We have such a special addition to the Vegan Beauty Box this month. The beautiful Merkaba anti-aging facial serum. This little bottle of plant based goodness is just pure heaven to apply and we know you’ll love it.
Merkaba skincare is a labour of love by owner Karen….here is her wonderful journey in the evolution of this beautiful skincare range.
I began formulating my own skincare products while trying to treat ongoing flare ups of rosacea. I was recommended steroid creams by a dermatologist and although they helped, as soon as I stopped using them, the rosacea returned. Concerned about the ingredients in the prescribed creams, I enrolled in a Low Tox course where I learned about the potentially toxic ingredients found in skincare and personal care products.
I began researching natural plant based ingredients with an intention to develop my own products to treat my rosacea and other skincare concerns. There are many ‘natural and organic’ claims on the market but I was looking for products that were 100% plant based with no added fillers or preservatives. I also wanted assurance that the end product was of the highest quality with the desired ratio of active ingredients for maximum effectiveness. My love and passion for plant based organic skincare products started, and soon after, Merkaba Skincare was born.
The first product I formulated was the anti-aging serum, ‘Restore’. After experiencing positive results, I wanted to dive deeper into the best ingredients for my products and completed a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation and an Advanced Certificate in High Performance Serums with the School of Natural Skincare.
The ‘Restore’ serum incorporates high performance actives and botanical extracts, carefully selected to achieve optimal effectiveness. The finished product is a luxurious restorative serum enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants working synergistically to intensely repair and regenerate the skin.
What are the star ingredients in your serum?
While developing the ‘Restore’ serum I chose ingredients with powerful anti-aging properties that synergised well together. Organic seabuckthorn CO2 fruit extract and rosehip seed CO2 were high on the list, both loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. Seabuckthorn berries contain the rare omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) and are fast becoming known as the miracle berry. This fatty acid, very rarely found in the plant kingdom, protects against oxidative damage by encouraging the development of new skin cells and reducing the appearance and onset of wrinkles.
Rosehip seed oil has been found in clinical trials to be active in cell regeneration and an effective treatment for scar tissue and blemishes. These two ingredients have been CO2 extracted which refers to a separation process using a pure and environmentally supercritical fluid of which the end product is a pure, nutrient dense oil.
The serum also contains organic prickly pear seed oil and acai oils, both anti-aging warriors. These oils help to strengthen and rebuild the skin’s natural protective barrier, assist with collagen production, and protect against free radical damage.
We also use baobab seed oil in all of our oil based products as it is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and anti-inflammatory sterols. As well supporting collagen health, baobab oil aids to repair conditions such as rosacea and it absorbs beautifully into the skin. This fruit is harvested by the women in South Africa, providing sustainable income for the local communities and provides protection for these ancient trees.
How important is sustainability in your business?
Sustainability and minimal environmental impact are at the forefront of every decision we make at Merkaba Skincare, giving respect to all life forms, humans, animals and our planet, from ingredients to packaging and mailing options.
Our cold pressed oils, actives and extracts are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested and no ingredients containing palm oil or palm oil derivatives are used in our products.
We’ve chosen Miron glass for our packaging, which blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of infrared and UVA (ultraviolet light). This unique property offers optimal protection against the aging processes which occur by exposure to visible light, thus increasing shelf life and maximising effectiveness of the ingredients. This allows us to naturally preserve our products without the use of potentially harmful synthetic preservatives. We don’t use outer packaging for our products as we maintain a commitment to avoid all unnecessary trimmings. Our mailing boxes are fully recyclable, and our mailing bags are 100% certified home compostable.
Are your products suitable for males as well as females?
Our products are designed to be minimal, uncomplicated, and suitable for both genders with the intention of simplifying skincare regimes and minimising consumer waste. This also means less clutter in your bathroom and an added bonus for travel!
Why did you choose the name Merkaba?
Merkaba translates to ’light’, ‘body’ and ‘spirit’. Merkaba skincare harnesses the power of the plants (the light), as the connecting thread between the astral self (the spirit) and the physical self (the body). This invites the perfect opportunity for people and plants to connect.
We believe that honouring the ancient wisdom of the plants will serve to rejuvenate not only your skin, but your oneness, your complete being.
What is your approach to skincare?
We believe that skincare must be effective, yet holistic and uncomplicated at the same time, more about a ritual and less about a routine. We encourage self care practices that invite a sense of awareness and acknowledgment that we are all as one with the universe. This invites the perfect opportunity to harmonise your body and mind while enjoying a complete sensory experience.
What an inspiring journey from concept to delivery keeping top of mind their impact on animals, the environment, and fellow humans.
We hope you try the serum in this month’s box and fall in love like we have, maybe even explore the rest of the range and support this exceptional small Australian business making a BIG impact on consumerism.
If there are any boxes left this month you can purchase one here.