Most lotions and moisturizers have this as their number one ingredient, and we don’t! Do you know what it is?
It’s water of course. Agua. Eau. Vettä. Água. מים. ماء. पानी.
Water is the essence of moisture (of course). That’s a quote from Idiocracy. Have you seen that movie? It’s a classic. Ben Stiller also takes a riff on this line in Zoolander when he says, "Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty." Which is kind of true when you think of it.
Without water, it is hard for our skin to absorb oils or nutrients. Any product that seals water in protects the integrity of your skin barrier. The science-y folks will call products that do this, humectants.
But Raina, your products don’t have any water! How do they work? True, we do not use water in any of our Folk Potions. Why? Because you have water at your house. Or at least, I hope you do! Our products are highly concentrated blends of herb-infused fats. We impart the healing power of herbs, flowers, mushrooms, and bark in oils or butter through two processes: time and heat. Water doesn’t absorb the natural goodness of these ingredients in the same way as fats like olive oil, shea butter, etc. I am not a scientist, but the reasons have to do with lipids, which you can read more about if you’re into that kind of thing.
When you filter out the herbs from the fats, you’re left with a potent, healing product. As a next step, one could add water or emulsifying wax and tons of preservatives to make a lotion. Lots of people do; I’m not knocking it.
But I prefer to make, sell, and use products with as little extra “stuff” as possible. I want the most effective and simple healing method nature can provide for me. That’s what first led me to create our salves and oils.
The high concentration of healing power in an herb-infused oil or salve is why our products work. So where does the water come in? When applying Magic Face Oil to freshly washed skin, for example, either don’t dry off the water on your face or mist on some rose water or a hyaluronic acid serum first. Now your skin has a proper humectant-based layer!
Next, apply the oil to help lock in the moisture of both the water and oils. You will also absorb the healing powers of the herbs. Try this technique with our Co-Pilot Balm, by splashing your face with some cool water, then scooping some out of the jar and rubbing it in. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the balm and water meld together, lusciously absorbing into the skin. And your hands will stay soft and smell radiant afterward, too.
The secret to effective moisturizing is water, just use your own!
