Everybody is talking about ‘clean’ beauty these days. For some its about non-toxic ingredients in their products, for others its about ethically sourcing and for yet others its about being cruelty-free or against animal testing. So it's important for us that you understand what we mean by clean beauty.
In Nikita’s opinion, clean is all-encompassing. “From sourcing ingredients to production and manufacturing, the entire process we follow is free from toxic chemicals, it's not just a blanket term.”
At Ilana, each time we work on products we examine our options from two main angles - whether something’s good for you and whether it harms the planet. We refuse to compromise on your safety and health and we make sure that we minimise our environmental impact - whether it's about the ethical sourcing of ingredients, the material for our packaging or the people who are affected by our manufacture.
By now, we know that there is no common standard for what 'Organic', or 'Natural' means though we're made to believe that they're always benevolent and good for us. In contrast, everything 'Chemical' is bad for us, should be avoided. Visions of evil factories with bubbling green acid complete the picture.
But to be real, everything in our skincare and our world, is a chemical, whether organic (like essential polyphenols found in fruit and vegetables) or inorganic (like salt or Sodium Chloride) and we need many chemicals in our bodies for them to work well.
At Ilana our commitment to clean beauty means we make decisions about our ingredients based on a rigorous series of parameters. Because Ilana is always about being transparent, we don't ever hide behind incomplete ingredient lists. If it's a chemical you shouldn't have on your skin, it won't go in the mix. Period.
Beetroots that we eat actually go through less stringent quality standards than those used in personal care products.. So why is that? Our digestive systems are actually far more resilient than our skin. Stomach acids and enzymes take care of a lot of impurities when processing food. On the other hand a natural material in skin care will need to be preserved in order to last as long as your bottle of serum.
We've had to choose between a naturally derived, processed ingredient that has a chance of causing reactions or its from a rare plant in the Amazon rainforest and the effective well-tested organic certified, safe, lab-derived alternative. No prizes for guessing which way we will go! And you can rest assured that when you use our products, you are being responsible about the environment as well as being risk-free about your skin.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Conscious - Meticulously sourcing from ethical and trade safe farms Ethical - Uncompromising about quality and fair practices Transparent - Whats on the ingredient list is what's in the bottle Effective - Exceptional results through rigorously researched formulations
HOW TO READ AN INGREDIENTS LIST?
When deconstructing a formulation, the preservatives/ pigments/ emulsifiers are always listed at the end. This means its percentage in the formula is often 1% or less.We keep the lab derived synthetics in the lowest possible concentration, and use organic approved LAB DERIVATIVES in cases the natural alternatives can be harsh on the environment.
Aloe vera contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. It can help treat burns, acne and dry skin. The enzymes in it can also help exfoliate the skin to make it smoother.
Argan oil is a vitamin E- and fatty acid-loaded oil derived from trees native to Morocco. Argan oil helps protect the skin against sun damage, hydrates it, reduce signs of aging, and even helps control oil.
Avocados are a nutrition firework just waiting to explode! Not just healthy fats, but also chlorophyll to reduce inflammation, water to hydrate, Vitamin E to promote softness and prevent wrinkles. Avocado oil ranks in as high as SPF 15.
Beetroot contains Vitamin C that prevents skin pigmentation, thereby providing a fairer complexion. Beet is also a rich source of iron, phosphorus and protein, which in unison give you a healthy and pinkish skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties of beeswax encourage the healing of wounds. It is also protective, helping form a barrier between the skin and the environment without clogging pores. Beeswax is high in vitamin A, which has been found to support cell reconstruction and health.
Black plum helps prevent acne, blemishes, wrinkles & pimples. Plums help prevent the skin from being lifeless and dull and makes it look refreshed and rejuvenated.
Carrot Seed acts as a complete shield against the sun in itself, because of its high antioxidant content which offers complete sun protection and repairs dry and damaged skin that results in a deliciously dewy finish.
Cedar Wood helpspromote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to dandruff or hair loss.
Activated charcoal draws bacteria, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne. It clears up blackheads and removes excess oil for reduced breakouts. It also makes the pores appear smaller.
Coconut helps reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturised and helping heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.
Frankincense, quite literally, is a skincare ingredient of mythical proportions. It is like 'Liquid Glod' for your face.Frankincense benefits to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes. It has anti-inflammatory and tissue remodelling properties, too.
Geranium Essential Oil is reputed to effectively eliminate dead cells, tighten the skin, promote the regeneration of new skin, and diminish signs of aging. Used medicinally, Geranium Essential Oil works as an anti-inflammatory and anti-septic agent.
With toning and astringent properties, Grapefruit is a great option for firming skin. Rich in the anti-oxidant Beta Carotene, it transforms dull, dehydrated complexions and leaves your skin beautifully radiant. Grapefruit is known to reduce redness and inflammation of the skin, for a smooth complexion.
