Approved Ingredients

Ingredients You Should Know

 

Salicylic Acid

Is a beta-hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural compound in plants. It is obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation. It diminishes wrinkles, reduces the size of pores, is gentle and non-irritating.

Flavonoids 

Flavonoids are high in antioxidant properties, making them excellent anti-agers. Flavonoids help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They’re also effective in protecting the skin’s barrier from free-radical environmental damage, such as sun/UV exposure. Can be found in fruits and vegetables like Honeysuckle, apples, pomegranates, red & purple grapes, black & green tea, kale, berries, peels of citrus fruits, and chamomile.

Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

A group of natural acids found in foods. Successful in treating a number of skin conditions ranging from dry skin, to acne, to improving the overall condition of the skin and promoting new skin cells growth. Alpha hydroxy acids include citric acid (found in citrus fruits), glycolic acid (found in sugar cane and grapes), lactic acid (found in sour milk and tomato juice), malic acid (found in apples), tartaric acid (found in grapes), and linoleic acid (cucumbers)

Natural Glycolic Acid

As a natural ingredient Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid extracted from sugar cane and grapes that have yet to ripen. Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient in many skincare products such as facial cleansers. It exfoliates the outermost dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion, minimize the appearance of pores and remedy uneven skin tone.

Natural Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, eyes, and joints. Its primary function is to trap water inside tissue cells, keeping the skin & eyes moist and the joints lubricated. Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated and supple. Levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin significantly decrease as people age, which can lead to dehydrated skin and wrinkles. Using products that contain it may improve skin hydration and reduce the signs of aging.

Natural Peptides

Peptides are found in dairy milk, eggs, soybeans, fish and meat. Peptides boost collagen production. Collagen is one of the most important proteins in your body. About 75%-80% of your skin is made up of collagen protein. With age, collagen production declines. As a result, your skin sags and loses its elasticity. Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine can help to a great extent. That’s why when your collagen production is optimal, your skin looks beautiful.

Polyphenols

Phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants like all varieties of berries and chili peppers) with high antioxidant activity, polyphenols help our bodies/skin to fight free radicals that damage our skin’s DNA and contribute to signs of aging. Polyphenols also aid in moisture retention, allowing our skin to stay hydrated and healthy. These nutrients even help protect our skin during sun exposure and minimizing inflammation afterward. Polyphenols’ anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also help diminish acne and provide relief from skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Squalane

Squalane adds hydration to the skin. Regular use can boost the skin's collagen production, resulting in firmer, more vibrant, and healthier skin. It also can help to detoxify the skin.
Squalene (with an "e") is a lipid produced naturally by our skin cells. Peak production of this natural moisturizer occurs in the teen years, with production slowing down in your 20s or 30s. The amount of squalene in the body declines with age.
Olives, rice bran, and sugarcane contain squalene.

Tannins

Organic substances found in tree bark and other plant-based tissue. Tannins are highly astringent, which means they shrink or constrict skin/body tissue. Frequently used in toners and other skincare products, tannins tighten pores, making them appear smaller and less obvious; this helps the skin retain a firm, youthful look. Tannins also help control excess oil, which may alleviate acne.

Vegetable Glycerin

Also known as glycerol, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils typically palm, soy or coconut. It’s a clear, colorless, odorless and syrupy liquid. Glycerin is a humectant it hydrates and moisturizes the skin by pulling water into the outer layer of skin from deeper levels of the skin and the air.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, it’s found in citrus fruits, kiwi, guava, broccoli, brussel sprouts, bell peppers, apricots and strawberries. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which has the potential to thicken the dermis layer of skin (the inner layer that holds connective tissue, blood vessels and glands), to diminish fine lines, and is essential for firm, youthful skin. Vitamin C oil is good for most skin types. It may cause irritation if you have very sensitive skin. It can help fade dark spots/hyperpigmentation, reduces redness, the appearance of under-eye darkness and smooths the skin's surface.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts, and vegetable oils (sunflower, wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean), sunflower seeds, green/leafy vegetables (spinach and broccoli). Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that fights free radicals and enhances immune function.
Antioxidant properties make it vital in protecting skin cells from ultraviolet light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell-damaging free radicals. Vitamin E is easily absorbed into the skin and helps nourish and protect the skin. It prevents signs of aging and fights sun damage.

 

Oils + Botanicals to Use

*Many plant-based skincare products contain high concentrations of essential oils to optimize their efficacy. Therefore, it’s important to patch test any new product on your skin before using, to ensure no allergic reaction occurs.

