Our ingredients
We are ingredient nerds
Our multi award-winning skincare range has been expertly formulated and each ingredient meticulously chosen to nourish and restore your skin.
We know from personal experience that stressed and sensitive skin needs a different approach.
That’s why:
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Everything we make is natural, soothing and restorative.
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We use all natural ingredients wherever possible.
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We’re committed to building a business that supports both people and planet.
What we don't use
We don’t use any essential oils or fragrances.
Everything we make is free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, petroleum and mineral oil.
And unlike the heat treated oil extraction method, we only use cold pressed ingredients so that the chemical compounds are not altered.
Meaning you get all the goodness and no irritation or unwanted flare ups.
Our ingredients
All our ingredients are carefully curated for their transformative, restorative benefits.
Here's a full list of everything we use in our products and a brief summary as to why we've chosen them:
A
Aloe Leaf Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) Scientific studies have proven aloe vera to be effective at retaining skin moisture and healing wounds. It's all down to this plant's special makeup as it's positively bursting with amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals and vitamins that our skin completely adores. Oh, and it's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial too. So win win all round.
Found in: Reviver Hydrating Mist, Saviour Moisture Mask
Almond (Sweet) Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Naturally high in Vitamin E, sweet almond oil protects skin cells from environmental pollutants and oxidative stress. It boosts skin's elasticity and helps to heal and repair skin. The proteins and amino acids also promote the production of collagen for plumper, more supple skin. For dry skin, this ingredient is a firm favourite as it also helps to prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca) We like to think of this lightweight, luxurious seed oil as our pro-ageing hero ingredient as it helps to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lines and blemishes. The dual action of the linoleic acid (which strengthens the skin's natural barrier) and the oleic acid (which softens the skin) make it a powerful skin nourishing ingredient.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser, Hero Facial Oil, Maven Daily Moisturiser, Miracle Eye Cream
Argan Kernel Oil (Argania Spinosa) Our argan kernel oil is sourced directly from a co-operative of Berber women in Morocco who gather this skincare powerhouse by hand. Ideal for both dry and oily prone skin, this oil is a sebum balancing ingredient, helping the skin to even out its production of oil in both oily and dry skin. The non-greasy texture makes it a highly absorbent, soothing and calming ingredient, particularly for eczema and rosacea prone skin. Used in both skincare and hair care, this versatile ingredient is high in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin E which increase skin elasticity and protect skin from everyday pollution.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C derivative) This irresistible oil based derivative allows for easy penetration to the dermis layer of skin. We love it because it offers a range of benefits - from fighting free radicals responsible for premature ageing to boosting collagen production and increasing UV protection to help reduce sun damage. As one of the most stable forms of Vitamin C, this can be used in high concentrations without the skin irritating drawbacks, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Found in: Vitamin C + E Booster
B
Bakuchiol This potent antioxidant is retinol’s kinder sister, delivering all the powerful benefits of a retinol without the damaging effects to your skin (making it ideal for sensitive skin). In a double blind, placebo- ontrolled study that compared bakuchiol and retinol, both significantly decreased wrinkle surface areas and pigmentation but retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging which wasn’t seen with bakuchiol users. Whilst bakuchiol works at the cellular level just like a retinol, signalling the same retinol receptors and gene expression, it appears to trigger slightly different pathways that prevent the negative side effects you tend to get with a standard retinol.
Found in: Bakuchiol Booster
Black Oat Extract (Avena Strigosa) Abundant in moisture retaining natural polymers that are chemically similar to the skin's own natural moisturisers (including polysaccharides and proteins), black oat extract helps to improve moisture retention at a cellular level.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser
C
Chia Seed Oil (Salvia Hispanica) Rich in linolenic acid, which cannot be synthesised by the body, this seed oil helps to prevent melanin production and reduces hyperpigmentation. It's also great for blemish prone skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This oil can also reduce moisture loss and repair the skin’s barrier to keep skin looking hydrated and plump. Lightweight with incredible emollient properties, it can be used by any skin type.
Found in: Bakuchiol Booster
Crambe Provides instant hydration and help to protect against oxidative stress.
Found in: Miracle Eye Cream
Cranberry Fruit Extract (Macrocarpon) Rich in proteolytic enzymes, cranberry extract helps to dissolve and digest any dry cells found on the skin’s surface to leave skin glowing and revitalised. Its nutrient content helps to alleviate the discomfort of dry skin, reduces the appearance of redness, irritation and signs of ageing. Polyphenols (such as catechin, quercitin and myricetin) found in cranberries also help to repair damaged skin and restore elasticity.
Found in: Reviver Hydrating Mist
Cucumber Provides instant hydration and help to protect against oxidative stress.
Found in: Miracle Eye Cream
E
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis) High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), this oil penetrates the deep layers of the skin to help keep it hydrated, soft and supple. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce redness, eczema and psoriasis in sensitive and ageing skins.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil.
G
German Chamomile (Bisabolol) This soothing oil is derived from German chamomile and plays a crucial role in reducing redness.
