It’s not uncommon for you to find ingredients in both the foods you eat and the skincare products you use. Ingredients like coconut, shea butter, olive oil, and certain herbs can be found in your kitchen and your bathroom because of this. While you may recognize the staples for all-natural cosmetics, one ingredient you may not be as familiar with that you can both eat and put on your face is xanthan gum.

Xanthan gum is a very common ingredient in both food and skincare. Most often used as a thickener to bring ingredients together. In food, it helps thicken salad dressing, nut milk, and many different sauces. We’re going to focus on skincare, which creates that luxurious silky feeling on the skin and makes product application a breeze.

We have all taken a moment or two to read the ingredients list on our haircare, makeup, and skincare bottles. For those of us who are skincare junkies, it is no surprise that we do not recognize (and have a hard time pronouncing) certain ingredients. It might leave you a little worried, but some of these mysterious-sounding ingredients can come with some major benefits. For example, if you have seen sodium lauroyl lactylate on the ingredients list of some of your favorite products, there is a reason why. 

Did you know? Cleopatra, an iconic historical figure and literal queen, kept jars of shea butter on hand at all times. If this super ingredient was good enough for her, it’s no wonder why it found its way to the forefront of skincare.

When you think shea butter, a plethora of ingredients could pop into your mind. From soaps to hair products to chapstick, the uses of shea butter can seem nearly endless. That paired with all the benefits of this ingredient makes it a favorite of ours. This all-star ingredient also has a very interesting history.

Even though it has nothing to do with marshmallows, mallow extract is still a pretty sweet ingredient. 

In the dry regions of northern Mexico and the southwest United States grows the jojoba plant. This hearty perennial shrub thrives in harsh, dry climates, yet produces a seed with amazing healing properties and a long list of uses. 

This carrier oil is perfect to mix with other essential oils or used on its own, or can be a star ingredient in cosmetic formulations. That’s why it’s slowly becoming a regular in every skincare junkie’s routine. With evidence showing jojoba oil being used as an effective remedy for acne, dry skin, and tons of other skin conditions, we can’t blame them. 

Those of us who get bored in our showers typically find ourselves reading the ingredients list on the back of our hair care and skincare products. If you’ve found yourself doing this before, you may have stumbled across something called hydrolyzed wheat protein. 

We all know honey as sweet, golden, gooey stuff perfect for tea and baked goods. For those of you who are honey lovers and skincare lovers, we’ve got some great news. Honey is just as good in skincare products as it is in your favorite treats.

Honey, the extract, in particular, boasts several skincare benefits. It’s full of antioxidants, is known as a great moisturizer, and boosts your skin’s radiance. It’s no surprise that this ingredient has been a skincare favorite for literally thousands of years. 

It’s just like Lizzo said, all you need is some coconut oil. 

This amazing ingredient has a rich history, beautiful benefits, and enough uses to where it should be a staple in your everyday routine. From shampoo to lotion to so much more, it’s easy to see how this all-natural ingredient has been a favorite for a long time.

Have you heard of black currant? If you’re in the United States, there’s a good chance you never have. Black currant was eradicated by the US government during the 1920s because it spread a fungus that ruined white pine trees.

Even though black currants aren’t good for white pine trees, they are great for your skin. That’s why this powerful plant is making a comeback.

Did you know that papaya is a fruit and not just something restaurants add to a burger? Well, there are many people who do not. But, thankfully, they now know that this wonderful tropical fruit has so many benefits. Not only does it help with digestion but also has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it is good for your skin and hair.

Read on to discover all the benefits of papaya fruit extract for skin, hair, and more.