Natural Aromatherapy Skincare Ingredients

CO2 extracted botanical ingredients:

We want our handmade aromatherapy skincare to contain only the finest natural ingredients.  So we use concentrated organic botanical extracts which are created by an extraction process that uses CO2 gas (Carbon Dioxide), since this is the purest and gentlest way of making botanical extracts without the use of either heat or solvents. This leaves the botanical ingredients free from any synthetic solvents, microbes, heavy metals and preservatives. They are very concentrated full strength organic extractions, which include the Essential Oils as well as the fat-soluble and water-soluble substances from the plants.

Arctic Cranberry seed botanical extract - contains Essential Fatty Acids and tocotrienols, described as offering a three-in-one boost for the skin: nourishment, moisture and protection.  We have included this potent ingredient in our formulations for it's restorative properties for supporting skin that is more mature or prone to wrinkling and it appears in our concentrated moisturisers.

Chamomile botanical extract - well known for its calming properties.  This extract is green in colour so can add a light natural colouration to our handmade creams, and a light chamomile aroma too.  We add this to a number of of natural skincare products to soothe and calm delicate sensitive skin.

Evening Primrose botanical extract - a concentrated form of Evening Primrose oil, that is naturally high in GLA and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, well known as a nourishing skin oil.

Rosehip seed botanical extract - contains a high amount of Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids, and is suitable for all skin types.  Documented research shows that rosehip oil is beneficial in reducing scarring and improving the texture of damaged or older skin.  This is another favourite natural ingredient which we like to add to moisturising skin care products

Sea Buckthorn botanical extract - extracted from Sea Buckthorn berries, and is a deep red colour (which adds a natural yellow colouration to creams and balms).  Sea Buckthorn has an excellent track record in supporting damaged skin (such as when it is sunburnt) and promotes cell rejuvenation.  It also has excellent pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Active Ingredients:

Co-Enzyme Q10 - an important anti-oxidant, which naturally occurs in all cells.  We have formulated some intensive creams and an oil serum containing this expensive but potent naturally active ingredient, since research shows that it helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improves the texture and moisture in the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid - appears naturally in the skin and helps to give it volume and fullness, but as we age it reduces and this leads to the formation of wrinkles and folds in the skin.  Hyaluronic acid appears in many top moisturisers and works by increasing water retention in the skin which in turn improves smoothness and softness.  Dehydration is a key contributor to skin aging, so we'd advise customers to begin using natural moisturiser products containing hyaluronic acid from about the age of 30 onwards.  Some commercial products include a type of hyaluronic acid which is obtained from animal sources, so we'd stress that ours is made via a biofermentation process and is not derived from animals and has never been tested on animals!

Siberian Ginseng extract - reputed to offer a skin-tightening effect, and may help to minimise the appearance of fine lines.  We have added this expensive ingredient to our Q10 Moisturiser.

Squalane - not to be confused with squalene (which comes from sharks), this is actually derived from olive oil.  It's a powerful moisturiser in it's own right, but we use it since it helps other oils to penetrate the skin.

Organic botanical oils:

Apricot Kernel oil - a light, yet emollient organic oil that is high in oleic and linoleic acids. It is similar in feel and properties to sweet almond oil (but without any nut allergy worries) and is readily absorbed into the skin and is a lovely moisturiser. It suits mature skin, sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed, irritated or dry.

Caster oil - chosen especially for our cleanser range since it is highly moisturising but takes a while to penetrate the skin.  This is a great quality in a cleanser, since there's time for the organic oil to combine with grime and dirt on the surface of the skin before being wiped away with one of our lovely muslin cloths.

Camelina oil - sometimes known as 'Gold of Pleasure' this oil is high in Omega 3, linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids which are important in cell repair and in maintaining skin elasticity.  Camelina is a wonderful oil for maintaining hydration and replenishing the skin.

Coconut oil - extracted from dried coconuts and is a light oil that does not clog pores. It absorbs readily into the skin so is good as a moisturiser and is also beneficial as a hair conditioner. 

Evening Primrose oil - another expensive oil but it provides a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. It is excellent for moisturising dry skin and assists troubled skin (such as eczema).  

Jojoba - is actually a liquid wax, that’s highly penetrating since it closely resembles the natural sebum in our skin.  Ours is organic so it is expensive, but it has the ability to naturally balance our natural skin oils.  Jojoba has natural anti-oxidant properties, and contains a natural anti-inflammatory called “myristic acid” making it a good oil for arthritis and rheumatism. 

Kiwi seed oil - a unique oil which contains a very high level of omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients. Research has shown that this oil improves skin texture and also protects against moisture loss.