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Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken (Full Of Veggies, Lower In Sugar) – The Real Food Dietitians

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This amazing Herb Tahini Dressing will add so much flavor to your next salad or grain bowl.

Our core belief here is that balanced eating should be both nutrient-dense and delicious-dense!

One of the unique elements in our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals is the Flavor Factor, which is all about adding ingredients that help make your meal taste delicious and even more nutritious, including sauces, dressings, spices, and herbs.

Made with tahini, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, chives, and dill, this Herb Tahini Dressing will turn into a staple dressing for all of your spring and summer salads.

Make this Flavor Factor recipe on your batch cooking day and you’ll be able to enjoy it in a variety of ways throughout the week! 

What Is The Foundational Five Flavor Factor? 

In case you’re new to the NS Community and the Mindful Nutrition Method, the Foundational Five system is part of how we teach you to build balanced meals. It makes it easy for you to give your body the nourishment you need while having the flexibility to enjoy the foods you love without stressing about food.

The Foundational Five is made up of five elements of nutrition including Protein, Fat, Non-starchy Carbohydrates, starchy & Sugary Carbohydrates, and the Flavor Factor (which brings vibrancy, deliciousness, and enjoyment to your meals). 

You can download our free guide that walks you through our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals that you can use to meal prep or cook fresh this week!

Tahini Nutrition Benefits

Packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats 
Rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants 
Disease fighting as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties

Ingredients Needed To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing

Tahini
Lemon juice
Cilantro
Parsley
Chives
Dill
Garlic 
Olive oil
Water
Sea salt
Pepper
Lemon zest

How To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing

First, simply gather your ingredients. Next, add them to a food processor or blender and blend until you’ve reached your desired, creamy texture! 

Tips for Making This Herb Tahini Dressing

Here are a couple of tips you should keep in mind that will help you easily store and make the most out of this Herb Tahini Dressing. 

Store in Air-tight Glass Swing Bottles 

Utilizing air-tight glass swing bottles for storage will keep your dressing tasting fresh and delicious for up to a week. Plus, their pour-friendly tops make it easy to mix into any salad, grain bowl, or stir fry!  

Double or Triple the Recipe!

Want this dressing to last you all week long for many delicious salads and balanced meals? Then just double or triple the recipe amount to fill up a glass jar to coast you through many balanced salads.

What To Serve With This Herb Tahini Dressing To Make It Balanced

This dressing is a great source of flavor factors and fat, meaning it will add a boost of enjoyment and satiety to any meal!

To help round it out and make a Foundational Five meal, be sure to add it to a bowl, dish, or plate that has your other Foundational Five components (protein, starchy or sugary carbohydrates, and non-starchy carbohydrate). 

Salads and grain bowls are particularly easy ways to incorporate all of these ingredients! 

FAQ About How To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing:

How long will this recipe last?

When stored in an air-tight glass container, you can use this dressing for up to two weeks. 

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

One of the most vital parts of any beauty routine is a consistent skincare regimen. While that may involve an exfoliating cleansing balm or glowy moisturizer, there’s another element you’re probably missing: a targeted face and neck serum that halts fine lines in their tracks.

The No7 Beauty Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum is designed to tighten and firm the skin in just a couple of weeks. Its collagen-peptide complex (Matrixyl 3000 Plus), alongside a blend of hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid, instantly smooth the skin, bringing results that you can both see and feel rather quickly. Users may notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, crows feet and wrinkles, plus your face might even look lifted—a face lift at a fraction of the cost, who doesn’t want that? 

In fact, its clinically proven to make a difference on aging skin. Per a consumer study conducted in the UK, 85 percent of subjects 85% “saw better age-defying results when adding No7 Restore & Renew serum to their skincare routine” compared to those that didn’t.

No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum

Even those with sensitive skin will be able to reap the serum’s benefits without unwanted irritation. To make the most out of this dermatologist-approved serum, the brand recommends using the serum in the morning and at night before bed. Shoppers also say this face and neck serumleaves their skin feeling “dewy and fresh” and “not greasy,” so it’s perfectly fine to apply ahead of makeup. 

