Gardeners know that tilth signifies moisture retention in the soil. However, for skin care aficionados, Tilth Beauty takes the concept a step further. According to Tony Vargas, CEO of Tilth Beauty, “The ability for soil to hold moisture and circulate oxygen allows it to function and is essential for plant growth. The physical condition and health of the soil based on these properties is called tilth.” This metaphor is at the root of the new, naturally-based product line.

Skin needs to process nutrents and moisture in a similar way in order to maintain its health and beauty. This, according to Anthony Vargas, is how the natural-based product line, Tilth Beauty, was created. Vargas, a former R&D expert at both Avon and Elizabeth Arden, sought to create a range of products that returned moisture to the skin without the use of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petroleum-based products, silicones, synthetic fragrances, artificial coloring, or genetically-modified organisms. The result is a line of gluten-free, American-made beauty products in environmentally-friendly packaging.

At a launch held last month, in New York City, Vargas described how he took 30 years of industry experience, which included his work on both Prevage and Ceramine, and distilled them into creating the new line, which has been one and a half years in the making. “With skin being our largest organ, what is applied to it is just as important as what we put into their bodies; and the balance, combination and process of ingredients makes the difference,” said Vargas. The Tilth Beauty collection consists of 14 products that combine vitamins, cosmeceuticals, botanicals, and marine ingredients, for both the face and body.

Vargas, who said the line is distinguished by several factors, including its gluten-free materials, its use of encapsulated retinol and peptides, and the naturally-derived materials used for the products’ bases, emphasized the ingredients incorporated into the formulas, for example, berry extract in its toners, which are chock-full of antioxidants and aloe, to restore moisture to the skin, and argan, in its deep cleansing formulation.
 
Cultivating Beautiful Skin
 
The full Tilth Beauty line consists of A Flawless Serum, to revitalize the appearance of stressed skin and improve the skin’s barrier functions, with retinol, myrtle leaf and adaptonyl (Indian ginseng root extract) $62; Aloe Restoration Toner, to moisturize and neutralize free radicals, with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, beta glucan, and cactus flower extract, $32; Anti-Aging Firming Moisture Cream, to improve elasticity, facial lines, and firmness, with Renovage, pistachio seed oil, and Narcissus Poeticus flower wax, $55; Antioxidant Foaming Cleanser, with antioxidant-rich botanical extracts to firm and enhance texture, $38; Argan-Tangerine Deep Cleansing Lotion, with Jojoba Seed Oil and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, $34; Berry Extract Toner, with Vitamins C and E, Blueberry Extract and Goji Berry Fruit Extract, $32; and Eye Wondrous Serum, an anti-wrinkle formula fortified with peptides, encapsulated retinol, Edelweiss Stem Cells, and Antarctine, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, especially around the eyes, as well as frown lines, $62.

In addition, Tilth Beauty offers Gentle Poppy Seed Exfoliator, using nature’s seeds and jojoba esters to revitalize and cleanse the skin as it removes dull and flaky skin, with Yellow Corn Kernel Meal, Date Seed, and Jojoba Esters, $38; Hydration Body Lotion, an antioxidant-rich lotion to soothe and hydrate the skin, with Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, plus Cactus Stem Extract, to promote even tone and firmness, $32; Intense Restoration Moisture Cream, with Raspberry Leaf Wax, Rose Hip Fruit Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, and Flower Fractions – Rutin, Ursolic Acid, and Phytosterol, to gently moisturize and stimulate the skin, $55; and Refresh Peptide mist, a mixture of botanical extracts, oils, and peptides, to soothe, refresh, and hydrate the skin, with Melitane®, Blue Lotus Flower Extract, and Barbadensis Leaf Powder, $45. The line is completed by Resurrect Eye Cream, with natural and premium ingredients, including Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, and Argireline®, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, enhance firmness, and restore moisture, $62; Rose Protection Cleansing Gel, with Peppermint Oil, French Rose Flower Extract, and Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, to leave skin cool, clean, and invigorated, $34; plus Sea Origin Serum, with 11 marine actives, to combat wrinkles, protect the skin from UV damage, promote hydration, elasticity and firmness. Sea Origin Serum, which retails for $62, “will stave off signs of premature aging, while leaving the skin visibly brighter,” says Vargas. It includes Wakame Extract, Algowhite® – Ascolpyllum Nodosum Extract, Helioguard, Abyssine, and Chondrus Crisups.

Vargas says, “Fifty is the new thirty these days, and more and more functional skin care products continue to improve the skin of women and men today. We created this line to give a safe effect. This is a skin care line that is not going to irritate the skin. This is key, as more people are looking for healthy solutions.” Vargas, who notes that the European Union may be more advanced when it comes to using naturally-derived ingredients, says, “However, as people begin to look more closely at ingredients, we’re trending to more naturally-derived ingredients.”

Vargas uses no parabens in the products, but notes that other types of naturally-derived materials are used as preservatives. “It’s been an interesting 30 years for me. You’ve always got to be on top of everything, and the skin is so complex. You’re going to see new ingredients coming out, including many active naturals,” says Vargas. He contends that his new line is an outgrowth of his industry experience and knowing what the consumers want, as well as his passion to produce a line of products that reflects a desire to use high quality ingredients, regardless of material costs, that are safe for consumer use.

“The packaging was created with 80% recyclable materials to make the cartons, wind power was used in manufacturing, the bottles are either recycled plastic or glass, and all the serums are in airless pumps, all of which contribute to a lower carbon footprint,” says Vargas. Shelf life is three years for the line, with freshness after opening guaranteed for 12 months for the creams, and 24 months for airless packaging.

A scientist at the core, Vargas reminded all that without adequate moisture in the skin, the processes in the skin are going to break down. If skin is dehydrated products won’t function properly. You need that moisture, whether winter or summer, you have to keep your skin moisturized. The glycosamine glycans in the skin, which hold water in your skin, must get moisture, and it’s particularly important to use moisturizers with antioxidants to protect the skin, as free radicals are chewing away at the skin on a daily basis. So, use antioxidant-rich moisturizers, morning and night; particularly at night, when the body can focus on repairing the damage that was done during the day,” said Vargas.

Vargas plans to introduce a Tilth Baby Care line, as well as a Tilth Men’s line, in the near future, and is also planning to use sunscreens in future iterations of the line. Products are currently available at www.opensky.com, as well as www.TilthBeauty.com.