James Wong standing in a borage field

A-Z of Ingredients

“There’s no other role like mine in the beauty industry, which really proves Liz Earle Beauty Co.’s commitment to sourcing the highest quality botanicals. For a plant fanatic like me, you could call it my dream job!”

James Wong, Ethnobotanist

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Abyssinian Seed Oil

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Abyssinian Seed Oil (Crambe abyssinica)

Lightweight and non-greasy, this oil helps improve the manageability of hair, enhancing shine and strengthening hair fibres. Native to Abyssinia, our oil is pressed from the small yellow and brown seeds of the flowering plant.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa Seed Extract

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Alfalfa Seed Extract (Medicago sativa)

With its blue-violet flowers blooming in June, alfalfa is rich in skin-nourishing vitamins A, C and E.  We source it from a cooperative in France, where the seeds are harvested in September before being macerated in water to create our extract.

Aloe Vera plant

Aloe Vera

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Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Featuring formidable hydrating, soothing and cooling properties, our aloe vera is harvested in the morning to maximise the amount of juice the sword-shaped fronds yield, before being freeze-dried to create a powder.

Apple fruit extract

Apple Fruit Extract

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Apple Fruit Extract (Pyrus malus x domestica)

Used for its ability to promote shine, we source our apples from France, where the vitamin-rich flesh of Idared, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are mechanically pressed to create our extract.

Argan Fruit

Argan Oil

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Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

Renowned for its intensely nourishing and hydrating properties, argan is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidant vitamin E. Native to Morocco, our oil is extracted by pressing the sun-dried, roasted and ground kernels of the plum-sized fruit.

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil

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Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)

Legendary for its healthy fat content and emollient properties, the avocado is native to Central America. To extract the vitamin-rich, skin-nourishing oil, the succulent flesh of the ripe fruit is squeezed.

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Beeswax

Beeswax

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Beeswax (Cera alba)

Used for its soothing properties and luxurious texture, our animal-friendly beeswax goes through a special chemical-free filtration process before being used in our products.

Black Cohosh Root

Black Cohosh Root Extract

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Black Cohosh Root Extract (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Used in our Botanical Shine™ Conditioner for fine or oily hair for its inherent moisturising and softening properties, black cohosh is native to Eastern America, where our ingredient is extracted from the mainly wild-harvested roots of the tall, slender plant.

Blue Seakale

Blue Seakale Extract

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Blue Seakale Extract (Crambe maritima)

Used in our Botanical Shine™ Conditioners for its protective properties, we hand-harvest our blue seakale from sustainable plantations in Brittany, France, where the cabbage-like leaves of the plant are dried then extracted to create our antioxidant-rich ingredient.

Borage Seed

Borage Seed Oil

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Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)

Renowned for its fantastic moisturising properties, we source our borage from England, where the pure, GLA-rich oil is pressed from the shiny, dark brown seeds of the bright blue flower

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Calendula Extract

Calendula Extract

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Calendula Extract (Calendula officinalis)

Well-known for its calming and soothing effect on skin, we source our calendula from Egypt, where our ingredient is solvent extracted from the petals of the flower.

Camphor Leaf

Camphor Essential Oil

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Camphor Essential Oil (Cinnamomum camphora)

Often used for its stimulating properties, camphor is native to China, Taiwan and Japan, and is a key botanical in our Brightening Treatment Mask. To produce our oil, the wood of the Cinnamomum camphora tree is steam-distilled, before the distillate is frozen to leave camphor oil behind.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile Essential Oil

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Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis)

Popular for its calming fragrance and soothing properties, we source our chamomile mostly from England, where the pure essential oil is steam distilled from the pretty white flower.

Chamomile Extract

Chamomile Extract

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Chamomile Extract (Anthemis nobilis)

Legendary for its skin-soothing properties, the flowers of this aromatic perennial are harvested in England in the summer, before the ingredient is solvent extracted from the fragrant flower.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter

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Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

Famous for its excellent emollient properties, we source our cocoa butter from West Africa, where fermented beans of the cocoa tree are roasted, cracked and ground to give a powdery solid called cocoa mass, from which cocoa butter is pressed.

Bunch of coconuts

Coconut Oil

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Coconut Oil (Coco nucifera)

Renowned for its moisturising and smoothing properties, we source our coconut oil from the Kenyan coast, where the unrefined, high-quality oil is cold-pressed from the flesh of a mixture of wild-harvested and plantation-grown coconuts using a sustainable direct micro expelling process, within an hour of the coconut being opened.

