In the world of skincare, few ingredients are as universally recognized as salicylic acid. In fact, within the skincare category, “salicylic acid” is among the most searched terms online this year. Found in everything from cleansers to exfoliating formulas, it is a mainstay of the category — and we wanted to explore what a whole-plant approach to exfoliation looks like alongside it.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) originally derived from willow bark. Today, nearly all salicylic acid used in skincare is produced synthetically, resulting in a chemically identical version of the compound — though this is not the same as the living essence of the original botanical source.
What To Ask When Considering Natural Versus Synthetic
- How was the ingredient made, and what does the process involve?
- What is on the label — and what sits behind terms like “proprietary blend”?
- Was the ingredient kept in its natural matrix, or isolated and recreated?
- Does the formulation work with the whole plant, or with a single extracted compound?
A Whole-Plant Perspective
Isolated compounds are typically designed to perform a single task very efficiently. Whole-plant preparations work differently: they bring a rich array of nutrients, antioxidants and co-factors together, and they tend to ask less of the skin in the process. Rather than forcing a change, they invite one. That is the philosophy we build to.
A Slower, Deeper Beauty
Skincare isn’t just about the surface — it’s about ritual, and attention, and time. In creating this offering, Sun Potion and Be Here Farm + Nature came together using timeless allies: oil, clay, honey, beeswax, botanicals, earth, salt, and patience. The kind of patience it takes to treat yourself well.
The Whole-Plant Offerings
These three were created through a collaboration between Sun Potion and Be Here Farm + Nature, and are designed to work with the skin’s natural rhythms:
Wet Mask — Superfood Honey Mask
Raw honey combined with botanicals infused in biodynamic olive oil, for one of the gentlest ways to exfoliate there is. Rich, golden and slow.
Dry Mask — Superfood Clay Mask
A clarifying blend of clay, mushrooms and wild botanicals including freshwater pearl powder, wild pine pollen and he shou wu. Polishing without stripping. Simply add water (or your favourite hydrating mist) and mix to your ideal consistency.
The Super Mask — Combine Wet + Dry
One part Dry Mask + one part Wet Mask = The Super Mask. A favourite among fans, and the way we most like to use them.
We invite you to explore these whole-plant preparations — and to listen closely to how your skin responds.
Available now on the Sun Potion shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Wet Mask and the Dry Mask?
The Wet Mask is a raw honey and botanical-infused oil base. The Dry Mask is a clay and mushroom powder you activate with water or a mist.
What is the Super Mask?
Equal parts Wet Mask and Dry Mask, mixed together. It is how most people end up using them.
What is in the Dry Mask?
Clay, mushrooms and wild botanicals, including freshwater pearl powder, wild pine pollen and he shou wu.
Who is Be Here Farm + Nature?
A biodynamic farm and skincare maker, and a long-standing Sun Potion collaborator. These masks were created together.
