Our Natural Skincare Ingredients
All of the natural beauty products in our award-winning collection have been expertly formulated by Sarah and each ingredient carefully chosen to nourish and restore your skin. We only use the finest natural and organic, plant based ingredients in our natural beauty collection, all handmade in small batches in the UK. And, with a full ingredient list on the front label across our collection, you know exactly how you're caring for your skin. This truly is skin care.
Why We Choose Organic Plant Based Ingredients
Each of the ingredients we use has been carefully selected to perform a specific function for your skin, with every ingredient supporting your health and wellbeing. Where an ingredient can be grown in soil, we choose organic ingredients which have been certified by the The Soil Association. Choosing organic has three key benefits - for your skin and the planet:
1. Each organic ingredient has flourished under the strictest requirements of organic farming where synthetic pesticides, artificial chemical fertilisers, herbicides and GM crops are prohibited;
2. Their cultivation protects the soil, respects animal welfare and minimises pollution of the ground, air and waterways; and
3. The quality of the ingredient is not compromised as sustainable farming methods are promoted, meaning richer nutrients and higher performing skincare.
You can read more about our ethical commitments to supporting organic farming in our story and our new Eco-Age Brandmark certification.
Choosing Cold Pressed Organic Skincare
We choose cold pressed organic ingredients (as opposed to a heat treated oil extraction method) so that the chemical compounds in the ingredients are not altered. This produces a higher quality ingredient where the plant based ingredients can be more easily absorbed into the skin providing long lasting moisturisation.
Always Ethical and Cruelty Free
We are committed to creating ethical and sustainable skincare at BY SARAH. That's why the vegan products in our skincare are registered with The Vegan Society and our entire collection is certified cruelty free with Cruelty Free International. You'll find comfort in seeing the distinctive logos on the labels and product pages of our website.
What We Don't Use
We don't use any added water, fillers or anything artificial or synthetic. Our skincare is free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, popylene glycol, petroleum and mineral oil. We also don't use any essential oils or fragrance which can be skin irritants for sensitive and dry skins, making our skincare suitable for all skin types and both men and women.
Our Ingredients from A to Z
Experience the tranformative benefits of our natural and organic skincare with our carefully curated plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients - all listed below, showcasing some of their key benefits.
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 the plant's special makeup – 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.
Found in: Reviver Hydration Mist and Saviour Moisture Mask
Organic Sweet Almond 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 clarity, helping to heal and repair skin. The proteins and amino acids also promote the production of collagen for plumper, more supple skin. For dry skins, this ingredient is a firm favourite as it helps to prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil and Body Oil.
Organic Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca) High in Vitamins C and E, apricot kernel oil improves skin tone and lowers the appearance of wrinkles, lines and blemishes; it's our anti-ageing hero ingredient. The dual action of the linoleic acid (strengthening the skin's natural barrier) and the oleic acid (softening the skin), make it a powerful skin nourishing ingredient. The Vitamin A content softens the skin and enhances the circulation of blood flow at the skin's surface.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil, Lip and hand balm and Body Oil.
Organic Argan Kernel Oil (Argania Spinosa) Sourced from a co-operative of Berber women in Morocco who hand-gather this skincare powerhouse for both dry and oily-prone skins. Argan is a sebum-balancing ingredient, helping the skin to even out its production of oil, supporting both oily and dry skins. And its non-greasy texture makes it a highly absorbent, soothing and calming ingredient, particularly for eczema and rosacea skins. It's a versatile ingredient for both skincare and hair care. It's high in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin E which increase hair's elasticity and restores shine, protecting hair from everyday pollution.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil and Hair Oil.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C derivative) This irresistible oil-based derivative allows for easy penetration to the dermis layer of skin to offer a range of benefits, including fighting free radicals responsible for premature ageing, 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 Daily Radiance Booster
B
Bakuchiol. This potent antioxidant is retinol’s kinder sister, delivering all the powerful benefits of retinol without the damaging effects to your skin and making it suitable for sensitive skin. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled 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. This is due to it working at the cellular level just like a retinol, signalling retinol receptors and gene expression, but likely triggering slightly different pathways that prevent the negative side effects.
Found in: Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba) This natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant provides a protective layer on the skin, protecting it from environmental stressors, pollution and the weather. The high Vitamin A content promotes healthy new skin cells to be produced too. There are 35 bee species currently facing extinction in the UK. Choosing organic beeswax where the organic farmers work in harmony with nature, not against it, allows these beautiful pollinators to thrive.
Found in: Lip and hand balm.
C
Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil. Rich in α-linolenic acid, which cannot be synthesised by the body, this oil aids in preventing melanin production and reduces hyperpigmentation, as well as benefiting blemish-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also reduce moisture loss and repair the skin’s barrier to keep skin looking hydrated and plump. With its lightweight yet incredibly emollient properties, it can be used by any skin type.
