DRENCH PLUMPING SERUM

INGREDIENTS

 

Cactus Water Hydrolatᵀ, Acerola Cherry Biofermentᵀ, Tremella Mushroom Extractᵀ, Gotu Kola Extractᵀ, Cogon Grass Extractᵀ, Glycerin*, Pentylene Glycolᵀ, Neem Flower Extractᵀ, Ivy Gourd Extractᵀ, Blue Tansy Essential Oilᵀ, Acacia Gumᵀ, Xanthan Gumᵀ, Sclerotium Gumᵀ, Phenethylalcoholᵀ, Caprylhydroxamic Acidᵀ, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

*organic, ᵀnon-gmo, naturally derived

SUGGESTED USE

 

Apply only 1-2 drops on a moist face, either right after cleansing / showering, or layered over a hydrosol. While skin still feels dewy, immediately apply a moisturizer. In the winter or in generally dry climates, it is SO important to seal in this serum with a moisturizer. Humectants are powerful healing agents that require a semi-occlusive layer over top to function properly.

 

MAIN BOTANICAL ACTIVES

 

Acerola Cherry Bioferment: Incredibly rich in Vitamins C and A, carotenoids and anthocyanins/ fla­vanoids, acerola cherry is fermented with Lactobacillus to further unlock the bioavailability of these key nutrients that help boost moisture content and collagen production, increase the body’s ability to repair tissues, improve skin tone, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Tremella Mushroom: Proving its superiority to synthetic hyaluronic acid in study after study, this mushroom contains polysaccharides that can retain roughly 500 times their weight in water and create a flexible, breathable protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss while strengthening the skin’s barrier function. The topical effects are cumulative and long-lasting: regenerating damaged skin, restoring its natural resilience, and also providing some UV protection. Tremella mushroom stimulates collagen production, improving skin’s firmness, structure, and elasticity, while soothing inflammation and fighting free radical damage.

Gotu Kola: Using biotechnology to isolate 16 peptides from gotu kola leaf, this is not your typical botanical extract. These peptides are messengers carrying specific instructions to the cells, which include: boosting endogenous collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis; regulating melanin production; minimizing pores; reducing dark and/or puffy under eye circles; enhancing clock gene expression and skin brightness; reducing redness and sensitivity; and protecting against glycation and UV damage.

Cogon Grass Root: Naturally rich in potassium and 3-dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), an osmoprotective compound that is found in many plants with known moisturizing properties. Studies show an increase in intercellular osmosis, meaning water is drawn into the cells and continues to remain there with increased hydration effects even after an impressive 24 hours!

Cactus Water Hydrolat: This particular hydrosol is excellent for sensitive and reactive skin types, possessing many anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is rich in electrolytes which help cells retain moisture and leaves the skin dewy and noticeably more hydrated.

Blue Tansy Essential Oil: Rich in chamazulene, luxurious blue tansy essential oil is known for calming all sorts of skin conditions. If you are worried about using a face product that contains essential oils, know that it is included at only .2% of the formula. After much trial and error, I have found this particular essential oil to be the most soothing and non-irritating of all the essential oils.

 

UNDERSTANDING OTHER INGREDIENTS

 

In order to stabilize formulations without the use of synthetic polymers, natural gums are commonly used in very small amounts (in my formulations, around .5% total). I use a blend of acacia gum, xanthan gum, and sclerotium gum, which seem to impart a silky rather than tacky quality. Actually, these gums have their own hydrating and conditioning benefits for the skin.

In this serum the list of preservatives may seem long. This is because I have opted to source a cactus hydrosol that is already preserved with potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, which are synthetic yet gentle paraben-free compounds. It has come to my attention that sourcing hydrosols that are preserved from the beginning greatly reduces the risk of contamination and allows for an overall lower usage rate of preservatives in the final formula.

Additionally, I have added my own preservative system which is less than 1% total of phenethylalcohol and caprylhydroxamic acid. Phenethylalcohol is a natural aromatic alcohol derived from rose and dianthus flowers, commonly used in perfumery. Caprylhydroxamic acid is a chelating agent naturally derived from coconuts that increases the effectiveness of phenethylalcohol.

Pentylene glycol is a multifunctional ingredient derived from sugarcane. It is a preservative enhancer, allowing for an overall lower concentration of preservative in the formula. It is a humectant particularly known for its pleasant skin-feel, and it is a solubilizer, allowing the essential oil to incorporate seamlessly into an otherwise water-based formula.

Glycerin is an additional humectant that draws water to the skin in a slightly different manner and place than tremella mushroom and pentylene glycol. By using multiple humectants, various layers of the skin can be effectively hydrated. I use organic, coconut derived glycerin.

The neem flower and ivy gourd extracts are a traditional ayurvedic herbal blend that impart a blue-violet hue to the formula, while offering some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory topical benefits.

 

Thank you for learning more about the ingredients in this serum! I look forward to your feedback and feel confident this serum will transform your skin!