Camellia’s rich history can be traced back over 5000 years to roots in China and Japan. The oil has played an important role in Geishas’ beauty routines for centuries and is still a staple ingredient for natural beauty potions in Asia today.  There are over 20,000 varieties of this famed plant! While green tea is made from the leaves of camellia sinensis, our golden yellow oil is gently extracted from the seeds of camellia oleifera. Also known as tea seed oil, it shares many powerful antioxidant compounds with green tea in addition to nourishing fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Camellia’s high antioxidant content offers the skin much-needed protection from free radicals and environmental aggressors, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, this light and easily assimilated oil is a significant source of Vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids, making it deeply nourishing, calming, and healing. Camellia oil’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties offer great relief for inflamed skin and increase the wound healing and cell regenerating process.

Featured in: The Pendulum Potion, The Blue Cocoon & The Happy Galaxy

The sacred shea tree has been sharing its various gifts with countless communities in its native Africa for thousands of years. Its adventurous history is said to go back all the way to Cleopatra’s reign when the iconic ruler supposedly never traveled without her jars of this decadent butter. Besides being part of Cleopatra’s famous, luxury beauty routine, and long before it became a starring ingredient in many of today’s nourishing, natural skin care products, this special fruit was treasured and well-utilized by African cultures in numerous ways.

The shea tree's wood, for example, is said to have been used to make beautiful caskets for respected leaders, while its fruit and butter offered an essential source of nourishment and medicine for entire tribes. Its appreciation and significance throughout Africa continues today, where shea butter is rightly known as “women's gold” as its production provides employment and income to women in 19 African nations.

The long, intensive process of bringing this fruit to its final buttery state requires much patience.  Shea trees start to bear their first fruits only after a decade of growth, but once they start, they continue sharing their nourishing treasures with us for up to 200 years. After the fruits have been harvested, the nuts are removed, boiled, and extracted from their shells by hand. The containing seeds are crushed, roasted, and then beaten with water, which helps to release their famously rich fats that form into a butter.

This precious, smooth, and nutritive gift provides deep nourishment, leaving skin plump, soft, and protected. Its high content of healthy, anti-inflammatory fats are quickly absorbed, locking in the necessary moisture to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the day. The antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds offer a great healing and soothing remedy for many inflammatory conditions, from sunburns to rashes, dermatitis, and rosacea. Shea butter’s dose of vitamins A and E is said to promote cell renewal and slow the signs of premature aging by reducing the exposure of oxidative stress in the skin. Shea butter is said to also increase collagen production, restoring the skin’s natural elasticity and firmness.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

If I have a signature as a formulator, the glory of this bean is certainly a part of it. I believe in cacao as more than just a special sweet treat or even as an ingredient to lend a hunger-inducing aroma to all but one formula in our core facial collection.

Exceptionally high in antioxidants, raw cacao blocks free radicals, protecting skin against damage to collagen and elastin while promoting and renewing skin cell tissue. Cacao contains omega 6 fatty acids and raw enzymes, both of which help in cellular repair and rejuvenation. Topical use increases blood flow to the skin, reducing inflammation and redness, slowing the visible aging process, and supporting healthy moisture content.

Sourcing
Nearly all of the cacao on the planet is produced for consumption in the massive food and fragrance industries, where the priority is strictly to maximize aromas and flavors with aggressive toasting processes. Unfortunately, the excessive heat used to achieve the characteristic chocolate scent you are accustomed to greatly diminishes the nutritional value of this precious food ingredient. It was an uphill battle to find producers who are instead dedicated to the gentle extraction and distillation of aromatic raw materials that preserve and honor the bean’s high antioxidant content.

I am committed to ever-increasing my quality standard, taking every challenge as an opportunity to dig deeper into our core values. After years searching the world, testing cacao samples from a zillion vendors, navigating ingredient adulteration and dilution and the underbelly of labeling loopholes that plague our industry, I can say without hesitation we have earned access to the best of the best with each form of cacao we incorporate into our treats. From our rich and succulent cacao butter to our exclusive, freshly-made raw oleoresin, to our nutrient-dense powdered bean, our cacao is a point of pride and total joy.

Fair Trade
Historically, cacao has been and still is a significant source of tropical deforestation. At the same time, it is a crop on which many conservationists and natural resource managers base their hopes for an agriculture industry that not only provides a livelihood for tropical farmers but also helps to conserve biodiversity in the tropical landscape. Growing cacao under a canopy enhances the soil, protects it from erosion, provides non-cacao products to the farmer and a refuge for an array of animal groups like birds, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. The leaf litter provided by a shade canopy is particularly important for the life cycle of the insects that pollinate the cacao blossoms.

Farmers that choose to grow cacao using sustainable methods rely on organic or premium markets for the higher prices they must charge for making a commitment to increasing biodiversity and embracing environmentally-friendly agriculture. Although chocolate is a huge ($70+ billion annually) global business, only about 6-8 percent of this revenue makes its way back to the cocoa farmers, many of whom run small family operations. Labor abuse is rife in many cocoa regions, and reports of farmers enslaving thousands of child workers have sparked widespread criticism of the industry.

Labor and environmental issues have inspired the formation of several organizations and associations of wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to growing cacao sustainably, providing fair wages and opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. We are committed to supporting this vital effort by choosing makers that produce organically and ethically under Fair Trade guidelines.

“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”
—Everyone, Everywhere

One of Africa’s ancient botanical treasures, the marula tree has been sharing its gifts with local communities for centuries. Indigenous to South Africa and Madagascar, the marula tree belongs to the same plant family as cashew, mango, and pistachio. Marula fruit has been a staple in African cuisine for a long time, where it’s transformed into delicious juices, jams, and even alcoholic beverages, such as the famous South African cream liquor, Amarula.

Besides its yummy taste, the yellow fruit offers numerous skin-beneficial nutrients and is said to contain a whopping 4 times as much vitamin C as an orange. The tree’s generosity doesn’t stop at the fruit; the nutty, golden marula oil has been widely used for its medicinal benefits and has been part of countless beauty rituals. Boasting an incredibly high content of antioxidants, including skin-boosting Vitamins C and E, marula oil provides a protective shield against damaging effects of the environment while simultaneously helping to renew healthy skin cells. Further, it increases healthy collagen production and slows down the aging process. The antibacterial properties of the antioxidants and tocopherols assist in fighting off harmful pathogens, naturally speeding up the healing process of wounds and scars. Its anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid content not only helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, but also to reduce redness and improve elasticity.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

Known as the “tree of life” in its stunningly beautiful native Africa, one can only imagine the significant role the majestic Baobab tree has played for thousands of years. Throughout the average lifespan of over one thousand years (!!), each tree generously shares its fruits and water, as well as provides shelter and traditional healing remedies for local communities and wildlife.

Baobab’s nourishing fruits have been valued in Africa for centuries and boast of immune boosting vitamins, antioxidants, and strengthening minerals. The baobab fruit has six times as much vitamin C as an orange, 50% more calcium than spinach, and its antioxidant activity is four times that of a kiwi. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus, and the seeds are packed with protein.

Baobab’s clear, golden yellow oil is extracted in a single cold pressing process, allowing this lightly nutty liquid to retain its unusually rich nutritional profile. Its powerful antioxidants provide the skin protection against free radical damage, therefore slowing down the skin’s visible aging process. Celebrated for its extremely high content of Vitamin C, the oil helps to maintain skin’s collagen production, encourages skin cell regeneration, improves elasticity and firmness, and accelerates the healing process of wounds and scars. Essential fatty-acids deeply moisturize the skin, effectively treating and healing inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and acne.  

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

I am often asked what my favorite ingredient is to work with, and while it can feel a bit like choosing between children, blue tansy wins without question. This magical oil is the single most powerful ingredient I use and it is the one plant I go to when it's time to get serious. My own highly reactive skin changed dramatically after discovering its benefits over a decade ago.

