Ingredient

Tiger Lily Extract

Lilium tigrinum; Propylene Glycol

Brightly-coloured tiger lilies are soaked and then mixed in propylene glycol so that the humectant can extract their beneficial properties for the skin.

Where do we get this extract’s ingredients?

Lush UK purchases propylene glycol from a Belgium company that prides itself on creating biodegradable chemicals from natural oils - in this case, rapeseed. Their business strategy includes protecting natural resources and biodiversity, the welfare of their employees and inclusivity. 

Like most flowers at Lush, the tiger lilies are bought from a supplier who sources them from different countries around the world depending on season and availability. They must comply with Lush's buying policy which encourages growers to move away from the use of hazardous pesticides. Periodic, case-by-case spot checks are also performed to detect pesticide residues on the ingredients entering our factories.

With seven manufacturing sites across the globe, this information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.

What are the benefits for the skin?

• A humectant, propylene glycol attracts and carries water-based ingredients to the skin and hair.
• At Lush, we find that lilies have great astringent and antibacterial properties.

What are the benefits for Lush formulas?

• As a humectant, propylene glycol absorbs moisture in formulas, reducing bacteria growth and thus helping products to last longer.
• As a solvent, it helps dilute and merge different ingredients.

Safety

Propylene glycol has many uses and is a very versatile substance. This wide use means that much is known about the safety of this material. It is recognised as safe for use in foods, cosmetics and medicines. Lush has been using it for decades and has never had health concerns related to it.

Unique stories

Lilies belong to the same family (Liliaceae) as onion, leek, garlic, and chives and have similar antimicrobial qualities to garlic. In China and Japan, they are grown for culinary uses, and their bulbs have been eaten for centuries. Some indigenous peoples of the Americas also used the lily as a vegetable in this way. The taste is reportedly akin to a parsnip or a potato.