Love Your Skin

SKIN IS A STORYTELLER. THROUGH THE SINGULAR SENSE OF TOUCH, WE FEEL THE WARMTH OF THE SUMMER SUN, THE STING OF A SCRAPED KNEE, OR THE RUSH OF A LOVER’S KISS. SKIN CRAWLS WITH EXCITEMENT, GETS GOOSEBUMPS IN THE COLD AND SERVES AS A SOCIAL CANVAS FOR A PIERCING OR TATTOO, BIRTHMARK OR SCAR, LIP COLOR OR EYE SHADOW. OUR SKIN IS ALWAYS GROWING AND CHANGING – A REFLECTION OF OUR AGE, ANCESTRY AND EVEN OUR CURRENT HEALTH.

THIS IS WHY WE TAKE SKIN SCIENCE SO SERIOUSLY. WHY WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO FIND THE CUSTOM FORMULATION THAT IS BEST – NOT FOR THE MASSES OR FOR MOST… BUT FOR YOU. SINGULAR, INDIVIDUAL AND DESERVING.

Skin Types

DRY SKIN

Dry skin can look and feel tight. It can also feel rough and become itchy and/or flaky. Exfoliating with a gentle, non-abrasive formula can help remove the top layer of dead skin and allow for better absorption of serums and other treatments, while also promoting healthy skin cell turnover. Staying hydrated is key. Look for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid (also called sodium hyaluronate), glycerin, and marine actives like algae for their ability to attract water and deliver it directly to skin cells. Additional emollients like squalane and other oils help smooth and hydrate your skin evenly and effectively.

NORMAL SKIN

If you’ve got normal skin, your skincare concerns are usually pretty minimal. You may still find your T-zone (forehead, chin and nose) a bit oily, but overall, your skin is balanced and not prone to sensitivity.

To help maintain healthy skin, you can use a gentle cleanser, hydrate with a daily moisturizer, and protect from environmental damage with a broad-spectrum daily sunscreen.

COMBINATION SKIN

People with combination skin often experience an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, making it important to find a routine that can address both for uniformity in the way your skin looks and feels. Gentle exfoliators can keep the oily T-zone in check, while moisturizers with a gel-like texture absorb quickly and are less likely to cause breakouts. Start with a small amount and increase as needed to avoid over-moisturizing.

OILY SKIN

Excess oil can leave pores congested and clogged, but we can help you with that. The good news about more moisture in your skin means it’s less prone to wrinkles. To prevent too much oil and sebum from building up, it’s smart to use a daily enzymatic exfoliator that promotes cell turnover. A gentle physical (do we need this world?) exfoliator is a great way to balance the tone and texture of your skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

We get it—managing sensitive skin is a challenge. To make it easier to determine which products are causing irritation, introduce only one new formula at a time. Before using a new product, patch test it on your inner forearm. If the skin on your arm doesn’t react, move on to trying the product behind one of your ears. If that goes well, then try it on your face.

Still feeling sensitive? Look for labels that call out non-irritating ingredients, and focus on finding products free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, essential oils, DEA, and TEA – as many of these ingredients can result in redness and itchiness.

IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE

Here are two easy ways to determine your skin type at home:

The Bare-Faced Method

1. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face. Pat skin dry and leave it bare; no moisturizer.

2. After 60 minutes, examine your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead for any shine.

Is it tight when you smile? Your skin is likely dry. What if it’s shiny on your nose and forehead, but not elsewhere? That’s combination skin.

If you are shiny all over, cheeks included, your skin is probably oily.

If you’re one of the lucky ones whose skin feels natural and comfortable after an hour, you probably have normal skin.

The Blotting Sheet Method

1. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face. Pat skin dry and leave it bare; no moisturizer.

2. After 60 minutes, gently pat a single sheet of blotting paper on each area of your face: forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Hold the paper up to the light after blotting each area.

If the sheet picked up little to no oil from any area of your face, you most likely have dry skin.

If the forehead, nose, and chin sheets show just a touch of moisture, your skin is normal.

