A
Acai Berry -
Reduction of erosion of the skin’s protective coating. An impressive guarding job is done by the phytosterols in acai. Defends against the accumulation of premature wrinkles. The anthocyanins and phytosterols in acai act as an astringent, keeping the skin taut and helping to protect the connective tissues in your skin. Tighter, more supple skin means fewer wrinkles
Activated Charcooal -
Detoxifier: Has been used as a poultice for centuries to draw toxins out of the body by completely encapsulating them. The power of activated charcoal draws out hardened oil, debris and dead cells from the pores
Allantoin -
Extracted from comfrey root (sometimes from sugar beets), containing anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties. Used to help heal discomforted skin, though never on open wounds.
Aloe Vera -
Known as the "first aid" plan, Aloe Aera is taken from the inner leaves of the plant. It is a water/gel-like substance that is known for the ability to soothe irritated skin, especially sunburned skin. It is also a soothing anti-inflammatory that can be used in lotions, creams, cleansers and other products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid -
Also known as lactic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid. These acids are commonly derived from milk or fruit, and used as natural exfoliants. They can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of skin, by removing the layer of dead skin cells from the surface.
Amazonian Nut Oil -
Also known as Brazil Nut Oil. An Amazonian tree nut, used in cosmetics for the oil, which has emollient, moisturizing and lubricant qualities. Other medicinal properties include selenium, an important antioxidant. An infusion made from the shell is used to treat liver complaints, and the liquid found inside the pulp is used to treat hepatitis.
Antioxidants -
Our bodies naturally produce free radicals (by-products) when our cells use oxygen, which essentially are the cause of aging. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.
Apple Cider Vinegar -
This miracle fluid has been used as a traditional folk remedy for hundreds of years. It is rich in naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids, helping to dissolve fatty deposits on the skin's surface and reducing scaly conditions, promoting a softer, smoother appearance. It also regulates the pH of the skin and hair.
Apricot Kernel Oil -
The oil derived from the stone of the Apricot, a summer tree fruit. The oil is high in antioxidants and used as a cosmetic ingredient for softening and moisturizing.
Arnica -
From a small flowering bush native to Europe. It is useful to treat and soothe acne, bruises, sprains, and relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle or cartilage pain.
Avocado Oil -
Produced from the flesh of the Avocado fruit, it is rich and extremely deep penetrating oil, full of vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral. It can help to reduce age spots, heal sun damage and scars.
B
Beeswax -
Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent and has some emollient properties.
Bentonite -
Clay formed from volcanic ash, often used in cosmetics to absorb and draw toxins from the skin.
Benzoin -
The resin of a tropical Asian tree, commonly used for eczema and dry skin. It is a potent natural preservative, and has some disinfecting and fragrant properties. In aromatherapy it is used as a relaxing agent for nervous tension and stress.
Bergamot -
A member of the citrus tree family, known to give Earl Grey tea its fragrant quality. As an essential oil it is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, immune enhancing, and analgesic.
Blood Orange -
An orange with deep red flesh, containing strong antioxidants.
Blueberry -
A low growing shrub berry, incredibly high in vitamins and antioxidants. Blueberry's have been known to stimulate the digestive system, and are consumed for eye health.
Borage -
Borage is an annual plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean countries. It was traditionally given as a tea to induce confidence. This oil contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6 oil that supports healthy skin and hair, and also has been used as an anti-inflammatory.
Brown Rice -
This whole grain contains rice bran oil, a significant source of naturally occurring Vitamin E. It is used in cosmetics to help speed healing, prevent and treat scars.
C
Cacao –
Chocolate A bean of the tropical South Americas. In skincare and hair care, the butter and oil of the cacao (chocolate) are extremely high in antioxidants and caffeine.
Calendula -
Also known as pot marigold is used widely in cosmetics as an anti-inflammatory. It is so soothing that it is prevalently used in baby and dry skin products. It is also antibacterial and antioxidant.
