Rosehip (Dog Rose) oil

ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL / FAMILY: ROSACEAE

A wild growing member of the Rose family, Dog rose, also referred to as ‘Wild rose’, is native to Europe and reaches a height of five meters. The nutrient rich oil extracted from the fruits, commonly known as hips, is produced mostly in Chile and renowned for its incredible healing properties and use in regenerative skincare. It is particularly beneficial for the care of inflamed and damaged and mature skin due to the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of its high content of linoleic (Omega-6) and a-linolenic (Omega-3) essential fatty acids. Additionally, Rosehip oil is quite unique due to its content of (E)-Retinoic acid which stimulates the production of new blood vessels and collagen synthesis in the skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Powerful regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Stimulates collagen production.

• Supports skin barrier repair

• Ideal for mature skin, sun-damaged skin and severe acne.

• Soothing to irritated, inflamed and allergy-prone skin.

Rosemary oil

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS / FAMILY: LAMIACEAE

A sun-loving bush, native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary derives its name from the Latin ‘Ros marninus’ meaning ‘dew of the sea’ reflecting its affinity with the coast. A favourite among culinary herbs, Rosemary was one of the earliest plants to have been used in medicine as a remedy for stomach and liver problems and to strengthen the central nervous system. The strong, refreshing oil of Rosemary is obtained by steam distillation for the essential oil, or gently extracted through maceration to create a herbal infused oil of the flowering tops and leaves. It is considered one of the best oils to stimulate mental clarity, strengthen the respiratory system and relieve muscle and joint pain. It helps stimulate circulation and valued in body and skincare for these rejuvenating properties.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Strong and refreshing aroma - promotes mental clarity.

• Useful on tired, stiff, aching muscles and relieving pain in arthritis.

• Stimulates blood circulation, promoting healthy skin and hair growth.

• Promotes healthy respiratory function.

PROPERTIES: analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, sudorific, tonic.

PRECAUTIONS: Avoid during pregnancy, not suitable with epilepsy or high bloody pressure.

Sage oil

SALVIA OFFICINALIS / FAMILY: LAMIACEAE

With a long history of use as a valued culinary and medicinal plant, Sage has been used for a variety of disorders including mouth and throat infections, menstrual and digestive complaints and healing wounds. It is believed to reduce sweating, particularly during menopause, improve nerve function and protect nerve cells. One of several species native to the Mediterranean, Garden sage (also known as Common sage / Dalmatian sage) exudes a beautiful fresh, herbaceous scent which is believed to calm and soothe the parasympathetic nervous system. The essential oil is extracted from the dried leaves of the shrub by steam distillation.

KEY BENEFITS:

• A clear, herbaceous and camphorous fresh scent.

• Soothing and uplifting to the nerves.

• Evokes a sense of calmness and feeling grounded.

PROPERTIES: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypertensive, laxative, stomachic, tonic.

PRECAUTIONS: Avoid using the essential oil with epilepsy, high blood pressure and during pregnancy.

Sandalwood oil

SANTALUM ALBUM / FAMILY: SANTALACEAE

Native to tropical Asia, the East Indian Sandalwood tree grows to a height of up to nine meters. With a long history of traditional use both medicinally and in ceremonies, Sandalwood oil extracted from the timber by steam or water distillation, remains a favourite for its woody, sweet and exotic aroma. Known to have many healing properties the oil is useful in treating various conditions. This includes providing relief to dry persistent coughs, digestive complaints and a perfect remedy for depression, nervous tension, insomnia and stress. In skincare sandalwood oil is known to ease itching and irritation of the skin and provide a gentle astringent effect on oily skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• A woody, balsamic, sweet and deep aroma.

• Astringent effect on the skin, useful on acne and oily.

• Moisturising to dry, dehydrated skin.

• Calming and harmonising to the mind and body.

• Relieves itching and irritation of the skin.

PROPERTIES: antiphlogostic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, sedative, tonic.

Sclerotium Gum

Naturally derived from filamentous mushrooms, sclerotium gum is a natural polysaccharide (sugars, like glucose) produced by the fermentation of the genus Sclerotium mushroom. It offers hydrating and skin conditioning properties in skincare and acts as a suspending agent, preventing heavier ingredients from sinking to the bottom of an emulsion. Additionally it is used as a gelling and thickening agent, improving the structure, stability and shelf life of the formulation.

Seabuckthorn Oil

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES / FAMILY: ELAEAGNACEAE (RUSSIAN OLIVE FAMILY)

A remarkable thorny shrub growing to a height of three to five meters, Seabuckthorn is native to the colder regions of Asia and Europe, and bears richly coloured fruit in various shades of yellow through to orange and red. It is known by many as ‘the holy fruit of the Himalayas’ and prized for its outstanding medicinal and skincare benefits. Believed to contain up to 190 different synergistic nutrients, including a very high content of Palmitoleic acid, an Omega-7 fatty acid which is rarely found in vegetable oils, as well as Vitamins A, E, K, folic acid, carotenoids and a rich content of saturated and non-saturated fatty acids. Seabuckthorn is a skin penetration enhancer and emollient, increasing hydration levels of the skin, improving skin tone, elasticity and maintaining a healthy skin barrier function. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and regenerative effects are renowned for improving the ability for the skin to repair and maintaining a rejuvenated complexion.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Accelerates wound healing and skin repair.

