In the world of skincare, the debate between natural and chemical actives is ongoing. We're often asked about why we don't have a retinol product. Well we do! Our facial oils all have natural retinoids. In fact, all of our ingredients have natural compounds that in our opinion can deliver better results for your skin than a synthetic active. At Desavery, not only do we have a passion for plants and ethnobotany, we firmly believe in the superior benefits of natural actives. Here's why:
When you isolate a compound, you miss out on the natural synergy of bioactive components found in whole plants. This synergy enhances the efficacy of each ingredient, offering comprehensive benefits that a single synthetic active might not be able to provide. For instance, rosehip seed oil doesn’t just offer retinoids; it also brings a host of other antioxidants and fatty acids that work together to rejuvenate your skin.
Natural actives often have smaller molecular sizes compared to their synthetic counterparts, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. This means that even if the concentration of the active ingredient is lower, the overall impact can be greater due to better absorption. That means all the compounds including vitamins, antioxidants or fatty acids are really being absorbed into the skin delivering powerful anti-aging benefits with minimal irritation.
Whole plant ingredients are more bioavailable, meaning your skin can recognize and utilize them more efficiently. This not only enhances their effectiveness but also reduces the likelihood of irritation. Prickly pear seed oil, for instance, is rich in vitamin K, which helps reduce dark circles and improve skin elasticity without the harshness that sometimes accompanies synthetic vitamins.
Just as a balanced diet full of fresh, whole foods is better for your health than relying on supplements or processed foods, using whole plant ingredients in skincare ensures that your skin receives a wide range of nutrients. In a world where we are just beginning to understand the impact 'ultra-processed' ingredients have on our bodies, we love the idea of going to the source: beautiful, organic plant ingredients that are full of wonderful nutrients and that smell great too!
