Beauty & Wellness Blog
Ingredient Spotlight: Marula Seed Oil
by Denise Dubois on Sep 18 2026
Marula seed oil is a skincare ingredient that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients that help to nourish and protect the skin.
Sourcing Marula Seed Oil
Marula seed oil is extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit, which grows on the marula tree, also known as Sclerocarya birrea. This tree is native to the southern regions of Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.The oil is extracted using a cold-press method, which involves crushing the kernels and extracting the oil without the use of heat or chemicals. This method ensures that the oil retains its natural properties, making it a potent ingredient in skincare products.
Skincare Benefits of Marula Seed Oi
Marula seed oil is packed with nutrients that benefit the skin. Marula oil is antioxidant-rich, including vitamin C and E, which both help protect the skin against free radicals that can cause damage and premature aging.The oil is also rich in essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9 which help maintain the skin's barrier function and keep it hydrated. These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties, making marula seed oil an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.In addition, marula seed oil has been found to improve skin elasticity and firmness, thanks to its high content of amino acids and peptides. It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
Historical Usage of Marula Seed Oil
Marula seed oil has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments, including dry skin, eczema, and sunburn. The oil was also used as a massage oil and as a moisturizer for the hair and scalp.Today, marula seed oil is widely used in skincare products, thanks to its numerous benefits and its ability to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Find it in our luxurious oil cleanser Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil.
MARULA BLOOM Cleansing Oil
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Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare (and what to use instead)
by Denise Dubois on Sep 07 2026
To help you curate a clean sanctuary at home, let us walk through the most critical ingredients to avoid in skincare, why they compromise your skin's vitality, and how to spot them on your labels.
Understanding the Power of High-Performance Natural Ingredients in Skincare
by Denise Dubois on Jul 12 2023
In recent years, the skincare industry has witnessed a significant shift towards natural ingredients. Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of what they put on their skin and are seeking out products that harness the power of nature. Fortunately, nature has generously provided us with an array of high-performance ingredients that can work wonders for our skin. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best natural ingredients, address common questions, debunk misconceptions, and provide resources for further information.
Best High-Performance Natural Ingredients
Retinol (Vitamin A): Derived from plant sources such as rosehip oil or carrot seed oil, retinol promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and improves skin texture and tone. Find it in VITAL A Serum.
VITAL A Serum
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Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant found in fruits like citrus and berries, vitamin C brightens the skin, promotes collagen production, and protects against environmental damage. Find it in DEFEND Antioxidant Serum.Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Extracted from natural sources like yeast and green vegetables, niacinamide helps improve skin elasticity, reduces hyperpigmentation, and minimizes pore appearance. Find it in CLARITY AHA Toner.Hyaluronic Acid: Naturally present in the body, hyaluronic acid retains moisture, providing intense hydration, plumping the skin, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Find it in DEW DROPS Hydrating Serum.Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, chamomile soothes sensitive skin, reduces redness, and can help alleviate conditions like eczema and rosacea. Find it in MARULA BLOOM Cleansing Oil.
MARULA BLOOM Cleansing Oil
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Aloe Vera: Extracted from the aloe plant, aloe vera has excellent moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps heal wounds, soothes sunburns, and provides relief to irritated or inflamed skin. Find it RENEW Buffing Cream.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Skin
Embracing high-performance natural ingredients in skincare can be a game-changer for your skin's health and appearance. The right natural ingredients, coupled with well-formulated products, can nourish, protect, and enhance your skin in remarkable ways. Remember to research and choose products carefully, perform patch tests, and consult with professionals if needed. With the abundance of information available, you can confidently explore the world of natural skincare and unveil the beauty nature has to offer.
Understanding Charcoal in Skincare
by Denise Dubois on Jun 20 2023
In recent years, charcoal has emerged as a rising star in the world of skincare, particularly in facial cleansers. With its remarkable ability to draw out impurities and purify the skin, charcoal has become a go-to ingredient for those seeking a clean, effective, and safe skincare solution.
