Why?

Well, let’s start with a quick anatomy lesson…

Your skin is made of layers of cells, each specialized in what they do. Skin cells are produced at the innermost layer. They rise to the surface (the outermost layer) and some specialize as they do. Skin cells do not last forever. They live for about two or three weeks. When they die, they are replaced by younger cells. This process causes the dead cells to be pushed to the surface of your skin where they can fall off.

You lose 30,000 – 40,000 dead skin cells each minute. (That’s about 50 million cells per day!)

If these cells do not fall off of the top layer of skin, it can cause problems like dull flakey skin, acne, dry patches, and wrinkles. Clogged pores may also prevent some of your skincare products from actually helping your skin.

Your Products Are Specific

Each type of product, from your cleanser to your moisturizer, is formulated differently. You probably notice this with the thickness of the product, known as viscosity. Some products are much thicker, right?

This is because your products are created to penetrate your skin, and each other, differently. Some products are made to go deep into the layers of the skin, and others are meant to be closer to the surface. 

The level of penetration largely depends on what the product is supposed to do. For example, products that block the sun, like sunscreen, remain close to the surface of your skin, while products that brighten the color of your skin are intended to sink deeper into your skin. This is why some products are made to be thick, and others to be looser.

Thicker, more viscose products will be stopped closer to the top layer of your skin. That topmost layer acts as your skin’s primary barrier. Not much gets in to the layers below it. That sunscreen, for example… It won’t make it much deeper.

But serum is typically less viscose than sunscreen, so it can penetrate deeper into your skin. If you apply your sunscreen first, however, you will block any other product from sinking into your skin. A product with less viscosity cannot penetrate easily a product with a higher viscosity.

The order you use products really does have an impact.

What’s the correct order for using your products?

The basic rule of thumb is to apply the lightest viscosity products first and the heaviest last. Remember, thinner products cannot penetrate thicker products.

In general, you do not need an eight-step (or even a six-step) skincare routine. Most people do better with fewer products, so keep it simple: cleanser, serum, eye cream, moisturizer. 

That’s it. Four simple products. Seriously. This works for everyone.

First

First, and this is more important than knowing your way to work (we all have Google Maps, right?) — Remove your makeup and wash your face before you use any other products.

For ingredients to absorb properly, you need clean skin. (That dirt you don’t see might be enough to keep your moisturizer from penetrating!)

Which means. if you want to do things right, use a proper cleanser.

In the Morning

Wash your face with a good cleanser, like our Remarkably Clean Purifying Facial Cleanser. It will help clean your skin and wake it up for your daily routine. The activated bamboo charcoal helps draw out any impurities that are lurking in your pores. A good cleanser is always the perfect start to your skincare.

Makeup wipes might seem like a fast solution, especially if you’re at the gym, but they leave behind a layer of residue that can irritate your skin. If you’re using these before you put your makeup on, you’re just adding makeup to sweat, dirt, and residue. Yuck. Take a moment and use a good cleanser.

At Night

Cleaning your skin at night is even more important than in the morning! A full day’s worth of grime and pollutions (and we’re not even talking about makeup) from everything you did is sitting on and in your pores. You’ve got to clean this out, especially before bed. Nighttime is when your skin works to produce more skin cells, and make you look your best. It cannot do its best when it’s burdened down with dirt, germs, and grime.

Bonus!

Remember those dead cells? You can help them leave your skin surface sooner (and keep your complexion clear) if you use an exfoliator a few times each week. Make it part of your nighttime routine and you’ll be amazed at the skin you wake up with! Our ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask Polishing Scrub is perfect for this. It contains AHA glycolic acid, bamboo, and walnut for the ideal exfoliating blend of small and large grit to instantly polish away dull, dry skin, blemishes, and dead skin cells.

Daily use of an exfoliator, for most people, is too much. But two or three times a week is perfect. Use it after your cleanser and before you apply anything else.

Second

Serum, we love you! This is the one product you likely never use because you don’t know you need it.  Serums are extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrating ingredients, and antioxidants that power up your skin’s health almost as soon as you use it. Honestly, these silky little gems are the heavy lifters of any skincare routine. Although serums are optional, they are amazing for boosting your overall skin health.

