How Skin and Skincare Works

THE SKIN BARRIER

The skin barrier can be thought of a wellness function of the skin: it’s how well your skin protects you and retains moisture. It creates the body’s primary barrier against water loss, toxins, and pathogens. It also determines what moisture and nutrients can enter the deeper skin layers.

Most of the skin barrier function comes from the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin, is the body’s primary barrier against water loss and external substances. It is composed of densely packed corneocytes (dead, flattened skin cells) and lipids (fat-like cells). The corneocytes are embedded in a lipid matrix, so the skin barrier is often described as a “brick-and-mortar” structure. (SOURCE)

The skin lipids that create the lipid matrix and act like the mortar for the bricks are extremely unique. They contain very diverse fatty acids not found elsewhere in the body. Fatty acids are molecular building blocks of the lipids. They can vary by their length and by their type of chemical bond referred to as saturation. 

Saturated means the molecule has no bonds between atoms that create bends and kinks so they lay more linearly. They pack more tightly together, creating a denser, more ordered barrier.

Unsaturated means the fatty acid has atom bonds that create bends or “kinks” that increase fluidity and flexibility. Since they can’t lay flat against each other they are moveable. Polyunsaturated means it has even more kinks for more fluidity.

To protect and replenish, the skin barrier needs diverse fatty acids that are:

  • Long and Saturated

    (ie. Stearic acid found in our shea nut oil that creates a richer, more protective skin feel)

  • Long and Unsaturated

    (ie. Oleic acid found in our avocado oil and sweet almond oil that with its kinky bonds increases softness, flexibility, and skin permeability)

  • Long and Polyunsaturated

    (Linoleic acid found in our grapeseed oil with even more kinky bonds supports barrier repair, reduces inflammation, and is especially beneficial for acne-prone or compromised skin)

  • Short and Saturated

    (Coconut derived Caprylic acid found in our serum creates a lightweight, silky texture without feeling heavy)

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The Risks of Synthetic Approaches to Skin Care

Many synthetic ingredients found in skincare (DMSO, pyrrolidones, alcohols, glycols, surfactants, azones) penetrate by disrupting the integrity of the skin barrier, which often causes irritation, dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity. (SOURCE)

Synthetic products often just sit on top of the skin barrier and evaporate, taking the skin’s existing moisture with the evaporation and leaving the skin even dryer and unnourished. (SOURCE) 

Our oils are made with no synthetic products, even in the scent which is crafted with natural essential oils and supportive natural plant derivatives.

By contrast, natural lipid-based oils appear native to the skin and can interact directly with the skin’s own lipid matrix, helping reorganize or fluidize the stratum corneum in ways that allow nutrients and hydration to blend into the skin barrier and travel past it to sustained delivery of active compounds all while reinforcing the skin barrier itself. (SOURCE)

The diverse organic oils contained in our PhytoLipid Complex™ together provide a skin-compatible lipid profile that closely mirrors the composition and behavior of the skin’s natural barrier system, helping support its structure, function, flexibility, hydration, and protective resilience.

Here is how our PhytoLipid Complex™ works scientifically

  • Oleic acid and linoleic acid found in avocado, almond, and grapeseed oils — help increase flexibility and fluidity within the tightly packed lipid layers of the skin barrier.

  • Jojoba oil’s wax esters closely resemble human sebum, allowing it to integrate exceptionally well with the skin surface and help carry lipid-soluble actives across the outer barrier layers.

  • Linoleic acid-rich oils like grapeseed oil help support the organization and repair of the skin barrier itself, improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture over time.

  • Shea butter’s saturated fatty acids, especially stearic acid, create a more protective and cushioning layer that slows water evaporation and reinforces barrier resilience.

  • Phytosterols and lipid-soluble antioxidants in avocado and shea help support membrane stability, soothe inflammation, and protect lipids within the barrier from oxidative stress.

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Why Oils instead of Lotions?

