Totally Natural Skincare: The Complete Guide to Truly Clean, Plant-Powered Beauty
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As more people step away from harsh, synthetic-heavy cosmetics and look towards cleaner, simpler, botanical alternatives, the concept of totally natural skincare has surged in popularity. But what exactly makes skincare “totally natural”? How can you tell if a product genuinely uses nature-led ingredients rather than simply applying the word “natural” as marketing decoration? And most importantly, how do you build an effective skincare routine that achieves real results using only clean, skin-friendly formulations?
In this in-depth guide, we explore what totally natural skincare really means, why it matters, how to structure a routine from start to finish, and which products genuinely qualify — not because they market themselves as natural, but because they use the earth’s most effective plant ingredients without unnecessary synthetics.
With SOHO Brands’ curated range of clean British skincare — including brands like Thunderbird, Balmonds, and UpCircle — building a totally natural skincare routine has never been easier. Below, we walk through everything you need to know to make the switch with confidence.
What Does “Totally Natural Skincare” Actually Mean?
The phrase “totally natural skincare” is often thrown around loosely, but in practice, it refers to a specific and intentional type of formulation. A totally natural skincare routine prioritises:
1. Ingredients from natural, plant-based sources
This includes plant oils, root extracts, fruit acids, hydrosols, clays, butters, waxes, and botanical antioxidants.
2. Minimal processing
The closer an ingredient is to its original state — cold-pressed, steam-distilled, gently extracted — the more nutrients it retains.
3. Avoidance of unnecessary synthetic additives
Products labelled as totally natural typically avoid:
- Artificial fragrance
- Synthetic preservatives where possible
- Petrochemicals
- SLS/SLES
- Parabens
- Silicones
- Mineral oils
- Harsh alcohols
4. Skin-barrier respect
Totally natural skincare is often chosen by people with sensitive or easily irritated skin because it avoids the very additives most likely to cause redness, dryness, or flare-ups.
5. Biocompatibility
Natural ingredients often mimic the skin’s own lipids and nutrients, meaning they integrate more smoothly with the skin barrier to strengthen rather than strip.
In short, totally natural skincare is about using ingredients your skin can recognise, accept and benefit from long term.
Why Choose Totally Natural Skincare?
People make the switch to totally natural skincare for many reasons, but the most common include:
1. Reducing irritation
Those dealing with eczema, dryness, dermatitis or general sensitivity often find natural formulas far easier on the skin.
2. Cleaner lifestyle choices
Consumers increasingly want ethical, environmentally responsible skincare without unnecessary chemicals.
3. More sustainable ingredients
Natural skincare brands such as Thunderbird, Balmonds and UpCircle prioritise minimal waste, eco-friendly packaging, and cruelty-free sourcing.
4. Long-term skin health
Cleaner ingredients support the skin barrier rather than disrupt it, contributing to healthier, calmer and more resilient skin long term.
5. Results without compromise
Natural skincare doesn’t mean “basic” or “ineffective”. Many natural actives — fruit acids, antioxidants, plant oils, herbal extracts — deliver exceptional results with less irritation.
How to Build a Totally Natural Skincare Routine
A completely natural routine follows the same foundational structure as any good skincare ritual, but every step must be rooted in gentle, clean, botanical formulas.
Below is a full guide following the structure you’ve used previously — clear sections, practical explanations, and product recommendations from your listed items.
Step 1: Totally Natural Cleansing — The Starting Point for Healthy Skin
Cleansing is the foundation of every routine. A totally natural cleanser should remove dirt, SPF, and daily build-up without stripping the skin’s oils or disrupting the microbiome.
Many conventional cleansers include sulphates, synthetic fragrances and strong detergents — all of which can irritate the skin.
Recommended Natural Cleanser:
UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E
This completely natural cleansing balm gently dissolves makeup, pollution residues and SPF while nourishing the skin with antioxidant-rich oils and vitamin E. It is made from repurposed beauty industry ingredients — including upcycled plant oils — supporting both skin health and sustainability.
Why it works in a totally natural skincare routine:
- No SLS
- No artificial fragrance
- Completely plant-based
- Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
Massage into dry skin, remove with warm water and a soft cloth, and enjoy a hydrated, clean base.
Step 2: Natural Moisture Balance — Keeping the Barrier Strong
Hydration is essential for a functional, healthy skin barrier. Many synthetic moisturisers rely on silicones or paraffin, which sit on the surface rather than nourish the deeper layers.
Recommended Natural Moisturiser:
UpCircle Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E
This lightweight, totally natural moisturiser uses aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E to hydrate, soften and protect the skin. Its botanical blend supports a smoother texture without clogging pores or causing sensitivities.
Key benefits:
- Natural antioxidants support a healthy glow
- Plant oils strengthen the skin barrier
- Suitable for all skin types
This is a perfect daily option for anyone committed to totally natural skincare.
Step 3: Natural Treatment Balms and Creams — Targeted, Botanical Skin Solutions
Totally natural skincare isn’t limited to simple hydration. It can also provide deep repair, relief for inflamed skin, and treatment for long-term conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.
SOHO Brands stocks several British natural balms and creams that offer exceptional barrier repair without any synthetic additives.
Thunderbird: Powerful, Wild-Crafted Natural Skincare
Thunderbird focuses entirely on natural, wild-crafted ingredients designed to support the skin’s healing and regeneration processes.
