Materia Medica
At the heart of The Minimalist lies a proprietary infusion of nine medicinal botanicals—milk thistle, neem, horsetail, lemon balm, barberry, sea buckthorn, elderflower, bitter melon and licorice root. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and naturally soothing compounds, this herbal complex helps defend against environmental stress, calm the appearance of redness, support the skin’s protective barrier and visibly refine uneven tone. With every application, the complexion appears clearer, more balanced and quietly radiant.
One Complex, One Laboratory
The complex is composed and blended in our own Colorado laboratory, by the same hands that formulate every Gressa product — the herbalist’s tradition, held to a chemist’s standard. It has been at the heart of the Minimalist since its creation in 2013.
The Chemistry, Briefly
Plant pigments and protectants, valued in skincare as antioxidants that help defend against the visible effects of environmental stress.
Rosmarinic, chlorogenic and their kin — soothing molecules that help calm the look of reactive skin.
Fatty acids, tocopherols and plant sterols that replenish the surface and support the appearance of an intact barrier.
The Nine, in Monograph
I
Silybum marianum · seed
Principal constituentsThe silymarin flavonolignan complex — silybin, silychristin, silydianin — carried in a seed oil rich in linoleic acid.
In the complexA studied antioxidant; helps defend the look of skin against environmental stress and keeps the complexion appearing calm and even.
II
Azadirachta indica · leaf
Principal constituentsLimonoid bitters, principally nimbin and nimbidin, with the flavonoid quercetin.
In the complexThe purifier — helps the complexion appear clear, refined and undisturbed.
III
Equisetum arvense · aerial parts
Principal constituentsAmong the richest botanical sources of silicic acid, with supporting flavonoids.
In the complexThe mineral note of the nine — lends skin a smoother, more toned appearance.
IV
Melissa officinalis · leaf
Principal constituentsRosmarinic acid and related caffeic-acid derivatives.
In the complexThe comforter — helps calm the appearance of redness and visible reactivity.
V
Berberis vulgaris · root bark
Principal constituentsIsoquinoline alkaloids, principally berberine — the source of the bark’s saffron-yellow hue.
In the complexBalancing — helps skin appear clarified, its texture quieted.
VI
Hippophae rhamnoides · seed
Principal constituentsLinoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids with tocopherols, carotenoids and plant sterols.
In the complexReplenishing lipids that support the appearance of a supple, intact barrier — and the complex’s quiet radiance.
VII
Sambucus nigra · flower
Principal constituentsThe flavonoids rutin, quercetin and kaempferol, with chlorogenic acid and delicate triterpenes.
In the complexA gentle tonic — softens and brightens the look of the skin.
VIII
Momordica charantia · fruit
Principal constituentsCucurbitane triterpenoids, including charantin and momordicin, with naturally occurring vitamin C.
In the complexThe temperer — restores a look of equilibrium; tone appears more uniform.
IX
Glycyrrhiza glabra · root
Principal constituentsGlycyrrhizin with the flavonoids glabridin and liquiritin.
In the complexThe classic botanical for the look of uneven tone — skin appears brighter, calmer, more uniform.
Experience the Complex
All statements refer to the visible appearance of skin.
