Creosote – This resinous desert shrub, rich in antioxidants, was traditionally used to preserve oils in foods. Its notable antioxidant, NDGA, protects against lipid oxidation and free radical damage. Creosote thrives in harsh and extreme conditions of heat and sun. Its anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which allow it to co-exist with intense UV radiation, aid our skin’s own ability for adaptation and resilience.
Frankincense – This ancient healing resin is often referred to as “nature’s bandaid”, promoting rapid cellular repair with its anti-inflammatory, strengthening, and antiseptic properties. Its water-based infusion contains Boswellic Acid which has been shown to reduce certain types of skin cancer and corrects DNA damage caused by too much sun exposure.
Uva Ursi – This plant is a potent alternative to hydroquinone for whole-plant herbalists. Its high arbutin content reduces melanin production, aiding in repair of acne scars and melasma. The presence of ursolic acid and allantoin offers effective collagen and cellular rejuvenation.
Turmeric – Possibly the most anti-inflammatory plant in any herbalists arsenal, this intensely yellow root works through multiple inflammatory biochemical pathways, has shown to reduce cancer risk, and brightens skin tone.
Licorice – Well-known for being an effective skin brightener, slowing melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory, with medicinal properties comparable to steroids. Notable flavonoids include protective glabridin preventing additional sun damage from occurring by inhibiting tyrosinase, and liquiritin an antioxidant that helps disperse existing melanin clusters.
Full Ingredient List: Creosote Triple Infusion°, Licorice Triple Infusion°, Uva Ursi Triple Infusion°, Frankincense Double Infusion°, Turmeric Double Infusion°, Frankincense Hydrosol°, Grape Alcohol°, Flax Seed Glycerine°, Whole-Plant Boswellic Acid Concentrate°
˚organically grown ingredient
TO USE: Laurel Skin Compounds are designed to be used after a Hydrating Elixir application.
Shake well before each use; for best results, empty dropper fully prior to shaking. After misting skin generously with a Hydrating Elixir, apply 1-2 drops of Compound to damp skin. Follow with Serum and/or Balm.
NOTE: Brighten Compound is not recommended for reactive or very sensitive skin. We do not recommend our potent herbal Compounds for those who are brand new to Laurel Skin, but rather for those who are already using a Laurel Skin ritual with ease. Our Compounds are for those who celebrate the power of plants and prefer them over all other synthetic interventions.
Store this product in a cool, dry and dark place. Use within 6 months of opening and by the use-by date found on the bottom of the bottle.
Should We Blame The Sun?
While the quick and easy thing is to blame the sun for most of our skin woes, especially when it comes to hyperpigmentation or melasma, there is often a far more complex picture to consider.
It is common to hear about adamant sunscreen users still developing variations of melasma. That is because there is so much more to it when we are looking at skin health from a wholistic perspective. We should most definitely be considering our overall inflammation levels, our gut health, liver health and any auto-immune conditions. If any of those aspects are already a concern for us, then it’s more likely that hyperpigmentation could pop-up in association with those other health concerns.
When treating the skin, it’s most effective to support the whole body. Topical care can help, but deeper, lasting results come from within. Melasma is often just one visible clue in a much larger story about your health – consider it an invitation to look at the full picture and make long-term shifts that nourish your entire system.
Speaking from experience, love, and reverence for my own body that has been through more than just some time in the sun.
xo Laurel