When Kelly Searle set out to find a quality vegan face oil that delivered visible results, she found herself at a loss. She struggled to find anything that had the potency of a serum, incorporating only clean and cruelty-free ingredients. Surveying the skincare market, she found that most natural face oil formulas did not include active ingredients and often used very cheap base oils. When products did include active ingredients, the quantities were too small to be effective and they often included toxic chemicals. She also found that many face oils left a greasy residue on the skin. So, as every superwoman on a mission to change the beauty world does, she started researching plant oils and anti-ageing actives with the goal of creating a quality vegan face oil formula for herself. She made it her purpose to research and discover the highest quality, nutrient-dense oils to use as a base and to develop the perfect ratio of essential fatty acids to support healthy skin barrier function.
Little did she know she was about to embark on a journey of creation that landed her as the owner of a multi-award winning face oil. Kelly’s formula proved to deliver such great results amongst family and friends that she knew she had to start sharing her product with the world. Fast forward and in its first year of launch, Kelly’s Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is used by women and men of all ages, makeup artists, beauty therapists, and has won two awards by Organic Beauty Brands and Safe Cosmetics Australia.
Having used this oil myself for the last few weeks, I am SOLD. I have very dry, mature skin and it DRINKS this oil up greedily. I have noticed my skin is much more hydrated, my makeup goes on beautifully over the oil and lasts all day and my complexion appears brighter and lighter.
As a feature product in the August Vegan Beauty Box, I spoke to Kelly and asked her all about her passion for skincare, veganism, and oils.
How can people benefit from using a face oil?
Plant oils contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants and other phytochemicals that are involved in many processes which keep our skin healthy and looking its best, such as modulating inflammation, stimulating collagen synthesis and protecting against UV and free radical damage. A face oil is the best way to give the skin a concentrated dose of these important plant compounds, because moisturisers and serums often contain high quantities of water and emulsifying agents.
Applying a high-quality face oil is a great way to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin where they offer the most benefit. Our skins barrier generally repels water, but oil soluble ingredients pass more easily through the epidermis and may also penetrate the dermis.
There is still some misconception about oils but the fact is that everyone can benefit from using a face oil. Applying the right oils can revitalise damaged skin, replenish dry skin and even balance oily skin, preventing excess sebum production and breakouts. Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is suitable for all skin types.
What is it about Ella Searle’s face oil that makes it unique?
Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is unique in terms of how many powerful and well-researched ingredients are packed into one bottle, beginning with the base oils.
Red raspberry and blackcurrant seed oils are at the top of the ingredient list because they offer superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and higher levels of essential fatty acids, vitamin E and phytosterols when compared with other commonly used base oils. Raspberry seed oil is an excellent source of the rare ellagic acid, a polyphenol which has been studied extensively for its anti-cancer and skin rejuvenation properties. Research suggests that raspberry seed oil also offers broad spectrum UV protection, although I always recommend wearing sunscreen.
Blackcurrant seed oil is one of the highest known sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid found in very few plant oils. Research shows that applying GLA to the skin can effectively treat various skin conditions, including dry skin, acne, eczema and dermatitis.
I’ve never seen these oils appear first on an ingredient list. I’m guessing that’s either due to their high cost or perhaps ignorance about their many benefits.
Another point of difference between my formula and many other natural/organic face oils is the inclusion of high performing laboratory-formulated ingredients at optimal levels. This gives the formula the potency of a serum and boosts the ‘anti-ageing’ effects.
I’ve provided an explanation of the benefits of every ingredient at https://www.ellasearle.com.au/ingredients/.
Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is certified toxic-free and suitable for allergy-prone skin as part of the Safe Cosmetics Australia, Toxic-Free Campaign.
How can a face oil replace other items in our ever-growing cosmetic cases?
I rarely use anything other than my face oil after cleansing. I find that it’s all I need to keep my skin looking and feeling its best. Not having to bother with serum and moisturiser also simplifies my routine, which is perfect when I’m rushing around in the morning or just want to fall into bed at night.
Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is suitable for day and night-time use and its lightweight texture makes the perfect base for makeup. In fact, one of my customers is a makeup artist and uses my facial oil to prep her clients’ skin before makeup application.
Is your face oil suitable for males and females?
Yes absolutely! Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil can provide all the same benefits for men and simplify their skin care by offering a stand-alone product to apply after cleansing. My husband loves the no mess pump application and the non-greasy skin feel.
What does being a vegan and cruelty free brand mean to you?
As someone who shops cruelty-free and follows a vegan lifestyle, it was inevitable that these values would extend to my brand. Being a vegan and cruelty-free brand is very important to me. Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil is certified with Vegan Australia and Choose Cruelty Free, so that customers can feel confident they are buying a product containing no animal-derived or animal tested ingredients.
How important are ethics in your business?
There are certain values that I never compromise on and they extend from my personal life to the way I conduct my business – authenticity, treating others the way I wish to be treated and doing my part to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Reducing Ella Searle’s environmental impact is very important to me and I continually strive to do better. Manufacturing is done in small batches with a minimal carbon footprint. I use 100% recycled paper where possible and encourage customers to recycle my beautiful Miron Violet glass bottles and paper products. Products are wrapped in GreenWrap which is Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) certified, biodegradable and compostable. Packages are tied with biodegradable jute twine string and 100% recycled mailing boxes are sealed with Kraft paper packing tape. Bio-Fill packing peanuts are used for extra protection during transit – made from wheat starch, they are biodegradable, water soluble and compostable. I also take care to source printed products and ingredients from suppliers with initiatives to reduce their environmental impacts.
Glowing reviews from customers can be found on Ella Searle’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
You can learn more about Kelly, her brand Ella Searle, and her award winning face oil here. To help Australians access high quality skincare during trying times, they currently have 25% off their 30ml bottles.
Thank you Kelly, for sharing this cruelty free delight with myself, our Vegan Beauty Box subscribers and the world.
**DON’T FORGET you can WIN your own 30ml bottle of Ella Searle Face Oil by entering our Instagram competition here.**