Skincare Terms That Sound Made Up But Aren’t (And What They Actually Mean)

Let’s be honest — skincare marketing is full of words that sound like someone typed with their eyes closed and said “that’ll do.”
You’ve seen them. You’ve googled them. Let’s break them down, real-talk style.

pH balanced lotion with humectant, non-comedogenic oils, and occlusive shea butter (did you catch all that?!)

1. Sebum

No, it’s not a villain from Star Trek. It’s your skin’s natural oil. Too little? Your skin’s dry. Too much? Your forehead’s a Slip ’N Slide. Argan Oil is awesome because it absorbs quickly. Jojoba oil is great because it mimics your sebum without being a jerk about it.

2. Comedogenic

Fancy word for “might clog your pores.”
Coconut oil? A little comedogenic. Jojoba? Usually not.
Translation: Know your skin type, and don’t panic if your bestie swears by something your face absolutely hates.

3. Occlusive

Sounds like a wizard spell. Actually just means it forms a barrier that locks in moisture. Think candelilla wax or shea butter. Occlusives are your winter skin’s best friend (unless your skin says “nah,” in which case we listen to her).

4. Humectant

Not a space alien. Just an ingredient that pulls moisture into your skin from the air. Glycerin and snow mushroom extract are both humectants. They're like little hydration magnets.

5. pH-balanced

This just means it won’t mess with your skin’s natural acidity. Your skin has a pH around 5.5 — just a bit on the acid side of things. All our leave-on products are pH balanced to 5.5 (because the fact of the matter is that the nature of a bar soap is that it is alkaline. To get around this, we “superfat” our formula with extra shea butter to leave skin soft and hydrated)

At Lavish Earth, we try to keep the jargon light — and the skincare legit.
But hey, if you ever need a glossary with a side of sass, we’ve got you.

Why We Choose Both Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils at Lavish Earth

When it comes to scent, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — especially in skincare. At Lavish Earth, we’re all about creating products that smell amazing and feel great on your skin. That’s why we lean on a mix of natural essential oils and carefully selected fragrance oils.

Essential Oils are from plants, herbs and flowers - natural, earthy and fresh aromas.

The Magic of Essential Oils

About 80% of our products are scented with pure essential oils. Why? Because they bring that earthy, fresh, and natural aroma that we love — straight from plants, flowers, and herbs. Essential oils aren’t just about scent; they often carry skin benefits too. Plus, if you’re sensitive to synthetic chemicals, they’re usually a much gentler choice.

When Fragrance Oils Step In

But sometimes, essential oils just can’t do the whole job. Maybe we want a scent that’s tropical, candy-sweet, or just a little quirky — something nature can’t quite provide. That’s when we turn to high-quality, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and vegan fragrance oils or flavors. These are specially formulated to be safe for sensitive skin and noses, and they let us get creative with scent profiles.

Sensitivity Is Always Top of Mind

Whether it’s essential oils or fragrance oils, our number one priority is your skin and your nose. We avoid anything harsh, irritating, or full of hidden nasties. We want you to enjoy your skincare routine without any worry.

In a nutshell:
We’re proud to keep it mostly natural but never compromise on your experience. Because skincare should smell good, feel good, and be good for you.

If you’re curious about any of our scents or ingredients, just hit us up — we love talking all things natural and nourishing!

How Running a Small Skincare Business Taught Me to Trust My Gut (and My Skin)

If you’ve ever used a skincare product and thought, “Why does this feel wrong?” — you’re not alone. That was me. A lot. Which is how Lavish Earth came to be.

As someone with a science degree (shoutout to Biological Science from the University of Guelph!) and a background in aromatherapy and acupuncture, I knew I should be able to find products that worked for me. But no matter how pretty the packaging or fancy the ingredients list, most products didn’t feel good. Some were too greasy. Some made my skin freak out. Some smelled just wayyyy wrong.

So, I started making my own stuff.

From Sensory Overload to Sensory Yes, Please

Lavish Earth was born because I needed skincare that worked — and didn’t gross me out. I started making formulas that felt right on my skin and smelled like actual peace. Slowly, I realized other people needed that too. Sensitive skin, sensory struggles, ingredient confusion? Welcome to the club. Let me make something for you.

What I’ve Learned from Building This Business:

• Most people want skincare that feels good, not just looks good on a shelf.

• “Natural” doesn’t always mean gentle. “Fragrance-free” doesn’t always mean nice.

• The best skincare advice? If it works for you, don’t let anyone shame you for using it.

• People will absolutely DM you asking if you can make a whipped butter that smells like cotton candy. (Answer: Yes, check out our Vanilla Sugar Triple Whipped Shea Body Butter! We got you!)

Lavish Earth is still growing, still learning, still making things in small batches with love and a ton of testing on myself.
Thank you for being part of it. You’re the reason I keep doing this — and why my studio smells like lavender, peppermint, and a hint of chaos most days.