Comfrey Extract

Comfrey Extract

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Comfrey Extract (Symphytum officinale)

Rich in skin-calming and mild astringent properties, comfrey is also an excellent emollient. Native to Europe, our ingredient is extracted from the leaf of the plant.

Cornflower

Cornflower Extract

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Cornflower Extract (Centaurea cyanus)

Used for its soothing and cooling properties, we source our cornflower from Europe, where we extract our ingredient from the rich blue flowers of the plant.

Cranberry plant

Cranberry Seed Oil

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Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Used in our products for its ability to help improve moisture retention, cranberries are native to the peat wetlands of North America. Rich in skin-plumping essential fatty acids and nourishing vitamin E, our oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of the bright, red berries.

Cucumbers growing

Cucumber Extract

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Cucumber Extract (Cucumis sativus)

Loved for its intensely soothing, cooling and hydrating properties, we source our cucumber from within the UK, where our ingredient is produced from the fresh, green flesh of the vegetable.

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Daikon Radish Seed Oil

Daikon Radish Seed Oil

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Daikon Radish Seed Oil (Raphanus sativus)

This oil is used for its lightweight, non-greasy moisturising properties. We source our Daikon radish from the Willamette Valley, in Oregon, USA, where the nourishing oil is pressed from the rounded brown seeds of the radish pod.

Damask Rose Flower

Damask Rose Flower Oil

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Damask Rose Flower Oil (Rosa damascena)

Renowned for its dreamy, sensual fragrance – a key note in our Botanical Essence™ fine fragrances, we source our Damask roses from a family-run farm in Isparta, Turkey. Here, the last remaining artisan copper still in the whole of Turkey is used to exclusively obtain our pure flower oil through a variety of methods – including extraction, hydro-distillation, distillation, steam-stripping and ion exchange of freshly-harvested rose petals.

Dragons Blood Tree

Dragon's Blood Extract

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Dragon's Blood Extract (Croton lechleri)

Sustainably sourced from Peru, dragon’s blood extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, which act as antioxidants, and a biologically active alkaloid called taspine, which is known to help barrier function properties.

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Echinacea Flower

Echinacea Extract

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Echinacea Extract (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea)

Used for its toning and conditioning properties, Echinacea is native to North America. We source our skin-smoothing extract from within the United Kingdom, where the plant is harvested in July and August before the ingredient is extracted and micro-filtered from the flowers, leaves and stem.

Elderflower

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Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Revered for its soothing properties, elderflower extract has been used to improve the complexion for centuries and was used by the ancient Egyptians to help even the appearance of skin tone. Sourced from Eastern Europe, the fragrant blossom is wild-harvested once a year in early summer whilst it is in bloom.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

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Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)

Renowned for its purifying properties and invigorating aroma, we source our eucalyptus from China, where our essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the fast-growing eucalyptus tree.

Eyebright Extract

Eyebright Extract

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Eyebright Extract (Euphrasia officinalis)

Legendary for its soothing and refreshing properties, and rich in tannins, flavonoids and glycosides, our eyebright is harvested in Bulgaria, where the aerial parts of the plant are macerated in water for 7 days to create our extract.

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Geranium Essential oil

Geranium Essential Oil

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Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Adored for its fresh, floral rose-like fragrance, we source our evergreen, perennial geraniums mostly from Egypt, where our pure essential oil is steam-distilled from the branches the plant.

Bunch of grapes

Grapeseed Extract

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Grapeseed Extract (Vitis vinifera)

Renowned for its skin-toning properties and ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, we source our grape seed from France, where the ingredient is extracted from the tiny brown seeds of the plant.

Green Clay in a bowl

Green Clay

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Green Clay (Kaolin)

Well-known for its ability to absorb excess oil from the skin, we use green clay to help balance and smooth.

Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract

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Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis)

We source our green tea from China and Japan, where our powerful, antioxidant-rich ingredient is extracted from the shiny green leaves of the plant.

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Hazlenuts

Hazelnut Oil

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Hazelnut Oil (Corylus avellana)

Featuring excellent emollient properties and an ability to keep skin soft and supple, the hazelnut is thought to be native to Asia, where the oil is extracted from the nut.

Hops Extract

Hops Extract

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Hops Extract (Humulus lupulus)

Used for its mild astringent properties, we source our hops from the United Kingdom and Germany, where the leafy green hop strobiles are harvested in August and September before they are fully ripe. The strobiles are then dried in the shade before being extracted to create our ingredient.