In the Morning

A vitamin C serum, like our Kakadu Vitamin C Brightening Serum, actually protects your skin from inflammation and damage caused by the environment. Things like sunshine, wind, and pollution wreak havoc on your skin. The vitamin C will help brighten your skin and lighten dark spots over time. It’s really the MVP of skincare.

At Night

A serum filled with hyaluronic acid is great for nighttime use. Hyaluronic acid actually pulls water from the air into your skin to plump it up and keep it hydrated. The Kakadu serum is loaded with hyaluronic acid and organic Reishi mushrooms. This power-duo holds moisture, reduces inflammation, puffiness, wrinkles & free radical damage, while also promoting cell regeneration. Just because you’re asleep doesn’t mean your skin is! It works overtime to repair damage and give you a beautiful glow.

Third

Use an eye cream. Consider using one even if you don’t have dark circles, fine lines, or wrinkles… An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Eye creams tend to be lighter and thinner than face moisturizers, so make sure to apply them before you use your moisturizer. It’s crazy how much this all makes sense now, isn’t it?

In the Morning

If you wake up with puffy eyes, our Brilliant Eyes eye cream can help! It’s made with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Witch Hazel – all of which help reduce swelling, puffiness, fine lines, and under-eye bags. This mighty formula uses other natural ingredients, like eyebright, to reduce discoloration under your eyes and on your lids. 

At Night

Most people think their night eye cream has to be super thick and include some sort of retinol to help with fine lines. The reality is that your eye area is delicate, so you need to be gentle, both with your technique and your products. Brilliant Eyes is a gentle, soothing, lightweight moisturizer that delivers an amazing number of nutrients. It helps keep your eye area tight and bright for a more youthful appearance.

Fourth

This is your last step, before using any makeup!

Moisturize.

Everyone needs to use a moisturizer. Always. Twice a day. No matter what. Even if your skin is oily or struggles with breakouts. 

Moisturizer is the only thing that keeps your skin’s natural barrier—which is the very thing responsible for making your skin look good—healthy and happy. Moisturizers hydrate your skin and also help lock in all of the products that lie beneath it.

In the Morning

A lightweight moisturizer, like our Vitamin C Moisturizer, will keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. For an added boost, let it sink in for a full five minutes before applying your makeup.

At Night

Your skin is in full repair mode at night. It’s working extra hard to fix any damage and boost skin cell regeneration. Your nighttime moisturizer should be filled with all the things your body naturally produces and can use more of, like peptides, lipids, and proteins. You can find all of this (and more!) in our Vitamin C Moisturizer.

One Last Thought

We mentioned sunscreen earlier, and it’s worth a bit more detail… Sunscreen isn’t trying to penetrate your skin—it’s designed to sit on top and protect your face from UV rays.

Medical and skin care professionals say that you need to use sunscreen daily. If It’s part of your daily routine, great! Use it after your moisturizer and before your makeup for optimal benefits.

And that’s it!

Cleanser – Serum – Eye Cream – Moisturizer

Four easy skin care steps!

Kakadu Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum

From lightening your elbows to eliminating athlete’s foot and diaper rash, there’s something for just about everyone here.

Lighten Dark Elbows & Knees

Dark elbows and knees are simply patches of darker skin on your elbows and knees. While darker skin can occur anywhere, your elbows are more vulnerable because you pay less attention to them. More prominent parts of your body, like your face, probably get more attention, including more beneficial treatments.

Several factors can cause or contribute to darker skin on your elbows, including:

• an accumulation of dead skin cells
• hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure
• melasma (dark spots) from a pregnancy or birth control pills
• freckles and age spots
• skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema
• inflammation from a previous injury

Naturally darker skin tones are also more prone to darkening of their elbows and knees.

How do you treat it?

The favorite hack for this in our office was using Brilliant Eyes cream twice per day on your elbows, knees, and other darker skin areas (armpits or heels, anyone?).

We formulated Brilliant Eyes with Eyebright. Eyebright is a small white-flowered plant officially named Euphrasia, which has been used in herbal medicine for centuries.

