dried lavender

8 Plants to Grow for Natural Beauty Products

As a passionate gardener, there’s nothing more rewarding than cultivating plants that not only beautify your garden but also contribute to your natural beauty regimen. Growing your own ingredients ensures that you know exactly what goes into your skincare and haircare products, making your beauty routine both sustainable and personal. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, integrating these versatile plants into your garden can transform your beauty routine while adding a touch of nature’s elegance to your outdoor space.

Gardening for beauty products is a fulfilling endeavor that bridges the gap between nature and self-care. It’s such a bummer when store-bought products are filled with unknown chemicals, but by growing your own plants, you gain control over the ingredients you use. I understand the frustration of trying to find high-quality natural products, and that’s why I’m excited to share these ten fantastic plants. Each one offers unique benefits and brings its own charm to your garden, attracting beneficial insects and adding vibrant colors to your landscape. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of garden-grown beauty!

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

lavender plant
Credit: Unsplash

Lavender is a quintessential garden favorite, renowned for its soothing fragrance and versatile uses in beauty products. Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it a perfect addition to sunny garden spots. Not only does it offer beautiful purple blooms that attract bees and butterflies, but it also repels pests like mosquitoes and moths, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. While lavender is generally not considered invasive, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t spread uncontrollably in your garden space.

One of the best things about lavender is its rich array of uses in natural beauty products. The essential oil extracted from its flowers is a staple in aromatherapy, known for its calming and relaxing properties. Additionally, lavender can be used to make homemade soaps, lotions, and hair rinses that leave your skin and hair feeling refreshed and fragrant. The plant’s antibacterial properties make it an excellent ingredient for soothing irritated skin and promoting overall skin health. Plus, the sight of lavender swaying gently in the breeze is a delightful bonus that enhances the beauty of any garden.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

calendula
Credit: Unsplash

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant addition to any garden with its bright orange and yellow flowers. Native to Southwestern Asia, calendula is prized not only for its stunning appearance but also for its medicinal properties. This hardy annual prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. Calendula is not considered invasive, allowing it to coexist harmoniously with other plants in your garden.

In the realm of natural beauty products, calendula is a powerhouse. The petals can be infused into oils to create soothing balms and creams that are perfect for dry or irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make calendula an excellent choice for treating minor cuts, burns, and rashes. Additionally, calendula tea can be used as a gentle facial toner, promoting a healthy complexion. The bright flowers also add a cheerful splash of color to your homemade beauty concoctions, making your skincare routine as delightful as it is effective.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

rosemary plant
Credit: Unsplash

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that brings both culinary and cosmetic benefits to your garden. Originating from the Mediterranean, rosemary thrives in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. This evergreen shrub is not only visually appealing with its needle-like leaves and delicate blue flowers but also plays a vital role in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. While rosemary is not typically invasive, it can spread if not properly maintained, so regular pruning is recommended.

When it comes to natural beauty products, rosemary is incredibly versatile. Its essential oil is commonly used in hair care products to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. Rosemary-infused oils can also be applied to the skin to enhance circulation and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Additionally, the herb’s invigorating scent makes it a popular choice for natural perfumes and body sprays. Growing rosemary in your garden not only provides fresh leaves for your kitchen but also a steady supply of this valuable ingredient for your beauty arsenal.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

lace aloe
credit: unsplash

Aloe vera is a succulent plant celebrated for its healing and moisturizing properties, making it a must-have for any natural beauty garden. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, aloe vera thrives in hot, dry climates and requires minimal water, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking drought-resistant plants. This hardy succulent is non-invasive and can easily be contained within pots or garden beds, ensuring it stays well-behaved in your garden landscape.

The clear gel found within aloe vera leaves is a superstar ingredient in natural beauty products. It is widely used for its soothing effects on sunburns, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Aloe vera gel can be incorporated into homemade moisturizers, face masks, and aftershaves to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling, promoting a calm and healthy complexion. Additionally, aloe vera can be used in hair masks to condition and strengthen hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Cultivating aloe vera in your garden provides a readily available source of this versatile and healing plant.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

harvested chamomile flowers
Credit: Unsplash

Chamomile is a gentle, daisy-like flower that adds a touch of tranquility to any garden. Originally native to Europe and Western Asia, chamomile prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings. This perennial herb attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help maintain a balanced garden ecosystem. Chamomile is not considered invasive, allowing it to coexist peacefully with other plants.

In the beauty world, chamomile is treasured for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea is often used as a natural toner to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. Infusions of chamomile flowers can be added to bathwater for a relaxing and skin-nourishing soak. Additionally, chamomile extracts are used in creams and lotions to promote a healthy and radiant complexion. The sweet, apple-like scent of chamomile also makes it a delightful addition to homemade candles and soaps, enhancing both the sensory and skincare aspects of your beauty routine.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

credit: wikimedia commons

Jojoba is a unique shrub that produces seeds from which jojoba oil is extracted, a highly valued ingredient in natural beauty products. Native to the arid regions of North America, jojoba thrives in hot, dry climates with well-drained soil. This resilient plant is not only drought-tolerant but also non-invasive, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a useful and sustainable plant to their landscape. Jojoba plants can grow into large shrubs, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Jojoba oil is renowned for its moisturizing and balancing properties, making it a staple in skincare and haircare formulations. It closely resembles the natural oils produced by human skin, making it an excellent emollient that absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. Jojoba oil can be used to hydrate dry skin, remove makeup, and condition hair, promoting shine and reducing frizz. Additionally, its long shelf life and stability make it a reliable ingredient for homemade beauty products. Growing jojoba in your garden ensures a steady supply of this precious oil, allowing you to create high-quality, natural beauty solutions tailored to your needs.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

peppermint
Credit: Unsplash

Peppermint is a lively and aromatic herb that brings both sensory and cosmetic benefits to your garden. Originally a hybrid of watermint and spearmint, peppermint thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and can spread rapidly if not contained. While it is a vigorous grower, peppermint is not typically classified as invasive when managed properly with barriers or in containers. Its vibrant green leaves and fragrant aroma make it a refreshing addition to any garden space.

In the realm of natural beauty, peppermint is celebrated for its invigorating and cooling properties. Peppermint essential oil is commonly used in facial cleansers and toners to refresh and revitalize the skin, reducing puffiness and providing a cooling sensation. The oil’s antiseptic properties make it effective in treating acne and other skin blemishes. Additionally, peppermint can be infused into shampoos and conditioners to stimulate the scalp, promote hair growth, and add a pleasant, fresh scent to your haircare routine. Growing peppermint ensures a readily available supply of this versatile herb, enhancing both your garden’s vibrancy and your beauty product creations.

Rose (Rosa spp.)

roses
Credit: Unsplash

Roses are timeless symbols of beauty and grace, making them a beloved choice for gardens and natural beauty enthusiasts alike. With origins tracing back to Asia, Europe, and North America, roses come in countless varieties, each offering unique colors, fragrances, and forms. While some wild rose species can be invasive, many cultivated varieties are well-behaved and can be managed with proper care and maintenance. Roses thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and require regular pruning to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.

The petals of roses are a staple in natural beauty products, prized for their hydrating and soothing properties. Rose water, made by distilling rose petals, is a versatile ingredient used as a facial toner, hydrosol, or in makeup setting sprays. The essential oil extracted from rose petals is highly valued for its luxurious fragrance and its ability to rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines. Additionally, rose petals can be used to create soothing bath blends and aromatic body scrubs that leave the skin feeling soft and refreshed. Growing roses in your garden not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a wealth of natural ingredients for your beauty creations.

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.