All-Star Ingredients Guide:
Acne
A list of the very best in skincare
Click on any ingredient to learn more

tea tree oil

  • WHAT IT DOES:
    -Tea tree oil’s healing properties have made it a key ingredient in facial skin-care products. The plant exhibits antimicrobial activity towards a wide variety of bacteria, making it ideal for acne-prone skin and skin disorders. The oil is known to combat and soothe psoriasis, eczema, redness and dermatitis.
    -Very natural, characteristic herbal scent
  • -Has anti-bacterial and anti-irritant properties
  • -Used in anti-blemish, anti-fungal and products for oily skin

WORKS BEST IN: Skin cleansers and moisturizers for the oily, blemished and impure skin, hair care products and conditioners, creams and powders for the feet

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia
NATURAL INGREDIENT:
Yes
VEGAN: Yes

Willow bark extract

  • WHAT IT DOES:
  • -Willow Bark Extract is made from the bark of the willow trees and has been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin. naturally contains salicylic acid, a BHA that is a natural exfoliant and is used in many acne treatments because of its ability to help skin shed dead cells and clear pores; it can also stimulate new cell formation.

    -Soothing properties on irritated skin and works as an toning agent and mild cleanser as it helps refines pores and minimizes pore size

      • -Willow Bark Extract is high in salicin, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and various minerals, all of which help soothe the skin and aid in cell regeneration, allowing for a more youthful, refreshed complexion. Below, we’ve broken down the major ingredients to delve more thoroughly into their unique benefits.
      • Salicin — Named after the willow tree genus itself, salix, salicin (natural salicylic acid) has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. (It’s used in Aspirin for this reason to help reduce swelling and minor pains.) In skin care, salicin alleviates acne and irritation and is suitable for most skin types. Salicin’s anti-inflammatory effects have also been shown to diminish wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone while promoting increased firmness. A natural exfoliant, salicin sloughs off dead skin cells and clears pores to reveal a more radiant, clear complexion. Although extremely effective, Salicin is gentle and non-irritating, making it safe for nearly all skin types.

        Polyphenols — Phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) with high antioxidant activity, polyphenols help our bodies—and therefore our skin—fight free radicals that damage our skin’s DNA and contribute to signs of aging. Polyphenols also aid in moisture retention, allowing our skin to stay hydrated and healthy. These powerful nutrients even help protect against photodamage, protecting our skin during sun exposure and minimizing inflammation afterward. Polyphenols’ anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also help diminish acne and provide relief from skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

      • Tannins — Willow Bark Extract also contains tannins, organic substances found in bark and other plant-based tissue. Tannins are highly astringent, which means they shrink or constrict body tissue, including the skin’s. Frequently used in toners and other skin care products, tannins tighten pores, making them appear smaller and less obvious; this helps the skin retain a firm, youthful look. Tannins also help control excess oil, which may alleviate acne.

      • Flavonoids — A type of polyphenol, flavonoids are high in antioxidant properties, making them excellent anti-agers. Fighting free radicals, flavonoids help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They’re also effective in protecting the skin’s barrier from environmental damage, such as UV exposure, and thereby preventing DNA damage. Flavonoids have even been shown to inhibit photodamage after UV exposure.

WORKS BEST IN: Cleansers and toners, creams & lotions, masks, gels and peels. Anti-blemish formulas

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
NATURAL INGREDIENT: Yes
VEGAN: Yes

Charcoal Powder

    • WHAT IT DOES:
      -This activated charcoal powder made using coconut shells, which is a powerful absorber of impurities, toxins and oil on the skin and hair
    • -Has skin purifying and balancing properties especially on sensitive skin
    • -Popular in masks but also moisturizers and cleansers
    •  

    WORKS BEST IN: Cleansing products, soaps, shampoos, scrubs, body wash, creams, face masks, color cosmetics