A mix of dry or oily areas means you have combination skin.

And of course, if all blotting papers are fairly oily, you have oily skin.

Skin Conditions

For the most part, each of us is born into a skin condition and over the course of our lives, we can experience a range of concerns. Acne, dehydration and hyperpigmentation are a few of the skin conditions that can vary for individuals at different times in their lives. Additional factors like climate, pollution, medication and stress impact your skin – and luckily there are a number of ingredients and skincare routines to help you stay fresh-faced and smiling.

Wrinkles

As skin ages, it loses volume and density, which leads to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in pigmentation. There are a few ways you can combat wrinkles on your own – by limiting sun exposure, avoiding poor air quality, and eliminating the use of tobacco. You can also look for products with algae, ginger, and sea fennel extracts, as they stop the breakdown of collagen. Peptides are great too, because they reinforce the natural proteins found in your skin.

Hyperpigmentation

Having an uneven skin tone is a common complaint from people of all skin types. Dark spots and patches that appear on the face, neck, and hands are often caused by hormones and exposure to the sun. And while sun protection can help, it is not 100 percent effective in avoiding dark spots and melasma. When SPF isn’t enough, licorice extract and Vitamin C can be helpful in removing skin pigmentation and melasma.

Redness

What causes flushed skin? Harsh weather, a poor diet, and stress are all factors in skin redness. Redness can be prevented by wearing sunscreen (even on cloudy days), eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep. To treat existing redness, try products with soothing, anti-irritation ingredients like arnica and peony.

Dehydration

Dehydration is different than a perpetually dry skin type. Drinking lots of water, avoiding diuretics like alcohol and caffeine, and finding products with ingredients like glycerin and ureae can help re-hydrate your skin.

Enlarged Pores

There are two types of pores. The first, called sebum, releases the body’s natural oils, while the other releases sweat. When oils and dead skin mix together inside a pore, it causes a clog, which creates the appearance of larger pores. Sun damage can also contribute to misshapen, enlarged pores, so it’s important to wear SPF daily. Extracts like witch hazel, wintergreen, calendula, and rosemary leaf are also effective ingredients that help reduce excess oil and remove dead skin cells to reduce the appearance of pores.

Ingredient Library

All the best, local ingredients in the world

Natural vs Synthetic Ingredients

Our ingredient formulations are all natural. Pure, but not simple.

Our clean skincare products use the finest ingredients growing in the lush Pacific Northwest. Some are gentle and soothing, others potent and productive. Our products do not contain parabens, synthetic fragrances, silicone-derived emollients, PEGS, glycols or other toxins are used – ever. At Untamed Humans, we understand what works for you may not work for your best friend, and every choice is individual.

ActiSea Extract

ActiSea, a combination of marine seaweed a Japanese green tea, is brimming with essential nutrients and water-binding properties to nourish, hydrate, and soften skin. Amino acids support structure, encouraging a firmer skin tone and texture.

close-up photo of hands cupping algae water

Algae Extract

Algae is rich in antioxidants that combat those uninvited free radicals. It also inhibits enzymes that break down collagen and helps keep skin looking youthful.

Argan Oil

Commonly used to lightly moisturize and soften dry patches, argan oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It combats signs of aging and can regulate sebum to promote a smoother, calmer complexion.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Arnica is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory extract used to treat damaged, reddened, and tired skin. A relative of the sunflower family, this happy plant extract stimulates circulation.

Borage

This natural oil from wildflower seeds is a rich source of the essential fatty acid called gamma Linolenic Acid or GLA. It promotes overall skin health, restoring moisture and smoothness to dry, damaged skin.

Calendula Extract

Extracted from marigold flowers, this oil has an astringent effect that minimizes pores and helps control excess oil production. Less shine and more refined skin.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is a safe, effective and non-invasive alternative that can relieve dehydration, transepidermal water loss, inelasticity, irritation, and other inflammatory disorders. Our high-quality, pure CBD contains no THC and is carefully extracted from organic hemp.