A 2025 review evaluated the long-term effects of lotions and oils on skin barrier health by analyzing 41 human studies. The review found that natural oils consistently supported healthier skin barrier function and reduced water loss, meaning they helped the skin retain moisture more effectively over time. (SOURCE)

A major dermatology review published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology explains that most conventional moisturizers primarily function by coating the surface of the skin rather than nourishing the skin barrier and deeper skin layers.  SOURCE

These ingredients are banned from our formulas and include: petrolatum, mineral oil, silicones, waxes, and synthetic emollients (chemicals that allow water and oil to mix)

Research on petrolatum — one of the most common lotion ingredients — shows that it largely remains on the skin surface because of its high molecular weight and works by forming a barrier film that prevents water evaporation. Yet prolonged use of petrolatum may interfere with aspects of normal skin barrier homeostasis and doesn’t support long-term lipid barrier restoration as effectively as more skin-compatible lipid systems. (SOURCE)

A review of 112 scientific studies on essential oils and carrier oils used as natural skin penetration enhancers in pharmaceutical and topical formulations found that certain plant-derived oils can improve penetration of active ingredients by interacting directly and naturally with the skin’s lipid matrix. (SOURCE)

HYDRATION

The stratum corneum lipid matrix is the primary barrier regulating water loss and ingredient penetration. (SOURCE)

Oils that replenish lipids often outperform simple water-based lotions because they restore the barrier itself (SOURCE)

Hydration is not just adding water. It’s repairing the barrier so water stays in. (SOURCE)

SOFTNESS

Our blend of oils contain:

  • oleic acid,
  • linoleic acid,
  • wax esters,
  • phytosterols,
  • and saturated barrier lipids

that help replenish flexibility within the stratum corneum itself. This improves the movement and organization of lipids between skin cells, allowing the skin barrier to become softer, more supple, and more resilient from within rather than temporarily slick on the surface.

In particular:

  • oleic acid-rich oils like avocado and almond help fluidize tightly packed skin lipids and improve flexibility
  • jojoba wax esters mimic natural sebum and help smooth the skin without heavy occlusion, (SOURCE)
  • shea butter reinforces barrier integrity while reducing transepidermal water loss. (SOURCE)

In contrast, many conventional lotions create softness primarily by swelling the outer skin layer and damaging it and creating a coating temporary film that blocks water loss but smothers the skins natural functions. These can create immediate softness, but without substantially replenishing or reorganizing the deeper lipid architecture that contributes to lasting suppleness and barrier flexibility. (SOURCE)

By contrast, natural plant oils are not simply “moisturizers.” They contain biologically active compounds that can:

  • repair the skin barrier
  • reduce inflammation
  • support wound healing
  • provide antioxidant protection
  • influence immune signaling in the skin
  • help protect against oxidative damage

SOURCE

VITAMIN (PHYTONUTRIENT) DELIVERY

The word phytonutrient comes from:

  • “phyto” = plant
  • “nutrient” = nourishing compound

In humans, phytonutrients are valued because many have:

  • antioxidant effects
  • anti-inflammatory activity
  • barrier-supportive properties
  • cellular protective functions
  • signaling effects within the skin and body

A review of 112 peer-reviewed articles identified specific natural oils as effective carriers of nutrients into and across the skin barrier. Particularly Almond oil and Jojoba oil, were repeatedly reported as effective enhancers for transporting both hydrophilic nutrients (water-loving ingredients such as certain vitamins or plant extracts) and lipophilic compounds (oil-loving ingredients that dissolve into skin lipids more easily).  (SOURCE

This means these oils can do more than moisturize—they help create a soft, receptive skin surface that supports the elegant delivery of active ingredients while promoting hydration, smoothness, and visible radiance.

What Nutrients Does Our Skincare Deliver?

Our oils are rich with vitamins, phytonutrients and bioactive lipids, hence we call our blend the PhytoLipid ComplexTM.

Vitamins are essential nutrients the human body needs in small amounts to survive and function properly. Your body either cannot make them at all or cannot make enough of them, so they must come from food or other external sources

Phytonutrients are bioactive compounds made by plants to protect themselves from UV radiation, oxidation, insects, pathogens, and environmental stress.

Bioactive lipids are fats or fat-like molecules that do more than simply provide moisture or structure — they actively influence biological processes within the skin and body.

Key bioactive nutrients delivered by our PhytoLipid Complex™ include:

VITAMIN E

Grape seed oil, for example, has a higher content of vitamin E, which is higher than that of soybean oil and olive oil. (SOURCE) 

Vitamin E is depleted by UV exposure. Replenishing vitamin E helps neutralize damageing reactive oxygen species created by sunlight and pollution. (SOURCE)

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K found in avocado oil supports skin recovery processes and helps improve visible skin resilience and tone. (SOURCE)

OLEIC ACID

Oleic Acid found in avocado, sweet almond and she butter helps soften and fluidize the skin barrier, improving flexibility, permeability, nutrient delivery, and moisture retention. SOURCE

LINOLEIC ACID

Linoleic Acid found in grapeseed and sweet almond oil is an essential fatty acid that supports healthy skin barrier organization, reduces water loss, and helps maintain smooth, resilient skin. SOURCE

STEARIC ACID

Stearic Acid found in shea nut butter strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce transepidermal water loss (SOURCE)

WAX ESTERS

Wax Esters found in Jojoba oil are unique lipids that closely resemble human sebum and help maintain softness, flexibility, balanced hydration, and skin compatibility. SOURCE

PHYTOSTEROLS

Phytosterols found in

  • Jojoba oil,
  • Avocado oil
  • Shea butter
  • Sweet almond oil are plant sterols structurally similar to cholesterol that help calm inflammation and support repair and resilience within the skin barrier.