Of all the active compounds found in blue tansy, chamazulene (a mighty anti-oxidant) and a-bisabolol are known powerhouses famous for their anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. Effective for treating a plethora of conditions ranging from eczema to sun damage, blue tansy acts on a cellular level, relieving heat to reduce skin inflammation. Additionally, a-bisabolol compounds act as a catalyst, helping our other active ingredients, such as our helichrysum, to better penetrate the skin and offer its highest possible efficacy.

Applied topically, blue tansy oil works magic to clear rashes and allergic reactions, psoriasis, rosacea, and all forms of acne. With its unparalleled ability to bring peace to troubled complexions, it is like a meditation and spa vacation for your skin. Equally captivating is blue tansy’s extensive contribution to the long-studied emotional benefits that come with aromatherapy and alternative medicine practices.

High resonance blue tansy is called on to help combat depression, reduce anxiety, heal sleep disorders and insomnia, and soften the feeling of being out of control. Used therapeutically, blue tansy releases the stuck emotions of anger and allows for more flow in our lives. We are able to let go, feel less overwhelmed and more at one with ourselves.

Sourcing

Blue tansy is one of the most difficult to procure ingredients I incorporate into my formulas, and one of the most often adulterated. While a quick Google search will turn up many outlets that offer “blue tansy” for sale, lab testing will verify that many readily available sources are cut with chamomile and colored with dyes - none of this listed in the ingredients labeling, and is often unbeknownst to even those selling or developing products with it.

Much goes on in the steps between the harvesting farms, multiple middlemen and brokers, and the final consumer - particularly with the most expensive exotic oils, such as this one. Adulteration and misrepresentation is a troubling and prolific part of this industry, and one we dedicate vast efforts and resources to overcome. We have been working tirelessly over the years to secure our relationships with incredible farms who grow and harvest this powerful plant for us at the highest level of potency and efficacy and who can ensure each season that we are delivered only the purest, safest, and most effective and authentic extraction of true blue tansy (tanacetum annuum) on the planet.

“...the sweet love between the moon and the deep blue sea...”
—Jimi Hendrix

One of the most studied, recognized, and versatile flowers, lavender’s rich history as a medicinal, culinary, and spiritual plant dates back thousands of years. Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Romans were said to have used the holy flower to scent their baths, beds, clothes, and even hair, a fact that is reflected in the Latin root of the herb’s name “lavare” meaning “to wash.” Besides Romans, many ancient cultures and healers around the world have used lavender in medicinal treatments and religious ceremonies.

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that spouses who placed sprigs of lavender between their bedsheets would never argue. Tibetan monks and Ayurvedic healers are said to have used these purple beauties to treat depression and calm the mind, while in European folk medicine, lavender tea was prescribed to relieve insomnia and tension. It’s been proven in modern medicine that the scent of lavender increases alpha waves in the area of the brain responsible for relaxation, helping to soothe common anxieties and allowing for better sleep at night.

Besides its incredible aromatic and sedative properties, lavender boasts of skin healing benefits that make it a time-tested first aid treatment. True lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial remedies for inflammatory conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema. Its superior anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, as well as regulate the over-excretion of sebum, increasing the healing process of scars at the same time. As a powerful antiseptic and pain reliever, lavender makes an invaluable remedy for burns, wounds, and all types of skin trauma, effectively regenerating scar tissue and the skin overall, leaving it healthy, glowing, and blemish-free.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy, The Problem Solver  &  The Good Stuff

When I think of geranium flowers, I’m transported to visions of Europe, where windows and balconies of historical buildings are overflowing with these bright, happy flowers. However, the variety that we use for our treats, Pelargonium Graveolens, is part of the Pelargonium genus and has no resemblance to the common geranium. The difference is significant as Pelargonium Graveolens has superior skin healing properties that are unique to this variety.

Native to southern Africa, this aromatic evergreen shrub has been used for centuries by tribal healers, and to this day, is a popular remedy among herbal practitioners to treat everything from a sore throat to digestive issues and skin inflammation.  

Geranium rose’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are thought to come from gallic acid and other phenols, which are antioxidant compounds that play a protective and healing role in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Further, the high antioxidant content of this precious, rosy-scented oil protects against the effects of damaging free radicals on the skin cells. Its astringent and cicatrisant properties not only tone the skin, but effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and fine lines.

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon & The Happy Galaxy

Although there are many species of Myrrh, ours (Commiphora myrrha) is native to the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, Yemen, and parts of Ethiopia. Highly prized by many ancient civilizations including the Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese, this precious resin was primarily used as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, for embalming, and religious ceremonies. Its rich, warm, balsamic scent and medicinal properties have been cherished by many for centuries.

To harvest the sap, myrrh trees are tapped several times a year and left to secrete its resin for about a week to ten days. Once dried and hardened, it is collected and aged even further before being sorted, graded, and sold. The resin is then either ground into a fine powder or distilled into an essential oil.

To this day, it is still one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy thanks to its superior antiseptic, antimicrobial, vulnerary, and anti-fungal properties, which make myrrh the perfect natural remedy for preventing and treating wounds from infections, as well as fighting off harmful bacteria. When applied topically, its potent antioxidants help to reduce puffy or swollen skin while alleviating discomfort. A powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, myrrh tones the skin, helps reduce the appearance of scars, and offers relief for skin inflammations such as acne and eczema.    

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Pendulum Potion, and The Honey Mud

Boswellia Serrate is a tree native to India that produces special compounds found to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Among the valuable Boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as being most beneficial, including terpenes and ​Boswellic acids, which protect healthy cells.

Frankincense has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, as well as to protect the skin's appearance as it matures. It may help tone and lift skin, reduce the severity of scars and acne, and heal wounds. It is also considered beneficial for fading stretch marks, surgery scars, marks associated with pregnancy, and healing dry and cracked skin. Studies suggest that it’s the pentacyclic triterpene (natural, steroid-like) structure of frankincense oil that contributes to its soothing effect on irritated skin and its ability to reduce redness and skin irritation.

It’s also believed that the beautifully​ aromatic oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. When inhaled, frankincense has been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure, and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and chronic stress with its calming, grounding scent. This natural sleep aid helps open breathing passages, allowing you to ease into a gentle sleep.

Featured in: The Problem Solver, The Blue Cocoon, The Honey Mud & 
The Pendulum Potion

There are not many aromas that evoke the instant sensation of desire and comfort, like that of vanilla. Whether the star of the hunger-inducing scent of freshly baked cookies or the seductive fragrance of your favorite perfume, vanilla is treasured by many. The sweet smell of vanilla has been shown to be a highly effective antidepressant, mood enhancer, and health booster due to a component called vanillin hydroxybenzaldehydem. Soothing and harmonizing, vanilla has been shown in studies to help comfort, stabilize, and induce feelings of relaxation.  

This sacred spice has been used in ritual offerings and as medicine and perfume by the Aztecs. This is where the irresistible and hopelessly addicting blend of vanilla and chocolate was born, as the Aztecs flavored their cacao-based drink with this prized, tropical bean.

Cuttings of this ancient orchid were eventually taken to Africa by the French, where now 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced. It generally takes three to five years for the vanilla plant to produce any blossoms. Not only does each flower require hand pollination, but it takes many additional months following harvest for curing to occur. Vanilla is one of the most labor-intensive of our ingredients to produce and is now the second most expensive spice in the world (following saffron).

Highly sedative, vanilla helps to reduce skin inflammation and its powerful antibacterial components aid in clearing skin infections. Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, vanilla naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its high content of antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage, ensuring an even skin tone.

Sourcing note:
Unfortunately, today less than one percent of “vanilla” you find in food or fragrance comes from the vanilla flower itself (yes you read correctly – not even one percent), rather from synthetic reproductions. Our organic vanilla CO2 extract boasts an impressive 26% vanillin content, the component which gives it its rich, natural aroma. The manufacturing process of a CO2 extract involves none of the heat or moisture associated with steam distillation. The result is a deep and gentle extract, free from any chemical residue. Ours is a genuinely spectacular product made strictly from Madagascar beans. We are incredibly selective with each of our ingredients, but especially so when it comes to the standard of our difficult-to-obtain vanilla. With extremely limited stock available, we invest at a premium cost to ensure we can always maintain our obsessive quality commitment. Our same maker provides us with our fresh ground vanilla bean powder, equally expensive, and exceedingly delicious. It’s my favorite bin in the kitchen to lean into for a big breath of heaven mid-day!

Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Honey Mud, The Jasmine Garden, The Problem Solver, and The Blue Cocoon

Schisandra has been regarded and treasured by the Chinese Empire as a superior herb for its unparalleled powers to protect health and prolong life. A woody vine full of fruits and fragrant flowers, it is native to the moist, temperate forests of northern China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. Schisandra is known as “wu-wei-zi,” the Chinese name for “five flavor berry,” which refers to the five flavors and corresponding elements of traditional Chinese medicine (sweet/earth, sour/wood, bitter/fire, salty/water, and pungent/metal). This unique characteristic makes Schisandra one of the fundamental herbs in Chinese Medicine and is even today highly regarded for its healing powers. For centuries it has been used as a harmonizing tonic, treating diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that it finally gained recognition as an adaptogenic herb, thanks to a number of studies which showed significant evidence of its superior, stress-protective effects and its power to increase physical stamina.

Thanks to its content of potent antioxidants, these bright red, peppercorn-sized berries support healthy cellular function and stabilize cell membranes, successfully preventing and protecting against environmental damage. Schisandra is a must for mature and sun damaged skin and its anti-inflammatory and sedative powers offer relief for hyper-reactive, stressed, and sensitive skin.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

When you learn Helichrysum comes from the Greek “Helios,” meaning the sun, and “chrysos,” signifying gold, you are right to assume this must be a magical herb. Helichrysum has been appreciated for its powerful healing benefits for centuries. Some sources even suggest it was offered to Greek Gods.

Native to the Mediterranean region in Europe, Helichrysum has been a staple in medicine thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and high antioxidant content. Once picked, this beautiful flower retains its distinctively vibrant yellow color without fading or withering, which explains why it’s also referred to by the names “Immortelle” or “Everlasting.”

The “everlasting” traits of Helichrysum are exactly why I utilize this powerful flower. Helichrysum’s unique chemical compounds, such as curcumene, di-ketones, and neryl-acetate make this herb a superior skincare treatment that offers unparalleled anti-inflammatory and regenerative powers. Helichrysum stimulates the production of healthy skin cells, combats metabolic cellular aging, and therefore effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars. This wonder plant is also an effective remedy in cases of burned or sun-damaged skin thanks to its potent, pain-relieving abilities and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the antifungal and antimicrobial effects of this “sun gold” oil are said to offer protection from various skin irritations, including rashes and other infections.

Sourcing
Did you know that it takes over 2,200 pounds of plant material to produce only 2.2 lb of this precious oil? This makes Helichrysum one of the most expensive and labor-intensive herbs to procure, and as an unfortunate result comes with a history of adulteration. We ensure that we only source our organic oil in the most reliable way possible: directly from the manufacturer. Ours is a family-run company located in the South of France, known for their unparalleled ethics and quality.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

* Limonene is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Limonene is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as lemon, lime, lemongrass, neroli, grapefruit, tangerine, peppermint, rose, sage, fennel, and geranium. Limonene is responsible for the sweet, lemon-like, pungent aroma we associate with citrus fruit.

Besides being a powerful antioxidant, limonene works as a penetration enhancer. When used in association with other natural, skin-friendly ingredients, we are able to enjoy the maximum benefits of each.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

* Linalool is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Linalool is most often produced in plants’ floral tissue. The Lauraceae plant family, which includes laurels, cinnamon, and rosewood, is a readily available source. The Rutaceae family, which contains citrus plants, is also a natural source, along with lavender, coriander, palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange flowers (neroli). Birch trees and even some fungi produce linalool as well!

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, 
The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

*Citral is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citral is the compound responsible for bringing citrusy zing to lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lemon, grapefruit, and other zesty plants. It’s also the component that attracts butterflies and helps honey bees to find their way home.

Citral exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon & The Happy Galaxy

*Citronellol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citronellol exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery, and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within the floral tissue of rose and geranium rose.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

* Geraniol is not a singular ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Geraniol is a compound found in within our bulgarian rose oil, rosa centifolia flower extract, and geranium rose. It is a phytonutrient naturally present in lemon, bergamot, carrot, coriander, geranium oil, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, nutmeg, orange, blueberries, and blackberries.

Geraniol is a concentrated source of natural antioxidants and has been extensively studied for its potential to protect cells against DNA damage. It is known for preventing oxidative stress and bringing free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects to the skin.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

About 30% of our skin’s sebum (the natural substance that coats our skin) is a natural wax ester. It helps kill germs, smother viruses, and creates a protective barrier for locking in moisture. There are many reasons this protective wax ester in our skin diminishes. Loss is normal in mature skin and common after illness, poor nutrition, as a side effect of certain medications, and following aggressive cleansing or treatment protocols. When our natural sebum production has been compromised and the wax ester depleted, skin can be left feeling and looking dry, tired, and dull.

This is where the golden magic of jojoba comes in. Your skin recognizes the liquid wax produced from the seed of the jojoba plant as similar to its own natural wax ester. When applied topically, skin pores remain open, allowing jojoba to penetrate beyond the epidermis layer, carrying other important nutrients with it. It is in these deeper layers that cell regeneration and cell synthesis occur.

Jojoba naturally contains a balance of vitamins A, B, D, and E which are known as skin healing vitamins, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, all of which nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors. Essential fatty acids omega 6 and 9 help to regenerate skin cells and repair damaged skin tissue. Jojoba’s wax ester fills the gaps between skin cells, soothes and slows their metabolism and protects skin against accelerated skin aging. Jojoba is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic.

Featured in: The Youth Dew and The Good Stuff

Did you know that plums may have been one of the first domesticated fruits, with seeds found in archeological sites dating all the way back to the stone age? Today these deliciously juicy fruits are widely cultivated around the world and exist in over 2,000 different varieties, offering the most stunning colors and flavor profiles.

Our plum oil is produced by breaking the shells of the pits and cold pressing them until the liquid, pink-gold oil is extracted. Reminiscent in scent to sweet almonds, plum kernel oil offers a rich, marzipan-like fragrance that is simply intoxicating! As a pure oil, it’s one of my absolute favorites of all time.

With an astoundingly high essential fatty acid content, plum kernel oil deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and protects the skin. These beneficial fats provide much-needed relief and nutrition for stressed, irritated, dry skin, especially for those with eczema and psoriasis.  Its high antioxidant content, including skin-healing vitamin E, offers protection from oxidative damage and effectively regenerates skin cells. Plum kernel oil’s emollient properties make it incredibly moisturizing and the soft texture and glorious aromatics bring a truly sensual experience for your skin.

Sourcing note:
One of the finest raw ingredients we’ve ever obtained, plum kernel oil and its numerous healing properties can be appreciated by your skin with our treats, The Youth Dew and The Pendulum Potion. We are happy to share that, despite its limited market availability, we have earned buying rights with the best maker in the world to ensure that our stock of plum kernel oil arrives fresh with each year’s new harvest and production calendar, ensuring maximum efficacy and pleasure.

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

Meadowfoam oil earns its fame from its nourishing, high antioxidant composition and its incredible stability. It contains over 98% long-chain fatty acids and has the rare and wonderful ability to extend the shelf life of other oils, allowing us to get the maximum benefit from every fresh ingredient it is paired with.

Meadowfoam oil is also a favorite of mine for its sustainability. The annual flowers are easy to grow and often used by farmers as a rotation crop, giving goodness back to the land that has been stripped by other harvests.

Similar in some aspects to jojoba oil, meadowfoam seed oil is slightly waxy and closely resembles human sebum. This special composition helps skin to form a barrier to lock in moisture and deliver nutrients deep into your epidermis.

Featured in: The Youth Dew & The Happy Galaxy

The olive branch has become known as a symbol of peace, deriving from the customs of ancient Greece and found in most cultures of the Mediterranean basin, modern Europe, and the Arab world.

