While at an event last month in Hollywood, there was one beauty brand that kept coming up over and over: Arcona.

Started in Los Angeles in 1989, the line has gained a cult following over the years of women dedicated to its holistic formulations and good-for-you ingredients–all the products are paraben, sulfate and petrochemical-free.  I took a peek at the Arcona website and was intrigued to discover they maintain their ingredients’ effectiveness and integrity through something called “cold processing.”

“The key to ARCONA’s effectiveness is its active ingredients and the way they are combined and processed. Cosmeceutical-grade ingredients, such as enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids, are formulated to work synergistically to deliver powerful results. These active ingredients are cold-processed at very low temperatures, in small batches, to keep them active and effective. Because cold processing is labor and time intensive, most skin care products, even the expensive ones that may begin with quality ingredients, are heatprocessed, which ultimately leaves nutrients lifeless and ineffective. Think of what happens to fresh vegetables when they are overcooked!”

More than one beauty-industry insider has since told me, “Arcona is the only brand I use.”  Lo and behold, I’ve been digging into their White Tea Purifying Cleanser for months–goes to show you how many products are taking up real estate in my bathroom!–and was often impressed with how well it removed makeup without stripping my skin.

Bestsellers include the Magic White Ice antioxidant moisturizer, AM Acne Lotion, and Basic Five Sensitive Skin Type Package.  Arcona also features a destination spa and boutique in Santa Monica, where celebrity clientele including Julia Roberts, Diane Lane and Jessica Biel come for their fix.  Check them out at Arcona.com or 877.272.6620.