PLANT BASED INGREDIENTS FOR NATURAL SKIN CARE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NUTRIENTS IN OUR INGREDIENTS AND THEIR SPECIAL PROPERTIES THAT KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY AND YOUTHFUL
OILS
Almond oil contains high amounts of Vitamins E and D, magnesium, and calcium. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin, helps your skin retain or restore its glow, and lightens dark circles under the eyes.
Apricot Kernel Oil is rich in Vitamins A, B and E, all important for the health of your skin. Apricot kernel oil is known for having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, emollient, and moisturizing properties. Apricot kernel oil is a light oil; when applied to skin, it is immediately absorbed, leaving skin non-greasy. The oil's high Vitamin E content, along with important fatty acids helps reduce the signs of aging, smoothing lines and wrinkle and Vitamin A (retinol) increases cell turnover and reverses sun damage to the skin, reducing dark spots and discolorations. The oil is beneficial for sensitive skin as it is not irritating, and it is soothing.
Argan oil is high in essential fatty acids and it can help with many skin conditions, from dry skin and wrinkles to psoriasis, eczema and acne. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants (tocopherols), protecting against the visible signs of aging. Also, the saponins and triterpenoids in argan oil promote healing and hydration. Argan oil also contains 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids omega-9 (oleic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), helping to improve the condition of your skin and hair. The sterolins (plant sterols), found in argan oil support cell turnover and help retain moisture.
Avocado oil has the highest Vitamin E content, adding to the antioxidant power of Bel Essence. Avocado oil is absorbed by the deep layers of the skin and because of its ability to retain water, avocado oil acts as an emollient, promoting soft and supple skin. Avocado oil also contains sterolins, helping to produce more skin collagen and reducing the incidence of age spots. Avocado oil is rich in omega-3, shown to be effective protection from UV rays, and helps prevent sun damage to the skin.
Black Currant oil is naturally rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E as well as polyphenols, which help protect your skin from environmental stressors. Black Currant oil mainly consists of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid a key component in your skin barrier, helping to keep moisture in your skin. Black Currant oil also is effective in soothing skin irritations and conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Borage oil is nutrient-rich, containing omega fatty acids, folic acid, B complex vitamins, magnesium and potassium. All these nutrients can help your overall health as well as benefit your skin. It acts as a moisturizer and penetrates into the deep layers of your skin. Borage oil provides high levels of the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a strong anti-inflammatory. Borage seed oil and GLA also have anti-mutagenic properties and antioxidant capabilities that fight the growth of cancerous cells.
Cacay Oil is nature's retinol. It contains 3 times the Vitamin A in rosehip oil and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles by 45%. It reduces blemishes, tightens pores, and helps treat acne and hyperpigmentation. Cacay oil will help diminish scars, stretch marks and blemishes. It contains twice the Vitamin E and linoleic acid of argan oil, making it a super power for hydrating dry skin.
Castor oil has been recognized for centuries as a benefit for many health conditions. Castor oil fights off infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, and has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is also believed to have great anti-viral properties. It is an excellent anti-oxidant and contains many compounds which help to fight off the effects of aging. Castor oil penetrates deep into the skin, softens and hydrates it. The oil also helps to promote the production of elastin and collagen, which help to delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin a more youthful appearance.
Clove oil helps in reducing the sagginess of the skin and prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It removes dead skin cells and helps in blood circulation, which indirectly or directly ensures a youthful and radiant looking skin. It is an anti-fungal oil that helps to heal fungal infections and protects nails and cuticles from infection.
Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it’s often touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity. The fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over skin to hold in moisture. Cocoa butter is also rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals. These substances may improve blood flow to the skin and slow skin aging by protecting against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which keep skin smooth to the touch and retain the moisture content of the skin. Coconut oil also contains Capric, Caprylic and Lauric acid which have antimicrobial properties and protect the skin from microbial infections. Coconut oil is high in Vitamin E and rich in a number of proteins that contribute to healthy cells and cellular repair.
Evening Primrose oil is high in essential fatty acids, the building blocks for cell membranes. The oil is very gentle and boosts blood circulation which is helpful to treat tired skin and eyes. The oil's essential fatty acids help treat reduce inflammation, and help prevent acne by reducing the overproduction of sebum that clogs pores.
Grapeseed oil is high in antioxidants which fight free radicals from the environment that cause damage to the skin. The flavanoids contained in grapeseed oil can inhibit allergic reactions, and may help fight skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. It is also absorbed quickly by the skin. Another benefit is that it protects your skin's natural collagen. Grapeseed oil also moisturizes dry, crepey skin around the eyes and can fade dark, unattractive under-eye circles.
Hemp butter and oil contain omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, necessary for healthy cell production and good skin health. The balance of these fatty acids can help alleviate common, chronic dry skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Hemp seed oil and butter have a high gamma-linolenic acid content giving it anti-inflammatory properties.
Kokum Butter is very moisturizing and helps heal dry and cracked skin especially lips, elbows, knees and soles of feet. It may also help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Kokum butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which softens the skin and helps promote elasticity and maintain flexibility. Kokum Butter is high in antioxidants and regenerates skin cells and reduces degeneration of skin cells.
Kukui nut oil contains essential the fatty acids linoleic and linolenic. Kukui nut oil is soothing and softening for the skin without leaving an oily residue and without blocking pores. It effective in treating wounds and burns, and has shown effectiveness in treating the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil, especially known for its soothing and calming properties. It has diuretic properties that can help drain out fluid stored under the eyes that cause under eye bags.
Mango butter is high in Vitamin C and E which help protect your skin from environmental damage. Mango butter softens your skin. Mango butter is an emollient, nourishing skin and boosting its elasticity as well as its suppleness, making skin look smoother and firmer, and relieving dry, itchy skin.
Meadowfoam oil is a powerful moisturizing oil and stays on the skin for longer moisturizing. Meadowfoam oil also provides ultra-violet protection, and helps reduce wrinkling and signs of aging. It has a high content of fatty acids and the anti-oxidant vitamin E, giving the oil amazing hydrating and rejuvenating benefits.
Olive oil contains important antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols, which help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light. Hydroxytyrosol, a compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin. The hydrophilic properties of these antioxidants allow it to form a protective barrier trapping moisture on your skin, making olive oil an effective moisturizer.
Passion fruit seed oil is rich in vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and carotenoids. Passion fruit helps protect against environmental damage, helps keep skin looking firm and youthful and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It keeps your skin smooth and plump looking while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and is the perfect moisturizer for all skin types, and works well for oily skin as well because of its non-clogging moisturizing action.
Rice Bran oil is rich in inositol and gamma oryzanol, potent anti-oxidants and nourishing moisturizers, and is an important source of vitamins A, B2, B12 and E and moisturizing proteins. The combination of vitamin E and vitamin B help increase elasticity while maintaining hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rice bran oil contains squalane, a natural fat produced by human skin cells, and helps the skin naturally regenerate itself for younger looking skin. Rice bran oil has a slight anti-melanin property to help protect from the sun and fade dark spots and smooth skin tone. Other components like beta-carotene and lycopene protect from free radical damage, and enzymes like CoQ10 help skin maintain its youthful glow.
Rosehip oil is high in vitamin E, an anti-inflammatory anti-oxidant that calms and hydrates dry and sensitive skin, and protects skin cells from sun damage. Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9 which help repair and regenerate damaged skin. It contains one of the highest percentages of vitamin C, which brightens skin and restores skin tone, and promotes the production of collagen. Rosehip oil contains the powerful antioxidants lycopene, which helps improve skin texture and protects against premature aging, along with beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage responsible for skin aging.
Rosemary oil contains ceffeic and rosemarinic acid, both strong anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce inflammation. It also acts as a mild diuretic that reduces swelling.
Sesame Oil is nutrient rich, containing Vitamins E, K, B6, as well as phosphorus, copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, omega-3 and phytosterol. Sesame oil is antibacterial in nature, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to Vitamin E, sesame oil also contains an antioxidant called sesamol, shown to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing. Sesame oil is rich in fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient and moisturizer. The oil has the ability to attract and trap toxins soluble in oil and aids in the detoxification of the skin.
Shea oil and butter are known for healing properties attributed to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids. Shea contains plant antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, as well as catechins, protecting cells from free radicals and environmental damage. The cinnamic acid esters in the shea fat help prevent skin damage from UV radiation. Shea has several derivatives of cinnamic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Sunflower oil has one of the highest percentages of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. Skin that is prone to acne and breakouts is generally low in linoleic acid, making sunflower oil effective in preventing breakouts. Sunflower oil is extremely high in antioxidants and Vitamin E, essential for preventing sun damage to the skin, preventing scarring, as well as smoothing existing wrinkles. Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C and D and healthy carotenoids and waxes which form a protective barrier on the skin, retaining moisture. It is absorbed into the skin easily, without clogging or blocking the pores.
Tea Tree Oil’s active chemical components contribute to its reputation for its ability to reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria and infections upon contact, hence its use in anti-acne formulas. It is known to soothe topical allergic reactions. When applied topically, Tea Tree Oil’s anti-inflammatory ability can help minimize the size, severity, pain, and redness of existing blemishes.
EXTRACTS
Bitter Apple is full of vitamins A and C and Zinc, which are all essential for glowing, healthy skin. Bitter Apple extract contains alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), malic acid, which exfoliates the skin and reduce signs of sun damage and aging, and promotes the appearance of healthy and smoother feeling skin.
Calendula extract is known for its active constituents, triterpenoids and flavonoids, that provide anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties and for its soothing, healing and protecting effects on the skin. Flavoinoids and saponins help protect the skin from damage causing free-radicals and aid in the metabolism of proteins and collagen during the healing process to help balance the skin and reduce irritation.
Cucumber is a source of vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as minerals important for skin health. The flesh of cucumbers contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which prevent water retention, help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumber juice is a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin, and cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating. Cucumbers are used topically for various types of skin problems, including swelling under the eyes, sunburn and dermatitis.
Ginger extract can increase skin's radiance and decrease inflammation that may contribute to common skin conditions. Ginger is an antioxidant, which means it inhibits harmful free radicals that cause skin damage and aging. Ginger's antioxidant, gingerol, not only fights skin-damaging free radicals, but also softens the skin and evens skin tone.
Mint extract has cooling properties that are attributed to its concentration of menthol. Menthol has been shown to activate a cold sensitive receptor that opens in the presence of cold temperatures and menthol, changing the information that is sent from these cells to the central nervous system leading to the perception of cold. For this reason, ingredients containing peppermint are widely used to refresh and cool the skin.
Papaya enzyme, papain, is attributed with soothing skin irritations and exfoliated dead cells, helping to clean your skin and eliminate the dull, dry appearance.
Pineapple enzyme extract contains one of the world’s most effective enzymes, bromelain Bromelain is known as a protelytic a enzyme, meaning that it isg able to reduce inflammation on the skin and breakdown proteins that cause build-up. Perfect for problem skin, the enzyme helps to effectively disintegrate excess surface cells for efficient and non-abrasive exfoliation.
Prickly Pear extract is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and potassium while also containing tannins, flavonoids, betanins and alkaloids. Vitamin A and C are important vitamins that play a role in protecting and repairing the skin while also supporting the production of structural proteins thus supporting the skins shape. Prickly pear also has a high moisture content due to the presence of carbohydrates and sugars, which isolate water to keep the plant hydrated. Prickly Pear extract can detoxify and protect your skin while also keeping moisture in to support a healthy moisture balance.
Rose Hydrosol (Rose Water) helps maintain the skin's pH balance, and also balances skin oils. It's a natural hydrator and moisturizes the skin, and being rich in antioxidants, it helps to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues. It also temporarily plumps skin, reducing the look of fine lines, and it minimizes pores. Rose water helps clean pores and tone the skin, removing impurities.
White Tea extract is made using the tender, uppermost buds and new leaves. Since there is minimal processing, the integrity of the phytochemicals in the leaves is preserved. It is these compounds that provide potent antioxidant activity to counteract environmental damage. The antioxidants present in white tea are especially suited to anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Oat Powder hydrates and nourishes dry skin, hydrating skin, reducing skin dryness and associated symptoms such as itching, flaking, and tightness, and helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier. Oat powder is a pH buffer, which means it helps maintain your skin’s ideal pH, making it a beneficial ingredient for stressed or irritated skin, or skin prone to sensitivity.
Stearic Acid is a plant based ingredient added to formulations to thicken and emulsify oils. It has benefits for the skin, acting as an emollient, softening and smoothing skin. It also helps to preserve the skin's natural moisture barrier, helping to keep your skin moisturized.
Emulsifying Wax is a plant based ingredient, necessary to create creams and lotions. It binds oils and water, which naturally do not mix, allowing silky and luxurious creams and lotions to be made. It also increases the shelf life of products, and helps to protect the skin and keep it hydrated.
OUR PRESERVATIVES
While some of our products still contain less than 1% of phenoxyethanol, a very safe level of preservative, we are phasing out the use of this preservative to use Geogard and Vegecide, two natural preservatives. Geogard is eco-certified, and both of these preservatives protect products from growth of a wide range of micro organisms. While preservatives prevent growth and prolong the shelf life of skincare, it is always recommended to not let any cosmetics or skin care products sit for too long. It is always best to use topical products within the first three months of purchase. Our products have a much longer shelf life, but we do recommend that you use the products you purchase immediately and consistently for best results.
FRAGRANCES
We use food grade vanilla in many of our products because of its gentle, fragrant aroma. We use essential oils not only for their fragrance, but also for their benefits to skin. We also use proprietary essential oil blends sourced from suppliers to give our products a variety of scents. Because these blends are proprietary to our supplier, we cannot fully identify the ingredients. However, we do identify all known ingredients to avoid allergic reactions, and we do not use any synthetic fragrances.
All of the ingredients used by Bel Essence are sourced for their quality and sustainability so you can be confident that the products you buy contain the best that nature offers..