HERBARIUM

‎ Red Raspberry Seed Oil is a nutrient-rich cold-pressed botanical oil valued for its balanced essential fatty acids, naturally occurring Vitamin E, carotenoids and plant sterols. It is considered a premium skincare ingredient due to its ability to support skin comfort, hydration balance and barrier integrity while remaining lightweight. It is especially rich in linoleic acid (Omega-6), which supports the skin’s lipid barrier and helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), contributing to improved hydration and skin resilience. The oil also contains alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3), oleic acid (Omega-9) and smaller amounts of palmitic and stearic acids, which help maintain softness, smoothness and overall skin conditioning. Key Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): supports barrier and hydration; Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): supports skin comfort; Oleic Acid (Omega-9): supports softness; Palmitic Acid: supports conditioning; Stearic Acid: supports stability. Naturally occurring Vitamin E and carotenoids provide antioxidant protection, helping defend against environmental stress and supporting skin vitality. Some studies suggest limited UV-spectrum absorption potential, but evidence is not sufficient or consistent; it should not be used as a sunscreen or UV protection substitute. Skin Barrier Support: Helps reinforce the skin barrier while improving moisture retention and comfort, especially in dry and sensitive skin types. Antioxidant Benefits: Helps protect against oxidative stress and supports healthier looking, more resilient skin. References (Accessed 11 June 2026) 1. Ispiryan, A., et al. (2021). Raspberry seed oil review. Plants, 10(5), 944. 2. Oomah, B. D., et al. (2000). Raspberry seed oil characteristics. Food Chemistry, 69(2), 187–193. 3. Lin, T. K., et al. (2018). Plant oils and skin barrier repair. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70.

‎ Spirulina Extract is a nutrient-rich microalgae ingredient naturally containing proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and antioxidant pigments such as phycocyanin. It is used in skincare for its ability to support skin conditioning, improve the appearance of vitality and help protect against environmental stress such as pollution and oxidative exposure. In cosmetic applications, Spirulina is typically used as a functional active ingredient in low concentrations within serums, masks and treatment products designed to support skin appearance and overall skin comfort. Algae-based ingredients, including Spirulina, are widely studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting a more radiant-looking complexion. Their bioactive compounds help reduce the visible impact of environmental stress, which can contribute to dullness and uneven skin appearance, supporting a brighter and more energised skin look over time. Key Bioactive Components: Phycocyanin: antioxidant pigment supporting protection against oxidative stress; Amino acids: support skin conditioning; Vitamins (B-complex, E): contribute to skin nourishment; Minerals (iron, magnesium): support skin function and vitality; Chlorophyll: contributes to skin-conditioning and clarity-support effects. Skin Conditioning & Support: Helps improve overall skin condition by delivering nutrient-rich compounds that support skin resilience and comfort, particularly in environmentally stressed skin. Antioxidant & Radiance Benefits: Rich in antioxidant pigments that help protect against oxidative stress and support a more radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Research on microalgae suggests benefits in skin protection pathways linked to environmental stress and oxidative damage. Ideal For: Dull skin; tired-looking skin; environmentally stressed skin; sensitive skin formulations; glow-support serums; revitalising masks; antioxidant skincare products. References (Accessed 11 June 2026) 1. Belay, A. (2002). The potential application of Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a nutritional and therapeutic supplement in human health. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2. Finamore, A., et al. (2017). Spirulina platensis modulates immune responses and antioxidant activity. Journal of Medicinal Food, 20(6), 1–10. 3. Spolaore, P., et al. (2006). Commercial applications of microalgae. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 101(2), 87–96.

‎ Sunflower Seed Oil is a lightweight botanical oil naturally rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E (tocopherols), phytosterols, and antioxidant compounds. It is widely used in skincare for its nourishing yet non-greasy texture and ability to support skin barrier function while maintaining a light skin feel. It is also commonly used as a carrier oil due to its stability, affordability and versatility in cosmetic formulations. Its high linoleic acid (Omega-6) content plays an important role in supporting the skin’s lipid barrier and helping maintain moisture balance by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), supporting overall skin comfort and hydration. Key Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): supports barrier function and hydration; Oleic Acid (Omega-9): supports softness and flexibility; Palmitic Acid: supports conditioning; Stearic Acid: supports stability and skin protection. Naturally occurring Vitamin E (tocopherols) provides antioxidant support that helps protect both the oil and the skin from environmental oxidative stress. Skin Barrier Support: Helps support and maintain the skin’s natural barrier while improving hydration and comfort with a lightweight, non-greasy texture suitable for daily use. Antioxidant & Conditioning Benefits: Tocopherols and phytosterols help support protection against oxidative stress and improve overall skin conditioning. Ideal For: Oily, combination, blemish-prone, sensitive and dehydrated skin; facial oils; serums; moisturisers; lip and body care; barrier-support formulations. Sunflower Seed Oil is best known as a versatile lightweight botanical oil that supports skin barrier health, hydration, and comfort without heaviness or pore congestion. References (Accessed 11 June 2026) 1. Oomah, B. D., et al. (2000). Characteristics of sunflower seed oil. Food Chemistry, 69(2), 187–193. 2. Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Plant oils and skin barrier repair. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. 3. Vaughn, A. R., & Sivamani, R. K. (2015). Effects of topical oils on skin barrier. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(5), 10933–10950.

‎ Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) is a botanical extract traditionally used in skincare for its skin-conditioning and soothing properties. It is widely recognised in cosmetic science for its ability to support the appearance of calm, balanced and healthy-looking skin, particularly in skin that feels sensitive, reactive or environmentally stressed. Centella asiatica naturally contains triterpenoid compounds such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, which are well studied for their role in supporting skin comfort and improving the appearance of skin resilience. These plant compounds are commonly used in skincare formulations designed to support overall skin condition and visible skin balance. Key Bioactive Components: Centella triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside): support skin conditioning and comfort; natural plant antioxidants: help support protection against environmental stress; amino acid components: contribute to skin-conditioning properties. Skin Barrier Support: Helps support the appearance of a healthy and balanced skin barrier, particularly in skin that feels sensitive or easily stressed. Soothing Benefits: Traditionally used in skincare to help support the appearance of calm skin and reduce the look of visible discomfort or redness. Antioxidant Benefits: Helps support the skin against oxidative stress from environmental exposure, contributing to overall skin vitality and conditioning. Centella asiatica is best known as a soothing botanical ingredient that supports skin comfort, balance, and overall skin conditioning in modern skincare formulations. References (Accessed 11 June 2026) 1. Brinkhaus, B., et al. (2000). Centella asiatica review. Phytomedicine. 2. James, J. T., & Dubery, I. A. (2011). Pentacyclic triterpenoids in Centella asiatica. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 3.Lin, T. K., et al. (2018). Plant oils and skin barrier repair. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70.