6 Skincare Ingredients and their Role in Your Wellness Routine
From Kakadu Plum to Rosehip Oil, the founder of family skincare brand, Evereden, shares the benefits of incorporating these ingredients into your daily routine.
It’s no secret that what we put on our bodies is becoming as important as what we put in our bodies. And as wellness trends continue to promote this messaging, more brands than ever are working to adapt to the increased demand for natural products. The cost and accessibility accompanying the larger brands or even emerging, niche brands, however, don’t always allow the everyday consumer access, nor ensure complete quality control.
Evereden’s founder, Kimberley Ho, realized this as she developed adult eczema and struggled to find products that didn’t further irritate this new skin condition. As she began searching for a skin-safe product, at an affordable price, she realized that not even baby products offered the ingredients she sought. So, she set out to create her own line of products — and what began as an idea to develop a natural, safe and effective baby product, evolved into a brand with sunscreen, oils and bath products that the whole family can benefit from using.
“We’re super strict with our ingredients,” shares Ho. “We don’t use any parabens, phthalates, sulfites, SLS, aesthetic fragrance, or any of the 1400 chemicals prohibited by the European Union. For a lot of companies, “natural” is good enough but what you’ll find is a lot of natural ingredients in your skincare products are actually bad for you; just because it’s natural or organic doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe.”
While Ho notes the exclusion of chemicals and inclusion of rare raw ingredients, she also prides the company’s direct-to-consumer model, which allows the price point of products to average $21 to $27. “We’re applying the innovation we’re seeing in women’s luxury skincare and applying it to family at an affordable price point,” she says. “We’re the first brand in family skincare to use these luxury ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Jasmine.”
I sat down with Evereden’s co-founder, Kimberley Ho, to learn more about the ingredients the brand sources and why they are so necessary for our skincare routines. And while cucumber extract, seaweed and avocado oils are some key players in Evereden’s book of ingredients, Ho shares the six she’s most excited about, reinforced by dermatologist-approved benefits.
Kakadu Plum
Origin: Australia
What is it? A small, tart fruit native to Australia.
What’s its story? Traditionally used by indigenous tribes as medicine, the tiny fruits grow in arid, mountainous regions. They developed incredibly resilient, antibacterial properties in order to survive.
What are its benefits? Kakadu Plums are one of the world’s richest sources of naturally occurring Vitamin C, which helps firm skin and improves the way skin responds to UV light. (One tiny plum has 55 times the Vitamin C than a Florida orange). They’re also packed with free radical-fighting antioxidants like Gallic acid, which is known to restore the skin’s natural barrier, and Ellagic acid, which nurtures elasticity. The plums are traditionally used as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, which means they can calm irritation, reduce swelling, and even fight baby acne.
Why does it sound familiar? Kakadu Plum is used in luxury skincare products made by brands like Jurlique, Le Prunier and DERMAdoctor. It hasn’t made its way to baby and kids’ products yet, primarily because it’s twenty times more expensive than commonly sourced natural ingredients like coconut oil and olive oil.
What products is it in at Evereden? Our Shampoo & Body Wash, Light Jasmine Lotion, Fragrance Free Lotion and Diaper Rash Cream.
Milk Protein
Origin: Australia and USA
What is it? One of the most nutrient rich proteins, milk protein offers anti-irritant, moisturizing and protective properties, which makes this ingredient perfect for gentle skin.
What’s its story? Milk has been used as a source of nutrition for centuries. It is a major form of nourishment for infants before they can digest other forms of food, and it has been used as a source of hydration in skin care treatments.
What are its benefits? Milk protein is high in essential amino acids, and has strong nourishing and moisturization benefits. It is also gentle and mild for delicate skin, and prevents dry skin caused by surfactants in shampoos.
Why does it sound familiar? Proteins are the building blocks of skin and hair. They are in every one of our cells and essential for life functions and participate in virtually every process in our cells. They are also used extensively in luxury beauty and personal care products.
What products is it in at Evereden? Our Shampoo & Body Wash
Grapeseed Oil
Origin: Chile and Spain
What is it? Potent antioxidant that aids in improving skin tone and promotes moisture restoration.
What’s its story? Grapeseed oil has been in existence for over 6,000 years. In the past, Europeans used the oil to treat diseases related to the eye and skin.
What are its benefits? Grapeseed oil is a powerful and safe foundational oil sought for its multi-correctional properties, and is rich in phytoceramides, vitamins and antioxidants, which help strengthen and protect skin against free radical damage. Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins C, D, and E; all of which help in reducing wrinkles and scars. The polyphenols and antioxidants in the oil help improve skin imperfections and redness as well. The oil also acts a potent moisturizer — balancing both the dry and oily patches on the skin. Vitamins C and E and the fatty acids make the oil a wonderful emollient. The oil’s restructuring qualities help the skin retain its normal structure, and its high linoleic acid content can also aid in eczema treatment. Talking about hair, given the oil is lighter than olive or coconut oils, it moisturizes and conditions your hair without leaving it feeling greasy.
Why does it sound familiar? Grapeseed oil’s potent moisturization and skin correction benefits means it is a highly sought after key ingredient in many luxury skincare brands.
What products is it in at Evereden? Our Massage Oil, Sunscreen, Diaper Rash Cream
Sunflower Seed Oil
Origin: USA
What is it? Moisturizes, improves skin barrier protection and provides anti-inflammatory properties.
What are its benefits? Sunflower seed oil is a great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is effective for combatting skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. Sunflower oil has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture. Vitamin E helps trap moisture inside skin cells, keeping skin hydrated for a longer period.
Why does it sound familiar? Sunflower oil has natural calming properties that improve your skin’s moisture retention capacity and is beneficial for individuals with dehydrated or sensitive skin. Using sunflower oil regularly can help remove dead cells and impurities, leaving behind smooth, moisturized skin.
What products is it in? Our Shampoo & Body Wash, Light Jasmine Lotion, Fragrance Free Lotion, Massage Oil, Sunscreen, Diaper Rash Cream
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Origin: Chile
What is it? Rosehip oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes, predominately grown in Chile, and is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
What’s its story? It’s an arduous process to sustainably extract the oil from the small rosehip seeds, according to essential oil experts. As a result, high-quality rosehip oil can be pretty pricey.
What are its benefits? It’s a powerhouse for the skin because it contains complexion-brightening vitamin C, vitamin A via carotenoids, and may even have some protective properties against ultraviolet light. Its vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin. The antioxidants reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, which is crucial when it comes to shielding the skin from the pollutants we encounter on an everyday basis, like UV rays and car fumes.
Why does it sound familiar? Rosehip seed oil is a celebrity skincare favorite from Miranda Kerr to Kate Middleton.
What products is it in at Evereden? Our Sunscreen
Green Tea Extract
Origin: Australia
What is it? Contains a potent antioxidant blend to neutralize pollution and environmental attack, helping to condition and soothe skin.
What’s its story? Green tea is from the Camellia sinensis plant, a small evergreen tree with beautiful, white flowers. Unprocessed green tea leaves were used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of maladies, including digestive problems, headaches, body aches, and weak immune systems. It was also used to improve overall well-being and life expectancy.
What are its benefits? Research has shown that green tea can reduce sun damage. This sun damage reduction is due to its ability to combat free radical damage, not by blocking ultraviolet radiation.
What products is it in at Evereden? Our Sunscreen
