All the aqueous extractions we use are basically one kilo of dried plant material distilled in 1 litre of water to make a very strong 'tea'.

Aqueous Extracts of Calendula
Marigolds are a great addition to any salad and their sunny colour will brighten any dull mood. Herbalists use calendula in many healing creams and salves.

Aqueous Extracts of Ivy
Ivy is traditionally used by herbalists on the skin as a mild cleanser with toning and slightly astringent qualities. They recommend Ivy for hot, oily skin and to regenerate tired skin.

Aqueous Extracts of Pine
Herbalists use Pine for massaging, to assist tired bodies and to help blotchy skins regenerate, revitalise and tone.

Aqueous Extracts of Witchhazel
Witchhazel is widely used by herbalists for it's reputed healing properties. It is often used as a skin tonic with soothing and antiseptic qualities.

Aqueous Extracts of St Johns Wort
St Johns Wort is best known through herbalists as an antidepressant, although it is also used on the skin to soothe and relieve itchiness and sunburn.

Aqueous Extracts of Valerian
Valerian is used by herbalists to again soothe and calm the skin and nerves.

Aqueous Extract of Linden Herbalists traditionally apply Linden locally to the skin to soften and reduce the sensation of itching.

Aqueous Extract of Rose Petals
Rose Petals from the damask rose are recommended by herbalists for its soothing qualities, particularly in stress disorders.

Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is the orange colour in carrots and palm oil which is where it comes from. Used as a colouring agent and as a source of pro Vitamin A and Vitamin E, both of which assist moisturisation when exfoliating skin.

Crushed Chamomile
Derived by crushing chamomile flowers. Used as an exfoliating agent. Chamomile is recommended by herbalists as a very soothing herb and is blended with other more traditional exfoliators in Circe smoothe.

Essential Oils of Geranium, Patchouli, Lavender
Aromatherapists and herbalists use geranium to bring a vital and radiant glow to skin, Lavender and Patchouli are recommended for use in helping skin disorders such as ezcema, acne and fungal infections. The aromas of the blend are reputed to lift the spirits even on the dullest of days and help improve headaches and nervous states.

Essential Oils of Rose Hips
Aromatherapists use the oil of rose hips as an effective healing oil. It is used to treat burns and scars. It has softening properties and is gentle enough to use around the eyes and on babies.

Farnesol Plus
Farnesol occurs in the oils of citronella, neroli, lemongrass, cyclamen, tuberose, rose, musk and balsam Peru. Farnesol Plus is a man made version of this naturally occurring substance and is used to control harmful skin bacteria and fungi. It is mild and very skin compatible. Circe Sport contains Farnesol Plus and tea tree oil to help combat the nasties, particularly in the gym's shower recesses.

Fine Loofah
Exfoliating agent derived from the fibrous pod of the luffa cylindrica tree. It is one of the many vegetable based mechanical exfoliating materials used in skin care products.

Lactic Acid
Derived from glucose by fermentation. It is used in very small quantities to ensure the pH of the finished product is consistent with the pH of your skin and to give a good skin feel. Lactic acid occurs in small quantities in the blood and muscles in humans and animals. Also present in sour milk, beer and other foods made by fermentation. In much larger quantities lactic acid is used with glycolic acid for skin peels, but it will not do that in Circe.

Menthol
Menthol crystals are melted into Circe Sport for a really refreshing smell and skin feel, particularly to wake up in the morning or after a hard workout. Menthol crystals are made from the naturally occurring mints in all manner of minty plants.

Microbeads
Extremely fine beads, whose uniform size contributes to consistent exfoliation results.

Ti Tree Oil
Extracted from the Ti Tree. Ti Tree oil is noted for its mild antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Zea Mays Starch
Maize flour. We use it as a skin conditioner and to provide a creamy suspension in water.