’ll have to deal with later.

Common skincare ingredients like parabens, oxybenzone, and diethanolamine have been found to have negative health effects, while alcohol and fragrance can be drying and irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. These potential side effects can leave you feeling frustrated and defeated when you’re in the midst of an acne breakout. Now more than ever, you need to be careful when choosing what you use on our skin.

Purchasing the right skincare products and practicing the best routine can take some trial and error. However, one thing that’s for sure is that these 7 natural ingredients are your friend when it comes to achieving clearer skin.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is widely used in skincare products because of its many beneficial properties. First of all, it’s an antioxidant which means it can help prevent premature aging. It is also thought to have antibacterial properties which can help fight bacteria found on the skin, and in turn, breakouts. It’s also moisturizing and packed with vitamins which can help with a variety of skin conditions.

Green Tea Extract

If you’ve suffered from acne, you know breakouts can be irritating and painful. That’s where green tea extract comes in. Many skincare products include green tea for acne because it’s an anti-inflammatory which can help soothe flare-ups. Additionally, green tea includes high levels of antioxidants which can help protect the skin from UV rays and sun damage.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps protect the skin from free radicals like sun exposure and air pollution, both of which can take a serious toll on your skin. Additionally, because it assists with cellular restoration, it can be beneficial to those with acne scarring. Like green tea extract, vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory and can provide soothing effects to irritated skin.

Aloe Vera

You’re likely most familiar with aloe vera as a post-sunburn treatment that you rely on to prevent peeling and provide cooling relief. But did you know aloe vera can help moisturize dry skin while providing these same healing benefits? Because of these qualities it is also recommended for people with sensitive skin who might need to avoid certain ingredients.

While it’s great to use it in your skincare products, you can also use an actual aloe plant to create your very own DIY exfoliator with olive oil and brown sugar. Or, freeze it and use it as a calming treatment for especially angry breakouts.

Zinc

Not only advantageous to take zinc for your immune system, but it’s also a powerful ingredient for treating moderate-to-severe acne and other skin conditions. This is because zinc is beneficial in fighting bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. While zinc can be used in oral acne medications for severe cases, it’s also often found in topical treatments.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can be beneficial for those with mind acne because it can help reduce oil production that causes your face to look shiny and your skin to be more prone to breakouts. Like many other natural ingredients it’s also has anti-inflammatory qualities. When used topically, it can also help maintain the skin’s protective barrier and reduce the development or severity of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and moisturizing, making it a well-rounded skincare ingredient. As such, it can help reduce oil production while also preventing your skin from becoming dry. It also has wound-healing abilities, so jojoba oil can help treat acne scarring from previous breakouts.

When shopping for skincare products, keep these natural ingredients in mind to ensure that you are choosing something that will help, not hinder, your skin’s progress. The same can also be said if you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation that will help hide breakouts and scarring. You don’t have to choose something that’s going to suffocate your skin and exacerbate your condition. By educating yourself and carefully reading labels you can find a skincare lineup that will help you achieve the complexion you desire.