    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
    NATURAL INGREDIENT:
    Yes
    VEGAN: Yes

glycolic acid

    • WHAT IT DOES:
    • -Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs), usually derived from sugar cane
    • -Can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles irregular pigmentation, decreases enlarged pores and acne
    • -Very useful in exfoliating products, or in creams & lotions at a lower concentration for a more gentle acid-based peel
    • -Widely used to rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old surface skin cells
    •  

    WORKS BEST IN: All kinds of skin care products including cleansers, toners, masks, lotions, creams and serums

    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
    NATURAL INGREDIENT: Naturally derived
    VEGAN: Yes

HYALURONIC ACID

    • WHAT IT DOES:
      -Most powerful moisturizer, able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s also something that your body makes naturally, so its chemical composition absorbs easily into your skin. That makes hyaluronic acid serums particularly amazing for dry and mature complexions or anyone who wants to plump away fine lines and wrinkles.

    • -Excellent anti-wrinkle effects and suitable for all skin types, even acne prone skin.
    •  
    • WORKS BEST IN: Hydrating, moisturizing creams & lotions, anti-aging & anti-wrinkle products, after sun lotions, protecting / nourishing skin care products, products for sensitive or dry skin, hydrating cleansers

    NATURAL INGREDIENT: Yes
    VEGAN: Yes

Jojoba Oil

    • WHAT IT DOES:
    • -Jojoba Oil is referred to as an “oil” but it is, in fact, a liquid wax. And that makes all the difference. Unlike other skincare oils, the wax structure of jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oils of our skin. Which means it not only moisturizes, but absorbs faster than other oils. And, it's suitable for all skin types, including those with acne as it won't break you out.

    • -Prevents water loss and retains moisture and is a good moisturizer without leaving a greasy film on the skin as it penetrates into the skin quickly

    • -Regular application can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

    WORKS BEST IN: Lotions, creams, nourishing skincare products, body washes, shampoos, baby products, sun care & after sun products, bath oils, facial cleansers

    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
    USA
    NATURAL INGREDIENT:
    Yes
    VEGAN: Yes

Aloe Vera

WHAT IT DOES:
-Aloe is rich in vitamins. It has polysaccharides that give hydrating, anti-inflammatory benefits and allow for aloe to give a protective barrier on the skin. Aloe also has phytosterols which help to soothe itchiness and irritation while also giving protection to prevent TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss.) Aloe vera gel has bioactive compounds in the plant that are rich in vitamins A, B , C, D and E as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc. These are all thought to aid in the 'healing' benefits of aloe.


-Potent moisturizer, invigorating and soothing agent, can be used to reduce skin irritation and inflammations such as acne and eczema

-Has been shown to improve the appearance of aging and dry skin

WORKS BEST IN: All skin care products for dry skin, soothing creams & lotions, sun care and after-sun products

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
NATURAL INGREDIENT:
Yes
VEGAN:
Yes

squalene

    • WHAT IT DOES:
      -A powerhouse ingredient to deliver hydration and protect your skin

      -Squalene is a colorless poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid that’s found naturally in many animals and plants, including human sebum. Yes, the word ‘sebum’ sounds gross, but it’s incredibly important to your skin. Essentially, it’s one of the many natural lipids your body produces to lubricate and protect your skin. (It’s estimated to make up about 10 to 12 percent of your skin’s oil.) It’s commonly harvested from plant sources like olives, wheat germ oil, and rice bran. Our squalene is 100% plant based.

    • -Squalene is used in skincare products as a highly-effective moisturizer and natural antioxidant. Historically, it’s been used in the medical field to treat wounds and skin problems.

      -Squalene is a natural emollient, which means it lock moisture into your skins which helps prevent fine lines, and ease dry patches.

    • -Non irritating, non- allergenic, hypo-comedogenic and acne friendly

    WORKS BEST IN: Skin creams, lotions, acne friendly products, and lip care

    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
    NATURAL INGREDIENT:
    Yes
    VEGAN: Yes