Recommended Balm:
This totally natural balm is formulated for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and dry or compromised skin. Made with plant oils, botanical extracts and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it soothes irritation and supports barrier recovery.
Why it stands out:
- 100% botanical formulation
- Designed for highly sensitive skin
- Offers deep moisture without petroleum or synthetic waxes
Recommended Cream:
For those who prefer a cream texture, this rescue formula offers hydration, barrier repair and redness reduction using only natural ingredients. It’s especially helpful for irritated or inflamed skin that cannot tolerate chemical-heavy products.
Balmonds: Natural Skincare for Deep Nourishment and Repair
Balmonds specialises in plant-based products for sensitive, eczema-prone and allergy-prone skin. Their formulas are widely recommended by dermatologists, parents, and people seeking totally natural solutions.
Recommended Hand Cream:
This fragrance-free, totally natural hand cream is packed with hemp seed oil, shea butter and chamomile extract to hydrate and protect dry, cracked or over-washed hands. Perfect for those with eczema on the hands or anyone who needs gentle, non-irritating care.
Recommended Treatment Oil:
Balmonds Scar & Stretch Mark Oil
A soft, nourishing oil designed to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven texture. Made with rosehip oil, olive oil and natural vitamin E, this is a totally natural option for people who want a gentle but effective treatment oil without synthetic fragrances or mineral oils.
Why Totally Natural Skincare Works So Well
There are many reasons people find natural skincare more compatible with their skin. Here are the main advantages:
1. Natural Oils Mimic the Skin’s Own Lipids
Plant oils such as hemp seed, jojoba, rosehip and safflower match the structure of human sebum, making them more easily absorbed than petroleum-derived alternatives.
Benefits:
- Improved hydration
- Softer texture
- Stronger barrier function
This is why products such as Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream and Thunderbird Skin Rescue Balm are so effective on extremely dry or inflamed skin.
2. Fewer Irritants, More Skin-Friendly Ingredients
Totally natural skincare avoids synthetic fragrances — one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis. It also avoids sulphates, parabens, silicones and other additives that can trigger reactions.
This makes it highly suitable for:
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Sensitive skin
- Rosacea
- Allergy-prone skin
3. Natural Actives Deliver Strong Results Without Harshness
Fruit acids, botanical antioxidants, herbal extracts and natural vitamins are powerful yet gentler than many synthetic equivalents.
Natural actives can:
- Brighten the skin
- Reduce pigmentation
- Support wound healing
- Reduce inflammation
- Strengthen the skin barrier
4. Environmentally Kind, Ethically Produced
Totally natural skincare often uses:
- Biodegradable formulas
- Recyclable packaging
- Cruelty-free testing
- Sustainable sourcing
Brands like UpCircle even repurpose waste ingredients, such as coffee grounds and fruit seeds, reducing environmental impact.
Example of a Totally Natural Skincare Routine
Below is a full routine using your listed products, showing how they work together in daily practice.
Morning Routine
1. Cleanse
UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E
Gently removes impurities without stripping the skin.
2. Moisturise
UpCircle Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E
Lightweight hydration enhanced with plant oils and antioxidants.
3. Treat as needed
For irritation, dryness, or eczema patches:
- Thunderbird Rescue Cream
- Thunderbird Skin Rescue Balm
For scars or uneven texture:
- Balmonds Scar & Stretch Mark Oil
Evening Routine
1. Cleanse thoroughly
UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E
Removes SPF, pollution, makeup and oils from the day.
2. Treat the skin
Apply treatment oils or balms depending on your needs.
3. Moisturise
Use a balm or cream on areas needing deep hydration or repair:
- Thunderbird Skin Rescue Balm
- Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream (for hands)
Who Benefits Most from Totally Natural Skincare?
Natural skincare is suitable for everyone, but certain individuals benefit especially:
People with dry or sensitive skin
Natural oils provide moisture while avoiding irritants.
People with eczema or dermatitis
Totally natural balms and creams avoid the triggers common in synthetic skincare.
Pregnant women or new mothers
Many prefer natural skincare for its simplicity and safety profile.
Those looking for sustainable, ethical skincare
Natural formulas avoid unnecessary chemicals and often come in recyclable packaging.
Anyone wanting long-term skin health
Totally natural skincare works with the skin barrier, not against it.
Why Buy Totally Natural Skincare from SOHO Brands?
SOHO Brands is dedicated to curating the most effective natural skincare from British, ethically minded companies. Unlike large retailers that mix natural and synthetic products without distinction, SOHO Brands focuses on genuinely natural, minimal-ingredient, barrier-friendly skincare.
We specialise in brands that are often overlooked — such as Thunderbird and Balmonds — but which offer exceptional performance for sensitive and problem-prone skin.
Whether you’re building your first natural skincare routine or transitioning away from synthetic-heavy products, our store provides a trusted collection of clean, effective and totally natural options.
Final Thoughts: Totally Natural Skincare That Supports Your Skin Every Day
Totally natural skincare isn’t a trend — it’s a return to working with the skin using ingredients it recognises. With the right cleansers, moisturisers, balms and oils, you can build a routine that nourishes, strengthens and protects without exposing your skin to unnecessary additives.
The products highlighted throughout this guide — from Thunderbird's botanical rescue formulas to UpCircle’s clean moisturisers and Balmonds’ deeply hydrating treatments — provide everything you need for a genuinely totally natural skincare routine.
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