The Benefits of Charcoal in Facial Cleansers
Charcoal for Deep Cleansing and Purification
One of the primary advantages of charcoal is its exceptional ability to deeply cleanse the skin. The porous nature of activated charcoal allows it to attract and bind to dirt, excess oil, bacteria, and toxins like a magnet. By incorporating a charcoal facial cleanser into your routine, you can effectively remove impurities that clog pores and contribute to dull, lackluster skin.
Charcoal for Oil Control
For individuals with oily or combination skin, charcoal can be a game-changer. It acts as a natural absorbent, effortlessly soaking up excess oil and sebum from the skin's surface. By using a charcoal cleanser regularly, you can help balance oil production, leading to a shine-free and more balanced complexion.
Charcoal for Skin Detoxification and Environmental Protection
In today's world, our skin is constantly exposed to environmental pollutants, such as smog, dirt, and toxins. Charcoal's detoxifying properties make it an excellent ally in combating the effects of pollution on our skin. By purifying and detoxifying the skin, charcoal helps to maintain its overall health and vitality.
The History of Charcoal in Skincare
Charcoal has a rich history dating back centuries, where it was used for medicinal and purifying purposes. Ancient Egyptians, for instance, used charcoal as a topical remedy to treat wounds and purify water. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was also employed to absorb toxins and impurities from the body.In more recent years, the cosmetic industry has recognized the incredible benefits of charcoal for skincare. The inclusion of activated charcoal in facial cleansers has become increasingly popular due to its ability to deliver deep cleansing and purifying properties.
Understanding Activated Charcoal
Dubois Beauty's CLARIFYING Charcoal Cleanser uses activated charcoal powder made from bamboo. Bamboo charcoal has remarkable purifying properties that can draw out impurities, toxins and excess oils from the skin. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been heated to increase its surface area, making it extra absorbent. Discover the benefits of charcoal and powerful clean, green ingredients in the Dubois Beauty skincare products.
CLARIFYING Charcoal Cleanser
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Acer Rubrum from the Boreal Forest
by Denise Dubois on Mar 20 2023
Acer Rubrum Extract comes from the bark of the red maple tree. These trees are most commonly found in the Boreal forests, which are the northernmost forests on earth and have evolved to withstand severe cold. Representing 30% of the global forest area, these forests are essential in forestalling climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and removing it from the atmosphere. When added to skin care products acer rubrum helps increase natural glow, promotes mild exfoliation, and absorbs excess oil.
The Iroquois would crush the red maple bark and use it in bread for its nutritious benefits. Recently, Red Maple was added to the list of native medicinal vascular plants. It is highly concentrated in polyphenols and antioxidants with clinically-proven anti-inflammatory and skin repairing benefits.
Locally-Sourced Skincare Ingredients
While developing Dubois Beauty, Denise Dubois learned of this unique beauty ingredient which can be sourced from the forests in her home in central New York, and was eager to learn how to incorporate acer rubrum bark extract into her line of green, clean skincare products.
Historically, red maple bark was simply buried after trees were harvested for foresting. Now, this bark is harvested, ecologically extracted, filtrated, purified, and used as a potent, natural skincare ingredient, featured in our age protection products. We wanted to extend this cycle: so with every product purchase, we’ll plant a tree to support forest growth and environmental sustainability.
The fresh bark used to create Acer rubrum bark extract is collected from eco-responsible FSC certified sawmills during lumber processing. The extract itself meets the highest standards of purity and is ECOCERT certified.
How does it work?
Studies show that red maple bark extract improves firmness and elasticity of the skin by boosting collagen and elastin and by inhibiting collagenase reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has an anti-inflammatory action contributing to the overall fight of the aging process improves the barrier function and controls hydration.
Acer rubrum bark extract is clinically proven to:
boost elastin synthesis to maintain skin elasticity
reduce of the appearance of wrinkles
reduce inflammation, helping fight overall skin aging
In a clinical trial of acer rubrum bark extract, subjects were surveyed and skin changes were regularly photographed. 100% of participants saw increased skin flexibility and hydration, and over 90% found improved firmness, skin texture, skin softness, and skin that looked younger.
