Many people believe that natural skincare is gentle but slow, and that clean, plant-based products can’t deliver the same visible results as chemically derived formulas. In truth, this belief usually comes down to one overlooked factor: the extraction method. Many “natural” or “clean” products use botanicals that look beautiful on the label — but if those plants are poorly extracted, their benefits are limited. When extraction methods rely on:• High heat• Mechanical force• Or incomplete separation …fragile plant compounds are often destroyed or lost. At the moment, there are several methods of extraction used in skincare: • Oil infusions for natural skincare • Steam distillation for essential oils• Ethanol/glycerin extracts for serums and toners• Cold-pressed oils for base oils• CO₂ extraction for premium extracts The rose oils and serums, as well as our fluids and balms, and thermal waters, are made using CO₂ extracts. This is one of the most advanced and effective botanical extraction methodsavailable today. It is the gold standard in skincare because it preserves what othermethods remove: • It captures aromatic and non-volatile actives• It is solvent-free and heat-free• It is extremely skin-compatible• It preserves fragile but potent compounds lost in distillation Many CO₂ extracts are naturally rich in:• Vitamins• Fatty acids• Antioxidants• Naturally occurring antibacterial compounds In other words, CO₂ extraction technology is able to capture the therapeutic goodness of the natural plant origin like no other process can, making it one of the best ways to obtain the purest, most therapeutic extracts organic matter can offer. What Is CO₂ Extraction in Natural Skincare? CO₂ extraction (carbon dioxide extraction) is a clean, solvent-free method that uses pressurized CO₂ gas to gently extract beneficial compounds from botanical material such as flowers, leaves, seeds, and resins. Unlike steam distillation or cold pressing, this method operates at low temperatures, preserving the plant’s full spectrum of active compounds. Once the extraction is complete, the CO₂ naturally dissipates, leaving behind a pure, highly concentrated botanical extract — with no chemical residue. This is why CO₂ extracts are considered the gold standard in luxury natural skincare. CO₂ Extracts vs. Essential Oils & Cold-Pressed Oils More Active Plant Compounds CO₂ extracts contain both oil-soluble and water-soluble components of the plant. This results in: • A more complete chemical profile• Higher levels of therapeutic constituents• Greater synergy between plant compounds Steam-distilled essential oils, by contrast, capture only volatile aromatic molecules. Truer Aroma & Botanical Integrity Because CO₂ extraction avoids high heat, the resulting extract smells remarkably close to the fresh plant itself — not sharp, cooked, or overly perfumed. For roses especially, this means: • A softer, deeper, more sensual aroma• Greater emotional and energetic resonance• A closer connection to the living plant More Visible Results CO₂ extracts offer maximum potency, which means the skin receives more active compounds with each application. This is why well-formulated natural skincare can deliver fast, noticeable results — when the plants are extracted correctly. Natural doesn’t mean weak.Poor extraction does. Why Not Every Brand Uses CO₂ Extraction CO₂ extraction requires:• Specialized equipment• Technical expertise• Higher production costs It’s easier and cheaper to rely on steam distillation or basic pressing methods — which is why many brands don’t invest in this technology. At Soul & Sage, we believe that plant medicine deserves precision, respect, and integrity. Choosing CO₂ extraction is a conscious decision to prioritize performance, purity, and long-term skin health over shortcuts. Important Things to Know About CO₂ Extracts Because of their rich, full-spectrum composition:• Some CO₂ extracts may be thicker, paste-like, or solid at room temperature• Gentle warming may be needed before blending or application Each botanical has its own unique benefits, which is why we provide specific usage guidance for every Soul & Sage formulation. Stability, Shelf Life & Skin Safety Another major advantage of CO₂ extracts is their exceptional stability. Compared to essential oils and cold-pressed oils, CO₂ extracts are:• Less prone to oxidation• More resistant to degradation• Longer-lasting when stored properly When sealed and protected from sunlight, CO₂ extracts typically maintain their quality for 2–3 years, making them ideal for high-performance serums and facialoils. Sustainability & Ethical Beauty CO₂ extraction is also one of the most sustainable extraction methods available: • CO₂ is a reusable resource• The same gas can be recycled repeatedly• Minimal energy is required• No toxic solvents are used This aligns deeply with Soul & Sage’s commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and conscious luxury. Why Soul & Sage Uses CO₂-Extracted Rosa Damascena Our rose oils and serums are designed for people who want:• Clean beauty without compromise• Natural skincare that actually works• Botanical formulas that support both skin and nervous system CO₂ extraction allows us to offer rose in its most potent, intact, and energetically aligned form — delivering visible results while honoring the intelligence of the plant. This is not just skincare.This is plant science, ritual, and luxury woven together.

