The Pendulum Potion
grounding release facial cleansing oil
$80 / 100ml
A sensorial feast of antioxidant-rich goodness cushions and lovingly cleanses the skin, effortlessly melting away makeup, sunblock, and environmental debris while softening and clearing congestion and dullness.
Emulsifier and surfactant-free, The Pendulum Potion’s nourishing oils bond with the skin’s pollutants before they are swept clear with a soft, steamy cloth.
Get The Pendulum Potion FREE!
Choose The Pendulum Potion, The Honey Mud, or The Clean Dirt FREE with $200+ USD in celebration of our 13-Year Anniversary
*Shop now, quantities are limited. Gift selection available in qualifying carts
- LKLarissa K.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Pendulum PotionI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? uneven texture or toneRated 5 out of 5 stars7 months agoLove love love
Multitasking heavenly oil! Use it as a body soothing treatment, face cleansing oil, hair oil, cuticle oil!
Was this helpful? - JEjasmine e.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Pendulum PotionI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? red, flushed, heated, uneven texture or tone, oily/congested, sensitive, dry/dehydratedRated 5 out of 5 stars13 minutes agoDreamy cleanser
I love using this cleaner in the evening to remove the day from my face. My favorite way to use it is with the Clean Dirt in the shower in the morning. I love how clean my skin feels but not too dry or stripped as my face does with other cleaners. My skin fluctuates between oily in warmer months to dryer in colder months and this is perfect for me.
Was this helpful? - CHCandace h.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Pendulum PotionI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? healthyRated 5 out of 5 stars2 days agopotion-
Potion indeed-it is magical-
Was this helpful? - JMJoanne M.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Pendulum PotionI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? uneven texture or tone, healthyRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoImdulgent cleanse
The most calming , indulging cleanse I've ever experienced on my face and neck. It's kept my break outs at bay and left me with luxury soft supple clean skin.
Was this helpful? - CCCarrie C.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Pendulum PotionI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? dry/dehydrated, healthyRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoLovely
Beautiful oil cleanser. I have tried and used many. This is my favorite. Smells wonderful. Cleanses. Not drying. Can be used as a face oil. I won’t be without.
Was this helpful?
hypnotic. sensual. meditative.
Pause. Breathe. Connect. What if your cleansing ritual plucked you out of the whirlwind of your day and planted you right into the Now? The Pendulum Potion is your invitation to slow your breathing and return to yourself. Unite pleasure with performance to:
easily remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollution.
reduce congestion and breakouts.
hydrate and nourish skin.
sink into aromatherapeutic release.
The Result
Revel in a complexion that is nourished, restored, and thoroughly fed.
The Ritual
After shaking bottle, distribute 4-6 pumps into palms. Press into dry skin, then wet hands and gently massage. Follow by cocooning a wet, steamy face towel over the face and neck, gently sweeping upwards. Hold, rinse, and repeat until skin is soft and cleansed.
To maximize your results & pleasure…
Pair with a soft cloth and warm water for a thorough, gentle facial cleanse.
Add several pumps to your exfoliation treatments with The Clean Dirt for a lush alternative.
Multi-task: massage over wet skin for head-to-toe hydration directly after showering - or even drizzle The Pendulum Potion into your bath water.
Smooth a few drops through locks or blend with your conditioner to add luster and send you off into the world softly emanating the most intoxicating of scents.
Ingredients
--
*Certified Organic
**Wild Harvested
+Component of Essential Oil
Microbiome-friendly
Macadamia
One of my favorite Australian exports and nuts in general, macadamia nuts are also referred to as “Queensland nut” and “bush nut,” although I personally prefer the Aboriginal name “boombera”! The evergreen trees take up to 10 years to produce commercial quantities of nuts, but once they start, they can continue sharing their delicious gifts for over 100 years. Today, South Africa is the world’s leading producer of these popular, highly nutritious, and satisfying nuts, while its motherland Australia comes in second.
My favorite way to enjoy this fatty, succulent nut is through its golden, aromatic oil. Not only is it a great choice to nourish your body from within, but its complex nutrient profile also fully satisfies your skin’s hydration cravings when applied topically.
