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Elvira’s Ingredient Library

Each ingredient chosen with care. Each formula rooted in nature, guided by wisdom.

Why We Created This Glossary

We believe that radiant, healthy skin after 40 begins with intention and knowledge. That’s why every ingredient we use is selected for its performance, safety, and harmony with your skin. This glossary is here to empower you — because you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, and why.

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Allantoin

INCI Name:

Allantoin

Category:

Skin Soother | Healing Support

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Oily & Combo), Blissful Night (Oily & Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Calms irritation and inflammation
– Speeds up skin recovery
– Leaves skin feeling soft and protected

Why I use it:

I add allantoin to support skin that's healing, reactive, or just needs a little extra kindness — it's a quiet hero in many of my formulas.

Did you know?

Originally derived from comfrey root, allantoin is now used in its purified, safe lab form for optimal results.

Baobab Oil

INCI Name:

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Nourishing + Softening

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Dry), Blissful Night (Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Rich in essential fatty acids
– Improves elasticity and softness
– Deeply nourishes dry or mature skin

Why I use it:

Baobab is the ultimate dry skin oil — rich, restorative, and ideal for rebuilding suppleness in women over 40.

Did you know?

Known as the 'Tree of Life,' the baobab stores water in its trunk and its oil carries that same resilience to your skin.

Ceramide Complex

INCI Name:

Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP (with Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine)

Category:

Barrier Repair | Lipid Replenishment

Found in: 

Blissful Night (Dry + Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Strengthens the skin barrier
– Locks in moisture
– Helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Why I use it:

Ceramides are essential to skin health, especially for women over 40. This blend mimics the skin’s own lipid structure for fast, visible results.

Did you know?

Ceramides make up over 50% of the skin’s protective barrier — and decline with age. Replenishing them can visibly smooth and strengthen your skin.

Gotu Kola Extract

INCI Name:

Centella Asiatica

Category:

Botanical | Restorative + Collagen-Boosting

Found in: 

Bright Eyes Cream, Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Firms and tones the skin
– Speeds up wound healing
– Improves microcirculation

Why I use it:

Gotu Kola is a botanical powerhouse. I use it in body care to support resilience and graceful aging.

Did you know?

This sacred plant has been used in India, China, and Indonesia for centuries to treat everything from scars to fatigue.

Jojoba Oil

INCI Name:

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Balancing + Nourishing

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Dry), Blissful Night (Dry), Blissful Night (Oily/Combo), Bright Eyes Cream, Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Balances sebum production
– Delivers lightweight, non-greasy hydration
– Softens and protects skin barrier

Why I use it:

Jojoba oil closely resembles our skin’s natural oils, making it a universal nourisher across my formulas.

Did you know?

Technically a wax, jojoba is incredibly stable and non-comedogenic — perfect for all skin types.

Natural Emulsifier

INCI Name:

Varies (Plant-Derived Emulsifying Wax)

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Emulsion + Stability

Found in: 

All Creams and Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Blends water and oil into a stable cream
– Ensures smooth, consistent texture
– Chosen for being gentle and non-irritating

Why I use it:

I use only skin-friendly, plant-derived emulsifiers — no PEGs or synthetics. They make each cream feel luxurious while staying safe for your skin.

Did you know?

Many conventional emulsifiers can be harsh. Mine are eco-certified and suitable even for sensitive skin.

Papaya Enzymes

INCI Name:

Carica Papaya Fruit Extract

Category:

Botanical Enzyme | Exfoliation + Radiance

Found in: 

Enzyme Exfoliating Mask

Skin Benefits:

– Gently dissolves dead skin cells
– Brightens dull, uneven skin
– Improves texture without scrubbing

Why I use it:

Papaya enzymes are a beautiful way to resurface the skin without irritation. They’re perfect for sensitive, mature skin.

Did you know?

This tropical fruit contains papain — a natural enzyme that melts away dead skin while nurturing the new.

Rosehip Seed Oil

INCI Name:

Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Regenerative + Brightening

Found in: 

Blissful Night Face Cream (Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Supports collagen production
– Fades dark spots and post-acne scars
– Gives skin a healthy, radiant glow

Why I use it:

Rosehip oil is perfect for skin with a past — it helps reduce signs of sun damage and acne history while restoring bounce.

Did you know?

Packed with vitamin A (a natural retinoid), rosehip is often called ‘nature’s retinol.

Tamanu Oil

INCI Name:

Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Regenerating + Clarifying

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Promotes skin regeneration
– Soothes irritation and acne-prone areas
– Improves appearance of scars

Why I use it:

Tamanu is a tropical oil known for its healing power. I use it to help oily and combination skin regain clarity and comfort.

Did you know?