Modern skincare has become overly complicated.Open your beauty drawer and you’ll likely find half-used serums, creams for everyface zone, and products that promised results but delivered irritation instead.More products don’t mean better skin. At Soul & Sage, we believe skincare should support the skin’s natural intelligence— not overwhelm it. This belief is at the core of skinimalism. What Is Skinimalism in Skincare? Skinimalism is a minimalist approach to skincare that focuses on what the skinactually needs, emphasizing natural ingredients that have stood the test of timevs. trend-driven formulations. Skinimalism prioritizes:• Fewer, multifunctional products• Barrier repair over aggressive correction• Ingredients that work in synergy with the skin — product and skin as a team Layering too many products — especially those targeting different concerns —often compromises the skin barrier, disrupts the microbiome, and leads toredness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Simplifying your routine allows the skin to repair and renew naturally. Why Rosa Damascena Is Called the Queen of Beauty Rosa Damascena has been used for centuries in skincare and herbal traditions —and for good reason.It is one of the few botanicals that supports multiple skin functions at once. Antioxidant Protection Rosa damascena naturally contains:• Vitamins A, C, and E• Flavonoids and phenolic compounds These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical damage and supportcollagen health, without irritating sensitive skin. Barrier Repair & Hydration The natural oils and sugars in Rosa Damascena help restore the skin barrier.Instead of forcing hydration into the skin, it supports the skin’s ability to lock inmoisture naturally — resulting in softer, stronger, more resilient skin. Anti-Inflammatory Support Rosa Damascena is known for its calming properties.It helps reduce:• Redness• Sensitivity• Inflammatory conditions such as eczema and rosacea This makes it ideal for reactive or over-treated skin. Antibacterial & Sebum Balance Its gentle antibacterial action helps:• Maintain healthy pH levels• Refine the appearance of pores• Regulate excess sebum without stripping the skin Balanced skin is clear skin. Skincare Is Also Nervous System Care Healthy skin is not only about topical products.The natural aroma of Rosa Damascena supports emotional well-being by:• Calming the nervous system• Reducing stress and anxiety• Promoting a sense of grounding This turns daily skincare into a holistic ritual — supporting both skin and mind. Want to simplify your skincare?Discover our Rosa Damascena essentials designed to replace multi-step routines. Not All Roses Are Equal in Skincare There are over 5,000 known rose varieties worldwide, but only a small number areused in skincare. Rosa Damascena is considered exceptional due to its unique biochemicalcomposition and has been globally recognized for centuries in cosmetic, herbal,and therapeutic traditions. Unlike many ornamental roses, Rosa Damascena contains a high concentration ofnaturally occurring active compounds — including antioxidants, volatile oils, andbioactive molecules — making it one of the most effective roses for skin health andholistic care. Rosa Damascena is cultivated in only a few regions worldwide where climate, soil,and traditional harvesting methods allow the plant to develop its full therapeuticprofile. The most renowned growing regions include:• Valley of the Roses, Bulgaria• Isparta, Turkey• Kashan, Iran In these regions, Rosa Damascena is typically hand-harvested in the early morninghours, when the concentration of aromatic and bioactive compounds is at its peak. This careful harvesting process preserves the rose’s antioxidant, soothing, andbarrier-supporting properties. This level of precision is one of the reasons Rosa Damascena remains the globalstandard in high-quality skincare and wellness formulations. Simplify Your Skincare. Help Your Skin Function at Its Best Skinimalism is not about doing less.It’s about choosing better ingredients, fewer products, and intentional rituals. Rosa Damascena supports the skin’s ability to heal, protect, and renew — naturally. Explore the Rosa Damascena collection at Soul & Sage and experience skincarethat works with your skin, not against it.

