Alban Elfed

Cut loose, fruit juice, kick off the vitamin boost!

Of all the wild ideas Lush inventors have had since 1995, adding fresh fruit juices to their creations is probably one of the most iconic. They were inspired by the research of Alan Hopking, a medical herbalist, particularly his piece on the benefits of enzymes. Using fresh fruit on the skin seems so logical after all, but it took a while to make it work because they rot so quickly and can spoil the whole formula. Don’t we love a challenge!

It takes a lot of elbow grease but as far as possible we press the fruit ourselves at the factory. Sometimes, however, we have to buy them from other companies, as some fruits require specific machinery and skills that we don't always have.

Vitamins - A, B, C, E, you name it. Fruits are bursting with them, each with its own talent, such as antioxidant, soothing, toning, exfoliating or protective properties.

Antioxidants - Vitamins are not the only ones that can be classified as antioxidants. Other components help fight cell ageing, such as flavonoids (colour pigments) or some enzymes.

Enzymes - Pineapples, papayas, mangos or kiwis all contain their unique enzymes that give a powerful exfoliation to the skin and scalp.

Acids - Ever heard of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)? They're popular in skincare for their ability to revive and cleanse the skin. Citrus fruits, apples and grapes are full of them!

Proteins - It's a little rarer in fruits, but still. Jackfruit and noni, for example, contain proteins that help strengthen the skin and hair.

Each Lush manufacturer has its own fruit and veg supplier, very much like a supermarket! Depending on the time of year, they source products from different countries to try and have availability all year round. They work hard to supply as much organic products as possible and provide the highest quality available the rest of the time. Each producer must comply with our strict policies, just like any of our suppliers.

Want to know more about fruit juices and their mysteries? Browse your Lush product page to find the list of ingredients. Then click on the ones you’re curious about and get more detailed information!

There’s still so much to discover about the benefits of mushrooms in cosmetics. No matter how many fascinating facts studies may unveil, these organisms will somehow always remain an enchanted mystery.

Did you know that mushrooms are not plants? This might not come as a surprise for everyone but still, what a fun fact. Mushrooms are actually the ‘fruiting body’ and reproductive part of a living organism called fungus. Fungus is an underground web of tiny hair-like threads that are almost not visible to the human eye. Mushrooms grow from this web and, except for a few varieties, pop out of the ground and disperse trillions of spores in the air. A new fungus can grow from each spore if the right living conditions are met.

The web that fungi create in the soil is called a ‘mycelium’ and is essential to the well-being of the natural world. Among other skills, the mycelium breaks down decaying organic materials and makes their nutrients available again for every surrounding plant.

The often brown, beige, or white colours of mushrooms don’t scream vitamins, and yet! Mushrooms trick us again. Of course, it depends on the species, but some mushrooms burst with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and even enzymes—all good things for the skin. This is especially true of varieties native to Asia, like the shiitake mushroom or the snow fungus, which have been used in folk medicine for centuries. 

You may also have heard about mushrooms' adaptogenic properties. The term ‘adaptogen’ describes plants and mushrooms that help the body adapt to internal or external stress. This happens through the action of different active components when the adaptogen is ingested. Lion’s mane, cordyceps, and lingzhi mushrooms are the most frequently cited, but some think that all mushrooms could fit that box. Research on this adaptogenic effect when applied topically is scarce, but it seems that it could also make the skin more resilient.

Finally, mushrooms have qualities that may not interest everyone but are important for us at Lush:  

Some have a strong humus and mouldy scent that recalls autumn walks and humid forests.

Some have a fantastic texture that can contribute to the general feel of a product.

And we can’t help but think they’re a bit magical.

It’s very interesting to see that mushrooms have fascinated people all over the world for as long as we know. In folklore, they are always linked to life and death, spirituality, and paths to other worlds themes.

Many things can explain this, and we can only name a few. For example, the fact that they grow overnight has often been perceived as magical. The shapes they create as they grow can attract attention, like circles which are attributed to the fairy realm in some European countries. The fact that edible and deadly mushrooms sometimes appear to be almost identical feeds a sense of fear and nourishes myths. The medicinal properties of certain species led Asian cultures to believe that they were the secret to eternal life or at least longevity. And, of course, the psychoactive nature of some, used in shamanic rituals, has contributed tremendously to their mystical and psychedelic reputation.

Want to know more about Lush and mushrooms? Have a look at these pages, from current and past product ranges:

Shiitake mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms

Pioppino mushrooms

White (or snow) fungus

It’s cold outside. The tip of your nose is freezing, the sky is grey, and you could really use something comforting and warming. Well, here comes cinnamon!

Cinnamon is a spice harvested from the Cinnamomum verum, also called the ‘true cinnamon tree’. It is a shrub-like evergreen tree of the Laurel family, considered native to Sri Lanka and India. Its leaves and outer bark are fragrant, but it's the inside of the tree that is most sought after. Indeed, it contains an aromatic inner bark that peels easily and in thin layers. These precious sheets are tied up and left to dry so that they form the brown curls that we know. It can also be sold in small pieces or powder.

The whole cinnamon tree can be used! Traditionally, the shredded outer bark is used to fill the cinnamon curls. The bark, leaves and flower buds can also be distilled to obtain essential oils of different intensities.

Its warm and spicy fragrance comforts and invigorates. For some, it’s emblematic of the winter festivities; for others, it’s an aphrodisiac!

It has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, ideal for skin, body and oral care.

Depending on the concentration, it can have a warming effect on the skin when applied topically, helping to stimulate blood circulation and energise tired muscles.

Cinnamon was once one of the rarest and most expensive items in the spice trade. Its powerful antimicrobial properties had been noticed by the ancient Egyptians, who used it for embalming and to preserve their food. It was prized during Antiquity and the Middle Ages to flavour food, in religious rites, as medicine or perfume… and that hasn't changed today! Interestingly, some parts of the world view it more as a spice for savoury dishes, while others will pair it with sweets.

Your order will be expertly protected against impact during transit by biodegradable Eco-Pops, compostable packaging nuggets made from potato starch! They're easily dissolvable in water or soil.

It's better naked. 66% of products sold each year are packaging-free.