Frequently Asked Questions

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The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that protects against moisture loss, environmental stressors, and irritants. When the barrier is healthy, skin feels calm, smooth, and resilient. When it’s compromised, skin can feel dry, tight, reactive, or inflamed. Nourishing oils, butters, and essential fatty acids help support and strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing the lipids it naturally needs to function well.

Plant oils closely mimic the skin’s natural lipids, allowing them to integrate easily into the barrier. Oils rich in essential fatty acids—like linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids—help seal in moisture, reduce water loss, and improve elasticity. Unlike harsh surfactants or over-cleansing, natural oils work with the skin rather than stripping it.

Yes. Hydration isn’t only about adding water — it’s about keeping moisture in the skin. Oils and butters reduce transepidermal water loss, while ingredients like glycerin and cupuaçu butter help draw and hold moisture. Applying oils to slightly damp skin allows hydration to be sealed in naturally and effectively.

Frequent cleansing with harsh soaps or foaming agents can strip the skin’s natural oils, weakening the barrier over time. This can lead to dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, and inflammation. Gentle oil cleansing helps dissolve impurities while preserving the skin’s protective lipid layer.

Using too many products—especially actives—can overwhelm the skin and disrupt its natural balance. A simplified routine focused on nourishing, barrier-supportive ingredients allows the skin to repair itself and function more efficiently. Often, less really is more.

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that protects against moisture loss, environmental stressors, and irritants. When the barrier is healthy, skin feels calm, smooth, and resilient. When it’s compromised, skin can feel dry, tight, reactive, or inflamed. Nourishing oils, butters, and essential fatty acids help support and strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing the lipids it naturally needs to function well.

Antioxidants are protective compounds that defend the skin from environmental stressors like pollution, UV exposure, and free radicals. They help prevent premature aging, support collagen, and brighten the complexion. Many natural oils and butters—such as baobab, sea buckthorn, and shea—are rich in antioxidants that nourish, strengthen, and protect the skin.

An emollient is an ingredient that softens and smooths the skin by filling in tiny gaps on the surface. Plant butters and oils—like shea, mango butter, jojoba, and squalane—are excellent emollients. They restore suppleness, improve texture, and give skincare products their luxurious glide. Emollients are especially helpful for soothing dryness and creating silky, conditioned skin.

 Fatty acids—such as oleic, linoleic, and stearic—are essential building blocks of healthy skin. They strengthen the moisture barrier, improve elasticity, reduce dryness, and enhance hydration retention. Each fatty acid brings unique benefits, and together they support soft, strong, resilient skin.

A humectant is an ingredient that attracts and holds moisture, helping the skin stay hydrated and plump. Humectants act like “water magnets,” drawing hydration from the air or deeper layers of the skin to the surface. Natural humectants include glycerin, aloe, honey, and cupuaçu butter. They are key for achieving a dewy, refreshed complexion.

Non-comedogenic ingredients do not clog pores. Oils such as jojoba, squalane, argan, and kokum butter are considered non-comedogenic and are safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin. These ingredients hydrate and nourish without contributing to breakouts or congestion.

An occlusive is an ingredient that forms a protective seal over the skin to prevent moisture loss. This barrier effect helps lock in hydration and protect skin from environmental dryness. Natural occlusives include shea butter, castor oil, and beeswax. They’re especially beneficial for extremely dry or compromised skin needing long-lasting moisture and protection.

Oleic acid (Omega-9) is a deeply nourishing fatty acid found in oils like argan, olive, jojoba, and avocado. It penetrates the skin easily, replenishing moisture and supporting elasticity. Ideal for dry or mature skin, oleic acid softens, conditions, and helps restore suppleness by slowing moisture loss.

Cold-pressed oils and butters are extracted without the use of heat, preserving their vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial fatty acids. This gentle method keeps the ingredient close to its natural state, resulting in higher-quality skincare products with richer nutrients and enhanced benefits.

Phytosterols are plant-based compounds found in ingredients like cupuaçu and mango butter. They help reduce inflammation, improve moisture retention, and support the skin’s ability to remain firm and elastic. These compounds contribute to the restorative, soothing, and anti-aging qualities of botanical butters.

Linoleic acid (Omega-6) is an essential fatty acid that balances and strengthens the skin while supporting a healthy barrier. Oils high in linoleic acid—like sunflower, baobab, and grape seed—absorb quickly and are ideal for acne-prone or combination skin. This fatty acid helps reduce congestion, improve clarity, and maintain moisture without clogging pores.

Stearic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in plant butters such as shea, kokum, and mango. It strengthens the moisture barrier, protects the skin from dryness, and gives skincare formulas a creamy, luxurious texture. Stearic acid leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and more resilient.