An Aromatic and Skin Brightening Experience with Asklepios

The unfortunate truth is that almost all of the beauty and personal care products that are on the market today will end up in our water ways, oceans, and our landfills - whether it is in the packaging or the ingredients. For those who are looking for plant-based products where each ingredient has traceeable sources and proven sustainable methods and where each product is packaged in plastic-free materials, it is time to take a look at Asklepios Garden. The brand is also focused on creating an aromatic experience with their effective and environmentally conscious products. Their Prima Materia Phyto Actif Serum is a perfect example of their outstanding offerings. The formula they have created utilizes a range of certified organic oils that have been ethically sourced and mindfully selected. Specifically developed with all skin types in mind, Asklepios Garden’s Prima Materia Phyto Actif Serum stands out among similar products in their category. We chatted with founder, Nicholas Bradford Fritz about what makes their formula so impactful.

How is Prima Materia best used?

Whether plant based or not, ingredients can cause varying responses. I always encourage my clients to test a patch of their skin first, to ensure they do not respond with an allergic reaction. The best way to apply Prima Materia is with clean hands on a freshly cleansed face. Start with just a few drops and work your way up to the desired glow you are trying to achieve. For day use, I find 4-5 drops is sufficient. It is important to apply Prima Materia before you apply any sunscreen, as an application afterwards will impact the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

Can this product be used in any unique or unexpected way?

The label may read ‘Facial Serum’, but Prima Materia can be used all over the body. It works beautifully for cuticle care, for spot treatments, and even for meditation purposes, as the scent works to open the heart chakra and reduce stress.

What are the most powerful ingredients in this product and how do they work?

I formulated Prima Materia to have the highest possible, naturally sourced nutrimental value available in an organic plant based serum. These are our super powered certified organic ingredients:

Borage seed oil is the richest natural known source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), it contains vitamins A and C, niacin, thiamin, vitamin B. It is a rich moisturizer that can deeply hydrate dry skin and help to maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

Rosehip seed oil, or what I like to call, ‘nature’s retinol’ is not only luxurious, but it also contains a wealth of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acid. It is hydrating, easily absorbable and contains high levels of vitamins A and C, which are both necessary for the production of collagen & encourages skin cell turnover.

Sea buckthorn oil is a super charged omega rich oil, containing the entire 3, 6, 9, and the rare omega 7 oil chain.

Jojoba Oil is abundant in important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E and B-complex, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and iodine. It restores the natural balance of sebum production in the skin while bringing in moisture and hydration.

Pomegranate seed oil is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that give the oil natural protection qualities & supports cell regeneration. Pomegranate oil repairs skin, and effectively reduces and prevents wrinkles in the epidermis. It has antimicrobial properties and is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids as well as antioxidants. It retains moisture, fights free radicals and maintains a youthful appearance.

What research, personal experience or knowledge led you towards this formula?

All of the botanicals I have chosen to use have numerous historical and mythological references to skincare and beauty that date back to the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks. That is a major part of my branding with Asklepios Garden. But today, scientific studies also show the incredible effectiveness of my chosen ingredients. This study from The International Journal of Molecular Sciences discusses the healing, inflammation reduction and anti-oxidant powers of many of these oils.

What key skin issues does Prima Materia solve?

Prima Materia is fast absorbing and formulated for all skin types. It is formulated to promote healthy skin cell renewal, collagen production, reduction in dark spots and can even out skin tone. Prima Materia is also very moisturizing, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while protecting the skin from epidermal water loss.

Prima Materia has been developed to nourish and benefit all skin types. People with oily skin will greatly benefit from the light & fast absorbing ingredients especially the Jojoba and Pumpkin Seed Oil which helps in the balancing the epidermis’ sebum protection. On the opposite side of the spectrum, those who have drier skin will find the organic oils and botanicals extremely nourishing and moisturizing. It is an oil based serum that is so versatile, that it can be worn day or night.

How does the sourcing and selection of the ingredients set this product apart from the ingredients used in similar products?

I took great care in formulating with ethically sourced organic ingredients. What sets my brand apart from others is the sensorial effects of the scents that I created. My studies in natural perfumery have taught me the important emotional & mental health benefits of essential oils. I source sustainable organic sandalwood from Australia, blended with skin beautifying rose, lavender, frankincense & myrrh. The scent profile has a grounding and hypnotic effect that my clients find extremely relaxing. They look forward to experiencing this aromatherapeutic experience during their daily skincare ritual.

Since the beauty industry takes so many resources from the earth, it was also very important to me that Asklepios Garden gives back. This is why they pledge a percentage of their sales to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which since 1962, donors and supporters have helped NCC conserve 14 million hectares (35 million acres) of ecological significant land across Canada.  Asklepios Garden is making waves in the clean beauty industry. Their mindful selection of nourishing and organic ingredients with aromatherapeutic purposes as well as their environmental focus is unlike other brands on the market. Their Prima Materia Phyto-Actif Serum isn’t their only amazing product. Their Oleum Deorum Nourishing Oil Cleanser is also attracting much deserved attention as an incredible cleansing oil for dry skin.

Looking to find more of the most effective and mindfully crafted clean beauty products? We are breaking down the ingredients used in the best clean skin care on the market. Get an insider’s look at what the founder’s of bareLUXE are using to make their Bakuchiol Age Support Elevated Face Oil so effective.