Green Chemistry

We use the safest and most effective antioxidants, preservatives and emulsifiers to ensure our products nourish, soothe and protect your skin.

Coco Glucocide:  A non-ionic surfactant used for foaming and cleansing. It is derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars and is created through a chemical reaction between glucose and coconut oil derived ingredients. Coco-glucoside is used to build viscosity and foaming capacity in soaps. It is very gentle and acts as a cleansing agent without drying out skin. 

Citric Acid: Used as a pH adjuster derived from certain fruits or vegetables through fermentation.

Hyaluronic Acid: A polysaccharide found naturally in skin that has the ability to bind large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated. We use a low-molecular hyaluronic acid created through fermentation that is able to penetrate the skin without causing irritation.

Propanediol: A colourless liquid glycol, naturally derived from corn. It functions as both a solvent and humectant.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Derived from minerals that are refined into calcium carbonate then turned into baking soda. When combined with citric acid, baking soda creates a fizz that both softens the water and distributes the essential oils throughout.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Resveratrol: A source of polyphenol antioxidants derived from knotweed. 

Rosemary Leaf Extract & Rosemary CO2: Extract from rosemary leaf that is very high in antioxidants. Keeps our products smelling and feeling as fresh as possible. 

Vitamin E (tocopherol): A naturally occurring antioxidant. 

EMULSIFIERS

An emulsifier is the ingredient that binds water to oil in order to create an emulsion, which is just a fancy term for cream or lotion. We chose the following ingredients because they are safe, do not separate, and do not leave a sheen on your skin after applying.

Cetearyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol extracted from coconuts that is very different than denatured alcohol, which is known to dry out skin. 

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate: The sodium salt of sulfur extracted from coconut. Sulphur is an element that exists in all of nature. The term 'no sulfates' is way too broad a term and is based on a lot of misinformation. 

Stearic Acid: A fatty acid extracted from plants that acts as a thickening agent and helps to prevent melting in warmer temperatures. Plant fats that are solid at room temperature, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, palm oil or coconut oil, contain high amounts of stearic acid. 

Xanthan Gum: A natural food and cosmetic additive used as a binder, emulsion stabilizer and skin conditioning agent. It is a polysaccharide produced from simple sugars using fermentation. It is dried and processed into a powder, when added to water it acts as a thickener.

PRESERVATIVES

The preservatives we use for our lotions, creams, cleansers and toners are sodium levulinate from non-GMO corn, and sodium anisate from basil. Levulinate contains the same compound (levulinic acid) that bees use to protect their pollen and nectar. Not only are these effective anti-microbials, but they also have active skin care properties; soothes skin and balances the skin's PH to an ideal level.

Glyceryl Caprylate: Derived from coconuts, it works with sodium levulinate and sodium anisate in our preservative system.

Vegetable Glycerin: A colourless, odourless liquid that derives from non-GMO rapeseed oil. It is soluble in water and acts as a humectant (attracts moisture). 

REFLECTOR SPF 30 FACIAL SUN PROTECTION

Zinc Oxide: A naturally occurring powdered mineral used in lotions and creams meant for outdoor use. Zinc Oxide sits on top of the skin scattering, reflecting and absorbing UVA and UVB rays. 

Titanium Dioxide: A naturally occurring mineral that works like tiny mirrors to deflect UV rays off of the skin. It has a high refractive index and ability to reflect and scatter light. Titanium Dioxide is both gentle and cooling on the skin. 

Aluminum Hydroxide: Used as a skin protectant - coats the titanium dioxide and forms a protective layer without penetrating the skin. 

Lauric Acid: Naturally occurring fatty acid found in coconut oil. 

Triethoxycaprylylsilane: Used to create a stable coating for zinc oxide. 

Tapioca Starch: Derived from the root of the cassava plant and is used to create a smooth, non-oily, light cream. 

Olive Leaf Extract and Turmeric are both antioxidant rich botanical extracts that are soothing and rejuvenating to the skin. 

EMULSIFIERS

Glyceryl Stearate SE: Fatty acid derived from vegetable oil, produced from glycerin and stearic acid and used as an emulsifier. 

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate:  Produced from glycerol and stearic acid and used as an emulsifier. 

PRESERVATIVES

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Used as a preservative and antioxidant. 

Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid and Sorbic Acid: All ECOCERT approved preservatives that work together in Reflector SPF 30 to ensure safe broad spectrum protection. 

Potassium Sorbate: The inactive salt of sorbic acid. 

Iceland Moss

Iceland moss is a lichen that grows in cold and damp environments, including the Arctic regions, Europe, and North America. This plant has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and has recently gained popularity in the beauty industry for its skin care benefits.

