Ingredient Info

Science behind Eczema Jelly

The Science Behind Our Eczema Skin Restoring Jelly: How Every Ingredient Works

By Marista | Made by Risch If you or someone you love lives with eczema, you know the search for relief can feel endless. Creams that sting. Products that promise everything and deliver nothing. Ingredients you can’t pronounce and don’t trust. We built our Eczema Skin Restoring Jelly differently. Every ingredient was chosen with purpose — not to fill a formula, but because the science says it belongs there. In this article, we’re going to show how we used science to make our Eczema Jelly. We’ll break down each ingredient, explain what it does on a cellular level, and show you how they work together to do something remarkable: help your skin heal itself. First, a Word About Eczema Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is not simply dry skin. It is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the skin’s natural barrier is compromised. It leaves it unable to retain moisture effectively, and unable to protect itself adequately against irritants, allergens, and bacteria. Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Elias & Schmuth, 2009) confirms that defects in the skin barrier — particularly in the protein filaggrin — are central to eczema pathology. What this means practically is that effective eczema treatment needs to do three things simultaneously: Our Eczema Jelly addresses all three. Here’s how. The Ingredients — and What They Do 1. Aqua (Water) Role: Hydration base and delivery vehicle Water is the foundation of this formulation — not just as a filler, but as the primary medium through which active ingredients are delivered into the skin. Distilled water ensures no additional minerals or contaminants interfere with the formula’s integrity or with compromised eczema skin. 2. Copra Oil — Coconut Oil Role: Antimicrobial, barrier support, anti-inflammatory Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid (approximately 50%), a medium-chain fatty acid with well-documented antimicrobial properties. A randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Dermatology (Evangelista et al., 2014) found that virgin coconut oil significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus colonization on the skin of children with atopic dermatitis. This is a key finding, since S. aureus is present on over 90% of eczema-affected skin and is a major driver of flare-ups. Beyond its antimicrobial action, coconut oil also improves transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the rate at which water escapes through the skin. A reduction in TEWL is one of the primary markers of improved skin barrier function (Agero & Verallo-Rowell, 2004). In eczema skin: It fights the bacterial overgrowth that worsens flares, while simultaneously reinforcing the damaged barrier. 3. Carbamide — Urea Role: Keratolytic, humectant, penetration enhancer Urea is one of the most clinically supported ingredients in dermatology, and it is a component of the skin’s own natural moisturizing factor (NMF). At lower concentrations (2–10%), urea acts as a powerful humectant, drawing water into the stratum corneum and significantly improving hydration. At higher concentrations, it acts as a keratolytic, breaking down the thickened, hardened skin characteristic of chronic eczema. A systematic review in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (Pan et al., 2013) confirmed urea’s efficacy in treating xerosis and eczema. It demonstrated significant improvement in skin hydration, roughness, and TEWL compared to vehicle alone. Notably, urea also enhances the penetration of other active ingredients. This means every other ingredient in this formula is delivered more effectively because urea is present. In eczema skin: It softens thickened, lichenified skin, restores the skin’s own moisture-binding capacity, and opens the door for other actives to reach deeper skin layers. 4. Ricinus Communis Oil — Castor Oil Role: Occlusive barrier, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial Castor oil is uniquely high in ricinoleic acid (approximately 85–90%), an unusual omega-9 fatty acid not found in significant quantities in other vegetable oils. Ricinoleic acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties in multiple studies. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Vieira et al., 2000) showed that ricinoleic acid inhibits substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain and inflammation. This ay help explain the itch-relieving properties many users report. Castor oil is also deeply occlusive. This means it forms a substantial barrier on the skin surface that significantly reduces water loss — critical for compromised eczema skin. In eczema skin: It seals moisture in, reduces inflammation, and provides an additional antimicrobial layer, particularly important for cracked or broken eczema skin that is vulnerable to infection. 5. Cera Alba — Beeswax Role: Barrier formation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, humectant Beeswax is a structurally complex natural wax composed of esters of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. In this formulation, it serves multiple purposes. As a thickening agent, it gives the jelly its characteristic protective texture. But its benefits go far beyond texture. A study conducted at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center (Al-Waili, 2005), published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that a mixture containing beeswax, honey, and olive oil significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans — two common pathogens on eczema skin. The beeswax component created a protective film that also helped retain moisture. Beeswax is also a humectant: it attracts water molecules to the skin surface, helping to maintain hydration. Unlike petroleum-based occlusives, beeswax allows the skin to breathe while still providing a protective barrier. In eczema skin: It forms the physical “seal” of the jelly — protecting the surface while actively fighting bacteria and attracting moisture. 6. Butyrospermum Parkii — Shea Butter Role: Anti-inflammatory, barrier restoration, collagen support Shea butter is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) and has an unusually high “unsaponifiable fraction” — the healing portion of the fat — of between 5% and 17%, compared to less than 1% in most other seed oils. This fraction contains triterpenes, tocopherols (Vitamin E), and cinnamic acid esters, all of which are biologically active. The triterpenes in shea butter have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (Akihisa et al., 2010, Journal of Oleo Science). Cinnamic acid provides moderate UV protection. Vitamins A and E promote cell regeneration and neutralize free radicals. A study