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Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Beads

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Jojoba Beads (Jojoba esters)

Prized for their gentle exfoliating action, jojoba beads leave skin clearer, brighter and more polished. To create our naturally biodegradable beads that are kind to the environment, pale yellow jojoba oil is hydrogenated to create a hard white wax, which is then warmed and dropped from a height to create smooth spheres.

Jujube fruit

Jujube Seed Extract

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Jujube Seed Extract (Zizyphus jujuba)

Used in our Superskin™ Face Serum for its antioxidant properties and high levels of vitamin C, we source our Jujube, also known as Chinese date, from Turkey, where the extract is produced from the seed.

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Kalahari melon

Kalahari Melon Oil

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Kalahari Melon Oil (Citrullus lanatus)

Featuring excellent emollient and nourishing properties, we source our Kalahari melon from the Kalahari Desert, where the pure oil is cold-pressed from the protein-rich dark brown seeds.

Kigelia Extract

Kigelia Extract

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Kigelia Extract (Kigelia africana)

Used for its skin-toning properties, we source our Kigelia from an ethical biotrade company called TreeCorps in Malawi. Here, the fruit is macerated and air dried to get the pulp – the product from which our liquid extract is produced.

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Lavandin plant

Lavandin Essential Oil

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Lavandin Essential Oil (Lavandula hybrida)

Less floral than lavender, but still loved for its distinctive, herbal fragrance and calming properties, Lavandin yields between five to ten times more oil than lavender. Our pure essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the flowers and stalk of the cultivated shrub.

Lavender flower

Lavender Essential Oil

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Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

This comforting, calming oil has been widely used since the late 16th Century. Renowned for its wonderful, calming aroma, recent research has shown the benefits of this versatile oil help induce a restful night’s sleep. We source our lavender from the Mount Ventoux area of France and Bulgaria, for their superb quality.

Lime flower

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Lime flower (Tilia cordata)

Typically sourced from Serbia in Eastern Europe, the lime flower is wild-harvested once a year during the summer months whilst it is in bloom. The extract is historically renowned for its soothing properties.

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Bee on a flower

Manuka Honey

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Manuka Honey (Mel)

Renowned for its moisturising and antibacterial properties, we source our Manuka honey from New Zealand. Manuka honey is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), which originates in the nectar of manuka flowers. It is the presence of MGO that makes Manuka special, giving it a level of antibacterial activity that far surpasses that of average honey.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

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Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes alba)

With each seed harbouring 20-30% pure plant oil, meadowfoam is renowned for its excellent moisturising properties. We source our meadowfoam from a cooperative of farmers in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA, where the fields take on the appearance of a mass of sweetly-scented white foam when in bloom. To obtain our GLA and antioxidant-rich oil, the shiny brown seeds of the flower are pressed.

Meadowsweet

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Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria)

The naturally astringent meadowsweet extract is renowned for its tightening and toning properties. We source ours from Eastern Europe, typically from Poland, where the creamy-white flower is wild-harvested once a year whilst it is in bloom.

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Neroli flower

Neroli Essential Oil

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Neroli Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium amara)

Revered for its calming properties and uplifting fragrance, we source our neroli from Tunisia, where the precious essential oil is steam distilled from the white flowers of the bitter orange tree.

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Oat Extract

Oat Extract

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Oat Extract (Avena sativa)

Oats boast excellent emollient and skin-soothing properties due to the presence of avenanthramides, compounds that have a range of activity against irritated skin. We source our oats from the United Kingdom, where the extract is produced through extraction of dried oats.

Olive Stone Granules

Olive Stone Granules

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Olive Stone Granules (Olea europaea Seed Powder)

Used for their exfoliating properties, olive stone granules help gently buff away dead skin cells. Our naturally biodegradable granules don’t pose a threat to the environment, and are sourced from Southern Europe, where they are made by crushing and size-grading olive stones, a by-product of the olive industry.

Orange Flower Water

Orange Flower Water

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Orange Flower Water (Citrus aurantium v. amara)

Renowned for its delicate citrus fragrance, our orange flowers are sourced from Spain, where the exquisite floral water is produced as a by-product of the steam distillation process for creating neroli essential oil.

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Paracress

Paracress Flower Extract

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Paracress Flower Extract (Spilanthes acmella)

Used for its ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by firming the skin, we source our paracress from South Africa, where the flowers are hand-picked before being extracted to create our ingredient.

Persian Silk Tree Extract

Persian Silk Tree Extract

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Persian Silk Tree Extract (Albizia julibrissin)

Used for its refreshing and brightening properties, as well as its ability to even skin tone, we source our Persian silk tree from farmers in China, where the bark of the tree is macerated in water to create our extract.