In Greek mythology, Athena competed with Poseidon for possession of Athens. Poseidon claimed dominion by thrusting his trident into the Acropolis, where a well of sea-water gushed out. Athena took occupation by planting the first olive tree beside the well. The court of gods and goddesses ruled that Athena had the better right to the land because she had given it the better gift!

Some fossil findings indicate the olive tree had its origins an unbelievable 40 million years ago in the Mediterranean region.  The common name “oil,” as is used in multiple languages, is derived from the Latin word “olea”, and is the same as the famous fruit and its evergreen tree. This culinary and beauty staple is made from the crushing and subsequent pressing of olives. Like wine, the quality, taste, aromatics, color, and nutrient content of olive oil varies greatly depending on the variety, growing location, the olives’ ripeness, and its processing method.

If you splurge on a special bottle of well-sourced, organic, extra-virgin olive oil and take a moment to marvel at its golden-green color and enjoy it's incredibly rich, complex flavor, you will never want to use any other. Besides the unforgettable culinary experience within each drop, olive oil is proven to be one of the most nutritious and healing oils on the planet. This precious gift has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and if you look closer at its unique nutrient profile, it’s no surprise that olive oil is embraced by even the most conservative health professionals today.

With the highest level of polyphenols, as well as potent antioxidants Vitamin E and phytosterols, olive oil decreases the exposure of free radicals, which are known to damage the skin’s healthy cells and advance the appearance of aging. Thanks to its powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, ancient Greeks and Egyptians have used olive oil as a cleanser and topical remedy for injuries and wounds for many thousands of years. The specific compound oleocanthal, found in olive oil, is said to stop certain enzymes that cause inflammation, which makes this oil a great remedy for inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema. Further, olive oil’s rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids not only deeply moisturize and lubricate skin cells but repair and protect them from future damage, regenerating the skin inside and out.

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion and The Good Stuff

Considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac, avocados are a decidedly delicious symbol of fertility. In some South American countries, one spouse will give the other this fruit, which grows in pairs, as a token of love. Now that’s a custom I’m on board with!

Avocado oil is an emollient, highly penetrating oil with a naturally robust content of Vitamins A and E that work synergistically to improve the skin’s texture. Its notable content of unsaturated fatty and essential fatty acids (boasting an impressive 64% oleic acid content) contributes to its deeply nourishing, skin-food qualities.

Avocado is naturally rich in antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. These free-radical quenching compounds provide significant protection for your skin from the environmental damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. Along with this, avocados boast surprisingly high amounts of Vitamin C, which is needed for the creation of elastin and collagen, and tocopherol (Vitamin E). Tocopherols help reduce the appearance of scars, while helping tighten and restore elasticity in the skin, making it one of our graceful-aging superheroes. Avocado oil is also unique in that it contains large amounts of phytosterols which act as a natural sunscreen, are anti-irritants, and help to soothe chapped, red, or irritated skin.

“Everything in moderation. Except avocado.”

In ancient Greece, sea buckthorn was fed to horses to keep their coats healthy and shiny. This fun fact may explain its Latin name. “Hippophae” originates from the Greek words “hippo,” which means “horse” and “phaos”, which translates in “to shine.”  Native to Europe and Asia, these vibrant orange berries have been used as an herbal cure-all by many cultures. Tibetans even declared them as the “holy fruit of the Himalayas.” With its exceptional nutritional profile of over 190 bioactive compounds, it’s no surprise that its reputation is legendary. To this day, the majority of Sea Buckthorn can be found growing in China where the versatile berries are processed and used around the world for skincare products, traditional medicine, and even its culinary goodness.

With sea buckthorn berries being known as the single highest vegetal source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, you can imagine the incredible effects it has on your skin. Specifically, the extremely rare Omega 7 provides powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties and effectively supports collagen production to ensure healthy, glowing skin. The deep, rich orange color comes from skin nourishing beta-carotene, which is a well-known and appreciated antioxidant powerhouse that protects the skin by neutralizing free radicals and simultaneously slowing down the aging process.

Tissue regeneration is a critical concern for those recovering from severe burns, deep wounds, extreme acne, inflammatory skin conditions, as well as the effects of cancer and chemotherapy. Scientific research shows that sea buckthorn berry has the chemical makeup necessary to help skin heal from trauma and injury. Body tissues, whether the skin on the outside or the tissues that make up the less visible parts of the body, are made up of dozens of building blocks. If some of those crucial building blocks are missing, tissue either does not heal, or heals slowly and ineffectively. Sea buckthorn contains a host of these vital foundation builders to support healthy skin, including vitamins C, A, several B vitamins, E, K, P, F, as well as omega-7, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and sodium. It’s one of my absolute favorite ingredients of all time.

Featured in: The Youth Dew and  The Good Stuff

Prehistoric findings of rosehips suggest that people have valued and treasured this precious flower since the recording of history began. Cultivated for thousands of years for medicinal and culinary purposes in its native Europe and Asia, the Dog Rose from which the rosehip is formed is regarded as the quintessential classic wild rose associated with romantic English cottage gardens. Long before it beautifully decorated hedgerows throughout Europe, rosehips were treasured for their potent medicinal properties by numerous ancient cultures, including Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Chinese, where they provided treatment for various disorders as early as A.D. 77.

Thanks to their exceptionally high vitamin C content, rosehips were used to prevent scurvy during World War II when citrus fruits were scarce. Even in today’s modern herbal medicine, these precious scarlet hips are still widely used as a powerful natural Vitamin C source. Once the seeds are cold pressed into a light amber colored oil, this gift of nature provides your skin with deep hydration and essential nutrients.

With an impressively long list of potent active compounds including powerful antioxidants, nourishing vitamins, and anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids, rosehip seed oil provides the ultimate treatment to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Its antioxidants prevent the signs and symptoms of premature aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots while simultaneously protecting the skin from environmental damage. Its high essential fatty acid content helps to speed up skin's healing process and induce circulation, offering relief for inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. This delicate, dry oil immediately soaks into the skin, leaving it deeply hydrated yet free of any heavy residue.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Native to tropical Southeast Asia, the tamanu tree blooms twice annually with delicate and fragrant white flowers, which later yield clusters of yellow-skinned round fruits. The embedded nut contains a kernel, which is sun-dried for about two months until it becomes sticky and has produced its incredibly rich, thick, dark oil. This concentrated oil is then cold-pressed to make the “sacred oil.” It takes over 220 pounds of tamanu fruit to create only 11 pounds of cold-pressed oil, making this liquid green-gold both labor-intensive and very expensive to produce. No wonder those indigenous to the area believed that God was hiding in the tree’s branches!

Tamanu oil has played an essential role in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for centuries and is still used and appreciated today. The oil’s unique set of antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic components make this a prized topical treatment for skin infections and irritations. It offers a great protection barrier and is especially effective to soothe skin inflammations such as rosacea, eczema, and acne. Thanks to its high content of anti-inflammatory fatty acids, it deeply nourishes the skin while leaving a healthy, natural, even glow. Not only does the high amount of antioxidants offer protection against free radical damage, it also stimulates the regeneration of new skin cells as it speeds up the healing of wounds and scars.

Featured in: The Youth Dew and The Pendulum Potion

Who wouldn’t like to have the symbol of enlightenment, protection, and peace on their skin? For centuries before it became Hawaii’s official state tree, the kukui nut tree and its gifts have been treasured by indigenous people, celebrated and used in religious ceremonies. Once cold-pressed into a distinctively light, sunny oil, kukui provides a powerful punch of nourishing vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

With its exceptional soothing properties and high penetrability, kukui nut oil is said to have been used to massage the Hawaiian royal family, a ritual that could last up to seven extraordinary hours!

Even though most of us will not be able to receive the same long, incredibly relaxing application experience, we can still allow our skin to enjoy the countless nutritional benefits of this sacred oil. If you take a closer look at kukui nut’s nutrient profile, it’s not a surprise that for hundreds of years islanders have used the oil for much-needed protection from saltwater, harsh sun, and drying winds.

