Aloe Vera is known as "The Miracle Plant" and because of its many attributes, we use it extensively in both the River Veda and The Organic Skin Co. ranges. It has soothing, emollient, and antibacterial properties, which allows it to heal skin disturbances and inflammation at the same time as it promotes new skin growth, moisturizes, balances, protects, and counters the effects of aging.

Because Aloe Vera stimulates cell growth it enhances the restoration of damaged skin. It moisturizes the skin because it has a water holding capacity. This gives it a cooling and protective effect, which is why it is such a great tonic for redness.

Almond Meal Powder is a soft and gentle exfoliant made from a blend of whole ground almonds, including the shell and nut. It is high in almond oil, which is good for healing and moisturizing dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Its soothing, calming properties also make it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins, while as an exfoliant it binds and removes oil, dirt particles and perspiration from the skin.

Amaranth is one of the oldest of the worlds domesticated plants. Amaranthus is a Greek word meaning immortal or unfading. It is an excellent extract for dry, damaged or aging skin, being rich in natural alpha, beta and delta tocopherols (vitamin E complex) and essential omega-6 fatty acids. Full of skin-nourishing properties with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, Amaranth also contains unsaturated fatty acids and has a uniquely high content of squalene (similar to the skin surface lipids of human skin, which keep skin healthy and elastic), tocopherols and tocotrienols.

This herb is one of the most well-known and versatile in herbal medicine and is held in high esteem for its skincare properties. It helps to nourish the skin, softening and soothing irritations and is generally used to treat either sensitive, or dry skin. It can aid in healing wounds, inflamed skin, and most minor skin problems and is antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial.

Calendula extracts in skincare have been shown to improve resistance against environmental, chemical or mechanical irritations, repair cellular damage by stimulating granulation, reduce inflammation and help create a smooth surface.

Recent investigations also clearly demonstrate that Calendula Supercritical Extracts - as used by World Organic- produces a higher-grade extract with increased topical anti-inflammatory activity in comparison with hydro-alcohol extracts of the same raw material. In a bioassay-oriented test, the hydro-alcohol extract had a mild dose dependent effect, whereas the supercritical extract gave a 70% better efficacy when added on a drug-equivalent basis and a 350% better efficacy based on the absolute extract dosage.

Caprylic / Capryic Triglyceride is derived wholly from coconut. It is used for calming and softening out the skin. It does this by creating a barrier on the skins surface, decreasing the amount of moisture lost through the skin, functioning not only to prevent dryness, but also as a skin conditioning agent. Equally important is its role as a dispersing agent, its unique diamond shape enabling it to readily penetrate into the skin and helping it act as a carrier for our botanical supercritical extracts.

Organic cold pressed Castor Seed Oil provides a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions, whilst one of its active agents, Ricinoleic Acid, helps to minimize inflammations and keep the skin smooth, youthful and unlined. In eye makeup it has a long history of being helpful to eyelashes and eyebrows by promoting hair growth and enhancing a healthy, lustrous appearance.

Decyl Glucoside is a sugar emulsifier made with plants oils and sugars that provides foaming and cleansing properties. This is one of the mildest cleansers, derived from natural and renewable sources - biodegradable, non-toxic and residue free.

In our products, we use organic Evening Primrose Cold Pressed Oil sourced from the South Island of New Zealand. This premium organic oil has high levels of beneficial unsaturated essential fatty acids, including some 78 essential fatty acids (EFAs), including linoleic acid. These EFAs are highly useful for strengthening skin cell membranes, supporting their fluidity and nourishing and revitalizing skin tissue. These therapeutic botanical properties further help to protect against skin irritations and also aid in skin hydration by maintaining the proper condition of the skins water barrier, which is critical to maintaining a healthy and plush feel to the skin.

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a building block of triglyceride fats and oils. We only use plant-derived glycerin in our skin care products. Glycerine helps preserve the skins moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen and bringing it into the skin.

Glycerin (and) Sucrose Laurate (and) Sucrose Dilaurate (and) Sucrose Trilaurate (and) Sorbitol is a natural solubilizer, derived from sugar cane and fatty acids, all of vegetable origin. This cane sugar comes solely from natural renewable sources, is naturally biodegradable, and is free of petrochemicals, preservatives, PEG and additives. Solubilizers are an essential part of most cosmetic formulations as they help blend the oil part of the product with the water-based part of the product.

Commonly known as GMS, Glycerine Monostearate is an organic molecule used as an emulsifier. It is a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting flaky powder that is hygroscopic. It is a glycerol ester of stearic acid. It occurs naturally in the body as a by-product of the breakdown of fats, and is also found in fatty foods.

Known as the ‘king of flowers’, exotic Jasmine has long been used in perfumery and therapeutically on the skin. Particularly useful in the treatment of skin that is dry or aggravated, it is also a heavenly smelling oil that uplifts the emotions and cheers the spirit.

Jojoba Seed Oil is a very stable oil derived from the fruit (seeds) of jojoba, an evergreen shrub native to American desert regions. It closely resembles sebum that is produced by human skin and therefore is readily absorbed. This natural affinity to the skin and its innate healing properties, helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, promote skin suppleness and assist in the rejuvenation of the skin. The fruits yield 50 to 60 % liquid wax (wax that is liquid at room temperature), and contain pro-vitamin A and vitamin E. Jojoba Oil is highly valued in cosmetics for its moisturizing and emollient (skin softening) effects as it protects the skin from drying while it also smoothes and strengthens the epidermis.

Juniper is a tonic for oily and congested skins. It is detoxifying and antiseptic so useful for treating acne, blocked pores, eczema, psoriasis and inflammations. Emotionally, it is useful to stimulate and strengthen the nervous system and clear negative energy.

Holy Basil Extract contains essential oils, which are highly antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal in nature. Application on the skin helps remove extra oil from the skin’s surface, while the Camphene in the extract has a soothing and cooling effect. Holy Basil is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, helping to repair damage done by free radicals while also minimizing the stress induced by these oxidants.

Honeysuckle flowers have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve skin inflammations, sunburn and rashes. Due to these properties, Honeysuckle Oil is also used to dispel heat and remove toxins and it is therefore suitable for acne or skins with excess oil or inflammation. Being highly rich in vitamins and minerals, including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C, Rutin, (a nutrient that enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C) and Quercetin, Honeysuckle is also a great antioxidant and nutrient for the skin.

Indian Sarsaparilla is known to have beneficial tonic activities on the skin and is useful for the treatment of dry and damaged skin tones. As an Ayurvedic herb it is recognized for its ability to promote skin healing and help a variety of skin conditions, such as inflammation, by balancing pitta and therefore soothing the skin.

Historically, Lavender was used as an antiseptic in cleansing and dressing wounds, as it is known to promote healing from burns, scrapes, acne, insect bites and much more. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that have a balancing effect on the skin and it can be used for the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and acne. Lavender can be used in general for all skin types while also offering a wonderful aroma that helps to soothe the mind and soul. Known as a nervine it helps to alleviate stress and offers calming and sedative properties.

Lemon is useful for cleansing the skin and is a useful antiseptic, astringent and antibacterial as well as being well regarded as an anti-inflammatory. It is refreshing and cooling and is known to lift the spirit and to be useful for mental fatigue as it helps to improve the ability to concentrate.

Licorice Root extract is useful as an anti-inflammatory that scavenges free radicals and acts as an antioxidant on the skin. It is known to limit UV absorption and inhibit melanin biosynthesis. Licorice is also useful in the treatment of skin discoloration and is soothing to dry, irritated skin. As an anti-inflammatory, astringent and anti-microbial, Licorice Root extract is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammations, burns, wounds, and skin problems in general.

Neem is a widely used Ayurvedic herb, known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and purifying properties. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties assist to combat acne and general inflammatory skin conditions by helping to reduce swelling and redness. It is further known to generally support the immune system and promote a healthy and even skin tone. Neem Oil is also considered as the Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter of the East, being an excellent moisturizer, high in Vitamin E, and rich in emollients and fatty acids - all helping to soothe dry, cracked or otherwise stressed and damaged skin.

Nutmeg invigorates and stimulates the mind and works as an antibacterial tonic agent on the skin, helping to decrease inflammation in acne.

Olive Butter contains all the moisturizing and antioxidant properties of olive oil, whilst the deep moisturizing and skin nourishing qualities of its thicker butter helps to create an extra-rich emollient for the skin. It is used to increase the skins moisture by delivering oils to the surface of the skin, which are then locked in with waterproof butter. Finally, Olive Butter is high in major antioxidants, including vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols as well as hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, which also prevents free radical damage to the skin.

Our Pomegranate Seed CO2 Extract contains all lipohilic components extracted from the seed of Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) using our pure extraction techniques. Pomegranate Seed extract is highly recommended for use in moisturizing creams and lotions, anti-aging formulations, and formulations for dry, irritated, or chapped skin. It can promote skin regeneration, stimulate self-repair mechanisms, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. Pomegranate Seed Oil has calming properties and is therefore useful in skin soothing formulas.

