Have you ever noticed squalane on an ingredient list and wondered what it is? If your skin is dry and depleted, you should definitely add this ingredient to your routine, but even people with other skin types benefit greatly from squalane. Before we get started, let’s talk about the difference between squalane and squalene, because […]

  There are certain botanical oils that seem to have the magic touch for a range of common issues, particularly issues rooted in hormone imbalance. Evening primrose oil is one such ingredient. It’s amazing how often hormonal imbalance is responsible for whatever problem we’re suffering from—particularly when it comes to skin concerns—and evening primrose oil […]

Chia seed oil has quietly emerged as a popular ingredient in skincare, but you can bet that chia will be the next it botanical oil as more of us discover the results that this superfood delivers when used topically. Chia seed oil is clinically proven to significantly increase skin hydration and skin barrier function, so skin retains […]

With its therapeutic properties and exfoliating prowess, sea salt is an obvious choice for a body scrub or a bath soak, but this earthy ingredient is often featured in products that might surprise you, like toners or moisturizers, and for good reason. Smart skincare companies know that the benefits of sea salt go well beyond […]

  Aloe vera was my very first introduction to the healing power of plants. I remember being taught as a young teen that keeping an aloe plant around was helpful for treating burns, and I was amazed when I had the chance to really try it out. It worked! But wow is it useful for […]

The first time I saw broccoli seed oil on the ingredient list of a product, I did a double take. After experiencing it for myself, it’s clear that broccoli seed oil is indeed a powerhouse of an ingredient. When cold pressed, broccoli seeds yield a light, non-greasy and easily absorbed oil that has so much […]

  Marshmallow root is commonly found in natural skin and hair care products, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? Most of us associate marshmallow with the sweet puffs used for campfire treats and the like. Traditionally, the marshmallows we love to eat were made with powdered marshmallow root. Known as Althea officinalis (Althea […]

Have you noticed helichrysum in the ingredients of many of your skin care products? There’s a good reason for that. Helichrysum is an essential oil that promotes skin regeneration and acts as a super healer. There are over 600 species of flowers in the helichrysum genus, which is part of the sunflower family. The type […]

  For fans of calming, soothing botanical ingredients, blue tansy is a must-have in skincare. You’ll recognize it by its telltale indigo or blue color as well as its sweet, herbaceous and slightly fruity aroma. Blue tansy, also referred to as tanacetum annuum, gets its color from its high azulene content. Like German chamomile, blue […]

  At the recent W.E.L.L. Summit in Boston, I had the pleasure of taking a workshop with Jolene Hart, who wrote Eat Pretty—a book that teaches you how to eat for healthy skin. She reminded me what incredible health benefits spices—particularly cinnamon—have when we eat them routinely. Cinnamon, for example, is a potent antioxidant that […]