Aloe Vera was once referred to as the "Plant of Immortality" because of its ability to treat various health conditions, such as sunburns, acne and rashes. Studies have shown that aloe vera encourages cell regeneration, which increases the body's healing factor when applied. Aloe vera also contains anti-fungal properties and can help skin become smoother and softer.

Collagen is responsible for giving skin its elasticity, hair its strength, and connective tissue its ability to hold everything in place. Soluble collagen penetrates the skin better thus protecting your skin from surfactants travelling too deeply into your skin and causing damage. By applying collagen to skin, one can repair the skin under the surface, keeping it moisturized and healthy.

Essential oils have enhanced lives for thousands of years and are extracted through careful steam distillation and cold pressing. They provide great alternatives to harsh chemicals. For example, the cypress essential oil in our Alra Non-Metallic Deodorant possesses anti-microbial properties that inhibit the growth of most bacteria. The rosemary oil in our Alra Mild Conditioning Shampoo helps stimulate follicles, making hair grow longer and stronger, and slows down premature hair loss and graying of the hair.

Lanolin is a natural substance produced by a sheep’s wool.Humans have been using this substance for nearly 8,000 years.There are records that ancient Egyptians would melt it in the sun and then smear it on their face and skin as a moisturizer. More recently, since the late 19th century, lanolin cream, oil and balm have been used for eczema/dermatitis.

Marine plants, such as micro-algae, is considered nature's own sunscreen. Thanks to its unique resource in mycosporine-like amino acids, the red seaweed, Porphyra umbilicalis (L.) Kützing, offers a new marine approach for protective skincare from the sun. Alra developed an all natural sunscreen using natural bioactive sun protective ingredients from the same red seaweed.

Phytochemicals are chemicals produced by plants through primary or secondary metabolism. The phytochemical allantoin is known for its stimulation of cell proliferation. Allantoin is considered an effective moisturizing ingredient, and its gentle, non-irritating qualities make it an excellent addition to skin care products for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Phytoexracts are the essences of plant extracted using biotechnology. The Lichen extract is the active ingredient in Alra Deodorant. In natural medicine, Usnea, the main component of lichen extract, has powerful antimicrobial properties and kills bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also decreases inflammation and prevents some types of cancer cells from reproducing.

Olive oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene. Palm oil is a natural source of vitamins A, C, and E, which also have antioxidant properties. Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and is an excellent moisturizer. The combination of olive oil, palm oil, and coconut oil is used in our All Vegetable Unscented Mild Soap.  

Vitamins A, C, and E can curb the skin damage caused by free radicals.Vitamin E can nourish skin, treat stretch marks, lighten scars, promote healthy skin, and reverse signs of aging. Vitamin E is an oil-soluble nutrient and restores lost moisture, which is why it works best for dry and damaged skin