The high level of anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats provide the same protective healing effects for inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. The contained antioxidants not only boost collagen production but effectively minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as provide protection from oxidative stress in the skin.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

These beautiful wildflowers only bloom and dance in the evenings, while gently lighting up nature with their delicate, bright yellow petals; hence their romantic name, Evening Primrose. Native to North America and Europe, these biennial flowers have been treasured by indigenous tribes for their numerous medicinal benefits for centuries. All parts of this medicinal plant, from the roots to the leaves, blossoms, and seeds, boast not only of endless healing benefits but offer culinary pleasure as well. Once the flower’s seeds are pressed into a precious golden oil, it offers a potent punch of nutrition which can be enjoyed both inside and out.

Ever since it was discovered in the early 1930’s that evening primrose's precious oil contains high amounts of the rare gamma-linolenic acid, short GLA, it has been used for a number of health concerns from eczema to PMS, breast pain, hormonal imbalance, and dermatitis. As this highly anti-inflammatory GLA, a particular plant-derived omega-6 fatty acid, can’t be made by our own body, it’s essential we include nature’s abundant sources to ensure our skin, hair, nails, and joints stay nourished and strong. GLA helps to effectively prevent moisture loss and strengthens the skin barrier, while it’s anti-inflammatory properties treat and prevent inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, GLA speeds up the healing process and the regrowth of healthy, new cells, while gently diminishing the appearance of scars and blemishes. Evening primrose oil’s antioxidant properties are said to provide protection against free radical damage and naturally boost the skin’s elasticity.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Have you ever wondered how many seeds make their home inside one single pomegranate? If you have the chance to watch the meticulous manner in which my husband extracts each delicate, juice-filled ruby, you might. While some insist there are exactly 613 seeds in each (which corresponds with the 613 commandments of the Torah), studies show there can be as few as 165 to as many as a whopping 1400 seeds in one fruit. Although its exact seed count might be uncertain, pomegranate’s rich and very long history is certainly not.

Native to the Middle East, this incredible fruit has played a central part in many ancient cultures where it was used for medicinal purposes, religious ceremonies, and of course, culinary celebrations. Considered by certain cultures as a symbol of fertility, fruitfulness, and abundance, one wedding custom in Armenia even encourages the bride to throw the fruit against the wall, where the resulting scattered seeds are supposed to predict her future children.

Besides its cultural significance and its deliciously refreshing taste and texture, pomegranate seeds offer an exceptional nutrient profile which nourishes both inside and out. Unlike most other fruits, in which the seeds are either removed or reluctantly eaten, the seeds of the pomegranate are the only edible part of the entire fruit, and once cold-pressed into a precious oil, becomes a true skin healer.

Pomegranate’s potent, golden-yellow oil boasts of skin healing nutrients, including essential fatty acids, a high dose of Vitamin C, and countless powerful antioxidants. Its rich Vitamin C content supports and improves collagen formation, and its numerous antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals that cause oxidative stress on the skin. In addition, pomegranate seed oil contains superior antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great healing and preventive treatment for inflammatory conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Borage, (Borago Officinalis) is a wildflower commonly called “starflower.”  Growing abundantly in almost all parts of the world, it is a well-known herb recognized and used for over 1500 years. Today the borage plant is primarily grown and harvested for the very valuable oil found in its seeds. It is the single richest known source (24%) of an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

There is ample evidence showing that borage oil has a significant effect on improving the health and appearance of skin tissue. Clinically, borage oil has been shown to be an effective agent for treating skin disorders and alleviating the redness, inflammation, and moisture loss associated with dry skin. Borage oil restores the intracellular moisture barrier of skin that is either chronically dry or that has been environmentally damaged.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

When I think of geranium flowers, I’m transported to visions of Europe, where windows and balconies of historical buildings are overflowing with these bright, happy flowers. However, the variety that we use for our treats, Pelargonium Graveolens, is part of the Pelargonium genus and has no resemblance to the common geranium. The difference is significant as Pelargonium Graveolens has superior skin healing properties that are unique to this variety.

Native to southern Africa, this aromatic evergreen shrub has been used for centuries by tribal healers, and to this day, is a popular remedy among herbal practitioners to treat everything from a sore throat to digestive issues and skin inflammation.  

Geranium rose’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are thought to come from gallic acid and other phenols, which are antioxidant compounds that play a protective and healing role in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Further, the high antioxidant content of this precious, rosy-scented oil protects against the effects of damaging free radicals on the skin cells. Its astringent and cicatrisant properties not only tone the skin, but effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and fine lines.

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon & The Happy Galaxy

Grapefruit’s Latin name citrus paradisi signifies it's tangy, juicy flavor, and bright, happy color. Most famous for its tasty flesh, the peel’s extracted oils are equally worth your attention for their skin benefits.

Like the fruit itself, the essential oil boasts potent antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and protect the skin from premature aging. A strong lymphatic and antiseptic, grapefruit essential oil is an effective remedy for acne as it removes toxins and bacteria while protecting the skin and keeping it blemish-free. Thanks to its invigorating and stimulating properties, grapefruit essential oil is one of my favorite graceful aging tools, depuffing and firming as it restores your youthful glow.

Featured in: The Youth Dew & The Happy Galaxy

Whenever I cut into the flesh of a ripe orange, it feels like I am opening up the sun. Cultivated for over 4,500 years, orange is one of the most popular, cultivated, and nutritious fruits in the world. This juicy, tangy globe is a cross between pomelo and mandarin and a single orange delivers a whopping 95% of your daily requirement of vitamin C!

Sweet orange’s essential oil, which is derived from the rind of the fruit, is highly prized for its calming, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a favorite treatment for acne-prone and oil-imbalanced skin. Known for its high antioxidant content, it effectively slows down the process of aging and increases collagen production. Additionally, sweet orange essential oil is said to have powerful detoxifying properties that help to naturally tone the skin, giving a natural, healthy glow.  

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Honey Mud, and The Pendulum Potion

Lemon oil is a naturally rich source of antioxidants, citric acid, and vitamin C. These properties help to reduce acne-causing bacteria and germs, maintain balanced sebum production, and boost the production of collagen. As a result, acne and associated scarring and hyperpigmentation issues are reduced. Lemon oil penetrates the skin, encouraging the production of new, undamaged cells and collagen.

The same properties that make lemon so effective for acne-prone complexions are of equal benefit to maturing complexions. Lemon oil stimulates the lymphatic system, enabling the body to remove toxins, reducing puffiness and stagnation in dull skin. Lemon oil helps to safeguard skin cells against premature aging, aiding in fighting off competition from the free intruders that steal oxygen.

In aromatherapy, lemon is known for its ability to fight stress. Its bright aromatics have a calming and focusing effect that aids the body in releasing fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, and mental fogginess.

Featured in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion & The Happy Galaxy

Undeniably the Queen of Flowers and nature’s symbol of love and beauty, the Damask rose’s rich history dates back an astonishing 30 million years! Once famously used by Cleopatra for its unique aphrodisiac powers, today this stunner is cultivated only in a handful of locations that provide just the right growing conditions, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. Like with wine, the distinctly seductive fragrance varies significantly depending on the country of origin and the elements surrounding where it grows, known as the terroir.

In the “Valley of the Roses” in Bulgaria, where we source both our rose absolute and our rare Bulgarian rose essential oil, as well as our fresh-dried powdered rose, the famed flower’s aroma is exceptionally deep, spiced, and intoxicating, transporting your mind and soul into a different world. While I would love to bathe in a bath laden with roses like Cleopatra every night, extractions of rose are unfortunately one of the most expensive and labor-intensive oils in the world to produce. If you consider it takes over 10,000 roses to fill one thumbnail-sized 5ml bottle, one can understand its high price, superior status, and allure. Just imagine one drop of our Bulgarian rose essential oil on your skin is the equivalent of 60 roses!

With an extraordinary 300 active organic compounds, including skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants, rose is unarguably one of the most powerful natural healers for the skin. Thanks to its countless beneficial properties as an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, and cicatrizant, it has an incredibly healing and calming effect on various skin concerns, such as acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, and even stretch marks! A powerful anti-inflammatory, emollient, and natural moisturizer, rose not only restores and supports the skin’s texture but deeply nourishes and hydrates at the same time, making this one of the most effective and luxurious skin healing treatments nature has to offer.

Sourcing note:
Bulgaria was for many years the capital of rosa damascene oil production. Sadly, the historical ups and downs of the country over the last century caused production to decrease significantly, and by the 1980's it was virtually unheard of. It wasn’t until a decade later that a resurgence in the trend of natural perfumery restored Bulgarian rose's popularity. We’re proud to share that our family-run supplier was an integral part of this renewal from a very early stage, purchasing and planting 250 acres of roses and renovating an old factory at the foot of the Balkan mountain range. This area is rightly known as “the valley of roses.” From the end of May to mid-June, fifteen thousand pickers work the majestic rose fields at the break of dawn. Collection begins at sunrise when the oil yield is at its highest and is completed within hours, before the dew evaporates from the flowers.

Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Youth Dew, The Jasmine Garden &  The Good Stuff

The human body naturally produces Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like antioxidant necessary for cells to function properly. CoQ10 can be found in just about every living cell, but the amounts present in our skin peak in our twenties and begin to decline thereafter. As we age, our cell and energy production are greatly reduced; skin begins to demonstrate visible signs of this in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and diminished firmness and elasticity.

Studies show the antioxidant content of stressed and maturing skin can be dramatically improved through the topical use of Coenzyme Q10. Our maker brings the bounty of nature and the proven benefits of science together in a plant-based, holistic supplement  derived from a microbial fermentation process. Over time, this powerful antioxidant replenishes ubiquinone levels as it penetrates both the surface and deeper layers of the epidermis. CoQ10 functions as a free radical scavenger, greatly reducing oxidative damage from stress and environmental factors (such as UV irradiation) while maintaining healthy cellular levels.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Neroli contains rejuvenating and regenerating benefits for every skin type, but its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties make it a star for oily and blemished skin. It helps to maintain moisture levels and balance oily skin and also has the ability to prevent infection and reduce irritation in skin damaged by acne or trauma. It works by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Since most pathogens excrete metabolic wastes, neroli can help protect the skin from further harm caused by toxicity.

Neroli is also revered for its potential to regenerate the skin from scar tissue. This is likely due to its cytophylactic actions, meaning neroli essential oil promotes the regeneration of new cells, while invigorating current skin cells. This makes neroli a graceful-aging superhero that protects and preserves skin’s youthfulness, while ensuring its longevity.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Undeniably the Queen of Flowers and nature’s symbol of love and beauty, the Damask rose’s rich history dates back an astonishing 30 million years! Once famously used by Cleopatra for its unique aphrodisiac powers, today this stunner is cultivated only in a handful of locations that provide just the right growing conditions, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. Like with wine, the distinctly seductive fragrance varies significantly depending on the country of origin and the elements surrounding where it grows, known as the terroir.

In the “Valley of the Roses” in Bulgaria, where we source both our rose absolute and our rare Bulgarian rose essential oil, as well as our fresh-dried powdered rose, the famed flower’s aroma is exceptionally deep, spiced, and intoxicating, transporting your mind and soul into a different world. While I would love to bathe in a bath laden with roses like Cleopatra every night, extractions of rose are unfortunately one of the most expensive and labor-intensive oils in the world to produce. If you consider it takes over 10,000 roses to fill one thumbnail-sized 5ml bottle, one can understand its high price, superior status, and allure. Just imagine one drop of our Bulgarian rose essential oil on your skin is the equivalent of 60 roses!

With an extraordinary 300 active organic compounds, including skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants, rose is unarguably one of the most powerful natural healers for the skin. Thanks to its countless beneficial properties as an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, and cicatrizant, it has an incredibly healing and calming effect on various skin concerns, such as acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, and even stretch marks! A powerful anti-inflammatory, emollient, and natural moisturizer, rose not only restores and supports the skin’s texture but deeply nourishes and hydrates at the same time, making this one of the most effective and luxurious skin healing treatments nature has to offer.

Sourcing note:
Bulgaria was for many years the capital of rosa damascene oil production. Sadly, the historical ups and downs of the country over the last century caused production to decrease significantly, and by the 1980's it was virtually unheard of. It wasn’t until a decade later that a resurgence in the trend of natural perfumery restored Bulgarian rose's popularity. We’re proud to share that our family-run supplier was an integral part of this renewal from a very early stage, purchasing and planting 250 acres of roses and renovating an old factory at the foot of the Balkan mountain range. This area is rightly known as “the valley of roses.” From the end of May to mid-June, fifteen thousand pickers work the majestic rose fields at the break of dawn. Collection begins at sunrise when the oil yield is at its highest and is completed within hours, before the dew evaporates from the flowers.

Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Youth Dew, The Jasmine Garden &  The Good Stuff

Daucus carota, known as “Wild Carrot” or “Queen Anne’s Lace”, grows as the name suggests, “wild” in temperate regions of Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and Australia. Its delicate, white flower clusters open like umbrellas as they blossom in the spring. When the leaves are crushed, or the root is pulled, a very distinctive carrot-like aroma is released.

Wild carrot’s roots and seeds have been widely used as an herbal remedy throughout history. As the direct ancestor of today’s more common carrot, wild carrot is equally packed with nutrition, containing significant amounts of skin nourishing vitamins A, K, C, and biotin compounds that keep skin healthy, supple, and luminous. Studies show carrot seed oil contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal bioactive properties due to its primary component, Carotol. Over a third of carrot seed essential oil is comprised of this unique compound which helps the skin to fight off harmful bacteria and environmental aggressors while promoting cell regeneration. This delicate, yet potent oil is said to alleviate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis thanks to its exceptional anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antiseptic properties. Carrot seed oil is also a natural favorite for its promotion of the graceful-aging process.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

Rosemary leaf extract is contained at .1% in The Youth Dew’s formula as a vital antioxidant, supporting the freshness and potency of our Organic Bulgarian Rosehip Seed Co2 extraction.

Featured in: The Youth Dew

*Citral is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citral is the compound responsible for bringing citrusy zing to lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lemon, grapefruit, and other zesty plants. It’s also the component that attracts butterflies and helps honey bees to find their way home.

Citral exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon & The Happy Galaxy

*Citronellol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citronellol exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery, and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within the floral tissue of rose and geranium rose.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

* Eugenal is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Eugenol is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as basil, cinnamon, lemon balm, and nutmeg. It is a primary component of clove.

Eugenol belongs to a well-researched class of naturally occurring phenolic monoterpenoids, offering a vast range of pharmacological benefits that include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Found in: The Problem Solver, The Clean Dirt, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

*Farnesol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Farnesol is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue and is inherent in the botanical extracts of our precious neroli and rose.

Featured in: The Pendulum Potion, The Youth Dew, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

* Geraniol is not a singular ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Geraniol is a compound found in within our bulgarian rose oil, rosa centifolia flower extract, and geranium rose. It is a phytonutrient naturally present in lemon, bergamot, carrot, coriander, geranium oil, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, nutmeg, orange, blueberries, and blackberries.

Geraniol is a concentrated source of natural antioxidants and has been extensively studied for its potential to protect cells against DNA damage. It is known for preventing oxidative stress and bringing free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects to the skin.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

* Linalool is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Linalool is most often produced in plants’ floral tissue. The Lauraceae plant family, which includes laurels, cinnamon, and rosewood, is a readily available source. The Rutaceae family, which contains citrus plants, is also a natural source, along with lavender, coriander, palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange flowers (neroli). Birch trees and even some fungi produce linalool as well!

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, 
The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

* Limonene is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Limonene is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as lemon, lime, lemongrass, neroli, grapefruit, tangerine, peppermint, rose, sage, fennel, and geranium. Limonene is responsible for the sweet, lemon-like, pungent aroma we associate with citrus fruit.

