Every now and then, someone will pick up a bottle in the shop, glance at the ingredient list, and say something like, “Okay, but does all of this really do anything?” And honestly, I love when people ask that. Because plant-based skincare can look simple at first glance, but the herbs behind the scenes are doing some very real, very elegant work. I pulled together some of our favorite botanicals—the quiet heroes we reach for again and again—and a little backstory on each. Think of this as the behind-the-scenes tour of some of our favorite plants.

Red Clover Leaf Extract
Traditionally found in European herbal medicine, red clover has a long history of supporting women’s wellness. In skincare, it helps with the look of firmness and overall smoothness—especially for skin feeling the effects of hormonal shifts. You’ll notice this extract in Age Defying Tonic, where it supports that “steady, calm, held-together” feeling dry and mature skin craves.

Green Tea Leaf Extract
Grown throughout East Asia, green tea has earned its reputation for a reason. Its naturally occurring catechins help skin feel protected and balanced, especially when dealing with dullness or environmental stress. You’ll experience it in our Age Defying Tonic. It’s an ingredient consistently shown to help the skin maintain balance.

Lemon Fruit Extract
Bright, fresh, and naturally rich in gentle fruit acids, lemon extract has been used in Mediterranean beauty rituals for centuries. On the skin, it softens the look of uneven tone and brings a refreshing feel. You’ll find it in our Exfoliate and Glow Tonic—a products designed to help dissolve dead skin and leave skin bright and healthy.

Peony Root Extract
Peony has deep roots in traditional Chinese herbalism, known for its calming and harmonizing properties. In skincare, it helps skin feel soothed and comfortably hydrated. This ingredient is central to Age Defying Tonic’s ability to help skin appear calm, clear, and better hydrated.

Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus)
Native to Northern Europe, bilberry offers some of the highest antioxidant levels found in berries. On the skin, it helps brighten and revive dullness. Bilberry is included in Brighten + Boost Tonic and the Exfoliate + Glow Tonic for its antioxidant activity and its ability to improve the appearance of dull skin.

Sugarcane Extract (Saccharum Officinarum)
Harvested throughout warm climates, sugarcane has been part of natural exfoliation rituals for generations. It’s rich in gentle alpha-hydroxy acids that nudge away dull buildup on the skin’s surface. You’ll find it in our Exfoliate + Glow Tonic, where it helps support a smoother, more refined skin surface.

Orange Fruit Extract (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis)
Nourishing, cheerful, and naturally aromatic, orange fruit extract brings vitamins and a refreshed feel. Historically used across Mediterranean regions, it supports clarity and brightness. We include it in Exfoliate + Glow Tonic for its gentle, uplifting qualities.

Lemon Fruit Extract (Citrus Limon)
This version of lemon extract offers a slightly different component profile than the whole-fruit botanical listed earlier, giving formulas a balanced blend of brightness and freshness. It joins the fruit-acid blend in Exfoliate + Glow Tonic, as it’s an integral part of helping to gently dissolve dead skin.

Sugar Maple Extract (Acer Saccharum)
A North American botanical rich in gentle hydroxy acids, sugar maple helps soften the look of texture and encourages a smoother complexion. We use it in Exfoliate + Glow, where it adds to that velvety finish to skin.

Lemon Balm Extract
Lemon balm has a long history in European herbalism and is valued for its ability to support skin that’s prone to redness. It helps promote a calmer, more even-looking complexion. We include it in our Exfoliate + Glow Tonic for its role in reducing visible irritation.

Why These Herbs Work So Well Together
If you look at this list, you’ll notice a theme: plants are powerful in skincare. They work gradually and consistently, respecting the skin rather than overwhelming it. By layering them throughout our toners, serums, and moisturizers, we build routines that feel supportive—especially for women navigating dryness, hormonal shifts, and changes in texture. These herbs remind us that skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the biggest improvements happen when you give your skin what it’s been wanting all along: plants that truly know how to nourish, refresh, and support.

xoxo
Jewels