A:

Activated Charcoal:
Activated Charcoal Powder is used in our cosmetic formulations to help absorb excess oil and remove impurities from hair and skin.

Almond Meal:
Removes dry, dead skin and creates a lovely glow, reduces inflammation, and contains an abundance of Vitamin E- an antioxidant which can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and is essential to maintaining healthy skin. Gentle enough to be used on all skin types.

Almond Oil (sweet): (Prunus amygdalus)
Sweet almond oil is said to have great nutritional value for all skin types. Has a similar makeup to baby’s sebum, the oil naturally produced by the skin to protect it and is easily absorbed. Contain glucosides, minerals, and vitamins and is rich in protein.

Alcohol (Organic): 
Not only is it an efficacious, nontoxic and natural preservative, but it also enhances the delivery of phytochemicals in the herbs and flowers extracted using the alcohol. We use food grade, certified organic grain alcohol (Ethanol). Bacteria, yeasts, and molds do not grow in an ethanol concentration of approximately 15-20% or greater. Alcohol also serves as a natural emulsifier, preservative, and carrier, helping ingredients in their delivery. Alcohol, derived from the fermentation of starch, sugar, and other carbohydrates, can also be used to extract and preserve botanicals, not just finished bases. And, unlike the isopropyl alcohol in your first aid kit, ethanol alcohol is not drying to the skin when it is part of a moisturizing base.

Aloe Vera: (Aloe barbadensis juice)
Aloe vera improves hydration is soothing and healing to all skin types. Aloe vera also contains the “youth mineral” potassium. Has renowned healing properties, anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin and help heal cuts, grazes, burns and insect bites. True aloe vera is watery and thin. The products that you see on the marketplace that are thick have been chemically thickened and highly diluted.

Allantoin: 
A chemical compound that comes from the extracts of a comfrey plant. Highly regarded for its skin soothing, healing and keratolytic (ability to remove excess skin) properties. It helps to shed the outer layer of the epidermis and promotes healthy tissue formation. It also softens the skin and enables it to absorb more moisture. It’s particularly effective in treating wounds, burns, skin ulcers, eczema, and any other abrasion in the skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid:
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is often referred to as the “Universal Antioxidant”. It rivals Vitamin C and E in its antioxidant effects.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of nature’s most powerful ingredients that offer health as well as beauty benefits. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that prevent acne or pimples by keeping the skin pores free from bacteria, oil, and other dust particles. In addition, it helps restore and balance your skin’s pH, which is essential to prevent skin breakouts. Apple cider vinegar is good for people who have oily skin, thanks to its astringent properties. In addition, it is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acids that increase blood flow to the skin and minimize pores. Apple cider vinegar also promotes soft and shiny hair. It has to clarify properties that help remove buildup left on your hair and scalp from styling products and shampoos. It also helps restore the natural pH level of the scalp. ACV is an age-old treatment for sunburn as well. A natural astringent, it helps soothe the pain and speed up the healing process. In addition, it calms irritation, itching, and inflammation.

Apricot Kernal Oil: (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot kernel oil comes from the large pits of apricots. The oil is similar in weight to human sebum. Extremely nourishing to the skin and excellent around the eyes and neck. Apricot kernel oil is an emollient.

Argan Oil: (Argania spinosa L.)
Also, know as Moroccan oil, Argan oil is an effective, all natural moisturizer for skin and hair. One of the main reasons that argan oil is so healing is that it is rich with vitamin A and vitamin E. However, argan oil is also packed with anti-oxidants, Omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to the skin, it eases inflammation while moisturizing the skin. When applied externally, trocopherol from the vitamin E helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair.

Arnica Flower Extract: (Arnica montana)
Arnica (or Arnica montana) is a perennial herb often used to prepare homeopathic remedies. Arnica’s flowers and roots are also used in herbal medicine, typically in remedies applieddirectly to the skin. One of the most common uses of arnica is the treatment of wounds, bruises, sunburn, and other formsof skin irritation or inflammation. In these cases, an arnica based gel, cream, ointment, or salve is topically applied to
promote healing and soothing of the skin. Arnica gel is also touted as a means of relieving muscle soreness and sprain related pain.