SOURCE

PROANTHOCYANIDINS

Proanthocyanidins found in Grapeseed oil are potent antioxidant polyphenols that help protect collagen, reduce oxidative stress, and support elasticity and skin repair.
(SOURCE)

SQUALENE

Found in avocado oil is a naturally occurring skin lipid that helps support softness, flexibility, antioxidant protection, and barrier function.
(SOURCE)

TRITERPENES

Found in Shea butter, these compounds help calm inflammation and support barrier repair and skin comfort.
(SOURCE)

UNSAPONIFIABLES

Found in:
● Shea butter
● Jojoba oil
● Avocado oil
Are bioactive fractions of oils containing sterols, antioxidants, and terpene compounds that support barrier repair, calm inflammation, and improve skin resilience.
(SOURCE)

Why Are Our Oils At the Highest Quality?

ORGANIC & COLD PRESSED FOR HIGHEST QUALITY

All our plant oils are organic and cold-pressed.

Cold-pressed plant oils have better nutritive properties than those that have undergone the refining process (SOURCE). Cold-pressed, minimally refined oils retain more phytonutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols, sterols, and bioactive compounds than heavily processed oils.

Studies show that cold pressed oils retain significantly higher levels of:

  • Tocopherols— lipid protection, antioxidant defense
  • Carotenoids— UV protection, radiance support
  • Phytosterols— barrier repair, inflammation reduction
  • Antioxidant compounds — free radical neutralization, anti-aging (SOURCE)

Additionally, organic cultivation reduces pesticide residues and oxidative degradation. Research shows that organically grown plant products often contain higher antioxidant activity, higher polyphenol levels, and lower pesticide residues.

How Do These Oils Reduce the Effects of Aging?

Oxidative Stress and Signs of Aging

Oxidative stress drives skin aging from both natural and environmental factors (SOURCE). Your skin naturally produces unstable reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of metabolism. When too many accumulate, they begin damaging tissues faster than the body can repair them. That imbalance = oxidative stress.

ROS molecules damage collagen, elastin, cell membranes, DNA, mitochondria, and skin barrier lipids. Over time, this leads to visible aging.

What creates oxidative stress?

Common sources include: chronic psychological stress, poor sleep,
inflammation, excess sugar and blood sugar spikes, smoking, pollution, UV
exposure/sun damage, alcohol excess, environmental toxins, infections,
menopause and aging, and overtraining without recovery

What does oxidative stress do to the skin?

It contributes to: crepey skin, rough texture, fine lines, loss of elasticity, uneven tone, collagen breakdown, wrinkles and dullness,
dryness, loss of firmness, pigmentation, inflammation, and sensitivity.

Why antioxidants matter & how our products are packed with them?

Antioxidants neutralize ROS before they damage tissues. Our products contain:

  • Vitamin C (in our serum)
  • Vitamin E (in all of our organic oils)
  • Polyphenols (in our rose essential oil in our scent)
  • Carotenoids (in our avocado oil)
  • Proanthocyanidins (in our grapeseed oil)
  • Terpene antioxidants (in our jasmine, rose and clove essential oils in our scent)

Together these compounds neutralize ROS, support lipid barrier repair, reduce inflammation, protect collagen, and improve membrane integrity.

Protecting the skin from oxidative stress — while replenishing lipid structure and antioxidant defenses — is therefore one of the most evidence-based strategies for supporting healthier, more resilient, younger-looking skin.

Why Don't These Oils Clog Pores & Work for Oily, Dry & Combination Skin?

