Behind the Blend: The Ingredients in Our Botanical Actives Collection

As the seasons change, so can our skin. Colder weather, wind and central heating can leave it feeling drier, looking duller or needing a little extra care.

It's one of the reasons I love combining botanical oils with carefully selected skincare actives. I wanted every ingredient to have a purpose, and our Botanical Actives Collection brings these together in five facial treatment oils, each designed with different skin needs in mind.

But what are these ingredients, and why have I chosen them?

Getting to know our hero ingredients..

Bakuchiol - A plant-derived ingredient that's gained huge attention recently as an alternative to traditional retinoids. Research suggests it may help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and texture.

Found in: Superfood Glow, Clarify and Nourish.

Coenzyme Q10 - A naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress. It's highly valued in skincare formulations designed to support healthy-looking skin and address visible signs of ageing.

Found in: Superfood Glow, Nourish and Balance.

Bisabolol - An ingredient commonly associated with Chamomile, valued for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties. It's a useful addition to formulations focused on skin comfort.

Found in: Clarify and Soothe.

Calendula CO2 Extract - A concentrated botanical extract valued for its skin-conditioning properties, making it a lovely addition to formulations designed to nourish and comfort the skin.

Found in: Soothe.

Eco Marine Algae Extract - Derived from marine algae, this oil-soluble active contains

carotenoids with antioxidant properties. In Balance, it complements the botanical oils to support a healthy-looking complexion.

Found in: Balance.

Remodelling Intense - Derived from paracress (Acmella oleracea), this botanical active is used to help improve the appearance of skin firmness and smoothness.

Found in: Nourish.

Five oils, different skin needs

Each oil has its own combination of ingredients, giving you options depending on what your skin needs.

• Superfood Glow: For skin that looks dull and needs a boost of radiance.

• Clarify: For blemish-prone skin and an uneven-looking complexion.

• Soothe: For skin that needs a more comfort-focused approach.

• Nourish: For skin that needs extra nourishment and a smoother, firmer-looking appearance.

• Balance: For everyday skincare and antioxidant support.

  

Adapting your skincare as the seasons change..

As temperatures drop, you might notice your skin feels tighter, drier or less comfortable than it did during the summer.

A facial treatment oil can complement your moisturiser by softening the skin and helping reduce moisture loss. You might choose Superfood Glow when your complexion looks dull, Nourish when your skin feels dry, or Soothe when comfort is your priority.

Your routine doesn't need to change completely with every season. Sometimes, it's simply about recognising what your skin needs and choosing products accordingly.

You can also adapt which treatment oil you use throughout the year.

Introduce new products gradually, follow their directions and remember that a facial oil complements rather than replaces moisturiser and daily SPF.

Skincare with a purpose..

Creating a good skincare product isn't just about choosing fashionable ingredients. It's about understanding what each ingredient brings to a formulation and how they work together.

That's the thinking behind the Botanical Actives Collection: combining carefully selected botanical oils and targeted actives to create five distinct formulations.

I hope this gives you a little more insight into the ingredients behind the collection and helps you find the treatment oil that best suits your skin.

Thank you for supporting Willow & Birch and choosing thoughtfully made, vegan-friendly skincare.

Amanda x

Simple Rituals. Real Calm