Eyebright reduces puffiness, calms redness, and brightens dark spots on your skin. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties work as exfoliators and toners for your skin. It’s well known for clearing blocked pores and tightening the complexion for a flawless, even appearance. It also balances oil production and helps to maintain the skin’s pH to keep excess sebum under control.

Eyebright is a great healer for acne, blemishes, and skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, and despite its powerful effects, eyebright is a gentle herb.

Perfect for eliminating and softening those elbows and knees.

Oh, Baby!

Babies have very delicate skin. That’s why there are so many baby care products. Good baby care products are gentle.

Because babies have such sensitive skin, they can easily develop a lot of skin issues. Rashes–like diaper rash or drool rash, eczema, dry skin, dermatitis, and baby acne are all pretty common. These can result in itchy, uncomfortable, dry, and cracked skin.

How do you heal these issues and keep your baby’s skin soft, moisturized, and healthy?

Try LuxeOranix Psoriasis Shampoo + Body Wash. This gentle, non-medicated formula helps prevent, soothe, and stop the cycle of dry, irritated, flaky skin on the body or the scalp. It’s perfectly pH balanced and has no harsh chemicals or fragrance so it will not cause any irritation. There are also no sulfates, SLS, sodium chloride, parabens, drying alcohols, gluten, dyes, or phthalates, making it safe for sensitive skin, children, and babies.

A Remedy for Dry, Rough Patches & Tiny Bumps

If you’ve got rough, dry, bumpy skin – this one is for you!

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes dry, rough patches with tiny bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Sometimes called chicken or goose-flesh, the bumps don’t usually hurt or itch. Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, but it’s common in young children.

Keratosis pilaris is considered to be just a variation of normal skin. It can’t be cured or prevented, but you can manage it with moisturizers to improve the appearance of the skin.

The beauty hack we stumbled upon is to use the ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask Polishing Scrub.

Gently scrub the affected area with ReNew, and then let it sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes. The scrub will clear clogged pores and uncover fresh, glowing skin, while the hydrating oils and natural ingredients soften, moisturize, heal, and protect.

This hack also works for the dry skin on your hands, elbows, and heels. As an added bonus, ReNew contains ingredients known to help aid in fading and brightening age spots or discoloration on this skin, too!

What’s a girl to do?

Our favorite hack is using your Biotin Shampoo as a shave gel. It gently stimulates and soothes with healing anti-inflammatory essential oils and plant extracts to hydrate and protect your skin.

Chock full of ingredients like nettle leaf extract, calendula, olive, and jojoba oils benefit your skin and accelerate the healing process of wounds, allergies, and rashes.

If you’re more of a shave cream kind of gal, another favorite shaving hack is using LuxeOrganix  CoWash Cleansing Conditioner. It’s enriched with Peppermint Oil that ignites your senses and leaves your shaved skin feeling refreshed. Considering it’s designed to protect and preserve your hair’s natural oils, just imagine what it can do for your skin with its natural botanicals and nutrients for enhanced moisture.

Put Your Feet First

Your feet are important. You stand and walk on them all day long. Problems with your feet can be debilitating. Keeping them healthy is relatively easy and taking care of them is a snap. Read on for some of our favorite foot care hacks.

If you struggle with Athlete’s Foot, you know what it’s like… a scaly rash, itching, stinging, burning, and not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing for others to see.

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs when feet get sweaty while confined in tight-fitting shoes. The sweating, combined with the tight shoes, helps create the perfect conditions for this fungus to grow.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels, or clothing.

Important: If your condition is extreme, or if it does not begin to heal in a week or so, you should seek care from your primary healthcare practitioner. You may need anti-fungal medications.

Our hack might help you nip this condition before it warrants a visit to the doctor.

Using the Biotin Shampoo as a daily foot wash might help you avoid athletes’ foot. This is because of the essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Rosemary, with anti-fungal properties, as well as, Horsetail Plant Extract, Sage, and other botanicals, that reduce inflammation, sweating, and fungal growth, and help to heal the skin.

It also works wonders on stinky feet!