The oils we use are  non-comedogenic, meaning they do not block pores. This helps prevent acne and breakouts. SOURCE

In simple terms: some oils sit heavily on the skin, while others integrate more gracefully with the skin barrier and are less likely to trap debris or thicken inside pores. That is why choosing the right oils matters. Our formulation favors elegant, skin-compatible oils that support softness, barrier health, and glow—without the greasy heaviness commonly associated with pore clogging. SOURCE

Many synthetic permeation enhancers found in skincare (DMSO, pyrrolidones, alcohols, glycols, surfactants, azones) penetrate by disrupting the integrity of the stratum corneum barrier, but often cause irritation, dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity. (SOURCE)

Additionally, here are ingredients we avoid to ensure all skin types will benefit from our products:

  1. Hydroquinone: While it can lighten dark spots, prolonged use can lead to ochronosis, a bluish-black discoloration of the skin.
  2. Benzoyl Peroxide: Effective for acne, but it can be drying and irritating, potentially leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  3. Retinoids: While beneficial for anti-aging and acne, they can cause irritation and sensitivity, which may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  4. Excessively Harsh Exfoliants: Physical scrubs or high concentrations of AHAs/BHAs can irritate skin and exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

Why Apply Oil to Damp Skin Rather than Dry Skin?

Applying oil to damp skin is usually more effective than applying it to very dry skin because oils mainly act as emollients and occlusives: they soften skin and help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), but they do not add water themselves. When skin is slightly damp after cleansing, there is surface water available for the oil layer to help retain, which can improve softness, comfort, and hydration compared with applying oil onto already dry skin. Damp skin can also improve spreadability, so less oil is needed and the finish often feels lighter rather than greasy. Oils rich in skin-compatible lipids (such as jojoba, almond, grapeseed) may further support barrier function by filling gaps between surface skin cells while helping retain moisture. (SOURCE)

Why Combine Fruit, Nuts, and Seed Oils?

A plant has different parts for a reason, they have different benefits and uses for its many functions. Using a combination of seed, nut, and fruit oils on the skin allows the broad properties of each part of the plant to be delivered through their diverse, nutrient rich oils.

Here are some benefits of combining oils from different parts of the plant

  • 1. Diverse Nutrient Profile

    1. Diverse Nutrient Profile

    1. Diverse Nutrient Profile

    • Seed Oils: Often rich in essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6), antioxidants, and vitamins. Examples include grapeseed and jojoba oil.
    • Nut Oils: Usually high in vitamins (such as vitamin E), minerals, and fatty acids. Examples include sweet almond oil and shea nut.
    • Fruit Oils: Typically contain vitamins, antioxidants, and phytosterols. This  includes avocado oil.

    Combining these oils can provide a broader range of nutrients and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for overall skin health.(SOURCE)

  • 2. Enhanced Moisturization

    2. Enhanced Moisturization

    2. Enhanced Moisturization

    Different oils have different moisturizing properties. For instance, nut oils often have a lighter texture and absorb quickly, while seed oils might provide deeper hydration. Fruit oils, like avocado oil, offer rich, emollient properties. An emollient is a type of ingredient used in skincare products to soften, soothe, and moisturize the skin. Emollients work by filling in the gaps between skin cells, creating a smooth and supple texture. They are particularly effective in treating dry, rough, or flaky skin. Together, nut, seed and fruit oils create full spectrum moisturizing. (SOURCE)

  • 3. Balanced Skin Benefits

    3. Balanced Skin Benefits

    3. Balanced Skin Benefits

    • Seed Oils: Often known for their anti-inflammatory and balancing effects, which can help calm irritated skin and regulate oil production.
    • Nut Oils: Can help with nourishment and support skin barrier function.
    • Fruit Oils: Often rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help with skin regeneration and protection from environmental stressors. (SOURCE)

  • 4. Improved Absorption and Efficacy

    4. Improved Absorption and Efficacy

    4. Improved Absorption and Efficacy

    Different oils have different molecular weights and absorption rates. Combining them can help ensure that your skin receives a range of benefits and that the oils penetrate various layers of the skin more effectively. (SOURCE)

    • Why the Combination of Jojoba and Sweet Almond Oils in all our Formulations?

    Combining jojoba oil and almond oil as the carrier oils in all our products is very purposeful as they are complimentary in many ways that benefit all layers of the skin. 

    A study on Almond oil and Jojoba oil found that these oils were able to penetrate deeply into the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost protective layer, reaching approximately 70–90% of its thickness. This does not mean they entered deeper living tissue, but rather that they moved through much of the surface barrier where moisture balance and skin texture are largely regulated. Their presence within this layer can help soften the skin and improve overall hydration retention.(SOURCE)

    The study also suggested these oils supported lateral and lamellar packing of intercellular lipids—the natural fats that sit between skin cells and act as the “mortar” of the skin barrier. Lateral packing refers to lipids aligning side by side, while lamellar packing refers to their organization into layered sheet-like structures. When these lipids are more orderly, the skin barrier can function more effectively, helping reduce water loss, strengthen resilience, and create a smoother, healthier appearance.

