Our 'Yes' Ingredients
It's not only that we use high grade, proven, active ingredients in our formulas. That's the science part.
It's also about how we put these together to create truly beautiful products that not only work but also feel luxurious and delicious - and that's the magic part.
Incorporating the best of nature and the best of science, we strictly use non-toxic preservatives and stabilisers.
It is so nerdy, but we simply love Australian Botanicals. Here's some info on our key ingredients, in case you're nerdy too.
Kangaroo Flower
Excellent for hydration and skin repair, the desert Kangaroo Flower (Anigozanthos flavidus) is packed with nutritious fatty acids and as a result is quietly finding its way into top drawer skin care. We use this wonderful plant in our moisturisers, oils and serums.
Australian Snake Vine
Australian Snake Vine (Hibbertia scandens) grows only in the sand dunes of the coastal regions of eastern Australia. Used by Australian Aborigines as an important bush medicine remedy, and now predicted to be a major player in natural skin care, Snake Vine contains a high concentration of actives with proven anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It also contains catechins that are 100 times more potent antioxidants than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E, to protect against oxidative, stress-induced cell death.
Snake Vine contains myricetin which alleviates aging-induced oxidative stress and has important applications for improving physical cell performance under hypoxic environments; and Snake Vine also displays antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity.
Australian Tasmanian Mountain Pepper Berry
Tasmanian Mountain Pepper Berry (Tasmannia lanceolata) is an anti-inflammatory active Australian Botanical used in traditional medicine for centuries and proven to soothe and calm reactive skin. By inhibiting the trpv1 channel it decreases inflammatory markers, instantly reducing itching and burning sensations and reducing the appearance of skin redness. Inflammation starts deep in the skin layer and may not come to the surface until days later. We don't like inflammation. Not only is it annoying but it is also very aging! Mountain Pepper Berry also maintains skin firmness – stimulating up to 2-fold increase in synthesis of collagen, elastin and associated polysaccharides.
This wonderful Australian Botanical is proven to prevent inflammation deep where it begins.
Australian Native River Mint
There is a unique synergy between the six phyto-active compounds in Australian Native River Mint (Mentha australis) that make this eastern Australian Botanical a particularly powerful source of phenolics. Phenolic compounds account for strong antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory action.
Banksias
Australian Banksias are remarkable flowers, packed with antioxidants and glycosides that repair skin and build collagen. Banksias are found across the Australian bush, mainly in dry, coastal areas, and have evolved powerful adaptation mechanisms to store vast quantities of these phyto-compounds needed to survive the extreme conditions of the harsh Australian climate.
The flowers we use in our products are wild harvested and as such are highly potent. The essences are extracted gently and cold - we don't crush, heat, squeeze, pulp or harm our plants - we love them! The goodness is cleverly extracted so that the full botanic ingredients are not denuded or compromised but remain exactly as they are.
Australian Desert Lime
This hardy bush lime (Citrus glauca) has evolved over millenia to thrive in the harsh Australian central desert. It has a mammoth 9 phyto-active compounds with exceptionally high potency for skin hydration, de-pigmentation, collagen synthesis, whitening and brightening, wrinkle reduction and anti-aging - and all this from just one tiny little sour bush lime!
Research demonstrates Australian Bush Lime contains actives with strong scavenging action on free radicals, anti-inflammatory effect on inflammatory cells by suppressing the production of active oxygen, potent anti-aging activity by stimulating the growth of collagen, synergistic action to intensify the antioxidant activity of Vitamin C and strengthening of capillaries, reducing dark circles and puffiness under the eye.
We're nominating this little guy for Australian of the Year!
Australian Waratah
One of our favourite flowers, the Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is a beautiful looking plant, and its dramatic looks are matched only by its dramatic phyto-compounds - amines, alkaloids, adenise, anthocyanin, tryptophan, chlorogenic acid, caffeoyl-quinic acid and tarpenois - otherwise meaning in plain English - Waratah has multiple anti-aging actions and calms irritated skin.
There are around 23,000 plants species in Australia, two thirds or which are unique to our continent. Of these only around 1,000 have been studied so far for their skin health benefits: OMG - so much opportunity and we have so much still to do!!
