Marula Oil*+

Inside the butter-yellow marula fruit, which by the way is a South African elephant’s most prized sweet treat, you’ll find 2-3 large stone seeds that are rich in nourishing oils. A squeeze of the fist will bring forth its healing nectar. Archaeological evidence found in Zimbabwean caves confirms that marula oil has been used since the stone age to nourish and protect the skin. Swaziland women especially enjoy this topical treat to reduce stretch marks in new mothers and to revitalize the skin through harsh environmental conditions. Marula oil has a uniquely high amount of Omega-9 fatty acids as well as naturally occurring antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. In addition to this, the unique composition of phytosterols strengthens the skin’s natural lipid barrier and effectively reduces the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles. This African treasure is a superior treat not only for the skin but also for the environment and fair-trade collaborations that support economic growth in Southwest Africa. We are especially careful about sourcing with each and every single one of our ingredients, including Marula oil. We support local procurement methods performed primarily by women of the region through South African Government Fair Trade programs. Like variations in the quality of olive oil and the like, our ultra-light and skillfully extracted marula oil via traditional methods is truly the best of the best all-around.

Camellia Japonica (Tsubaki) Seed Oil*+

Camellia Japonica oil (not to be confused with Camellia Oleifera or Sinensis) is said to be a treasured ancient beauty secret of the Geishas. But it’s no secret why that is. Native to southern Japan’s “Rose of Winter”, Tsubaki oil is pressed from the shiny polyphenol-rich seeds of its beautiful blossom. Camellia japonica has been found to support skin barrier function and particularly induces the synthesis of human type I procollagen. It’s been said that Japanese ocean divers who would be exposed to the cold salty water for hours would slather their skin and hair with this oil to protect them from the elements. The women found that despite the constant exposure to potentially skin damaging circumstances, their skin and hair remained healthier than ever. This oil blends perfectly with the rest of the family of powerhouse ingredients in this formula.

Calendula Flower Extract*

You can spot calendula a mile away from its vibrant rich sunset hues. Since the 1600’s calendula’s use for repairing wounded skin has been a well known attribute of this first aid dermaceutical. Calendula helps bring blood flow and oxygen to the outer layers of the skin, helping the tissues to heal and renew. Rich in sterols and quercetin as well as other heavily studied constituents, calendula helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier function and quell chronic inflammatory conditions heightened by pollutants and environmental stressors.

Nigella Sativa (Supercritical CO2) Extract*°

Black cumin seed is known as the “Seed of Blessing” for good reason. There is ongoing impressive research on the numerous benefits of nigella sativa for the body inside-out. The CO2 supercritical extraction method of nigella seed used in this formula is unique in that the potency of thymoquinone is almost tripled. Thymoquinone possesses anti-acneic potential by way of decreasing inflammation and targeting acne-causing microbial overgrowth. Nigella extract also contains skin clearing, renewing, and firming vitamin A. This is an all-around skin-strengthening herb that will upgrade your skin regimen.

Hibiscus Seed Oil*+

Organic Tunisian hibiscus seed oil is deeply emollient and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth without the need for occlusive silicones. In fact, it’s known in the natural cosmetic formulations world as a “plant silicone” because it feels so smooth. This highly nutritive and luxurious African oil supports your skin’s natural elasticity and encouraged that bounce-back supple tone.

As a tea, hibiscus is rich in vitamin C and contains cooling properties to help quell inflammation.

You might not see these beautiful flowers the same ever again.

Passionfruit Seed Oil*+

This light and rapid absorbing Amazonian oil leaves your skin feeling nourished and protected. Passionfruit seed oil is naturally rich in skin brightening vitamin C and restorative essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6 linoleic acid, that protect and feed your skin when it needs it most.

Vitamin C (stable lipid soluble)

There is a good reason why you see vitamin C serums everywhere. This multi-functional antioxidant works wonders on the skin. The problem is that most forms on the market are not stable and may oxidize before your skin can truly reap the benefits. The vitamin C used in this formula is a highly stable vitamin C ester is lipophilic and can effectively penetrate the skin’s fatty membranes more easily, which results in increased cell protection against UV rays. The skin cell viability is increased by up to 30% more compared to the more common and less stable l-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C improves the appearance of aged and fragile skin while brightening and correcting hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10)

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most powerful free radical scavenging antioxidants in the human body. It’s present in every cell as a vital component of energy production. It depletes with age and exposure to UV radiation so adding CoQ10 to internal and external formulas is crucial. When applied topically, it penetrates the skin layers and protects the skin against oxidative damage. It has been clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by photodamage while increasing epithelial cell turnover rate. This is a must-have guardian when going out into the elements.

Black Elderberry Fruit Extract***

Phytonutrient rich elderberries have a wide array of benefits internally and externally. The immune modulating and anti-microbial properties help to restore the skin’s natural defences against inflammatory microbial overgrowth. The natural astringent quality of elderberries acts as a visible skin tightener and conditioner.

Date Seed Extract***

This French patented date kernel extract in ELIXIR is clinically proven to decrease the depth and size of wrinkles while increasing type I collagen synthesis topically. It contains a unique complex of 7 natural compounds that work synergistically to delay the visible signs of aging. Rich in anti-aging isoflavones and skin regenerating ursolic acid, and barrier repairing phytosterols, this ECOCERT extract is preventative medicine for your skin.

Rosehip seed (Supercritical CO2) Extract+°

Rosehip seed oil is a natural source of trans-retinoic acid (vitamin A), which effectively fades skin pigmentation, burns, and fine lines. The fruiting bodies of roses enlarge with power packed seeds that are rich in beneficial carotenoids, tocopherols, and repairing essential fatty acids. This extract slows down the aging process of maturing skin and soften stubborn scars.

Pearl powder

Pearl has been used topically in East Asian beauty culture for milenia given its notorious firming and brightening functions. Through a proprietary high-tech biomechanical process, this pearl powder is absorbed by the skin 4x better than ordinary pearl powder. It contains essential building block amino acids that improve the appearance of aged skin. ELIXIR’s formula could not be without it.

Bisabolol (from Chamomile)

Bisabolol functions as a natural soothing and anti-irritant agent that brings suppleness and protection to the skin against daily environmental stressors. What’s wonderful about bisabolol is that it acts as a skin-penetration enhancer for the other active ingredients in the formula while simultaneously nourishing and soothing the skin.

Frankincense (Supercritical CO2) Extract*°

Frankincense is a beautiful resin that comes out of “tears” from the Boswellia trees of the Arabian peninsula and parts of Africa. It has numerous uses including calming the mind, supporting women’s hormonal health, and in beauty, it helps to nourish the tissues and increase healthy skin turnover rate to reduce the appearance of scarring. The scent quells anxiety and the extract nourishes the skin topically. It’s no wonder why this elite healing resin has been revered for over 5,000 years.

Aroma

We use 100% carefully chosen top grade skin safe aromatherapy because your outer beauty transformation is just as important as your inner well-being and state of ease. Notes of uplifitng Italian bergamot (without FCF, of course), sensual Indian jasmine, soothing Moroccan rose, and hints of the woods subtly dance in each bottle ready to be ritualized.