Ingredients glossary
Golden Hemp Seed Oil
Origin:
North canterbury, New Zealand
What it is:
Not to be confused with hemp oil, an all-encompassing term which describes oils derived from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant, Golden Hemp Seed Oil is cold-pressed from the heart of hemp seeds which gives the oil its beautiful golden hue. Brimming with omega-rich fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, the skincare benefits of this oil are many – namely nourishing and hydrating skin.
What it Does:
The gold standard of skincare ingredients, our locally-grown Golden Hemp Seed Oil lends its anti-inflammatory properties to skin, soothing irritation and leaving it hydrated and glowing. Alongside its high levels of antioxidants, Golden Hemp Seed Oil combats environmental aggressors and defend against free radical damage, improving skin elasticity and overall appearance.
Many aestheticians love this hydrating humectant for its ability to attract moisture and keep it there – it is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 which help restore the skin barrier and form a seal over skin to keep moisture locked in. Not to mention Golden Hemp Seed Oil is naturally packed full of active botanicals, vitamins C, D & E, chlorophyll and trace minerals to leave skin nourished.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Origin:
New Zealand
What it is:
This unique, skin-caring oil is pressed from the seeds of Meadowfoam (which goes by the botanical name Limnanthes Alba), a plant named after its resemblance while in bloom to sea foam blowing on the ocean. Lesser known than the likes of jojoba or coconut oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil has a unique chemical structure which allows it to rapidly absorb into skin without leaving a greasy residue.
What it Does:
A nourishing emollient, the laundry list of Meadowfoam Seed Oil’s benefits to skin is lengthy, largely thanks to it containing ample antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Emollients work topically to draw water to the skin, helping prevent dehydration and leave its surface smooth, soft and supple.
Additionally, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is comprised of 98 per cent long-chain fatty acids, making it one of the most stable vegetable oils. But its impressive shelf life doesn’t compromise on its efficacy, and unlike common preservatives, this 100 per cent natural oil can also help other less stable ingredients become more stable, too.
Avocado Oil
Origin:
New Zealand
What it is:
When blended into skincare Avocado Oil is praised for its ability to deeply nourish and hydrate skin, due to it being rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E.
Its myriad benefits for the skin are impressive, especially when it comes to alleviating the kind of surface dryness that comes with a sharp shift in seasons.
What it Does:
Loaded with antioxidants, Avocado Oil protects the skin against free radicals and the harsh effects of daily pollution, whilst its naturally-occurring oleic acid stimulates collagen production to aid the body in generating new skin cells and accelerating wound healing.
Alongside vitamin E, Avocado Oil contains moisturising ingredients like potassium and lecithin which are readily absorbed by the outer layers of skin, making it an excellent ingredient to combat dry skin, improve skin texture and boost elasticity. Avocado Oil’s anti-inflammatory properties alleviate and soothe flaky, irritated skin that comes with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, whilst reducing redness.
Grape Seed Oil
Origin:
New Zealand
What it is:
A byproduct of the viticulture industry, Grape Seed Oil is extracted from grape seeds after they’ve been used to make wine. Its lightweight texture means its readily absorbed into skin, leaving supple and moisturised.
What it Does:
This beauty staple is acclaimed for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a must-have for treating oily or acne-prone skin (it boasts the added benefit of being non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores, either). It contains a plethora of antioxidants and polyphenols said to even out skin tone and firm skin.
Grape Seed Oil is extremely rich in essential omega-6 fatty acids including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, which soothe inflammation and reduce redness. Vitamins E and F, proteins, and carbohydrates also join the party to improve overall skin health and promote skin tightness.
In its raw format, its extensive structure of vital minerals such as zinc, potassium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and selenium add to our vitamin powerhouse body oil base.
Flaxseed Oil
Origin:
New Zealand
What it is:
The nutritious benefits of Flaxseed Oil when digested are well-documented, especially when it comes to improving digestive health and lowering cholesterol. But we love this locally-sourced ingredient for its similarly impressive properties like soothing inflammation and alleviating irritation when applied topically to skin.
Derived from the flax plant (also known as linseed), Flaxseed Oil is made from whole flax seeds which have been ground and cold-pressed to release their natural oil.
What it Does:
Flaxseed Oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid which helps reduce inflammation in the body, improve skin health and impart a healthy glow to skin upon application. More than this, its high antioxidant content treats skin laxity and volume loss, balances and regulates oil production, defends against sun damage and pollution.
Pomegranate Seed Oil
What it is:
A modern-day superfood, pomegranate is best known for its antioxidant properties. Its oil form is derived from pomegranate seeds, yes – the juicy ones eaten as a snack or sprinkled over salads! The skin of a pomegranate can also be cold-pressed into an oil, and it also comes readily available as an extract when specific components or antioxidants are extracted into a concentrate.