Avocado Butter: (Persea Gratissima)
Avocado butter is obtained from the fruit of the avocado tree (Persea Gratissima) which grows in sub-tropical regions of the world. used to improved moisturization and soften rough, dry skin.

B:

Baking Soda:
A natural alkaline that neutralizes acids and washes away oils and dirt. It’s natural pH balance leaves the skin soft, silky and smooth. It is great to use in soaps, bath salts, and skin scrubs.

Baobab Seed Oil: (Adansonia digitata)
Cold Pressed Virgin Baobab Oil comes from sustainable practices in harvesting and processing of the Baobab seeds. Rich in vitamins and sterols, Baobab Oil absorbs quickly and is well balanced in oleic and linoleic acids making it perfect for dry skin and dry hair treatments.

Beeswax:
Beeswax comes from the honeycomb of virgin bees. Bees process honey form the nectar and then convert it into wax. It has a honey like aroma. It is used as a skin humectant, emollient and protective barrier.

Bilberry Fruit Extract:
Bilberry fruit contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides, plant pigments with excellent antioxidant properties that help to prevent or reverse damage to cells caused by free radicals. Bilberry also contains vitamin C, which is another antioxidant.

Black Tea:
Teas, including green, black and red, have been used to improve the overall health and appearance of skin and hair for centuries. Among many other benefits, it’s rich in antioxidants and anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Willowbark: (Salix nigra)
This bark contains high levels of salicylates and tannins. These compounds have been used traditionally in skin care for their astringency and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is used to renew skin, treat acne and other skin disorders. Willowbark Extract’s natural salicylates will enhance skin cell renewal without irritation. Willow Bark Extract has also demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Willow Bark Extract is recommended for balancing and toning most skin types. It can be particularly useful in anti-aging formulas and formulas for acne or other skin disorders.

Borage Seed Oil: (Borago officinalis)
Certified Organic Cold Pressed Refined Borage Oil is obtained from the seeds of Borage Officinalis through cold pressing. Borage oil is rich in the Omega 6 essential fatty acid GLA (gamma-linoleic acid C18:3n-6). GLA has amazing beneficial effects on skin and hair. The GLA content in borage oil is one of the highest levels found in oils.

Botanicals- Dried Herbs, Flowers, Spices, and Oxides:
Our products often use natural botanical, mineral, and spice materials for scent, exfoliation, color, and their own unique properties. Including:
-Allspice Powder
-Anise Seed Powder
-Chamomile Powder
-Cinnamon Bark Powder
-Cocoa Powder
-Coffee Grounds
-Ginger Root Powder
-Nutmeg Powder
-Parsley Powder
-Peppermint Leaves
-Lavender Flowers

-Lavender Powder

-Rose Petals

-Rosehip Powder

-Rosemary Leaf

-Spirulina Powder

C:

Calendula: (Marigold Flowers- Calendula officinalis)
Shown in a laboratory test to induce granulation, which is an integral part of the healing process for wounds. Useful for burns, cuts, eczema, oily greasy skin, and bruises. It soothes skin, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, wounds, and cracked dry skin.

Capsicum Fruit Oleoresin:
Capsicum offers a warm, soothing sensation when used on the skin. It also helps with bringing blood flow to the skin which aids in healing and regeneration.

Carrot Seed Oil: (Daucus carota sativa)
Cold pressed carrot seed oil is rich in vitamins and is high in antioxidants which help soothe dry, distressed skin. Carrot oil helps to balance skin’s moisture and also conditions hair. It is used in cosmetics to nourish, revitalize, tone and refresh the appearance of skin.

Castor Oil: (Ricinus communis seed oil)
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. Commonly used commercially in 50% of lipsticks in the United States. Creates a protective barrier on the skin and is soothing and glossy.

Cetearyl Alcohol:
An emulsifying wax produced from a mixture of fatty alcohols. Made from cetyl and stearyl alcohol’s which together form an occlusive film to keep skin moisture from evaporating. They give hair and skin a velvety feeling. Used to add body and allow for combability in hair products.

Chamomile Roman Distillate: (Chamaemelum nobile)
From the production of distilling plant material, distillates have similar properties to essential oils though much less concentrated. A member of the daisy family, Chamomile Roman distillate is used to treat dermatitis, minor skin irritations, and inhibits inflammation.

Citric Acid:
Derived from citrus fruits by fermentation of crude sugars. Used as a preservative and to adjust acid-alkali balance. Citric acid is said to have antioxidant and toning properties. Citric acid is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids. AHA’s are used not only to reduce wrinkles but also to brighten your skin.

Cocoa Butter:
Cocoa butter is the solid fat expressed from the roasted seed of the cocoa seed (AKA beans). It is highly protective and acts as a water repellant. It contains about 5 IU of vitamin E per ounce. Cocoa Butter softens and lubricates the skin.

Cocomidopropyl betaine:
A coconut oil, alcohol and betaine compound. A salt derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil. Betaine occurs commonly in beets and other vegetables. It is used as an emulsifier, thickener, foam booster and conditioner. Coco betaine leaves hair and skin soft and smooth and is compatible with other cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants making it a favorite of cosmetic formulators. Cocamidopropyl betaine has an exceptional safety profile and performs markedly well.

Coconut Oil: (Cocos nucifera)
Coconut oil is expressed from coconut kernels. Coconut is solid at temperatures below 76 degrees. This highly saturated fat contains twice the heavy fats as lard. Coconut oil is commonly used to promote lather in soaps and gel. Wonderfully emollient and has cooling properties. Coconut adds to the hardness and creates “big bubbles” in soap.

Coenzyme Q10:
An antioxidant, fat-soluble vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the body. In addition to its vital function within cells, CoQ10, when applied topically, can also help skin appear more youthful. Generally, after the age of thirty optimum levels of CoQ10 in the skin begin to decline. CoQ10 is not only critical to the cells ability to produce energy, it’s also critical to the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is important because it makes skin appear firm and smooth, while elastin gives your skin the appearance of flexibility and elasticity. The loss of collagen and elastin can cause your skin to appear wrinkled and sagging.

Colloidal Oatmeal: (Avena sativa L.)
Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats ground into an extremely fine powder. Colloidal oatmeal works great to help relieve dry, skin patches, eczema, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations. It may also help relieve chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other itching and scratching rashes. Since colloidal oatmeal has an anti-itch property that helps reduce the “need to itch,” soaking in the bath may bring soothing comfort to those infected. When your skin is itchy and irritated, its pH level may be higher. Colloidal Oatmeal may help bring the pH back to normal levels, taming “the need to itch.”

Cornsilk Powder:
Cornsilk powder is used in natural cosmetics, skincare, and soap for its ability to reduce inflammation and soften the skin. Cornsilk used in body powders provides a silky feel.  Cornsilk can be used in soap as a natural brown coloring.

Cranberry Fruit Extract: (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Packed with nutrient content and natural antioxidants. Cranberry seed oil has a natural balance of Omega 6 (linoleic), Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic), and Omega 9(oleic) fatty acids not found in any other oil. Cranberry seed oil assists in moisture retention.

Cranberry Seed Oil: (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cold Pressed Cranberry Seed oil is an essential fatty acid and is the only available oil with a one to one ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic) to Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic) fatty acids. Cranberry seed oil has oxidative stability and it is a superb emollient, lubricant and conditioner for the skin.

D:

Dead Sea Mineral Mud:
The Dead Sea is unique due to its high concentrations of salts and minerals. It is particularly rich in magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Symptoms of skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne may be helped by using Dead Sea mud. Its rich mineral content accelerates natural exfoliation and restores your skin’s pH balance. A Dead Sea mud mask can improve the appearance of your facial skin by improving elasticity and minimizing pores, wrinkles and lines. When it dries, toxins that may be present in your skin cells from your everyday diet are drawn out. Your face will feel clean and refreshed.

