Crystals have sparkled their way from new-age alternative healing tools to the ingredient label in high-end beauty products. Quartz, amethyst, tourmaline and malachite-infused serums, creams, bath salts and more promise clearer, brighter, smoother, softer skin from head to toe.

Still a bit New-Age-y to some, the claim is that when used in beauty products, the subtle healing energy of the specific crystal affect your skin cells energetically as well as physically. There are a few ways crystals are added to beauty products—finely crushed and mixed in, crystal particles suspended in oil or water, or an intact crystal submerged in oil.

Although Western medicine considers crystal healing to be pseudoscience, using crystals and gemstones for healing isn’t anything new. Nearly every culture in recorded history has valued these stones for their energetic healing capabilities. For example, the ancient Egyptians used malachite to produce makeup, which was believed to hold healing properties.

Geometry gives crystals their power. A crystal is technically any solid rock with a geometrically regular structure. Every crystal is symmetrical along its axis. It may take an open mind or quantum physics to grasp, but if you follow all of this symmetry to the core, there is an atom that stays in constant motion, imparting the crystal with its own type of energy.

Crystal advocates point out that if crystals in electronics, such as watches, liquid crystal displays (LCD screens) and computer microchips can be conduits of energy, why can’t they be conduits for healing?

The healing power of crystals might make sense when they are viewed geologically. Crystals were created as the earth formed. There are hundreds of different types of crystals and they each have their own evolution story—some form under intense pressure or from superheated gas bubbles deep in the earth’s crust and others form when a mixture of water vapor and magma cool—and every evolution story imparts a different type of energy into the crystalline formation.

Specific crystals are also believed to have specific healing properties. Believe or not, here are the vibrational and beauty benefits of the most popular crystals in beauty products:

Rose Quartz

The gentle energy of rose quartz is the most commonly associated stone with skin care benefits. It works to improve circulation and can calm irritated complexions, as well as help soften fine lines and wrinkles. Energetically, it is considered the crystal of love, joy and beauty, and it may help with boosting self-esteem and keeping feelings of anger or jealousy at bay. Washing with rose quartz-infused Själ Skincare Balans deep Pore Cleanser (sjalskincare.com) will keep your skin balanced, and free of redness and irritation. The luxurious gel-cream hydrates, calms and soothes while detoxifying and brightening skin.

Amethyst

Amethyst—especially the violet color stone—is believed to help ease nerves and center emotions. It can also calm skin inflammation or acne. The ultimate way to feel zen at the end of a stressful day is a soak in the tub with Roques O'Neil's Therapie Himalayan detox Salts (roquesoneil.com), which are loaded with powered amethyst crystals. These therapeutic salts balance pH levels and promise a good night’s sleep. Essential oils of lemongrass, juniper and geranium nurture skin and relax the senses.

Tourmaline

This is an energizing stone used to revitalize the skin and boost circulation, making it more radiant. Tourmaline crystals heat up when they are rubbed onto skin because they are positively charged on one end and negatively charged on the other. Energetically, the stone can help you detox hurtful emotions after suffering a hardship. The Eye Concentrate from La Mer (lamer.com) depends on tourmaline to visibly improve dark circles, dryness and wrinkles. The rich and emollient formula also contains hematite–a magnetically charged, iron-rich mineral–that helps improve surface discolorations and unevenness.

Malachite

Considered by crystal gurus as the crystal of transformation, this deep green stone is often used for healing and bringing positive change. It draws out impurities and energizes skin cells. In Sisley Paris' Eye Contour Mask (sisley-paris.com), malachite reinforces the skin’s defenses and helps reduce under-eye puffiness. After removal, the gel patch texture of the mask leaves a gentle film that keeps the eye area feeling and looking refreshed and smooth.