Found in: Maven Daily Moisturiser
Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) This seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants. A by product of the wine and juicing industry, the seeds of the waste pulp are upcycled into this active oil. Light and gentle on the skin, it naturally soothes and gently nourishes.
Found in: Vitamin C+E Booster, Bakuchiol Booster
H
Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa) Rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants, this oil contains natural standardised CBD (cannabidiols) and is well suited for targeting blemish prone skin.
Found in: Ally Recovery Facial Oil.
Hyaluronic Acid Our vegan hyaluronic acid has the ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin whilst also attracting and holding onto 1000 times its weight in moisture. Naturally derived, this ingredient plays a big part in skin health as it helps to boost hydration, replenish cell moisture and works as a post-biotic to support your skin's precious microbiome.
Found in: Saviour Moisture Mask
I
Inulin A natural prebiotic, the inulin we use is extracted from chicory root to help promote a healthy skin microbiome, reduce redness and skin sensitivity. The chicory is harvested during peak inulin content time, leaving no waste behind. The endive tops and leaves are then repurposed as animal feed or returned to the land as a natural fertiliser.
Found in: Maven Daily Moisturiser, Balancer Cream Cleanser, Reviver Hydrating Mist
J
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinesis) Jojoba oil is known as a "skin similar" oil which means its molecular structure is very similar to our skin's own sebum. This means the small molecular size can penetrate into the skin immediately, providing deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue. Its Vitamin B complex also has antioxidant benefits to help combat cell damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Found in: Vitamin C+E Booster, Maven Daily Moisturiser, Ally Recovery Facial Oil
L
L-Arginine This vital amino acid acts as a natural hydrator, helping your skin to retain moisture. It also plays a vital role in strengthening the skin's lipid barrier.
Found in: Reviver Hydrating Mist
M
Mango Butter (Mangifera Indica Seed Butter) Nourishing and soothing, mango butter contains triterpenes. These plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties that all help to protect your skin.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser, Maven Daily Moisturiser
Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis Root) This soothing, lightweight emollient is known to help reduce dermatitis and other skin irritations.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser
Marula Seed Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil) This luxurious seed oil is derived from the beautiful marula tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, this oil replenishes moisture loss on the skin and its antibacterial benefits also help to support skin health.
Found in: Bakuchiol Booster
N
Niacinamide A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide plays a gentle yet crucial role in helping the skin retain moisture, strengthening skin barrier function and protecting against environmental stressors.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser
O
Oat kernel Rich in phospholipids and omega 3 and 6 which help to deeply moisturise and restore your skin barrier. Oat kernel is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Found in: Miracle Eye Cream
Olive Squalane This beautiful natural emollient is very similar to our own skin oil (sebum) and helps to soften the skin, improve elasticity and encourage cell regeneration.
Found in: Vitamin C + E Booster, Bakuchiol Booster, Maven Daily Moisturiser
P
Papaya Fruit Enzymes (Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Carica Papaya Seed Oil) Papaya contains the proteolytic enzyme papain which helps to gently breakdown and digest large proteins that have accumulated on the skin. The papain found in papaya soothes skin irritations and its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal ingredient for acne and blemish prone skin.
Found in: Ally Recovery Facial Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita Pepo) Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, this anti-inflammatory oil helps to calm and soothe the skin and any redness, making it a much loved ingredient by those with sensitive, stressed skin. This oil encourages cell turnover to reveal a clearer complexion and promotes collagen production to promote more youthful looking skin.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil
S
Saccharide Isomerate Made by transforming kernel corn sugars into a skin identical sugar complex, this ingredient is similar to the carbohydrate complex (NMF) found in the stratum corneum. 100% natural and plant derived, we use it to ensure post cleansing moisturisation and deep hydration that lasts for 72 hours.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser
Shea Butter Soothing, comforting and well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this natural emollient softens and hydrates your skin, while its fatty acid composition helps to improve your skin's natural barrier function.
Found in: Maven Daily Moisturiser, Miracle Eye Cream
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) We use a stable, slow-release, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C in our products as we've found that this is best suited to sensitive skin. Its antioxidant properties help to reduce the appearance of skin ageing, promote collagen production and help to brighten the skin.
Found in: Maven Daily Moisturiser
Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus) A non-pore clogging seed oil, sunflower seed oil contains several skin loving compounds, including oleic acid, vitamin E, sesamol and linoleic acid. This helps to deliver hydration that your skin craves whilst also soothing and strengthening your all important skin barrier.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil, Ally Recovery Facial Oil, Vitamin C+E Booster, Bakuchiol Booster
T
Natural Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Sourced from non-GM soya and sunflower plants, this powerful vitamin protects skin against oxidative stresses, like UV damage and environmental pollutants. It absorbs free radicals which damage cells, promoting healthy skin and preventing accelerated ageing. It's also a natural preservative so helps our organic plant ingredients retain their nutritional benefits for longer.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil, Ally Recovery Facial Oil, Vitamin C + E Booster and Bakuchiol Booster
W
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel reduces inflammation, soothes irritation and relieves itching, swelling and inflamed tissues.
Found in: Balancer Cream Cleanser
If you're new to plant based skincare or have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch by emailing us at care@bysarahlondon.com
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