Our Ingredients...
They tell a story about the land they come from, our products and the people who make them.
We take our ingredients seriously and that’s why we search for the best quality in the world.
They tell a story about the land they come from, our products and the people who make them.
We take our ingredients seriously and that’s why we search for the best quality in the world.
This examination includes: ingredient freshness, scent, colour, sensory experience, vibrational energy, effectiveness, chemical composition, manufacture processing, geographical location, research literature, clinical studies and cultural and historical significance.
What Are Biocompatible Ingredients?
Biocompatible ingredients closely mimic the function and structure of components naturally found within our own skin like ceramides, cholesterol, free fatty acids and squalene.
This similarity means that the ingredient is in a form the skin can naturally recognize and utilize which supports the skins biological processes like hydration, repair, and protection.
By working harmoniously with your skins biological processes, biocomaptible ingredients reduce the likelihood of allergic and sensitized reactions.
Below is a growing collection of my favorite ingredients.
Every formula I create must bring me joy, healing, nourishment and further my imagination.
It is a dream come true to be able to bring these ingredients to you.
Adisa May's Ingredient Pantry
Tap an ingredient to reveal its story, benefits and where it was sourced from.
Avocado oil is a gentle oil that is well-tolerated by most skin types. We use cold- pressed, extra virgin avocado oil which means there is no refining or alterations made to the oil. This allows our avocado oil to retain its beautiful deep greenish-yellow colour.
Avocado oil is classified as a monounsaturated oil and contains vitamins A, D, and E, minerals such as potassium and antioxidants such as carotenoids, lutein and phytosterols. It is wonderful for dry or irritated skin, holding anti-inflammatory properties that help nourish the skin barrier, resulting in improved moisture retention. Due to its antioxidant and nutrient dense profile, avocado oil also has wonderful graceful aging properties assisting in skin tightening, collagen production and improving skin texture and tone.
Our avocado oil is of exceptional quality, and has quickly become one of our favourite oils for deep skin nourishment.
Our avocado oil is unrefined and sourced from Kenya.
Found in Soothing Radiance
Beeswax is one of natures greatest gifts. High quality beeswax has a beautiful spicy honey scent and ranges from light to deep golden yellow.
The benefits of beeswax have been recorded as far back as 2000 years ago, revered for its wound-healing and graceful aging skin benefits. Today, it is well known that beeswax has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, regenerative, and occlusive properties, that all work together to protect and moisturize the skin. Beeswax’s occlusive properties means that it forms a protective layer on the skin, which can shield the skin from environmental pollution, harsh weather and irritants. Beeswax’s anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties can help to decrease irritation, redness and speed wound healing, making it the perfect ally for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
In addition, Beeswax’s deeply moisturizing properties can prevent trans-epidermal water loss from the skin barrier and conditions the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. All of these incredible qualities lead to beeswax making the skin’s complexion looking renewed, vibrant and healthy.
Our beeswax is 100% pure, unrefined and sourced from hives across Canada.
Found in Soothing Radiance
This is one of our favourite essential oils coming close to our cherished lavender oil.
Pure Bulgarian rose oil is one of the most expensive and rare essential oils in the world. It derives from the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria. The Valley of Roses is significant due to its long history of cultivating roses, and in particular the rare Damask Rose, which is recognized by its beautiful and fragrant big pink petals. The Valley of Roses spans between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountain ranges in Bulgaria, which produces a considerable portion of the world’s supply of rose oil. The flowers in the Valley are freshly picked and then hydro distilled at low temperatures in order to protect the delicate compounds and nutrients of the Damask rose flower.
Rose oil is credited as being wonderful for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Rose oil holds antibacterial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, boasting over 300 active organic compounds and contains vitamins A, C and E. Research has indicated that rose oil holds very strong bactericidal activities and may be highly effective at reducing the appearance of acne. Rose oil is also known to promote collagen production, brighten the skin and reduce skin redness.
Rose oil is known to have spiritual, emotional and energetic benefits. Rose oil is believed to open the heart chakra and the gateways to higher consciousness, fostering love, compassion and the release of negative emotions. Rose oil has been used in chakra healing, prayer and meditation as a way to amplify positive emotions and create lasting memories for the mind to remember
Note: Because of the rarity of rose oil, there is a significant amount of fake or adulterated rose oils on the market. We searched tirelessly for a rose oil that was pure and authentically sourced from the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria. It is the greatest honour to be able to present our products to you with this deeply treasured oil.
