What is Lichen?

Lichen in KIH Products

Our products contain two forms of lichen that we harvest exclusively ourselves: Usnea Barbata and an exclusive lichen ingredient called Cladonia Stellaris.

This is an important species of lichen that forms continuous mats over large areas of the ground in boreal and arctic regions. It's main component, Usnic Acid, is considered to be a strong antibiotic and anti-fungal that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a natural preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

It also helps as a healing ingredient because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Lichen Fun Facts

• 
  There are some 20,000
  known species of lichens
• They cover an estimated 6% of the Earth's surface.
• They are considered the longest living organisms on Earth, with one plant in the arctic having been dated 8,600 years!
• Lichens can survive while experiencing a complete loss of body water
• They can also survive unprotected in space