What is it? It is derived from a tree native to South America. It is an astringent meaning it draws tissue together and constricts blood vessels. 

What does it do? It helps prevent infection and fights bacteria, eases pain, stops minor bleeding, alleviates itching, soothes tears, helps reduce swelling. Hello to your new best friend ingredient for postpartum healing!

What is it? Aloe Vera Leaf Juice. Aloe Vera is most known for its clear juice or inner gel that is found inside the leaves. It has been used for more than 2,000 years both topically and orally. 

What does it do? Aloe vera supports healthy function and integrity of tissues both inside and outside the body. Aloe contains active compounds that may reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair. The best soothing addition to our Postpartum Padsicle Gel. 

What is it? A herb, and a homeopathic remedy. It is made from the flowers of a perennial plant called Hypericum perforatum. 

What does it do? Helps soothe and heal tears, episiotomy stitches, helps with swelling, supports the formation of healthy skin tissue, and promotes skin repair. Another badass ingredient used at Viva La Vulva in our postpartum range. 

What is it? Calendula is a plant also known as Marigold. 

What does it do? Calendula has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It is used for wound healing and skin health. Such an epic oil we love included in our Perineal Massage Oil and B( . )( . )B Balm.

What is it? A combination of two herbal tinctures - Hypericum (St John's Wort) and Calendula (Marigold). 

What does it do? A natural antiseptic that helps promote natural healing response after injury. Hypercal supports the formation of healthy skin tissue and promotes skin repair. An absolute hero tincture used here at Viva La Vulva. 

What is it? Technically it is a liquid wax, despite being called an oil. The liquid wax is extracted from the seeds of a jojoba shrub plant (Simmondsia chinenis) mainly grown in the deserts of southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. 

It is packed with natural antioxidants and fatty acids and is naturally rich in Omega 9. 

What does it do? It has anti-inflammatory properties, it absorbs easily because it is very compatible with the skin and provides deep hydration and moisturisation to the skin. Another powerful ingredient we love to use in many of our products.

What is it? Often referred to as a powerful antioxidant, and a natural preservative. 

What does it do? It strengthens the body's natural defence against infection and can help protect your cells from damage. One of our fave ingredients in many of our Viva La Vulva products. 

What is it? Extracted from the Lavender plant. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries. 

What does it do? It improves mood and reduces stress and supports brain function. It acts as an anti-inflammatory. A perfect ingredient in our Belly Birth Scar Oil and Keep Rollin’ Clary Sage Roller Blend.

What is it? It is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of grapes. It contains high levels of vitamin E and has high antioxidant properties. 

What does it do? Grape Seed is rich in antioxidant nutrients, including vitamins E, C, A, fatty acids, plant sterols and phytonutrients. It has excellent moisturising qualities, and absorbs easily into the skin and is rich in the essential omega 6 fatty linoleic acid. An excellent, rich oil for perineal massage. 

What is it? Oil pressed from the avocado fruit. It has a multitude of vitamins such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, vitamin B6, and niacin. 

What does it do? Provides rich hydration, accelerates wound healing, and promotes collagen production. A powerful ingredient in our Perineal Massage Oil. 

What is it? Oil pressed from the oil-rich kernels of Apricots. 

What does it do? It revitalises the skin, it is ideal for use on mature skin. This oil has hydrating, rejuvenating, and nourishing properties. A great natural ingredient included in our Perineal Massage Oil. 

What is it? Literally the extract from a Kiwifruit. 

What does it do? Kiwifruit is high in antioxidants, and includes Vitamin E and C which helps elastin in the skin and helps protect collagen in the skin. It helps nourish, support and regenerate skin. A perfect addition to our Mama-to-be Belly Mask. 

What is it? A gel-like water-holding molecule.

What does it do? It is a substance that retains moisture. It helps with tissue regeneration and skin healing. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that assist with wound healing. We love this hydrating ingredient in our Mama-to-be Belly Mask. 

What is it? A native plant in Australia, the oil is derived from the edible kernel of the Macadamia Nut. 

What does it do? It promotes healthy skin, a super hydrating oil that absorbs into the skin beautifully. Perfect for nourishing a pregnant belly with our Mama-to-be Belly Mask

What is it? A very important essential oil for women, from a flowering plant. 

What does it do? Can help uterine contractions during active labour, and helps release oxytocin. Clary Sage can help with anxiety and nervousness. It is a perfect oil to surround youself with during active labour. A perfect addition to our Labour of Love birthing kit 

What is it? Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis, castor oil has a thick and viscous consistency. 

What does it do? It can also be applied directly to the skin as a natural moisturiser. Castor oil has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. It is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is sometimes used topically to relieve minor joint or muscle pain. 