RELATED: Shoppers Are Seeing New Growth on Bald Spots With This $19 Spray—& Even Their Stylists Are Intrigued

One reviewer called it the “best serum ever,” writing “I’ve been using this serum for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I have extremely sensitive skin and I’ve never had a problem using this. I also feel like it’s helping me ‘age backwards’ as it keeps my skin soft and supple and is perfect under my day or night cream, as well as my illuminator makeup I use on top of it. It’s a fabulous product.” 

Another five-star shopper shared how she was more than pleased with the results. “Since using this serum, I notice the skin on my neck and chest looks tighter and younger. Lines seem less visible. Skin looks more supple and hydrated. Absolutely love it.” 

Want to try it for yourself? The No7 Beauty Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum is available at Amazon right now for 17 percent off. 

Are turmeric face masks worth the hype? While many of us know turmeric as a staple spice in the kitchen, it may also hold promise as a skin care ingredient. With its vibrant yellow hue, turmeric has gained a glowing reputation in the beauty world, and you’ve likely seen recommendations for turmeric face masks popping up on your social media feeds. But are they worth trying?

If you’ve only ever imagined reaching for this spice for your culinary escapades, think again. From brightening dark undereye circles to creating an invigorated, glowing complexion, you may be surprised at how a turmeric face mask benefits your skin. 

Benefits Of Turmeric | Turmeric Face Mask FAQs | Turmeric Energizing Treatment Vs DIY Turmeric Face Mask | How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment 

 

Benefits Of Using Turmeric For Your Skin

Turmeric owes its anti-inflammatory and pigment-inhibiting properties to its active compounds, collectively referred to as curcuminoids. Among these, curcumin stands out as the most important, providing potent anti-inflammatory effects and effectively inhibiting tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for activating pigment production. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-everything properties, turmeric skin care is the way to go if you want to achieve head-to-toe radiance.

Here are some turmeric fast facts around its benefits for the skin.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, significantly lowers levels of inflammatory markers in the body. “Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial — these properties help tighten pores and improve skin tone and pH balance,” says Dr. Taz Bhatia MD, Integrative Health Expert, and Founder and Medical Director, CentrespringMD. 

2. Helps To Treat Acne

This spice’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties can improve scarring and dark spots left behind by acne, while decreasing redness and soothing irritated skin. As Dr. Bhatia explains, “In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was also mixed with yogurt to lessen acne.”

Additionally, turmeric’s antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent clogged pores, breakouts or reduce existing ones.

3. Brightens Undereyes

If you’re concerned with dark eye circles, turmeric’s properties help to brighten dark undereye circles and bring out your natural glow. Turmeric also works well to reduce any puffiness in your eye area.

4. Reduces Signs Of Aging

This golden root helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles, keeps skin supple and improves skin’s elasticity. You might be thinking that turmeric seems like a magical ingredient! We certainly think so. So, how exactly should you be using turmeric in your skin care routine? Turmeric face masks are extremely popular, but there is a difference between a DIY turmeric face mask and a professional treatment. 

Turmeric Face Mask FAQs

Is Turmeric Good For A Face Mask?

Yes, turmeric is a good ingredient in a face mask as it exfoliates and awakens the skin so that it looks reinvigorated and clear. 

Will A Turmeric Face Mask Stain My Skin?

While turmeric on its own may leave a yellow stain on the skin, this is not an issue when it is professionally formulated into skin care products. We recommend avoiding DIY turmeric face masks and instead recommend using our own expertly formulated skin care products.

What Does Turmeric Do For Your Face?

Turmeric supports skin health to reduce breakouts and contains anti-inflammatory properties to improve skin tone. It also improves acne scarring and brightens dark undereye circles.

Does A Turmeric Mask Reduce The Signs Of Aging?

Turmeric can minimize the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin supple and improving the skin’s elasticity.

Does Turmeric Make Your Skin Clear?

Yes, turmeric can make the skin appear clearer and smooth due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It calms the look of inflamed skin and is known to minimize scarring. 

Turmeric Energizing Treatment Vs DIY Turmeric Face Mask

We know what you’re thinking — can’t I just create a DIY turmeric face mask at home? Mix some turmeric and apple cider vinegar together? The idea of mixing a mask up in the kitchen is very appealing and is frequently touted as a great solution on social media. However, a professional skin care product will provide you with safety and real results that you can’t achieve with a DIY mask. It comes down to the formula, concentration level and ingredients that you’ll find in professional skin care companies’ products. Additionally, when you mix up a DIY concoction at home, you can’t be sure that the ingredient proportions are ideal for the skin. Formulas made by beauty chemists eliminate this issue. 

