Lactic Acid: If there’s any acid that tops for sensitive skin, it’s Lactic Acid. It’s a gentle exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without any irritation. It visibly improves damaged skin, reduces redness and improves skin texture. This particular acid exfoliates while working to significantly increase skin hydration.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s a natural chemical exfoliator, it is also a humectant which makes it extremely hydrating and calming compared to all the other AHA’s. It helps reduce top layers of dead skin cells and increases cell turnover. Lightly removes dead skin without manual exfoliation and over-stripping.
We love it especially because it is one of the few acids that’s Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And it is extremely important at YBP for us to create products that are safe during all stages of motherhood.
Ashwagandha Extract: AKA The Indian Ginseng. This Adaptogen is like no other. There are numerous benefits from this superfood when used in correct doses and incorporated into skincare formulations. We are using full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract in this formulation for its Antibacterial and Antimicrobial properties. It will protect skin from spreading infections without attacking the skin’s microbiome, which is why this formulation works great, not only for facial skin but overall body. Its high levels of antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals and bacterial infections.
Willow Bark Extract: If you have never heard of willow bark and its use for skin health then get ready to be BLOWN AWAY! In the early 1800s, Salicin was discovered by an Italian pharmacist and from there on, it was used to chew, brew, and used topically with warm baths to heal many skin issues.
A quick google search will tell you how willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylic acid, and can be used safely even for the most sensitive skin type for treating acne. We, on the other hand, do not prefer comparing willow bark extract to salicylic acid because the isolated form of medicine or ingredient works differently than a whole plant ingredient. They are both useful when used in correct dosages to treat skin conditions like acne, congestion and inflammation. It’s important to know that when a particular whole plant extract is used to treat a certain health/skin condition, it also provides many other phytonutrients and benefits.
We have been studying Willow Bark very closely for the past two years. It is one of the most potent natural ingredients that may be extremely beneficial for acne prone skin. You may see some more new innovative products with this particular whole plant in our line. One great thing about Willow Bark Extract is that, unlike Salicylic Acid, it is safe to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s mild and gentle, but also very effective.
Green Tea Extract: Till date, green tea as an ingredient for cleansing, calming and soothing irritated skin remains on the top, and totally justified.
Green Tea can offer antioxidant benefits that reduce the appearance of premature aging. This nourishing botanical extract can soothe dryness and reduce redness to quite an extent. BUT, Green Tea is challenging to formulate because it is highly unstable and easily oxidized when not formulated correctly, and its EGCG is unstable at higher temperatures and basic pH values. We cannot stress enough how important it is to us how we source our ingredients, store them (a cool, dry place), to maintain the maximum efficacy of the phytochemicals, formulate them in small batches, which makes our final product a powerhouse of skincare.
Blue Lotus Extract: While Ashwagandha extract, Willow Bark extract, and Green Tea extract work towards gently exfoliating, toning and brightening skin…Blue Lotus extract, in particular, is part of this formulation to act as a natural moisturizer, to help improve the look and feel of dry, rough or flaky skin. This beautiful flower extract is suitable for nearly all skin types, as it can also help to balance the skin’s oil content, which may help to reduce acne blemishes. It prevents skin from drying out and provides an abundance of powerful antioxidants.