by Aliya Trinity, CEO and Founder of Alywillow

Before I explain how the Alywillow Botanical Scale™ works and why it came into being, let me share basics about SPF - what it is and why we chose another path.

What Is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a rating assigned when specific, FDA-tested, patented UV-filtering synthetic chemicals are added to a formula. Numbers such as SPF 6, 10, 20, or 50 reflect the density of those chemicals and the extent to which their molecules reduce UV penetration into the skin.

But, there are some concerns:

• Absorption: FDA studies (2019–2020) revealed that many of these synthetic chemicals are entering our bloodstream at measurable levels, raising questions about long-term accumulation and potential hormonal disruption.  
• Global Concerns: Beyond the body, these compounds have washed into our oceans for decades, contributing to environmental concerns, including impacts on coral reefs.

How Is the Alywillow Botanical Scale (ABS) Different?

At Alywillow, we focus on whole-plant chemistry, supporting the skin’s natural harmony through clarifying botanicals, enriching nutrients, and moisture-rich plant oils. And because we use no synthetic chemicals whatsoever, our system measures something far more meaningful than SPF.

Whereas SPF is solely a rating for how synthetic filters reduce UV exposure, the Alywillow Botanical Scale™ (ABS) is our official index for measuring the clarity (G), enrichment (E), and moisture (M) provided by the plants in each formula.
It is a comprehensive way to understand the depth of botanical support contained within every Alywillow product.

Why Is This Important?

Skin that is malnourished or imbalanced is more vulnerable to the harshness of the world — more easily irritated, more reactive, and less able to maintain equilibrium. Different plants offer different levels of clarifying compounds, restorative nutrients, and moisture-rich lipids, so adding a botanical value to every product creates transparency.  It empowers you to choose the level of Guard, Enrich, and Moisture that suits your needs.

And instead of overwhelming the body with synthetic chemicals, our formulas work in harmony with your natural rhythms. We strengthen, replenish, and support the skin so it can move through the world with more stability, grace, and ease. After all, the more botanical nourishment we give our skin, the more it can share through the natural process of dermal absorption, and healthy, well-supported bodies endure environmental stress with less strain.

The G-E-M of our Botanical Scale

The Alywillow Botanical Scale™ (ABS) reflects the concentration and richness of plant-based support in every Alywillow Botanical Product™. It's a real GEM, like a precious stone reflecting the sparkling, valuable qualities within every Alywillow product. This system offers a clear, educational framework that helps you choose the best product to fit your goals, your skin’s needs, and your lifestyle - all through the purity and intelligence of nature itself. 

G — GUARD Values - clear and clarify

• From 0 to 5 (with 5 being the highest), higher GUARD ratings simply reflect a greater presence of clarifying botanicals, such as clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and others, all long known in herbal traditions for their natural antimicrobial characteristics.
• Products with high GUARD values can support a clearer, more refined appearance and help the skin feel fresh, clean, and comfortably balanced.

E — ENRICH Values - rejuvenate, refresh, and restore

• From 0 to 5 (with 5 being the highest), higher ENRICH ratings reflect a greater presence of nutrient-dense botanicals traditionally associated with renewal, rejuvenation, vitality, and radiance in a product.
• Plants such as grapefruit, frankincense, lavender, and myrrh have long been recognized in herbal traditions—and studied in scientific literature—for their naturally restorative characteristics. Higher ENRICH values simply indicate formulas containing greater concentrations of these enriching botanicals.
• Products with high ENRICH values can support a fresh, radiant appearance and help the skin feel vibrant and naturally balanced.

M — MOISTURE Levels - hydrate, support, and comfort.

Our moisturizers help the skin stay soft and comfortable against the elements, supporting a smooth, hydrated feel even in changing environments.

• From 0 to 5 (with 5 being the highest), higher MOISTURE ratings reflect richer concentrations of botanical lipids that offer deeper-feeling softness, comfort, and hydration. 
• Ingredients such as sunflower, avocado, hemp, argan, and shea have long been celebrated in herbal traditions, and referenced in scientific literature, for their naturally conditioning and smoothing characteristics. 

Products with high MOISTURE values can support a softer, more supple appearance and help the skin feel deeply hydrated, cushioned, and comfortably smooth.

• Levels 1 & 2 are Facial Moisturizers. Level 1 is lighter, with Level 2 offering longer lasting hydration.
• Levels 3,  4, & 5 are for Full Body Moisturizers. Higher MOISTURE values simply indicate formulas containing greater amounts of these hydrating ingredients. 

How to Read the GEM Scale

For example:

• Unscented Level 4 Moisturizer: G0/E1/M4 - a simple, clean formula with no essential oils and a focus on nourishing plant lipids. Excellent for rich-feeling hydration.
• Warrior Level 5 Moisturizer: G3/E4/M5 - M5 indicates the richest moisture of these four choices, while the blend also offers noticeable surface clarity and a naturally renewing feel.
• StarLight Massage: G4/E5/M4 - this blend offers the highest level of renewal support among these examples, paired with strong clarifying botanicals and substantial moisture.
• Fortify is G5/E0/M0 - a formula with no hydrating components and the strongest concentration of clarifying botanicals in our line.

Our Transition Into the GEM Era

As we continue refining our system, the Alywillow Botanical Scale™ will officially go into effect in 2026. Because our line is extensive and every formula is hand-crafted, it will take time to update each product with its full G-E-M values. Yet, step by step, every item will receive its precise Guard, Enrich, and Moisture rating. This gradual transition ensures accuracy, integrity, and transparency—so you can make informed choices rooted in clear botanical science.

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