Product Picks

Turmeric Energizing Treatment

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Our Turmeric Mask Energizing Treatment blends turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, designed to exfoliate and enliven your skin. Kaolin clay cleanses deeply and brings out impurities in the skin without stripping moisture. Paprika is included in the mix, resulting in a vibrant, glowing complexion. Zeolite works to exfoliate, smooth, and tighten the skin, while the treatment’s unique powder-to-mousse texture creates a stimulating and refreshing experience. This multi-functional mask serves as a 3-in-1 treatment, acting as a stimulant, exfoliant and mask to awaken the skin and eliminate impurities. As the mask dries, the kaolin clay purifies the skin for a truly invigorating treatment.

As our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, explains: “This treatment is fantastic for dull or congested skin, and it can also add positivity into your routine thanks to the powerful effects of citrine gemstones.” 

How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment 

 

Are you ready to enliven your complexion with Turmeric Energizing Treatment? All you have to do is dispense one small scoop of powder (about 1 teaspoon) into the outer cap. Gradually stir in a few drops of water until the texture looks like mousse. The recommended ratio is 4 parts powder to 3 parts water. Next, apply a thin layer to the entire face, extending to the neck and décolleté.

You can let it dry for 10 – 30 minutes. Rinse with tepid water, massaging gently to exfoliate. Don’t be alarmed, as a hot tingling sensation can last for a few minutes and is an intended effect of this product. For a milder effect, dilute with more water.

To learn more about this turmeric face mask and how best to apply it, watch Natalie in this In The Mix video. 

Connect with your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about the benefits of turmeric and our Turmeric Energizing Treatment with citrine gemstones.

This article was first written in October 2020.

Reverse Your Prediabetes With These 5 Tips

by Caitlin H,

Mar 13, 2023

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It could be considered a blessing in disguise. Knowing that you have it allows you to make new, healthier choices to reverse the condition and hopefully help you avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Simple Ways to Tell if Your Food is Nutritious

by Caitlin H,

Mar 6, 2023

Proper nutrition is one of the most important ways to ensure you lead a healthy, happy, long life. In fact, studies show that eating a balanced diet plays a role in all sorts of things. 

It can be challenging to know whether your food is nutritious. Labels can be confusing if you’re not a nutrition expert, and honestly, how many of us are? But don’t stress! Check out our easy to follow beginner’s guide to deciphering food labels.

8 Essential Elements for a Healthier Heart

by Caitlin H,

Feb 27, 2023

February is American Heart Month, an annual observance of the importance of cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association and all health providers use the month to remind us to engage in healthy habits that reduce our heart disease risk.

That’s why the American Heart Association (AHA) identifies these eight essential elements to better heart health. Read on to learn more!

Break That Snacking Habit with These Expert Tips

by Caitlin H,

Feb 20, 2023

It’s 8 p.m., and you’re enjoying your favorite TV show or cozied up on the couch with a good book. Then, you get up and find yourself standing in the kitchen, reaching for a handful of chips or a couple of cookies.

If this sounds all-too-familiar, you’re not alone. Mindless snacking is a habit many of us deal with daily, whether sitting at the office (or home office), perusing social media, or even snuggling up in bed.

Thankfully, there are ways you can cut back on snacking.

10 Delicious, Healthy Dinners to Wow Your Sweetheart

by Caitlin H,

Feb 14, 2023

Did you remember Valentine’s Day? If you or your sweetie are trying to eat healthily, why not keep the momentum going by whipping up a delicious dinner?

Want to try a new recipe to surprise your sweetie for Valentine’s Day (or any day)? We’ve got your covered with some tasty choices! Bon appétit!

7 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Day at the Gym

by Caitlin H,

Feb 6, 2023

You did it. You committed to your health and fitness and signed up for a gym membership. And now, it’s time to step into that world of weights and cardio machines for the first time. It can feel pretty darn intimidating. That’s more than okay. It’s a brand new situation, and doing anything for the first time can be nerve-wracking.