Grape Seed is non-comedogenic i.e. it doesn't clog pores. It is known for treating acne, tightening skin, diminish dark, intensely hydrate, restore collagen and fight aging.
Camellia Senensis (Green Tea) leaves contain the potent antioxidant catechins which protect your skin from the oxidative stress that accompanies sun exposure. Tea polyphenols have natural astringent, toning, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties and boost production of collagen and elastase.
Hibiscus helps with age spots, and encourages an all round fresher, younger, smoother-looking complexion. The natural acids present in Hibiscus help to purify your skin by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover, and help to control acne breakouts.
Himalayan pink salt contains minerals and trace elements that get absorbed into the skin through dermal absorption and provide incredible healing and therapeutic benefits to the skin.
HoneySuckle is rich in flavonoids and saponins, which are sources of antioxidants and protect the skin against free radicals that cause damage and signs of aging. Honeysuckle is known to improve uneven skin tone and dullness.
Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles retaining moisture to the skin, making it plump. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place. As the skin isn't busy fighting for hydration, it leads to smoother, plumper skin cells.
Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help to tame chaffing and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying. The Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins in the Jojoba oil help in skin repair and damage control.
From controlling excess oil on our skin to healing acne breakouts, Kaolin clay does not have drying effects on your skin and is a boon for dry and sensitive skin. Kaolin clay prevents pores from clogging up and causing breakouts.
Kiwi seed oil can help improve elasticity as well as reduce wrinkles and fine lines.The high concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids make kiwi seed oil the perfect humectant. This ultra-nourishing oil can dramatically help to maintain moisture in the skin. Kiwi seed oil contains around 60% of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and it is also a rich source of Vitamins C and E.
Kokum butter helps prevents drying of the skin. It helps regenerates skin cells & reduces degeneration of skin cells. Its non-comodegenic in nature thus prevents the pores from clogging.
Lavender oil for skin to help reduce redness, blotchy patches, and acne scarring. Lavender oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing and healing skin that's irritated or reddened from the sun, insect bites, or bacteria.
Lemon essential oil is known as an astringent and for its detoxifying properties. Its antiseptic properties help in treating and clearing skin. Lemon oil also reduces excessive oil on the skin. Astringents are also known for getting rid of dead skin cells that clog pores.
Packed with fatty acids and other vitamins, mango butter is great moisture-rich food for your hair. Its benefits include softening the hair and preventing environmental damage. Mango butter is perfect for tresses that need the ultimate moisture and hydration.
Marula oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It improves the appearance of under eye darkness, puffiness, and fatigue, while boosting firmness.
Neroli works for skin tightening as it contains citral, a natural chemical which helps in regeneration of skin cells. It also assists in revival of scarred tissues.Neroli oil stimulates new cell growth and reduces skin pores. It improves skin resilience and therefore making a great an anti aging oil.
Papaya seed Oil is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin A & C and a remarkable stable source of omega 6 & 9 and natural fruit enzymes- papain, an important ingredient for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It is excellent for rejuvenating the skin, reducing acne scars and giving a radiant glow.
Pomegranate being rich in antioxidants, they neutralise the effect of free radicals in our body. The anti-ageing plant compounds in the fruit also help in stimulating keratinocyte cells (skin cells) and help in cellular regeneration thereby keeping wrinkles and sagging skin at bay.
Raspberry acts like a single-ingredient, natural sunscreen. The natural sun protection it provides is due to the high antioxidant content of the oil and vitamin E and polyphenols which neutralize free radicals. This antioxidant power results in smooth skin, reduced wrinkles, and supple hydration.
Rosemary can help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals. Rosemary is a natural antiseptic, it's a superior disinfectant for your skin. It helps in reducing inflammation on the skin, while acting as a natural preservative.
Seaweed has the ability to promote collagen production, and is an excellent ingredient for anti-aging skin care products. It is full of humectants that draw in moisture from the environment. The amino acids in seaweed help your skin to plump up.
Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E which help in promoting skin health. These vitamins act as antioxidants. They help in regenerating damaged skin cells and getting rid of the acne causing bacteria. The oil is light and non-greasy and thus, it gets absorbed in the skin easily without blocking the pores.
Tea tree oil is anciently known for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It' calms redness, swelling, and inflammation. It helps prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.
Vitamin E helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It's an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. Vitamin E is beneficial in reducing UV damage to skin.
Walnut shells are great for exfoliating as they delay ageing & get rid of dark circles. They are a natural sustitute for plastic microbeads used in face and body scrubs.
Wheat germ oil is a great source of vitamin A, E, D, B, antioxidants and fatty acids. In particular, wheat germ oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage, fight free radicals, support healthy collagen formation and maintain even skin tone.
This is my 2nd repeat order.
Love the natural look it gives and doesn't dry out the lips at all. It doesn't transfer onto masks either. Love that it's sans chemicals, parabens and preservatives!