Botanicals are an increasingly popular skincare ingredient used to soothe, heal and rejuvenate the skin. Botanicals provide powerful antioxidant protection while simultaneously diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Plant-powered ingredients have long been revered as gentle solutions for even the most delicate of skin types; Cleopatra was herself famously fond of using botanical products on her sensitive complexion! Unlike synthetic skincare ingredients, botanicals are free from chemicals and fragrances – an ideal option for people with sensitised skin types.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective natural skin-soother and moisturizer, offering benefits to people of all skin types. It is known to soothe irritation, redness and acne breakouts with its antioxidant properties protecting against oxidative stress; studies also demonstrate its cell regeneration properties as well as antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Aloe vera not only has moisturizing properties, but is also rich in essential vitamins and nutrients like polysaccharides, anthraquinones, amino acids, flavones and phytosterols – providing it’s own protective barrier against trans-epidermal water loss.
Aloe vera can be found in many skincare products, from gels and toners and mists to lotions and creams as well as facial exfoliants and masks. Furthermore, its oil is widely used as an ingredient for moisturizers and serums. When making homemade skincare products yourself using aloe vera is vitally important so as not to contain additives or preservatives that could irritate the skin.
Koakaheart Oil
Pure botanical oil offers more stability for longer than cooking oils that oxidize quickly & can cause skin rashes; its light-weight consistency prevents it from clogging pores or creating that sticky feeling on your skin.
Koakaheart oil, an all-natural plant-derived antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, is ideal for rejuvenating dry, aged or damaged skin. Packed full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found within its composition, koakaheart has also been proven to increase skin elasticity.
Koakaheart oil is one of the least comedogenic natural oils and doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Our Restoring Good Night Creme contains this beneficial oil along with other botanical ingredients to nourish and restore your complexion while you sleep.
Jojoba Oil has long been considered the ideal cosmetic oil, due to its excellent compatibility with human sebum – mimicking our own skin composition – making it one of the best non-comedogenic choices and providing an outstanding sensory skin feel while helping reduce trans-epidermal water loss without leaving an oily film or clogging pores.
Mamaku Black Fern
Aotearoa, in New Zealand, boasts an abundance of indigenous plants and natural elements with curative properties for skin health and wellbeing, many of which have found their way into natural beauty products around the world.
Mamaku black fern (Cyathea medullaris), commonly found throughout New Zealand forests, can reach 20 metres in height. Recognizable by their thick black trunks with hexagonal scars where former fronds have fallen away.
As it’s widely recognized for its hydrating and cell renewal powers, sea buckthorn extract can help increase skin hydration while stimulating fresh cells to form – helping firming skin in turn. Furthermore, sea buckthorn contains polysaccharide gel (glucuronomannans) which has the ability to hold onto water molecules, transport essential nutrients deeper into layers of the skin, while binding moisture together tightly enough that essential hydration occurs at every layer.
Antipodes Eternity Manuka Honey & Rosehip Anti-Age Repairing Night Cream features extract of this majestic fern, carefully harvested using Organic Bioactive’s cutting edge PlantaeXtraction(tm) green biotechnology which utilizes low speed cold crushing and pressing techniques that limit exposure to heat and air while protecting the plant’s vitality.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is an abundant source of vitamins A and C, both known to aid skin regeneration by diminishing scars and fine lines. Furthermore, rosehip oil contains high concentrations of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid which help retain moisture levels in your skin while protecting from dryness.
One 2015 study demonstrated that participants using a topical rosehip oil product experienced reduced fine lines around their eyes (known as crow’s feet) after eight weeks. Rosehip oil also has proven its ability to counteract UV-induced photoaging effects.
Plant-based ingredients are an effective way to enhance the natural beauty and health of your skin. Remember that skincare is a journey – choose your favourite botanicals and use them regularly over time until you see results!