Shop Products Containing Acer Rubrum Bark Extract
You can find this local, sustainably grown and harvested ingredient in the following products:
AHA Cleansing Milk
AHA Cleansing Milk
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$55.00
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Defend Antioxidant Serum
Vital A Serum
VITAL A Serum
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$110.00
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Bright Eyes Eye Cream
BRIGHT EYES Eye Cream
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$78.00
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Protective Day Cream
Restorative Night Cream
by Denise Dubois on Mar 08 2023
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble acids found in plants and animal byproducts. They are a “chemical exfoliant” which means they use acids to clean away dead skin cells. AHAs are known for creating smoother and more evenly toned skin, unclogging pores to prevent acne, and helping with mild hyperpigmentation. AHAs work by helping peel away the surface of your skin so that more evenly pigmented cells can be regenerated leading to smoother skin.
Types of AHAs
The most common AHAs used in skincare products include:
Malic acid which comes from fruits
Mandelic acid which comes from almonds
Tartaric acid which comes from grapes
Lactic acid which comes from lactose
Hydroxycaprilic acid which comes from animals
Hydroxycaproic acid which comes from royal jelly made by bees
Citric acid which comes from citrus
Glycolic acid which comes from sugar cane
Which type is right for you?
Dermatologists recommend working with a professional when incorporating AHAs into your skin care routine, but they share a few pointers for deciding which type of AHA is right for you.
Glycolic acid is known for penetrating skin with ease and bringing a glow to your skin
Lactic acid is ideal for reducing the appearance of large pores, hyperpigmentation and age spots
Mandelic acid comes from bitter almonds and is gentler on skin than glycolic acid, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Understanding How AHAs Work
Acids work by dissolving the top layer of skin, which then triggers repair. Dermatologists say AHAs are actually less damaging to sensitive skin than cleansers with abrasive scrubbers. In safe amounts, AHAs can be safe for dry or sensitive skin. Where to Start
Many beauty blogs and magazines have made lists of different AHAs to add to your skin care regimen. You can also start with our AHA Cleansing Milk which is gentle enough to be used as a daily part of a regenerating skin program. In addition to AHA products for facial skin care, experts recommend incorporating body lotions containing AHAs to address bumpy or dull skin all over.
How to Use Our AHA Cleansing Milk
Our AHA Cleansing Milk is a gentle cleansing milk for the face that uses botanical AHAs which gently cleanse the skin surface, while exfoliating and revitalizing the skin. Lactic Acid accelerates cellular renewal so skin appears fresh, hydrated and radiant after each use. Gentle enough to be used daily as part of a regenerating skin program. Used regularly, this gentle AHA cleansing milk reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation and hydrates the skin. This cleansing milk is ideal for addressing aging or sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
AHA Cleansing Milk
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AHA Cleansing Milk Ingredients
Lactic acid, a mild form of AHA, which increases cell turnover and removes dead skin cells. This brightens the skin, evens tones, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores. An effective antimicrobial, this ingredients help protects the skin. Research suggests that lactic acid and probiotic supplements can help reduce gut issues, and address moderate skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Lupine Protein: a peptide blend from lupine flower proteins. It helps reduce the inflammatory cycle following sun exposure by preventing collagen and elastin breakdowns.
Acer Rubrum Bark: sourced from the Boreal forest, acer rubrum bark extract is a powerful stress oxidative inhibitor and an extracellular matrix booster and rejuvenator. Clinically shown to fight against intrinsic and mechanical aging processes, reducing the appearance of aging signs and the appearance of wrinkles, and improving skin firmness and elasticity.
How to Use
Precleanse the face with our Marula Bloom Cleanser to remove makeup.
Apply a small amount of AHA Cleansing Milk to moist skin.
Gently massage.
Rinse with warm water.
Follow with appropriate toner.
Cleansing Oils: Experience a More Effective Cleanse
by Denise Dubois on Oct 21 2019
Cleansing is an essential part of any good skincare routine because it sets the rest of your products up for success. But, many water-based cleansers can actually disrupt your skin’s delicate pH balance, leaving skin feeling dry and tight.
Organic, Natural and Clean Skincare: What Do These Buzzwords Mean?
by Denise Dubois on May 30 2019
Labels like “natural”, “organic” and “clean” seem to be flooding the packaging of beauty and skincare products like never before. But what do these buzzwords really mean?