And, Ladies, if you want really soft feet, try using our Biotin Conditioner with your pumice stone or callus grater. The Ginkgo Leaf Powder promotes circulation, while Sage, Peppermint, and Rosemary’s anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties help keep your skin healthy (no athlete’s feet for you!). The Aloe Vera, Jojoba, and Hemp Seed Oil will help soften callouses and keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

To get a sharp, close shave, you need to moisturize the skin and the hair on the beard and mustache. Softening your stubble makes it less irritating to remove, and both the Brilliant Eyes Cream and Vitamin C Moisturizer do just that, while also softening and moisturizing the skin so the razor blade can more easily remove the hair.

Once you’ve shaved the hair off, you also need to heal your skin from any nicks and keep it moisturized so that it stays healthy and calm.

Both the Brilliant Eyes Cream and the Vitamin C Moisturizer with their organic and natural ingredients help with this.

Brilliant Eyes has a unique blend of organic and natural ingredients that infuse and hold moisture, promoting long-term skin health. It’s also got Squalane in it, which has been used historically medically to treat wounds and burns (so just imagine its soothing and healing qualities for post-shaving!).

Our Vitamin C Moisturizer blends penetrating antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to stimulate new cell growth, and elasticity, and locks in long-lasting moisture essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protected from harsh environment & climate trauma. It soothes sensitive skin, and the Vitamin C contained is a proactive remedy for skin that’s prone to break-outs and irritation, by balancing oily skin, and reducing dryness and itching,

Gentlemen, you cannot go wrong using either of these to shave your face! Try both and discover your favorite!

Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer

Psoriasis Shampoo + Body Wash

When Too Much Sun Causes Problems

It’s important to note that ALL skin types — white, olive, brown, black, and everything in between — all skin burns when overexposed to UV rays.

Damage to your skin occurs when ultraviolet (UV) light penetrates unprotected skin, causing changes to your inner layers of skin. Dermatologists refer to this damage as photoaging, photodamage, solar damage, or sun damage.

Because this UV damage happens in the deeper layers of your skin—the dermis—it can take years before it becomes visible.

With sun damage being largely invisible for a long time, we continue to romp in the sun and forget about protecting ourselves from it. Years of damage can build up and cause scaly and rough patches of skin, skin cancer, or even changes to your DNA.

Have you ever seen older, very tanned people with skin like leather?

That’s extreme sun damage. It doesn’t happen overnight, it accumulates…

Dermatologists recommend retinol as one of the top solutions for sun-damaged skin.

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It works by encouraging cell turnover and increasing collagen production, both of which help fight almost all signs of sun damage. Retinol can even out pigmentation issues and fade brown spots.

The problem with retinol is that it can dry out your skin and irritate sensitive skin.

Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative may be a better solution.

This natural ingredient doesn’t dry out or irritate skin like retinol, so it’s safe to use for those with sensitive skin (and it’s even encouraged by dermatologists).

Like retinol, bakuchiol helps the skin turn over quicker and boosts collagen production resulting in plumper, brighter skin, reduced fine lines, faded discolorations, and fewer wrinkles.

That’s why we use this amazing plant-powered miracle worker in LuxeOrganix Kakadu Vitamin C Brightening Serum and our Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream.

Microdermabrasion is recommended for renewing skin tone and texture.

Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related issues.

The process sprays fine particles of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate onto your skin to blast away the topmost layers. Blasted layers are quickly suctioned up leaving soft, smooth, clear skin.

You can accomplish similar results by adding exfoliation to your skincare routine once or twice each week.

Exfoliation removes the top layers of dry, dead skin at home, without needing any expensive machinery.

LuxeOrganix ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask Polishing Scrub uses fine grit from walnut and bamboo plus glycolic acid, to gently reveal your younger skin. It’s also loaded with botanicals like Turmeric and Australian Kakadu Plum to brighten and balance your skin, without stripping moisture and essential oils.

Moisturizing is the key to younger skin.

Once your younger skin begins to appear, you need to keep it moisturized. These products help skin absorb and retain moisture, which softens the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Moisture also helps your skin maintain its health, which gives your body a strong barrier against environmental pollution, germs, and dirt.

Start by using a moisturizer specifically created for your eye area. This area tends to show age and sun damage easily, in the form of crow’s feet, fine lines, puffiness, and discoloration.

LuxeOrganix Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream gently firms, hydrates, and tightens the delicate skin around your eyes. It’s packed with natural anti-aging ingredients that don’t strip, dry, or leave any build-up. Its botanical beauty enhancers include Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, and Sea Fennel — all of which leave your eye area smooth, soft, and brighter. Combined with Matrixyl 3000, this formulation will help you turn back the hands of time (and sun damage) on your peepers.

For your face, neck, and decollete, LuxeOrganix Vitamin C Moisturizer is a daily lotion that hydrates, nourishes, and firms sagging skin. Vitamins C, B5, and E work together with Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Gotu Kola, Sunflower, and Jojoba oils to reinvigorate parched skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and skin blotches.

It’s loaded with penetrating antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that stimulate new cell growth, promote skin elasticity, and lock in long-lasting essential moisture to keep your skin soft and smooth, and protected from harsh environments and climate trauma.

Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer

How do you maintain your angelic glow while navigating the festivities?

Read on…

Get Ready for the Party

The holidays are amazing, especially if you love the social scene. Everyone throws a party to top the last holiday season (not a difficult task this year!) — from your neighbors, to your relatives and workplace — and that’s all before New Year’s Eve rolls into town.

While your parties may be crazy fun, your skin might not be enjoying them much. We tend to slather on makeup, ruin any sleeping habits we’ve tried so hard to create, and sometimes drink more than we realize, not to mention the changes in what we eat!

If you know you have a big party in a few days, what do you do? (We mean after you pick out that killer outfit.)

First, drink a lot of water before, during, and after the party to keep yourself, and your skin, hydrated. Hydrated skin is happy skin. Your whole body will love you more for the extra water.

Next, use a face mask 48 hours prior to your party.

This will prime your skin for a flawless look, and easy makeup application, by removing any impurities (and giving your skin some time to settle).  We love the ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask Polishing Scrub because you can use it as a face mask to remove daily grime, and then leave it on for 15 minutes to enjoy the calming and moisturizing benefits it holds for your skin. This will make your skin glow like it does when you get caught under the mistletoe with your favorite party guest.

Make sure you’re continuing your normal cleansing and moisturizing regimen along the way. You’ll look fantastic while you enjoy the party!

Make a quick trip to the bathroom to remove your makeup before you hit the pillow. Sleeping in your makeup is a recipe for irritated skin, acne, and advanced aging.

When you get up the next day, revive your skin with a nourishing face mask, like ReNew. Follow that with a serum for added restoration and hydration. For this, we recommend our Kakadu Vitamin C Brightening Serum. It hydrates better than anything out there, and the Vitamin C from Kakadu Plums will help even your skin tone while it firms and tightens. You’ll look well rested and vibrant even if you need a nap.

Next, use an indulgent eye cream to reduce any sleep-deprived side effects of the party. Brilliant Eyes gets our recommendation — the organic and natural ingredients help reduce dark circles and puffiness around your eyes. The luxurious feel of this cream is heavenly, and it sinks deep into your skin without leaving any greasy residue. (This might even be what Santa uses to keep his twinkle from aging.)

Last but not least, use a moisturizer all over. Our Vitamin C Moisturizer will reduce any fine lines that cause you to look tired, and protect your skin by supporting its own natural barrier.

You will be ready for your next party in no time. And that’s just in time for New Year’s Eve!

Brilliant Eyes Day & Night Cream

Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer

Rosehip oil is not the same as rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals. Rosehip oil is actually pressed from the fruit and seed of the plant. Hundreds of years ago, rosehip oil was used for its beneficial healing effects. It was commonly applied to wounds because it helps skin to regenerate and it reduces scarring, but it was also used to treat stomach weakness and muscle cramps.

Ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and Greeks have used Rosehip oil. In fact, its use is recorded as far back as 2600 BC. More recently, it’s made its way into modern skincare products, including ours!

