When it comes to the science of skincare, plants have it all figured out. Many of them contain protective antioxidants, age-reversing sterols and other rejuvenating ingredients all in one powerful package. Cosmetic chemists would have to work hard to replicate all the magic that one simple plant extract has to offer.

The problem is, some people don’t know which active botanicals​ to look for. An active​ botanical​ is another name for a plant that produces a lot of rejuvenating activity below the skin’s surface. The extracts of these plants contain a lot of important nutrients, anti-inflammatory perks and restorative properties. In fact, the beauty industry is increasingly turning to active botanicals as a source of skincare inspiration.

If you’re a natural skincare newbie, here are five active botanicals that deserve your attention and a high-priority place on your bathroom vanity.

Turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) is a power player in the wellness world. Best known as the yellow spice used in cooking, turmeric has been used as a healing agent in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. In the modern age, research has revealed turmeric to be a robust anti-inflammatory that may help lessen the symptoms of arthritis and may hold the potential to prevent more serious conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Turmeric essential oil is derived from the same powerful plant as the flavorful spice and holds equally impressive benefits for the skin. Although not as well known as other botanical oils like jojoba, turmeric oil is rich in vitamins, phenols and alkaloids, as well as antioxidant properties that can help guard the skin from age-accelerating free-radical damage. With turmeric oil’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin-nourishing compounds working together, you can experience a brighter, more balanced complexion.

Used by ancient Egyptians for promoting lovely skin, geranium oil is the perfect beauty balm for a wide range of skin types, but especially for combination complexions or those with dull, inflamed and dry skin. Since it’s considered antibacterial, non-irritating and generally non-sensitizing, geranium oil works on all skin types to calm irritation and inflammation, while quenching skin cells with non-pore clogging hydration. It also has a wide range of other benefits like helping to regulate oil production, repair sun damage, reduce acne breakouts, increase elasticity and bring skin back into balance (if it’s too dry or too oily).

It’s a superb “all around” oil for combination skin and for those who are starting to see visible signs of aging.

Cold-pressed raspberry seeds produce an oil that’s abundant in skin-quenching vitamins and nutrients. They include vitamins A, C and E, as well as essential fatty acids like linoleic, alpha-linolenic and oleic acids. These essential fatty acids are the foundation of healthy cells. By helping to maintain and preserve the skin's natural oil barrier, fatty acids can keep skin looking hydrated, full and more youthful. Applying plant oils that contain high amounts of essential fatty acids — like raspberry seed oil — is a good way to help the skin’s moisture barrier function properly and prevent precious water loss as you age.

When it comes to skincare for glowing skin, one of the things, if not the most important thing, to consider is the active ingredients within the formula. The higher the quality of these actives, the higher their percentage within the formula and the more strategically they are combined leads to better, more effective skincare. After all, it’s the actives that do all the work for your skin in the first place! Percentage of actives is one of the main things that sets different brands and products apart- it’s that important. So we thought, why not make a product out of 100% active ingredients?

No fillers, nothing there just to hold stuff together or keep it from going bad. Just pure, real and effective botanical actives for your skin. So, in order to do this, we turned to the plants themselves.

Well, that’s what we did, and it turned out amazingly. True Glow Active Botanical Glow Serum delivers smoother skin, more collagen and elastin, superior antioxidant protection, improved texture and tone and better, more thorough anti aging protection are what you have to look forward to with every application.

Skin balancing jojoba, brightening rosehip seed, hydrating olive oil squalene, anti inflammatory turmeric and incredibly beautifying rose essential oil are just a few of the proven actives included in this botanical based, essential fatty acid rich formula.

This serum can be used morning and night, under makeup and doubles as a moisturizer. It is appropriate for those with sensitive skin, hyperpigmented skin, aging skin, dry skin, oily skin and all types of skin in between! This is because the combination of all these phenomenal botanicals is incredibly balancing to the skin, making it perfect for all types of skin issues and complaints.

It’s a veritable one-stop-shop for all your skincare needs- and it WORKS!