 

Aloe Vera - What: A succulent plant, the gel comes from the leaves and contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, choline, niacinamide, glycoprotein, enzymes, phenolic compounds, a variety of amino acids, phytochemicals and salicylic acids. Benefits: First used in ancient Egypt 5000 years ago. Over 150 ingredients in the leaves that benefit the skin and provide healing effects that promote and support anti-aging, anti-stress, protection from free radicals and UV damage. Acts as an acne treatment/prevention. Heals sunburn and is good for eczema. Products: Marie Hunter Anti-Fatigue Herbal Eye Gel, Pholk Aloe + Lemon Face Mist, Pholk Daily Detox Face Wash, Ere Perez Ginkgo Micellar Water, Dehiya Safi Mist, Sade Baron Sky Fragrance-free Body Souffle

Argan Oil - What: Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree found in Morocco.  Benefits: Contains a very high amount of fatty acids and vitamins A & E. It moisturizes dry skin and has the power to repair the function of the skin as a barrier to reduce signs of aging. Acts as an anti-inflammatory for red, reactive skin and acne-prone skin. Products: Dehiya Alia Cleanser, Dehiya Zahra Oil

Avocado Oil - What: One of the few plant oils that’s not derived from seeds but rather pressed from the pulp that surrounds the avocado pit. Benefits: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, potassium, and lecithin. Moisturizes nourishes, protects skin from damaging UV rays, and reduces signs of aging. Relieves inflammation and soothes eczema and psoriasis. Anti-inflammatory which can help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne. Products: Kadalys Pure Organic Pure Melt Cleansing Gel-in-Oli, Kadalys Nutritive Oil Marie Hunter Anti-Fatigue Herbal Eye Gel, Marie Hunter Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil, Dehiya Zahra Oil, Buff Experts Camellia & Avocado Hand & Nail Cream

Beet Root - What: The beetroot is the taproot portion of a beet plant. The beetroot powder is made of dehydrated beets. Once sliced beets are thoroughly dehydrated (all the moisture is gone), then finely ground to make a powder. Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and natural antioxidants. Moisturizes, reduces hyper-pigmentation, fights acne and blemishes.

Cetearyl Alcohol - What: This is not the same as ethyl or the rubbing alcohol which is known to dry skin out. It can be derived naturally from, coconut, palm or olive (cetearyl olivate) oils (or it can be made synthetically). Benefits: It contains a mixture of fatty alcohols and is an effective emollient and emulsifier. It’s also used as a texture enhancer, thickener and keeps products from separating into oil and liquid components, which essentially helps the spreadability (e.g. foaming) of the product.

Chamomile - What: Essential Oil extracted from the dried flowers of the German & Roman chamomile plants. Contains major bio-active ingredients and various terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Benefits: Effective anti-inflammatory properties, ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. It’s also effective for treating eczema, skin irritations, sunburns, rashes and sores.

Kukui Nut Oil - What: A natural moisturizer that has been used for centuries in Hawaii. It is produced by pressing oil from the kukui nut (or candlenut) tree Benefits: Contains healthy fatty acids like linoleic acid and omega-3, which can help calm the skin and reduce inflammation. Good for treating Maskne. Soothes and soften the skin without leaving a greasy film. It has been used to treat wounds and burns. Beneficial for the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Evening Primrose Oil - What: Made from the seeds of the flowers of a plant native to North America. Benefits: Omega-6 fatty acids in the plant can help acne by reducing skin inflammation, helps eczema, improves skin elasticity, moisture, firmness and fatigue resistance. Also, may help relieve PMS symptoms and reduce hot flashes.

Green Tea - What: Green tea is made from the leaves and buds from Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. It originates in China and East Asia. Benefits: Major polyphenolic compounds are present in green tea. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Helps with acne reduces oiliness and inflammation, sun protection, under-eye dark circles, anti-aging, psoriasis, dandruff. Products: Pholk Moringa Pore Teatox Mask

Hemp Seed Oil - What: Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species. Regular hemp has much lower concentrations of THC, and higher concentrations of “cannabidiol (CBD),” which actually eliminates the psychoactive "high" effects. Benefits: Cold pressed oil has the most skin-nourishing qualities. It plumps tired skin, provides long lasting moisture, balances oily skin, calms skin irritation, good for all skin types. Products: Dehiya Namaka Super C + Sea Antioxidant Mask, Dehiya The Halo Effect Highlighter, Marie Hunter Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil, Angie Watts Hydrating Facial Serum, Pholk Daily Detox Face Wash, Pholk H2Oil Night Oil, Pholk Featherlight SkinNectar, Pholk Werkacita Beauty Balm


Hibiscus Oil - What: Hibiscus is a flowering plant of the family Malvaceae. It grows in warm tropical, and semi-tropical climates. It is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Chemical forms of these acids can be overly harsh and damaging to the skin, but natural sources such as those in hibiscus can help provide the same benefits without the harsh drawbacks. Benefits: Known as the "Botox plant" it's packed with gentle alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and exfoliating ability. It improves the overall complexion and encourages younger smoother looking skin, hydrates/moisturizes, exfoliates, reduces wrinkles, treats acne, reduces hyper-pigmentation. Products: Pholk Glow Up Mask, Pholk H2Oil Night Oil

Honeyquat - What: Honeyquat is a natural, active ingredient that is made from pure honey. It works as a conditioning agent, so it has many of the same properties as honey - it adds moisture and serves as a strong humectant (it draws moisture to your hair/skin - more than honey and glycerin). A natural anti-oxidant, high in vitamin C, promotes collagen formation in the skin. Benefits: It has moisture binding capabilities and is an excellent cleansing agent. Improves skin texture and surface smoothness. Can add a natural, dewy glow to skin with its moisturizing and soothing complexion boosting properties.

