As you probably know by now if you have been using CHARLíS products for a while, a great amount of care goes into finding just the right combination of natural substances to put into each one of our formulas. Many of the substances that we use come in the form of naturally-derived plant extracts.

What are plant extracts, how do they differ from essential oils, and why should it matter for the health of your skin? That is what this article is all about so keep reading to learn more!

Extract vs. Essential Oil: What’s the Difference?

Essential oils are created by separating out key components from aromatic herbs, roots, and plants. When quality essential oils are created using natural steam or pressed means, the aromatic elements (called terpenes) are a strong component of their effectiveness for skin healing and revitalization. For more information on essential oils and how to choose the right ones for you, be sure to check out this article.

Extracts, on the other hand, are created using much simpler methods. Aromatic herbs (like grapefruit or rose, for example) can be used for extracts as can non-aromatic plants, but when they are used as extracts, the aromatic characteristics of the plant are not the main beneficial component. In fact, plant essences removed in extract form will often have completely different characteristics and benefits than the same plants in essential oil form.

Just like essential oils, plant extracts can be created using a variety of different methods, including water (infusion or decoction), alcohol, glycerin, fatty acids, or vinegar. Tinctures, syrups, teas, and even dried plant matter can all be characterized under the general label of an “extract.” However diverse the form, all extracts represent plant compounds that have been removed from a plant’s structure to make these phytonutrients more absorbable internally or through the skin. (1)

Ten Superstar Extracts Used in CHARLíS Formulas

Let’s take a look at some of the main “superstar” herbal extracts that go into CHARLíS flagship formulas to learn more about why we use them:

#1 Kakadu Plum Extract

The Kakadu Plum is also known as Green Plum, Salty Plum or by its Latin name, Terminalia ferdinandiana. It is native to Australia. In raw form, the Kakadu plum is a small, green, sour-tasting fruit. In extract form, however, it is a vitamin C powerhouse that can significantly help boost collagen production in the skin. Collagen is absolutely needed for maintaining skin plumpness and overall health. Unfortunately, research shows that natural collagen production declines each year after about age 35. This is why Kakadu Plum Extract is a staple in the CHARLíS Daily Facial Cleanser.

#2 Willow Herb Extract

Also known as “burnt weed” or “fire weed,” Epilobium Angustifolium is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory when used in extract form. According to a 2021 study, a phytonutrient called oenothein B is the main inflammatory regulator within willow herb, and this can help soothe inflammatory skin conditions as well. (2) Willow herb has also been shown to protect from oxidative stress and is an ideal cleansing substance for sensitive skin. That is why it can be found in both the CHALIRS Daily Facial Cleanser and the CHARLíS Nourishing Anti-Aging Toner.

#3 Summer Lilac Extract

Originally grown in various parts of Asia, summer lilac, or “butterfly bush,” is now considered an invasive species in many parts of the American West. Indeed, lilacs can be mesmerizingly beautiful when their blooms take over trellises or entire fields during the warm months of the year. As it turns out, lilac (or Buddleja Davidii) in extract form can be equally amazing for repairing and reviving stressed-out, aging skin. It contains key amino acids and other phytonutrients which can help to moisturize and soothe irritated, dry, damaged, or stressed-out skin. Summer lilac extract can be found in the CHARLíS Nourishing Anti-Aging Toner.

#5 Apple Extract

At CHARLíS, we utilize two different kinds of apple extract in our Breath of LIfe Oxygen Face Serum. This unique formula is designed to be used after cleansing and toning and before applying moisturizer and make up to give your face an infusion of oxygen-rich nutrients. Swiss apple stem cell extract, created using cell cultures, works in a similar way as human stem cells do. For both, their job is to repair and maintain tissue. As an antioxidant, Swiss apple stem cell extract helps to protect against free radical damage. Plant stem cells also aid in the communication between key substances within the body, such as peptides and proteins that help to boost skin resilience and strength.

Pyrus Malus Apple Cell Culture Extract, on the other hand, differs from Swiss apple stem cell extract in that it is created using actual fruit. This kind of apple extract is extremely rejuvenating for aging skin. It too is high in antioxidants and has also been shown to be beneficial for improving skin elasticity and hydration via a key phytonutrient called malic acid. Pyrus Malus Apple Cell Culture Extract is also a mild exfoliant, able to remove surface layer dead skin so that new skin can breathe and grow. Pyrus Malus Apple cell culture extract is also included in the CHARLíS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum.