Our Bulgarian rose oil is sourced from the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Camellia seed oil is one of our most used and loved oils. Camellia seed oil, also known as tea seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the camellia oleifera plant. The Camellia oleifera plant is native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia. Camellia oil has traditionally been considered the fountain of youth, having been said to be the secret behind the immaculate beauty of women from East Asia.
Camellia oil is known for having a molecular structure similar to human sebum. It is high in skin-loving vitamins, minerals and compounds such as vitamin E and A, magnesium, zinc and squalene lipids. Squalene is found in our own natural sebum and is only produced in small amounts by the body.
It also has gentle anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and is known to be excellent for acne prone skin due to its strong antibacterial properties. It can be a wonderful option for vibrant aging as well, as it is known to tighten the skin.
Our camellia seed oil comes from China.
Found in Replenish & Glow and Soothing Radiance
Coenzyme q10 also known as ubiquinone (COQ10) is a naturally occurring fat-soluble substance that is present in nearly every cell of the body. Within the skin barrier, COQ10 is found in higher concentrations in the epidermis (outer layer) than compared to the dermis (middle layer). COQ10 is naturally produced by the body, but levels decrease as we age, by the use of certain pharmaceutical medications or from particular health conditions.
COQ10 plays a vital role in energy production within the mitochondria. The mitochondria is a cell organelle that produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides the energy needed for living cells to function properly. COQ10 assists the mitochondria in producing ATP. COQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant, and topical application can assist in protecting the cells from oxidative stress, maintaining the skins health and appearance.
Studies suggest that topical use of COQ10 can support the skin by increasing the production of collagen and elastin, maintaining moisture levels, increasing skin cell regeneration, and replenishing the skin barrier. It can also provide the skin with a lovely glow and radiance after prolonged use as it known to inhibit tyrosinase, which is an enzyme involved in melanin production. Overtime, topical application can also replenish levels of COQ10 within the epidermis.
We use 100% pure COQ10 powder processed by way of natural microbial fermentation.
Our COQ10 powder is sourced from China.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Grapeseed oil is exceptional for sensitive skin. It is well-known as a gentle oil that is very high in fatty acids and polyphenols, particularly Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCS). OPCS are considered to be one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. OPCS are said to protect the skin from UV damage, reduce inflammation and replenish the skin barrier.
Grapeseed oil has an impressive fatty acid profile, boasting palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and very high levels of linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid). Linoleic acid is a precursor to building ceramides, which is a lipid that makes up the outermost layer of the skin barrier (the epidermis). Linoleic acid also promotes skin cell turnover and may help lighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production. Grapeseed oil is also deeply moisturizing to the skin, and can leave it with a natural radiance and youthful complexion.
Grapeseed oil shows up our formulas for its ability to replenish the skin barrier, its deep moisturizing benefits and its excellent tolerance profile across all skin types.
Our grapeseed oil is sourced from Italy.
Found in Replenish & Glow
The Kakadu plum fruit is grown and only found in the woodlands of northern Australia and the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It has other names, such as “billygoat plum” or “green plum”. It grows in extremely high-density areas around the coastal fringe or around fringing wetlands.
The Kakadu plum fruit is a superfood wonder. It has the highest known vitamin C concentration of any single natural food source in the world, coming in as high as 4000 mg per 100g of fruit, which Is 75-100x more than an orange! Kakadu plum has now become famous in skincare particularly for its vitamin C concentration, oleic and linoleic acid content along with high levels of gallic and ellagic acid.
Kakadu plum oil is utilized in our formulas to promote a glowing and brightened complexion. Vitamin C, gallic and ellagic acid are excellent for hyper-pigmentation, scars, dark spots and promoting an even skin tone. Kakadu’s vitamin C content is a whole food source, which is highly bioavailable and gentler on the skin than ascorbic acid or synthetic vitamin C versions. These antioxidants also scavenge free radicals, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Kakadu plum oil is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, making it revered for its ability to reduce the appearance of acne.
Historical origins: The Kakadu plum has a long and rich history in traditional indigenous medicine dating back thousands of years. Indigenous groups in Australia have utilized the fruit and particularly the bark for its ability to support the immune system and heal skin conditions. The inner bark of the tree was known as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for skin ailments and sores, while the raw fruit was “bush food” which refers to foods used for medicinal properties by Indigenous Australians.