Besides being a powerful antioxidant, limonene works as a penetration enhancer. When used in association with other natural, skin-friendly ingredients, we are able to enjoy the maximum benefits of each.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

*Benzyl Alcohol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Benzyl Alcohol exists in both a synthetic form, typically used in perfumery, or as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue and is inherent in the botanical extracts of our precious ylang-ylang and jasmine.  

Found in: The Jasmine Garden, The Youth Dew, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

Pure, distilled water serves in our formulas as a clean and neutral base for the skin-loving magic of our colloidal silver. Colloidal silver stars in both The Jasmine Garden and The Honey Mud..

In The Honey Mud, you will also see “Water” come into play in combination with "Sodium Chloride", which is simply, salt. While listed separately from "Water" due to labeling requirements, this salt is in combination with the water, ultimately as a saline solution (saltwater).

In both cases, water offers further benefit by facilitating the assimilation of vital, skin-friendly water-soluble vitamins and nutrients.

We do not utilize water as a filler and believe every ingredient contained in our formulas must actively contribute to the health of the skin.

Featured in: The Honey Mud and The Jasmine Garden, as a component of colloidal silver, and again in The Honey Mud, as saltwater.

This is the most exquisite, certified organic rosewater I've ever experienced. 

Strict quality control and the utmost care are practiced at every stage of the labor-intensive and time-sensitive harvest-to-hydrosol production cycle. Our Bulgarian rose flower water is distilled solely for the hydrosol, not as a co-product, or even a by-product. The plant's cellular water and its many nutritive components - normally lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil, or by using dried material - are what the producers specifically distill for us by using only the freshest raw material right from their farm.

This choice not only allows the capture of all the volatiles, but most importantly, the cellular water from the actual living plant. It is this potent fluid, imbued with nutritious minerals and fatty acids, that allows The Jasmine Garden to retain these most important aromatic and therapeutic molecules.

Brimming with an extraordinary 300 active organic compounds, including skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants, rose is unarguably one of the most powerful natural healers for the skin. It boasts measurable healing and calming effects across a multitude of skin challenges such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, dehydration, and the dullness and stagnation associated with maturing complexions. 

A powerful anti-inflammatory and natural moisturizer, rose not only restores and supports the skin’s texture but deeply nourishes and hydrates at the same time, making this one of the most effective and luxurious skin treatments nature has to offer.

Featured in: The Jasmine Garden

Our not-so-secret favorite ingredient is colloidal silver, which has been used as a healing agent by civilizations throughout the world. Its medical and restorative powers can be traced as far back as the ancient Greek and Roman Empires.

Silver promotes the acceleration of soft tissue recovery and assists with cooling excessive heat from conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and all forms of dermatitis.

Silver is one of the most studied, most effective, and most trusted ingredients on the market - natural or otherwise. Used topically as we do in The Honey Mud and The Jasmine Garden, silver translates to serious protection against acne, inflammation, irritation, rashes, and a plethora of skin challenges.

Featured in: The Jasmine Garden & The Honey Mud

An addiction to the evocative aroma of this flowering beauty might be explained by jasmine's notoriety as a mood-enhancer. This exotic blossom stimulates the release of serotonin, which is also known as the "happy hormone." Jasmine’s sedative and antispasmodic actions help to facilitate deep and restful slumber. I like to lightly mist my pillow with The Jasmine Garden every night to bring me instantly to a state of calm. This little trick has been a lifesaver when traveling, providing familiarity in faraway places.

Respectfully referred to as the “Queen of the Night,” jasmine is known for its unique behavior of blooming only in the evening. Fitting that this late-night show flower has been studied for its powerful aphrodisiac and mood-enhancing effects!

Along with being one of the most exquisite and celebrated scents in the world, jasmine is also particularly good for the skin. Naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, it is beneficial for those suffering from dry, sensitive, complexions or those with atopic skin disorders. Jasmine effectively soothes inflamed tissue while moisturizing and improving skin’s elasticity. Additionally, its superior antiseptic and cicatrizing properties support the healing process of wounds and scars.

Featured in: The Jasmine Garden, The Pendulum Potion & The Happy Galaxy

Undeniably the Queen of Flowers and nature’s symbol of love and beauty, the Damask rose’s rich history dates back an astonishing 30 million years! Once famously used by Cleopatra for its unique aphrodisiac powers, today this stunner is cultivated only in a handful of locations that provide just the right growing conditions, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. Like with wine, the distinctly seductive fragrance varies significantly depending on the country of origin and the elements surrounding where it grows, known as the terroir.

In the “Valley of the Roses” in Bulgaria, where we source both our rose absolute and our rare Bulgarian rose essential oil, as well as our fresh-dried powdered rose, the famed flower’s aroma is exceptionally deep, spiced, and intoxicating, transporting your mind and soul into a different world. While I would love to bathe in a bath laden with roses like Cleopatra every night, extractions of rose are unfortunately one of the most expensive and labor-intensive oils in the world to produce. If you consider it takes over 10,000 roses to fill one thumbnail-sized 5ml bottle, one can understand its high price, superior status, and allure. Just imagine one drop of our Bulgarian rose essential oil on your skin is the equivalent of 60 roses!

With an extraordinary 300 active organic compounds, including skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants, rose is unarguably one of the most powerful natural healers for the skin. Thanks to its countless beneficial properties as an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, and cicatrizant, it has an incredibly healing and calming effect on various skin concerns, such as acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, and even stretch marks! A powerful anti-inflammatory, emollient, and natural moisturizer, rose not only restores and supports the skin’s texture but deeply nourishes and hydrates at the same time, making this one of the most effective and luxurious skin healing treatments nature has to offer.

Sourcing note:
Bulgaria was for many years the capital of rosa damascene oil production. Sadly, the historical ups and downs of the country over the last century caused production to decrease significantly, and by the 1980's it was virtually unheard of. It wasn’t until a decade later that a resurgence in the trend of natural perfumery restored Bulgarian rose's popularity. We’re proud to share that our family-run supplier was an integral part of this renewal from a very early stage, purchasing and planting 250 acres of roses and renovating an old factory at the foot of the Balkan mountain range. This area is rightly known as “the valley of roses.” From the end of May to mid-June, fifteen thousand pickers work the majestic rose fields at the break of dawn. Collection begins at sunrise when the oil yield is at its highest and is completed within hours, before the dew evaporates from the flowers.

Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Youth Dew, The Jasmine Garden & The Good Stuff

An addiction to the evocative aroma of this flowering beauty might be explained by jasmine's notoriety as a mood-enhancer. This exotic blossom stimulates the release of serotonin, which is also known as the "happy hormone." Jasmine’s sedative and antispasmodic actions help to facilitate deep and restful slumber. I like to lightly mist my pillow with The Jasmine Garden every night to bring me instantly to a state of calm. This little trick has been a lifesaver when traveling, providing familiarity in faraway places.

Respectfully referred to as the “Queen of the Night,” jasmine is known for its unique behavior of blooming only in the evening. Fitting that this late-night show flower has been studied for its powerful aphrodisiac and mood-enhancing effects!

Along with being one of the most exquisite and celebrated scents in the world, jasmine is also particularly good for the skin. Naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, it is beneficial for those suffering from dry, sensitive, complexions or those with atopic skin disorders. Jasmine effectively soothes inflamed tissue while moisturizing and improving skin’s elasticity. Additionally, its superior antiseptic and cicatrizing properties support the healing process of wounds and scars.

Featured in: The Jasmine Garden and The Pendulum Potion

If I have a signature as a formulator, the glory of this bean is certainly a part of it. I believe in cacao as more than just a special sweet treat or even as an ingredient to lend a hunger-inducing aroma to all but one formula in our core facial collection.

Exceptionally high in antioxidants, raw cacao blocks free radicals, protecting skin against damage to collagen and elastin while promoting and renewing skin cell tissue. Cacao contains omega 6 fatty acids and raw enzymes, both of which help in cellular repair and rejuvenation. Topical use increases blood flow to the skin, reducing inflammation and redness, slowing the visible aging process, and supporting healthy moisture content.