Found in: Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
D
Desert Rose Moisture Retention Complex (Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract) The Desert Rose, also known as the Rose of Jericho or siempre viva (that's Spanish for 'immortal') has superb moisturising powers and helps to reinforce our skin's outer barrier wall. Strengthening your barrier wall will lead to a brighter, calmer, smoother complexion.
Found in: Reviver Hydration Mist
E
Organic Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis) High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), it penetrates the deep layers of the skin keeping it hydrated, soft and supple. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness, eczema and psoriasis in sensitive and ageing skins.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil and Body Oil.
G
Natural Muscat Grape Fruit Water (Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water) Grape Fruit Water boasts an abundance of antioxidants and acts as a super nourishing ingredient without a heavy, greasy feeling.
Found in: Reviver Hydrating Mist
Organic Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil) This organic 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 cleanses the skin and removes daily impurities while strengthening the skin's natural resilience.
Found in: Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser, Vitamin C + E Daily Radiance Booster, Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
H
Upcycled Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil) The upcycled hemp seeds are grown and harvested in the UK by hand, but a large proportion are rejected as they don't meet the specification for food use. We rescue the nutrient-rich seeds from going to waste and landfill. And cold-press them into the oil we use. Plus, they contain 52% more antioxidants than standard hemp seed oil. High in linoleic acid, natural standardised CBD and antioxidants, it's well suited for targeting blemish-prone skin.
Found in: Ally Blemish Recovery Oil.
Hyaluronic Acid (sodium hyaluronate) Our medium, molecular weight hyaluronic acid has the ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, while attracting and holding onto 1000 times its weight in moisture. Naturally-derived, our hyaluronic acid plays a big part in skin health; boosting hydration, replenishing cell moisture and working as a postbiotic to support your skin's precious microbiome.
Found in: Saviour Moisture Mask
J
Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinesis) This is the skin-similar oil where its molecular structure is very similar to our own skin's sebum. This means its small molecular size penetrates into the skin immediately, providing deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue. Its Vitamin B complex also has antioxidant benefits to combat cell damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is the perfect natural body product ingredient for all skin types.
Found in: Body Oil, Ally Blemish Recovery Oil, Vitamin C + E Daily Radiance Booster
K
Natural Kiwi Fruit Water (Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Water) Jam-packed with antioxidants, like Vitamin C, for protection against pollutants, it can also help with the firming of skin and reduction of fine lines.
Found in: Reviver Hydrating Mist
M
Organic Marula Seed Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil) This luxurious oil is derived from the beautiful marula tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, this seed oil replenishes moisture loss on the skin and its antibacterial benefits support the health of the skin.
Found in: Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser, Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
O
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: Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser, Vitamin C + E Daily Radiance Booster, Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
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 Blemish Recovery Oil.
Polyglyceral-4 Oleate This natural plant oil emulsifier has two parts, a hydrophilic (water-loving) end and a hydrophobic (oil-loving) end. It activates the change of the Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser from an oil to a milky cleanser when mixed with water, helping to effectively remove all traces of makeup, SPF and daily impurities.
Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita Pepo) The high Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory content helps to calm and soothe the skin and any redness, making this ingredient much-loved by those with sensitive and hormonal skin. It encourages cell turnover to reveal a clearer complexion and promotes collagen production to promote more youthful looking skin.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil.
R
Upcycled Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil) This nourishing and lightweight oil is made from upcycled raspberry seeds and contains 20% more vitamin E than ordinary raspberry seed oil. High in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this beautiful sustainable natural seed oil hydrates and protects the skin.
Found in: Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser.
S
Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit) This rich and luxurious oil is high in Vitamins A and E helping to rejuvenate and renew hair, combating dry and heat-treated hair. It contains the rare Omega 7 fatty acid which provides a vital building block for healthy skin and hair. This beautiful oil effectively combats dry hair and the loss of elasticity and damage from everyday pollution, washing and hair styling. It's the perfect natural hair product ingredient.
Found in: Hair Oil.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil. A non-pore clogging oil, this contains several skin-loving compounds, including oleic acid, vitamin E, sesamol, and linoleic acid. This adds up to deliver hydration that skin craves whilst soothing and strengthening your all-important skin barrier.
Found in: Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
T
Naural 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 acts by absorbing free radicals which damage cells, in turn promoting healthy skin and preventing accelerated ageing. It's also a natural preservative helping our beautiful, organic plant ingredients retain their nutritional benefits for longer.
Found in: Hero Facial Oil, Body Oil, Ally Blemish Recovery Oil, Hair Oil, Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser, Vitamin C + E Daily Radiance Booster, Bakuchiol Daily Recovery Booster
V
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) This is the all-round nourishing skincare hero, with high antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties to reveal a healthier complexion. Its fatty acids also help to lock in moisture. It's a gentle and mild, nutrient-rich cleansing agent making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.
Found in: Lip and hand balm.
If you would like personal skincare advice or you're new to plant-based skincare, get in touch! We're always happy to help. You can reach us via email at hello@bysarahlondon.com.