We grow and process botanicals on Brooklyn rooftops to create extracts and beauty products. We do this with the aim to help change the way raw materials are sourced to combat climate change and to help people think more consciously when it comes to their beauty consumption habits.
An online education space where people can learn about raw materials, how they’re grown or made, how they’re processed and how they end up in the products you use on a day-to-day basis.
A community where people can link up with friends and family, old and new, to get inspired with new ideas, to take on a challenge and take steps to shop more locally and live more sustainability when it comes to beauty.
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| Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush, also known as Buddleja davidii, is a beautiful perennial bush that is native to central China and Japan. These stunning flowers contain a chemical component called Verbascoside, which makes up 80% of butterfly bush’s chemical makeup. This plant chemical is what is responsible for butterfly bush’s skin-loving qualities. Verbascoside has shown to be a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants are excellent for skin soothing because they help to fight against skin damage caused by oxidation. Things like exposure to the sun lead to free radicals and oxidative stress on the skin, which causes cell damage. Antioxidants are known to help reverse this process and to protect against this type of damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of Verbascoside work by slowing and/or stopping the body’s natural response to inflammation. There’s even some data that suggests butterfly bush has wound healing potential. Talk about skin-soothing! Licorice Another promising botanical that can be used to soothe sensitive skin is licorice! Licorice contains glabridin, which has shown to be antimicrobial. In one study, it was noted that glabridin was an active component that can help fight against mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also contains glycyrrhizin, which directly affects the body’s response to inflammation, making it an anti-inflammatory. Of course, to top it off, this botanical is also an antioxidant. What a powerhouse! Chamomile Of course, the well respected Chamomile is on the list for soothing botanicals. Chamomile has been used for years to soothe the skin and calm redness. It’s fantastic at calming the skin and reducing irritation due to its known antimicrobial properties. It can even help speed up wound healing because of the antimicrobial components it possesses. Chamomile is also known to be full of antioxidants and contains polyphenols and phytochemicals known to help with skin regeneration. This plant extract is so gentle that it is commonly used in skin formulations that treat eczema and other tricky skin conditions. Cornflower Cornflower does not mess around when it comes to skincare. It is a loved botanical in the skincare community for many reasons. It is known for its anti-redness, soothing, and skin tightening abilities, which can be credited to phytochemicals! Cornflowers are packed with protocyanin, tannins, and flavonoids. Protocyanin is what is responsible for giving cornflowers their vibrant blue hues and can help target redness. Tannins are the compound responsible for cornflower’s astringent and antioxidant properties. Astringents help to tighten up your pores and remove excess oils. Flavonoids are also considered potent antioxidants and have anti-allergenic effects. Flavonoids also help absorb UV rays. However, this does not mean skipping on sunscreens and other SPFs if a product has cornflower! Want to know more about cornflower and how to grow? Check out my post! Marshmallow Marshmallow is another plant that has a history of soothing skin. Specifically, marshmallow can help treat burns, and heal the skin quicker than if it has not been used. This study was done on mice, so take that how you want to. The flavonoids marshmallow contains has shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition to being antimicrobial, it is also anti-inflammatory and has soothing effects. A study done on children (finally not mice) showed that marshmallow was more effective in treating atopic dermatitis than hydrocortisone cream! This is one study. However, it shows that there is definitely some truth to the botanicals healing abilities. |
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Rooftop Botanicals is New York City’s first and only rooftop beauty farm spanning over three rooftops in Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn. We grow and process botanicals on Brooklyn rooftops to create extracts and beauty products. We do this with the aim to help change the way raw materials are sourced to combat climate change and to help people think more consciously when it comes to their beauty consumption habits.
Retailing at $45, BRBotanical’s Rose & Chamomile Gel Moisturizer is formulated with Brooklyn rooftop-grown rose and chamomile extracts combined with Cosmos compliant ingredient powerhouses such as Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene, Glycerin and Vitamin E .This lightweight gel formula instantly hydrates and locks in moisture to soothe, smooth, plump, tone and brighten dry, irritated and problematic skin caused by environmental pollutants, for an all day illuminated and fresh complexion. Rooftop Botanicals was born out of CEO Liana Blomquist’s passion for gardening and beauty while re-evaluating her consumption habits and the way they affect the planet. Liana’s career spans over 10 years at Elizabeth Arden and Revlon as a Global Marketing and Product Development Exec in their fragrance and skincare categories. Over the span of her time there, she launched over 30 fragrance and skincare products winning global awards and nominations from key publications and foundations. Liana also obtained a horticulturist certificate from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 2021, her expertise has been seen in NY Post, NY Magazine, Real Simple and NY Live. |
