Introduction

Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion. But not all moisturisers are created equal. While many commercial products rely on synthetic ingredients like silicones and petroleum derivatives, natural ingredients provide deeper nourishment without unwanted side effects. This post explores the science of skin hydration and why plant-based ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba oil are the best choices for your skin.

Understanding Skin Hydration

The outermost layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier that retains moisture and protects against environmental damage. Hydration is maintained through transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the natural process of water evaporating from the skin’s surface. When TEWL increases due to harsh weather, skincare products, or ageing, the skin can become dry, tight, and irritated.

To counteract water loss, skincare products contain three key types of ingredients:

 • Humectants – Attract water into the skin (e.g., aloe vera, glycerin).

 • Emollients – Soften and smooth the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells (e.g., jojoba oil, shea butter).

 • Occlusives – Form a protective layer to prevent moisture loss (e.g., beeswax, cocoa butter).

Natural skincare products often include a combination of these to provide long-lasting hydration without blocking pores or causing irritation.

Why Natural Ingredients Work Best

1. Shea Butter – A Skin-Softening Superfood

Shea butter is an excellent emollient and occlusive that deeply hydrates the skin. It contains essential fatty acids like oleic, stearic, and linoleic acid, which help restore the skin’s barrier function. A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science found that shea butter improves skin elasticity and hydration better than synthetic alternatives (Ghazali et al., 2017).

2. Aloe Vera – A Powerful Natural Humectant

Aloe vera is rich in polysaccharides, which attract moisture to the skin and provide an instant hydration boost. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing dry and sensitive skin. Research in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment has shown that aloe vera enhances wound healing and improves skin moisture levels (Surjushe et al., 2008).

3. Jojoba Oil – Nature’s Closest Match to Skin’s Natural Oils

Jojoba oil is unique because it mimics the skin’s natural sebum, allowing it to balance oil production while providing hydration. Unlike mineral oil, which sits on top of the skin, jojoba oil penetrates deeply, delivering essential nutrients like vitamin E and B-complex vitamins. A study in G Ital Dermatol Venereol found that jojoba oil significantly improves skin barrier function and moisture retention (Pazyar et al., 2013).

How Natural Moisturisers Help with Dry Skin and Eczema

Dry skin is a common issue caused by factors like cold weather, harsh soaps, and a weakened skin barrier. When the skin lacks moisture, it becomes flaky, tight, and more prone to irritation.

For those with eczema (atopic dermatitis), the skin barrier is often compromised, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and heightened sensitivity to allergens. Research in the British Journal of Dermatology has shown that people with eczema have lower levels of ceramides (lipids that help retain moisture), making hydration essential (Chamlin et al., 2002).

Natural Ingredients That Soothe Dry Skin & Eczema

 • Shea Butter – Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, shea butter deeply nourishes dry, irritated skin and forms a protective barrier. Studies suggest it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce itching and redness (Akinmoladun et al., 2020).

 • Chamomile & Calendula – These botanicals contain flavonoids and antioxidants that soothe inflammation and speed up skin healing. Calendula has been found to improve skin hydration and elasticity (Della Loggia et al., 1994).

 • Oat Extract (Colloidal Oatmeal) – Contains beta-glucans, which help lock in moisture and relieve itching. The FDA recognises colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant (Reynertson et al., 2015).

 • Jojoba Oil – Since jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, it helps restore moisture without clogging pores.

 • Aloe Vera – Provides an instant cooling effect and speeds up skin repair.

By choosing natural, plant-based moisturisers, people with dry skin and eczema can avoid harsh chemicals and instead nourish their skin with ingredients that promote long-term healing.

Why Avoid Synthetic Moisturisers?

Many mainstream skincare products rely on synthetic ingredients like silicones, petroleum-based emollients, and parabens to create a smooth feel. However, these ingredients can clog pores, disrupt hormone balance, and fail to provide true hydration. A study in Dermatologic Therapy warned that overuse of synthetic emollients could impair the skin’s natural repair process (Ananthapadmanabhan et al., 2004).

How to Incorporate Natural Hydration into Your Routine

To keep your skin soft and supple, follow these simple steps:

 1. Cleanse with a gentle, natural soap – Avoid sulfates that strip the skin of moisture.

 2. Use a hydrating facial serum – Look for ingredients like squalane, aloe vera, or sea buckthorn oil.

 3. Apply a rich body butter – Shea.Delight’s Whipped Body Butter provides deep nourishment.

 4. Seal in moisture with facial oil – Jojoba or argan oil helps maintain hydration.

 5. Stay hydrated from within – Drink plenty of water and eat omega-rich foods.

Conclusion

Your skin deserves the best, and nature provides the perfect ingredients to keep it hydrated, balanced, and glowing. Unlike synthetic skincare, which can create dependency and irritation, plant-based ingredients work with your skin’s natural processes to enhance long-term hydration. By choosing Shea.Delight’s range of handmade soaps, facial oils, and whipped body butters, you’re not just nourishing your skin—you’re making a conscious choice for a healthier, more sustainable beauty routine.

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References 

 • Akinmoladun, F. O., et al. (2020). ‘Shea butter and its anti-inflammatory properties in dermatology’, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 256, pp. 112783.

 • Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., et al. (2004). ‘Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the role of pH’, Dermatologic Therapy, 17(1), pp. 16-25.

 • Chamlin, S. L., et al. (2002). ‘Ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipids alleviate childhood atopic dermatitis’, British Journal of Dermatology, 147(5), pp. 921-927.

 • Della Loggia, R., et al. (1994). ‘Anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis extract’, Planta Medica, 60(1), pp. 34-37.

 • Ghazali, S. B., et al. (2017). ‘Effect of oil composition on handmade soap characteristics’, Journal of Oleo Science, 66(10), pp. 1049-1056.

 • Pazyar, N., et al. (2013). ‘Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review’, G Ital Dermatol Venereol, 148(6), pp. 687-691.

 • Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. (2008). ‘Aloe vera: A short review’, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 9(2), pp. 90-95.