Thankfully, the gym is actually a place you can have fun and spend time — you just have to set yourself up for success before showing up for the first time.

These 5 Simple Dietary Swaps Could Lengthen Your Life

by Caitlin H,

Jan 30, 2023

If the potential of adding years to your life by making small changes appeals to you, listen up.

Improving the quality of foods you eat daily — even just a little — can extend your life, no matter how old you are.  Making some simple swaps to your overall diet can improve your nutritional intake — and maybe even add years to your life!

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone This Year

by Caitlin H,

Jan 23, 2023

The new year is often when we think about hitting the reset button on some (or several!) aspects of our lives. We consider our intentions, set goals, and start doing what we can to achieve them.

This year, consider the following: How often do you set a goal to do something extraordinary that will give you a sense of true exhilaration?

Maybe it’s time to step outside your comfort zone and live life to the fullest!

8 Simple Ways Women Can Move More While At Home

by Caitlin H,

Jan 16, 2023

You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again; physical activity is crucial to controlling your weight, gaining healthful benefits, and expanding your lifespan. 

A recent study found that physical activity was associated with a lower risk of death for women. By participating in daily activity of any intensity, a woman could lengthen her expected lifetime. Fitness guru, Dr. Gabe Mirkin tells us “You do not need to have a specific exercise program to stay fit, you just need to keep on moving for a large part of each day.” That’s good news if you’re not a big fan of what we traditionally associate with exercise.

So, what can you do to make sure you can keep your body in motion each and every day? We have 8 simple ideas for you! (Men, you can do these things, too!)

Lorrie Mills Lost 15 Pounds In Just Three Months

by Caitlin H,

Jan 9, 2023

Lorrie Mills is a giving person. During the holiday season, he sponsors families in need by fulfilling their wishlists and providing food. But in April 2022, Lorrie learned some troubling news that meant it was time to give something to himself, too.

When his doctor started making notes in his medical records about his chances of stroke or heart attack (or worse) Lorrie took him seriously. That same day he found Diet-to-Go, and three months later he’s happy to share what he’s learned.

Clever Hacks To Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

by Caitlin H,

Dec 19, 2022

A quality night’s rest is one of the best feelings. It makes it much easier to take on the day’s tasks, make time for exercise, think clearly, be productive and even make better nutrition choices.

Unfortunately, many of us may struggle to get quality sleep. 

If you’re one of those people, you may want to take a peek at our list of things you can try in order to up the quantity (and quality) of those zzzzs! 

20 Weight Loss-Themed Gifts They’ll Love

by Caitlin H,

Dec 12, 2022

Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be challenging, especially if you want to support their weight loss goals tactfully.

Thankfully, there are options to give them what they want (or need!) with class. Our holiday gift roundup below includes ideas for 20 thoughtful, quality weight loss-related gifts that will make them smile and help them achieve their goal!

10 Festive & Fun Light Christmas Cocktails

by Caitlin H,

Dec 5, 2022

Holiday get-togethers are often synonymous with high-calorie adult beverages like spiked eggnog, mimosas, wine and beer. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, there are also a ton of fun, lower-calorie beverages you can whip up instead.

Keep these 10 Christmas-themed cocktail recipes on hand for any upcoming festivities and you can enjoy without going overboard. As always, be sure to drink responsibly!

Dont JUST Diet. Create a Healthy Lifestyle

by Caitlin H,

Nov 28, 2022

Anyone who’s ever struggled with weight knows how challenging it can be to find a diet that works, especially with so many options.  

Well, here’s the thing. While selecting a healthy, well-rounded diet that works for you is essential, changing your mindset to focus on changing your overall lifestyle is even more critical. By approaching your weight loss plan to improve your health and overall wellness, you’re much more likely to find success.

But how do you do that?

8 Common Ailments a Better Diet Can Help Remedy

by Caitlin H,

Nov 21, 2022

Many of us pursue healthy eating in an effort to lose weight. While that is essential, consistently eating meals that are balanced for nutrition can also help with many common ailments we face throughout our lifetimes.

Read on for a list of expert and science-backed health issues that eating right can help reduce, tame, and support, so you can live life to the fullest!

8 Ways to Benefit from Meeting with a Dietitian

by Caitlin H,

Nov 14, 2022

Losing weight is a challenge. 