We like it because Rosehip oil is jam-packed with vitamins, nutrients, and essential fatty acids. Feeding your skin what it needs is the first step to having an amazing complexion. While rosehip oil is chock-full of what your skin needs, first and foremost it’s a super-effective emollient and moisturizer. Emollients help to soothe the skin and provide all-day moisture by locking in any hydration and natural oils. hydrated skin is younger-looking skin!

The omega-6 fatty acids in Rosehip Oil, known as linoleic acid, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) caused by the sun, aging, pregnancy, acne, and hormones.

Rich in polyphenols (compounds found in plants, including flavonoids and phenolic acid, that benefit the human body and help fight disease), Rosehip oil’s antibacterial, antiviral, and even antifungal properties can work wonders on your skin. This makes Rosehip oil the perfect partner for fighting acne and healing any scars caused by it.

Rosehip oil also contains powerful antioxidants, including vitamin E, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory effects. This makes Rosehip oil ideal for combatting the  effects of again on your skin. (Bye-bye puffy eyes!)

Just to recap, you’d gain the following benefits by adding Rosehip Oil to your skincare routine:

• Intensely hydrates and moisturizes the skin
• Anti-Inflammatory, so it reduces puffiness
• Reduces wrinkles
• Brightens the skin
• Evens out skin tone
• Firms the skin
• Reduces scarring 
• Regenerates and heals skin
• Increases collagen production and skin elasticity
• Fights free radicals that age your skin
• Combats acne and blemishes

We don’t know about you, but all these check all of our boxes when looking for skin care products!

Where You Can Find It

We use Rosehip oil in our Remarkably Clean Purifying Facial Cleanser, Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream, and ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask and Scrub.

Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream

Also known as winterbloom, the extract of the witch hazel plant has been used as a natural astringent and remedy for a range of skin issues including hemorrhoids, acne, and psoriasis. It is praised for its ability to help treat inflammation, itching, irritation, and it may also play a role fighting certain types of viral infections.

Some of the magic in Witch Hazel comes from it’s tannins. Tannins are a natural compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage. When applied topically, the tannins help reduce swelling, repair broken skin, and fight bacteria. One study found that tannins act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells. These antioxidant-rich tannins also help to remove excess oils from your skin, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in toners and mattifying products.

Witch Hazel may also help reduce acne, since it can remove the excess oils from your skin and fight bacteria.

One published study on plants used to treat skin conditions showed that the polyphenols contained in Witch Hazel also help fight premature aging. Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, says, “…Witch Hazel may have antioxidant effects that help mitigate and prevent free radical damage to skin from UV [rays] and oxidizing air pollution.”

Plus, its astringent properties can make your skin look firmer.

And the constricting compounds of Witch Hazel make the proteins inside of your skin cells come together, giving you tighter, smaller-looking pores. This same effect also helps reduce razor burn (the bumps you get on your skin after shaving). Combine its cell constricting abilities with its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and Witch Hazel may be the perfect ingredient for reducing puffiness and tightening the under-eye area, too.

Because its various properties refine the appearance of pores, reduce inflammation, and tighten your skin, this trifecta of perks adds up to a more even skin tone.

It’s magic, right?

Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream

Not All Alcohol is Bad

The truth is, not all alcohols are bad or even drying.

We are not joking!

Fatty alcohols are not irritating and can actually be beneficial for your skin.

Take Cetearyl Alcohol, for example. It’s a fatty alcohol that’s actually allowed by the FDA as an ingredient in skin and hair care products that are labeled “alcohol-free.”

Cetearyl Alcohol also referred to as cetostearyl alcohol, is a waxy substance that is derived from plants like coconuts and palms (but some labs can even synthesize it). When used in beauty products like moisturizers, lotions, and shampoos, cetearyl alcohol can act as an emollient, an emulsifier, and a stabilizer.

Emulsifiers are used to combine ingredients that normally don’t mix together, like oil and water, and stabilizers prevent these ingredients from separating. Emollients soften and soothe your skin.  

Why use any alcohol?

Alcohol can make a thick skincare product feel weightless. This allows the product to not only glide over your skin effortlessly but allows you to apply a nice thin, even layer.

