Welcome to our store
Ingredient Glossary
Gardiner Family Apothecary believes in clean, natural skincare which uses only the purest, gentlest ingredients. The Elave and Ovelle skincare ranges are bursting with therapeutic goodies to help you achieve and maintain clear, healthy skin. Just look on the packet, or click the handy symbols on our online shop, to find out more about our natural, vegan and organic ingredients.
Aloe Vera – an excellent source of antioxidants, this gel contains anti-inflammatory chemical compounds which reduce swelling, alleviate pain and promote healing. Use to soothe sunburn, heal minor skin abrasions, and protect against UVB-induced photo-ageing. Aloe is an excellent moisturiser for dry, sensitive skin and helps alleviate the itchiness associated with eczema and psoriasis.
Camomile - reduces redness, blemishes and signs of ageing. Its high levels of antioxidant help to heal, calm and soothe skin. Reduces inflammation in conditions like eczema and rosacea, and fights against free radicals to reduce DNA damage caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. Boosts cell regeneration to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars.
Fractionated Coconut Oil - In ‘fractionated’ coconut oil, some of the fatty acids have been removed to produce a colourless, odourless and feather-light emollient which melts onto the skin. Boosts collagen levels to enhance the skin barrier and fight signs of ageing. An effective moisturiser with antibacterial properties, it eases the inflammation common in psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Minimises scaly rashes, dryness, redness and skin thickening. Helps treat acne by reducing inflammation and bacterial infection.
Manuka Honey UMF10+ - excellent for protecting the skin barrier from microbial infections and helping to heal minor abrasions, soothe irritated skin, and fight acne. UMF 10+ stands for Unique Manuka Factor - three signature compounds found in genuine Manuka honey at a potency high enough to be therapeutic.
Menthol – known for its cooling and refreshing sensation, menthol is typically used in aftersun lotions, lip balm, body lotion, intensive creams and shaving products. Can help with eczema by activating cold receptors in the skin to calm itching and soothe irritation.
Natural Botanicals - plant-based, vitamin-rich ingredients used in a variety of skincare formulations to protect, soothe, heal and brighten skin. Some botanicals are particularly useful in combatting inflammatory conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and acne. Rich in antioxidants to fight the free radicals which damage the dermis and cause signs of premature ageing. Our botanicals are sustainably-sourced, of the highest quality, and organic whenever possible. They include aloe vera, camomile, apple, apricot, vanilla Planifolia fruit, Arabica seed extract, fractionated coconut oil, shea butter, peppermint oil, , vegetable glycerin, Brazilian Muira Puama and Madonna Lily.
Shea Butter – a nut butter with a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids which smooth, soothe and condition the skin. Fatty acids improve the skin’s natural barrier to protect it from environmental pollutants, soften scar tissue, and speed up healing. An anti-inflammatory, it soothes and nourishes irritated skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and sunburn. Anti-bacterial properties make it useful in fighting acne.
Vitamin B5 - promotes healthy skin by stabilising the skin barrier, keeping it moisturised, soft and elastic. As a humectant, it attracts and binds water to reduce fine lines and make the skin look smoother and plumper. Also an emollient, it moisturises to help heal cracks in the skin and is recommended for dry or flaky skin, and in the management of eczema and rosacea.
Vitamin C - a water-soluble antioxidant which absorbs directly into the uppermost layers of the skin. Protects against free radicals and supports collagen production to help skin look younger for longer. Plumps up the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, protects against UV exposure, helps to heal cracks, and smooths out blotchy, uneven skin tones resulting from eczema and rosacea.
Vitamin E - the ultimate skincare ingredient, this vitamin moisturises, soothes and protects against free radicals generated by UV radiation which damage skin and weaken its elasticity. An antioxidant, vitamin E works to neutralise the environmental stressors that destroy collagen and cause fine lines and premature ageing. Used in conjunction with sunscreen, it acts as a double-whammy fending off sun damage, dark spots and fine lines.
Ovelle and Elave Skincare ranges of dermatologically-approved free-from natural products is available at gardinerfamilyapothecary.com, Boots, Dunnes Beauty, Tesco and community pharmacies.