As the year gently comes to a close, many of us naturally enter a period of end-of-year self-reflection. We look back at what unfolded — the goals we pursued, the challenges we navigated, and the unexpected blessings that found us. But beneath all of that, there’s a quieter, often overlooked layer of reflection: How did I grow this year? What shifted inside me? Who am I becoming? In a culture that highlights milestones and measurable progress, our innerevolution can go unnoticed. Yet these subtle shifts often define our year far more deeply than anything we checked off a list. This is the essence of meaningful year-end reflection, and the inspiration behind the Cosmic Wellness Almanac — a companion designed to support your inner world as the seasons turn. Looking Back Through the Lens of Inner Growth A single year can hold so much unspoken transformation: • the way we breathe through challenging moments• how we communicate our needs• a growing ability to pause instead of react• new boundaries that protect our wellbeing• a softness we’ve cultivated• a strength we didn’t know we had These forms of inner growth aren’t always visible or easily measured, but they shape our relationships, our choices, our inner peace, and the energy we bring to the world. Recognizing them during your end-of-year self-reflection can bring clarity, compassion, and a deeper connection to the person you are becoming.When You Think Ahead, Your Inner World Matters The Most As a new year begins to shimmer on the horizon, many of us imagine what we want next. Often, our minds jump to external intentions: • new habits • new opportunities • new goals • new plans All meaningful in their own ways.But there is another layer of intention — one that brings more peace, presence, and fulfillment into everyday life. That layer includes: • emotional steadiness • deeper self-awareness • more mindful relationships • compassion for ourselves and others • a sense of connection to something larger • a desire to live with intention rather than rush through life When these qualities deepen, the outer parts of our lives begin to shift naturally. This is where spiritual wellness blends with practical living — and where a resource like The Cosmic Wellness Almanac can offer gentle guidance. How the Cosmic Wellness Almanac Supports Your Inner Landscape Created for those seeking meaningful, sustainable personal growth, The Cosmic Wellness Almanac offers a grounded approach to spiritual wellness, reflection, and self-understanding. It’s a supportive companion for anyone who wants to cultivate: - emotional clarity - daily grounding rituals - a deeper relationship with themselves and nature - peaceful presence at home - mindfulness and intention - better understanding of the cosmic shifts in the sky and the way they affect us Rather than prescribing routines, it offers invitations — insights aligned with the seasons, lunar phases, and cosmic themes, translated into simple, accessible reflections. It’s designed to fit into your life gently, helping you feel more connected to your inner world as you move through the year. A New Way to Imagine the Year Ahead Picture ending the next year feeling: • more rooted in yourself • more connected to your inner voice • more aware of your needs and values • more compassionate and present • more aligned with your true path This is the kind of transformation that often begins with small acts of awareness — the kind of awareness that deepens through regular, heartfelt self-reflection.Your inner world is the soil from which everything else grows.Honoring that part of yourself can make the coming year feel more intentional, grounded, and fulfilling. If You Feel Called to Grow From the Inside Out… The Cosmic Wellness Almanac was created with this exact journey in mind. A guide to support your inner seasons.A sanctuary of reflection. A gentle reminder that your growth is unfolding, even on quiet days. A companion that helps you reconnect with yourself, again and again. Your inner evolution has power. It shapes your family, your home, your relationships, and the world you touch.And it deserves to be part of your end-of-year self-reflection — and part of the year ahead.