Formulation Science
We love creating products that are made with our own farm-grown plants, but our first priority is to create skincare that actually works! Our founder has a masters degree, and was a scientist and professional researcher before she became a farmer. So she brings her background in rigorous scientific methodology to the product development process. Every single product goes through months (if not years!) of extensive research, formulation, and testing before it even thinks about hitting the online store.
You can see the science behind every product right on the product page, just click on an ingredient to learn more about the ingredient's benefits, how it is grown on the farm, and scientific studies that demonstrate exactly how each ingredient has been shown to transform the skin.
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Our products aren't like any other natural skincare product on the market. Our skincare is made with plants, with over 90% of the ingredients grown right here on our farm, and it is formulated with science to actually correct common skin issues and maintain healthy, glowing, balanced, awesome skin!
Growing Skincare
The USA has some of the greatest bio-diversity of any country on earth. So why do so many natural products brands buy non-local ingredients, or even ingredients from overseas? Our company was founded on the dream of growing every single ingredient for a high-performance skincare line right here on our own farm. When we discover new skincare ingredients that we would like to formulate with, our first question isn't about where we can buy them, we ask, can we grow that?
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Occasionally we have to purchase ingredients we do not currently grow enough of, but we always source these ingredients as locally as possible, and we never buy anything from outside the USA. Not only are over 90% of the ingredients we use grown on the farm, but each product is also hand-crafted in small batches right here in our workshop as well. This means our brand has an extremely low carbon footprint.
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We try to be as sustainable as possible in all of our operations. This includes using reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging whenever we can. We also prioritize reducing waste and consumption of water and energy. All of our formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable as well.
The Skin Microbiome and Preservatives
By now you have probably heard of the gut microbiome, our personal collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live harmoniously with our own cells in our gut and help to digest food and keep us healthy. But did you know that our skin also has a microbiome?
Our skin is home to numerous microorganisms that can both harm and help our skin. Although the study of these diverse flora is still young, it is thought that many common skin conditions arise from an imbalanced skin microbiome.
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Skincare products today that are formulated with water all include preservatives, and these preservatives are super important! When a product contains water, it can grow bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and other nasties that you definitely don't want to be rubbing on your face! But just like when you take antibiotics and your gut microbiota can get out of whack, the same thing can happen when you put a product with preservatives on your face. The preservatives that are designed to kill bad bugs can also harm lots of the good bugs already living on your skin. It is thought that this may contribute to skin microbe imbalances that can lead to acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and many other common skin conditions.
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At Soleada Farm we do not include preservatives (or harsh cleansers, or other synthetic ingredients that may harm the skin microbiome) in any of our facial skincare products. Don't worry, this doesn't mean these products are growing gross stuff that is going to harm your skin. Actually, our products are formulated without water, so they don't need preservatives, because bugs can't grow in products that don't contain water. Some products are oil-based, like our serums, and others are designed so that you add the water right before you use it, like our powder cleansers. This keeps all of our products fresh and nasty-free.
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When you use our preservative-free products on your face you are ensuring that you are not disrupting your natural skin microbiome. Although we are still learning lots about how these organisms work on our skin, it is thought that preserving this microbial diversity is essential to maintaining healthy skin.