How to Create a Simple, Sensory-Friendly Skincare Routine (Copy)

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, if you’ve ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror overwhelmed by too many products (or textures or scents that just don’t sit right), we see you. We built Lavish Earth for exactly that reason.

If you’ve got sensory sensitivities or just crave a routine that feels right, here’s how to build a simple, effective, sensory-friendly skincare routine.

If it’s working, keep doing that! Your skin is happy.

Step 1: Start with What Already Works

You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine. You need your skincare routine.

If it’s working, keep doing that.
That cleanser you love because it smells like a calming cloud and doesn’t leave you tight? Keep it. That face oil that feels like a silky hug? Don’t ditch it just because TikTok says something else.

Step 2: Keep the Steps Minimal

Try this basic structure:

1. Gentle Cleanser

2. Hydrating Mist or Toner (optional)

3. Face Oil or Moisturizer

4. Barrier Cream or SPF (in the AM)

That’s it. Four steps max. Sensory overwhelm? Denied.

Step 3: Choose Products That Feel Good

Night Cream formulated with sensitive skin (+ brains!) in mind. Lightly scented with earthy frankincense oil.

We’re talking texture, scent, and vibe.

• Textures: Smooth, creamy, whipped, or silky are often the most comfortable for sensitive skin and brains.

• Scents: Choose subtle essential oils or go unscented if needed.

• Application: Use clean hands or a soft cloth — no harsh scrubbing required.

Step 4: Be Consistent (Not Perfect)

You don’t have to do everything every day. Aim for consistency, but give yourself grace. If your routine feels soothing and easy, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Final Tip: If Something Feels Off, Trust Yourself

Your skin (and your nervous system) are wise. If a product makes your skin sting, itch, or just feel “wrong,” stop using it. Your comfort matters more than the hype.

Lavish Earth was created for sensory-friendly, feel-good skincare — because self-care shouldn’t feel like a struggle.
Keep it simple. Keep it soft. Keep it yours.

5 Skincare Ingredients You Should Know (and Why We Love Them)

When it comes to skincare, we’re big believers in knowing what’s going on your skin. At Lavish Earth, every ingredient is chosen with care — not just because it sounds nice, but because it actually does something for your skin (and your senses!).

Here are five skincare ingredients we reach for again and again — and why they deserve a spot in your daily routine:

1. Shea Butter 🧈

The queen of soft skin. Shea butter is rich, creamy, and deeply moisturizing. It’s packed with fatty acids and vitamins that help soothe dry, irritated skin — without feeling greasy or heavy. It’s a staple in our triple whipped shea body butter and hand & body lotions for a reason.

Bonus: It also creates a soft, velvety skin feel, especially when warmed and whipped up — a win for texture-sensitive folks.

2. Argan Oil 💧

Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is light, nourishing, and full of antioxidants. It helps improve skin elasticity, supports barrier repair, and gives you that dewy glow without clogging pores. We love it in face oils and night treatments.

3. Jojoba Oil 🌾

This oil is actually more like a wax, and it mimics your skin’s natural sebum — meaning it absorbs beautifully. Jojoba is calming, balancing, and ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin. It’s like your skin’s BFF.

4. Coconut Oil 🥥

A multitasking marvel! Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, making it naturally antimicrobial and great for rough patches or dry skin. While it’s not for everyone’s face, it’s wonderful in body care, lip balms, and soothing salves.

Note: We use it mindfully and sparingly where it makes sense — especially for dry, flaky skin.

5. Zinc Oxide ⚪

Zinc isn’t just for sunscreen (though it’s a superstar there). It’s soothing, anti-inflammatory, and great for irritated or compromised skin. You’ll find it in our barrier creams and Wild Mint Foot & Body Lotion because it protects without blocking pores. Think of it as your skin’s gentle armor.

At Lavish Earth, we love skincare that works hard and feels good.

These ingredients are tried-and-true favourites for a reason — and we’ll keep using them because they deliver.

Welcome to Lavish Earth: Skincare with Soul (and a Sense of Humour)

Hi there, Soapy Friend!

Whether you just stumbled upon Lavish Earth Canada or you’ve been cheering me on since the early days—welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.

This little corner of the internet is about to become a whole lot cozier, glowier, and maybe even a little weirder (in the best way).

I’m reviving this blog because I’ve got stories to share, skincare wisdom to spill, and some seriously lovely products to introduce you to. But first—let me reintroduce myself.

Who’s Behind Lavish Earth?

I’m Andrea Rideout, the founder, formulator, and slightly obsessive ingredient nerd behind Lavish Earth Canada. I have a B.Sc. in Biological Science from the University of Guelph, plus certifications in acupuncture and a huge interest in aromatherapy—so, this isn’t just kitchen magic. It’s science-backed, soul-led skincare.

This brand was built out of pure necessity. I’ve got what I lovingly call a spicy brain—and some textures or synthetic scents in conventional skincare? Instant ick. Plus I wanted to be in charge of what my family was using on their skin and making sure it was full of real, premium ingredients. So I started making products that felt good, smelled real, and didn’t leave my skin in full revolt.

What began as a solo mission turned into a two-person dream team—my husband recently joined me full-time, which means there’s now twice as much love (and slightly more chaos) going into every product.

What Makes Lavish Earth Special?

Let’s be real—there are a lot of natural skincare brands out there. So what makes this one different?

💚 Everything’s made in small, consistent batches
💚We are a mom and pop shop so we hand-pack every order (usually with a goofy grin and a lil happy dance)
💚 Ingredients are chosen with care, not hype
💚 The goal is always to nourish—not just sell

Plus, I believe skincare should feel like you-time, not a chore. That’s why everything I formulate is designed to feel luxurious, absorb quickly and easy-to-use.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

This blog isn’t going to be all “10 Step Routines You Must Follow”—because who has time for that?

Instead, you’ll find:

• Easy skincare tips for real life

• Ingredient spotlights (because nerding out over plant magic is fun)

• DIY recipes you can actually make at home

• Honest talk about running a small biz

• Seasonal skincare guides (and possibly the odd meme)

If you like your skincare with a little sass and a lot of soul, you’re in the right place.

Let’s Get Connected

Want to follow along as we grow, glow, and get a little messy in the best way?

👉 Sign up for the newsletter
👉 Follow along on Instagram @lavish_earth_canada
👉 Or comment below—what’s your biggest skincare struggle? (Seriously, I want to help.)

And if you haven’t checked out the shop yet, here’s a little nudge:
✨Lip Balm in Compostable Paperboard Tubes — Lavish Earth Canada ✨

Thanks for Being Here!

Running this business is a dream, and getting to share it with a community like you makes it even better. Thanks for supporting small, natural, handmade, and heartfelt.

Now let’s make your skin happy. 💫

—Andrea

Clean Burning & Renewable : Here's why you might like soy candles

Soy candles are hugely popular, and for good reason! Premium soy candles are made with 100% renewable, 100% soy wax. This leads to a cleaner burn than their non-soy counterparts. Choosing a candle that burns clean is important for a better breathing environment in your home.

100% soy candles burn longer than other candles and also have a great scent throw. Scent throw is the amount of scent released by a burning candle. When soy wax burns, it burns slower and is able to pool better and allows a better release of fragrance.

I chose wooden wicks when crafting 100% soy candles because they are made of sustainable and clean wood. The wooden wicks crackle just like a real fire and create a cosy atmosphere. Wooden wicks have a slower and more even burn, which pairs well with the soy wax to create a longer lasting candle with a great scent throw.

Candles in glass jars are a good choice for a safer burn because the wax is contained and the flame is below the top of the rim. Additionally, glass jars can be reused or recycled once empty.

Soy candles with wooden wicks burn more evenly and crackle like a real fire!

In contrast, paraffin candles are the candles that aren’t made of a natural, renewable wax (like soy). They are often much cheaper to produce because they are made of petroleum based wax; by-products of the crude oil industry. They usually burn faster than soy, and when burning, can create soot and release harmful chemicals into the air that you breathe (like alkans, alkenes and toluene). 

Stay tuned for the next blog for tips on extending the life of your soy candle!

Soy candles are a great choice for a cleaner, longer burn. And don’t forget that soy wax melts are a clean option for in your wax melter! 

Stay tuned for next week blog post about tips for burning soy candles!

Please feel free to “like & share” this post!

Thanks for reading!

Andrea

Shea Butter : Winter Weather Hero

It’s that time of year again, the clocks moved back and evenings are dark. The cold weather has been moving in and skin can start feeling dry from the cold harsher weather. 

My hands always get bad in the winter if I don’t keep up. Lots of hand washing and that cold, dry air outside can make them really dry. I always turn to Shea butter to heal and keep me hydrated. 

Shea butter is from the shea nut found in Africa. Once refined, it’s a white to off-white colour and can be added to many different cosmetics from soaps to lotions to lip scrubs! 

Shea has a rich diversity of concentrated fatty acids. It melts at body temperature and is a medium to fast absorbing oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as healing properties for scars and skin imperfections. 

Gentle and safe, shea butter is a great choice for pregnant bellies (I use it with cocoa butter in the belly butter that I make for extra power against stretch marks) as well as a great choice for babies to keep their sensitive new skin protected and velvety soft.

Protect and smooth your skin and try shea butter this winter!

Do you use shea butter or have you tried it?

Please feel free to like and share this post if you found it informative!

Thanks for reading,

Andrea