Ingredients

These plants were skincare long before skincare was an industry.

Seven botanicals from six countries, each chosen for what it does for deeper skin, each named with its origin on the product it leads.

The botanicals

Origin and function, nothing else.

Shea butter
Northern Ghana
Unrefined, hand-processed by women’s cooperatives. Oleic and stearic acids seal moisture into skin prone to high water loss. Leads the Shea Light Moisturizer.
Baobab seed oil
Senegal
Omega 3, 6 and 9 with vitamins A, D and E. Softens, supports elasticity, calms the inflammation behind dark marks. Leads the Pigmentation Serum.
Marula oil
Southern Africa
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, with more antioxidants than argan. A glow finish without greasiness. Leads the Glow Oil.
Moringa
Tanzania
Leaf and seed oil high in behenic acid. Clarifies gently and conditions skin that can’t tolerate harsh scrubs. Leads the Enzyme Cleanser.
Kigelia
Malawi
Sausage-tree fruit extract used across southern Africa for skin. Firms, soothes and pairs with PHA for a daily exfoliant that never stings. Leads the Daily Exfoliant.
Mongongo oil
Kalahari, Namibia
Manketti nut oil rich in linoleic acid. Dissolves sunscreen and oil without stripping, and leaves a protective film. Leads the Pre-Cleanse Oil.
Rhassoul clay
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Mineral-rich mountain clay used in hammams for centuries. Absorbs excess oil without stripping the barrier. Leads the Renewal Mask.
The actives

Heritage carries the formula. Science finishes it.

Each botanical is paired with an active that modern dermatology trusts for deeper skin. Chosen for how it behaves on Fitzpatrick IV to VI, never for how it performs on a lighter panel.

NIA
Niacinamide. Slows the transfer of pigment to the surface and strengthens the barrier.Pigmentation Serum · Light Moisturizer
TXA
Tranexamic acid. Interrupts the signal between inflammation and melanin. Gentle enough for melasma.Pigmentation Serum
PHA
Polyhydroxy acid. Exfoliates at the surface only, with a molecule too large to sting.Daily Exfoliant
CER
Ceramides and squalane. Rebuild the lipid barrier that holds water in.Light Moisturizer

What we leave out

Every exclusion is there for a reason specific to deeper skin.

Fragrance
Never
The most common cause of contact irritation, and on deeper skin irritation becomes a dark mark.
Hydroquinone
Never
Effective short-term, but on melanin-rich skin prolonged use risks ochronosis, a blue-black darkening that is permanent.
High-strength acids
Never
Glycolic peels and strong retinoids trigger the inflammation that causes post-inflammatory marks.
Denatured alcohol
Never
Strips the barrier deeper skin depends on to hold water, and leaves the grey film behind.
Essential oils
Never
Natural does not mean gentle. Citrus and mint oils are among the most sensitizing ingredients in skincare.

From the Journal

Ingredient studies, in depth.

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