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

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

Shea Butter

WHAT IT DOES:
-Shea butter has high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using shea butter on your body, especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin.

-Anti inflammatory and healing: shea butter has been proven to have extensive anti-inflammatory properties. Redness and swelling on your face may be calmed by applying shea butter products. Shea butter’s fatty acid and vitamin K concentration also helps your body to heal faster when your skin barrier has been compromised.

-Highly moisturizing: Shea butter’s consistency help your skin to absorb it when it melts at room temperature. The rich tree nut oils in shea butter can soak into your skin, creating a smooth and soft barrier that seals in moisture. This moisturizing effect can last several hours, unlike some other moisturizers that wear off after one hour or less.

-Anti aging: Shea butter has high levels of oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids. These acids are an effective ingredient to combating oxidative stress, which is the effect the environmental toxins have on your skin cells. This helps your skin to have a healthy turnover of new cells, and also supports the structure and tightness of your skin. The vitamin E in shea butter also helps protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun, although you can’t skip sunscreen just because you use shea butter on your face.

WORKS BEST IN: Lotions, creams, sun care & after sun products, facial moisturizers, body butter, ointments

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: West Africa
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

Algae Extract

  • WHAT IT DOES:
    -Algae isn’t considered a conventional beauty ingredient, but it has been used in skin care for thousands of years. It’s been dubbed a “miracle ingredient” and the “ocean’s most potent secret,” and there are even entire skin care lines and brands dedicated to using algae and other marine extracts (you’ve heard about Phytomer, Algenist, and La Mer, right?).

  • -Known for its ability to instantly hydrate and condition the skin. Upon using products containing this ingredient, you’ll notice a more supple, moisturized complexion that’s soft to the touch.

  • -Algae is also an antioxidant, meaning it protects your skin from free radicals that cause premature aging. In that sense, it’s an excellent ingredient for those who are worried about aging skin.

-Is high in essential amino acids, proteins, and a variety of vitamins—including vitamins A, B, C, and E.

-Skin types that benefit most from algae-infused products are dry skin, sensitive skin, and those who want to combat and prevent signs of aging.

WORKS BEST IN: Serums, creams & lotions, cleansers, after-sun care, face & hair masks

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

Argan Oil

  • WHAT IT DOES:
    -A good moisturizer for your skin; it contains omega fatty acids which repair cell membranes and subsequently help to promote healthy skin and anti-aging. It also contains vitamin A and E, which help to stop wrinkles forming, whilst vitamin E, or tocopherol, can help in cell division as well. Argan oil also contains carotenoids that are great for healing damaged skin and preventing oxidative damage from occurring.

    -Natural oil obtained from Morocco, 100% pure, virgin and cold pressed

  • -High content of unsaturated fatty acids, natural tocopherols (vitamin E). phenols, phenolic acid & carotenes

  • WORKS BEST IN:
    Creams, serums, lotions, hair care products, sun care, lip care products

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

Almond Oil

  • WHAT IT DOES:
    -Natural oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the sweet almond tree

    -Contains 62-86% oleic acid, 20-30% linoleic acid & other valuable fatty acids, rich in beta-sitosterol, squalene & vitamin E

  • -Effective moisturizer that leaves the skin soft, smooth and conditioned and has good nourishing and revitalizing effect

  • -Ideal for irritated skin

  • WORKS BEST IN:
    Creams, lotions, protecting creams, ointments, bath oils, baby care products

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy, Spain, US
NATURAL INGREDIENT:
Yes
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