Active Clay Cleanser
Aloe Vera
Regarded as the “plant of immortality” by the Egyptians, aloe vera has been prized for centuries for its soothing and healing properties. Aloe vera leaf gel contains over 75 active ingredients and has been found to have moisturizing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating properties. Most of its functionality is believed to result from the synergistic action of various polysaccharides and phytosterols, which attract water and form a protective barrier over the skin to moisturize, reduce flakiness and restore suppleness to the skin.
Coconut Cleansing Complex
Coco Glucoside: A sugar — and coconut—derived natural surfactant ideal for use in gentle cleansing formulas for sensitive skin. It helps remove water-based impurities and effectively cleanses the skin without over-drying while leaving the epidermis cleansed and balanced.
Decyl Glucoside: An EcoCert surfactant derived from sugar, used in cleanser formulas to help gently remove water-soluble impurities without irritating or over-drying the skin.
Moringa seed oil
A light oil rich in antioxidants, moringa oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its high oleic acid content makes it an excellent moisturizer for dry and mature skin types to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also provides excellent "slip" in cleansing products, making for a luxurious usage experience. More generally, moringa oil's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities make it suitable for all skin types.
Glycerin
Vegetable-derived glycerin is used to attract and trap water, contributing to a better "skin feel" and making products more spreadable in cosmetic formulas. Glycerin effectively hydrates the skin and is not to be overlooked as a key addition in formulas developed to hydrate the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
A vegetable co-emulsifier derived from reacting glycerin and steric acid. Glyceryl Stearate helps stabilize cosmetic formulas and contributes to a good skin feel after use.
Stearic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid found in vegetables is used to help stabilize and thicken cosmetic emulsions and to improve skin feel.
Cetyl alcohol
A plant-derived fatty alcohol not to be confused with ethanol (regular alcohol), which can be drying and irritating on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is a waxy substance that allows products to spread with ease. It also functions as an emollient (a skin-conditioning agent) and an emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic formulas.
Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Esters
Technically a liquid wax, jojoba seed oil helps moisturize without clogging pores, as it is very similar to the skin’s own sebum.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark
Since willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy-acid or BHA), it is oil soluble, allowing the salicylic acid to penetrate the skin and dissolve pore-clogging oils by means of exfoliation. This helps minimize the appearance of pores and keep breakouts at bay without the irritation typically associated with BHA. Willow bark extract also exhibits antimicrobial activity.
Honeysuckle
A natural preservative derived from honeysuckle flowers; prevents microbial growth and ensures that water-based cosmetic formulas are effective, stable and safe to use for their entire shelf life.
Hibiscus
Contains naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs), including pyruvic acid. Since pyruvic acid is rapidly absorbed by the skin, it works well to reduce sebum production, stimulate collagen production and exfoliate the skin. Together, these properties stimulate cell turnover without the irritation and burning sensation typically associated with AHA use. Hibiscus extract helps to stimulate collagen production and even out the skin tone, while simultaneously reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping to prevent the formation of acne. Finally, hibiscus extract is hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts and holds water molecules to effectively moisturize the skin.
St. John’s Wort
This concentrated herbal oil contains flavonoids (antioxidants found in plants) which help to soothe and protect skin while plumping and hydrating. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Papaya
The functionality of papaya comes from two naturally occurring enzymes: papain and chymopapain. They break down proteins in dead skin cells, providing gentle exfoliation, which helps brighten the skin, keep breakouts at bay, and make way for new cells to appear. Papaya extract is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
A naturally occurring mineral derived from clay, used as a thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic formulas. It also improves the skin feel of cosmetics.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a natural product derived from the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is used to stabilize cosmetic emulsions, ensuring that the oil and water phase of cosmetics do not separate and that the formula is stable for the length of the product's intended shelf life. Xanthan gum is also used to modify the thickness of cosmetic formulations.
Ylang Ylang
The sweet, exotic aroma of steam-distilled Cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flowers, uplifts the spirit and has been scientifically demonstrated to promote feelings of well-being and calm. With anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and sebum-balancing properties, ylang-ylang essential oil is beneficial for all skin types to help support a clear, calm complexion.
Kaolin (Red) Clay
Red clay helps absorb excess oils and impurities from the skin. This helps prevent blemishes and prepares the skin to receive targeted serums used after cleansing.
Licorice
A powerful skin-brightening agent derived from the root of the plant Glycyrrhizin glabra (licorice). Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars due to its ability to help reduce melanin production in the skin. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity.
Green Tea
Naturally rich in a group of chemicals called catechins, green tea extract exhibits exceptional anti-oxidant activity and has also been shown to exhibit anti-microbial activity.
Caviar Lime
Provides gentle exfoliation of the skin due to the naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in caviar lime (Microcitrus Australasica) fruit, which is native to Australia. Caviar Lime extract helps brighten the skin, minimize the appearance of pores and leave the skin feeling soft and renewed. Caviar lime's mechanism of action is unique in that it promotes the skin’s own natural exfoliating process; caviar lime penetrates keratinocytes (the most common cell found on the outermost layer of skin) and causes calcium ions to flow in the keratinocytes, kickstarting the skin's natural exfoliation process. In other words, caviar lime works in harmony with the skin's own natural mechanisms, providing a subtle yet highly effective approach to exfoliation.
Tea Tree Oil
Noted for its anti-microbial benefits, tea tree oil helps to prevent breakouts on the skin. It also helps to naturally preserve cosmetic formulations.
Clary Sage
Helps balance sebum production in all skin types, ensuring that skin is neither too dry nor excessively oily. This precious, naturally fragrant essential oil is highly calming for both the skin and the mind.