Natural wonders

Many of us use products that say they are 'natural' or 'organic' without realising that they too can make our skin react badly - or do nothing for it at all.

So how can we maintain a commitment to natural products and still enjoy clear, radiant and younger-looking skin?

It all comes down to understanding the ingredients - how they work and whether those listed as natural and organic are proven effective, according to beauty insiders.

'While it's important to have a good understanding of proven ingredients that can deliver results, it's also important to be aware of those that are ineffective or harmful to the skin,' says Samantha Arnold, Aromatherapy Associates' regional vice-president for Asia, who also advises using the INCI, or International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Ingredients list, to decipher labels.

As consumers become more aware of what goes into their favourite creams and serums, skincare companies are at pains to deliver the latest, naturally derived concepts that work.

Here are some of the most trusted, proven and newest ones available.

Considered an unrivalled hydrator that occurs naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid - also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate - is mentioned time and again as the go-to ingredient if you want a younger-looking complexion.