#6 Rhodochrosite Extract

Did you know that extracts can be made from gemstones as well as plants? For years, rhodochrosite has been admired (and worn) for its lovely light pink to purple hue. It has only been recently that its benefits as an extract have seen the light of day. In fact, the collagen-promoting, protective attributes of this prized mineral as well as its ability to cool inflammation to help with acne and other skin imbalances is why we decided to include Rhodochrosite Extract as a “superstar” ingredient within the CHARLíS Nourishing Anti-Aging Toner.

#7 Olivine Extract

Another gem-based skin-healing extract that is taking the skincare industry by storm is called olivine. Olivine is a green-hued mineral that is found in volcanic rock. It is used quite often with ceramics because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. However, recent discoveries have found that olivine, when used in extract form, can also be of great benefit to the skin. Magnesium, iron, and silica can be found in the gem. These minerals are essential building blocks for healthy skin. We are proud to feature olivine in our one of a kind CHARLíS Breath of LIfe Oxygen Face Serum.

#8 Marigold Flower Extract

Organic marigold, or Calendula Officinalis, flower extract has long been known as a gentle soother for sensitive skin. It has been shown to firm up skin as well as protect and regenerate in the face of day to day oxidative damage. Because of all this, it is said to be one of the most effective anti-aging substances nature has to offer. (3) What’s more, studies have shown that marigold can help to reduce scars during wound healing by encouraging the production of glycoproteins as well as collagen. It is antibacterial and a safe, effective fungicide as well, so it can help keep acne at bay. For all these reasons and more, we include organic marigold flower extract within the CHARLíS Breath of Life Serum.

#9 Rice Bran Extract

As you have probably guessed already, extracts can be made out of just about any organic matter, including grains. Rice “bran,” a byproduct of milling, resides just on the inside of the tough outer layer of the grain. It is nutrient-rich and, as a whole food, can be a great source of fiber. The extract is created by cold press or hand pressing to obtain the bran oil. As it turns out, this oil extract is pretty amazing when it comes to what it can do for the skin. In particular, rice bran in extract form contains a substance called gamma-oryzanol. This is a phytonutrient that can help promote circulation within the skin to even out blemishes and discoloration caused by aging, UV exposure, skin conditions, and more. Some studies have even hypothesized that application of gamm-oryzanol via quality skin care formulas can be skin cancer preventative. (4)

Rice bran extract, in general, also comes with a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals and is extremely hydrating. This is why Oryza Sativa Bran Extract is a prime ingredient in the CHARLÍS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum.

#10: Pea Extract

Rounding out our ten superstar extracts is the common, everyday pea. Why would such a lowly veg be such a superstar when it comes to helping to heal and revitalize the skin? Let me count the ways!

First of all, Pisum Sativum Extract contains amino acid groupings called peptides that have the ability to catalyze collagen growth as well as contribute to skin elasticity, suppleness, and firmness. These specific amino acid groupings within pea also help to maintain moisture. Its hydrating and moisture-retaining effects also build up the skin’s natural protective and defensive barrier, allowing skin to be more resilient. Pea may be humble in the veggie world, but it is a true superstar when it comes to what it can do for the skin. That is why it is a key ingredient in the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.

Experience the Healing Power of CHARLíS Extracts Today!

There you have it, our “top ten” extracts included within the signature formulas from the CHARLíS Luxury Face and Skincare lines. Of course, these represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the extracts, essential oils, and other organic, sustainably-derived ingredients we painstakingly choose to include in each one of our unique formulas.

If you have been with CHARLíS for a while, then you know how naturally effective, luxurious and yet at the same time gentle and safe our products are. Our organic selection of extracts are a big part of why our formulas are so effective. Whether you are a returning customer or visiting us for the first time, I hope this article has helped to educate you about the “what” when it comes to herbal extracts.

And, of course, the “why” is obvious…Because you are so worth it!

References:

1. Extraction, Isolation And Characterization Of Bioactive Compounds From Plants’ Extracts
2. Chemical characterization of the anti-inflammatory activity fraction of Epilobium angustifolium
3. Antioxidant and Skin Anti-Aging Effects of Marigold Methanol Extract
4. Prevention of UV-induced skin cancer in mice by gamma oryzanol-loaded nanoethosomes