Your skin is naturally very good at keeping ingredients out. Skin-protective substances (like lipids (fats), enzymes, and antioxidants) act like little soldiers, keeping everything –including the beneficial ingredients in your products– from getting in. Alcohol (the bad kind) helps ingredients like retinol and vitamin C penetrate your skin more effectively, but it does that by breaking down that barrier the little soldiers are defending. This destroys the very substances that keep your skin healthy over the long term. Think of the old western movies where a fight breaks out in a bar and cowboys are throwing each other through the windows… This is what happens when bad alcohols are involved! The windows (your skin barrier) and the cowboys (the good ingredients) both get broken.

Fatty alcohols do not behave like this. They are friendly alcohols. They’re more like a checkpoint, stopping all the visitors and allowing the good ingredients to pass, opening the doors, and even escorting them in.

So cetearyl alcohol is not like the alcohols known for drying and irritating your skin. It’s actually a good ingredient!

The rule of thumb for understanding any alcohol in your products is this…

If it starts with a C or an S, it’s SAFE; not drying or damaging.

Remember, fatty alcohols are not the least bit harmful to your skin. Often confused with the bad alcohols, like ethanol, denatured alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol), fatty alcohols include, among others, cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Don’t let their names scare you off.

Why We Use It

Now that you know what cetearyl alcohol is, let’s review the benefits it brings.

• Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient, which means it helps soften your skin. It also helps to improve the spreadability and texture of the product so that you can more easily apply it to your hair and skin.
• Cetearyl alcohol also functions as a surfactant. Surfactants are ingredients that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as two liquids or a liquid and a solid. Another job of surfactants is to degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend dirt, allowing them to be washed away. It can also increase the capacity of foaming in products like body washes and facial cleansers.
• Last but not least, another important function of cetearyl alcohol is, it works to thicken product formulations in order to make them less runny and easier to spread.

Where You Can Find It

We use Cetearyl Alcohol in our CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, Argan Oil Styling Cream, Coconut Deep Conditioner Hair Mask, Bond Integrity Protein Hair Treatment, ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask & Scrub, and Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream.

Deep Conditioner Hair Mask

Brilliant Eyes Day & Night Eye Cream

Olive oil is pressed from the Olive fruit. It’s prized for its emollient, moisturizing properties. (Emollients are what make your skin soft and smooth.)

How do we love thee?

Let us count the ways…

(Our sincere apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for playing with the opening lines to her great poem on love.)

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It contains vitamins A, D, K, and E, as well as squalane.

Used in skincare products, the antioxidant properties of olive oil protect skin cells from environmental damage and inflammation. This is a real boon for skin suffering with scarring and acne.

All of those vitamins decrease the effects of oxidative stress on your skin. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body, and one of the causes of accelerated skin aging… So, say goodbye to wrinkles!

Olive oil’s main benefit to your skin is that it’s a great moisturizer. Olive oil hydrates and forms a protective barrier on your skin, thanks in part to the squalane it contains.

It’s the Squalane…

Squalane (with an “a“) is a plant-based version of squalene (with an “e”), which is naturally produced by your body. More specifically, Squalene is a lipid, or fat, made naturally by the sebaceous glands in your skin. It hydrates and maintains the barrier of your skin.

After the age of 30, the amount of squalene your body produces decreases. This is why you have drier skin as you age. The squalane in olive oil acts like the squalene produced by your body. It can benefit all skin types (including sensitive skin).

Because it works to naturally seal in moisture, squalane helps with problems where the skin barrier is disrupted and water loss is an issue. This includes conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. These conditions also benefit from olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive that!

Olive oil is like a superfood for your skin. It:

• Prevents premature aging
• Moisturizes and softens
• Reduces inflammation and scarring
• Softens fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Protects from environmental damage

Olive thee purely, to continue along the lines of Ms. Barret’s poem!

Where You Can Find It

We use olive oil in our Remarkably Clean Purifying Facial Cleanser and ReNew Exfoliating Face Mask and Scrub.

