4 Powerful Plants Behind Pharmacopia’s Success
Have you ever wondered what makes certain plant-based body care products stand out from the rest? At Pharmacopia, we like to think of our formulations as a blend of nature’s best-kept secrets—natural ingredients that have been used for centuries, with modern science backing up their benefits.
These four core Certified Organic ingredients—found in our better plant-powered blend—make our formulations not just a sensory experience, but truly effective!
1) Marshmallow Root: A Soothing Hydrator
Marshmallow root isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a legacy. Historically, this ingredient—derived from the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis—has been revered by civilizations, from ancient Egypt to Greece, for its incredible healing properties.
What’s the secret? Marshmallow root is naturally rich in mucilage, a gelatinous substance that forms a hydrating barrier on the skin. This unique property locks in moisture and calms inflammation, making it ideal for anyone with dry or sensitive skin.
Scientific Benefits
Studies have shown that mucilage can significantly enhance skin hydration. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted its effectiveness in soothing skin irritation and helping to regenerate skin. Other research found it to be a potent and effective anti-inflammatory for skin.
So, each time you use products infused with marshmallow root, like our Citrus and Verbena Body Lotions where it’s listed as Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, you’re giving your skin a nourishing hug.
Sensory Experience
Imagine applying a product that feels soft, silky, and deeply comforting. This is marshmallow root. Its creamy texture not only hydrates but also creates a luxurious feel that transforms your skincare routine into a soothing ritual.
2) Oat Straw: The Skin Barrier Booster
Oat straw, or straw oat, has been a staple in both European and Ayurvedic traditions for centuries. Known for its nourishing qualities, this ingredient—derived from the green tops of oat plants, Avena sativa, before the seeds mature—works wonders in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.
Packed with beta-glucans and antioxidants, oat straw is a powerhouse against irritation and provides essential support for overall skin health.
Scientific Benefits
Research indicates that beta-glucans can enhance the skin’s barrier function, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. Research in the journal Phytomedicine shows that beta-glucans, when used topically on the skin, accelerate wound healing by stimulating tissue regeneration. One additional study found that this plant-based ingredient helps to restore skin barrier function when used topically.
This is why oat straw—found in our better-for-you Body Lotions as Avena Sativa (Oat) Straw Extract—helps to revitalize and renew the skin.
Sensory Experience
Oat straw brings an earthy, warm, and subtly creamy feel to your skincare. It’s like wrapping your skin in a cozy blanket, making it perfect for an evening self-care routine. You’ll love how our Citrus, Verbena, and Argan Oil Body Lotion comfort your skin.
3) Chamomile: The Calming Healer
Chamomile has long been celebrated for its calming effects, used not just by modern herbalists but also ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s no surprise then that this gentle herb has found its way into our Pharmacopia formulations from our inception.
Scientific Benefits
Packed with flavonoids and terpenoids, chamomile—a flowering plant in the daisy or Asteraceae family—has been shown to reduce skin redness and irritation.
So, if your skin is feeling dry, itchy, or irritated, this flower extract—found in our Shampoos, Conditioners, and Body Washes as Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract—may help calm the skin.
Sensory Experience
With its lightly floral and gentle herbal aroma, chamomile evokes feelings of tranquility. Incorporating chamomile into your skincare routine—with our essential oil-infused aromatherapy formulas—not only helps to soothe the skin but also transforms self-care rituals into a de-stressing experience.
4) Comfrey: The Skin Regenerator
Comfrey, or Symphytum officianale root extract, has long been a favorite in herbal medicine since medieval times, largely due to its ability to speed up wound healing and restore skin. Comfrey’s high content of a naturally occurring chemical compound called allantoin makes it effective for promoting cell regeneration and hydration.
Scientific Benefits
Research supports comfrey's long-standing benefits. One study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that allantoin supports the healing of damaged skin, making comfrey an essential ingredient for body care products. Comfrey works by encouraging cell growth and regeneration.
That’s why you’ll find this plant-based powerhouse, listed as Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, in all of our natural Shampoos, Conditioners, Body Washes, Body Lotions, and even in our lip-healing Tangerine Lip Elixir.
Sensory Experience
Comfrey offers an earthy, grounding, and herbaceous aroma that complements its restorative properties. When you use products with comfrey, it feels like you’re giving your skin a deep, nurturing treatment, helping you feel revitalized and renewed.
The magic of Pharmacopia’s natural body care products lies in all our plant-based ingredients, but mainly in these four skin-healing powerhouses. Each of these ingredients bring unique benefits that nurture—making our formulations gentle enough for the most sensitive types. So go ahead and unlock the magic of our better plant-powered blend and elevate your self-care routine. Your skin, scalp, and hair will thank you!
