Sweet almond oil is derived from the dried nuts of the almond tree. It nourishes and hydrates, and therefore has an excellent softening effect on the skin. Rich in the most important fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid), as well as in vitamins D and E, it helps the skin to restore its natural water balance. It is very suitable for dry, sensitive and sore skin as it aids collagen production, accelerates skin regeneration processes, and improves the skin’s strength and elasticity. In addition, it prevents stretch marks during pregnancy. Sweet almond oil is a classic skin oil – it absorbs easily, but not too quickly and so allows for a good massage before being absorbed by the skin.

Aloe Vera extract is obtained from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. The extract actс as an emollient having hydrating, softening, healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is best known for its moisturizing power. Other properties include moisture regulation, and the ability to absorb UV light. It has a slightly relaxing effect on skin, making it beneficial for sensitive, sunburnt or sun-exposed skin. It is frequently used in gels that are designed to refresh and relax irritated skin. Aloe Vera extract is found to be an effective component in emulsions formulated for regulating dry skin.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in leaves, seeds, and fruits, and it acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It is used in cosmetics due to its high biological activity, and the ability to penetrate the skin barrier. Alkaloid is often used as an active compound in anti-cellulite products because it prevents excessive accumulation of fat in cells (lipolysis). Caffeine also has strong antioxidant properties; it protects cells against UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin. Moreover, it increases capillary microcirculation and stimulates the metabolism. All these properties make caffeine an important biologically active compound.

Castor oil is considered unique as it consists exclusively of polyunsaturated and saturated acids. It belongs to the soft base oils meaning it has no contraindications with respect to its application and lacks any side effects. Castor oil is used in cosmetics for its wide variety of functions; it evens the skin tone, increases its elasticity, repairs chapped skin, brightens scars and has anti-bacterial properties. It is effectively used on dry and sensitive skin and for eczema treatment. The insolubility of ricinoleic acid in water allows the formation of a protective barrier. This helps to retain moisture, and prevents dehydration of the skin caused by external environmental factors.

Chamomile extract (Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) is a highly valued ingredient in traditional medicine. In cosmetics it is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and used as a cell rejuvenating agent. It stimulates blood circulation, soothes sensitive skin, provides antioxidant protection and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Other therapeutic properties include anti-erythema (skin reddening) and antipruritic properties, which enhance the healing process of damaged skin. Chamomile extract is often used as a natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis.

Theobroma cacao grows only in a warm and moist climate in the shade of large trees in the deep rainforests. It is found mostly in North and South America, and Australia, and some Asian islands. Cocoa butter (Theobroma oil) is extracted from the cacao seeds and has mild and pleasant flavour and aroma. Being rich in valuable fatty acids, it nourishes and maintains skin moisture. When applied topically, it absorbs easily and creates a barrier between the sensitive skin and the environment. It contains natural antioxidants and is recommended for the treatment of skin conditions.

Coconut oil is extracted from coconuts – the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Because of its 90 % raw saturated fat content, it absorbs quickly and fully into the skin, making it soft and smooth. Coconut oil both repairs and protects the skin from the damages of free radicals and aggressive environmental factors. The oil contains 50% lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is therefore a perfect remedy for cracked or injured skin. It is a nourishing oil for every day use, providing a healthy skin balance.

Dermochlorella is extracted from green microalgae, which have lived on the Earth for 2 billion years. It is rich in amino acids and oligopeptides. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are the main fibres supporting the skin’s texture, firmness and elasticity. It strengthens and conceals capillaries. Dermochlorella has a positive impact on stretch marks as it makes them less visible and decreases their size.

D-panthenol (pro vitamin В5) is one of the most important ingredients of each cosmetic product. It penetrates through the outer skin layer and maintains the skin’s natural moisture content, stimulates cell growth and regeneration. It accelerates the synthesis of lipids and proteins. It has a soothing effect on skin conditions and inflammations. Natural sources of vitamin B5 are broccoli, turnips, strawberries, eggs, yoghurt etc.

Horse chestnut is widely spread in Europe and a perfect remedy for various complaints related to the circulatory system, such as varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, as it reduces the pain and the feeling of heavy legs. Moreover, in the long term it improves blood circulation and vein tonus. The active substance in horse chestnut fruits is escin, a mixture of triterpenoid saponins, which tones veins and improves the blood flow from the legs to the heart. Escin strengthens vein walls, relieves fluid retention and subsequent swollen legs. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, preventing heavy legs and water retention during pregnancy.

Vegetable glycerine is one of the best natural humectants and is used in cosmetics for the prevention and treatment of dry skin. It strengthens the protective skin barrier which acts as a shield against adverse weather conditions and air pollution. Studies show that glycerine thank its moisturizing benefits to being able to extract moisture from the air, and normalise the skin regeneration process (desquamation).