Cocoa Butter

Touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin, cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer that can improve elasticity for a healthy, youthful complexion.

Cucumber Extract

A natural astringent, cucumber extract helps lighten skin pigmentation and melasma. It’s a great alternative to harsher chemical bleaching agents. Cucumbers – great in salads and for your skin!

Dandelion Extract

Rich in antioxidants, dandelion reduces skin irritation, increases hydration. It can boost your own collagen production to combat fine lines and tone unbalanced skin.

Hemp Seed Oil

This derivative of the Cannabis sativa plant is beneficial in treating inflammation-related skin problems, like rosacea and eczema. It moisturizes without clogging pores so you get what you need, and nothing you don't.

Horsetail Extract

The horsetail plant has been a powerful healing herb used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Silica contains collagen to naturally combat wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Acid from Yeast

This acid can hold 500 times its weight in water, which makes it an ideal ingredient for restoring tissue hydration, lubrication, and stability. It's like one giant glass of water for your face.

Licorice Extract

Licorice extract helps lighten dark spots while evening out skin tone—and can dramatically reduce the visibility of scars, too. Double duty!

Organic Aloe

Often called a "miracle plant," all-natural aloe penetrates deep into the skin to reduce inflammation. Healing properties cool and soothe dry, itchy skin.

Organic Gotu Kola Extract

This power plant improves blood circulation to speed the healing process. It is effective in treating varicose veins, broken capillaries and stubborn cellulite.

Organic Vegetable Glycerin

A versatile player to soften and moisturize, organic vegetable glycerin is a hypoallergenic emollient that promotes absorption and leaves your skin hydrated.

Peony Extract

This extract boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties known to reduce redness and irritation caused by the sun or oxidative damage. It also contains paeonol, an antibacterial compound that activates the skin’s natural defense barrier. Take that, redness!

Raspberry Seed Oil

This natural sweet-sounding oil offers moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to your skin. It also improves skin elasticity, suppleness and flexibility, which minimizes signs of aging.

Rose Flower Water

Rosewater maintains your skin's pH balance and controls excess oil. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are soothing for irritated skin.

Sea Buckthorne Oil

An extract from the Sea Buckthorn shrub, this oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. It promotes skin hydration, elasticity, and cell regeneration. Powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling.

Shea Butter

Lush, creamy shea butter is a major moisturizer with essential vitamins and natural hydration to eliminate facial lines. Its nourishing properties condition, tone and soothe skin.

Silver Dihydrogen Citrate

Stabilized silver ion complex is an absolutely natural preservative, antibacterial active and odor neutralizer. The bioavailability of its ions allows silver to be very effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is non-toxic, non-caustic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Squalane

This powerful, plant-based ingredient draws essential moisture into the skin and instantly hydrates to visibly restore elasticity and combat signs of aging.

Sugar Cane

A tropical, perennial grass, sugar cane is a natural exfoliant used to smooth and brighten skin. It penetrates skin deeply and easily to treat fine lines, dull or damaged skin.

Sunflower Oil

A great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants – sunflower oil combats acne, inflammation and general skin irritation. A natural barrier, it protects skin and locks in moisture.

Tea Tree Extract

This powerhouse ingredient contains terpinen, which kills the bacteria that cause breakouts. It's also been known to lighten acne scars. Bonus!

close-up photo of Vegan peptide white powder

Vegan Peptides

This active complex consists of yeast enzymes, and soy and rice peptides. When applied to your skin, they are the building blocks of proteins that signal the skin to repair itself and bid farewell to fine lines.

close-up photo of citrus fruits sliced in half

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential ingredient in repairing something we all have to varying degrees – sun-damaged skin cells. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, brightens skin tone, and helps give stubborn dark spots the boot.

Vitamin E

This powerful antioxidant promotes cellular restoration and strengthens your skin's protective barrier to combat free radicals (the bad guys). Vitamin E both nourishes and soothes your skin.

Witch Hazel Extract

Witch hazel removes excess oils, lifts debris, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores – all without drying out your skin. Believe it!

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