One of the key benefits of Iceland moss for the skin is its ability to soothe and hydrate dry and sensitive skin. This is due to its high content of polysaccharides, which help to retain moisture and improve the skin's natural protective barrier. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Iceland moss is also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. These antioxidants also have anti-aging benefits, as they can help to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for youthful-looking skin.

In addition to its hydrating and antioxidant properties, Iceland moss has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This can make it an effective ingredient in treating acne and other skin conditions that are caused by bacteria or fungi.

Iceland moss can be found in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and masks. When used regularly, these products can help to improve the overall appearance and health of the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and glowing.

In conclusion, Iceland moss is a natural ingredient that has a wide range of skin care benefits. Its ability to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal properties, make it an excellent choice for those looking for effective and natural skin care solutions.

BOTANICAL NAME: Cetraria islandica

EXTRACTION: Solvent Extraction 

DESCRIPTION: Cetraria islandica (Iceland Moss) is a lichen that grows in arctic or alpine areas of the Northern hemisphere. It is usually grey-green to a deep brown in colour, grows to a height of about 7cm and has leathery branches. It has historically been used as a food and a medicine for coughs and colds. Iceland moss is rich in polysaccharides and works with polypody fern to keep moisture in the skin. 

KEY COMPONENTS: Lichenan 

FOUND IN: Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum 

Polypody Fern

Polypody fern is a species of fern that is native to Central and South America. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions, and recent research has shown that it may also have skin care benefits.

One of the main skin care benefits of Polypody fern is its ability to protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a major cause of skin aging and skin cancer, and Polypody fern contains antioxidants and other compounds that can help neutralize the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin.

In addition to its UV protection benefits, Polypody fern has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for people who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as well as for those with sensitive skin.

Another benefit of Polypody fern for skin care is its ability to help improve skin hydration. This plant contains polysaccharides, which can help to retain moisture in the skin and improve its overall appearance and texture.

Polypody fern can be incorporated into skin care products such as creams, serums, and masks to provide these benefits. Polypody fern is a promising ingredient for skin care products, with potential benefits for UV protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin hydration.

BOTANICAL NAME: Polypodium (poly meaning 'many' and podos meaning 'a foot') vulgare

EXTRACTION: Solvent Extraction

DESCRIPTION: Polypodium vulgare (polypody fern) is a perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It is typically found growing on rocky surfaces in shady, forested areas often in scattered clumps. Historically used as a medicinal herb, our extract is from the stem that grows underground. The rhizome extract of the plant contains the actives polypodine A and B. It works in combination with Iceland moss to soften and increase the moisture factor in the skin.

KEY COMPONENTS: Polypodine A and B 

FOUND IN: Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum

Peat Moss

Peat moss is a type of partially decomposed sphagnum moss that is found in bogs and wetlands. It has been used for centuries as a soil amendment due to its high absorbency and nutrient-rich properties. However, in recent years, peat moss has also become a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its many benefits for the skin.

One of the primary benefits of peat moss in skincare is its ability to hydrate the skin. Peat moss is rich in humic acid, which is a natural moisturizing agent that can help to increase the skin's moisture content and reduce dryness and flakiness. This can be especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin.

In addition to its moisturizing properties, peat moss also contains a range of other beneficial compounds, including fulvic acid, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These compounds can help to nourish the skin, improve its texture and tone, and promote a healthy, youthful appearance.

Peat moss also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin. This can be especially helpful for those with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, which can cause redness, itching, and inflammation.

Overall, peat moss is a highly beneficial ingredient in skincare products due to its hydrating, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you are looking for a gentle, hydrating moisturizer or a soothing treatment for irritated skin, products containing peat moss can be a great choice for achieving healthy, glowing skin.

Botanical Name: Sphagnum magellanicum

Extraction: Dried

Description: Sphagnum magellanicum or peat moss extract is obtained from the plant matter that settles at the bottom of bogs. Sphagnum magellanicum has no stems, leaves or roots and grows in damp, dark places such as swamps and wetlands mostly in the northern hemisphere. The broken down plant materials submerged under water is called peat. The plant is constantly growing upwards at the tips while the lower parts are dying sometimes dating back a thousand years or more. Peat moss is known in the gardening world for its ability to help soil hold nourishment and moisture. Historically peat moss has been used as a wound dressing and to treat many skin ailments. This extract has the amazing ability to absorb and retain water in the skin. It has also been known to reduce the signs of aging.

Key Components: Fulvic and ulmic acid

Found In: Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum