What is a face serum?
By definition, an organic face serum is a face care product that is particularly rich in active ingredients. It has a more targeted & deeper action to meet the needs that the skin may have. Thus, it is ideal for oily skins, lacking of hydration, prevention of wrinkles, reduction of spots and scars, etc.
It can have different functions, depending on its formula. It can also combine several benefits, depending on the needs of your skin. The serum can also reinforce the effects of a classic cream, if it is used in addition to the application of your cream.
Why use a serum in your facial routine?
Its high concentration of active ingredients allows it to alleviate skin problems (such as those mentioned above) or simply to maintain the natural radiance of your skin. Concentrated in active ingredients, this beauty elixir is also very pleasant to use since its formulation makes it a fluid care that penetrates quickly into the skin. The active ingredients of the serum will cross the different layers of the epidermis to reach the skin cells. The use of a serum in your facial routine is therefore of interest if your skin needs targeted care (which can have 2 or 3 beneficial actions on your skin).
Why use an organic face serum?
Using a face serum is excellent for your skin, but is using an organic face serum better? At Ayda we believe that it is important to always use organic products in cosmetics.
This will avoid you to use products which composition is not satisfactory:
- aggressive surfactants
- toxic ingredients for humans and the environment
- endocrine disruptors
- petrochemical substances that clog pores…
The list of undesirable ingredients is long, which is why we advise you to use an organic face serum. In addition to being free of controversial ingredients, organic serum is made of organic and natural ingredients. The best natural serum is one that is made from organic ingredients and first cold-pressed oils to preserve all the benefits of the oils used.
Contrary to a conventional serum which will only bring “superficial” results – the visible aspect of your skin -, the organic face serum will act on the surface of the epidermis (wrinkles, fine lines) but also deeper, in the dermis (dehydration, skin elasticity). The ideal is therefore to turn to an anti-aging, anti-redness serum or an organic moisturizing serum certified by certifying bodies such as Cosmebio, Ecocert, Demeter.
Why and at what age should I use an anti-aging serum?
It’s a question we ask ourselves as soon as the first fine wrinkles appear. But did you know that our skin starts to produce less collagen (which maintains skin elasticity) from the age of 25 ? At this age, skin tissues begin to slacken. As a result, the skin tends to be drier and more dehydrated. Your skin may therefore need a little help to slow down the appearance of signs of skin aging. If your face skin is subject to external aggressions and the passage of time, the skin on your neck and décolleté also needs attention. When you apply your anti-aging serum, also apply a dab of serum to your neck and décolleté area at the top of your bust.
Can I use a face serum by itself?
The serum can be used by itself or in addition to your day and night cream or aloe vera gel. It all depends on how you feel about your skin’s needs. At Ayda, we prefer to use our oily serum in addition to aloe vera gel, to bring both nutrition and hydration to the skin. Looking for an organic moisturizing serum? Vegetable oils will have the properties your skin needs! Julien Kaibeck, of Slow Cosmetics, discusses skin’s true hydration needs in a video emphasizing real skincare essentials.
Here is a very interesting summary of his video: “The skin is like a brick wall! Keratin cells (keratinocytes) contain water. They represent the bricks. These bricks are joined together by an intercellular cement composed of complex lipids (fat) that hold water inside.” Source: nourishing the skin from within.
The right way to apply a serum on your face
Now, with the benefits of serum in mind, let’s proceed to applying your skincare. Even more so if it is certified organic. If you apply your serum day & night, that’s perfect. But, if you can only apply it only once a day because you don’t have the time, we recommend applying it at night. For the simple reason that it is at night that the skin regenerates itself. Thus, the skin is better able to absorb all the active ingredients provided by the care products you apply to it. Take 3-4 drops of your serum in the palm of your hand. Then apply to your face, neck and décolleté gently so as not to pull on your skin.
It is recommended that you use a skin care product that is adapted to your eye contour area, light in its formulation. If you are used to using a cream, mix a few drops of serum with it before applying it. Whether on the face, neck and/or décolleté.
Focus on our organic anti-aging serum with prickly pear and neroli
At Ayda, we have developed an organic anti-aging & plumping face serum. It is made of 4 organic vegetable oils (prickly pear, jojoba, baobab, raspberry) and 2 organic essential oils. This composition helps to firm the skin while soothing it, thanks to the neroli and lemon verbena essential oils. The essential oil of neroli is positive and rebalances the nervous system. It is also an excellent skin regenerator! Lemon verbena essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system and on skin reactive to stress. Certified organic, our anti-aging serum is also vegan and cruelty free. Also, we package the Ayda serum in a glass bottle to preserve all the benefits of its natural ingredients.
Because of its composition, it has the advantage of being suitable for all skin types, even oily skins. Zoom on the properties of the 4 vegetable oils present in the formulation:
- the very famous jojoba oil naturally regulates the excess of sebum responsible for the “oily” aspect of the skin, perfect for mixed to oily skins!
- the precious prickly pear seed oil brings to this organic face serum a dose of natural antioxidants thanks to its high vitamin E content
- the moisturizing baobab oil helps to reconstitute the skin’s hydrolipidic film by providing the moisture it needs
- the inimitable raspberry seed oil is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin synthesize melanin to protect it from the UVs we are exposed to every day
If you’re less accustomed to using an oily serum, you can also apply it with the hydrosol of your choice. This mixture will give a kind of fluid that is very pleasant on the skin.
The benefits of washable cotton pads
In this article we briefly remind you of the benefits of using washable cotton pads in your zero waste routine. But above all, we share with you our 2 tips to clean and bleach your washable cotton pads with natural ingredients!
If you are here, it is because you are surely convinced of the usefulness of reusable cotton pads. They allow you to save money while taking care of the environment… That’s why Ayda wanted to offer you washable makeup remover pads to complete our offer.
We wanted to offer you an accessory that will accompany you in your zero waste make-up removal routine. Made of organic cotton and manufactured in France, our washable makeup remover pads are made of a sponge side and a fleece side. Suitable for the most sensitive skins that need a lot of softness!
In addition to being polluting, disposable cotton pads are not very economical compared to washable cotton pads. A pack of disposable cotton costs between 60ct and 2€ depending on the brand. With an average consumption of 2 cotton pads per day, this means a budget of 25-30€ per year. Washable cotton pads last for several years if they are well maintained (about 5 years).
Our set of 4 washable organic cotton pads costs 8€, if you take two of them to be safe (16€), it represents a saving of about 110€ in 5 years!
Here are the details of the calculation: 25€ x 5 years (125€) – 16€ = 109€ saved
Saving money is good, but how do you maintain your washable cotton pads and keep them clean over time? If you have white reusable cottons, they may turn grey as they are used. Below are our tips for cleaning your washable makeup removers with natural tricks.
Cleaning stains from your cotton pads
You may have stubborn stains such as mascara, lipstick or grease stains left behind by two-phase makeup removers or your makeup remover oil. Even if your washable cotton pads come out of the machine clean, they will be a little less “pretty” than in their first months of use.
Before applying our tip to whiten your washable pads, here are some tips for removing the biggest stains:
- clean the biggest stains in cold water with Marseille soap
- let it dry for a few days so that the soap has an effect on the cotton
- soak your cotton pads in our magic mixture (recipe below)
Whiten your washable cotton pads
Now, it’s time for our super mix to naturally wash your washable cottons and make them all white again!
- put your washable cotton pads in a large basin or bowl
- pour in 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate
- add 1 tablespoon of soda crystals* (if there are traces of oil)
- then a few shavings of grated Marseille soap
- cover with 1.5L of hot water**.
*Soda crystals have degreasing properties, they also increase the cleaning efficiency of Marseille soap. A real natural 2-in-1!
**Sodium percarbonate is effective in water over 40°C.
Leave the mixture on for 24 to 48 hours before wringing out and rinsing your cotton pads. If your cotton pads are still a little stained, you can wash them with Marseille soap. Whitening them is pretty simple but they may need a little help depending on the nature of the stains.
Once the 24-48 hours of soaking are over, you can put your reusable cottons in the washing machine at 40°C with the rest of your clothes. We advise you to wash your cottons by separating the colors: white cottons with the clear laundry and colored cottons with the black or colored laundry.
Percarbonate and bicarbonate, what’s the difference?
Are sodium percarbonate & baking soda the same ingredient? No, they are not! Sodium percarbonate is used to bleach white and light-colored laundry. It is different from baking soda, which neutralizes odors and removes stains from clothes.
Can I mix white and colored cottons?
You can mix different colored washable makeup remover pads without any problem. Colored ones will not bleed onto lighter ones. On the other hand, it is preferable to separate the colors in the machine so that your white cottons remain as white as possible over the course of the washings. In this case, it is better to wash them with light colors.
Choosing Between Rose and Orange Blossom Floral Water: Which is Right for You?
When we opt for organic cosmetics, some products are not present in the traditional stores. This list includes hydrolats, as well as floral waters.
But what are these products used for? What do they allow?
How can I use them and what choice should I make according to my skin type?
Discover here all our advice for an ideal use of hydrolats.
Did you know?
First of all, it is important to know that a hydrolat is an aromatic water obtained after distillation of a natural substance also called floral water. Hydrolat is much softer than essential oil, as it contains less active ingredients: between 0.02% and 0.20%.
Which floral water should I choose for my skin?
Depending on the plant or flower used, hydrolats have different properties.
Given the wide choice available, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the one that best suits your skin type.
Generally, we recommend choosing hydrolats and floral waters that are certified organic, 100% pure, natural, undiluted, unprocessed, unrefined, without additives or preservatives. This is always the best solution to take advantage of a quality and fully effective hydrolat.
For all skin types
The organic Damask rose water is ideal for all skin types. Its powerful, fresh and subtle fragrance brings a pleasant smell of rose to your cosmetics.
The organic rose hydrolat is known for its properties:
- Tones the skin;
- Anti-wrinkle and firming, it helps to restore the skin’s vigor and prevent the effects of aging;
- Refreshing, it relieves the skin sensitive to redness and allergies;
- Astringent, it tightens the pores and evens out the complexion.
Damask Rose is an important ingredient in beauty products. Rich in anti-aging ingredients, it accelerates the repair of damaged cells to maintain the skin’s youthfulness. Thanks to its calming action, it gently cares for the most sensitive skin.
A well-known secret of ancestral beauty, this is by far a necessity. Often used as a toner in the morning or to help remove makeup, this product helps tone the skin.
A perfect softness concentrate for delicate, damaged, sensitive and mature skin. In particular, it ensures that the skin is well hydrated.
Discover our wonderful moisturizer.
rose water
For all skin types, especially dry skins
The orange blossom brings a flowery and fruity smell to your cosmetics.
The organic orange blossom flower water is known for its properties:
- Soothing, regenerating, refreshing;
- Luminous, it gives radiance to the skin;
- Soft tonic, it soothes, gently refreshes the skin;
- It relieves skin sensitive to redness and allergies.
The flowers of the bitter orange, the most sensitive parts of this tree, emit very fine aromas. These make it possible to obtain the essential oil of Neroli, very precious. From this distillation, we also obtain the Orange Blossom hydrolat, more flexible in use. A pleasant smell, which is also appreciated in the kitchen.
As a tonic lotion, the Orange Blossom hydrosol allows a rebalancing of the pH and the flora of the skin, adapted to all the types of skin. It will restore radiance to a dull skin.
This product contributes to the toning, the revitalization and the soothing of the skin. Moreover, it is particularly appreciated by dry skins, which soothes and cleanses delicately. Its little extra? It also calms the mind and makes it easier to sleep.
Discover our sublime moisturizer.
orange blossom flower water
How to apply hydrolat on the skin & hair?
Hydrosols have a number of benefits for the skin and hair. First of all, they make it possible to rebalance their pH. Indeed, healthy skin & hair have a slightly acidic pH, around 5.5. The pH of hydrosols is acidic: usually around 5.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to pay special attention to your skin & hair.
The hair
With dandruff, greasy hair or itchy scalp, hydrosols have interesting properties for hair care. Here is the way to use them:
- In the wash water after shampoo, on the scalp to rebalance the pH and lengths.
- By spraying it to refresh curls or just to perfume the hair.
For optimal use, opt for the spray pump. Practical and effective. We adopt it without hesitation.
The skin
Hydrosols have several beneficial properties for skin care. They are soothing, healing, purifying…
Here are some tips to follow to take full advantage of them:
- In application in the morning, in spray or on a cotton pad to wake up the skin and remove the impurities of the night.
- An application in the evening, to eliminate the impurities of the day or as a make-up remover.
- Add the product to a face mask, mixed with clay or a vegetable powder adapted to your skin type.
Do you know our organic make-up remover pads? Come and discover them in one click.
The conditions of conservation
Please note that hydrosols are sensitive to pollution.
Our hydrosols are fresh & pure, without any preservatives. Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep them in the refrigerator and to use them at the latest 6 months after opening.
When using them, make sure your hands are always clean. If you notice a change in appearance or smell, we do not recommend its use.
To learn more about rose hydrosol, please read our article on the benefits of rose water.
Do you have a question? Do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will answer you with great pleasure.
Selecting Between Body Lotion, Cream, or Balm: How to Make the Right Choice
In terms of body care, there are different types of galenic: body lotion, body cream, body butter, etc… Different products to meet the different needs of the skin, but also to meet your preferences in terms of texture.
Body lotion or body cream?
What is the difference between a lotion and a body cream? What is a body lotion really for? It is sometimes difficult to find your way through all these terms…
In this article, we list the different body care products so that you can easily understand the differences in terms of galenics and use, and especially choose the body care product that suits you.