Sourcing
Nearly all of the cacao on the planet is produced for consumption in the massive food and fragrance industries, where the priority is strictly to maximize aromas and flavors with aggressive toasting processes. Unfortunately, the excessive heat used to achieve the characteristic chocolate scent you are accustomed to greatly diminishes the nutritional value of this precious food ingredient. It was an uphill battle to find producers who are instead dedicated to the gentle extraction and distillation of aromatic raw materials that preserve and honor the bean’s high antioxidant content.

I am committed to ever-increasing my quality standard, taking every challenge as an opportunity to dig deeper into our core values. After years searching the world, testing cacao samples from a zillion vendors, navigating ingredient adulteration and dilution and the underbelly of labeling loopholes that plague our industry, I can say without hesitation we have earned access to the best of the best with each form of cacao we incorporate into our treats. From our rich and succulent cacao butter to our exclusive, freshly-made raw oleoresin, to our nutrient-dense powdered bean, our cacao is a point of pride and total joy.

Fair Trade
Historically, cacao has been and still is a significant source of tropical deforestation. At the same time, it is a crop on which many conservationists and natural resource managers base their hopes for an agriculture industry that not only provides a livelihood for tropical farmers but also helps to conserve biodiversity in the tropical landscape. Growing cacao under a canopy enhances the soil, protects it from erosion, provides non-cacao products to the farmer and a refuge for an array of animal groups like birds, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. The leaf litter provided by a shade canopy is particularly important for the life cycle of the insects that pollinate the cacao blossoms.

Farmers that choose to grow cacao using sustainable methods rely on organic or premium markets for the higher prices they must charge for making a commitment to increasing biodiversity and embracing environmentally-friendly agriculture. Although chocolate is a huge ($70+ billion annually) global business, only about 6-8 percent of this revenue makes its way back to the cocoa farmers, many of whom run small family operations. Labor abuse is rife in many cocoa regions, and reports of farmers enslaving thousands of child workers have sparked widespread criticism of the industry.

Labor and environmental issues have inspired the formation of several organizations and associations of wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to growing cacao sustainably, providing fair wages and opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. We are committed to supporting this vital effort by choosing makers that produce organically and ethically under Fair Trade guidelines.

“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”
—Everyone, Everywhere

Hailing from tropical Asia, today these beautiful yellow flowers are mostly cultivated in Madagascar due to its moist climate and fertile, volcanic soil. The elegant blossoms reach their maturity and their famously intoxicating aroma two to three weeks after opening, when they change color from green to yellow and begin to droop. In fashion with precious jasmine and rose, ylang-ylang flowers are collected in the evening or very early morning when their scent is the strongest. The steam distillation process begins within hours of harvest, making this an incredibly labor intensive and time-sensitive oil to produce. This rich, addictively-sweet flower and its oil have been used as a traditional folk remedy and natural beauty treatment by islanders for many hundreds of years. Ylang-ylang is a studied aphrodisiac, known to increase libido and activate feelings of desire. Its widely appreciated for its potent anti-depressant and uplifting effect on the mood.

Beyond the remarkable beauty and seductive fragrance, this gift of nature also offers a variety of powerful medicinal and therapeutic benefits for the skin. Recent studies have shown ylang-ylang contains a wide variety of beneficial compounds which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities. These properties help to effectively reduce skin irritations and redness by regulating sebum production and treating the infection itself. Ylang-ylang is said to be especially nourishing for rough and dry skin, while its antioxidant-rich compounds help reduce environmental cell damage.

Sourcing note:
Our ylang-ylang essential oil comes to our kitchen directly from the manufacturer, a family-run company and respected producer of this glorious extract. Their 445-acre ylang-ylang farm, located on a volcanic island on the northwestern coast of Madagascar, produces Certified Organic essential oil. The biodynamic, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly distillery is powered with wood from the fast-growing trees planted throughout the property.  Upon completion, the essential oil is analyzed through their laboratory, guaranteeing its analytical integrity and its compliance with applicable regulations.

Featured in: The Jasmine Garden, The Honey Mud, The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

There are not many aromas that evoke the instant sensation of desire and comfort, like that of vanilla. Whether the star of the hunger-inducing scent of freshly baked cookies or the seductive fragrance of your favorite perfume, vanilla is treasured by many. The sweet smell of vanilla has been shown to be a highly effective antidepressant, mood enhancer, and health booster due to a component called vanillin hydroxybenzaldehydem. Soothing and harmonizing, vanilla has been shown in studies to help comfort, stabilize, and induce feelings of relaxation.  

This sacred spice has been used in ritual offerings and as medicine and perfume by the Aztecs. This is where the irresistible and hopelessly addicting blend of vanilla and chocolate was born, as the Aztecs flavored their cacao-based drink with this prized, tropical bean.

Cuttings of this ancient orchid were eventually taken to Africa by the French, where now 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced. It generally takes three to five years for the vanilla plant to produce any blossoms. Not only does each flower require hand pollination, but it takes many additional months following harvest for curing to occur. Vanilla is one of the most labor-intensive of our ingredients to produce and is now the second most expensive spice in the world (following saffron).

Highly sedative, vanilla helps to reduce skin inflammation and its powerful antibacterial components aid in clearing skin infections. Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, vanilla naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its high content of antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage, ensuring an even skin tone.

Sourcing note:
Unfortunately, today less than one percent of “vanilla” you find in food or fragrance comes from the vanilla flower itself (yes you read correctly – not even one percent), rather from synthetic reproductions. Our organic vanilla CO2 extract boasts an impressive 26% vanillin content, the component which gives it its rich, natural aroma. The manufacturing process of a CO2 extract involves none of the heat or moisture associated with steam distillation. The result is a deep and gentle extract, free from any chemical residue. Ours is a genuinely spectacular product made strictly from Madagascar beans. We are incredibly selective with each of our ingredients, but especially so when it comes to the standard of our difficult-to-obtain vanilla. With extremely limited stock available, we invest at a premium cost to ensure we can always maintain our obsessive quality commitment. Our same maker provides us with our fresh ground vanilla bean powder, equally expensive, and exceedingly delicious. It’s my favorite bin in the kitchen to lean into for a big breath of heaven mid-day!

Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Honey Mud, The Jasmine Garden, The Problem Solver, and The Blue Cocoon

*Benzyl Alcohol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Benzyl Alcohol exists in both a synthetic form, typically used in perfumery, or as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue and is inherent in the botanical extracts of our precious ylang-ylang and jasmine.  

Found in: The Jasmine Garden, The Youth Dew, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

*Benzyl Benzoate is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Benzyl benzoate exists in both a synthetic form, typically used in perfumery, or as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue and is typically found in extracts of ylang ylang, jasmine, rosewood, Balsam of Peru, and cinnamon.  

Found in: The Pendulum Potion, The Jasmine Garden, The Honey Mud, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

* Eugenal is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Eugenol is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as basil, cinnamon, lemon balm, and nutmeg. It is a primary component of clove.

Eugenol belongs to a well-researched class of naturally occurring phenolic monoterpenoids, offering a vast range of pharmacological benefits that include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Found in: The Problem Solver, The Clean Dirt, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

* Geraniol is not a singular ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Geraniol is a compound found in within our bulgarian rose oil, rosa centifolia flower extract, and geranium rose. It is a phytonutrient naturally present in lemon, bergamot, carrot, coriander, geranium oil, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, nutmeg, orange, blueberries, and blackberries.

Geraniol is a concentrated source of natural antioxidants and has been extensively studied for its potential to protect cells against DNA damage. It is known for preventing oxidative stress and bringing free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects to the skin.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy &  The Good Stuff

* Linalool is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Linalool is most often produced in plants’ floral tissue. The Lauraceae plant family, which includes laurels, cinnamon, and rosewood, is a readily available source. The Rutaceae family, which contains citrus plants, is also a natural source, along with lavender, coriander, palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange flowers (neroli). Birch trees and even some fungi produce linalool as well!

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, 
The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff

*Citronellol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citronellol exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery, and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within the floral tissue of rose and geranium rose.

Found in: The Youth Dew, The Blue Cocoon, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff