“Are the masks vegan?” has been one of the most common questions since I started posting about the new project. And the answer is yes! But not only vegan, also organic!
The first masks will be produced with a small Korean cosmetics manufacturer that focuses on organic and vegan skin care. Korean skin care, also known as “K-beauty”, has been gaining popularity around the world for their innovative formulations and creative compositions with natural ingredients.
Personally I am of course excited about Korea's industry leading formulations, but even more interested in the oriental medicinal herbs used for centuries. Therefore the active botanical ingredients in our masks are going to be a sophisticated blend of new and traditional ingredients!
Short introduction to the mask formulas;
Moisturizing Rice Bran
The main organic botanical of this recipe is Rice Bran oil (Oryza Sativa), which contains high level of antioxidants, vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids. Rice bran is also one of the top sustainable and zero waste cosmetic ingredients in Asia - it is obtained as a byproduct from milling rice!
Rice bran oil is blended with a floral mixture of organic Chamomile and Rose waters which are extremely gentle to skin and believed to be the natural remedy against pigment spots.
The floral water aroma is complemented with a blend of citrusy essential oils (mandarin, lemon, grape fruit) to soothe both the body and mind.
The formula is spiced with Ginseng root extract. It is the most recognized natural ingredient of K-beauty. The popularity of ginseng in skincare dates back to 16th century Korea. Ginseng is a natural skin conditioning agent claimed to improve the blood circulation of the skin and therefore improving the synthesis of collagen leading to firmer skin.
The recipe contains several other botanicals, four other root extracts used in oriental medicine, and naturally derived functional ingredients. All specified later in the article for those who are interested.
Soothing Green Tea
The main organic botanical ingredient of this mask is Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) leaf extract, which is the oil collected from the tea leaves. Green tea is not only beneficial to your body as a drink, but also used in cosmetics for its natural anti-oxidant properties. It also effectively protects skin cells and tissue from damage, especially against damage caused by UV radiation. Green tea is an especially popular ingredient in acne preventing products as it may decrease the excess sebum production and reduce wound healing time.
The formulation is scented with selected citrusy essential oils blended with Lavender and Chamomile essential oils. Lavender oil works to kill bacteria, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and therefore can prevent and heal acne breakouts. Due to its inflammatory properties it also helps to lessen blotchiness and redness. Chamomile on the other hand gives a relaxing floral scent and its anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent essential oil to soothe sensitive skin.
The green tea mask also contains ginseng root extract, but also oriental Wolfberry “koji” extract. Koji berries work as antioxidants and commonly used in anti-aging products. They also contain amino acids that help to improve skins tone and colour.
If you are more interested in details of the recipes keep reading! Below I will breakdown and explain every single ingredient found in the formulations so that you will know exactly what’s in the formulation.
Ps. Sorry but not sorry for the poorly photoshopped flower girl.
The Long Version...
...that explains every single ingredient on the packaging!
Moisturizing Rice Bran
Main organic botanicals;
• Organic Rice Bran Extract (Oryza Sativa)
Rice bran is an excellent vitalising ingredient as it naturally contains 100 different antioxidant compounds and high levels of vitamin E. It also contains vital Omega 3 fatty acids and is a perfect ingredient to condition and soften the skin.
Rice bran is also one of the top sustainable and zero waste cosmetic ingredients in Asia - it is obtained as a byproduct from milling rice!
• Organic Chamomile water (Chamomilla Recutita) and organic Rose extract
Together these two botanicals create a beautiful floral blend full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and antibacterial properties. They are very gentle and used widely in skincare products for the most sensitive skin. Both chamomile and rose are believed to be the natural remedy against pigment spots and discolouration.
The natural botanicals traditionally used in oriental medicine
• Asian Ginseng root extract (Panax ginseng)
The most recognised natural ingredient of K-beauty. The popularity of ginseng in skincare dates back to the 16th century Korea, but it has been used even longer in Oriental medicine. Ginseng is a natural skin conditioning agent claimed to improve the blood circulation on skin and therefore improving the synthesis of collagen leading to firmer skin.
