Applying the principles of modern phytotherapy and botanical pharmacology, we use ingredients that transform the skin and restore radiance through special focus on antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

Arnica

(Arnica montana)

 

arnica flower as skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: Flowers

 

Constituents: essential oils, fatty acids, sesquiterpene lactones (0.2%-0.8%, helenalin), volatile oil (thymol), flavanone glycosides, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans, pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

 

Actions: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and activity. Stimulant to aid wound healing and bruising. For external use only.

 

Uses: Arnica has been used on the skin for centuries to minimize pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation of the skin. The sesquiterpene lactones have a well-documented anti-inflammatory effect, which help to reduce skin inflammation and puffiness.


Ashwagandha

(Withania somnifera)

 

ashwagandha flower and leaf as skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: Root & leaf

 

Constituents: Steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), sitoinosides, alkaloids.

 

Actions: adaptogen, rejuvenating, nervous system tonic, sedative, immuno-modulator, anti-inflammatory

 

Uses: Ashwaganda is an important plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Ashwagandha is a rasayana, a plant that promotes longevity and vitality. It's used for managing stress and anxiousness through promoting healthy cortisol levels. It also supports mental clarity, improves memory and healthy cognitive function.

 

In skincare, it helps to minimize free-radical damage and signs of premature aging due to its high antioxidant content. It has been shown to inhibit activity of the enzymes that breakdown collagen and hyaluronic acid.


Astaxanthin

(Haematococcus pluvialis)

 

astaxanthin showing sea wave

 

What is it? Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant with a deep red pigment that falls into the category of carotenoids.

 

Carotenoids are a group of over 700 fat-soluble pigments that give the brilliant yellow and red colors to fruits, vegetables and leaves. Astaxanthin sourced from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.

 

Uses: Astaxanthin is more powerful that vitamin C for quenching free radicals and protecting the skin from sun damage and environmental pollution. Clinical studies show it has potent anti-wrinkle and anti-oxidant effects.

 

Astaxanthin keeps the skin moisturized, smooth and supple. This carotenoid has potent anti-inflammatory properties, it minimizes hyperpigmentation and inhibits melanin synthesis. It helps to repair damaged collagen and reduces the activity of the enzymes that break down collagen fibers.


Astragalus

(Astragalus membranaceus)

 

astragalus leaves as skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: Root

 

Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, phytosterols.

 

Actions: adaptogen, immuno-modulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective.

 

Uses: Astragalus is one of the most important herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It's valued for its ability to strengthen Qi (the immune system). It's an energy tonic that improves physical endurance by helping the body adapt to external stress. Based on existing studies and clinical practice, astragalus has good potential for broad application in aging and aging-related diseases.

 

The polysaccharides in astragalus help with wound healing, inhibit inflammation, and improve blood flow. Astragalus may help chronic inflammatory skin conditions and photoaging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.


Calendula

(Calendula officinalis)

 

Calendula flower as skincare ingredient

Parts used: Flowers

 

Constituents: saponins, flavonoids, resins, essential oils, carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene).

 

Actions: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, lymphatic, vulnerary.

 

Uses: Calendula is emollient, soothing and astringent. Its used for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The flower is used for minor skin wounds, cracked skin, sunburn, bruising, rashes, diaper rash, eczema, and psoriasis. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) monograph lists it's therapeutic indications for minor inflammation of the skin and mucosa, and as an aid for healing minor wounds.


Coenzyme Q10

(Ubiquinone)

 

co enzyme q10 as skincare ingredient picture shows a drop of oil on a styled petri dish

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat soluble compound that is found in all cells. It is essential for cellular energy production and functions like regeneration, repair, and detoxification.

 

It is well-studied and has decades of research supporting its use in skincare and its effects on premature ageing. Studies show that CoQ10 combats signs of ageing at the cellular level. Benefits include reduced sun and oxidative damage, collagen and elastin support, smooths and evens skin tone, soothes red and inflamed skin, and improves skin hydration.


Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale)

 

dandelion flowers and leaves as a skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: root, stem, leaves, and flowers

 

Constituents: polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, sesquiterpene lactones.

 

Actions: nutritive, bitter tonic, hepatic and digestive stimulant, diuretic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

 

Uses: Dandelion has been used as a food and a medicinal plant for much of recorded history. It's a rich source of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The roots, leaves, and flowers are all edible.

 

Dandelion is a potent protective agent against UVB damage and cellular aging through reducing oxidative stress. The high polyphenol content contributes to the plant's protective role against UV damage. Dandelion supports skin hydration and elasticity and protects collagen due to its high antioxidant levels.


Echinacea

(Echinacea purpurea)

 

echinacea flowers as a skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: Root

 

Constituents: Glycosides (echinacoside, isochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid), polysaccharides, flavonoids.

 

Actions: immunomodulator, lymphatic, antimicobial, anti-inflammatory, alterative, vulnerary.

 

Uses: Echinacea was used by the Indigenous people of western North America long before the introduction of European medicine. It's known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

The plant has significant anti-inflammatory actions and has the ability to improve the skin's lipid barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces the signs of fine lines. The flavonoids and phenols have anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activity.


Gingko

(Gingko biloba)

 

gingko biloba  leaves as a skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: Leaves

 

Constituents: Polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, ascorbic acid, catechin.

 

Actions: neuroprotecive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nutritive.

 

Uses: In skincare, ginkgo offers potent antioxidant protection, and skin soothing, smoothing, and moisturizing effects. It inhibits the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of hyaluronic acid and elastin in the skin.

 

Ginkgo is a potent anti-inflammatory, making it a powerful ally in acne, eczema, and other skin conditions where redness and irritation are present. The leaves contain high concentrations of flavonoids and terpenoids, making ginkgo extracts one of the top antioxidant ingredients in skin care due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.


Milk Thistle

(Silybum marianum)

 

Milk Thistle as a skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: seeds, leaves.

 

Constituents: flavanolignan (silymarin), flavonoids, volatile oil, mucilage.

 

Actions: Cholagogue, hepatic, hepatoprotective, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory.

 

Uses: Milk thistle is a potent antioxidant that has skin protective activity. Studies show that the flavanolignans slow the effects of the enzymes that breakdown elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.

 

The flavanolignan silymarin, is an effective agent for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing.


Nettles

(Urtica dioica)

 

Nettles leaves as a skincare ingredient

 

Parts used: leaves, roots, and seeds.

 

Constituents: acids, lignans, flavonoids, sterols.

 

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hemostatic, detoxifier, vasodilator, nutritive, astringent.

 

Uses: Nettle leaves are a nutritional powerhouse and rich in vitamins C, B2, K1, carotenoids, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron, as well essential fatty acids and chlorophyll.

 

The leaves contain phytochemicals that inhibit the enzymes, elastase and collagenase, both which breakdown elastin and collagen in the skin. The plant has skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to soothe red, irritated, and rough skin.

 

The European Medicines Agency lists the therapeutic uses of nettles in chronic red and irritated skin conditions.

Plantain

(Plantago lanceolata)

 

Plantain leaves as a skincare ingredient

Plantain is used to treat irritated and inflamed skin. The leaves are approved by the German Commission E for skin inflammation. It is indicated for use in acne due to its anti-bacterial activity and it helps to prevent scarring by regenerating new tissue cells quickly. The plant also accelerates the healing of wounds.


Olive Squalane 

 

olive leaves and fruit depicting olive-derived squalane as a skincare ingredient

Olive-derived squalane instantly hydrates skin and locks in moisture. It helps to reduce signs of redness and irritation and leaves the skin smooth and soft. It is non-comedogenic, helps with balancing sebum production and helps with congestion in acne prone skin. It helps to slow down transepidermal water loss making the complexions look hydrated, nourished and radiant.


Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

 

Petri dish with a drop of oil in it representing Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

This amino acid is a major component of collagen and it plays a key role in collagen and elastin formation and stability. It functions as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and helps to reduce the signs of premature ageing, while keeping the skin supple and firm.


Date palm

(Phoenix Dactylyfera)

 

Date palm tree depicting date palm extract as a skincare ingredient

This patented active extract is clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It has free radical scavenging properties, helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function, and increases Type I collagen synthesis. It improves skin elasticity, pigmentation, redness and hydration. Date palm contains phenolic phytochemicals which have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.


Chia seeds

(Salvia hispanica)

 

chia seeds in jar representing chia seed oil as a skincare ingredient

High in Omega 3 fatty acids, chia seed oil keeps skin hydrated and supple. Omega-3s help control inflammation and keep skin smooth and free of redness and irritation. Oil from the tiny seeds is highly nutritive, a powerful antioxidant, and essential for preventing Tran-Epidermal Water Loss and maintaining hydrated, healthy skin.


Vitamin C

(Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate) 

 

Vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate depicted by a dropper dropping oil onto a Petri dish
The oil soluble and stable form of vitamin C is known for its superior skin penetration. It is a potent antioxidant that encourages collagen production and prevents its breakdown. It helps to diminish the signs of aging through helping to even out skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation. 

Schizandra

(Schizandra sphenanthera)

 

Schisandra fruit on a tree as an ingredient used in skincare
Schizandra has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogen and longevity tonic. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and helps to improve overall skin health. Its anti-oxidant properties help to protect the skin from environmental pollution and external stressors.

Hibiscus

(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

 

pink hibiscus flowers on a stalk as a skincare ingredient
Hibiscus contains a phytochemical called myricetin which is partly responsible for preserving elastin in the skin. The botanical is also a source of alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate the skin and help to break down the protein bonds between skin cells, allowing the process of desquamation to happen at a normal rate.