Lipids—the very molecules that make oils feel nourishing are also the building blocks of your skin barrier. By carrying botanical actives deeper into the skin, oils don’t just coat, they catalyse. That’s why when revered botanicals meet oil, the union becomes far greater than the sum of its parts. Explore the science, the ritual, and the vitality behind some of IKKARI’s most loved botanicals—Clary Sage, Oakmoss, Rose Absolute, Neroli, and Seabuckthorn.
Oils Transform Botanicals into Potent Rituals
Think of oils as nature’s transport system. Many plant compounds are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve better in oils than in water. This allows bioactive molecules such as terpenes, flavonoids, and carotenoids to be carried across the skin barrier, where they can support regeneration and resilience (R). Beyond permeability, oils help stabilise delicate plant compounds, shielding them from oxidation so they can retain their therapeutic potency.
Where IKKARI draws inspiration is from the island of Ikaria, daily rituals are rooted in plant oils. Infusing botanicals into oil not only preserves tradition, it also unlocks a deeper bio harmony between skin, body, and earth.
Clary Sage
Native to the Mediterranean, Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) has a heritage steeped in ritual. In Ikaria, wild sages have long been revered for their ability to harmonise body and spirit. Modern science shows why.
Clary Sage contains linalyl acetate, a compound with calming effects on the nervous system. Studies show it can reduce cortisol levels and promote a sense of wellbeing (R). Applied topically in oil, it not only soothes the mind but also supports skin regeneration by moderating inflammation (R).
For your daily ritual, Clary Sage becomes more than a fragrance, it is a quiet anchor, connecting you to centuries of herbal wisdom while replenishing skin vitality.
Oakmoss
Oakmoss, a lichen found in the forests of Europe, has a resinous, earthy scent often described as grounding and restorative. Traditionally used in perfumery, Oakmoss also offers surprising bioactive benefits.
It is rich in usnic acid, a compound with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (R). When infused into oil, Oakmoss helps purify and protect the skin, reinforcing its natural defences against environmental stressors. Its earthy aroma is equally therapeutic, linked to feelings of rootedness and calm, ideal for rituals of restoration.
Oakmoss brings the forest to your skin, a reminder of the deep rhythm and resilience of nature.
Rose Absolute
Few botanicals carry as much symbolism of beauty and vitality as the rose. Rose Absolute, extracted from petals through a solvent process, is prized for its rich, floral aroma and dense concentration of actives.
Scientific studies highlight rose oil’s antioxidant capacity, thanks to compounds like citronellol and geraniol (R). These molecules help neutralise free radicals, supporting skin’s natural radiance and healthspan. Rose Absolute is also noted for its ability to reduce transepidermal water loss, locking in hydration when paired with nourishing oils.
Neroli
Neroli, distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, has long been considered a sacred oil. Ancient Mediterranean cultures valued it for both fragrance and medicine. Today, science reveals its remarkable bio harmony.
Neroli is rich in linalool and limonene, compounds shown to reduce oxidative stress and support collagen synthesis (R). Applied in oil, Neroli promotes a rejuvenating effect, helping skin appear more elastic and adaptive to stressors. Its diaphanous floral-citrus scent awakens the senses, uplifting mood and instilling serenity.
Seabuckthorn
Perhaps the most striking of the botanicals, Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries glow with carotenoids that give the oil its deep orange hue. These berries have been studied extensively for their role in promoting longevity and skin vitality.
Seabuckthorn oil is one of the richest natural sources of omega-7 fatty acids, essential for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier (R). It also contains vitamin C and tocopherols (vitamin E), both powerful antioxidants. Together, these actives help protect against UV damage, accelerate wound healing, and replenish skin at the cellular level (R).
For Ikarians, who weave Seabuckthorn into their daily diet and rituals, this botanical represents more than skincare, it is a sacred ally in sustaining vitality across the healthspan.
A Synergistic Union
When combined in oil, these botanicals don’t just coexist, they synergise. Clary Sage calms, Oakmoss grounds, Rose Absolute hydrates, Neroli uplifts, and Seabuckthorn fortifies. Science calls this the “entourage effect”: multiple compounds working in harmony to magnify each other’s effects (R).
This union reflects the Ikarian philosophy of daily rituals for vitality. Just as longevity is nurtured through shared meals, walks, and community, so too is radiant skin nourished by the layered synergy of botanicals.
Experience this circle of vitality in The Ikarian Body Oil, where Clary Sage, Oakmoss, Rose Absolute, Neroli, and Seabuckthorn come together in elemental harmony. This is skincare not just for the surface, but for your healthspan, for rituals that replenish, restore, and root you in daily vitality.