• Chinese skullcap root extract (Scutellaria Baicalensis)
• Chinese Peony root extract (Peonia Suffruticosa)
• Common Gromwell root extract (Lithospermum Officinale)
• Japanese Honeysuckle flower extract (Lonicera Japonica)
All of these botanical ingredients are traditionally used in oriental medicine for their antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used to a wide range of traditional remedies through centuries.
Soothing Green Tea
Main organic botanicals;
• Green tea leaf extract (Camellia Sinensis)
Green tea oil is full of natural anti-oxidants which protect the skin cells and tissue from damage. It also effectively protects skin against damage caused by UV radiation. Green tea is especially popular ingredient in acne preventing products as it may decrease the excess sebum production and reduce wound healing time.
• Organic Chamomile water (Chamomilla Recutita)
Chamomile water soothes irritated skin, helps to prevent dark circles and is found to overall brighten the skin tone.
• Organic Lavender Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Lavender oil works to kill bacteria, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and therefore can prevent and heal acne breakouts. Due to its inflammatory properties it also helps to lessen blotchiness and redness.
• Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis Nobilis)
Gives a relaxing floral scent and its anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent essential oil to soothe sensitive skin.
Other natural botanicals
• Grape extract (Vitis Vinifera)
Grape extract functions as an anti-oxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
• Parsley extract (Carum Petroselinum)
Parsley has a high amount of vitamin C, beta-carotene, beta-carotene and antioxidants. It has oil controlling and skin nourishing properties.
• Mediterranean Cypress fruit extract (Cupressus Sempervirens)
Used for its fragrance and anti-microbial properties.
The natural botanicals traditionally used in oriental medicine
• Asian Ginseng root extract (Panax ginseng)
• Chinese Peony root extract (Peonia Suffruticosa)
• Cnidium Officinale Root extract
• Wolfberry “Koji” extract (Lycium Chinese Fruit)
Cnidium is a flowering plant native to Asia. Its is one of the most widely used plant in herbal medicine. In cosmetics the ingredient prevents blemishes. Koji berries work as antioxidants and commonly used in anti-aging products. They also contain amino acids that help to improve skins tone and color.
Common ingredients on both masks
The organic fragrances
• Tangerine peel essential oil (Citrus Reticulata)
• Lemon peel essential oil (Citrus Lemon)
• Grape fruit essential oil (Citrus Paradisi)
In addition to the energising citrusy scent, our blend of cold pressed citrus essential oils carries antioxidants in the form of Vitamin C. Antioxidants aid the repair of damaged skin cells and tissue. In terms of the holistic use of citrus essential oils - they are experienced to have uplifting and energising aroma therapeutical properties. Therefore they are also used in many mental health boosting rituals.
The natural preservative system
• Korean Pasque Flower extract (Pulsatilla Koreana)
• Japanese Sansho pepper extract (Zanthoxylum Piperitum fruit)
• Alpine Lichen (Usnea Barbata)
These three botanical ingredients form a popular Korean natural preservative system commonly used in K-beauty products.
Functional ingredients
• Xanthan Gum
A vegan alternative for typically lactose based stabiliser and thickening agents. The function is to give a little thickness and to stabilise (prevent emulsion from separating) the formulation.
• Propanediol
A glycol that enhances the absorption of ingredients. Derived from corn.
Potential allergens marked on the packaging
• Limonene (both masks)
This is a major component in citrus essential oils. There are people who can be sentisitive or allergic to the lemon limonene, so it is important to mention about it separately in the ingredients list. If you are allergic to citrus fruits, don’t be sad, we are looking to also develop citrus-free recipes in the future!
• Linalool (Green tea mask pack only)
Linalool is an compound found in lavender and chamomile essentials oils. Some people may have allergy to this compound, so it’s important to point them out.