Actives Everywhere – But What Does Your Skin Really Need?
Influencers, trends, and TikTok routines have turned „active“ ingredients into a hype. Everyone’s searching for the next glow – yet just as many are suddenly struggling with irritated skin, a weakened barrier, or over-treating. Time for a bit of truth and a whole lot more feeling.
What Actives Really Are
„Actives“ sounds like high-performance – but it’s just a marketing term. Essentially, it refers to ingredients that are supposed to have a specific effect. But: Many of these active ingredients are already naturally found in plants themselves. And that’s precisely where Lush comes in.
Why LUSH Takes a Different Approach
Instead of using isolated active ingredients in high concentrations, Lush relies on the power of whole fruits, herbs, and plants.
Because they contain everything skin loves: vitamins, minerals, natural enzymes – gentle, effective, and perfectly balanced.
Our philosophy: less complexity, more feeling.
Soothing textures, fresh ingredients, simple routines. Products that don’t challenge the skin, but calm it. Not overwhelmed, but strengthened.
A few examples?
Papaya & pineapple – natural enzymes for a glow without irritation
Vegan glycerin – moisture – deeper, lighter, and gentler than many hyaluronic acids
Natural sources of vitamin A, such as rosehip oil – for smoother, more radiant skin
Gentle scrubs with almonds, salt, or live lactic acid bacteria – without stressing the skin barrier
Which active ingredients are common – and what does Lush use?
Hyaluronic acid
An important humectant, usually obtained through fermentation or from rooster combs.
Lush uses vegan glycerin instead, a highly effective humectant, GMO- and palm oil-free, usually derived from rapeseed oil.
With a density of only 92 Daltons, glycerin is lighter than hyaluronic acid (often up to 50,000 Daltons) and can therefore penetrate deeper into the skin.
Vitamin C
A vital antioxidant that we must obtain through our diet.
On the skin, it brightens and protects against free radicals, but it is quickly depleted by the sun.
Lush’s Bright & Beautiful Scrub contains 10% vitamin C – for a powerful yet balanced exfoliation with a glowing effect. Higher concentrations would have been permissible, but were deliberately avoided to minimize irritation.
Retinol
Vitamin A derivatives are used to treat acne, fine lines, and sun damage, but can cause irritation and increased UV sensitivity.
Lush relies on natural sources of vitamin A, such as:
Papaya (Enzymion)
Rosehip oil (Argan Facial Oil, Happy Skin)
Sacha Inchi oil (Biomic, Aduki Washing Grains)
These plant-based alternatives offer gentle support for radiant, smooth skin.