Brilliant Eyes Daily Eye Cream

Brilliant Eyes Day & Night Eye Cream

Aloe Vera is the gel that comes from an aloe plant, a succulent that grows wild in tropical and subtropical areas. While native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands, the aloe plant is now grown worldwide.

For hundreds of years, Aloe Vera has been used by many different people around the globe. It is rich in nutrients, aids in digestion, and even boosts immunity — it nourishes the body from the inside. Among other things, Aloe Vera contains protein with 18-20 amino acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. As a topical gel, it’s a miracle worker for both your skin and your hair.

But what do you really know about Aloe Vera? We’ve taken the time to highlight eight of its really amazing benefits for your hair and skin.

Speeds Skin Healing

Aloe Vera is rich in antioxidants and minerals that boost your skin’s healing process. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties makes it one of the most natural remedies for sunburn or burnt skin.

It also speeds up skin cell reproduction, making it heal up to eight times faster. And Aloe Vera penetrates the epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) faster than water!

Moisturizes Skin

Aloe Vera applied to your skin helps form a protective layer, and it helps your skin retain moisture. Unlike moisturizers that rely on harsh chemicals, Aloe Vera does not leave a greasy film on your skin. In fact, it does just the opposite – Aloe Vera unclogs pores and softens your skin. This is why we use it in our Vitamin C Infusion Nourishing Daily Moisturizer. You’ll notice the difference right away. 

Because Aloe Vera gel helps to keep your skin hydrated and quickly heal wounds, it can be used as an aftershave-treatment to speed healing from razor burns and smaller nicks & cuts. (Ladies, share your moisturizer with the man in your life! Or just get him one of his own so you always have yours.)

Fights Infection and Acne

Aloe Vera is the perfect ingredient for gentle cleansing because it penetrates your skin quickly and it unclogs pores. Its antimicrobial properties treat pimples without causing any damage to the skin. And its antiseptic properties provide a layer of protection against bacteria.

Because it’s so gentle, we use it in our Psoriasis Shampoo + Body Wash, which is designed for sensitive skin.

Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides and gibberellins, which help in the growth of new cells and at the same time, reduce inflammation and redness. So, it works as an astringent that reduces the size of pores by flushing out the excess sebum, microbes, and dirt.

Lightens Blemishes

As you read above, Aloe Vera contains powers to boost skin cell reproduction, reduce redness, and fight skin inflammation. This makes it a natural treatment for stretch marks and acne scars. When combined with other ingredients that have a lightening effect, it also sends hyper-pigmentation packing.

Conditions Your Hair and Scalp

Similar to the way that Aloe Vera moisturizes your skin, it helps condition your hair and soften it. Regular use of Aloe Vera on your hair and scalp helps to maintain the vitality and shine of your hair. Who doesn’t want shiny hair?

Which is exactly why we’ve used it in both our Morrocan Argan Oil Conditioner and our Invigorate Biotin Conditioner. Shiny hair is not just #Goals – it’s achievable!

Helps Hair Grow

Aloe Vera increases the blood circulation to your scalp, activating new hair growth. It also provides essential minerals and vitamins to nourish your scalp, and it contains proteolytic enzymes that help repair damaged cells. A healthy scalp allows for more hair growth and less hair fall.

Eradicates Dandruff

Aloe Vera helps heal dry skin, fungal infections, and excessively oily skin. All of these are significant causes of dandruff. So, keeping them at bay, keeps dandruff away.

Why are we going on and on about Aloe Vera?

Because we thought you might not know about it… and we use it in many of our products.

Our newest product – the Organic Psoriasis Shampoo + Body wash – even lists it first in the ingredients list, which means it is the number one ingredient by volume. It’s also the number one ingredient in our Brilliant Eyes Bio-Advanced Eye Cream, and Vitamin C Infusion Nourishing Daily Face Moisturizer.

We also use Organic Aloe Vera in both the Morrocan Argan Oil and Invigorate Biotin Conditioners, the Kakadu Vitamin C Brightening Serum, and our Remarkably Clean Purifying Facial Cleanser.

We use it everywhere because it is just… AMAZING.

And we thought you should know more about it!

Kakadu Vitamin C Brightening Serum