Virajati | Illuminate Facial Serum - Hero Ingredients

In the making for months…

This transformative product has been in the making for months, and in my head for much longer!

As I entered my 40s, I noticed that my skin needed a bit of extra help to look its glowing and luminous best, so I wanted to create a 100% natural solution that actually worked. I experimented with lots of different variations and formulations. I researched endlessly, the ingredients, their benefits and efficacy and how quickly it took to see results.

The serum was always going to contain Bakuchiol and saffron, these were my two non-negotiables as they really are complete powerhouses when it comes to nutrient dense skin loving benefits.

In this blog I’ll take a bit more about the hero ingredients and why I chose them for this meticulously hand formulated face serum.

Bakuchiol

A bit more about Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol, a natural compound derived from the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), has rapidly gained popularity in the skincare world for its remarkable benefits. Known for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, Bakuchiol is a gentle yet effective alternative to retinol. Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol does not cause photosensitivity, making it suitable for use both day and night. This potent ingredient promotes skin firmness by stimulating collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Bakuchiol evens out skin tone, diminishes dark spots, and improves the overall texture and clarity of the skin, offering a comprehensive solution for a radiant, youthful complexion.

Choosing the right Bakuchiol

The Babchi plant (Psoralea coryifolia) is not endangered and is wild-harvested in Central India to ensure biodiversity and sustainability. Only the top part of the plant is harvested, ensuring regrowth for future harvests and maintaining sustainability. The Bakuchiol I use in our Illuminate Facial Serum is 100% pure, natural and eco-friendly which makes it incredibly potent and effective and also doesn’t have any of the harmful chemicals or toxins that can be found in infused or cold pressed versions of Bakuchi or Babchi Oils. These oils are unrefined carrier oils and not the pure form of Bakuchiol. Pure Bakuchiol requires a complex extraction method called monomolecular extraction, which differentiates it from carrier oils. These oils may contain Bakuciol but at very low levels (1.6% - 12%), so when choosing your skincare always ensure it states ‘Bakuchiol’ as this is the true and pure, effective version and is very different to Bakuchi or Babchi Oils.

The pure Bakuchiol I use in my formulation is much more expensive than the carrier oil version but there was no question that I wanted to include the absolute purest, most effective bio active ingredients possible and the science behind it backs this up.

Bakuchiol Skin Benefits

Bakuchiol is celebrated for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. It promotes skin firmness, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone, reduces dark spots, and improves acne without causing photosensitivity.

Clinical studies have shown that Bakuchiol delivers significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, and radiance without the irritation often associated with traditional retinoids. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. By incorporating Bakuchiol into your skincare routine, you can achieve smoother, more resilient skin with fewer breakouts and reduced signs of ageing. At Moksa, our Illuminate Facial Serum harnesses the full potential of Bakuchiol, ensuring you receive the highest quality, eco-friendly, and effective skincare solution available.

Acmella Oleracea

A Bit More About Acmella Oleracea

Acmella Oleracea, commonly known as the "toothache plant," is a remarkable botanical ingredient that has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties. Originating from South America, this plant is celebrated for its ability to gently relax facial muscles, which can help to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Its skin-smoothing effects make it a popular choice in modern skincare formulations, where it is valued for its ability to enhance overall skin texture and firmness. Acmella Oleracea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to a calm, balanced complexion.

Why Choose Acmella Oleracea

I chose Acmella Oleracea for its gentle, highly effective results. Unlike harsher alternatives, Acmella Oleracea helps to improve skin smoothness and reduce the appearance of fine lines without causing irritation. Its ability to support collagen production and enhance skin firmness makes it an amazing choice for maintaining a youthful and vibrant complexion. By incorporating Acmella Oleracea into my Illuminate Serum, you benefit from its unique skin-relaxing properties and its contribution to a balanced, refined skin texture.

Skin Benefits of Acmella Oleracea

Acmella Oleracea delivers several key skin benefits. It helps to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, promoting a smoother skin surface. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. The antioxidant properties of Acmella Oleracea also protect against environmental stressors, supporting a calm and healthy complexion.