Australian Blackwood Wattle
Native to eastern and southern Australia, Blackwood Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is not only a beautiful plant, and our nation's floral emblem, but also a fantastic plant for skin care due to its potent mix of flavone glycosides. Black Wattle has excellent benefits for anti-aging, anti-acne, whitening/brightening, collagen and Vitamin C support.
Kangaroo Apple
Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) contains a steroid important to cortisone production, which reduces inflammation. It also contains amino acids that increase red blood cell production, so increasing transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Kangaroo Apple also has a substantiator (conditioning material) that is tolerated by the skin and improves tolerance to aggressive substances.
And as if all that is not enough, Kangaroo Apple also acts to build protein hyrdrolysate moisture in the skin.
Australian Native Sandalwood
Australian Sandalwood (Fusanus spicatus) grows in the semi-arid parts of Australia. Like its Indian cousin, Australian sandalwood is highly prized in skin care. Rich in Omega 3, 6, 9, and Ximenynic acid it reduces fine lines, improves skin tone and hydration, and increases dermal strength.
A world-wide shortage of sandalwood has prompted new plantations of Australian Fusanus spicatus. We source most of our sandalwood oil from Indigenous suppliers who not only wild-harvest the tree roots and timbers but are also involved in projects to re-plant Australian Sandalwood native stock.
Australian Hemp
Australians have a reputation for being chilled, but that's not the reason we at Girl Voyager love our hemp. Grown organically locally, we incorporate hemp (Cannabis sativa) into our products because of its superb anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Hemp contains linoleic and oleic acids that can't be manufactured by the body but play a crucial role in skin health and anti-aging. It's not a fad. It really works. And, it's our absolute first go-to for inflamed, irritated skin.
"Pass the dutchie 'pon the left hand side...." (OK, we'll stop now.
Australian Centipeda
Also known as 'Old Man Weed', Centipeda (Centipeda cunninghamii), is an Australian botanical that is highly respected in Indigenous traditional medicine for its exceptional soothing, wound-healing and medicinal properties.
The unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant synergy of Centipeda is outstanding for its distinct ability to minimise inflammation, promote cell regeneration, improve the condition of skin.
Pandanus (Wild Pineapple)
Australian Pandanus grows on the eastern coast of Australia, (they are on the beach right next to our office here at Mount Coolum on the Sunshine Coast :)). Pandanus is high in anti-oxidants including flavonoids, and high in Tannin which is regenerative, heals burns and improves skin health. Traditionally, pandanus leaves were applied directly to the skin on the face to heal acne.
We like Pandanus too, because it also contains vitamin B3, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin D. Yes. What more can we say? Wow.
Australian Finger Lime Caviar
Native to the rainforests of east coast Australia, this water-soluble plant (Citrus australasica) is full of phyto-actives, including vitamin C, that are cold extracted and not heated or damaged or in any other way exposed to an oxidative process during extraction. This means the vitamin C and other amazing phyto-actives in this plant are fully available - as they exist in nature – potent, active and synergistic.
Aussie Native Finger Limes are yummy and highly nutritious bush tucker too!
Strawberry Gum
Strawberry Gum (Eucalyptus olida) is intensely aromatic with the most delicious strawberry passionfruit scent. It is also high in powerful water-soluble phyto-actives, especially antioxidants, and especially high in anti-aging beauties such as gallocatechin and catechins, and flavones myricetin glycoside and quesrcetin glycoside.
Its glossy green leaves and pretty pink flowers are spectacular. This is an Australian bush flower that is a special favourite of the Girl Voyager team.
Silky Oil Grass
Cymbopogon bombycinus, known also as Australian lemon grass, is rich in flavone glycosides and methoxylflavone which collaborate to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen.
This Australian fragrant grass has been used traditionally for multiple healing applications, including improving eye health.
FLAME TREE
The spectacular Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is native to the eastern parts of Australia and is as spectacular in its action as it is in appearance. Flame Tree intensifies the action of Vitamin C and so super charges any Vitamin C formula.
How spectacular is that?!