Jojoba Oil - What: A non-fragrant oil produced from the seed of the jojoba shrub, native to US and Mexico. A humectant substance that preserves moisture in the skin. Benefits: Rich in vitamins B & E, essential minerals and fatty acids, it helps to soothe skin while promoting collagen production. When combined with Glycerin it can increase skin hydration. Applied directly to the skin for acne, psoriasis, sunburn, and chapped skin. It is also used topically to encourage the regrowth of hair. Products: Kadalys Musalift Organic Lifting Night Cream, Kadalys Musaclean Peeling Exfoliant, Kadalys Nutritive Oil, Marie Hunter Anti-Fatigue Herbal Eye Gel, Marie Hunter Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil, Angie Watts Hydrating Facial Serum, Pholk Glow Replenish Face Wash, Pholk Daily Detox Face Wash, Pholk Werkacita Beauty Balm, Buff Experts Jojoba & Apricot Emollient Body Oil, Sade Baron Sky Fragrance-free Body Souffle, OMGLO Glow Serum

Licorice Root Extract - What: Comes from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. The licorice plant is an herbaceous perennial legume native to southern Europe and India. Benefits: Soothes and hydrates skin. Contain powerful antioxidants which neutralize free-radicals from pollution and UV rays. Can fade dark spots and reduce hyper-pigmentation. Also, good for oily skin.

Moroccan Blue Tansy Oil - What: From the Blue Tansy plant that grows in Morocco. The parts of the plant that are used to make blue tansy essential oil are the leaves, flowers, and stems and they are steam-distilled. Benefits: Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Blue Tansy oil is very sought after in skin care products. It helps reduce overall redness of the skin, fights acne, improves blemishes, soothes dry flakey skin, increases moisture, and even helps improve bruising. Products: Pholk Glow Up Mask, Dehiya Biru Balm


Natural Clays / Moroccan Red Clay - What: Clays are soft, fine-grained mineral substances. Red clay, also known as Rhassoul clay, has been mined from the Atlas Mountain region of Morocco. Benefits: Rich in magnesium and potassium, it exfoliates, absorbs oil, cleanses and invigorate the skin. Helps to remove blackheads, even skin tone and promote cell turnover. Can cause skin drying, be careful if you have eczema or psoriasis.
Green Clay is ideal for oily/combination or breakouts.
Pink Clay is good for dry or sensitive skin, reduces irritation and inflammation.
Bentonite Clay detoxifies and cleanses. Products: Pholk Glow Up Mask, Pholk Moringa Pore Teatox Mask, Dehiya Aya Mask, Sade Baron La Rose Soap


Oats - What: The oat (Avena sativa), is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed and grown in every continent. Oats have saponins, a diverse group of chemicals, which derive their name from their ability to form soap-like foams in water solutions. Benefits: Good for all skin types especially for dry, sensitive, acne prone skin. Keeps skin hydrated by forming a layer on the surface that retains water. Exfoliates while moisturizing.

Rosehip Oil - What: Rosehip seed oil is a pressed seed oil, extracted from the seeds of the wild rose bush or Rosa canine found in the South America, South Africa and Europe. Benefits: Rosehip oil contains beneficial skin nutrients, vitamins A,C,B,E and omega-6 fatty acid. Helps to hydrate, moisturize, exfoliate, boost collagen and brighten skin. Acts as an anti-inflammatory, tightens pores, removes under eye puffiness, calms acne protects from sun damage and gives a dewy radiant complexion. Products: Marie Hunter Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil, Pholk Honeysuckle Rose Face Mist, Pholk Glow Replenish Face Wash, Pholk Rose Gardenia SkinNectar


Shea Butter - What: Off-white or ivory-colored fat extracted from the nut of the West African shea tree. Benefits: Shea butter doesn’t contain chemical irritants known to dry out skin, and it doesn’t clog pores. Safe for all skin types. Rich in vitamins A,E & F and essential fatty acids (linoleic, oleic stearic and palmitic) These acids make shea butter easy for skin to fully absorb and won’t make your skin look oily after application. Products: Angie Watts Sheba Butter, Angie Watts Sheba Oil, Marie Hunter Anti-Fatigue Herbal Eye Gel, Sade Baron Waterfall Soap & La Rose Soap

Turmeric - What: The bright, yellow-orange spice is related to ginger and comes from the roots of the Curcuma long plant found in South Asia. Benefits: Turmeric gets its health benefits primarily because of curcumin, a bioactive component. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which boost the immune system, calms acne and helps collagen production. Brings out the skin's natural glow and luster. Helps to reduce wrinkles, under eye darkness and reduces facial hair. Products: Marie Hunter Anti-Fatigue Herbal Eye Gel


White Willow Bark - What: Comes from the bark of the White Willow tree. After harvesting, strips of the willow bark are removed from the tree, the inner bark is processed to remove the beneficial aqueous (water-like) extract. Benefits: Contains salicylic acid, a natural exfoliant that stimulates new skin cells. Powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties gives skin a glowing and healthy appearance. A remedy for acne, it naturally heals the skin. Products: Marie Hunter Botanical Cleansing Gel, Dehiya Safi Mist