What it Does:
Nutrient dense and sensorially appealing, Pomegranate Seed Oil is famed for its potent dose of fatty acid polyphenol which helps skin to regenerate as it protects both the outer and inner layers of skin, whilst helping to detoxify and protect against free radicals.
Pomegranate Seed Oil is also rich in Vitamin C, which helps to brighten the complexion and promote a more even skin tone. With its numerous skincare benefits, like promoting healthy skin ageing and boosting hydration, Pomegranate Seed Oil is a powerful ingredient that can also help to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Walnut Seed Oil
What it is:
A relative newcomer on the skincare scene, Walnut Oil is derived from the meat of walnuts. And just like consuming raw walnuts is said to promote healthier skin, when applied topically this unsung skin hero is said to be equally as beneficial to the skin’s surface.
What it Does:
This emollient, skin-conditioning agent is rich in vitamin E which promises to hydrate skin and helps skin maintain its natural radiance. Walnut Seed Oil is also rich in vitamin B, which has a long list of skincare benefits, including reducing inflammation, hydration and regulating skin’s sebum production.
Packed with skin-loving vitamins and essential fatty acids, Walnut Seed Oil helps to hydrate, brighten and protect the skin's barrier. While versatile enough for use on all skin types, its especially suitable for those with dry or mature skin.
Neossance™ Squalane
What it is:
Neossance™ Squalane has been described as a game-changer by beauty editors, thanks to it being a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional squalane.
Neossance™ Squalane hails from renewable sugarcane which is created sustainably by way of bio-fermentation to produce a clear, odourless lipid (or oil).
What it Does:
This hero hybrid ingredient has been shown to deliver real benefits to the skin including moisturising and hydrating the skin’s surface, alongside strengthening the skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and supple.
Squalene is naturally present in our skin lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss, and Neossance™ is a more stable form of our body’s natural moisturiser, which works works it to improve skin barrier health. As one of the hero ingredients contained within our Embodyme Body Oil, Neossance™ helps enhance the performance of our other ingredients, making it a versatile, multi-functional ingredient.
Rosemary Leaf Extract
What it is:
Don’t be fooled by its size – there’s power in this little plant. Rosemary Leaf Extract contains rosmarinic acid which works to calm and soothe skin ailments like eczema and acne. This natural extract is packed with antioxidants, which work to protect skin from harmful free radicals that can cause premature ageing.
What it Does:
Rosemary Leaf Extract boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which works wonders on redness and irritation, and can also help prevent impurities and rebalance blemished skin.
It’s well-suited to mature skin types, due to the fact it promotes skin metabolism, meaning it supercharges circulation and stimulates cell turnover.
Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E)
What it is:
Tocopherol, also known as non-GMO Vitamin E, refers to a type of Vitamin E that is derived from non-genetically modified sources. This means that the Vitamin E has not been altered in any way and is in its raw, natural state.
A naturally occurring nutrient, Tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E (there are approximately eight different chemical forms).
What it Does:
Tocopherol boasts multiple skin benefits, and commonly crops up in skincare for its ability to nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors, like pollution and UV radiation.
It’s highly revered for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, helping retain moisture to keep skin appearing radiant and healthy.
Coumarin
What it is:
Coumarin is a naturally occurring and synthetically produced scent chemical found in certain plants and plant extracts, including tonka bean and cinnamon. This ingredient is commonly used in fragrances as either a synthetic additive that helps preserve the longevity of a fragrance.
What it Does:
Coumarin lends a sweet, vanilla nutty scent when blended into fragrances and skincare, or if diluted, resembles freshly mown hay. This ingredient is a component of some of our fragrance blends, but we only use small amounts to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
Eugenol
What it is:
Equal parts sweet and spicy, eugenol is an aromatic oily liquid extracted from essential oils like cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Its a popular in beauty products due its antiseptic qualities and unique aroma.
What it Does:
Eugenol can be a skin irritant for some people when used in high concentrations. Eugenol is a component of some of our fragrance blends, but we only use small amounts to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
Limonene
What it is:
Limonene is an aromatic chemical commonly found in the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, which presents as a clear liquid with a lemon-esque odour and sweet taste. It crops up in both beauty and food manufacturing, but be a skin irritant for some people when used in high concentrations.
What it Does:
Limonene is a component of some of our fragrance blends, but we only use small amounts to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
Linalool
What it is:
Linalool is a naturally occurring chemical that can be found in many flowers, fruits and spice plants, including lavender, mint, and cinnamon. With its sweet, floral aroma, it is also known for its calming and relaxing effects and is often used in aromatherapy for this purpose.
What it Does:
Linalool can be a skin irritant for some people when used in high concentrations. Linalool is a component of some of our fragrance blends, but we only use small amounts to avoid any potential adverse reactions.