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Shea butter

Shea Butter

What is Shea Butter? Evidence of the production of shea butter actually dates back to the 14th century! Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. This tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa) is indigenous to West Africa. Another name for the tree is “karite tree” which originally means “tree of life”. Shea butter is also known as “women’s gold” because it provides employment and income to millions of women across the African continent. Shea butter is graded from A – E based on its level of refinement. The refining process removes the healing properties and its odd natural smell. What sets Shea Butter apart from other seed oils? Most seed oils are divided into two fractions; a saponifiable fraction and an unsaponifiable fraction. The saponifiable fraction contains most of the moisturizing properties (moisturizing fraction) while the unsaponifiable fraction contains most of the healing properties (healing fraction). Shea butter has an exceptionally large healing fraction (5% to 17% depending on region of harvest) compared to 1% or less in other seed oils. This fraction contains a large amount of nutrients, vitamins and phytonutrients essential for healing, allowing shea butter to be used as treatment for various skin conditions. What are the benefits of using shea butter? Shea butter is incredibly moisturizing due to its high fatty acid content. The structure of the butter allows it to melt at body temperature allowing easy application and quick absorption. Shea butter also acts as a “refatting” agent, which means it restores your skin’s natural oils. Shea butter is rich in Vitamin A which promotes cell growth and elasticity. A recent study has also shown that shea butter can inhibit the reproduction of keloid fibroblasts (scar overgrowth). Shea butter also has rich anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter is rich in antioxidants and moisturizing properties, helping your skin generate new and healthy cells. Studies have also found UV protection properties within shea butter, also promoting tissue cell regeneration. The triterpenes found in shea butter has been shown to promote the production of collagen, the main structural protein in our bodies. Together with the promotion of cell regeneration and collagen production, shea butter reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Shea butter is rich in Vitamin E which neutralizes free radicals that cause cellular damage. Shea butter contains cinnamic acid which provides some protection from harmful UV rays by absorbing and reflecting them. With an SPF of around 3 – 4, shea butter can be used as an addition to your normal sunscreen for a more synergistic solution. Acne is primarily caused by an imbalance of the natural oils in your skin, known as “sebum”. Shea butter helps to restore the natural balance of these oils. Shea butter is high in anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe your skin. Studies have also shown that shea butter can reduce the reaction to skin irritants, and due to its quick absorption shea butter can bring relief to flare-ups. Shea butter is noncomedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores. There have been no documented cases of allergic reactions to the topical application of shea butter, even though shea is a tree nut. The anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce the reaction to skin irritants. Why is shea butter so beneficial? Which of our products contain shea butter? Sources:

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