Learn more about our ingredients

Plant Oils

Extracted from the seeds and nuts, plant oils are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds that can contribute to healthier skin. It’s no wonder they have been used for centuries in skincare due to their potential benefits. Fatty acids help to create a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss while keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. All plant oils in Caraline products have been selected for their unique characteristics that support the skin and are cold-pressed and organic whenever possible.

Chia (Salvia hispanica) Seed Oil

A pile of black and white chia seeds

Alightweight and exceptionally nourishing oil, Chia Seed has the highest natural omega-3 content of any carrier oil, which supports a healthy skin barrier by minimizing water loss. It contains antioxidants and phytonutrients and protects the skin against environmental elements that can contribute to age-related skin issues.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Seed Oil

A small bunch of fresh, red cranberries with some green leaves

Cranberry seed oil offers a balanced fatty acid profile of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids which are key to keeping the skin’s moisture barrier intact, locking in hydration, and keeping out environmental irritants. This oil contains provitamin A carotenoids, phytonutrients, and antioxidant compounds that benefit skin health. Polyphenols, carotenes, quercetin, and anthocyanins protect against oxidation and free radical damage, while tannins keep the oil feeling light on the skin. This upcycled ingredient is cold-pressed from seeds that would otherwise go to waste in the juice industry.

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Seed Oil

Jojoba pods on on a branch

Jojoba seed oil is a one-of-a-kind seed oil that has properties mirroring the composition of sebum. This compatibility enables jojoba to help maintain the skin’s acid mantle and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) without causing greasiness or clogging pores.Contains natural forms of vitamin E, which works as an antioxidant and soothes and moisturizes dry skin. 

Macadamia Nut (Macadamia Ternifolia) Seed Oil

Macadamia nuts with and without shell

Macadmia oil is rapidly absorbed and considered a light oil beneficial for moisturizing dry and mature skin. It is quick-penetrating and helps to soften the skin. With a fatty acid content of 63% Oleic and 23% Palmitoleic, Macadamia oil is anti-inflammatory and supports wound-healing while supporting the skin’s barrier function.

Passion Fruit (Passiflora Edulis) Seed Oil

Passion fruits cut in half interspersed with green leaves

Passion Fruit Seed oil is one of the richest sources of linoleic acid and has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. In addition, studies have proven its antioxidant effect, which makes it beneficial for the care of dry, irritated and inflamed skin.

Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Seed Oil

Pomegranate fruit with a slice showing pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate seed oil contains Punicic acid (omega5), which is a highly nutritious fatty acid for skin, able to balance pH and condition the skin’s surface. Pomegranate seed oil is also anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and supports cell regeneration, helping to increase elasticity of skin and repair sun and weather damage.  The oil we use is an upcycled ingredient and is cold-pressed from seeds that would otherwise go to waste in the juice industry.

Prickly Pear Opuntia Ficus-Indica) Seed Oil

Prickly pear cactus plant with red fruit

Inside the fruits of the prickly pear are seeds that contain oil containing multiple nutrients for skin. With large amounts of linoleic acid, Vitamin E, phytosterols, and polyphenols, prickly pear seed oil stimulates healthy cell production and turnover, provides protection, and helps skin retain moisture. It also soothes and reduces inflammation.

Rosehip (Rosa Rubiginosa) Seed
Oil

Red rosehips

Rosehip Seed oil contains a high amount essential fatty acids that smooth and soften the skin. Vitamin A increases elastin content and promotes collagen formation by helping delay age-related breakdown of skin and underlying tissues. Vitamins E and C nourish cells and shield against oxidation while creating a lipid barrier that protects and supports the skin. Rosehip oil is known as an astringent oil that displays notable antimicrobial action and absorbs quickly, leaving a non-greasy skin feel.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis) Seed Oil

Evening Primrose flowers and stem

Rich in omega-6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid, which help maintain moisture levels and support the skin’s barrier function. Evening Primrose Oil helps reduce the loss of epidermal water while improving skin softness and elasticity and helping to alleviate inflammation.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Seed Oil

Sea Buckthorn fruit berries

Rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, sea buckthorn supports the skin's moisture barrier while stimulating elasticity and cell regeneration. Extracted from the seeds of Hippophae rhamnoides shrub, native to Europe and the northern regions of Asia, this oil is known to be rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, and beta-carotene, making it a powerful natural antioxidant, which offers numerous benefits to the skin.

Antioxidants, Vitamins & Humectants

Antioxidants, humectants, and vitamins play important roles in Caraline products. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the skin from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. These are key as they can help protect skin like ours that has been exposed to the elements over the years. Humectants are one of our favorite ingredients to support skin with a story. They have this amazing ability to attract and retain moisture from the environment, helping to hydrate the skin. They are particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin. And vitamins – well, we all know - are crucial to human health, including our skin. Some provide antioxidant protection, like C and E, some can support the skin barrier, and others affect the texture and tone of the skin.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Molecular structure of coenzyme-Q10

CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the body that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Also known as ubiquinone and present in humans, animals, and plants, it is involved in energy metabolism in all human cells and is required to make new collagen. In addition to its antioxidant properties, COQ10 is known for its ability to boost collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity, and as we age, our body produces less of it. 

