Harnessing the Power of Florals

At fresh we gather inspiration from nature's potent remedies, especially their ability to enhance skin and sensory experiences. From rose-infused baths, which were a fascination of Cleopatra—and which we have now transformed into a face mask—to the revered lotus plant, traditionally leveraged as a food and medicinal source in Southeast Asia, which we’ve innovatively adapted into a skincare range. Through our Rose, Lotus, and Floral Recovery Collections, we utilize scientific insights to capture the inherent impact of flowers, delivering maximum skin benefits.

Damask rose extract

The rose, a marvel of nature and symbol of beauty, was a favoured indulgence of Cleopatra, who relished in its petals for their renowned beauty benefits and signature fragrance. Our research encompassed 200 species of rose, ultimately leading us to the Bulgarian damask rose for its exceptional ability to hydrate and retain moisture in the skin. These roses are responsibly sourced from Rose Valley in Bulgaria, where they are subject to a meticulous extraction process designed exclusively for our product line.

Roses at peak bloom are handpicked in the pre-dawn hours under controlled conditions. These carefully selected roses are then dried at low temperatures. Following this, a gentle hydrolyzation process occurs at 50°C using a singular enzyme, which allows us to extract the beneficial bioactive molecules from the flower. The final step in our process involves the purification of these molecules through an ultrafiltration and nanofiltration method, resulting in the damask rose extract you’ve come to know and love.

Damask rose extract is a cornerstone of our Rose Collection, featuring in our range of toners, serums, face creams, and masks. Scientific testing has confirmed that this extract significantly enhances the skin's natural levels of hyaluronic acid and fortifies the skin barrier, preventing water loss. Each product in our collection carries the luxuriously soothing scent of roses, providing a sensory, mood-lifting experience.

Super Lotus

The lotus plant, which has a rich history that spans over 138 million years, is revered in many cultures. Considered sacred, its symbolism stems from its growth pattern – emerging from murky waters to bloom into a majestic flower, signifying purification. The lotus, particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia, is so respected that every component – the petals, roots, seeds, and stem – is utilized, whether for culinary, textile, or skincare purposes.

Our source is Ten Mile Creek Farm, located in Alabama. We use the entire plant in its living state to derive our powerful Super Lotus extract, which encapsulates the plant's active molecules, promoting youthful-looking skin, characterized by smoothness and radiance. The process to obtain this extract is meticulous – the lotus plants are handpicked from the water during peak blossom. Scientists then assess the plants within an hour of harvest to ensure the active molecules remain intact. The entire plant is then gently squeezed to extract the juice. This juice is further processed using an age-defying technique to produce our exclusive Super Lotus ingredient. Any residual plant material is returned to the earth to contribute towards ecological equilibrium.

Super Lotus extract is effective against the first signs of aging, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, enhancing radiance, and providing protection against daily stressors. You’ll find it in our complete Lotus Collection, which includes day and night moisturizers, eye and mask treatments, and a potent AHA night serum.

Floral recovery

Drawing from the lore of Greek mythology, where Achilles used cornflowers to nurse his injuries, our journey began to discover potent floral ingredients to formulate a soothing mask that balances skin tone. We chose four blossoms – cornflower, passionflower, peony, and cherry blossom – known for their calming effects and ability to reduce visible redness, even on sensitive skin. Each floral extract brings distinct benefits to the skin and utilizes its own extraction method:

• Cornflower water, obtained through steam distillation, invigorates and mollifies the skin.
• Passionflower oil, rich in omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, is derived from pressed and concentrated seeds. It moisturizes, soothes, and minimizes visible redness, reducing skin discomfort.
• Peony extract is procured by steeping root bark at room temperature for a week and subsequent filtrations. It serves to hydrate, calm, and promote a more even skin tone.
• Cherry blossom extract improves skin's texture and aids in calming irritation. It’s made from hand-picked flowers, ensuring no harm to the cherry trees. The extract is produced by isolating and steeping the most valuable botanical components of the flower.