Our kakadu plum oil is wildcrafted, unrefined and sourced from Australia.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Lavender is our most loved and cherished flower in the Adisa May ingredient pantry. With its gorgeous purple flower buds, medicinal uses and spiritual significance, it is the flower that represents the brand with the utmost authenticity.
Lavender is universally loved and one of the most recognized flowers in the world, with its medical use dating back to the medieval ages. Lavender has been extensively studied and shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can have a calming effect on the nervous system, promote relaxation, assist in resolving sleep disturbances, and promote skin tissue healing.
Due to lavender’s healing properties, it can reduce redness, swelling and itching, making it a wonderful option for those who experience eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is also a great option for those who experience acne, as its antimicrobial properties can kill acne causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Its skin tissue healing capabilities are known to speed wound healing and assist in reducing scarring.
Lavender oil also has energetic and spiritual benefits. Its association is one of purity, peace and divine connection. Lavender corresponds to the heart and crown chakra which are associated with love, compassion, spiritual awareness, and universal consciousness.
Our lavender essential oil is sourced from Bulgaria.
Found in Replenish & Glow and Soothing Radiance
Mango butter is created through cold-pressing the fats from organic mango’s kernel. The butter is then mechanically refined, without the use of any chemicals, to remove impurities and to ensure a consistent and smooth texture. The end result is a beautifully creamy and nourishing butter. Mango butter is special due its high nutrient content, which boasts vitamin A and E, along with essential fatty acids, such as monounsaturated omega-9 acid (oleic acid) and stearic acid. Due to its nutrient profile, mango butter is seen as regenerative to the skin and has been traditionally used for healing sun burns and bug bites, as well as skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
We utilize mango butter in our formulas for its exceptionally high oleic acid content. Oleic acid is rapidly absorbed and deeply enters the skin to replenish moisture that has been lost from the skin barrier. Mango butter's high oleic acid content makes it a viable option for those who are dealing with dryness, irritation and skin flaking.
Best of all, mango butter is lightweight and non-comedogenic. Making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Our mango seed butter is sourced from India.
Found in Soothing Radiance
Our fractionated coconut oil is made from 100% organic coconuts. Fractionated coconut oil has been refined to remove the longer-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, leaving only the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs have shorter fatty chain acids which is why fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature. The removal of the long chain fatty acids also makes fractionated coconut oil light-weight and non-comedogenic with rapid absorption.
Due to its molecular structure and composition, fractionated coconut oil penetrates the skin readily. Its ability to penetrate makes it an excellent carrier oil for actives and essential oils, which allows these ingredients to be delivered into the skin more effectively.
Fractionated coconut oil is also moisturizing and known to be non-irritating, making it a wonderful option for those with sensitive and reactive skin.
Our fractionated coconut oil is sourced from India.
Found in Replenish & Glow and Soothing Radiance
Meadowfoam seed oil derives from the seeds of the yellow and white meadowfoam flower, native to places such as Oregon and California. Meadowfoam is a highly unique flower with a fatty acid makeup not found anywhere else in nature. It is made up of 95% long chain fatty acids, which makes it inherently resistant to oxidization.
Meadowfoam seed oil mimics the natural sebum of our own skin due to its molecular structure, which is composed of a high concentration of long-chain fatty acids. Meadowfoam’s biocompatibility makes it readily absorbed into the skin and assists in regulating and balancing sebum production.
Meadowfoam is high in skin-loving compounds and antioxidants. It contains glucosinolate derivatives such as 3-methoxybenzyl (MBITC) and methoxyphenyl acetonitrile (MPACN). These compounds are suggested to provide photoprotective benefits by shielding skin from UVB damage.
It also contains phytosterols (a plant compound) and high levels of vitamin E which softens the skin while sealing moisture within the skin barrier.
Organic note: Meadowfoam oil is difficult to source certified organic because it is grown in fields that rotate annually, making it a challenge to maintain consistent organic certification. It is also known that meadowfoam is a crop that does not require tiling or fertilizing making it a sustainable plant typically grown without synthetic inputs.
Our meadowfoam seed oil is expeller-pressed and sourced from Canada.
Found in Soothing Radiance
Oats have long been revered for their ability to heal and soothe the skin. Oat oil contains a very rare class of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which possess significant anti-inflammatory, anti-itching and antioxidant properties. Oat oil is also rich in fatty acids, phytochemicals, antioxidants (vitamin E) and holds very high levels of ceramides compared to other oils.
Furthermore, oat oil's nutrient profile is protective and reparative to the skin. Its antioxidant profile scavenges free radicals and shields from environmental stressors, helps to reinforce the skin barrier, and can assist in nourishing skin that has been sun damaged. Oat oil is considered to be a highly emollient oil with no known dermal irritation and sensitivity. This makes oat oil a fantastic option for highly reactive skin.
Note: Our oat oil is gluten free, non-GMO, and pesticide free. It is not manufactured on processing equipment that comes in contact with gluten or products containing gluten.
Our oat oil is unrefined and sourced from the United Kingdom.
Found in Soothing Radiance
Olive Squalane is one of the best transdermal and biocompatible oils for our skin. Squalene is a polyunsaturated fat that is produced by the sebaceous glands in small amounts. Olive Squalane is the hydrogenated saturated form of squalene, derived from olives.
Squalane is rapidly absorbed deeply into the skin with a comedogenic score of 0. Its non-pore clogging and biocompatible properties make it extremely well tolerated by sensitive skin. Squalane is also excellent for dry and mature skin, as it is known to resolve cracked and flaking skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce the look of wrinkles.
It is also an incredible ally for a weakened skin barrier, known to prevent trans- epidermal water loss and increase natural oil retention by the skin. Squalane is also often recommended for those who experience eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin with no irritation.
Our squalane comes from Spain.
Found in Replenish & Glow
The plum is said to be one of the earliest fruits domesticated by humans. Plums rich, sweet taste and beautiful deep purple colour have made it a fruit of cultural significance across the centuries. It comes to no surprise that people began cold-pressing the plum kernels, extracting its nutrient rich oil for culinary use which then extended to cosmetic purposes.
Plum kernel oil is a light-weight, non-comedogenic and luxurious oil full of benefits for the skin. Plum oil is rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin A, C, and E and is exceptionally high in omega-9 (oleic acid). Antioxidants help ravage free radicals that can cause oxidative damage and accelerate the speed of extrinsic skin aging. This nutrient profile is what makes plum oil so deeply moisturizing and readily absorbed by the skin. Plum oil also has considerable amounts of omega-6 (linoleic acid) and palmitic acid, which are both known to assist with moisture retention within the skin barrier.
Our plum oil is unrefined and sourced from Turkey.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Pomegranate seed oil is one of the most luxurious and deeply nourishing oils in the Adisa May ingredient pantry. Pomegranate oil is exceptionally high in vitamin K, polyphenols, flavonoids, and punicic acid (polyunsaturated fat, omega-5). In fact, pomegranate oil is the most abundant natural source of punicic acid, containing over 80% of this incredible fatty acid.
Punicic acid is a rare and potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin deeply. Punicic acid is regenerative and reparative to the skin, by reducing inflammation, replenishing the moisture barrier and promoting cell turnover. In addition to punicic acid, pomegranate oil's high vitamin and polyphenol content aids the oil in neutralizing free-radicals which can cause damage to the skin's cells. Pomegranate oil’s unique and potent nutrient blend is also known to promote cell renewal and increase elasticity and collagen production, giving it wonderful graceful skin aging benefits.
Best of all, pomegranate oil is gentle in its application due to its fatty acid profile, making it a wonderful option for damaged and reactive skin.
Our pomegranate oil is unrefined and sourced from Turkey.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Prickly pear seed oil is arguably the most expensive plant oil in the world and is often referred as “natural botox” due to its potent vibrant aging qualities. Much of the prickly pear seed oil hails from Tunisia and Morocco. Its high cost comes from the labour-intensive process of its extraction. The seeds of the prickly pear fruit are very small, which requires careful hand-picking, and the yield once the seeds are cold-pressed is low.
Prickly pear seed is very rich in linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) which helps lighten the skin, replenish the moisture barrier and assists the skin in retaining moisture. It is also rich in amino acids, vitamin K, and antioxidants, including betalains and vitamin E. In fact, prickly pear seed oil is touted as having the highest concentration of vitamin E among beauty oils, boasting 150% more vitamin E than argan oil.
Moreover, amino acids in prickly pear can stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover, vitamin K can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and antioxidants scavenge free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells. Its high vitamin K and linoleic acid percentage also assists in brightening and lightening the skin's complexion, making it a wonderful option for fading dark spots and scars.
With its impressive nutrient profile, prickly pear is well known to be powerfully calming to the skin.
Our prickly pear seed oil is unrefined and sourced from Morocco.
Found in Replenish & Glow
Roman chamomile essential oil is one of the most in demand essential oils in the world. It is prized for its therapeutic and skin healing properties. Creating roman chamomile oil is a labour-intensive process, as the flowers must be harvested, dried and then steamed to extract the essential oil. Roman chamomile flowers also provide a low yield of oil even though a large number of flowers are used during the steam distillation process.
Roman chamomile oil has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, demonstrating its wonderful skin and wound care abilities. The oil contains the compounds alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene and is also high in flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin. The compounds and flavonoids are known to inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation. In addition, the compound alpha-bisabolol is known to hold anti-microbial properties against positive and gram-negative bacteria, making roman chamomile a strong option for acne care and progression of wound healing.
Best of all, Roman chamomile oil is known to be gentle and calming to the skin, making it a wonderful option for those who experience eczema, psoriasis and rashes.
Roman chamomile corresponds to the solar plexus chakra, located in the upper abdomen, a few inches above the navel, close to the sternum. The solar plexus chakra is associated with will power, self-esteem and boundaries. Roman chamomile can aid in calming the mind and soothing emotions, helping to promote inner peace and balance.
Our roman chamomile oil is sourced from France.
Found in Replenish & Glow and Soothing Radiance
We use rosemary CO2 extract as our natural antioxidant to prevent spoilage in our formulations. Rosemary antioxidant prevents the oils from oxidizing and going rancid. This helps extend the shelf life of our oils, providing the formula with stability and protection.
Rosemary extract is also wonderful for the skin as it is anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial and rich in antioxidants. It contains terpenoids and carnosic acid which neutralize free radicals and protect the skin cells from oxidative damage. Its antibacterial and astringent properties are known to help control excess oil production and unclog pores, helping to reduce the appearance of acne.
Our rosemary CO2 extract is sourced from China.
Found in all of our products as a natural antioxidant.
Sea buckthorn extract comes from the hardy, bright orange sea buckthorn berries, which are utilized world-wide for their extensive nutritional value. The sea buckthorn plant is native to places such as China, along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and Russia.
Sea Buckthorn is a skin regenerative wonder, as it is known as one of the highest plant sources of vitamin C, and boasts a very high amount of vitamin E, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins and unsaturated fatty acids. This makes sea buckthorn exceptional for inflammation, wound healing, boosting collagen and elastin, replenishing the skin barrier and brightening the skin’s complexion.
Specifically, sea buckthorn extract offers the most potent botanical source of a fatty acid called Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). Omega-7 is present in our body tissues and is particularly found in high concentrations in our skin and fat tissues. Omega-7 is special for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin and slow the aging of the skin tissues. Sea buckthorn is also known to have excellent tolerance amongst sensitive skin and has a comedogenic score of 1, making it highly unlikely to clog pores.
Our sea buckthorn is CO2 extracted. CO2 extraction is a method used to extract compounds from plants using carbon dioxide under high pressure and controlled temperatures. This process allows for exceptionally pure extracts, without degrading the quality of the plant compounds.
Our sea buckthorn extract is sourced from China.
Found in Replenish & Glow and Soothing Radiance
Tea Tree is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves that is native to Australia. Tea tree has a long history of use by Indigenous peoples across Australia, particularly the Bundjalung people. The Bundjalung people have a deep spiritual connection to tea tree and its environment, viewing the plant as a source of healing and spiritual significance.
Tea tree oil is now popular worldwide in particular for its ability to benefit the skin. Tea tree oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. It is a wonderful natural option for acne prone skin, as some studies have suggested that it can be as effective as benzoyl peroxide in reducing the appearance of acne. As well, tea tree’s antifungal properties make it a promising option for those dealing with fungal acne, also known as malassezia folliculitis. There’s a reason you’ve seen so many tea tree oil based acne cleansers on the market! Tea tree oils antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can also help promote wound healing and reduce inflammation from insect bites.
Tea tree oil corresponds to the throat chakra. Your throat chakra is associated with communication and self-expression. Tea tree oil is believed to purify and cleanse, promoting clear communication.
Our tea tree oil is sourced from Australia.
Found in Soothing Radiance