• Boosts collagen production & improves skin elasticity.

• Exceptionally high content of carotenoids.

• Rich source of fatty acids (Omega 6, 7) & Vitamins A, C, E & K.

• Reduces inflammation with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis Moisturises and softens the skin.

• Ideal for irritated, inflamed, stressed, mature and acne-prone skin.

PROPERTIES / EFFECTS: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, regenerative.

Shea Butter

BUTYROSPERMUM PARK

The Shea Tree grows in the African Savannah, reaching a height of 10-20 meters with small round fruits resemble large plums that contain two to four seeds, referred to as the Shea nut. The nutrient rich butter extracted from the kernel of the fruit seeds has a strong traditional heritage, used to treat various skin conditions, scars, stretch marks ,wrinkles and maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour properties, Shea butter is particularly beneficial to irritated and allergy-prone skin and protecting the skin barrier. The significant emollient properties are effective in treating very dry, rough and cracked skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Restorative to the skin barrier function.

• Healing for small wounds and cracked skin.

• Renowned moisturising properties.

• Ideal for dry, sun-damaged, irritated and allergy-prone skin.

• Nutrient rich and soothing to the skin.

Sodium Anisate

Sodium anisate is a sodium salt which is used as part of a natural preservative system. It is derived from fennel, containing anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

A naturally occurring amino acid made by combining a fatty acid with lactic acid from coconut oil. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties.

Sodium Levulinate

A sodium salt used as a natural preservative and skin conditioning agent in skincare, obtained from starch and vegetal inulin, a plant extracted fructose.

Sorbitan Olivate (& Cetearyl Olivate)

A natural emulsifier using a blend of ingredients derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and wheat and oat proteins. An emulsifier is used to make a cream or lotion which enables oil ingredients to be blended with water ingredients without separating.

Spearmint essential oil

MENTHA SPICATA / FAMILY: LAMIACEAE

A perennial plant which grows up to I meter high, Spearmint is very similar to Peppermint, but sweeter and more gentle in aroma and less harsh on the skin. It is valued as a culinary herb for flavouring and for its therapeutic properties. The oil extracted by stream distillation of the flowering tips and leaves is praised for its refreshing, sweet and minty aroma which stimulates the senses and uplifts the spirits. It has a long history of use as a remedy for various digestive complaints and beneficial in helping with colds and flu, headaches, nausea, muscle spasms and relieving muscle and joint pain. In skincare its anti-inflammatory effects are beneficial in relieving itching and skin irritation.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Beautifully refreshing, sweet and minty aroma.

• Awakens the senses and improves concentration.

• Relieves inflammation and muscle and joint pain.

• May be used to relieve skin irritation and itching.

• Similar benefits to Peppermint oil but much more gentle and more suitable for use with children.

PROPERTIES: antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emmenagogue, insecticide, restorative, stimulant.

Kakadu Plum

TERMINALIA FERDINANDIANA / FAMILY: COMBRETACEAE

Native to Australia, the flowering Kakadu plum is a deciduous tree, reaching a height of 5 - 10 metres, growing abundantly in the north, extending out from Kakadu National Park to the Kimberley and through to Cape York. For thousands of years Kakadu Plum has been valued as food and medicine, obtained from the fruit as well the red inner bark of the tree which was used traditionally to treat wounds and various skin conditions. The incredibly nutritious plum-like fruit contains the highest known Vitamin C concentration found in any plant - approximately 50 times more vitamin C than in Oranges. Kakadu Plum extract, from the fruit of the plant, is prized for its exceptional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects in skincare. It is particularly beneficial in supporting a healthy skin barrier function and plays an essential role in collagen production, promoting a more radiant and youthful glow.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Highest known Vitamin C concentration found in any plant.

• Powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

• Promotes collagen production and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

• Supports skin barrier function, wound repair and scarring.

• Hydrating, conditioning, brightening.

• Protects the skin from environmental damage.

St John’s Wort

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM / FAMILY: HYPERICACEAE

St. John’s Wort is a woody perennial, native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, which produces a cheery summer display of bright yellow flowers. It is considered a weed by many, but revered by many others since ancient times as powerful herbal medicine. With a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants, St John’s wort promotes significant antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent effects beneficial in treating a variety of conditions. It has been used traditionally as an effective remedy for bruising and inflammation, muscle pain, arthritic pain, neuralgia, sciatica, abrasions, scarring, burns, wound healing and to soothe irritated skin. The oil from the yellow flowers is extracted by maceration. The flowering tops of the plant are infused in a cold-pressed vegetable oil, most commonly olive oil, for a period of up to four months resulting in a brilliantly coloured red herbal infused oil, rich in powerful healing properties.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Accelerates wound healing and skin repair.

