Unlike most skin care trends, elemental skin care is pretty straightforward. More and more specialists have been pushing skin care regimens that rely on basic elements like clay, charcoal and algae since they’re not rejected by our bodies unlike artificial ingredients.
Elemental skin care focuses on natural substances derived from the elements, namely fire, water, earth and air. Not only are these core ingredients natural antioxidants, they’re pretty adaptable. An elemental skin care routine can produce surprising results and is perfect if you’re already on board the clean beauty bandwagon.
But elemental skin care is hardly new. We’ve all been practicing it in some form or another since plant-, earth- and sea-based ingredients are frequent nontoxic go-tos for those brands in the organic beauty space. Plus, most of us use some form of clay or seaweed in our weekly masking sessions.
Going elemental is elementary. Here are some products to get you started.
Should You Invest in Elemental Skin Care?
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Origins
Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder to Clear Pores, $30 at Origins
Origins is one of the brands known for its element-driven products. This cleansing powder has ultra absorbent bamboo charcoal to draw out deep-seated debris and impurities.
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Mario Badescu
Seaweed Night Cream, $22 at Ulta Beauty
Marine extracts are famous for their detoxifying properties and seaweed is an incredible, mineral-rich hydrating agent. This cream's a bit thick, but it absorbs into your skin very fast, making it an ideal overnight treatment.
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Kiehl's
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $35 at Nordstrom
This cleansing mask has bentonite clay to unclog pores, reduce oiliness and give you an even complexion. It's also very gentle so you can use it twice a week.
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Boscia
Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $34 at Sephora
Boscia's plant-to-bottle formulas have received a lot of praise. One of the best peel-off masks on the market, this product has activated charcoal and vitamin C and is a good option for dull, lifeless skin. It even visibly reduces pores.
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Sunday Riley
A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, $85 at Sunday Riley
Blue-green algae boosts cell turnover, which makes it a perfect supplement for aging skin. This acclaimed advanced-strength serum works to reduce fine lines and gives you an even skin tone. It's also a great product for sun-damaged skin.
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Fresh
Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion, $36 at Sephora
Umbrian clay adjusts your skin's pH levels. Plus, this oil-free, light lotion regulates sebum production.
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Ren Clean Skincare
Atlantic Kelp and Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Toning Body Oil, $50 at DermStore
This anti-fatigue body oil doesn't just nourish your skin, it's also a great after-work pick-me-up. Microalgae is a powerhouse ingredient full of moisture and nutrients that softens and detoxifies aging skin.
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Nannette de Gaspé
Vitality Revealed Neck Treatment, $100 at Nannette de Gaspé
This dry mask has spirulina, a blue-green algae that has retinol-like properties. It has two forms of hyaluronic acid so it works wonders on parched complexions.
