INCI: Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water

Function: Solvent

Benefits: Anti-aging

The Science: Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water is a byproduct of apple juice. It is produced through steam distillation and is the result of the water evaporated during the fruit juice concentration process. Apple fruit water has great moisturizing properties and helps to stimulate the growth of keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are the cells in the skin responsible for protecting the skin from microbes, UV rays and moisture loss.

The Story: Apple fruit water helps to keep the skin hydrated while protecting the skin from external aggressors.

INCI: Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract

Function: Rheology Modifier

Benefits: Texture Enhancer

The Science: Arrowroot extract is a powder extracted from the roots of the arrowroot plant. It contains amylose, proteins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc. It is gluten free. It works as a texture enhancer and absorbs excess moisture. It has anti-irritant properties.

The Story: Arrowroot extract helps to make skin silkier, softer and smoother.

INCI: Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Anti-aging, Hydration, Anti-inflammatory

The Science: Broccoli Seed oil is rich in the omega-6-fatty acid, arachidonic acid, which is known to help soothe inflammation in the skin. It is composed of essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A and K. Vitamin A helps promote cell regeneration to maintain healthy skin. Vitamin K promotes wound healing and helps to suppress inflammation. Broccoli seed oil contains erucic acid, which is known to help soothe the skin, reduce redness and strengthen the moisture barrier. It protects from trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

The Story: Broccoli seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that quickly absorbs into the skin leaving behind a silky smooth skin feel.

INCI: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Hydration, antioxidant

The Science: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is commonly derived from coconut oil and glycerin, though it can sometimes be sourced from palm. It acts as an emollient to help nourish the skin and provide hydration due to its fatty acid content. Fatty acids are crucial in maintaining a healthy stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) which prevents moisture loss.

The Story: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride helps to provide moisture to the skin creating a luxurious texture in skincare formulations.

INCI: Cetearyl Olivate 

Function: Emulsifier

Benefits: Softens skin

The Science: Cetearyl Olivate is a non-ionic emulsifier derived from fatty acids from olive oil and cetearyl alcohol.  As an emulsifier, it allows for the water and oil phases of the formula to come together in a homogeneous mixture, ensuring the structure and stabilization of the formula.

The Story: Cetearyl olivate maintains a stable formula while helping to soften the skin.

INCI: Cetyl Palmitate

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Cetyl Palmitate is the ester of palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol. It functions as an emollient and can help to thicken cosmetic formulas. Due to its conditioning properties, it can help alleviate dry, damaged skin.

The Story: Cetyl Pamitate helps to condition skin while providing a rich texture to formulas.

INCI: Prunus Avium (Cherry) Kernel Oil

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Anti-aging, ant-inflammatory

The Science: Cherry kernel oil helps to support collagen production, helps to lower inflammation and is safe for sensitive skin. It is rich in the polyphenolic compounds phytosterols and flavonoids. Phytosterols help to soothe and moisturize the skin. Flavonoid antioxidants help to prevent oxidative stress which in turn reduces signs of aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Carotenoids are also found in cherry kernel oil and are dermal antioxidants that support elastin and collagen production. This in turn helps to increase elasticity and firmness of the skin as well as increasing skin’s density. Oleic and linoleic fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E help to make up cherry kernel oil. Oleic acid helps to promote wound healing and helps to calm the skin due to its anti-inflammatory nature.  Linoleic acid (vitamin F, unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid)  is more lightweight than oleic acid and is more easily absorbed into the skin. It provides moisture, making the skin more plump without weighing it down. It also helps in strengthening the skin’s barrier to better protect from pollutants and UV damage. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the stratum corneum. Vitamin A helps to promote cell regeneration to maintain healthy skin. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce swelling and erythema. It helps to protect skin cells from damage and it is naturally found in sebum. 

The Story: Cherry kernel oil helps to soothe irritated skin, especially after sun-exposure. It keeps skin hydrated to help minimize signs of aging.

INCI: Citric Acid

Function: pH adjuster

Benefits: balances pH to proper level for skin

The Science: Citric acid is a weak organic acid, commonly derived from citrus fruits. It is used to lower the pH of the formula to the proper level safe for the skin. 

The Story: Citric acid is used in low amounts to help balance pH. 

INCI: Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water

Function: Solvent

Benefits: Humectant, Anti-aging

The Science: Cucumber Water is produced through the steam distillation of cucumbers. It has a naturally bright, refreshing scent very similar to the smell of fresh cut cucumbers. It helps to condition and cool the skin.

The Story: Cucumber water calms and nourishes the skin to help maintain a youthful glow.

INCI: Decyl Glucoside

Function: Surfactant

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Decyl Glucoside is derived from glucose and decanol, a fatty alcohol, found in coconuts. It creates a gently lather to the formula. It is non-stripping to the skin.

