It is a revolutionary development in diaper rash care. It is a botanical, aloe-based gel that is used underneath barrier creams, ointments, or pastes.
The directions for its use are very important. Follow them, and they will give you the opportunity to provide a nutritive layer for the skin and some fresh air for baby’s skin. Applying barrier creams too quickly after wiping can trap moisture and contribute to microbial growth. Nobody wants that! Following our directions carefully will prevent that.
Tender
Tender Defender is a formulation of botanicals that are gentle for sensitive skin. For example, we love the healing properties that tea tree oil provides, but we dislike the smell and the component 1,8-Cineole, which is irritating to some people’s skin. So instead, we use niaouli essential oil. Smell problem solved! Except that many of the niaouli oils also have large amounts of 1,8-Cineole, too. So we found a specific chemotype of niaouli that has significantly less of this compound than others, and that’s what we have in our formulation. Read more in the Botanicals section of our Knowledge Center!
Defender
The botanicals have been selected for their collective efficacy. They include a well-rounded blend of essential oils that have each been researched and have scientifically demonstrated (in peer reviewed academic journals) antibiotic, antiprotozoal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. That’s important to our company, which was founded by a mother who is a former professor. We value the findings of scientists and study them carefully when crafting our formulations.
The formula also contains a blend of carrier oils–apricot kernel and rosehip seed–that provide fatty acids, vitamins, and other wonderful elements important to supporting skin healing. This product stands in defense of your baby’s skin.
Bio-Active
Of or relating to a substance that has an effect on living tissue.
So, what’s in our formulation that acts upon skin? Lots of good stuff! Keep an eye on our
Knowledge Center and
Blog for a growing exploration of our ingredients. Scientists are only beginning to understand the components of aloe and these essential oils and how they interact with our bodies to support healing. But some of these components and their functions include:
- 6-gingerol: It is one of the components of ginger essential oil that scientists believe increases blood flow to the area (Bhagavathula, Warner, DaSilva, McClintock, Barron, Aslam, Johnson & Varani, 2010). This is why Tender Defender sometimes feels warm on particularly damaged skin. It is doing its job!
- Salicylic Acid: It is an organic plant hormone found in aloe that is chemically similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. It has been isolated and used as an antibacterial and antiseptic and is found in treatments for calluses, acne, dandruff, stomach upset, and diarrhea. In its natural state, it is mild and works in concert with many other components of aloe.
Aloe
The key to our formulations is our concentrated aloe base. Scientists have studied various concentrations of aloe vera, and they have demonstrated that lower concentrations are less effective while higher concentrations speed healing (Bowles, 1989). Our formula for babies is “gently” concentrated to offer speedier healing support. To our knowledge, Tender Defender is the only retail product in the United States that provides concentrated aloe.
Base Gel
Remember that this is a base coat! It is designed to work in concert with barrier creams, pastes, or ointments, though if your baby’s skin is not currently threatened by rash, it might be able to stand alone. It does best when coupled with other moisturizing regimens. Its bio-activity is strong enough to support the skin through one or two diaper changes, but gentle enough to use regularly for most users.
How do I use the Travel Pack? Please check out our YouTube video!
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Aloe vera,
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antibacterial,
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antiseptic properties,
apricot kernel,
barrier creams,
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Essential oil,
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Ingredient,
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Rosehip,
Sensitive skin,
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tea tree,
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Yes, unfortunately, we must. Though these botanicals have amazing properties for mammalian skin, the antibacterial and antifungal properties are not robust enough to ensure that the product won’t become moldy or otherwise tainted a few days after it is opened. But we have worked with our suppliers and chemists to choose the safest possible route (these are all food grade ingredients) with the lowest concentrations that will still be effective. We looked at some alternatives, but they weren’t pretty!