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure. Thankfully, there are professionals who can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you create an individual weight loss plan that works best for you. 

Diet-to-Go believes that having a dietitian available to our clients is an essential service, which is why Rebecca Mohning, our in-house dietitian and nutritionist is on standby to help you create a plan that will work for you.

Is Your Diet Really Healthy? 10 Quick Tips to Eat Better

by Caitlin H,

Nov 7, 2022

If you’re incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbs and whole grains into your diet, you probably think you’re eating a well-rounded diet. There’s a solid chance that may be true! But, a recent study published in the American Society for Nutrition found that many of us think our diet is healthier than it really is.

Thankfully, you can take control of your diet and ensure you’re getting the proper nutrition that can support you in reaching your goals, and WE CAN HELP!

8 Keto-Friendly Halloween Dishes Party Guests Will Love

by Caitlin H,

Oct 24, 2022

Halloween is a fun time for everyone, but it can be difficult for those of us on the keto diet to resist all that candy, unhealthy food and those baked goods sitting around this time of year.

Thankfully, just because you’re low-carb living doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. We’ve come up with a few Halloween-themed snacks… it’s scary how yummy they are!

10 Different Types of Yoga to Master Your Body and Mind

by Caitlin H,

Oct 17, 2022

Controlling both your mind and body are two things that can work wonders toward improving your overall health and weight loss efforts. And yoga is a highly effective way to get that control.

Yoga combines breathing and meditation (mind) with movement (body) to boost various elements of your health, including flexibility, endurance, strength, inner peace and well-being. Yoga is practiced by millions of people and the varieties and forms of the practice is growing. You can try out for mediation, fitness, spirituality and, of course, fun!

Work your way down our list of 10 different yoga types! You’re sure to find the perfect yoga workout.

3 Strategies to Maximize Weight Loss Through Portion Control

by Caitlin H,

Oct 10, 2022

Most diets focus on restricting your eating by cutting out things like refined sugars, carbohydrates, fat content, etc. And while reducing your intake of those things can aid in weight loss*, the constant restriction can also make it more challenging to stay dedicated and consistent.

Another practical approach is to allow some of the foods you enjoy most while focusing on portion control instead. Portion control is when you focus on the amount of food you’re eating and adjust it according to your calorie and nutritional goals.

Applying some simple routine tips to your meal portion control can go a long way toward helping you reach your goals!

The Best Protein Pancakes Recipe (No Banana) – The Real Food Dietitians

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If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

The Dewy Skin Cream. The Water Cream. The Kissu Lip Mask. When Tatcha releases a new product, it quickly becomes a cult favorite and The Silk Serum Wrinkle-Smoothing Retinol Alternative, the newest launch, is sure to be no different. In fact, it’s a bit of a departure for the brand. It’s its first big anti-aging serum made to fight wrinkles, as well as dullness, uneven texture and loss of firmness. The best part? It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

You’ve probably heard that retinol is THE powerhouse anti-aging ingredient and while that’s true, not everyone’s skin can tolerate it. That’s why there are stellar retinol alternatives on the market, plant-based formulas using a mix of ingredients that yield the same — or at least very similar – results to vitamin A (retinol). These are generally very well tolerated, though, of course, you should start slow with any new product.

Tatcha’s The Silk Serum is in that retinol alternative category. The brand promises it’s so well tolerated, you can use it up to twice a day without getting oversensitive or having increased sun sensitivity. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, this is especially helpful.

And just because it’s gentle, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Tatcha uses sea fennel, a marine botanical, to help turnover skin, silk protein to smooth and plump dry, fine lines and upcycled cranberry extract to support the moisture barrier for smoother-looking skin. In the brand’s in-vitro testing, the formula “acts as well or better than stabilized retinol on the same biomarkers.”  In a clinical study of 41 panelists, 100 percent “showed improvement in skin texture” and 85 percent “showed improvement in the look of under-eye, crows’ feet and forehead lines,” all in just two weeks. Those are some great numbers.

If you’re already a fan of Tatcha products (and who isn’t?!), here’s how you’d use it. First, you’ll wash your skin with The Camellia Cleansing Oil ($50 at Sephora). Then, you’ll gently exfoliate your skin with The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder ($68 at Sephora). Next comes your new The Silk Serum, followed by The Silk Cream ($125 at Sephora).