Tamanu oil has been used for centuries in Polynesian medicine — it's thick, green, and full of natural magic.

Xanthan Gum

INCI Name:

Xanthan Gum

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Natural Thickener

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum, Enzyme Mask

Skin Benefits:

– Gives formula a smooth, gel-like texture
– Prevents separation of ingredients
– Enhances glide and stability

Why I use it:

Xanthan gum lets me avoid synthetic thickeners. It keeps your serum stable and silky.

Did you know?

It’s made by fermenting sugars with a natural bacterium — and it’s safe even for reactive skin.

Aloe Vera Extract

INCI Name:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Category:

Botanical | Hydrating + Calming

Found in: 

Foaming Cleanser

Skin Benefits:

– Soothes redness and cools irritation
– Delivers lightweight hydration
– Supports healing and reduces sensitivity

Why I use it:

Aloe vera has been a skincare staple for generations — and for good reason. It instantly comforts the skin and plays well with other actives.

Did you know?

Rich in polysaccharides and vitamins, aloe has been used as a healing plant for over 6,000 years.

Borage Seed Oil

INCI Name:

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Calming + Repairing

Found in: 

Blissful Night Face Cream (Dry Skin)

Skin Benefits:

– Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
– Soothes inflammation and reduces redness
– Supports skin barrier repair

Why I use it:

Borage oil is especially helpful for sensitive, mature skin that needs repair. It’s lightweight yet deeply nourishing.

Did you know?

Borage is sometimes called starflower — its seeds yield one of the highest GLA concentrations found in nature.

Cetearyl Alcohol

INCI Name:

Cetearyl Alcohol

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Emulsion Stabilizer + Conditioner

Found in: 

All Creams

Skin Benefits:

– Stabilizes oil and water phases
– Improves product texture and feel
– Acts as a gentle skin conditioner

Why I use it:

Cetearyl alcohol is not a drying alcohol — it’s a fatty, plant-derived ingredient that helps create silky, stable creams.

Did you know?

It’s made by combining cetyl and stearyl alcohol, both derived from coconut or palm oils.

Grape Seed Oil

INCI Name:

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Lightweight Antioxidant

Found in: 

Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Provides antioxidant protection
– Absorbs quickly without greasiness
– Balances and softens skin

Why I use it:

Grape seed oil is light yet potent — it supports delicate areas like the eyes and hands without adding heaviness. I chose it for its high content of linoleic acid, a key fatty acid that helps support the skin barrier, especially in dry or sensitive areas.

Did you know?

It’s a byproduct of winemaking, giving new life to the seeds of grapes.

Lecithin

INCI Name:

Lecithin

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Emulsifier + Skin Conditioner

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Improves product texture and absorption
– Nourishes the skin with phospholipids
– Softens and smooths dry areas

Why I use it:

Lecithin helps my advanced serum deliver active ingredients where they’re needed — while nourishing at the same time.

Did you know?

Lecithin is naturally found in sunflower seeds and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Natural Preservative

INCI Name:

Varies (Broad-Spectrum Natural Preservative Blend)

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Safety + Shelf Life

Found in: 

All Products

Skin Benefits:

– Keeps products fresh and safe to use
– Prevents mold, yeast, and bacterial growth
– Maintains formula integrity

Why I use it:

My fresh-made products still need safe preservation. I use natural blends that protect the product without harming your skin.

Did you know?

I never use parabens or formaldehyde donors — only globally approved, skin-friendly options with gentle efficacy.

Phytosterols

INCI Name:

Phytosterols

Category:

Plant Lipids | Firming + Replenishing

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Dry + Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Improves skin elasticity and firmness
– Soothes and protects barrier function
– Mimics skin’s natural cholesterol

Why I use it:

Phytosterols are part of my signature skin-repairing complex. They give skin back the structure and strength it loses over time.

Did you know?

These lipids are naturally found in seeds and oils — and have been studied for their regenerative power on aging skin.

Rosemary Leaf Extract

INCI Name:

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

Category:

Botanical | Antioxidant + Purifying

Found in: 

All Creams, Glow Boost Serum, Bright Eyes, Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Fights oxidative stress
– Keeps oils from going rancid
– Supports clear, balanced skin

Why I use it:

Rosemary extract preserves freshness and adds antioxidant strength. It protects both the formula and your skin.

Did you know?

It’s a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants like BHT or BHA.

Urea

INCI Name:

Urea

Category:

Humectant | Hydration + Skin Softening

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK Face Cream (Dry Skin)

Skin Benefits:

– Deeply hydrates and exfoliates gently
– Softens rough or dry patches
– Improves texture without irritation

Why I use it:

Urea is a dermatologist favorite for restoring moisture and softness — especially in dry, textured, or flaking skin.

Did you know?

