Cosmetics, body and skin care

Most cosmetic products are made from synthetic ingredients, so don't assume that 'natural' skin care products or shampoos are completely plant-based.

Synthetic surfactants used in personal care products can be costly and energy intensive to produce. Surfactants give a product the ability to lift dirt from surfaces, such as the human skin or textiles. Surfactants also act as a thickening agent.

However, these functions can be performed equally well by more sustainable, plant-based alternatives.

Plant extracts can be used either in small quantities as functional additives or in larger quantities to form the base of the product.

For example, many skin creams contain extracts from plants believed to have healing, soothing or anti-microbial effects. Other products such as moisturisers may use plant oils as one of their main components.

Here we have listed a selection of products that contain plant-derived ingredients.

Products and suppliers

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