What is it? Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea. It is widely recognised and valued for its culinary and health benefits. Olive oil is produced by pressing olives and extracting the oil from the fruit 

What does it do? It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to soothe dry skin or minor irritations. Olive oil is known for its moisturising and nourishing properties for the skin and hair. 

What is it? Comfrey oil is an oil extract derived from the roots or leaves of the comfrey plant, scientifically known as Symphytum officinale. Comfrey has a long history of traditional use for its potential therapeutic properties. The oil is typically produced by infusing comfrey leaves or roots in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond oil, to extract its beneficial compounds. 

What does it do? Comfrey oil is often used topically for its potential skin benefits. It is believed to have soothing and moisturising properties that can help alleviate dry skin.

Promotes skin healing, and reduce inflammation. Comfrey oil may be applied to minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises to support the natural healing process. 

What is it? Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is derived from the seeds of the flax plant, known as Linum usitatissimum. It is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. 

What does it do? Flaxseed oil is often used topically for its potential benefits on skin health. It is believed to have moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe dry and irritated skin 

What is it? Epsom salts, also known as magnesium sulphate, are a mineral compound consisting of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen. 

What does it do? Dissolving Epsom salts in warm bathwater allows the magnesium and sulphate ions to be absorbed through the skin. This is believed to help relax muscles, relieve tension, soothe aching joints, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being.

What is it? Organic beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. It is derived from the honeycomb and is widely used for its various properties and versatility. 

What does it do? Beeswax is a popular ingredient in natural skincare and cosmetic products. It has emollient and protective properties that help lock in moisture, soothe and soften the skin. It can be used as a natural thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabiliser in formulations such as creams, balms, ointments, and soaps. Beeswax can also be combined with oils, butters, and essential oils to create skincare products.

What is it? Pink mica powder is a finely ground mineral pigment that has a shimmering and iridescent pink color. It is commonly used in various cosmetic, artistic, and craft applications. 

What does it do? It adds a touch of color, shimmer, and sparkle.The reflective properties of mica powder help create a luminous and multidimensional effect on the skin

What is it? Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and most flavourful type of olive oil. It is obtained from the first pressing of olives and undergoes minimal processing, retaining its natural antioxidants, nutrients, and distinctive flavour. Extra virgin olive oil is widely valued for its health benefits. 

What does it do? It is often used as a natural moisturiser and can be applied topically to the skin to help hydrate, nourish, and soften. 

Gluconolactone

What is it? Gluconolactone is widely used in skincare and cosmetic products due to its gentle exfoliating and moisturising properties. It is a white, odourless powder that is soluble in water 

What does it do? Gluconolactone can help extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms. 

Geogard Ultra

What is it? It is a blend of gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, and calcium gluconate. Geogard Ultra is a broad-spectrum preservative that provides antimicrobial protection against bacteria, yeasts, and molds 

What does it do? Geogard Ultra is often preferred in natural and organic cosmetic products as it is derived from natural and nature-identical ingredients. It can be used in formulations that require a milder preservative system while still providing effective antimicrobial protection. 

Natural Solubiliser - 

What is it? A natural solubiliser is a substance that helps to disperse or solubilise insoluble ingredients in a liquid medium. It enables the combination of oil-based and water-based ingredients, allowing them to mix together uniformly. Natural solubilisers are often preferred in formulations that aim to avoid synthetic or harsh chemicals 

What does it do? Natural solubilisers play a vital role in formulating skincare and cosmetic products that contain both oil-soluble and water-soluble ingredients. They enable the incorporation of oil-based ingredients, such as plant oils, essential oils, or botanical extracts, into water-based products like lotions, creams, serums, and cleansers. This ensures a uniform distribution of active ingredients throughout the product, enhancing efficacy and user experience. 

Vegetable Glycerin

What is it? Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear, odourless liquid derived from plant-based oils.

What does it do? Vegetable glycerin is a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products due to its moisturising and hydrating properties. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, making it a valuable addition to moisturisers, lotions, creams, serums, and other skincare formulations. Vegetable glycerin is known to help improve skin hydration, smoothness, and elasticity. 

Sodium Lactate

What is it? It is a clear, colourless liquid or white powder that is water-soluble. 

What does it do? Sodium lactate is utilised in skincare and cosmetic products for its moisturising and exfoliating properties. It helps to hydrate the skin by attracting and retaining moisture 

Xantham Gum 

What is it? It is produced by fermenting a sugar carbohydrate with Xanthomonas campestris. It is a white or off-white powder that is highly soluble in water. 

What does it do? It can add thickness, keep textures from changing, and hold ingredients in place.

Sodium Benzoate

What is it? Sodium benzoate is a chemical compound, specifically a salt, that is derived from benzoic acid

What does it do? It works by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of products and maintaining their quality and safety.