Antioxidants neutralise free radicals (see “Free Radicals” for more information) in the human body. Unfortunately it is impossible for us to avoid damage by free radicals, but it is believed that using products that are high in antioxidants can help limit the negative effects caused by them. Vitamins A, C and E are all recognised as the some of the most effective antioxidants commonly available.

Avocado Oil is ideal for use in skincare as it is an extremely good moisturising and nourishing compound, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. It is especially beneficial for people with dehydrated, sun or climate damaged skin. It has also been found that avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin, which is normally under attack as we age. The wonderfully emollient properties are another feature that makes it ideal for mature skin.

Bergamot oil is extracted from a small, orange-like fruit. It has excellent cleansing and proven antiseptic properties both of which help reduce the bacteria on your skin, helping to eliminate the source of many skin problems.

Calendula is a plant extract that has been used throughout history in skin preparations. It is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and promotes the regeneration of new skin cells. It has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which combined help protect the skin from premature ageing. It is a natural, soothing moisturiser.

Calendula is a plant extract that has been used throughout history in skin preparations. It is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and promotes the regeneration of new skin cells. It has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which combined help protect the skin from premature ageing. It is a natural, soothing moisturiser.

Chamomile is a flowering plant from the daisy family. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and helps to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Cherry Blossom is the name of the flower of the cherry tree, or Sakura originally from Japan. The extract from these blossoms when used in skincare crèmes penetrates deep within the top layer of our skin and helps prevent the production of melanin (also called pigment) that makes up the colour of your skin. Melanin occurs naturally in your skin, but sometimes over production occurs (usually caused by exposure to the sun) which causes darker patches of skin, or pigmentation. The reduction in the production of melanin means these darker patches of skin will disappear over a period of time.

Clove Oil comes from the flower bud of the Clove tree. It is rich in minerals such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C and has proven anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-viral properties.

Collagen is a moisture retaining protein that rejuvenates and replaces protein back into the skin. This helps the skin retain moisture, thereby giving it a more youthful appearance. Collagen also promotes healthy cell renewal, elasticity, resilience and tone leaving the skin soft and healthy. The depletion of collagen in our skin leads to the formation of wrinkles and the occurrence of other signs of ageing – which is clearly why replacing it is so popular in the nearly continuous fight against the visible signs of growing old. You have heard of collagen implants in lips – with the resulting plump, lush look? Collagen in skincare works in a similar way – it plumps up the skin in and around wrinkles making them appear less visible.

The cucumber’s flesh is mostly water, but it also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid – these nutrients help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling - which is the primary reason cucumber has been a “skin care” product since the beginning of time, and particularly beneficial in treating the delicate skin around the eyes.

Elastin is a protein found in the connective tissue and fibres of the middle layer of the skin. It is responsible for the springiness and suppleness of the skin – helping it to return to its original position after being poked or pinched. The amount of natural elastin in the skin tends to deplete, and is no longer renewed as people age, which results in less supple skin and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Helps improve the sag and ageing of the skin by adding strength and flexibility. A highly moisturising emollient oil helps clear blemishes, soothing skin irritations and softening lines. Maintaining the skin’s softness, EPO refines skin texture and restores suppleness which helps to prevent dehydration. EPO helps the natural condition of the skin, and is especially beneficial to particularly dry skin.

Free radicals are molecules which naturally occur as a result of an oxidation reaction within the body. They have been medically recognised as the cause of degenerative skin diseases such as wrinkles and skin discolourations, and can damage cells and harm the immune system. Some free radicals are caused naturally within our body from normal aerobic respiration and metabolism, other are caused by everyday environmental factors such as sunlight and pollution. Smoking, alcohol and fried foods also all contribute to the creation of free radicals.

Ginger oil is extracted from the dry, unpeeled root of the ginger herb plant which has antiseptic, antioxidant* and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it helps provide warmth and tingling and assists in the circulation of your blood. Ginger can also increase skin’s radiance and promote smoothness and evenness in skin tone.

Ginseng is renowned for its antioxidant* properties, therefore making it ideal for use in a skincare product.

Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production in the skin (collagen is a moisture retaining protein that rejuvenates and replaces protein back into the skin. This helps the skin retain moisture, thereby giving it a more youthful appearance). Of the citrus fruits, grapefruit has the highest concentration of vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for use in skincare products.

Green Tea is also particularly rich in antioxidants* to help neutralise damaging free radicals.

Jasmine Oil is extracted from the white or yellow star shaped flowers from the Jasmine plant. It is suitable for all skin types and helps improve the skins elasticity.

Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) Oil is has a very similar chemical makeup to the sebum oil that our skin produces naturally. It is very easily absorbed and is extremely moisturising. It helps to reduce wrinkles and other fine lines associated with ageing. In addition it helps promote the growth of new skin cells.

Juniper Berry extract comes from the blue black berries of the Juniper tree. It has a slight warming effect when massaged into the skin. Juniper Berry extract is anti-rheumatic, and anti-inflammatory which means it can be of help to those who suffer from inflammation in the joints or sore muscles.

Keratec IFP is a purified protein derived from New Zealand sheep’s wool. It is proven as an anti-ageing compound and provides a protective coating for the hair surface which helps to prevent ozone damage to the cuticle

Keratin is an extremely strong protein found in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and is what makes the skin tough and almost completely waterproof. It acts as a protective and care substance for the skin.

Lavender has many skin beneficial properties including being antiseptic and anti-fungal which helps to reduce scarring and speeds healing. It is also anti-inflammatory which leads to a more even skin tone due to less redness and blotchiness. Finally, it aids in increasing blood circulation, essential for healthy skin cells and a more frequent cell turnover. Lavender is also effective in promoting sleep.

Lemongrass is an herb with a pleasant, fresh and invigorating fragrance. It has anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, and also acts as a skin toner which helps to tighten pores, limit the secretions of oil and provide a temporary skin-firming treatment. Lemongrass has the ability to both calm and revitalise, invigorate and relieve tension.

Liquorice Extract is the essence of the liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) which grows wild in the Middle East and southeastern Europe. It is taken from the roots of the plant and contains Glabridin which is recognised as a powerful and effective skin whitening element. It is also known for its beneficial effects on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant* properties.

Lime Blossom Extract comes from the Lime tree (also known as the Linden tree) It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant*, calming and soothing properties.

Neroli Oil is extracted from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. It stimulates cell growth and cellular activity which helps to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin. It also provides a very relaxing and soothing effect.

Olive oil is full of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural compounds that benefit our bodies inside and out. Olive oil is also known to help your skin regulate its natural moisturising systems. With its unique ability to mix with water, olive oil penetrates deep, helping your skin to retain healthy moisture levels.

Omega 3 are essential fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body. They help with both the prevention and treatment of many skin problems and are essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes.

See Neroli Oil

Passionflower has a light texture, is rich in Vitamin C and has a high content of essential fatty acids making it a valuable contribution in products intended to nourish the skin and treat dry skin conditions. Also known for its fragrance, Passionflower was traditionally used as a calming herb, and is still useful as a soothing sleep aid.

Placenta rejuvenates and regenerates the skin leaving it silky and smooth. Placenta stimulates the repair of sun damaged and wrinkled skin. Non greasy and easily absorbed, placenta is rich in life giving proteins to help stimulate blood flow. This increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin tissue. Helps reduce depth of wrinkles, aids tissue repair and reduces skin blemishes.

Prosina is based on a hydrolysed Keratin derived from sheep’s wool, and combines properties that improve the structure and strength of the nails, while increasing the hydration and elasticity of dry skin. This leads to the visible improvement in the texture of the skin.

This oil is from the seed pod of the rose flower after the petals have fallen off. Rose hip oil is like a multivitamin for your skin: rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for skin health. It helps to rehydrate dry skin, repair damaged skin cells, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and is especially beneficial in helping to prevent premature ageing caused by sun exposure as it contains naturally occurring Vitamin A. Rose Hip oil is credited with treating scars including acne scars and old scars.

Rosemary Oil contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties, particularly when applied topically.

Royal Jelly is a milky white substance that is a secretion that worker bees produce to feed larvae and the queen bee in a honey beehive. It is extremely powerful, rich and nutritious. As Royal Jelly cannot be made with the help of science, it is 100% natural as it is all harvested direct from the honey hives. Royal Jelly is vitamin rich and has antioxidant and moisturising qualities, and these work together to help reverse the skin ageing process, which is why it is often used in skincare products. It is most common in facial products. Royal Jelly also has beneficial antiseptic properties which help with the management of blemish prone skin.

Shea Butter is an exceptional moisturising ingredient as it penetrates the skin quickly, while leaving it soft and smooth. It also promotes cell regeneration and circulation to enhance skin health. It also contributes to the gleam and creamy texture of rich moisturising products.

Sweet Almond Oil contains Vitamins A, B and E. It is also extremely moisturising and products containing this have an ideal consistency to ensure ease of coverage over the entire body.

Vitamin A assists in maintaining normal skin health. It also contains antioxidant* properties, promotes skin renewal and minimises the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin A stimulates the production of collagen.

Vitamin C is excellent for hydrating and rejuvenating. It is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body and is necessary to form collagen – an important protein to promote healthy cell renewal, elasticity, resilience and tone leaving the skin soft and healthy. Vitamin C is also a well known antioxidant*.

Vitamin E is also referred to as the “youth vitamin” as it helps prevent ageing and combats bad circulation whilst aiding in healing scars and skin irritations. It also contains antioxidant* properties.

Witch Hazel is a naturally soothing ingredient that has astringent and antioxidant* properties. An astringent is used on skin to tighten pores and remove excess oil, which improves the texture, radiance and clarity of your skin. It also has soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities.