Our Green Glossary of Extracts

AND WHY WE LOVE THEM

Botanical extracts are bio-harnessed using technology from plants, flowers, fruits and roots. Every ingredient that we put in our products is 100% plant-derived and chosen for its therapeutic skin benefits. Each extract comes with individual certificates of analysis, containing detailed data about its physical and chemical properties, dermatological benefits and laboratory tests done to ascertain its quality.

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Activated Charcoal

What is it Activated Coconut shells

Why we love it Our specially sourced activated vegetable charcoal is extracted from coconut husks without the use of chemicals unlike many activated carbons. The process of extraction is by burning the husks at high temperature and then exposing them to certain gases through a multi-step process – creating a porous powder that can bind to any surface rapidly. This gives charcoal its remarkable absorption ability, making it a popular choice for detoxification programmes. We have blended this into our Anti Pollution Mask for a deep cleansing action while nourishing your skin for a radiant, even complexion.

 

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

What is it Aloe Vera

Why we love it The humble aloe vera plant contains more than 75 potentially active compounds of enzymes, vitamins and minerals – which aid in healing wounds and reducing inflammation. This leaf succulent contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene, and is suitable for all skin types. This wonderful healer is blended into all of our treatment mists.

 

Canadian Willowherb

What is it Flower, leaf, stem of the Epilobium Angustifolia plant

Why we love it This extract grown in the North Canadian prairies contains bioactive molecules that inhibit the growth of acne-related bacteria. Its skin soothing properties are also useful to calm inflammation and acne-related irritation. This skin healing extract can be found in our Instant Purity Treatment Mist to eliminate impurities, cleanse and soothe irritated skins.

 

Colloidal Oat (Organic)

What is it Finely milled oat

Why we love it This silky textured oat sourced from Finland contains multiple lab-tested benefits of cleansing, soothing, moisturising and protection for the skin. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe skin irritations such as eczema, dryness, burns and rashes. Blended into our Brightening Mask, the Colloidal Oat extract will form a light gel texture when combined with liquid and leave a protective layer over the skin - even after the treatment has been washed off. Regular use of this wholesome extract will improve the skin barrier and radiance overtime.

 

Cucumber

What is it Vegetable

Why we love it Cucumbers are well-known for their moisturizing and skin soothing properties due to their high concentrations of water (95%), vitamin C and other nourishing acids and minerals. The inner temperature of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air, which makes it effective in bringing down puffiness and overall skin conditioning. In fact, we love their skin cooling properties so much that it has been incorporated into 2 of our facial tonics – Intense Moisture and Revitalise Treatment Mist.  

 

Green Coffee Bean

What is it Raw, unroasted seed of the Coffea Arabica plant

Why we love it Numerous studies have concluded that raw and unprocessed coffee beans retain its natural Chlorogenic (CGA) and Ferulic Acids - which possess strong anti-oxidant properties essential for fighting against free radicals and slow down the process of ageing. It is also rich in essential fatty acids and high concentrations of vitamin E that nourishes and moisturises the skin to prevent sagging, pigmentation and other skin damage. This wonderful extract has been blended into our Revitalise Treatment Mist to strengthen the skin barrier and fight signs of ageing.

 

Goji Berries

What is it Fruit of the Lycium Chinense shrub

Why we love it We will go ahead and call these berries the ultimate Free Radicals Fighters – why? Goji berries contain 25,000 ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values, 10X more than blueberries. The ORAC concept was developed by the US Department of Agriculture back in 1999 to measure the effectiveness of foods in cell protection against free radicals, and these little berries have demonstrated exceptional skin and overall body defence abilities. They protect the skin against UV damage, promote face dewiness and slow down signs of ageing. These free radical fighters have been blended into the Energize Treatment Mist to activate skin microcirculation and banish any sign of stress or fatigue.

 

Hibiscus

What is it Flower

Why we love it This pretty flower contains saponins and natural AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) that promote cleansing and gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smooth and clear. It is also rich in anti-oxidants which help to protect the skin (and scalp!) from harsh external elements. Lovingly blended into our Intense Moisture Treatment Mist, this powerful floral extract will act to speed up skin rejuvenation.