    Additionally, these two oils specifically have complimentary moisturizing mechanisms.  They work together to nourish and balance the skin just as it needs. Sweet almond oil is rich in fatty acids, which help to provide vitamins and hydrate the skin, while jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, helping to balance oil production. 

    They also combine to benefit skin texture, creating firmness and elasticity without compromising softness. Sweet almond oil helps improve skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines, while jojoba oil helps to keep the skin soft and supple.

    Jojoba oil and sweet almond oil together provide a broad spectrum of antioxidants that work synergistically to protect and nourish the skin. They provide different forms of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E, magnifying the combined effect. Together they additionally contain Vitamin A, squalene, phytosterols, and polyphenols that enhance the skin’s ability to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, provide hydration, improve the skin barrier function, and promote skin cell regeneration with a combined anti-aging effect.

    Why use Rich Oils Like Avocado Oil?

    Slow-absorbing oils like avocado oil have unique benefits due to their richer, nature. They provide deeper nourishment while also supporting the skin barrier, making them valuable for anti-aging and prolonged moisture and protection. (SOURCE)

    Benefits of Slow-Absorbing Oils:

    • 1. Nourishing and Repairing at the Deeper Layers:

      Nutrient Delivery: Although they take 30-60 min to fully sink into the skin, slow-absorbing oils like avocado oil are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and monounsaturated fatty acids that penetrate and nourish the difficult to reach deeper skin layers.

    • 2. Extended Moisture Retention:

      Long-Lasting Hydration: Slow-absorbing oils not only nourish deeper skin layers, they create a barrier on the skin surface that physically blocks evaporation, locking in moisture for prolonged hydration.

    • 3. Improved Skin Softness and Smoothness:

      Softening Effect: The occlusive nature of slow-absorbing oils helps soften and smooth the skin. This can be especially useful for rough or uneven skin textures.

    • 4. Shields from Environmental Impurities:

      Barrier Function: By forming a protective layer on the skin, these oils help strengthen the skin's barrier function. This protects the skin from environmental aggressors.

    • 5. Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Properties:

      Calming Effect: Many slow-absorbing oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Avocado oil, for example, is known for its soothing effect on sensitive or irritated areas.

    • 6. Anti-Aging Benefits:

      Firmness and Elasticity: The rich nutrient profile of slow-absorbing oils supports collagen production and skin elasticity. Regular use can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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    Why is our Skincare Good for Sensitive Skin?

    For sensitive skin, it’s important to choose gentle, soothing ingredients that minimize irritation.

    1. We use only non-comedogenic oils, which typically have fewer irritants or allergens, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
    2. We use two of the highest vibrational essential oils, jasmine and rose, which are both attributed to creating feelings of love and emotional and spiritual wellbeing in aromatherapy.
    3. We source our ingredients to be organic whenever possible. 
    4. We cold press our oils, which preserves their beneficial properties
    5. We keep our formulas as simple as possible with proven, science back ingredients and no fillers, binders or non-therapeutic ingredients.

    Why is Our Skincare Good for All Colors of Skin?

    Different skin colors have varying considerations such as hyperpigmentation or bleaching.

    Research shows that darker skin generally has more melanin, which can make conditions like hyperpigmentation more pronounced. We use a broad range of natural antioxidants that brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation of dark spots by inhibiting excessive melanin production without bleaching. 

    Studies also show that darker skin averages more sebum and larger pores, increasing the potential for acne. The oils we use are  non-comedogenic, meaning they do not block pores. This helps prevent acne in all skin types, especially those with larger pores. We also use natural oils that mimic sebum which can inhibit the skins overproduction of oil where it is overproduced and provide moisture where oil is underproduced. Using these types of oils balances oil production in all skin types.

    Darker skin often shows signs of aging later than lighter skin, partly due to higher melanin levels. However, when aging does occur, it may be more pronounced in terms of texture rather than pigmentation. We use ingredients that address texture with lipids that fill in between skin cells and also improve the skin barrier as needed, improving skin texture for all skin types.

    Studies show that lighter skin has less natural oil production making it prone to dryness. Our serum and oils bring moisture into the skin and lock it in by reinforcing the skin barrier.

    Have any skincare questions or curious about any of the above? Contact Us Directly