When you look at the ingredient labels on some of your favorite natural skin care products, you'll likely see many ingredients you recognize from your pantry.

For good reason: Many of the same foods that you use to nurture your body are healthy when applied topically as well.

So if you're looking to experiment with a new Sunday night mask or DIY your own body oil, you'll likely find what you need right at home—or with a quick grocery store run.

Honey (or even better: Manuka honey) is one of the most multifunctional items in your kitchen. With regards to skin care, research has found that raw, organic honey has antimicrobial properties1, can help heal skin wounds, and is anti-inflammatory.

This trendy household staple is used for everything from natural lip glosses and hair masks to and oil for the ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. The oil is rich2 in fatty acids, which give it antibacterial properties, help your skin boost collagen production3, and can help improve4 moisture levels and the barrier function5.

People also love it because they find it absorbs easier than other, thicker oils (there's likely some truth there: It's a monounsaturated fat, which has higher permeability rates for the dermis6). However, coconut oil has also been found to be comedogenic—pore-clogging—in some patients. It's also very high in lauric acid, which can accumulate in the top layer of the skin without penetrating, leaving the skin drier over time if used too much. 

Olive oil is high in vitamin E7, an oil-soluble antioxidant that is often used in anti-aging products. When applied topically, this can help reduce oxidative stress8 on the skin and hair.

The vitamin E also makes it incredibly anti-inflammatory for skin9 experiencing free-radical damage from sun exposure, according to a study. However, studies do show that regular application can exacerbate eczema10, if you are prone to the skin disorder.

Rich in triglycerides2, shea butter is an excellent emollient and can help skin reduce moisture loss. Shea butter extract has also been shown11 to be anti-inflammatory11, and one study even suggests it has similar topical effects as ceramides12, an ingredient often used in luxe skin care products. 

This is the classic go-to for sunburns and soothing gels for a reason13. It is high in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, which help reduce damage done by free radicals; it also contains inflammation-reducing enzymes. But the reason most people love it is how easily it sinks into skin (which is likely due to the high water content; the gel is about 90% water).

Oat, oat extract, and colloidal oat is a favorite ingredient in sensitive skin care products14, as it is found to be very calming for irritated skin15. Research shows that this is due to its anti-inflammatory properties16, as well as antihistamine effects, which is why it's so often used to soothe atopic allergic reactions.

This mealtime essential is a skin care savior17 thanks to the plethora of waxes, minerals, proteins, and vitamins—with studies suggesting it can be a nourishing antioxidant18 treat for the skin. Also of note: Avocado oil, which is extracted from the pulp, has been shown to increase collagen synthesis19 in one study19. 

Studies have shown that this will likely be one of your best natural options for improving barrier function20: The oil, high in linoleic acid18, improves skin's hydration and lipid synthesis, without causing irritation. It's also shown to be noncomedogenic.

There might not be as much research for the vegetable's skin care benefits, but there is a reason it's used so often in spas: It can be highly soothing for tired or inflamed skin. Not only is the high water content hydrating, but studies suggest the other nutrients in the juice can help reduce swelling21 as well.

Here's a great body moisturizer: The emollient has been shown in one study to help reduce the appearance and formation of stretch marks22. It's been shown to have photo-protective effects23 on the skin as well, as it can help reduce the damage of photo-aging.

Fermented dairy products contain lactic acid, a favorite among estheticians and dermatologists due to its gentle exfoliation and hydration properties. They also contain tons of good-for-your-skin-microbiome probiotics, which recent research shows can be beneficial for acne-prone skin when taken orally or even topically. The combo of these two actives makes for a great skin treatment: One study found that natural yogurt masks improved the moisture24, elasticity, and brightness of the skin.

This oil is best known as hair care favorite—anecdotally many claim it encourages hair growth; however, there's no research to support this. Regardless, it's a great moisturizer for hair and body as it has humectant properties (as a reminder, humectants pull in water).

Roses are perhaps not part of your regular rotation, but if you happen to get a bouquet, it will make a decadent rose water, which you can use as a hydrating toner pre-oil or throughout the day as a mist, the latter of which was studied in 2014, and the researchers found that mists can act as an effective moisturizer throughout the day.