It’s naturally present in your skin and works beautifully with other humectants like glycerin and panthenol.

Astaxanthin

INCI Name:

Astaxanthin

Category:

Antioxidant | Red Algae Extract

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Protects against free radical damage
– Brightens and evens skin tone

Why I use it:

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature — more potent than vitamin C or E — and perfect for women seeking vibrant, resilient skin.

Did you know?

Astaxanthin gives salmon and flamingos their vibrant pink color, and in skincare it delivers glow without irritation.

Candelilla Wax

INCI Name:

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Natural Thickener + Texture Enhancer

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK Face Cream (Dry Skin)

Skin Benefits:

– Creates a smooth, rich texture
– Locks in moisture without clogging pores
– Natural alternative to beeswax

Why I use it:

Candelilla wax helps give my creams a velvety finish while keeping them fully plant-based.

Did you know?

This wax comes from a desert shrub native to the Southwest and Mexico — perfect for skin in need of lasting moisture.

Foaming Apple (Surfactant)

INCI Name:

Decyl Glucoside

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Gentle Cleanser

Found in: 

Foaming Cleanser

Skin Benefits:

– Effectively removes dirt and oil
– Non-stripping and mild
– Safe for sensitive and mature skin

Why I use it:

Derived from apple sugars, this gentle surfactant cleanses without drying or disrupting your skin’s natural balance.

Did you know?

It’s so mild that it’s commonly used in baby washes — and it’s biodegradable, too.

Green Tea Extract

INCI Name:

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Category:

Antioxidant | Calming + Protective

Found in: 

Bright Eyes Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Protects from environmental stress
– Calms redness and puffiness
– Rich in polyphenols and catechins

Why I use it:

Green tea soothes while guarding your skin from modern stressors. It’s one of my go-to anti-aging botanicals.

Did you know?

Its main compound, EGCG, is a potent antioxidant shown to help slow signs of aging.

Macadamia Oil

INCI Name:

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Category:

Botanical Oil | Replenishing + Silky

Found in: 

Bright Eyes Cream

Skin Benefits:

– High in palmitoleic acid — a fatty acid that declines with age
– Nourishes thin, delicate skin
– Restores softness and bounce

Why I use it:

Macadamia oil is a hidden gem for mature skin — deeply nurturing without being greasy.

Did you know?

It mimics the fatty acids found in youthful skin, making it ideal for around the eyes or lips.

Niacinamide

INCI Name:

Niacinamide

Category:

Vitamin B3 | Barrier Repair + Brightening

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Dry + Oily/Combo), Blissful Night (Dry + Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Brightens dull or uneven skin tone
– Improves elasticity and refines texture
– Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces sensitivity
– Helps minimize the appearance of pores

Why I use it:

Niacinamide is one of my favorite multi-taskers — gentle, effective, and beautifully supportive for skin over 40. It restores clarity, calms sensitivity, and brings back your natural glow.

Did you know?

Niacinamide boosts your skin’s own ceramide production, helping it stay smooth, firm, and resilient with age.

Propanediol

INCI Name:

Propanediol

Category:

Functional Ingredient | Humectant + Carrier

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Draws moisture into the skin
– Improves penetration of active ingredients
– Leaves a silky, smooth finish

Why I use it:

Propanediol enhances how my serums feel and function — it’s gentle, effective, and completely plant-based.

Did you know?

Derived from corn sugar, this multitasker also boosts the efficacy of natural preservatives.

Sepilift

INCI Name:

Sepilift DPHP

Category:

Peptide Derivative | Firming + Moisture Retention

Found in: 

Bright Eyes Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Visibly firms and smooths fine lines
– Enhances moisture retention
– Softens and rejuvenates the eye area
– Clinically proven to improve skin firmness and hydration

Why I use it:

Sepilift delivers a visible smoothing effect while working beneath the surface to support long-term firmness. It’s especially effective around the eyes — where skin is thinner and more prone to fatigue

Did you know?

This ingredient combines a firming peptide with a moisture-binding lipid — and its results are backed by clinical testing for mature skin.

Willow Bark Extract

INCI Name:

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract

Category:

Botanical | Natural BHA Exfoliant

Found in: 

Foaming Cleanser

Skin Benefits:

– Provides gentle exfoliation
– Helps clear pores and smooth skin
– Reduces oil and breakouts over time

Why I use it:

Willow bark gives you the benefits of salicylic acid — but in its gentler, plant-based form. A great choice for balanced cleansing.

Did you know?

Willow bark is the original source of salicin, which inspired aspirin.

Bakuchiol

INCI Name:

Bakuchiol

Category:

Natural Retinol Alternative | Botanical Extract

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Smooths fine lines and improves skin texture
– Boosts collagen without irritation
– Firms and refines skin appearance

Why I use it:

Bakuchiol gives you all the results of retinol — but without the redness or flaking. It’s a beautiful match for sensitive or maturing skin.