Glycerin

Drop of clear glycerin

We use an organic vegetable glycerin that hydrates the stratum corneum, acting as a humectant by absorbing water from the atmosphere and reducing the evaporation rate from the skin surface. It has been shown to help skin’s natural lipids maintain their structure, which in turn helps fortify the skin barrier and shield against environmental stressors. Lightweight and noncomedogenic, glycerin is compatible with all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Green tea leaves ad stems

The extract of the Camellia sinensis leaves contains catechins, a class of polyphenols with remarkable antioxidant properties. In fact, one of these catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is one of the most studied polyphenols. Green tea extracts and EGCG have been shown to reduce the amount of ROS in the skin, diminishing, and even reversing the impact of photoaging and UV damage. Besides that, the topical use of products containing green tea extract can reduce the production of collagen-degrading enzymes in the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)

Magnified drop of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate)

Apowerful humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, and is a naturally occurring compound in the body, making it a suitable ingredient for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, HA's unique water-binding properties can help maintain optimal hydration levels, leaving your skin feeling supple and smooth. As we age, our skin loses its natural hyaluronic acid content, resulting in a diminished ability of the skin to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the function of the skin barrier by attracting and retaining moisture.

Kakadu Plum (Terminalia Ferdinandiana)

Kakadu Plums growing on the tree

Kakadu Plum is classified as a superfruit thanks to its extraordinary composition of vitamins and antioxidants. Rich in vitamins C (its fruit contain the highest known vitamin C content) and E, folic acid, and carotenoids, Kakadu Plum also contains polyphenols (mainly gallic and ellagic acids) with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, offering multiple skin health benefits.

Niacinamide

Chemcal structure of niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3. Studies have shown that Niacinamide delivers multiple skin benefits, including improving epidermal barrier function and decreasing moisture loss, decreasing skin hyperpigmentation and improving skin elasticity. Niacinamide also acts as an antioxidant and helps neutralize free radicals, which cause oxidative stress that can damage DNA.

Botanicals & Hydrosols

Hydrosols, also known as "flower waters," are produced through steam distillation of fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. The hydrosols used in Caraline products are made from organic botanicals: rose Damascena, rose geranium, frankincense, cucumber, helichrysum, grapefruit, and lemon verbena. We have created a hydrosol blend of various plants and flowers formulated to hydrate and address the needs of older, mature and dry skin.

Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)

Cucumber slices

Cucumbers are 97% water, which makes them ideal for hydrosol distillation. We use cucumbers grown and hydrosols crafted in the Pacific Northwest via water-steam distillation of the fresh fruit Cucumis sativus.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Frankincense resin

Frankincense hydrosol is produced through a water-steam distillation in the United States from organic Boswellia carteri resin collected in Somaliland. This hydrosol has a fresh scent that is resinous and sweet with woody undertones, and it offers skin supportive qualities.

Grapefruit (Citrus grandis) Fruit Water

Grapefruit slices

Our grapefruit water is an active water derived from grapefruit that retains trace elements of the fresh plants. It brings wonderfully moisturizing, hydrating, and nourishing properties to the hydration mist formula. We use a grapefruit water that is certified natural by ECOCERT/COSMOS.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

Helichrysum flowers and stems

Our helichrysum hydrosol is produced via water-steam distillation of the dried flowering tops of the Helichrysum italicum plant. Helichrysum italicum’s common name is Everlasting, Immortelle or Curry Plant and it thrives in hot and sunny climates.

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodora) 

Lemon verbena leaves and stems

Lemon verbena hydrosol is a refreshing botanical water that imparts a light citrus scent with notes of fresh greenery. It is supportive of a relaxing state of mind and has a citrus profile and green herbal back notes. It is great for normal and combination skin but may be used by anyone as a balancing and revitalizing toner. Our lemon verbena hydrosol is produced in the Pacific Northwest via water-steam distillation of fresh Aloysia citriodora.

Pelargonium spp. (Rose Geranium)

Rose geranium flowers and stems

Our rose geranium hydrosol is created in the Pacific Northwest via water-steam distillation of the aerial portion of rose geranium flowers and plants grown in the US. Rose geranium hydrosol is known for its ability to harmonize the skin and support a balanced complexion. It’s great for all skin types and is soothing and hydrating.

Rosa Damascena (Rose)

Rose damascena flowers

The use of rose hydrosol, also known as rose water or rose floral water, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Renowned for its potential benefits for the skin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rose hydrosol is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oil from rose petals. Rose hydrosol can act as a gentle toner, helping to balance the skin's pH and tighten pores while its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness. Here at Caraline Skincare, we use organic Rosa damascena flowers grown in Bulgaria.