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) Butter is full of natural vitamins A and E, and is one of the best anti-aging agents for the skin naturally available, keeping skin supple, nourished, and radiant. Shea Butter is long lasting, reduces and prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines, and increases circulation to the skin, as well as promotes cell renewal.
Our Organic Shea Butter is Fair Trade. It feels luxurious, wonderful and soothing and is safe enough to eat.
Organic Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) leaf juice soothes skin and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Aloe has burn healing, scar reducing and wound healing properties and protects against UV damage. The skin can absorb the key ingredients of Aloe up to seven layers deep. Aloe has proven ability to remove dead skin cells and toxins while purifying the pores and is also a moisturizing agent. Aloe is gentle yet also has anti-microbial properties. We use certified organic aloe vera as a base for our products rather than water.
What's not to love about Aloe?
YES Moisture
Our moisturisers all contain our very own proprietary Derma36TM, with proven 3D hydration for circulation of moisture throughout all skin layers for 36 hours and longer. The skin barrier is reinforced over a 36 hour period by the function of stimulating ceramides synthesis (ceramides are the lipids in intercellular cement of the corneous layer), and by boosting Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) and hyaluronic acid, so that the water reserves in both epidermal and dermal layers are optimised, and by maximising water circulation through action on aquaporines and tightening of the cellular junctions. Results are softer, smoother skin and smoothing of fine lines.
And the great thing is, Derma36TM effectiveness builds over time. Lab results show continuous improvement of skin texture and structure with daily application of this wonder ingredient over a 28 period.
Organic Babassu Butter
Babassu Oil is an exotic kernel oil extracted from the seeds of the Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) which grows in the Amazon. It has benefits and properties similar to coconut oil but it is lighter, non-comedogenic and, unlike coconut oil, soaks in and dries on the skin creating an undetectable barrier that protects against free radicals. Babassu Oil glides on to the skin creating a rich, non-greasy emollience. It helps to soften skin, gives skin a natural lustre and has the effect of balancing skin oils. This is one of our very favourite new ingredients.
Green Citrus Unshiu
Green Citrus Unshiu is rich in synephrine and hesperidin, highly potent molecules that play a major role in regulating the eotaxin synthesis process, responsible for histamine release. Green Citrus Unshiu reduces hypersensitivity and improves skin barrier function. It is a favorite of Japanese and South Korean women, and now one of ours. This botanical also protects against the effects of indoor pollution to avoid atopic-prone skin conditions and hypersensitivity.
Green Citrus Unshiu is nature's own anti-histamine and is a perfect ingredient to equip the skin to respond to the assaults of harsh air in airplanes and airports and air-conditioning in offices and hospitals.
Red Marine Algae
Commonly called Irish moss or carrageen moss, Chondrus crispus is a red algae with exceptional moisturisation properties tested in university-based biomedical engineering research focusing on tissue affinity and adhesivity for the promotion of wound healing. In addition to water delivery, the polymers provide benefits to skin tissue matrix health.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage, (Salvia sclarea), is a plant native to the northern Mediterranean Basin. Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, it reduces inflammation and skin rashes because of the presence of linalyl acetate. It also balances the production of natural oils in the skin.
Clary Sage has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is very gentle. Unlike some other botanicals that are also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, Clary Sage calms and soothes skin and prevents irritation.
Organic Avena Sativa (Oat)
Avena sativa (Oat) is widely used in skin care formulas for sensitive skin because of its anti-inflammatory, moisturising and soothing properties. It is used to ease a variety of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry, itchy skin.
At Girl Voyager we are great believers in prevention. Inflammation of the skin begins deep in the skin layers long before the signs appear on the surface of the skin as redness, flakiness or irritation. By including ingredients that target inflammation in all our formulas we can care for your skin from the inside out.
Shorea Robusta
Shorea robusta, also known as the Sal Tree, has traditionally been used by tribal peoples in India for wound healing and for soothing and repair of burns. The Sal tree has religious significance in Buddhism and Hinduism and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, and for cooking! Shorea robusta also contains Sphotahara and Kandunashana which provide relief from itching.
We use Shorea robusta in our products as a perfect vegan substitute for beeswax.
