Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is native to North Africa, but it is now grown all over the world for its numerous health and skin benefits. Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and it is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products today.

Aloe vera contains a gel-like substance that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make it a popular ingredient in skin care products. Here are some of the skin care benefits of aloe vera:

1. Moisturizing: Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate the skin without leaving it greasy or oily. It contains mucopolysaccharides, which help to bind moisture to the skin, making it look plump and supple.

2. Soothing: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective ingredient for soothing irritated and inflamed skin. It can help to calm down redness, itching, and burning caused by skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

3. Anti-aging: Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage that can lead to premature aging. It also contains compounds that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness.

4. Acne-fighting: Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that make it an effective ingredient for treating acne. It can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation and redness.

5. Healing: Aloe vera has healing properties that make it an excellent ingredient for treating wounds, burns, and other skin injuries. It can help to speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.

Overall, aloe vera is a versatile ingredient that can benefit all skin types. It is gentle and safe to use, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

BOTANICAL NAME: Aloe barbadensis

EXTRACTION: Ground, filtered, concentrated, dried

DESCRIPTION: Aloe Vera has been used for centuries in various parts of the world as a medicinal product.  The plant is a succulent found typically in tropical and hot climates. It is native to tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula, and various islands in the Indian Ocean.  This plant's leaves are thick and serrated, containing a gel-like substance and produces a beautiful yellow, tubular flower in the summer.  The powder extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant contains soothing polysaccharides that bind moisture to skin, giving it its soothing, protective hydration.

KEY COMPONENTS: Polysaccharides (glucomannan and acemannan), carboxypeptidase, magnesium, zinc, calcium, glucose, cholesterol, salicylic acid, prostaglandin precursors (gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]), vitamins A, C, E, lignins, saponins, plant sterols and amino acids.

FOUND IN: CLEANSE - Tea Tree & Aloe, MOISTURIZE - Juniper & Hemp, SHAVE - Fir Balsam & Clove, Sweet Orange Gel Cleanser, Sweet Orange Exfoliating Cleanser, Spot Dabber for Acne Prone Skin, Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum, Reflector SPF 30 Facial Sun Protection, Skin Care Starter Kit for Oily Skin, Skin Care Starter Kit for Men

Witch Hazel Hydrosol

Witch hazel hydrosol is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oil from the witch hazel plant. It is a gentle and soothing liquid that is often used in skin care products due to its numerous benefits for the skin.

One of the key benefits of witch hazel hydrosol for the skin is its ability to act as a natural astringent. This means it can help to tighten and tone the skin, making it particularly useful for people with oily or acne-prone skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of pores and prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Witch hazel hydrosol is also anti-inflammatory, making it useful for people with sensitive or irritated skin. It can help to reduce redness, soothe itchiness, and calm inflamed skin. It is gentle enough to be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

In addition to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel hydrosol is also moisturizing and can help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. It contains natural antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging.

Witch hazel hydrosol can be used in a variety of ways in skin care. It can be used as a toner after cleansing, as a refreshing mist throughout the day, or as a soothing compress for irritated or inflamed skin. It can also be added to DIY skin care recipes, such as face masks or serums.

Overall, witch hazel hydrosol is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for skin care. Whether you have oily or dry skin, sensitive or acne-prone skin, or just want to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, witch hazel hydrosol can be a great addition to your skin care routine.

BOTANICAL NAME: Hamamelis (Greek - name for another plant) virginiana (Virginia) 

EXTRACTION: Steam Distillation

DESCRIPTION: Witch Hazel hydrosol is a water distillate extracted from the witch-hazel shrub, or the Hamamelis virginiana.  The witch hazel plant is found in North America and has been used in traditional indigenous medicine for centuries. Witch hazel is an astringent with multiple skincare benefits.  Indigenous cultures in North America use this astringent to treat swellings, inflammations and tumors.  Their healing methods using this ingredient were adopted by early Puritan settlers once they arrived from Europe.  It was Dr. Charles Hawes who discovered that steam distillation of witch hazel stems and bark produced stronger healing capabilities and was the first to market witch hazel as “Hawes Extract” in Essex, Connecticut at the end of the 19^th century.  Witch hazel hydrosol is clear and colourless and has an innate ability to sooth, calm and cool skin. It contains astringent tannins gallic acid, hamamelitannin  and proanthocyanidins that have a drying effect on the skin. 

KEY COMPONENTS: gallic acid, hamamelitannin, proanthocyanidin

FOUND IN: AFTERSHAVE – Bay Rum, AFTERSHAVE – Muskoka, CLEANSE – Tea Tree & Aloe Vera, Sweet Orange Gel Cleanser, Sweet Orange Exfoliating Cleanser, Spot Dabber for Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care Starter Kit for Oil Skin, Skin Care Starter Kit for Men

Tea Tree Hydrosol

Tea tree hydrosol, also known as tea tree water, is a natural byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oil from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia). This hydrosol contains many of the same beneficial compounds as tea tree oil, but in a milder form that is gentler on the skin.

Tea tree hydrosol has a wide range of skin care benefits, including:

1. Soothes Irritated Skin: Tea tree hydrosol has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. It can be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as it can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts.

2. Reduces Blemishes: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of tea tree hydrosol can help to reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. It can also help to balance the skin's natural oil production, which can be helpful for those with oily or combination skin.

3. Hydrates and Tones: Tea tree hydrosol can be used as a hydrating and toning facial mist that can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin. It can help to plump and firm the skin, while also providing a boost of hydration.

4. Calms and Refreshes: Tea tree hydrosol has a refreshing and calming scent that can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It can also be used as a natural deodorant, as it has antibacterial properties that can help to prevent odor.

5. Cleanses and Purifies: Tea tree hydrosol can be used as a natural cleanser that can help to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. It can also help to purify the pores and prevent clogged pores.

Overall, tea tree hydrosol is a versatile and beneficial ingredient that can be used in a wide range of skin care products, including toners, cleansers, and facial mists. It is a natural and gentle alternative to harsher synthetic ingredients and can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

BOTANICAL NAME: Melaleuca (from Greek melas - black and leukos - white, of many species the trunk is black and the shoots are white) alternifolia 

EXTRACTION: Steam distillation

DESCRIPTION: The tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is a tree native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.  The leaves of this tree are steam distilled in order to derive a hydrosol with intense healing capabilities that has been used medicinally for centuries.  This oil has a unique and fresh camphoraceous odor. Tea tree hydrosol differs from tea tree oil not in its health benefits but rather in its presentation – a hydrosol is a water that is extracted from the leaves via steam distillation in which the healing capabilities and compounds are infused rather than an oil.  This hydrosol offers many benefits for acne prone skin. 

KEY COMPONENTS: Terpinen, 1, 8 cineol 

FOUND IN:  AFTERSHAVE - Muskoka, AFTERSHAVE - Bay Rum