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate:
Is found in hair and skin products. Quite simply, it’s a de-greasing, emulsifier, and foaming agent used in many shampoos and other cleaning products much like the much more harsh sulfates we don’t use. It’s not an organic substance, but it’s also not like other chemicals either. Is it bad for you? Researchers say no. The molecules are larger and cannot penetrate the skin in the way other surfactants do. It’s considered very gentle on the skin, and is even suitable for more sensitive skin types. It’s manufactured as an added gentle foaming agent in a variety of shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, cleansing lotions, hand soaps, and cream rinses. Since it’s not sulfated in production, it will be free of sulfates (the salt of the sulfuric acid which is potentially harmful to the skin).

Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate:
A sulfate-free hydrotrope derived from lauric/myristic acid from Coconut. It provides foam-boosting and is mild and gentle, often used in baby shampoos. It’s an amphoteric gel that is compatible with ionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants it’s widely used in mild shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, hand soap, shaving products and so on, as a secondary surfactant.

DMAE Bitartrate: (Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate)
A potent, site-specific free radical scavenger that can help improve the appearance of aging skin.

E:

Emulsifying Wax:
A waxy material to emulsify your water and oils together.
Made from the combination of Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, (fatty alcohols used as emollients and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation. Not to be confused with the drying, irritating types of alcohol such as SD alcohol or denatured alcohol), and Polysorbate 60, a sorbitol-based emulsifier.

Epsom Salt: (magnesium sulfate)
Not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the associated health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function, and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches. An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. It will even neutralize foot odor. Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Essential Oils:
Naturally occurring aromatic essences from plants, herbs, and flowers. Distilled or expressed from the plant material to give us the many therapeutic properties our natural botanicals possess.

Evening Primrose Oil: (Oenothera Biennis)
Evening primrose is full of vitamins and minerals. It also repairs damaged skin, keeps skin healthy, helps repair sun damaged and mature skin. Evening primrose oil is an emollient that help makes the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. May possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging.

G:

Glucomannan:
A sugar made from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). It is used as a thickener or gelling agent

Glycerin (Kosher vegetable glycerin):
Vegetable Glycerin is obtained by adding alkalies to fats and fixed oils. Glycerin is a soothing, humectant which draws moisture from the air to the skin. Glycerin is an emollient, which makes the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce rough feeling, cracking and irritation. Nontoxic, nonirritating and nonallergenic.

Glycolic Acid:
The smallest and most highly soluble of the alpha hydroxy acids making it especially efficacious in exfoliants and chemical peels. It reduces cell adhesion in the uppermost layer of the epidermis, promoting exfoliation of dead skin and cell replacement contributing to a smoother brighter complexion.

Goat’s Milk: (Lactose)
Goat milk leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. It is an effective and softening skin cleanser. It is high in hydrophilic (water) and lipophilic (fat) factors and has beneficial vitamins and sugars. It has excellent nutritive value, is packed with proteins, beneficial fats, vitamins, amino acids, and calcium. It is easily absorbed into the skin. The Lactic acid in Goat’s Milk gently lightens and exfoliates the skin. It is a long standing favorite in the beauty industry.

Grapeseed Oil: (Vitis vinifera)
Refined grapeseed oil is made from the seeds of wine producing grapes. The lightest of oils and virtually odorless.
Contains vitamins, minerals, high in polyunsaturates and protein. An effective, non-greasy emollient with good absorption.

H:

Hemp Oil: (Cannabis sativa)
We use unrefined hemp to avoid chemical contamination possible in the refining process. Hemp has a remarkable fatty acid profile and is a wonderful oil for dry or mature skin since it is said to help stimulate cell growth. Hemp seed oil is an emollient, emollients help make the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. And may possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging.

Honey:
Honey is the sweet material taken from the nectar of flowers and manufactured by bees. Used since Egyptian times for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Honey is full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Has an emollient property, is soothing and humectant. Emollients make the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce rough feeling, cracking and irritation. Honey is cleansing and antibacterial. Bacteria cannot live in honey, which demonstrates its natural preservative properties. It leaves a micro-thin protective film on the skin.

Hydrolyzed wheat proteins:
A protein from wheat which has been turned partly into water through hydrolysis. Proteins are the nitrogen carrying constituents of living cells. Protein treatments are said to be beneficial to hair and skin. They add gloss, body and luster to hair.

Hyaluronic Acid:
This vegan source Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent addition to any skin care formula. Hyaluronic acid holds 500 times its own weight in water, making it is excellent for moisturizing and lubrication, & tissue stability.

I:

Iron Oxides & Micas:
Classified as certified purified inorganic colorants – which means that they are produced in keeping with the highest standards for purity and have been tested and guaranteed to conform with the specifications set forth for use in drug and cosmetic applications. We use iron oxides and micas 9to a lesser degree) for our lip colors. *We do not use synthetic colors derived from petrochemicals. Widely used FD&C and D&C colors are coaltar (bituminous coal) derivatives that are continuously tested on animals due to their carcinogenic properties.

J:

Jojoba oil: (Simmondsia chinensis)
Jojoba resembles human sebum; the natural coating our body produces to protect the skin and keeps it supple. Jojoba is skin therapy; our skin loses sebum with age, sun, wind, cold, and the environment. It Contains protein, minerals and a waxy substance that mimics collagen. Jojoba is perfect for any skin type it has a large molecular structure. Jojoba can help dry or oily skin. If your skin has an overproduction of sebum jojoba oil will dissolve clogged pores and restore the skin to its natural pH balance. The reason jojoba oil works so well it actually penetrates the skin because it is accepted as sebum. Jojoba can increase skin softness by up to 37%, it reduces superficial lines and wrinkles by up to 25% upon application and up to 11% after 8 hours. Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and pure.

K:

Kaolin Clay:
A highly adsorbent clay that cleanses the skin. It’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin and wonderful in use as a clay facial mask. It gently exfoliates and cleanses.

L:

Lard (Bacon Fat):
Locally Rendered fat from pasture-raised pigs.

Lavender distillate: (Lavandula angustifolia)
Aids in relieving irritation due to dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, insect bites, rashes, pimples, blackheads and light forms of acne. Good for all skin types and is relaxing and sedating.

Lauric Acid:
The main fatty acid in coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil; it is also found in human milk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk. It is used in beauty products and skin care because of its moisturizing abilities and is also recognized as an acne-fighter thanks to its anti-microbial properties.

Lecithin:
Non-GMO Lecithin is an antioxidant and emollient derived from Sunflowers. When used in cosmetic formulations, it has a softening and soothing effect on the skin.

Lemon Peel Extract:
Helps to enhance the clarity, glow, and softness of the skin. Lemon peel contains citric and plant acids that work to cleanse, lighten and brighten the skin; remove dead skin, and stimulate new skin growth. Lemon peel may also benefit acne.

M:

Mango Seed Butter: (Mangifera indica)
Excellent moisturizing properties and has an especially high content of oleic and stearic acids making it comparable to cocoa butter in occlusive (moisture sealing) properties.

Marula Oil: (Sclerocarya Bierra)
This high mono-unsaturated fatty acid profile is similar to olive oil and is rich in antioxidants. This gives it lovely stability to oxidation and is highly nourishing, naturally softening and revitalizing to the skin. It is easily absorbed making it lovely for a light body oil.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: (Limnanthes Alba)
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is an exceptionally stable, emollient natural oil–high in naturally occurring tocopherols (Vitamin E). In lipsticks and balms, it helps revitalize dry, cracked lips and helps them stay moist longer.

Menthol Crystals:
Intensely clearing, cooling and invigorating, and Essential’s Menthol Crystals provides the best of what this potent, minty marvel has to offer. Our Menthol Crystals are naturally producedu using Cornmint (mentha arvensis)

MSM: (Dimethyl sulfone)
Natures “beauty mineral”, helps to give skin its an excellent smooth, sexy glow back. Excellent ingredient for mature skin formulations. Enhances the effectiveness of other ingredients.

Myristic Acid:
Myristic Acid is a non-toxic fatty acid that, occurs naturally in some foods, such as animal fats and most vegetables. Nutmeg, palm oil and coconut oil contain relatively high levels of Myristic Acid. The saturated fatty acid Myristic Acid has 14 carbon atoms. Myristic Acid is used as a cleansing, surfactant and opacifying agent in cosmetics and personal care products.