Jojoba oil is extracted from the fruits of an evergreen shrub, growing in the hot dry deserts of North America and Mexico. In fact, it is not actually an oil, but a cold-pressed liquid wax. Even the ancient Egyptians praised the unique properties of jojoba, and until this day jojoba oil is a precious cosmetic ingredient. It absorbs deeply into skin, nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens skin elasticity. It contains ceramides and vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce skin redness and inflammation.

Kigelia Africana extract derives from the fruit of the sacred Kigelia tree. It is a large tree, typical for the tropical forests in the South and Southeast Africa and Madagascar. It can grow as tall as 10 to 15 meters bearing fruits of up to half a meter long. African tribes have benefited from its medical and regenerating properties for centuries. The fruits contain flavonoids and steroidal saponins, which stimulate microcirculation, tone and strengthen skin and maintain skin elasticity. Phytosterols diminish inflammation, and soften and soothe tight and irritated skin. Kigelia extract is a natural antioxidant, which protects the delicate skin against free radicals and premature aging.

Cosmetic products containing lactic acid and applied on the surface layer of the skin (stratum corneum), successfully prevent dry skin (xerosis). Lactic acid stimulates ceramide biosynthesis, which leads to a better lipid barrier and resistance to dehydration. When the acid is used as a pH regulator, it also has moiturising and antibacterial properties. Lactic acid agents have an anti-ageing effect, reduce the signs of sundamaged skin and improve the barrier function of the epidermis.

Lanolin is a natural and exceptionally effective ingredient with proven effect. It is obtained by processing sheep’s wool, and contains isocholesterin, esters of cholesterol, and fatty acids. Its structure resembles the human skin fat, making it an optimal skin moisturizer.

Lavender oil is the most versatile and useful of all essential oils. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial and mildly analgesic. It stimulates the growth of healthy cells, relieves fluid retention, and balances the skin’s moisture content.

Peppermint is a perennial herbaceous plant, and is widely spread in Bulgaria. It has a broad range of applications in medicine and pharmacy. Peppermint oil is derived from the leaves of the plant, which creates an immediate feeling of freshness and lightness. Its strong energizing properties relieve fatigue and muscular pains and make the oil ideal for soothing “hot” and heavy legs during the last months of pregnancy. It has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rice bran oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, and a number of antioxidants. It fosters surface microcirculation and skin metabolism, regenerates skin cells which facilitates metabolism, improves the skin’s elasticity and firmness, and rejuvenates it. The natural antioxidants it contains, including vitamin E, protect against premature skin aging. Rice bran oil is a very light oil. Its nourishing and softening properties make it ideal for dry and sensitive skin during pregnancy.

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree fruits. The trees, whose name means “life”, grow in the woody savannahs of West Africa. These long-lived trees can live up to 300 years, and it takes them about 20 years to bear fruits. For generations women in Africa have been collecting the fruits and producing the precious butter, which is widely used in cosmetics because of its unique natural aroma, creamy texture and many protective and remedial properties. Being rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, E and F, it is an excellent skin moisturizer. It restores dry and sensitive skin and maintains skin elasticity. A real food for the skin, shea butter provides an effective barrier against the harmful impact of environmental factors – sun, wind, and cold. Moreover, it strengthens and soothes cracked and sore skin.

Soy is one of the most nourishing staple foods in the world. Soybeans contain 15-25 % oil. Soybean oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats. It is ideal as a massage oil, as it distributes evenly onto the skin and absorbs easily. It has moisturizing and softening properties, maintains skin elasticity and reduces the discomfort of tight and dry skin.

Vitamin F is a vital regulator for your health and skin. The vitamin has numerous advantages, including better blood circulation, normal cell function and cell regeneration. As a result, the skin is visibly fresher and more elastic. Vitamin F is found in many foods, among which nuts, meat, fish and fruits.

Vitamin Е (Tocopherol) is the most efficient antioxidant in protecting skin against the harmful impact of environmental factors, such as oxygen, ultraviolet light, and pollution. It retains the fat-soluble vitamins А and D in the outer skin layers, and aids skin growth and regeneration. Vitamin E moisturizes, softens and makes skin elastic, and is therefore often called ‘the fountain of youth’.

Vitamin С is vital for the entire organism. As it cannot be produced by the human body itself, it is very important to obtain it through food and other supplements. Vitamin С is an important antioxidant as it improves the effect of other antioxidants, such as the well-known vitamins А and Е. It maintains skin elasticity, aids skin regeneration and makes skin more resistant to irritations and infections.