Volcano

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.

Antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic? Too easy, mate!

Melaleuca alternifolia is a small tree belonging to the myrtle family and native to Australia. It has a characteristic papery, shredded bark and grows white flowers during the summer. Its foliage conceals the glands from which the essential oil is extracted. 

Tea tree has a fresh and powerful herbal scent. 

It keeps the scalp and skin clean and spotless thanks to its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic) properties and its ability to balance sebum production and soothe irritation. 

Used in deodorants, tea tree powder helps absorb sweat and limits the growth of body odour-producing bacteria.

You may have asked yourself the question: "Is tea tree tea?" Absolutely not. It is said that the plant was so named by the first British explorers who arrived in New South Wales, Australia, after seeing Bundjalung people making infusions with the leaves. In fact, the Bundjalung people (indigenous to New South Wales) used tea leaves as a medicine to treat colds and promote wound healing, among other things.

Lush buys tea tree oil from Australia - which is not really a surprise as it’s the only place where you can get it! To find out more about our other tea tree materials suppliers, 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!

‘Oh mirror, my sweet mirror, could you please stop showing me my pimples and, FOR ONCE, try to help me get rid of them?'  ***A range of Lush products appears***

Let yourself be bewitched by this potent herb… 

Sage is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It grows oval, downy leaves with different colours depending on the variety. The common sage is green and covered with white fuzz. Its flowers blossom in white or pink spikes and attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. 

It delights the synapses with its pungent, grassy aroma!

It is a gentle herb, filled with skin-soothing and protective flavonoids. 

It can be used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial properties.

In deodorants, sage powder helps to limit the growth of body odour-producing bacteria.

For centuries, sage has been used in pagan and Wiccan rituals. It is thought to purify and cleanse a place, warding off evil spirits. It has also been used as wound dressing. In Roman times, it was known as a ‘salvation plant’ - its name literally meant ‘cure’ or ‘save' from the Latin ‘salvare.’ Before the Romans, both the Egyptians and the Greeks used sage for its healing and antibacterial properties. 

Although native to southern Europe, sage grows worldwide, especially in warmer temperate regions, favouring dry, sunny hillsides and open ground. Depending on the type of sage used in our product (oil, fresh or dried leaves) the supplier will vary. 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!

Lemongrass is a zingy, tropical treat for aches and pains - of the body and the mind!

Lemongrass is a perennial tropical plant native to India which grows long aromatic leaves that can grow up to 1.5 metres (5 ft). 

Lemongrass is toning and has antiseptic and deodorising properties when applied to the skin.

Lemongrass oil has a bright and cheerful fragrance that is said to have antidepressant properties.

The plant and its oil have been traditionally used as a natural and non-toxic mosquito repellent.

The oil is often used in massage and aromatherapy to relieve headaches and sore muscles.

Thanks to its antifungal and antiseptic properties, lemongrass oil is excellent for use in deodorants. It keeps you feeling clean and fresh whilst smelling great. It is also used in dental care for the same reason.

Lush purchases lemongrass oil from India, but also sources the raw plant from other parts of the world to make infusions. 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.