Body lotion
Who is it for? For normal to oily skin (or combination skin?).
What are the benefits? Bring comfort and suppleness to the skin.
For example, our organic moisturizing body lotion has a much lighter and more fluid formula than other products. It is easy to apply, it is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave an oily film on its surface. Also, it nourishes, protects and hydrates the skin, without being too rich. It is thus good for normal, combination & oily skins.
Organic moisturizing body lotion
Body cream
Who is it for? For normal to dry skins.
What are the benefits? Bring a maximum softness to the skin.
The body cream has a softer, smoother and thicker texture. It is also more nourishing and provides more comfort than a lotion. It is perfect for dry and normal skins that need a little more nutrition. The body cream is even easier to apply because it contains more fatty substances, which have a very good affinity with the epidermis. The body cream softens the skin, while reinforcing its protective hydrolipidic film.
Body oils
Who is it for? For dry to very dry skin.
What are the benefits? Nutrition & comfort.
More nourishing than body cream, body oil is perfect for dry to very dry skin. It is generally a vegetable oil or a mixture of complementary vegetable oils, which will bring nutrition & protection the skin needs. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, but also in nourishing and repairing active ingredients, body oil relieves skin that is tight, peeling or cracking. The oil softens the skin, protects it from drying, external aggressions & skin aging. For a nourishing & vitamin-rich oil, we recommend argan oil, which has a very good affinity with the skin!
Made of 100% lipids, the vegetable oil, or body oil, leaves a small greasy film on the skin. Don’t panic, just let it penetrate before putting on your clothes. There are dry oils, which feel more silky on the skin. They leave a less greasy film on the skin and are very appreciated during the summer.
argan oil
Body balm
Who is it for? Fragile, very dry & damaged skin.
What are the benefits? Nutrition and intense repair.
The body balm, also known as body butter (because it contains vegetable butters), is recommended to take care in depth of fragile, damaged, & even very dry skins. Indeed, body balms are often enriched with ultra-nourishing butters. They are often composed of shea butter, mango butter or cocoa butter.
Very popular during the winter, the balm is perfectly suited to our skin, which is more sensitive to the cold and to natural water loss. They are also very appreciated in summer when the skin has been damaged by the sun, sea water or chlorinated water. Rich in lipids, just like vegetable oils, body balm leaves a greasy film on the skin. Therefore, it is better to apply it in the evening, so as not to risk staining our clothes during the day.
If your skin is very dry, this is a perfect way to give it all the nutrition it needs. Sometimes, it’s just targeted areas of our body that need a little boost of nutrition, and in particular the areas located at the articular zones in regular movement: elbows, knees, hands, feet.
As you can see, the balm is the richest of the 4 body care products presented in this article. Moreover, it has a thick texture, and if you want to facilitate its penetration, we advise you to apply it on wet skin.
6 Effective Tips to Combat Oily Hair
What to do when we have oily hair? Just like dandruff, it is a phenomenon of our scalp that we do not like that much… In this article, you will find natural tips to regulate the production of sebum from your scalp.
But first of all, what is the cause of oily hair?
If your face skin tends to be oily, then your scalp may also be oily, as an extension of your skin as a whole. It is therefore a natural cause.
But you may have caused it yourself by stimulating the sebaceous glands in your scalp. In response, they will produce more sebum than usual.
Most of the time, excess sebum is the result of an inappropriate hair routine. Aggressive shampoos, heated appliances, too frequent washing, etc… It can also be the result of your lifestyle (diet, fatigue, stress), hormones (menstruation, stopping or taking the pill, pregnancy).
In any case, nothing is irreversible: you can reduce this production of sebum for a less oily appearance of your hair. Now let’s take a look at our tips for fighting oily hair!
Tip number 1: space your shampoos for less oily hair
We often tell you: there is nothing good about washing your hair too often. Washing your hair too many times will be like an aggression for your scalp because the sebaceous glands (always them) will feel attacked and will produce more sebum to protect themselves.
It is very tempting to shampoo more often to get rid of oily hair. But now you know that this is not what your stressed scalp needs… To space out shampoos (2 per week maximum) here are some tips:
- Use a dry shampoo to make it last longer
- Start by adding a day between each regular wash
- Then space out more over time
- Do not touch your hair
Your efforts will pay off after a few weeks/months. The end of the tunnel is not so far!
Tip number 2: Use a gentle shampoo
Let’s forget the chemical products (aka – the conventional shampoos) and let’s pay attention to the surfactants used, even in the organic and natural shampoos.
The list of ingredients to ban absolutely:
- Silicones (which suffocate the scalp)
- Aggressive surfactants such as sulfates (irritants)
At Ayda, we wanted to develop a solid shampoo to complete your eco-friendly beauty routine. But we also wanted to avoid using surfactants, no matter how gentle they may be. The only way to do this was through cold saponification, which is the natural process used to make soft, skin-friendly soaps.
We have formulated a cold-saponified solid shampoo that has no added surfactants, but foams like a soap. By the way, if you have oily hair, you may be interested in our solid shampoo for oily hair.
Tip number 3: no-poo to fight against oily hair
There is nothing better than to naturally cleanse your scalp using the no-poo method, which is the fact of washing your hair without a “classic” shampoo.
Did you know ? Rhassoul can replace your usual shampoo! This is called the no poo method (no shampoo). Extremely gentle on the scalp, it will help rid it of impurities and absorb excess sebum.
It is very gentle on the hair because it does not contain surfactants (with a more or less gentle foaming & detergent effect). On the other hand, it contains natural saponins that gently cleanse the hair without damaging the scalp or the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum.
Here is our favorite no-poo mask recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of rhassoul
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil (see the list of recommended vegetable oils for oily hair below)
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- a few drops of essential oil (check their properties and precautions for use – see the list of recommended essential oils for oily hair below)
- 2 tablespoons of mineral water or rose hydrosol
Leave this mask on your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse with clear water.
masque rhassoul cheveux
Did you know? Aloe vera gel is known for its moisturizing properties, but it also works wonders for oily or irritated scalps. It naturally regulates sebum production. Discover all the benefits of aloe vera on Ayda’s blog.
Also read our article on the 5 benefits of rhassoul on Ayda’s blog.
Tip number 4: Avoid heating appliances
The repeated use of heating devices will attack the scalp, because hair is afraid of heat, and the sebaceous glands, wanting to protect themselves, will produce more sebum. Therefore, we avoid as much as possible the hair dryer (or very little time), the straightener, the curling iron, the brushings. As for the hair dryer, you can set it to lukewarm or cold heat and use it about 20 cm from your hair.
The second disadvantage of heated appliances is that they will weaken the hair fiber and damage the lengths and tips of the hair.
Another point: be careful with plastic combs and brushes, and brushes that do not have protective tips on the pins. It is best to choose wooden combs and brushes.
Tip number 5: Regulate the sebum of oily hair with vegetable oils
We might mistakenly think that using vegetable oils on our scalp will only make it more oily. On the contrary, some vegetable oils can regulate excess sebum. This is the case with hazelnut oil and jojoba oil, which are known for their sebum-regulating properties.
How to use them?
Mix one of these vegetable oils or a mixture of both (1 tablespoon in total) with a few drops of essential oils (2-3 are enough). Apply this mixture on your scalp, taking off the roots well. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use this oil bath once a week to see the long-term effects.
Tip number 6: Regulate the sebum of oily hair with essential oils
When it comes to essential oils, we advise you to choose essential oils that will naturally regulate the production of sebum in your scalp.
Here is the list:
- Atlas cedar
- Lemon
- Rosemary with cineole
- Clary sage
- Grapefruit
How to use them?
In your shampoo: add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil (alone or mixed) to your dose of liquid shampoo. Just mix it all together in the palm of your hand, being careful not to get any product in your eyes.
In your mask (no poo): as in the recipe above.
Our article is coming to an end, we hope these tips against oily hair have helped you!
What is dandruff and what causes it?
Dandruff is not pleasant, yet it is quite common! Many people suffer from an itchy, irritated scalp that results in an unsightly condition: dandruff.
But what is dandruff?
It is a scale, a small part of the scalp that falls off and rises towards the base of the hair. It is also called scalp flaking. There are 2 types of dandruff: dry dandruff (the most common) and oily dandruff.
Dry dandruff is white, small, flat and falls off very easily. As for oily dandruff, it is thick, round, yellow and sticks to the hair and scalp.
What causes dandruff to appear?
- Scalp irritation
- Use of shampoos with aggressive surfactants (even those claiming to be anti-dandruff)
- Chemical hair coloring
- Dry/sensitive scalp (dry dandruff)
- Excess of sebum (oily dandruff)
- State of stress, overwork
- Psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis
Fortunately, there are natural remedies to gently remove dandruff. However, the first thing to do is to identify the cause of your dandruff, in order to treat it better.
How to naturally remove dandruff?
We advise you several natural tips.
Tip number 1: use a gentle shampoo
We advise you to take special care with your shampoo. Ideally a gentle shampoo, without aggressive surfactants. Or even no surfactants at all! But how? Both liquid and solid shampoos contain surfactants that are more or less gentle. On the other hand, solid shampoos produced by the cold saponification process do not contain any surfactants. Except for the natural surfactant that results from the meeting between vegetable oils and the other ingredients that make up a cold saponified soap.
Besides, beyond classic shampoos or cold-saponified shampoos, you can also wash your hair with the “no poo” method. Rhassoul with a bit of hydrosol is ideal for this!
Our cold-saponified solid shampoos:
Oily Hair Shampoo
Dry Hair Shampoo
Mixed Hair Shampoo
Tip number 2: space your shampoos
As you know, the more you wash your hair, the more it tends to re-grease. And for dandruff, it is the same. The more you space your shampoos, the less dandruff you’ll have. Simply because the sebum naturally present on your scalp can protect it from external aggressions. Moreover, sebum is essential to your skin and your scalp, contrary to what we might think ;)
Tip number 3: use essential oils
Essential oils can help you get rid of dandruff. Simply add them to your shampoo (if you use a mild liquid shampoo) or to a hair care product such as a mask or spray.
The ones we advise you:
- Tea tree
- Palmarosa
- Atlas cedar
- Rose geranium
- Patchouli
How to use them?
In your shampoo: add 2 to 3 drops of essential oil (alone or mixed) to your dose of liquid shampoo. Simply mix it all together in the palm of your hand, being careful not to get any product in your eyes.
For your mask (no poo), here is our home recipe. First, start with 2 tablespoons of rhassoul and 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil (see the list of recommended EOs a little further down). Then, add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with a few drops of essential oil (check their properties and precautions for use – see the list of recommended EOs above). Finally, mix with 2 tablespoons of mineral water or rose water. Simply leave this mask on your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes, at the roots, and rinse with clear water.
Tip number 4: use rinse water
First, a cider vinegar rinse water will be perfect for treating dandruff naturally.
Mix in a bottle:
- 10ml of cider vinegar
- 200ml of water
After rinsing your hair one last time, pour this mixture over your hair, without rinsing it. Unlike what you might think, vinegar has no negative effect on your hair. It does not attack or damage it. On the contrary, its pH is close to the natural pH of the hair. On the other hand, it will cleanse the scalp and soothe the itchiness.
For this reason, it is important to respect the recommended doses here: 1 dose of cider vinegar for 20 doses of water. The more water there is, the more this vinegar solution will be suitable for frequent use. Here, the dosages are suitable for washing hair twice a week. And don’t worry, the vinegar smell will leave after a few minutes.
Tip number 5: hydrate the hair with aloe vera gel
Moisturizing will help soothe your scalp. For this, you can use aloe vera gel. Apply it with your fingertips on the areas to be treated. No need to put it on the hair itself, it is the scalp that needs to be treated.
organic aloe vera gel
Tip number 6: make oil baths to fight against dandruff
Then, the vegetable oils can also help you soothe the scalp. For that we advise you the following oils:
- olive
- jojoba
- sweet almond
- argan oil
- black cumin
argan oil
How to make an oil bath?
First, mix one of these vegetable oils or a mixture (1 tablespoon in total) with a few drops of essential oils (2-3 are enough). Then, apply this mixture to your scalp, taking off the roots well. Finally, let it rest for 15-30 minutes and then wash with a mild shampoo.
Finally, it is possible to do it without essential oil. Do this oil bath once a week to see the long term effects.
The Advantages of Damask Rose Water: Unlocking Its Benefits
The precious Damask rose water (or rose floral water) has several benefits for face, hair, body but also mind. It is a must have in your bathroom! Astringent and toning, this hydrosol is perfect to prevent and fight against the signs of skin aging. In short, it is known to promote skin regeneration and deep hydration of the skin but also to tighten the pores.
Botanic name: Rosa Damascena
INCI : Rosa Damascena flower water
Part of the plant used: fresh flowers
Method of production: steam distillation
Its perfume is powerful, fresh, floral and harmonious. Moreover, rose hydrosol is used in the composition of many cosmetics.
At Ayda, we offer a rose water certified organic by Ecocert, labeled Cosmebio and Slow Cosmetics and without any additives.
bienfaits de l’hydrolat de rose de Damas
In Morocco, rhassoul face & hair masks are often mixed with Damascus rose hydrosol for its wonderful properties. The little extra? It brings a sweet smell of rose to your homemade cosmetics.
It refreshes, soothes and softens the skin. It is suitable for delicate skins, prone to redness, eczema, itching and allergies. Its positive effect on redness comes from the fact that it reduces the dilation of blood vessels. It stimulates dull skin and dull complexions that lack radiance. It gives a more luminous aspect to the skin!
Damask rose hydrosol has an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, it soothes irritated and tight skins as well as the delicate skin of the eyes and around the eyes.
Here is the complete list of its benefits for the skin:
- Astringent
- Toning
- Anti-wrinkle
- Refreshing and soothing
- Anti-redness
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps hydration
For which type of skin and which use?
First of all, Damask rose hydrosol is suitable for all skin types. We recommend it in particular to mature, dry, sensitive, reactive, redness-prone, irritated or blotchy skin.
How to use it:
- By vaporization on the face,
- In your cosmetic preparations (masks, gels, two-phase make-up remover …).
A bit of history on the rose water
The picking of the Damask rose is generally done from April to May.
In the first place, in order to preserve their properties, the picking is done by hand, flower by flower.
Our partner cooperative carries it out at an altitude of nearly 1500 meters, in the Dades valley. According to an ancestral know-how, it is done at dawn, so the heat does not make the delicate essence disappear. The picked petals are distilled with spring water to obtain the precious rose hydrosol, rich in active molecules.
Our partner cooperative carries out all the steps to extract the precious floral water of Damask rose: cultivation, selection and distillation.
Beware of scams !
It should be noted that rose hydrosol is often mixed with additives. Thus, we advise you to check the list of ingredients because we find many floral waters of roses (and not only) mixed with conservators (organic, natural or not). However, a quality Damask rose hydrosol does not need any conservators, like ours.
Difference between organic and natural cosmetics?
We must differentiate between organic & natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics contain natural ingredients but may also contain synthetic ingredients. It may also contain ingredients not authorized by the organic cosmetic charters. Thus, a natural product may contain 95% of natural ingredients but 5% of controversial ingredients such as phenoxyethanol or parabens, silicones or PEGs.
An organic cosmetic is by definition a cosmetic made of natural ingredients to which a minimum percentage of ingredients grown according to the principles of organic agriculture is imposed. This percentage may change from one certification to another and the charters are more or less strict. An organic cosmetic is therefore a natural cosmetic, which goes even further in the search for naturalness with the integration of organic ingredients in its composition.
Apart from the composition, organic cosmetics favors as much as possible a manufacturing method that respects humans & the environment: dangerous and polluting ingredients are banned. In terms of ecology, organic cosmetics will not use non-renewable resources such as petroleum (and plastic derivatives) to create its products.
Organic cosmetics = more “real” for the consumer
The standards of the organic cosmetic charters being stricter than in natural cosmetics, and even more so than in conventional cosmetics, the manufacturers of organic cosmetics focus on useful ingredients. You will often find in organic cosmetic products vegetable oils, plant extracts, essential oils, or hydrosols.
When a conventional cosmetic uses water in its formulations, an organic cosmetic generally uses hydrosol. Also, when a conventional cosmetic uses petroleum derivatives to form a protective film on the skin (silicones, mineral oils such as kerosene), an organic cosmetic uses natural ingredients more useful for the skin: vegetable butters and oils, beeswax or vegetable wax, aloe vera gel. Thus, the ingredients used in organic cosmetics are more expensive but with more benefits for the skin.
In conventional cosmetics, emulsifiers (which bind the aqueous phase and the oily phase together) are generally PEG (extremely polluting plastic derivatives). On the other hand, in organic cosmetics, emulsifiers are of natural and vegetable origin (sugar esters for example).
Organic cosmetics without any labels?
With the advent of organic cosmetics in recent years, greenwashing is becoming more and more present. Many brands do not hesitate to play on words, even if it means confusing the consumers. To make your choice, we advise you to trust the many certifying labels that exist.
At Ayda, we have several certifications :
- Cosmos Organic and Slow Cosmetics for all our products
- Nature & Progrès for our soaps and solid shampoos
As a certified brand, we offer you the best possible products, associated with the know-how of French cosmetics. We guarantee this thanks to the recurrent controls of our entire production chain carried out by independent and qualified auditors. Thus, the auditors control the packaging unit, the producers of the ingredients used, the packaging elements and also the labeling. In addition, we participate in the development of the organic farming sector.
List of organic labels to trust
Each certifier has its own charter and its own specifications. For example, there may be differences in the minimum percentage of natural and organic ingredients. Also, the manufacturing methods or the list of non-authorized ingredients are different between the charters.
The two most famous certifiers are Ecocert and Cosmecert. For example, most of our products (such as prickly pear oil) are certified by Ecocert.
In addition, to obtain the Cosmos organic label, the product must contain at least 95% natural ingredients or ingredients of natural origin (water and minerals are considered natural). Also, the cosmetic product must contain at least :
- 95% of plant-based ingredients from Organic Agriculture
- 20% of the total ingredients from Organic Agriculture (excluding water and minerals, which are not certifiable) and 10% for rinse-off products
For the rest, there are other French labels, with other requirements and specificities.
Other organic labels & mentions
The Slow Cosmetics label, for example, is based on 4 pillars, which go beyond the composition of the product. In its charter, it also has a list of prohibited ingredients. But it will also focus on the ethics of the brand and its marketing practices.
The Nature & Progrès label has the strictest specifications.
100% of the plant-based ingredients must be organic and the cosmetic must contain a minimum of 95% of ingredients of natural origin. The cosmetics must not contain ingredients of synthetic origin or synthetic colorants. Also, they must not contain ingredients from petrochemicals, palm oil and derivatives.
There are also other labels in Europe: BDIH (Germany), Natrue (Germany), Soil association (United Kingdom). But also in the United States : USDA organic.
Good to know : A certified organic cosmetic product may contain up to 5% of ingredients of synthetic origin, depending on the label. That is to say obtained by transformation. These ingredients are not harmful. They must be part of the ingredients authorized in the specifications of the certifying bodies.
Exploring Solid Shampoo: Everything You Need to Know
What is a solid shampoo?
A solid shampoo has the same functionality as a liquid shampoo: wash the hair and leave it clean. It comes in solid form, like a soap, and must be wetted and rubbed on the scalp (or hands) to produce foam.
In both cases, whether solid or liquid, shampoo contains one or more surfactants that allow the product to foam and clean the hair by catching the particles and carrying them away in the water when rinsed.
What is a solid shampoo made of?
One or more surfactants as mentioned earlier, but also powders, water or hydrosol, active ingredients and sometimes essential oils. A solid shampoo allows to wash the hair, and can be adapted to all types of hair. But it can also correspond to such or such type of hair by its composition.
The most common surfactants in solid shampoos
- SCI: Sodium cocoyl isethionate (used by itself for a thin foam or associated to SCS to soften it)
- SCS: Sodium coco sulfate (strong foaming power)
- SLSA: Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate
- SLMI: Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate (gentler than other surfactants)
SLMI has a better biodegradability than other surfactants. The fact that the surfactant disintegrates properly in water and soils was a major concern for us at Ayda. That’s why we wanted to take up the challenge of offering a solid shampoo without any surfactant. Yes, without any surfactant! But how is this possible?
Washing hair with soap
Did you know that you could wash your hair with cold-saponified soap? Soap naturally produces foam, without adding surfactants. Soap is a surfactant by itself, but a 100% biodegradable surfactant due to its composition. This is why we have chosen to offer you a “soap” shampoo rather than a solid shampoo with surfactant. It is much gentler on the scalp and more easily biodegradable for the environment.
Our soap shampoos contain classic soap-making ingredients (olive oil, castor oil, babassu oil), but also the precious argan oil to nourish the hair and rhassoul which contains natural saponins. Saponins enable you to gently wash the hair, and rhassoul is often used for the “no poo” method, the famous no-shampoo shampoos.
Cold-saponified soaps have a basic pH, unlike liquid shampoos which have an acidic pH. However, it is this acidity that the hair needs to close the scales and facilitate styling. As with solid shampoos, it is therefore advisable to use an acid solution to naturally close the scales and rebalance the pH of the hair after washing hair with a shampoo soap. The recipe is just below!
Recipe for a solution to balance the pH of solid shampoo
Mix in a bottle:
- 10 ml of cider vinegar
- 200 ml of water
After rinsing your hair one last time, pour this preparation on your hair without rinsing. Your hair will be smoother, more disciplined, brighter & softer. Unlike what you might think, vinegar has no negative effect on your hair. It does not attack or damage it. On the contrary, its pH is close to the natural pH of the hair. For this reason, it is important to respect the recommended doses here: 1 dose of cider vinegar for 20 doses of water.
The more water there is, the more this vinegar solution will be suitable for frequent use. Here, the dosages are suitable for washing hair twice a week. And don’t worry, the vinegar smell will leave after a few minutes.
The transition from liquid to solid shampoo
The transition from liquid shampoo to solid or soap shampoo can be a little tricky, just like the transition from conventional to organic shampoo can be. Your first attempts may not be successful: dry hair, tangled, etc. Ideally, it is important to analyze the composition of a solid shampoo before testing it. If you have a sensitive scalp, it is best to avoid SCS and SLSA and opt for SCI and SLMI surfactants, or even opt for a soap shampoo.
Ayda – Communauty
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