Pink Pepper Berry

Pink Pepper Berry Essential Oil

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Pink Pepper Berry Essential Oil (Schinus terebinthifolius)

Fresh and spicy with underlying woody facets, this unique fragrance note is reminiscent of pepper and elemi. We source our pink pepper from Madagascar, Mauritius and Réunion, where our pure essential oil is obtained by the cold extraction of crushed, dried berries.

Pomegranate Flower Extract

Pomegranate Flower Extract

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Pomegranate Flower Extract (Punica granatum)

With strong antioxidant and firming properties, we source our pomegranate flowers from India, where they are harvested by hand in May and June before the extract is produced by macerating the flowers.

Manuka Honey

Propolis

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Propolis (Propolis wax)

Featuring strong skin-protecting properties, propolis is an antiseptic substance produced by bees for the defence of their hives against harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.

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Rhubarb Extract

Rhubarb Extract

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Rhubarb Extract (Rheum rhaponticium)

Renowned for its ability to positively influence the moisturisation of the skin, we source our rhubarb from Poland and Bulgaria, where the roots are hand-picked and dried with hot air, before being extracted to create our hydrating ingredient.

Rock Rose

Rock Rose Essential Oil

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Rock Rose Essential Oil (Cistus ladaniferus)

Loved for its divine ambery, woody fragrance, we source our rock rose from Andalusia, Spain, where the leaves and twigs are harvested before being subjected to vacuum fractionation to obtain the concrete, which is then purified to become absolute.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil

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Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa rubiginosa)

Famous for its excellent moisturising properties, rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and helps enhance the barrier function of the skin while improving moisture retention.

Rosemary Extract

Rosemary Extract

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Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Used for its antioxidant properties, we source our rosemary from Spain, where the extract is filtered from the needle-shaped leaves of the plant.

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Self Heal Extract

Self-Heal Extract

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Self-Heal Extract (Prunella vulgaris)

With inherent soothing properties, self-heal is a herbaceous perennial with a distribution that spans the northern hemisphere. To obtain our extract, the leaves of the plant are macerated in water for 7 days.

Shave Grass

Shave Grass Extract

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Shave Grass Extract (Equisetum arvense)

With a strong profile of flavonoids, tannins, silicic acid and silicates, shave grass has skin-toning properties. Our shave grass is wild-harvested in Croatia, where the ingredient is extracted from the leaves of the plant.

Shea Butter Nut

Shea Butter

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Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

Renowned for its excellent emollient properties and ability to help improve the barrier function of the skin, we source our shea butter from West Africa, where the pulp of the fruit is removed to reveal the kernel, which is boiled and dried in the sun before being shelled for pressing.

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Soap Bark Extract

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Soap Bark Extract (Quillaja saponaria)

A gentle, yet effective natural cleanser, soap bark contains saponins, which are detergent compounds found in certain plants that foam when mixed with water. We source our soap bark extract from wild-harvested raw materials obtained from FSC certified forests in Chile.

Sweet Orange Fruit Extract

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Sweet Orange Fruit Extract (Citrus aurantium dulcis)

Used for its ability to promote shine, we source this pleasantly fresh ingredient from sweet oranges grown in Sicily, where the extract is pressed from the fruit.

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Vetiver Essential Oil

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Vetiver Essential Oil (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Vetiver essential oil has a strong woody scent; deep, humid with green earthy accents, it adds a mysterious dimension to woody bases. Extensively used in perfumery, not only as a fixative but also as a fragrance ingredient in its own right, vetiver oil is a component in fougère, oriental and chypre bases as well as moss and woody notes. We source our vetiver from the Indonesian Island of Java and the islands of Haiti and Réunion, for their high quality.

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White Clay

White Clay

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White Clay (Kaolin)

Well-known for its ability to absorb excess oil from the skin, we use French white clay to help gently cleanse and balance.

Winged Kelp

Winged Kelp Extract

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Winged Kelp Extract (Alaria esculenta)

Rich in essential fatty acids, omegas 3 and 6 and sterols, this preparation of sea algae helps moisturise, revitalise and plump. We source our winged kelp from sustainable plantations in Brittany, France, where the extract is ground and filtered from the whole plant.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel Water

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Witch Hazel Water (Hamamelis virginiana)

Legendary for its soothing and toning properties, witch hazel is native to the eastern coast of North America, and our witch hazel water is distilled from the chopped, macerated leaves of the flowering shrub.