 

Marshmallow Root

What is it Roots of the Althaea plant

Why we love it These roots contain a thick gummy substance known as mucilage, which has been extracted widely for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This nourishing herbal root has been blended into our Revitalise Treatment Mist for its intensive hydrating, soothing and skin balancing effects. It can also aid in the natural healing of skin conditions such as eczema and sunburn; and reduce overall redness.

 

Pearl Powder

What is it Crushed Freshwater Pearls

Why we love it It is no secret that pearls have been used by royal ladies from over 2000 years ago. Chinese Empress Wu Zetian was famed for applying pearl powder to her face to attain porcelain complexion. The mighty pearl is rich in calcium, amino acids and contains a complex protein called conchiolin - scientifically proven to lighten skin by inhibiting a melanin-producing enzyme, thereby reducing skin pigmentation. This nutrient-rich powder is blended into our French White Clay mask to gently exfoliate without drawing oils from the skin, promoting a healthy and glowing complexion. Great as a gentle anti-ageing treatment to improve skin tone and elasticity.

 

Rose Petals

What is it Hand harvested flower petals

Why we love it Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, rose petals contain natural oils and sugars that will help lock in moisture into dry skin cells. They contain high levels of antioxidants that fight off skin irritants, free radicals and bacteria. The rose petals blended into our Pink Clay mask will help to minimise pores and remove excess sebum, leaving skin looking and feeling fresh and toned. Its soothing scent will also help to relax the body and mind.

 

Rosehip

What is it Fruit of the Rose plant

Why we love it Possessing one of the richest sources of vitamin C (60 times that of an orange!), this super berry contains a high content of essential fatty acids, minerals and other potent antioxidants. Notable benefits of a vitamin C content is the stimulation of collagen production and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It is added to our Intense Moisture Treatment Mist to deeply moisturize and act as a powerful anti-ageing skin treatment.

 

Seaweed

What is it Multicellular marine algae

Why we love it Rich in proteins, lipids, vitamins and enzymes that are easily absorbed by the skin. This nutritious marine extract contains potent antibacterial properties that can fight against acne and yet mild enough to soothe irritated and sensitive skin conditions. It also helps to protect and maintain skin’s natural balance of moisture, helping to maintain a radiant complexion.

 

Siberian Ginseng

What is it Root of the Acanthopanax Senticosus shrub

Why we love it This root is an important traditional medicine in China and Russia as it contains eleutherosides, which help to stimulate the immune system. Its most significant benefit lies in its adaptogenic properties, which helps in the overall mental support – useful for people coping with high levels of daily stress. This age-old woody root has been blended into our Energise Treatment Mist to firm up skin, boost energy levels and invigorate the mind and body.

 

Spirulina

What is it Marine algae

Why we love it This popular superfood contains high concentrations of B complex vitamins, vital amino acids and a rare type of fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Countless laboratory studies have shown that GLA promotes a healthy turnover of skin cells, and effective treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis – strengthening the skin’s natural barrier overtime.  

 

Witch Hazel extract

What is it Dried leaves, bark and twigs of the Witch Hazel shrub

Why we love it This age-old medicinal herb contains all the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe and heal irritated skin conditions. It possesses natural tannins that help to remove excess oil from skin and tighten up pores – promoting a smooth and shine-free complexion. It is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and resin which is effective in firming up puffy eyes and the overall face tone. We have handcrafted this extract into our Instant Purity Treatment Mist. We also offer this in our Organic Witch Hazel Mist – a pure herbal distillate that can be used as throughout the day to act as a natural defence against harsh environmental elements.

 

White Tea Leaf

What is it Young and minimally processed buds and leaves of Camellia Sinensis tea plant

Why we love it Both white and green tea are processed from the same plant; however white tea leaves are harvested at a younger age and are minimally processed – which means that it contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to all other teas. Found in our Instant Purity Treatment Mist, it helps protect the skin from harsh elements and oxidative damage. It is also a natural defence against the harmful effects of UV rays. 

 

White Willow Bark

What is it Bark of the White Willow tree

Why we love it This medicinal herb contains salicylic acid, a natural compound which helps to fight against acne by cleansing the pores and removing excess oil and dead skin cells. Found in our Intense Moisture Treatment Mist, this extract will help to bring back radiance to the skin surface.

 


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