Macadamia has an exceptionally high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, which deeply hydrate and heal the skin. It’s known to be one of the highest sources of palmitoleic fatty acids, which are powerful antioxidants proven to delay skin from premature aging by protecting it from oxidative damage. With its perfect ratio of anti-inflammatory, regenerating omega-3’s and 6’s, it offers relief for dry and sensitive skin, especially inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Another significant antioxidant found in macadamia nut oil is squalane. Naturally occurring in our own body, squalane is one of the most common fats produced by our skin cells and makes up part of our skin sebum that creates an amazing protective barrier - essentially like a second layer of skin. It not only offers protection from environmental aggressors but locks in the moisture to ensure skin stays hydrated. Unfortunately, our own production of this skin-wonder slows down as we age. Squalane-rich sources such as macadamia help us to replenish this incredibly supportive antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress, decreasing and preventing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Featured in: The Honey Mud, The Pendulum Potion and The Good Stuff
Camellia
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
Olive Oil
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
Avocado Oil
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.”
Plum Kernel
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
Tamanu
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
Cacao
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
Sweet Orange
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
Myrrh
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
Jasmine
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
Ylang Ylang
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
Lemon
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
Frankincense
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
Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru’s rich history dates back all the way to the Maya culture, when it was used for its abundant medicinal qualities. Native to Central and South America, the aromatic essential oil is derived from an oily, resinous substance from the Myroxylon tree, which is widely grown in the tropics and on coffee plantations. The extracted balsam has a rich, golden-brown color and a distinctive aroma blend of heartwarming and stimulating cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of clove. I’m completely enamored with its grounding and sensual fragrance, but this potent beauty ultimately made it into The Pendulum Potion due to its powerful, active healing compounds.
Its impressive list of medicinal benefits is endless. Balsam of Peru is simultaneously antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and boasts antioxidant properties that make this calming oil a personal favorite.
Note: Balsam of Peru in the unrefined form is restricted in certain parts of the world. Processing and sourcing make all the difference with this special ingredient, and ours is the highest quality there is, delivered to us as a beautifully produced essential oil. Our variation is approved at the highest safety standard, allowing for maximum compatibility even with the most sensitive skin.
Featured in: The Pendulum Potion
Benzyl Alcohol
*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
*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
Benzyl Cinnamate
*Benzyl Cinnamate 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 Cinnamate occurs naturally in various species of balsam such as our Balsam of Peru, copaiba balsam, and tolu balsam. Benzyl Cinnamate can also be produced synthetically, which we do not use, and is typically used in conventional fragrance.
Found in: The Pendulum Potion
Benzyl Salicylate
*Benzyl Salicylate 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 Salicylate 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 rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine.
Featured in: The Honey Mud, The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff
Citral
*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
Eugenol
* 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
*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
Isoeugenol
*Isoeugenol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.
Isoeugenol 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 rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine.
Featured in: The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff
Limonene
* 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
* 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
Tamanu
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
Camellia
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
Plum Kernel
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
Lemon
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
Frankincense
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
Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru’s rich history dates back all the way to the Maya culture, when it was used for its abundant medicinal qualities. Native to Central and South America, the aromatic essential oil is derived from an oily, resinous substance from the Myroxylon tree, which is widely grown in the tropics and on coffee plantations. The extracted balsam has a rich, golden-brown color and a distinctive aroma blend of heartwarming and stimulating cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of clove. I’m completely enamored with its grounding and sensual fragrance, but this potent beauty ultimately made it into The Pendulum Potion due to its powerful, active healing compounds.
Its impressive list of medicinal benefits is endless. Balsam of Peru is simultaneously antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and boasts antioxidant properties that make this calming oil a personal favorite.
Note: Balsam of Peru in the unrefined form is restricted in certain parts of the world. Processing and sourcing make all the difference with this special ingredient, and ours is the highest quality there is, delivered to us as a beautifully produced essential oil. Our variation is approved at the highest safety standard, allowing for maximum compatibility even with the most sensitive skin.
Featured in: The Pendulum Potion
Learn more about each ingredient and why we love it on our ingredients page.
The primary scent in The Pendulum Potion comes from the Balsam of Peru oil, lending a slightly sweet, woody, and spicy note that is reminiscent of the raw honey and cedar notes in The Honey Mud. It has a smoky, green (a few clients have mentioned marijuana-esque!), campfire essence to it that pairs beautifully with our raw cacao, macadamia, sweet orange, ylang-ylang, and frankincense.
The aromas of spice, earth, trees, and fire in this unique formula ground me like no other! It is no doubt distinctive, and in combination with a super steamy, soft cloth, the ritual is beyond addictive in both practice and results.
The Honey Mud and The Pendulum Potion are quite different, though very complementary to each other within my personal ritual.
The Pendulum Potion is a cleansing oil, and I typically like to indulge in this as my first step in the evenings, removing any makeup and cleaning the slate prior to any additional steps.
From there, skin is prepped and ready to receive a second cleanse with The Honey Mud, exfoliation with The Clean Dirt, or a masque treatment with The Problem Solver.
The Pendulum Potion is emulsifier-free. This formula melts away makeup effortlessly, easing congestion and stagnation and indulging your skin day and night in decadent, silky caresses and a sultry scent experience.
If you are using The Pendulum Potion on an otherwise clean face (as a second cleanse, or in the mornings when there is no makeup to remove), it is perfectly fine to skip the face cloth and leave a bit of the oils to work their magic on your skin throughout the day.
This said, we would encourage the prioritization of The Blue Cocoon and The Youth Dew in your ritual for your hydration steps as these were uniquely formulated to address the specific needs of delicate facial skin.
To experience The Pendulum Potion, make a small pool in your palms, pressing together and inhaling deeply. Massage gently into your dry skin, focusing on areas of congestion, heavier makeup, and environmental debris.
Wet hands and continue massage and then place a warm, steamy face towel over face and neck. Hold, rinse, and repeat until skin is soft and cleansed, gently sweeping upwards until all oil is removed. Complete with a final rinse before moving on to your hydration step.
Your skin will feel plump and happy, and never tight or stripped.
Yes! The Pendulum Potion is gorgeous as a deeply grounding, sensual body oil.
As I wanted every single ingredient in this formula to be vital for the skin and compatible even if left on, I left out any emulsifiers that would typically require rinsing. Every single drop of The Pendulum Potion is there to feed, nourish, and bring sensorial delight - from head to toe.
Smooth over wet skin following bathing, add a drizzle to your bathwater, blend a few drops into your conditioner or smooth through the ends of your hair. We encourage you to explore and enjoy!
The little dark flecks and droplets sometimes visible in this unique formula are from our raw cacao oleoresin, which contributes to both the warm, chocolatey tone of this treasure, along with its potent dose of antioxidants.
We love our cacao in its purest, most natural state for ultimate nutrition and skin benefit.
Give your bottle a shake before dispensing to distribute this goodness, and then massage into your skin. The particles will melt beautifully, delivering free-radical protection along with nourishing hydration and a deeply sensorial cleansing experience.
Over time, our raw cacao oleoresin further integrates into the formula within your unique bottle, influencing a shift in the overall color. Whether freshly blended or more "matured", the goodness is all there for you to enjoy.
"Campfire. Spice market. Sex in a bottle. And my makeup came off like a dream! ¡Ay, Dios mío, she's done it again!"
—Chris
"I've tried all May Lindstrom products and find The Blue Cocoon, The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver to be my workhorses (all repeat purchases). However, The Pendulum Potion is special. It makes night-time cleansing enjoyable (which can be a challenge when you're tired), but more importantly, it leaves your face incredibly soft the next day."
—Ashley
"The Pendulum Potion is amazing - my skin has not looked and felt this good since I was a child."
—Melissa
"This smells in-cred-ible! I just stand here in the mornings massaging my skin forever like a loon because it smells so good and feels so nice."
—Francesca
"Wow, was this a surprise! I always labeled oil cleansers as not for me and don't do much for me. But The Pendulum Potion has changed that. The smell is the most intoxicating, invigorating, yet calming scent. I cannot wait to use it all over my body as a moisturizer and cannot wait to give to my hubby to use - mainly because I just want to smell it everywhere! I will definitely enjoy as a cleanser but I think mixing it with masks and all over the body is a must treat."
—Lydia
"A cleansing oil that will export you to your inner happy place."
—Floriana
"Heaven should and DOES smell like this."
—Sarah
"The new potion is wonderful. It is unlike any other cleaning oil I have tried, and I have used many."
—Leslie
"As always, all your products are 'heaven sent'....I totally don't understand how 'oil' can clean my face, but it did!!"
—Lynn
"OMG was that’s worth the wait!"
—Emily
"The Pendulum Potion smells like campfire. I couldn't stop smelling my hands!"
—Dee
"I am head over heels in love with The Pendulum Potion. Adding this to my routine has taken my skin to another level. A-MA-ZING."
—Susan
"Love Love LOVE. Every evening, The Pendulum Potion is my go-to-bed ritual."
—Kristen
"I am so obsessed with this product. I have perioral dermatitis and The Pendulum Potion has kept my skin in the best condition. I cannot wait for my new order to arrive!"
—Nicole
"The Pendulum Potion is absolutely beautiful. And the scent? OMG. I cannot even begin to tell you how it speaks to me. Lightbulb moment: I may even dab some on my wrists and behind my ears and see how it develops throughout the day!"
—Fran
"Another sublime creation from May Lindstrom! It smells gorgeous - kind of reminds me of an amaretto sundae. How I LOVE multi-purpose oils!"
—Tiffany
"The most powerful magical item on earth."
—S.