• Prized for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

• Reduces scarring and the appearance of stretch marks.

• Relieves nerve pain, stiff and aching joints, muscle pain.

• Useful on burns, itchy skin, red and irritated skin.

• Calming to the skin after sun exposure.

PROPERTIES: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antiviral, astringent, nervine, vulnerary.

Sunflower Hydrowax

HYDROLYSED SUNFLOWER SEED WAX

Often used in balms and emulsions as one of many plant-based alternatives to beeswax, sunflower hydrowax is made using a gentle process of hydrolysis of the sunflower seeds.

Sweet Almond oil

PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS / FAMILY: ROSACEAE (ROSE FAMILY)

The Sweet Almond tree, growing to a height of four - ten meters, is loved as much for its profuse display of beautifully scented blossoms as it is for the highly nutritious fruit it bears. Originating in the regions from India to Asia Minor, it now grows abundantly in many parts of the world, particularly the Mediterranean, North America and Australia. The cold-pressed oil extracted from the almond seeds (nuts) contains an exceptionally rich source of Oleic acid (Omega 9) and a high content of linoleic acid (Omega 6). Sweet Almond oil is valued for its emollient properties and ability to protect and nourish the skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Deeply moisturises and nourishes the skin.

• Improves hydration and skin elasticity.

• Rich source of Oleic acid (Omega 9) and Linoleic acid (Omega 6).

Tamanu Oil

CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM / FAMILY: CALOPHYLLACEAE

A tropical evergreen, native to regions from Indian to northern Australia, the Tamanu Tree grows up to 25m high. The viscous, dark green oil extracted from the seeds (nuts), is rich in fatty acids, particularly Oleic acid (Omega 9) and Linoleic acid (Omega 6) and has a very distinctive woody, nutty aroma. Traditionally used for its powerful skin repair properties, Tamanu oil continues to be recommended for its regenerative effect in the care of skin wounds, problematic skin, and improving the overall appearance of the skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Rich in fatty acids (Omega 6, 9) promotes healthy growth of skin, hair and nails.

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

• Accelerates wound healing of abrasions, minor scratches and burns

• Reduces the appearance scar tissue, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

• Speeds the healing process for acne, skin rashes and sun damage.

Tocopherol / Natural Vitamin

E NATURAL SOURCES - VEGETABLE BUTTERS AND OILS

Natural Vitamin E is derived from Soybeans (or Sunflower oil) and consists of a group of compounds referred to as mixed Tocopherols. It is a powerful antioxidant which protects the skin by neutralising free radicals and guarding against environmental stressors. Vitamin E is particularly useful in slowing the process of rancidity, thus extending the shelf-life of products. The soothing and moisturising effects of Vitamin E are beneficial in skincare for facilitating skin barrier repair and promoting a healthy complexion.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Accelerates skin barrier repair.

• Powerful antioxidant effect helps protect the skin against UV damage and pollution.

• Soothing and moisturising to the skin.

• Slows the process of oxidisation, boosting the shelf-life of products.

Turmeric

CURCUMA LONGA / FAMILY: ZINGIBERACEAE

Native to Southeast Asia, Turmeric is a flowering plant from the ginger family, has been used traditionally for both food and medicine. The oil extracted from the vibrant, golden coloured rhizomes has a warm, spicy and woody aroma and contains an active component known as curcumin. Extensive studies have shown this compound to have powerful healing properties, such as antioxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and antimicrobial properties. In Ayurvedic medicine Turmeric has been highly valued for its expansive repertoire of healing capabilities, most notably in reducing chronic inflammation throughout the body and for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, used to cleanse and soothe wounds and to promote a radiant, glowing complexion.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Powerful antioxidant.

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

• Eases the discomfort of arthritis, rheumatism and painful joints.

• Helps reduce fluid retention and detoxifying the body.

• Accelerates wound healing.

• Useful for irritated, acne-prone and stressed skin.

PROPERTIES: antioxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and antimicrobial, anti fungal

Vanilla absolute

VANILLA PLANIFOLIA / FAMILY: ORCHIDACEAE

The smooth intoxicating scent of Vanilla, deep, rich, sweet and warm, is one of universal appeal. Native to Mexico, Vanilla was imported to the Indian Ocean Islands, mainly Reunion Island and Madagascar, at the beginning of the 19th century where it has grown to international acclaim for producing the best variety known - Bourbon Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). Cultivated mostly in Madagascar, Bourbon Vanilla absolute is extracted from the dried seeds, called caviar, which are separated from the pods of the orchid-like climbing plant. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of vanilla help protect the skin barrier function and restore the skin.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Offers protection to the skin from environmental stressors.

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Beneficial for the treatment of acne.

• Uplifting to the emotions and relaxes inhibitions.

PROPERTIES: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial.