About The Ingredients

Long before it was the trend to ‘go natural’, LisaLise focused on plant-based ingredients. And, although she prefers them to petrochemical-based ingredients, it is for aesthetic reasons – not for fear of toxins. Anyone who tries to convince you petrochemical ingredients are inherently health hazardous is misinformed. Likewise, anyone who tries to convince you plant-based ingredients are all safe and free of ‘nasties’ is equally misinformed. 

Understanding the function, properties, limitations, and possibilities of each participating ingredient is vital to creating a successful and well functioning formula – particularly when choosing to 'go the natural route'. 

Researching and getting thoroughly acquainted with each ingredient in a formula has been the basis of LisaLise’s product development from the very beginning.

Organic ingredients and sustainable work processes will always be her first choice.  

Precious Waters With Plant Power

Hydrosols (also known as hydrolates) have been the liquid base for many of LisaLise’s custom-created products. 

Historically, hydrosols have been described as byproducts of essential oil distillation, but the trend to go green in more recent years has brought focus to the many assets these precious liquids have to offer. This has resulted in more distillers producing hydrosols as the end product. Happily, the market for quality hydrosols has blossomed.

A hydrosol carries water-soluble actives from the distilled plant material and – more often than not – captures its delicious fragrance, bringing an extra dimension to any cosmetic.

Apart from being considerably more expensive than water, hydrosols can be challenging to work with and are therefore not commonly used in mass produced cosmetics. In a hand-crafted product, hydrosols add an extra, tangible dimension.

Another type of aromatic water is floral water. These are not to be confused with hydrosols.  Floral waters are distilled, purified water with the addition of essential oil and a solubilizer (to disperse the essential oil). Floral waters can be useful for applications where hydrosols are not ideal.

Plant-Based Oils and Butters

Plant-based oils bring their own natural nourishment to a formula and offer many beneficial properties. LisaLise has worked extensively with numerous plant oils and butters and continues to study, research, test, and use exclusively vegetable and plant-based oils and butters in her products and formulations. With newer, improved extraction processes, the availability of quality plant-based oils and butters has grown by tenfold, providing new exciting and interesting raw materials.

Actives

The constant search for newer, better actives keeps the entire cosmetics-making industry on its toes and can unfortunately result in discontinuations from manufacturers. To find, create and produce the perfect active for any cosmetic product is in the interest of both developers, manufacturers, and consumers. LisaLise has extensive knowledge of hand-crafting extracts and actives, but will also readily embrace 'the latest and greatest' from suppliers of actives when it is based on scientific research and testing. 

Fragrances

Essential oils are powerful components and bring multi-functionality to any formula, acting both as fragrance and active ingredients. Working with essential oils requires skill, practice, and knowledge. The complexity of essential oils makes them truly challenging to work with, but LisaLise maintains the rewards are well worth the effort.

For example, some natural butters and oils may have wonderful properties but are burdened with a heavy, less-than-desirable scent. With the correct combination of essential oils, a heavy-smelling oil or butter can be transformed from something that 'needs masking' to a functioning and pleasantly scented product. 

Regular Updates

Follow the development of products, ingredients testing and more at LisaLise Blog.