 

It’s no secret that we love a good skin care mixology. Bringing multiple beautiful products together means that you can double the skin care benefits offered by our organic formulas. To make sure you maximize these benefits, our Product Support team has created a list of complementary pairings that your Clients are sure to love. From toners to moisturizers, let’s explore the best product combinations for optimal results.

The Best Product Pairings For Face And Body

Treat Your Client With An Exfoliation Trio

With a luscious and refreshing pineapple scent, the Pineapple Refining Tonique gently removes dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin to promote an even tone and radiant appearance. This toner has enzymatic and chemical exfoliating properties that are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. This toner unclogs pores and smooths out skin texture. It also brightens the skin by minimizing the appearance of dark spots and prepping the skin for better absorption of other brightening ingredients. 

Follow the toner with the Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel and pre-treat before a further exfoliation step. This solution reduces the appearance of dark spots and brightens the look of the skin. Its key ingredient, licorice, not only improves the look of uneven skin tone, but also visibly helps with skin elasticity and the look of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Complete the combo with the Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%. This professional-only lactic acid peel gently resurfaces the skin and refines pores for a more luminous and even-looking complexion. The Lactic Acid Complex used is a proprietary blend of actives consisting of lactic acid from plant sugars, red clover flower extract and ribose from corn seeds, formulated to resurface and rejuvenate skin. 

Mix And Match Your Masks

Multiple masks can work in harmony to amplify benefits for the skin, including delicious duos like the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque and the Stone Crop Masque. You can either apply these masks independently of each other, mix them together using a 1:1 ratio, or layer one mask on top of the other and blend them together. 

The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is a cream-gel mask for all skin types. This mask is formulated with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin’s health. 

The Stone Crop Masque contains nourishing honey, hydrating stone crop and antioxidant-rich lemon. This mask will help your Clients’ skin appear healthier, more moisturized and brighter.

Perfect Pairing For A Facial Massage

Offer your Clients a comforting facial massage using the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer and Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil. Both products are versatile, so you have three options for application: either apply these two products independently of each other, mix them together using a 1:1 ratio, or layer one on top of the other and blend them together. 

Instantly tighten and lift Clients’ skin with the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Massaging this onto the face and neck will moisturize the skin, promote the look of elasticity and delay the visible signs of aging. 

The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil also fights the signs of aging, by reducing the look of wrinkles and improving skin texture. Essential oils like rosehip oil, jojoba oil and seabuckthorn oil are packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants to hydrate and moisturize the skin.

Double Up Your Serums

Treat Clients’ skin with the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum and Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum. You have different options for application: Either apply these products independently of each other, mix them together using a 1:1 ratio, or layer one on top of the other and blend them together. 

The Citrus & Kale C+E Serum is formulated with Vitamin C to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E and botanical ferulic acid ingredients help with the effectiveness of Vitamin C and also improve the appearance of skin health.

Combine with the Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum to help your Clients achieve luminous skin. Lactic acid rejuvenates the skin by removing dead skin cells while the Natural Hydroquinone Alternative Complex brightens the skin’s appearance. 

Super-Boost Your Moisturizer

Rejuvenate your Clients’ complexion by mixing the Superfood Booster-Powder with a cream moisturizer. To hydrate and brighten all skin types, moisturize with the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. For normal and dry skin, and skin showing the visible signs of aging, you can apply the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. 

Add a scoop of the Superfood Booster-Powder to your choice of moisturizer. This powder blends brightening and antioxidant-rich ingredients that support an even tone and brighter-looking skin. Add a level scoop of powder using the dosing spoon with a cream-based moisturizer in the palm of the hand and mix well before application. When thoroughly mixed, you’ll notice that the booster-powder will blend seamlessly into the moisturizer with no gritty texture.

The Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer’s key ingredient is stone crop, a Hungarian succulent known for addressing hydration and being able to brighten a dull skin texture through its antioxidant and gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) content. This moisturizer provides hydration by attracting water and sealing it into the skin. As previously mentioned, the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer improves the look of elasticity in the skin and delays the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

Tandem Lip Care

Give your Clients smooth, silky lips with a combo of the Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum and Citrus Lip Balm. Lips are commonly forgotten in skin care, but the delicate skin in this area can be vulnerable if not protected from the elements. 

The Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum provides the lips with algae, a nutrient-rich ingredient that offers a dose of minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to increase firmness. This serum also provides long-lasting hydration to the skin. The Citrus Lip Balm builds off the Marine Flower Peptide Serum’s hydrating effects with ingredients like shea butter and sunflower seed oil that give lips a smoother shine and hydrated look.

Want to learn more about Eminence Organics product pairings and dynamic duos? Find out how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.

In the world of skincare, few topics are as hotly debated as fragrance. As we’ve collectively embraced the concept of strengthening our moisture barriers, we’ve also eschewed irritating ingredients that can weaken or disrupt those barriers. While this is a good thing, I also think some ingredients have been unfairly demonized. It doesn’t help that the wealth of information found on social media can often leave us feeling more confused than educated. When it comes to the chemistry involved in creating complex skincare formulas, things are rarely black and white. Whether or not an ingredient causes problems for someone’s skin typically depends on a whole host of factors, and fragrance is no exception.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on the topic and explain why you shouldn’t go throwing out your fragranced products just yet.

Fragrance-Free vs. Unscented

This may seem like splitting hairs, but before we continue, there’s an important distinction to be made between fragrance-free and unscented. As the name suggests, fragrance-free implies no fragrance material has been added to a formula whatsoever. Unscented, on the other hand, means a product might include ingredients meant to neutralize or mask the less-than-pleasant natural scent of a product. In unscented formulas, these ingredients aren’t added to give the product a distinct scent or flavor. But, once they’re in there, a product can no longer be deemed truly fragrance-free. 

Learn more about the different marketing terms used in skin care and what they really mean.

What is Fragrance?

The term “fragrance” is a catch-all, and it encompasses thousands of different compounds that can go into creating a fragrance. Some of these compounds occur naturally in plants, some are derived from animals, and some are created synthetically. 

Types of Fragrance in Skincare

Essential Oils

Essential oils are considered fragrances, and when added as an individual oil, they will be listed separately on an ingredient label. (For example, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.) There are also fragrances known as chemical isolates, which you get by taking the primary chemical out of an essential oil and using it on its own. These typically won’t be listed separately and fall under that general “fragrance” umbrella. 

Natural Fragrances

Natural fragrances are made of naturally occurring chemicals that are usually derived from plants. They can be derived from animals, but this isn’t really a common practice anymore. Natural fragrances don’t include any petroleum-derived chemicals. 

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are synthesized in a lab to mimic a naturally occurring fragrance ingredient that may be rare or unsustainable to source. They can also be used to create a distinct fragrance that can’t be found in nature. Synthetic fragrances often come from petroleum-derived chemistry.

If you see “fragrance” on an ingredient label, know that it can also be a blend of any of these three categories.

Is One Type of Fragrance Better Than the Others?

The short answer is no. People tend to assume natural fragrances are better than synthetic ones, but I think a lot of this has to do with the increased popularity of “clean” beauty marketing. It’s made many of us subconsciously (or consciously) associate “natural” with better. 

The reality is that natural fragrances aren’t any less likely to cause irritation than synthetic fragrances. Some people get freaked out when they learn that synthetic fragrances are petroleum-derived because they associate this with petroleum fuel. But I can assure you, this is unwarranted! Aside from having the same point of origin, petroleum products found in skincare have almost nothing to do with the fuel you’re thinking of. Chemically speaking, they’re completely different structures because the ingredients used in skincare have been carefully refined to remove impurities. Take Vaseline, for instance—Vaseline is petroleum jelly, a petroleum-derived product, and it’s considered so safe that it’s even recommended by the National Eczema Foundation. (Speaking of Vaseline, read all about my thoughts on the popular slugging trend.)

The bottom line is that synthetic fragrances are extremely pure and predictable since they’re made in a lab, so their safety is well understood. 

How Common is It to Have an Allergy or Sensitivity to Fragrance?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, only about 1% of the population has a true fragrance allergy. If you’re allergic to certain fragrance compounds, any amount will set off a histamine response. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, hives, and redness.