Saffron

A Bit More About Saffron

Saffron, derived from the Crocus sativus flower, is one of the most luxurious and sought-after ingredients in skincare. The saffron I have chosen for the face serum is the finest high quality A+ grade Super Negin Saffron known for its vibrant deep red hue and distinct aroma, the quality is second to none. Super Negin contains only the best parts of the saffron stigma, the red component called Kalale. The lower, white or yellow part of the stigma that extends into the head of the flower, called Khame, is removed completely ensuring the purest saffron.

Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is highly prized for its potent brightening properties, which help to enhance skin radiance and even out skin tone. Saffron’s ability to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation makes it a valuable addition to skincare products aimed at achieving a luminous complexion.

Why Choose Saffron

Saffron is considered a "Rasayana" in Ayurveda, a category of herbs that promote longevity, vitality, and overall wellness. It is valued for its ability to balance the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—making it suitable for a wide range of individuals.

Saffron is highly revered in Ayurveda and stands out in skincare due to its exceptional brightening and soothing effects. Its natural compounds work to diminish dark spots and uneven skin tone, providing a radiant glow. Saffron’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. By including saffron in our Illuminate Serum, we’ve ensured that your skincare routine benefits from this high-quality ingredient known for its ability to enhance skin brightness and clarity, promoting a more even skin tone. Its results have been well documented for centuries in Ayurveda so it was a no-brainer to include it in our exquisite formulation.

Skin Benefits of Saffron

In Ayurvedic skincare, saffron is renowned for its ability to enhance complexion and promote a youthful glow. It is traditionally used to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a radiant and even tone. Saffron’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for calming irritated or inflamed skin, while its antioxidant content helps protect against environmental stressors and free radical damage.

Eco Marine Algae

A Bit More About Eco Marine Algae

Eco Marine Algae, specifically derived from the Cylindrotheca Fusiformis species, is a remarkable ingredient featured in our Illuminate Serum. This yellow to orange, oily liquid is highly concentrated in carotenoids, essential fatty acids, and sterols, which collectively have a profound impact on skin health. The algae is extracted using EcoCert-approved ethanol, ensuring a clean and efficient process. To mitigate the risk of ocean pollution, the algae is cultivated in a purpose-built eco facility. This controlled environment guarantees the purity of the algae and preserves the ecological balance of the oceans by avoiding uncontrolled harvesting.

Why Choose Eco Marine Algae

Eco Marine Algae has so many incredible skin benefits and is both effective and environmentally responsible. The use of a purpose-built facility, as I mentioned, ensures that the algae is harvested sustainably, with minimal impact on marine ecosystems. The algae's high concentration of carotenoids, essential fatty acids, and sterols provides deep hydration and supports skin rejuvenation. Additionally, the facility operates with a low carbon footprint, utilising gases produced by the algae to heat the premises and solar panels for energy. Its ability to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and support skin regeneration makes it ideal for maintaining a healthy and hydrated complexion. Eco Marine Algae’s sustainable sourcing and rich nutrient profile make it a standout ingredient in our Illuminate Serum, offering both efficacy and eco-conscious benefits.

Skin Benefits of Eco Marine Algae

Eco Marine Algae delivers multiple skin benefits, including deep hydration and nourishment. Its high vitamin and mineral content supports skin regeneration and repair, enhancing overall skin vitality. The antioxidant properties of Eco Marine Algae also protect against environmental damage, while its hydrating effects help to maintain a plump, resilient, and refreshed complexion.

To Summarise

I’m thrilled to share why I’m so excited about the Virajati | Illuminate Facial Serum! Ichose Bakuchiol, Acmella Oleracea, Saffron, and Eco Marine Algae because they’re absolute game-changers for glowing, smooth skin. Each ingredient does something special—whether it’s boosting radiance, smoothing out texture, or deeply hydrating and they actually work! With science to back it all up. Plus, they’re all sustainably sourced, so you can feel great about using them. This serum is all about getting that radiant glow while staying eco-friendly, and I couldn’t be prouder of how it’s turned out!

Chloe xx