The Story: Decyl Glucoside helps to cleanse the skin without stripping it.

INCI: Sambucus nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract

Function: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-aging

Benefits: Skin-conditioning

The Science: This extract from the black elderberry is a potent antioxidant composed of flavonoids. These flavonoids help to neutralize free radicals from stress or sun exposure, helping to soothe the skin. Elderberry has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties which help to reduce swelling and calm irritated skin. 

The Story: Elderberry extract helps to fight signs of aging while calming irritated skin.

INCI: Glycerin

Function: Humectant

Benefits: Hydration 

The Science: Glycerin is a humectant meaning that it not only helps the skin to lock in moisture, it actually draws water into the skin from the atmosphere. It is found in all natural lipids and is derived from vegetables.

The Story: Glycerin deeply moisturizes the skin for long lasting hydration. 

INCI: Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka Honey) Mel

Function: Humectant

Hydration: Hydration, anti-microbial 

The Science: Manuka honey is a natural humectant due to its sugar composition; it helps to draw and retain moisture in the skin. Manuka honey is created by honeybees harvesting the nectar of the manuka plant, which is a large flowering bush native to New Zealand and Australia. Manuka is a monofloral honey, meaning that it is sourced from only one plant instead of several varieties of flowers. It has a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. It has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.  It helps to reduce minor skin irritations. It helps to defend against skin aging stressors, has vitamin B3, potassium and zinc. This honey is rich in antioxidant compounds known as phenols and flavonoids which help to neutralize free radicals from stress or sun exposure. This helps to delay the development and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keeps skin soft and hydrated. It has both humectant and emollient properties as it draws moisture from the air into the skin to boost hydration. 

The Story: Manuka honey is especially good for managing dry, flaking and irritated skin.

INCI: Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory

The Science: A cold pressed oil from the pits of Prunus persica. It is a moisturizing oil that is easily absorbed into the skin. It has a high content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids as well as vitamins E and A.  Oleic acid helps to promote wound healing and helps to calm the skin due to its anti-inflammatory nature.  Linoleic acid (vitamin F, unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid)  is more lightweight than oleic acid and is more easily absorbed into the skin. It provides moisture and makes the skin more plump without weighing it down. It also helps in strengthening the skin’s barrier to better protect the skin from pollutants and UV damage as it is the most abundant fatty acid in the stratum corneum. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce swelling and erythema. It helps to protect skin cells from damage and it is naturally found in sebum. Vitamin A helps to limit the signs of aging by promoting cell turnover and helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

The Story: Peach Kernel Oil helps to maintain the suppleness and firmness of the skin while protecting against free radical damage to mitigate its aging effects.

INCI: Potassium Sorbate

Function: Preservative

Benefits: Prevents growth of fungi, bacteria and mold

The Science: Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative. It is the potassium salt derived from the naturally occurring compound of sorbic acid. It kills microorganisms and prevents the growth of bacteria, fungi and mold. Sorbic acid was first derived from the berries of the mountain ash tree, rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia).

The Story: Potassium sorbate is a preservative usually used in combination with sodium benzoate. 

INCI: Propanediol

Function: Emollient, Solvent

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Propanediol is derived from corn and promotes the absorption of actives into the skin. This results in increasing the efficacy of the actives. It helps the skin retain moisture.

The Story: Propanediol helps to maintain hydrated skin.

INCI: Sclerotium Gum

Function: Thickener, Rheology modifier

Benefits: Texture Enhancer

The Science: Sclerotium gum is a nonionic thickener produced from the fermentation of Scerotium rolfsii fungus. It helps to stabilize formulas and improve texture.

The Story: Sclerotium gum helps to improve the skin’s moisture barrier to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. 

INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Shea butter is extracted from the karite tree and is used as an emollient. It is a rich source of antioxidants, including quercetin (known to soothe skin as well as inflammation and helps to stimulate repair in irritated or damaged skin), epicatechin gallate , gallocatechin, epigallocatechin (helps promote skin hydration, moisture retention and wrinkle formation in addition to radical scavenging activity and reduction of melanin generation) and fatty acids such as stearic and linoleic acid.

The Story: Shea butter promotes moisture retention in the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and soothe inflammation.

INCI: Shea Butter Glycerides

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Shea Butter Glycerides are composed of the glycerides of vegetable fat from the fruit of the Shea tree. It absorbs easily and helps to condition the skin.

The Story: Shea butter glycerides deeply nourishes the skin.

INCI: Sodium Benzoate

Function: Preservative

Benefits: Inhibits growth of fungus and bacteria

The Science: Sodium benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid and acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. It is an anti-fungal agent and fights bacteria. Benzoic acid is naturally found in foods such as peaches, watermelon, bananas and strawberries, cayenne pepper and mustard seeds. Sodium benzoate is produced by the reaction of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide.

The Story: Sodium benzoate is a preservative usually used in combination with potassium sorbate. 

INCI: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Function: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Benefits: Cleansing

The Science: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the sodium salt derived from the reaction between lactic acid and lauric acid. It is an emulsifier, helping unlike ingredients come together, and a surfactant, gently cleansing away dirt and oil from the skin.

The Story: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate gently cleanses skin without stripping it.

INCI: Sorbitan Olivate

Function: Co-emulsifier

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Sorbitan Olivate is a co-emulsifier. It helps to improve the structure and stability of the formula while keeping unlike ingredients (i.e. water and oil) together. It is composed of fatty acids from olive oil and sorbitol (dehydrated sugar).

The Story: Sorbitan olivate helps to maintain a stable formula while helping to keep skin hydrated by protecting from water loss.

INCI: Sorbitan Palmitate

Function: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Benefits: Cleansing

The Science: Sorbitan Palmitate is a mild cleansing agent. It is a natural fatty acid. It is made from palm oil and the natural sugar alcohol, sorbitol.

The Story: Sorbitan Palmitate helps to gently cleanse the skin.

INCI: Sucrose Laurate

Function: Emulsifier, Emollient

Benefits: Skin-conditioning

The Science: Sucrose Laurate helps to stabilize the formula. It is composed of sugar and lauric acid, usually found in coconut oil and other natural fats.

The Story: Sucrose Laurate helps to keep skin hydrated.

INCI: Sucrose Palmiltate

Function: Emulsifier

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Sucrose Palmitate is a sugar ester of sucrose and palmitic acid from sugar beets. It acts as a natural emulsifier as well as an emollient. 

The Story: Sucrose palmitate improves skin smoothness and hydration.

INCI: Sucrose Stearate

Function: Co-emulsifier

Benefits: Hydration

The Science: Sucrose stearate is the ester of stearic acid and sucrose derived from sugar beets. It helps to stabilize the formula. It can also function as an emollient, providing hydration to the skin.

The Story: Sucrose stearate provides moisture to the skin.

INCI: Organic Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Oil

Function: Anti-bacterial

Benefits: Scent Enhancer, Antimicrobial

The Science: Sweet Orange Oil has antimicrobial properties to help cleanse the skin. It has astringent properties and can help brighten the skin. Sweet orange oil hydrates the skin and improves the lipid barrier. It helps to tone the skin and improve firmness. It is full of vitamin C and zinc which helps to maintain natural levels of collagen found in the skin. It acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent and has antimicrobial properties to help even out skin tone.

The Story: Sweet Orange Oil is rich in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy levels of collagen in the skin for a smooth and even skin tone while providing a light citrus scent to the formula.

INCI: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Function: Chelator

Benefits: Preservation of formula

The Science: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA) is a vegetable-based chelating agent derived from the fermentation of corn or sugar beet. As a chelating agent it binds to metal ions to prevent them from altering the stability of the formula. GLDA also acts as a preservative booster to help ensure that the formula remains fresh and free from mold, yeast and bacteria.

The Story: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate keeps the formula fresh and stable.

INCI: Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil

Function: Emollient

Benefits: Anti-aging

The Science: Chokful of the carotenoid antioxidants, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and minerals. Tomato seed oil helps to reduce the appearance of sun damage, age spots and other signs of aging. Carotenoids help to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin synthesis, to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Skin elasticity, density and firmness is also increased. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage. Lutien is also an antioxidant that helps to protect against UV rays and promotes skin hydration and elasticity. Zeaxanthin is and antioxidant that can help filter blue light. Our body does not naturally produce lycopene, lutein, or zeaxanthin so it is important to get these from external sources.

The Story: Tomato seed oil helps to reduce signs of aging and improve overall skin health.

INCI: Tocopherol

Function: Antioxidant

Benefits: Anti-aging, Hydration

The Science: Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant. Because it is fat soluble it can easily penetrate the skin to help protect the skin from photoaging caused by free radicals. It also helps limit transepidermal waterloss in the skin as well as helping to preserve natural oils in the formula.

The Story: Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and protects the skin from environmental aggressors.

INCI: Juglans Mandshurica (Walnut) Shell Powder

Function: Exfoliator

Benefits: Smoother skin 

The Science: Our walnut shell powder comes from English walnuts grown in the Sacramento Valley of California and are the byproduct of the walnut industry. The shell powder is spherical in shape to safely buff away dead skin without the damaging effects.

The Story: Walnut Shell Powder gently buffs away dead skin to leave skin smooth and supple.

INCI: Xanthan Gum

Function: Rheology modifier

Benefits: Enhances texture 

The Science: Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced from the fermentation of simple sugars. The bacteria used to achieve this fermentation is Xanthomonas campestris, which gives it its name. It enhances the texture of the formula by gelling the water phase. 

The Story: Xanthan gum helps to thicken formulas.