Squalane
Squalane is naturally produced but as we grow older our skin makes less of it. That's why we have loaded up our Girl Voyager 36 Hour Rich Hydrating Moisturiser and our moisturising masks with a mega-dose of this anti-dehydration wonder. It is highly emollient, prevents loss of hydration and improves visible elasticity and skin texture. Years ago, skin care products included this ingredient derived from shark's liver. Yes, uggh. Sharks were bred and then slaughtered purely for the sake of women's beauty. So wrong. Now scientists have developed a 100% highly effective plant-derived oil equivalent. (Note, we don't use the cheap stuff made from olives, but a high tech version made from sugar cane.)
Thank goodness, as we truly love this ingredient.
Canadian Willow Herb
This magical herb, sometimes called Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), reduces irritations induced by chemicals, UV and acne. Used by Native Americans in traditional healing, Willow Herb contains a bioactive molecule, Oenothein-B, with wide ranging anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal activity. Its free radical scavenging abilities soothe inflamed or irritated skin while allowing healing to take place.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, as you can see we don't only just use Australian bush essences in our products. We use what ever botanicals the Australian skin science says works, and Willow Herb absolutely makes the grade. We welcome her to the illustrious 'Yes' Ingredients list!
Peruvian Ground Apple
Agreed, he's not the prettiest of plants, but cold pressed juice from the root of the Peruvian Ground Apple (Polymnia sonchifolia) contains polyphenols, fructose and oligofructoses that in-vitro studies have proven hydrate and energize cells by stimulating cell reparation mechanisms.
Betaine
Derived from beetroots, Betaine occurs naturally in biological tissue and is a component of the natural moisturising factor (NMF) in skin. Offering superior moisturising it feels fresh and improves the permeability of the skin rapidly, giving skin more moisture.
Because of this little beauty the Girl Voyager moisturisers don't just sit on top of the skin, but are soaked up right deep into the skin where they can work their magic.
Japanese Wax
Rhus verniciflua Peel Cera is a wax obtained from the mesocarp of the fruit of the Japanese Wax Tree. Although it is commonly called a wax, Rhus vernicilfua cera is actually a fat and has excellent emollient properties. This plant is a beautiful, beautiful ingredient and a great vegan alternative to beeswax.
Ectoin
Ectoin is a symbiotic prebiotic and probiotic complex and a common ingredient in many high-end skin care products. Discovered in the deserts and salt lakes of Egypt, Ectoin is a natural substance which protects micro-organisms against the damaging effects of UVB and UVA irradiation, dryness and extreme temperatures. In the same way that Ectoin naturally helps these organisms to survive in some of the world’s toughest conditions, Ectoin boosts the skin’s built-in protection system and shields skin cells against environmental stress.
BAM
Occasionally the scientists come up with something that is really just too good to ignore. BAM is a designer skin care ingredient we use in our masks and moisturisers as an anti-stress, anti-pollution, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle agent. It re-balances cortisol levels in skin by inhibiting the enzyme 11β-HSD1, leading to significantly improved skin density and barrier integrity. BAM fights against stress-induced collagen loss and skin-thinning. Human skin responds to stress when traveling caused by lack of sleep, poor nutrition, rushing to meet connections, and dry, strange environments by producing cortisol. Excessive cortisol results in skin thinning, loss of elasticity and weakening of the skin barrier which is why skin can become red or irritated and extra dry while flying.
BAM is a common ingredient in well regarded products for sensitive skin including Avene and SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask. BAM stands for Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone.
ADCE
ADCE (Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester) is a soothing Peptide we incorporate into some of our masks targeting skin stress and anti-irritation. ADCE functions as a muscle relaxant. It works by stimulating the skin nerve cells to release met-enkephalin which is an opioid (i.e. relaxing, pain-relieving) messenger molecule, so instantly decreasing skin irritations coming from heat, chemical stinging or mechanical stresses.
ADCE is a designer ingredient that you will also find in other high end products such as Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask.
Questions?
Above are only some of our 'Yes' ingredients. We are constantly researching, formulating and testing new products that incorporate potent Australian Botanicals offering genuine beauty, efficacy and purpose in skin care.
Feel free to contact us any time if you have a question about our products, manufacturing or ingredients.