Among the most interesting lectures and study at the Euro Institute (at least for me), were skincare product ingredients and how they work. The Euro products are mostly formulated from natural and organic ingredients, with lots of science behind how they work and why.
Check out the list below - how many do you know? Our products that contain these ingredients are included in parentheses. Research rules!
Allantoin: (EC Cucumber Anti-Couperose Mask)
In its organic form, allantoin is found in several plants, such as sugar beet, comfrey, chamomile, tobacco seed, and wheat sprouts.
Its gentle, non-irritating qualities of healing are excellent anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Allantoin is a known keratolytic, meaning that it can increase the water content of cells.
Allantoin may also help to increase skin smoothness, aid in wound healing and promote cell longevity.
Ashwaganda: (EB Renewal Serum)
It is a small shrub with yellow flowers and a red fruit, native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. The extract is typically taken from the berries or roots of the plant. Ashwagandha helps in the production of natural skin oils. It is also known to aid in the production of skin-enriching compounds like hyaluronan (hydration), elastin (suppleness) and collagen (strength).
Boswellia: (EB Rosehip Seed Cleansing Crème, Sensitive Care Balm)
A shrubby tree that grows across India, Yemen, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
The tree produces a golden resin or milky sap that native populations have used as a health and cosmetic remedy for thousands of years. When the sap is dried, it's called “frankincense,” which has long appeared in religious and ritual ceremonies. Recent research has clinically shown boswellia to improve skin elasticity and visibly reduce wrinkle depth, for firmer skin.
Chinese Schizandra Berry: (EB Multi-Fruit Hydration Gel)
Schizandra Berry (Schisandra Chinensis), also known as Wu Wei Zi, Youth Berry, or Magnolia Vine, grows from a deciduous woody plant native to China, Manchuria, and part of Russia. This scarlet red medicinal berry has been used in traditional Chinese herbalism for more than 2,000 years. Science has shown it to be a safe and time tested “super herb” used to keep organ systems toned and skin more resilient. Packed with loads of antioxidants including key vitamins C and E, schizandra helps protect the skin from free radical attack, and its strong astringent qualities enable the skin to hold in moisture.
Gotu Kola: (EB Herbal Complex Crème, Marine Hydration Crème)
Best known in the ancient world for its health benefits. It has long been used to treat infections and is revered by many cultures as an herb of longevity. Today it’s very commonly found in skincare products, thanks to its potent combination of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals – everything the skin needs to combat the signs of aging and to protect the skin from environmental stressors. It boosts the formation of collagen and skin tissue which is crucial to maintain the skin’s elasticity and healthy glow.
Kojic Acid: (EB Lightening Serum)
Kojic Acid is found naturally in many species of fungi and is also the byproduct of Sake - a Japanese rice wine. Discovered in 1989, Kojic Acid acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, which slows and prevents the formation of tyrosine, an amino necessary for the formation of melanin, the skin's own natural color. Kojic Acid provides a safe, effective alternative to Hydroquinone. Kojic Acid is antibacterial, which explains its frequent presence in acne skincare formulations. Because it acts as a skin lightener, it's an effective ingredient for post inflammation hyperpigmentation that can occur from acne lesions. Kojic Acid provides strong antioxidant protection, by shielding the skin from oxidative stress and free-radical damage.
Mamaku Fern: (EB Moor Multi-Fruit Facial Mask)
An extract pressed from a tree fern native to New Zealand, mamaku gen has been used by the Maori people for centuries to improve the look and feel of skin. The Mamaku fern's stems are packed with gel that is as close to an age-defying elixir as any skin care find from nature, The nutrients in Mamaku extract are powerful antioxidants that support the skin to combat photo aging - including dark spots from sun exposure, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil: (EB Beard Oil, Skin Balance Facial Oil)
Meadowfoam seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the white, flowering meadowfoam plant native to Oregon, California, and Western Canada. It is slightly waxy and closely resembles human sebum. It acts as an emollient (a protective seal over the skin to lock in moisture) and is rapidly absorbed and non-greasy making it a good choice for all skin types.
Neem Leaf Oil: (EB Aloe Salicylic Toner)
The neem tree is known for its powerful healing properties and medicinal uses for over 4,000 years. The tree has many names including “tree of life” and “village pharmacy.” Neem contains Vitamin E, carotenoids, linoleic acid, Vitamin C, and quercetin (a flavonoid found in many plants including apples, green tea, and onions. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory). This makes neem oil a potent anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory commonly used to heal bacterial skin infections and inflammation caused from acne or breakouts, eczema, and dermatitis.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: (EC PhytoVit Antioxidant Mask)
Sea buckthorn oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. It is extracted from the berries, leaves and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant, a small shrub that grows at high altitudes in the northwest Himalayan region. The fruit contains an exceptional concentration of natural Vitamin C, which is 12 times higher than that of an orange! Sea Buckthorn oil promotes skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration, and even helps treat acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
