Sun Protection Set

Balancing Essence Mist

Aqua, Ectoin, Glycerin, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Dipotassium Glyhyrrhizate, P-Anisic Acid

Sun Cream SPF50+

Aqua, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Propanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-4 Olivate/Polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, Ectoin, Silica (Algica), Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum , Citric Acid, Phytic Acid

Nourishing Oil Cleanser

Canola Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Aqua

Solvent. Water. The main vehicle for our water based products

Ectoin

Skin conditioning. Ectoin is a powerful, small, multi-tasking and natural stress-protection molecule, a so-called extremolyte. From a chemical point of view, it is a cyclic amino acid derivate. Extremolytes protect extremophilic microorganisms and plants from the extreme conditions of their habitats like salt lakes, hot springs, permanent ice or deserts. The properties of ectoin have been proven by various in-vivo studies: its benefits include long-term moisturisation, diminished skin roughness, skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties. We get ours from a lovely little company in Germany, where it is produced through biotechnological fermentation from a specific, non-GMO strain of the halophilic bacteria Halomonas elongata.

Glycerin

Humectant and skin protecting. Technically a sugar alcohol, glycerin is one of the oldest, most common and most versatile humectants used in cosmetics. It moisturises and protects the skin, accelerates skin barrier recovery and has antimicrobial properties, among other things. For our Cream we use vegetable, rapeseed-derived glycerin.

Sodium Levulinate

Skin conditioning and preservative. Sodium levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid, which is an organic acid derived from in this case sugarcane.

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative. Potassium sorbate is widely used in a variety of foods and personal care products. It works by inhibiting the growth of molds, yeasts and bacteria to preserve the freshness and quality of foods, beverages, or cosmetic products. Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, which is naturally occurring in some berries, although virtually all of the world's production of sorbic acid, as well as potassium sorbate, is manufactured synthetically. Together with sodium levulinate, dehydroacetic acid and p-anisic acid it makes up the preservative system in our toner.

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative. Dehydroacetic acid is chemically synthesized through a multi-step reaction, starting with acetylene. Although it is not plant derived, it is approved by natural certification institutes such as COSMOS thanks to its mildness to the skin and body, as well as the absence of any alternative registered (approved) natural preservatives under the EU cosmetic regulation. Together with potassium sorbate, sodium levulinate and p-anisic acid it makes up the preservative system in our Essence.

Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract

Skin conditioning. Giant kelp. Macrocystis pyrifera is a species of kelp, and is one of the fastest growing organisms on Earth. It smooths and hydrates skin, with some studies indicating it has the ability to improve collagen synthesis and maintain skin elasticity. The kelp we use comes from South America.

Dipotassium Glyhyrrhizate

Humectant and skin conditioning. Another skincare multi-tasker, dipotassium glycyrrhizate is the dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid derived from liquorice root. It improves the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness, and possesses anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also suggest it inhibits the skin’s tyrosinase activity and melanin production, making it an agent against hyperpigmentation. And if that’s not enough, further studies have demonstrated that the salt aids in reducing the redness and irritation associated with rosacea, psoriasis and acne. This one is made in Japan.

P-Anisic Acid

Masking. Star anise derived, mild and skin friendly organic acid. We use it to boost our preservation system and also to regulate the pH of our toner. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Together with sodium levulinate, potassium sorbate and dehydroacetic acid it makes up the preservative system in our Essence.

Aqua

Solvent. Water. The main vehicle for our water based products

Zinc Oxide

UV-filter. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a crystalline inorganic (mineral) white powder that finds use in a large array of applications as a bulking agent, white pigment, UV filter as well as a medication for irritated skin. The crystalline nature of zinc oxide means that the shape and size of the powder particles defines its physical properties, including UV absorption. For sunscreens, most ZnO used is coated with protective materials (such as dimethicone) to increase stability. Thus, the concentration of ZnO needed for adequate sun protection highly depends on the specific raw material. Since zinc oxide is also used to help soothe angry skin and does not generally cause skin reactions, we chose it as our sole UV filter. Another benefit of zinc oxide is that it usually does not cause eye sting.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Solvent. Skin conditioning. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids. Obtained from coconut (but NOT the same as coconut oil!), 'trigly' is an effective solvent for zinc oxide and a great, overall skin conditioner for most types of skin, including very breakout prone malassezia skin. Our SPF filter is dispersed in caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Shea Butter Ethyl Esters

Skin conditioning. Emollient. Shea Butter Ethyl Esters are obtained by the transesterification of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and ethyl alcohol.

Propanediol

Solvent and humectant. Apart from being an excellent, non-irritating solvent, the glycol propanediol has excellent hydrating and preservative boosting properties. The one we use is made from fermentation of glucose, from corn.

C9-12 Alkane

Solvent. Commonly used in skincare. Offers structure and stability to our Cream and works as a silicone replacement. Plant-based.

Polyglyceryl-4 Olivate/Polyricinoleate

Surfactant. Emulsifying. An emulsifier, put simply, enables the mixing of water and oil into an emulsion, i.e. a cream. This particular one is gentle on the skin, non-ionic, and based on olive oil.

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Light stabiliser. Controls viscosity and structure in our cream. Based on naturally occurring clay mineral hectorite.

