Beauty From Nature

Sometimes the best ingredients are those that could be grown in your own backyard. Here, the cream of the crop.

Browsing a beauty boutique these days is a lot like strolling through the produce section of your local grocery store. You can now find a bounty of beautifying products boasting fresh-from-the-garden fruits, herbs and veggies. While favorites such as avocado, rosemary and grapefruit have become skin-care staples, you may be surprised to discover carrots, apples and tomatoes in your favorite night cream or hair wash. Here’s a list of “it” ingredients and tell you which products – and spa treatments – you’ll find them in.

Carrots

Are one of the vegetables of the moment, owing to their high level of beta carotene. This mighty antioxidant can aid in the healing of skin damaged by excessive sun exposure. Carrots also work as an antiseptic (so they’re effective in treating breakouts), and carrot oil can be hydrating. My picks for carrots and beta carotene: Naturopathica Carrot Seed Protective Serum for Dry Skin, Dr. Hauschka Hand Cream, Body Bistro Carrot + Sandalwood Eye Butter and Paul Mitchell The Detangler.

Cucumbers

Are the best-known of the “beauty” vegetables – thanks to their effectiveness as an eye de-puffer. It’s more than an old wives’ tale that cold cucumber slices can reduce puffy lids. Cucumber’s cooling, astringent properties also make it a fabulous anti-inflammatory – especially good for sensitive skin. My favorite cucumber finds: Ole Henriksen Balancing Cucumber Skin Tonic, Nature’s Gate Organics cucumber & mint Creamy Shave Gel, June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Masque and Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn and Cucumber with Ester-C

Apples

Contain a potent exfoliator called malic acid. This alpha-hydroxy acid helps slough off dead cells, leaving skin more radiant and evenly toned. Another beauty use for apples comes in the form of cider, which helps eliminate product buildup in hair. Find apple extracts in totally Juicy apple Tingling Peel-Off Masque, Pacifica Apple Pumpkin Renewal & Detoxifying Treatment face mask, Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel AHA Enzyme Treatment and John Masters Organics herbal cider hair rinse & clarifier.

Get Your Greens

For centuries, Europeans have relied on leafy greens for their skin-calming capabilities. It comes as no surprise, then, that modern-day beauty products are being infused with ingredients like lettuce, basic and parsley.

Lettuce

Is one of the top soothers: It’s a mild ingredient known for its cleansing and toning properties. You also can try lettuce in Roger & Gallet Lettuce Gentle Nature Soap.

Basil

Loved for its ability to soothe and calm, is a key ingredient in Jo Malone London Lime, Basil & Mandarin Body Crème, Origins Sensory Therapy Peace of Mind Relaxing massage oil and Clarins “Relax” Body Treatment Oil.

Parsley

Serves myriad uses in addition to being an anti-inflammatory: It’s a deodorant, an anti-acne treatment and a moisturizer for dry hair. Find it in: Boscia Antioxidant Recovery Treatment C, dermalogica environmental control deodorant, Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner and modern organics products mixed greens conditioner.