Ingredients Worth Travelling For

In February 2020, researchers discovered that one of the reasons that whales migrate over such a huge distance is that it’s part of their skincare regime. Yep, you read that correctly.

For decades, researchers believed that cold water whales migrated once a year to tropical waters to give birth to their young, but a 15-year study in the Marine Mammal Science journal disproves this. The study found that whales actually travelled thousands of miles to warmer climes where they could bathe in water that was better at exfoliating their skin. That’s real self-care.

So in the spirit of our smooth-skinned, mammalian brothers & sisters, we’re looking into five of our ingredients that we think are worth travelling for.

Moringa Oleifera

Origin: South Asia

This beautiful plant has been used in traditional medicines for centuries - there’s evidence of it being used in Indian medicine around 5,000 years ago, and there are also accounts of it being used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. One key benefit is that it rejuvenates tired and dry skin, softening it and minimising wrinkles. It’s also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, packed with Vitamins A, B2, B6 and C, as well as magnesium and iron. Products: Strength Training Serum & Sidekick Day Cream

Pomegranate

Origin: Iran

An extremely well-travelled little seed pod, the pomegranate started out in Iran, and was then cultivated throughout the Mediterranean since ancient times. It made its way to South America in the 16th Century and into California in the 1700s. Both the gemstone Garnet and the military grenade get their names from the fruit - a testament to its potency and beauty. Pomegranates help combat free radicals and contain antimicrobials, which decrease inflammation in the skin and can help with acne and eczema.

Products: Strength Training Serum & Sidekick Day Cream

Shea Butter

Origin: West Africa

Found naturally in 21 countries across Africa, it’s origins go as far back as Cleopatra's Egypt, where it was carried in large clay jars for beautifying use. Extracted from the nut of the Shea tree, there’s evidence it’s also been used in medicinal skincare since the 14th Century - and for good reason. It’s suitable for pretty much every skin type as it contains no known irritants, and is chock-full of Vitamins A & E, ideal for antioxidant activity. It’s also antibacterial, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Products: Sidekick Day Cream & Clean Slate Cleanser

Marigold

Origin: Southern Europe

As useful as their modern-day rubber glove namesake, marigolds have been used across the world medically, cosmetically, in food, for dyeing clothes… you name it. Travelling across ancient Roman, Greek, Middle Eastern & Indian cultures thanks to its versatility, their oil naturally protects the skin. In fact, it was used for many centuries in lieu of plasters as it helps scratches and shallow cuts heal faster and avoid infection.

Products: Sidekick Day Cream & Clean Slate Cleanser

Argan Oil

Origin: Morocco

Grown only in southern Morocco, there you may find Argan Oil drizzled on cous cous. Elsewhere, it’ll be delivered to your body in a slightly more direct way. Since at least 600 BCE, the Phoenicians relied on Argan oil for healing and beauty, and for centuries, it was harvested after the fruit passed through a goat’s digestive system and collected from its dung. Luckily these days, the process is much more hygienic and often done by hand. It’s packed with omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids, all of which work to lightly moisturise your skin, soften dry patches, and reduce acne.

Products: Midnight Feast Night Cream