Why "Natural" Skincare Labels Can Be Misleading + The Natural In…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Is natural skincare always better? NYC dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry explains that when it comes down to it, it's really all about the actual ingredients in the product—not a "natural" or "clean" label.
"Natural skincare is great, but everything that's natural isn't safe. So these terms 'natural' and 'safe,' they're not regulated by the FDA. While plants have amazing, powerful ingredients that make fantastic skincare ingredients, they also include chemicals like fragrance, which can lead to allergy [or] irritation and inflammation,” explains Dr. Michelle—so she recommends focusing on the ingredient list instead of the label.
So what ingredients should you be looking for? Here are some of Dr. Michelle's favorite natural ingredients:
1. Bakuchiol
"We often call it the green retinoid. It's a fantastic natural alternative to retinol," Dr. Michelle explains.
2. Glycolic Acid
"Glycolic acid is essentially cane sugar acid. It is well tolerated by the skin because it's both an exfoliant and hydrating," she says.
3. Azelaic Acid
"Azelaic Acid has become more popular over the years. It's made from wheat or rye or barley and it helps to treat acne, but it also helps to take care of those dark spots. And it's really safe. It's one of the few medications that even in the prescription form we can use during pregnancy and while a woman is lactating," Dr. Michelle says.
4. Niacinamide
"Niacinamide is essentially Vitamin B3. And what's great about that is it's very soothing for the skin, but it also helps to block pigment formation, so it's going to help to get rid of those dark spots and even out the skin tone, plus help to give your skin that radiances, that luminosity," she explains.
Want More?
Get Our Best Recipes, Life Hacks, DIY Ideas & More… Delivered Right to Your Inbox
By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from the “Rachael Ray” show