Potassium Sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits (like the berries of mountain ash). The commercial ingredient is synthetically produced, creating what is termed a “nature identical” chemical (chemically equivalent to the molecule found in nature). It is the only synthetic ingredient used by World Organic in our entire range.Importantly, Potassium Sorbate is a food-grade preservative that has been effectively used for decades and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) to preserve food products. Many studies using dilutions similar to those used in body care products have found it to be essentially non-irritating and non-sensitizing. In fact, the toxicity of Potassium Sorbate is pretty close to that of table salt. What’s more, it’s included in the Handbook of Green Chemicals, is approved by the Natural Products Association and all cosmetic organic certifiers, and is also Whole Foods Premium Body Care approved.

Punarnava is an Ayurvedic herb that is known as a general tonic and healer, with excellent anti-inflammatory and calming actions to stressed skin. The word punarnava literally means “one which renews the body”, that is, which brings back the youth.

Finely powdered, organic Rice Granules gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving the skin with a smoother and brighter appearance. Used for centuries in the ancient art of Ayurveda as part of a holistic healing practice, Rice Granules are known to help soothe inflamed skin and absorb excess oil.

Rose Essential Oil, known as the ‘queen of flowers’ and ‘gift of the gods’, has excellent hydrating properties, accompanied by stimulating and harmonizing qualities which make it ideal for all skin care. Attar of Rose is the most expensive and rare essential oil, containing many properties of the rose in concentrated form. Every drop of Rose Oil is the concentrated fragrance of countless hand-sorted rose blossoms. There are more than 400 individual components (constituents) in Rose Essential Oil.Rose Attar is especially recommended for dry, mature, normal-combination or sensitive skins and it is particularly effective in treating broken capillaries, wrinkles and stressed skin. The antibacterial and healing qualities of the Rose also make it the perfect ingredient for skin treatments for irritated, damaged and ageing skin. It encourages tissue formation, accelerates skin regeneration, and - being an anti-inflammatory - is used in the treatment of skin eruptions, allergic rashes and slow-to-heal wounds. Finally, Rose Essential Oil is considered a panacea to the senses, its soothing and relaxant properties helping promote inner relaxation and balance.

Organic Rose Flower Hydrosol (organic ‘Rose Water’) is a fragrant, luxurious botanical ingredient, which is found in many of World Organics products. The aromatic water of organic roses possesses a number of therapeutic applications including rejuvenating, hydrating, softening and calming properties, and is therefore known to nourish skin health and restore radiance and youthfulness to the skin.

Since time immemorial, Turmeric has been very popular for cosmetic use, especially in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine where it is used as an anti-inflammatory to treat skin ailments and wounds. Interestingly, while most research cites anti-cancer and antioxidant properties involved in the oral ingestion of the ingredient, studies have also proven the topical application of turmeric to effectively reduce inflammation and to work as an antimicrobial. As it has well documented (in vivo tests) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, it is regarded as an excellent candidate for the prevention and treatment of a many skin ailments including psoriasis, acne, wounds, burns, eczema, sun damage and premature aging.

Multifunctional Usnea Lichen CO2 Extract has demonstrated both antimicrobial efficacy and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This lichen has been used for thousands of years as a therapeutic medicine for a wide range of medical conditions and for a few personal products.

Because the smell of Vanilla Oil can help to reduce stress it is often used in aromatherapy to relax your mind. Vanilla Oil has a sedative-like property; it can calm the brain, relax the nerves and promote sleep. Vanilla Essential Oil also has antioxidant properties, assisting in the prevention of damage to skin cells due to the toxic actions of pollutants and toxins.

Vegetable Glycerine is used to retain moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen and bringing it into the skin. It is a natural emollient that has a cooling effect on the skin and is found in most skincare products and soaps. It is also very useful in making non-alcohol herbal extracts, which are called glycerites. We use only pure, 100% Vegetable Glycerine.

Xanthan Gum is a natural ingredient produced from the fermentation of sugar syrup by a natural yeast-like microorganism, Xanthomonas Campestris. As a polysaccharide, it is used primarily as a thickening agent because of its capability to hold water.It also improves shelf life, helping with the stabilization of a product.

Ylang Ylang has a balancing effect on the sebum, making it effective on both oily and dry skin. Its sweet, exotic and floral aroma is enticing and is known to enhance sensuality and relieve tension and depression.

A natural mineral, physical block sunscreen, Zinc Oxide has broad-spectrum UV properties due to its light absorbing and reflecting capabilities. Zinc Oxide is the safest and most effective natural single active sunscreen filter available as it protects from both UVA and UVB rays and does not enter the body through the skin. Rather it sits on top of the skin, reflecting and scattering the UV rays.