Deep Sleep

Calm down, relax, one mineral at a time.

We’re not trying to be dramatic here, but magnesium (Mg) is such an essential mineral that, without it, life as we know it would probably not exist. Indeed, a single magnesium atom is at the heart of each chlorophyll molecule, and chlorophyll is what allows photosynthesis - the very basis of life! 

Magnesium also helps hundreds of enzymes to function in our body. In fact, magnesium deficiency symptoms show how important it is for our health: general weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, migraines and many more severe ailments.

Applied externally, it seems that magnesium could facilitate muscle and tissue recovery and improve sleep quality - although some doubts persist about its absorption through the skin, and further studies should be conducted.

People have been bathing in magnesium-rich water for centuries, whether in the Dead Sea or the hot springs of Epsom and Bath, praising their effect on tired bodies. Over the past decades, a few studies and trials attempted to understand why that was. They suggested that magnesium chloride oil could penetrate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream through topical (applied directly to an area of the skin) or transdermal (soaking in a magnesium-rich bath) applications.

In Lush products, you will come across several forms of magnesium. Magnesium carbonate and trisilicate, for example, are usually found in powdered products. They are anti-caking agents with absorbent qualities, ideal in deodorants, among others.

Magnesium chloride and sulphate are the ones said to have a positive effect on muscle and sleep. Magnesium sulphate (also spelt sulfate) is the scientific name for Epsom salts. These are very often used as bath salts, providing a good moment of deep relaxation. Magnesium chloride can also be used for soaks but is more commonly mixed with a little water to create an oily solution called magnesium oil. This one is great for massages and topical application and is said to have a more substantial effect than Epsom salts.

For details on every ingredient we use, browse your Lush product’s list of ingredients and click on the ones you are interested in!

You can also read more about magnesium here and discover our most restorative and relaxing products there.

Dare we say, the most relaxing scent you’ll ever smell!

The plant genus Lavandula includes about 47 species of flowering plants. Most famous for ornaments and fragrant extracts is the Lavandula angustifolia species, from which Lush’s lavender oil and absolute are obtained. It is a shrub-like perennial that grows long, slender stems topped with a cluster of purple flowers - small yet very fragrant.

Lavender’s scent is floral, strong but somehow delicate, comforting and elegant.

Lavender’s essential oils are naturally antimicrobial, balancing and soothing, a great combination to calm skin conditions such as acne.

The flowers are filled with linalool, a substance known for its sedative effects on the nervous system.

The dried little flowers can make a gentle natural exfoliant when rubbed on the skin.

René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist from the early 20th century, accidentally discovered lavender oil's soothing and healing properties. Legend has it that he severely burned his hands during tests in his laboratory and immediately immersed them in lavender oil (which was nearest to him at the time). His hands healed so well that he became passionate about the properties of essential oils, and is now recognised as the ‘father of modern aromatherapy’.

Lush sources lavender oils from a couple of suppliers. One is based in the warm and sunny region Provence region of France, while the other is an organic-certified Bulgarian distiller. 

We also purchase dried strands and flowers, which may have different origins depending on the manufacturing site where your Lush product was made.

Dare with us! Here’s a selection of Lush products with lavender that should help you unwind before bedtime.

Humble flowers with super soothing powers.

There are many species of chamomile flowers, and they’re sometimes hard to differentiate from one another - even experts struggle! At Lush, we use two types, easily identifiable and well known in European folk medicine: the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. Matricaria recutita) which resembles a daisy, and the Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) that looks like a fuzzy ball of white petals. 

Originally white in colour, the German chamomile flowers release a blue pigment when distilled into an essential oil. This is due to  an anti-inflammatory compound that forms during steam distillation, called chamazulene. Hence the name: chamomile blue oil.

Soothing

Antiseptic

The flowers’ oils are believed to promote calm and restful sleep when inhaled. They’re often coupled with lavender as they share similar properties and complement each other scents.

Chamomile crops are so fragile that Lush buyers always need to have backup suppliers in case our current ones are unable to produce the amount we need. The source will also change depending on the type of ingredient (oil, dried flowers…) and species. To find out more, browse your Lush product’s list of ingredients and click on the ones you are interested in. This should take you to a page full of details!

Delicately floral and somewhat citrusy, the scent of neroli is distinctively cheering.

Neroli oil comes from the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium amara), which is an evergreen member of the Rutaceae plant family. Many parts of the tree are used for perfuming and culinary purposes. The fruits flavour food and drinks, and the flowers are distilled to produce neroli oil and orange flower absolute. Petitgrain oil is also obtained from the leaves and twigs of this same tree.

Neroli is naturally uplifting and widely used in aromatherapy for its stress-relieving effects. This oil is a true luxury, as the distillation process requires a lot of flowers to produce just a little. 

Marie-Anne de La Trémoille (1642 - 1722) named the bitter orange flower oil ‘neroli’ after the city Nerola in Italy of which she was the princess. She loved to wear the oil as a perfume and created a trend in European royal courts - she would probably be called an influencer nowadays.

Lush sources a few different neroli oils from several different suppliers. To find out more, browse your Lush product’s list of ingredients and click on the ones you are interested in. This should take you to a page full of details!

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.

Fresh cosmetic ingredients are more effective on skin, hair, and mind than heavily preserved beauty products. 65% of our raw material spend is on natural ingredients.

All of our products are made by hand, fresh, every day, across 6 manufacturing sites all over the world. We believe in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud.

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