When people talk about being sensitive to fragrance, most of them are really talking about irritation, which is very different from an allergy. When it comes to irritants, it’s all about the quantity of exposure. In other words, dose matters—a lot. You may find your skin gets irritated if you use very heavily scented products, but a product with a small amount of fragrance is likely fine. 

This concept isn’t unique to just fragrance. Many things we deem totally safe can be potential irritants if used at a high enough concentration. One of my favorite examples is glycerin, considered to be one of the most innocuous ingredients out there. But, applied to people’s skin at 100% concentration during certain testing, even this caused irritation. For a while, this led to people online perpetuating the myth that glycerin is an irritant. 

Of the thousands of chemicals that can be used to create a scent, only a small portion of them tend to cause allergies or irritation. Again, it’s all about dosage.

Sensitive, easily-irritated skin? Learn more about how to avoid a negative reaction to a skincare product.

Why Fragrance Labeling is Tricky

While the good news is that only a fraction of fragrance compounds are likely to cause irritation, the bad news is that it can be hard to identify them just by looking at an ingredient label. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) of 1977 is what allows companies to simply put “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label rather than disclosing the individual compounds that make up a scent. A big reason for this is that a lot of those scents are proprietary, so brands didn’t want to disclose them. This means that if you are someone who reacts badly to certain compounds, seeing “fragrance” on an ingredient label won’t necessarily tell you whether or not you’ll react to that product.

In the EU, brands are required to list certain fragrance compounds. This is based on a list of 26 common allergens as identified by an international dermatological group. If the amount used exceeds a certain threshold level, they must be listed separately.

In December 2022, Congress passed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). This will be the first significant change to how cosmetics are regulated in the U.S. since the 70s. Once MoCRA is enacted, companies in the U.S. will likely be required to disclose the same common allergens. 

Who Should Not Use Fragrance?

Although fragrance in skincare is overwhelmingly considered safe, there are some people who should avoid it for good measure. This mainly includes those with chronic, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. Of course, it also includes the 1% who are allergic to certain fragrance compounds. 

If you suspect you might have an allergy to fragrance or that fragrance is irritating your skin, it’s best to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. If you have sensitive skin, it’s also worth patch-testing new products before using them.  

The Verdict—Is Fragrance Bad?

As you can now understand, it’s hard to give a definitive answer to this question since the topic is so nuanced. But generally speaking, when used in reasonable amounts, fragranced skincare is unproblematic for a majority of people. True allergies are rare, and irritation comes down to the amount of fragrance you’re being exposed to. 

It’s worth noting that one reason more people may be reporting irritation from fragrance is that we’re using more skincare products than ever before. If you use multiple, heavily fragranced products every day, this is increasing your quantity of exposure. In addition, many of these products now contain potent, active ingredients. If you use too many harsh or active products, you might be compromising your moisture barrier. A compromised barrier becomes sensitive to ingredients that wouldn’t otherwise be an issue, like fragrance. 

I urge you to remember that product formulators (like myself) and cosmetic chemists working behind the scenes tend to be very well-versed in which ingredients are common allergens. The absolute goal is to create safe, yet effective products that all skin types will be able to benefit from. 

My Personal Philosophy on Formulating With Fragrance

When creating a new product, whether or not to add fragrance is just one of the many decisions I make. These are a few things I take into consideration when making that decision:

Which skin type the product is forWhether the product is rinse-off or leave-onIf the product is water-based (these tend to penetrate deeper within the skin, potentially activating nerve endings)If the product is oil-based (these have larger molecules that sit on the skin, so they’re sometimes better suited to fragrance)

These are just a few examples, but what people should understand is how nuanced the process is. Like many other formulators, I don’t take these decisions lightly and I always want to create the best experience for my customers. I know the main goal of skincare is to improve the appearance of the skin, but for many of us, skincare is also a ritual. It’s part of our self-care routine, and self-care should be pleasant and enjoyable! I personally like having the sensorial experience that a small amount of fragrance can bring to my skincare routine. (And yes, I do mean a small amount. When I want a more intense scent, I reach for perfume instead.) At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal choice. As the consumer, you get to decide what kind of experience you want to have when using your skincare products. Learn more about my personal skincare philosophy and how it guides me when I formulate.

I hope this post gives you some insight into the misunderstood world of fragrance in skincare products!

Up next, learn more about how your skincare products are tested to ensure safety.