Glycerin

Humectant and skin protecting. Technically a sugar alcohol, glycerin is one of the oldest, most common and most versatile humectants used in cosmetics. It moisturises and protects the skin, accelerates skin barrier recovery and has antimicrobial properties, among other things. For our Cream we use vegetable, rapeseed-derived glycerin.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Surfactant. Emulsifying. An emulsifier, put simply, enables the mixing of water and oil into an emulsion. This one stabilises our SPF filter. Plant-based.

Triethyl Citrate

Plastisier. Solvent. Viscosity controlling. Lends structure and stability to our Cream. Plant-based.

Calcium Carbonate

Bulking. Opacifying. Calcium carbonate is the salt of calcium and is naturally found in e.g. chalk and limestone. It lends that "dry skin" feel to our cream without actually drying out skin and also works as a blurring agent.

Magnesium Sulfate

Bulking. Viscosity controlling. Salt of magnesium. Stabilises and thickens our Cream.

Ectoin

Skin conditioning. Ectoin is a powerful, small, multi-tasking and natural stress-protection molecule, a so-called extremolyte. From a chemical point of view, it is a cyclic amino acid derivate. Extremolytes protect extremophilic microorganisms and plants from the extreme conditions of their habitats like salt lakes, hot springs, permanent ice or deserts. The properties of ectoin have been proven by various in-vivo studies: its benefits include long-term moisturisation, diminished skin roughness, skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties. We get ours from a lovely little company in Germany, where it is produced through biotechnological fermentation from a specific, non-GMO strain of the halophilic bacteria Halomonas elongata.

Silica (Algica)

Absorbent. Mesoporous silica, trade named Algica and derived from cultivated diatoms (algae) od Swedish origin, that absorbs impurities and bacteria. It improves skin's moisture retention by its ability to bind water, in a manner similar to hyaluronic acid. Its porous structure supports oil and moisture absorption, hydration, protection against UV and pollutants, and an enhanced sensory feel.

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative. Dehydroacetic acid is chemically synthesized through a multi-step reaction, starting with acetylene. Although it is not plant derived, it is approved by natural certification institutes such as COSMOS thanks to its mildness to the skin and body, as well as the absence of any alternative registered (approved) natural preservatives under the EU cosmetic regulation. Together with potassium sorbate, sodium levulinate and p-anisic acid it makes up the preservative system in our Essence.

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering. Sodium hydroxide is used in skincare products at a very low level to adjust the products pH to the appropriate level, making it safe for use.

Sclerotium Gum

Thickening, skin conditioning and emulsion stabilising. A natural and commonly used thickener in cosmetics, sclerotium gum too is a polysaccharide produced from sugars through fermentation. This one gets its name from the Sclerotium rolfsii bacteria species. In our Cream, it is combined with xanthan gum, lecithin, pullulan and silica to lend that lovely gel meets cream feel. Origin: glucose syrup from wheat/corn.

Xanthan Gum

Thickening, gel forming and emulsion stabilising. A natural and commonly used mainly thickener and gelling agent in cosmetics, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced through Bacterial fermentation of pure culture Xanthomonas Campestris with protein and carbohydrate sources, in this case from soy or corn. In our Cream, it is combined with sclerotium gum, lecithin, pullulan and silica to lend that lovely gel meets cream feel.

Citric Acid

Buffering agent. Citric acid is a commonly used buffering, i.e. pH adjusting, agent in cosmetics. It is made through bacterial fermentation and shifts the pH of the product into the acidic range. This is closer to the natural pH of the skin, which may range from 4 to 7, but is usually thought to be between 5 and 6, with recent studies, however, indicating it to be below 5.

Phytic Acid

Chelating. A chelating agent improves product stability. This one is a natural alternative to the widely used EDTA.

Canola Oil

Emollient and skin conditioning. Sustainably produced, deodorized and purified Swedish canola oil (from rapeseed oil) gently dissolves makeup and dirt. Canola oil is commonly used in cosmetics and is well-tolerated, skin wise. It is slightly higher in oleic acid (at around 60%), with linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids at a total of just over 30%, making it a good all-around oil for most, and especially for drier and eczema prone skins.

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Emulsifier/surfactant. A gentle, non-ionic and skin-friendly emulsifier and surfactant derived from sunflower seed oil. An emulsifier in general enables the mixing of water and oil, and in our Oil Cleanser this one specifically allows for the oil to be washed off your skin whilst also providing cleansing action.

1. Mist clean skin with 2-3 spritzes of the Balancing Essence to hydrate and soothe. Can be used around the eyes.

2. Apply generously (1/4 teaspoon) to face (after other products and before makeup) and make sure that even coverage is achieved. Apply before exposure. Re-apply frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring, swimming or towelling.

3. Massage 4-7 pumps of Nourishing Oil Cleanser onto dry skin with dry fingers without using water, then rinse and pat skin dry. For a deeper cleanse, e.g. for makeup and SPF, wipe off with a damp wash cloth. Can be used around the eyes.

Tip: Keep skin hydrated and calm throughout the day by misting it with Balancing Essence. The Essence won't disrupt the SPF's protective power.