“You should be able to name, number and spell anything that goes on or in your body.” This is the philosophy of AsanaRa Holistic Care Products, a holistic skin care line founded in Worcester by Clark University alum, Daysha Williams. Williams founded AsanaRa during her sophomore year at Clark.

“One day, I left my shea butter on the radiator and it melted, and I was studying Plant, Spirit, Medicine by Elliot Cohen at the time, so I was infusing herbs and some oils into that, and I used it on myself and my best friend and it really controlled my eczema…like I don’t have it anymore,” Williams said.

What started out as a do-it-yourself skin care product became a campus-wide favorite, with many of Williams’ friends and classmates asking for her healing salve. Noticing her products gaining traction, Williams decided to create a formal business and release more products. She debuted at Market Square in 2015; in 2017, AsanaRa won Clark University’s UREKA Challenge and became a member of StartUP Worcester.

Williams experiments with natural ingredients such as shea butter, aloe butter, coconut oil and a number of essential oils like tea tree and lavender oils to create her products. As someone with sensitive skin, I was drawn to AsanaRa because of the holistic, minimal ingredients. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I’m cautious with the products I use. The products in the AsanaRa line, such as the Healing Salve, have helped control my breakouts and leave me with supple, glowing skin. For years, I have used store-bought skin care brands that have either made my skin worse or have had no effect at all. The basic ingredients in the AsanaRa products simply help restore and replenish the skin, without harmful chemicals and additives.

AsanaRa can be found on sale at The Local Root farm stall at Clark University every Wednesday from noon-3 p.m., and orders can be placed through the company’s website assanara.store. Here are my four must-haves from the AsanaRa line, especially for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin — or anyone looking for a natural glow! Most products cost $10-$12.

Tea Tree Facial Cleanser Pads. Each facial cleanser pad is infused with coconut oil and a lavender-tea tree essential oil. This is a two-ingredient makeup remover! The coconut oil breaks down the makeup, while the tea tree oil fights acne and lavender soothes the skin. For best results, use AsanaRa Lavender and Tea Tree facial cleansers at night to restore your skin’s natural oils.

Cinna-Citronella Coffee Scrub. This coffee scrub is great for toning, tightening and brightening the skin! It’s made of organic coffee, brown sugar, cinna-citronella essential oil and olive oil. This can be used both as a face scrub and a body scrub. The caffeine does a great job of easing cellulite, baggy eyes, large pores and dark circles. For best results, use AsanaRa’s Cinna-Citronella Coffee Scrub in the morning to wake your skin up!

AsanaRa Healing Salve. This product is perfect for people with sensitive skin! This salve is made from shea butter and aloe butter and infused with citrus essential oil. It’s whipped consistency is specially formulated for people with oily skin. Apply a coin-sized amount to the face and other problem areas. This salve can also be used as a lip balm for dry, cracked lips. This product is definitely a must-have from the line. Extra tip: For thick, curly hair, this salve works as a moisturizer and a styler. Apply a generous amount to your hair, focusing on your ends.

AsanaRa Brown Sugar Scrub. This scrub is best for exfoliation and moisturization. The black seed and grapeseed oil makes it a winner for anyone with acne prone or sensitive skin. It is scented with lemon and geranium flower, so it smells heavenly! You can also find pink Himalayan salt in this scrub utilizing its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties!

Kaiomi Inniss