Did you know?

Derived from the babchi plant, bakuchiol has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Centella Asiatica

INCI Name:

Centella Asiatica Extract

Category:

Botanical | Soothing + Strengthening

Found in: 

Bright Eyes Cream, Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Boosts collagen production
– Improves skin elasticity
– Soothes and reduces redness

Why I use it:

Centella is one of the most studied healing plants in skincare. I use it to calm the skin while supporting its deeper structure.

Did you know?

Known as ‘Gotu Kola’ in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Centella has been used for thousands of years to repair tissue.

Glycerin

INCI Name:

Glycerin

Category:

Humectant | Water-Attracting Hydration

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum, Bright Eyes Cream, Hand Cream, Phytosilk for Dry Skin, Blissful Night Cream for Dry Skin

Skin Benefits:

– Attracts moisture deep into the skin
– Improves skin elasticity and smoothness
– Supports skin’s barrier function

Why I use it:

Glycerin helps every formula stay hydrating and skin-plumping. It’s a timeless ingredient for a reason.

Did you know?

Our glycerin is plant-derived and perfectly suited for mature, dehydrated skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

INCI Name:

Sodium Hyaluronate

Category:

Hydrator | Water-Binding Molecule

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
– Improves elasticity and softness
– Reduces the appearance of fine lines

Why I use it:

Hyaluronic acid is essential for mature skin. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water and gives your skin that fresh, dewy glow.

Did you know?

Our hyaluronic acid is low molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeper for longer-lasting hydration.

Mango Butter

INCI Name:

Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter

Category:

Butter | Rich Emollient + Barrier Repair

Found in: 

Blissful Night Face Cream (Dry Skin)

Skin Benefits:

– Seals in moisture and softens rough texture
– Nourishes and supports elasticity
– Great for dry, fragile, or mature skin

Why I use it:

Mango butter gives night creams their velvety, cushiony feel — like a blanket for your skin while you sleep.

Did you know?

Extracted from mango seeds, this butter is full of vitamins A and E.

Panthenol

INCI Name:

Provitamin B5

Category:

Vitamin | Moisture Retention + Soothing

Found in: 

PHYTOSILK (Dry + Oily/Combo), Hand Cream

Skin Benefits:

– Attracts and retains moisture
– Soothes irritation and redness
– Improves softness and elasticity

Why I use it:

Panthenol makes skin feel calm and hydrated. It’s one of those quiet essentials that makes a big difference, especially for dry or stressed skin.

Did you know?

Once absorbed, panthenol converts to vitamin B5 in the skin — a compound known for deep hydration.

Resveratrol

INCI Name:

Resveratrol

Category:

Antioxidant | Anti-Aging Powerhouse

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum

Skin Benefits:

– Neutralizes free radicals
 – Improves firmness and elasticity
 – Visibly brightens and calms skin tone
 – Protects skin from premature aging

Why I use it:

Resveratrol is one of the most potent antioxidants available — even more powerful than vitamins C and E in neutralizing free radicals. It helps slow the enzymatic processes that break down collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, preserving the skin’s structure and resilience. It’s also a phytoestrogen, which makes it especially effective for estrogen-deficient skin experiencing loss of density, dryness, and dullness.

Did you know?

Naturally found in red grapes and wine, resveratrol has shown remarkable ability to protect and repair aging skin — especially when applied topically in a concentrated formula like this serum.

Squalane

INCI Name:

Squalane

Category:

Botanical Lipid | Lightweight Moisture + Barrier Support

Found in: 

Glow Boost Serum, PHYTOSILK (Oily/Combo), Enzyme Mask

Skin Benefits:

– Delivers weightless hydration
– Strengthens skin’s protective barrier
– Leaves skin soft, supple, and glowing

Why I use it:

Squalane is one of my favorite oils — elegant, silky, and non-comedogenic. It suits every skin type beautifully.

Did you know?

Our squalane is derived from sugarcane — never shark liver — and is 100% sustainable.

Witch Hazel Hydrosol

INCI Name:

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water

Category:

Hydrosol | Clarifying + Soothing

Found in: 

Foaming Cleanser, PHYTOSILK (Oily/Combo), Blissful Night (Oily/Combo)

Skin Benefits:

– Reduces oiliness and refines pores
– Gently tones and calms skin
– Delivers lightweight astringent effect

Why I use it:

I use the hydrosol — not the alcohol-based extract — so you get all the plant’s calming, toning benefits without dryness.

Did you know?

Witch hazel is one of the oldest cosmetic botanicals — and still one of the most effective.

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