Candelilla Wax -
Derived from Candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products such as lipsticks or stick foundations their form.
Cane Sugar -
Contains enzymes that are extremely rich in beneficial alpha hydroxy acids
Carnuba Wax -
A natural, hard wax extracted from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but can also have film-forming and absorbent properties.
Carrot Oil-
Carrots have been used for over 2,000 years for their health-giving properties and high vitamin A content - therefore an antioxidant. They are an incredible source of beta-carotene, a wonderful health booster. Carrots are superb in the use of cosmetics for treating dry, damaged and mature skin.
Castor Oil -
Oil derived from the castor bean. Castor Oil is rich in fatty acids that are very moisturizing to the skin; medicinally, castor oil is used in packs to draw toxins from the body.
Cedarwood -
A fragrant extract from the cedar tree. Used in aromatherapy for the stress-relieving, meditative, and harmonizing qualities; also used as an insect repellant.
Chamomile -
An ancient herb used for centuries to calm and soothe. Chamomile is grown throughout Europe, Africa and the Americas. Is has anti-irritant, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
Cacao -
The luxurious oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient. It smells richly of chocolate, and therefore is also used for the fragrance. Used in both dark and white form.
Cinnamon -
Derived from the bark of the spice tree, Cinnamon is a stimulant for the circulatory system. In aromatherapy, it is used for the antiseptic and warming qualities.
Citric Acid -
Derived from citrus and used primarily to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from being too alkaline.
Clove -
Derived from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. They are used for their aroma therapeutic properties, which include warming and stimulating, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal. Traditionally used for toothache applications, to reduce pain. Cloves repel moths.
Cocoa Butter -
The luxurious oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient. It smells richly of chocolate, and therefore is also used for the fragrance.
Coconut -
Prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn't sag and wrinkle.
Coffee Absolute/CO2 -
CO2 Extracted Essential Oils are very pure essential oils, extracted through the method of supercritical CO2 extraction. Coffee oil mainly contains polyunsaturated linoleic acid with a high content of palmitic acidCoffee softens skin, releases cellulite and contains anti-oxidants with abundant essential fatty acids.
Coffee Butter -
Has a pleasant appearance and the mild, fragrant aroma of fresh roasted coffee. It is produced via blending of hydrogenated oils with roasted coffee oil pressed from Coffea arabica seeds. Coffee oil mainly contains polyunsaturated linoleic acid with a high content of palmitic acidCoffee softens skin, releases cellulite and contains anti-oxidants with abundant essential fatty acids.
Cranberry -
A sour bush berry. Commonly used in cooking, the fruit is high in vitamins and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cranberries are known to help prevent urinary and bladder infections when taken internally.
Cucumber -
A member of the muskmelon family, cucumbers have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Often used in under-eye creams, to de-puff.
D
Dead Sea Salts -
The Dead Sea is considered to be globally the lowest point on dry land. Its water is over 8 times saltier than seawater, and contains a host of valuable healing minerals. The waters and their salts are traditionally used to treat various ailments, particularly psoriatic skin.
E
Enzymes -
A vast group of protein molecules produced by all living things to affect chemical and biological reactions whether it is photosynthesis, helping cells communicate, or inhibiting free-radical damage. As they are used in skin-care products, enzymes facilitate exfoliation, to help overall biological processes in skin that have slowed down because of age or sun damage, and to inhibit free-radical damage.
Epsom Salts -
Essentially magnesium sulfate. This salt helps to draw toxins from the body when used as a bath soak.
Eucalyptus -
A tree common to parts of the Americas and Australia. Eucalyptus has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it an amazing detoxifier for the skin. It is also very cooling and soothing.
Evening Primrose -
A small yellow wildflower (Oenothera biennis) that is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. May help regulate hormonal levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
F
Flax Seed Oil -
Also known as linseed oil. An ancient plant, the seeds are a tremendous source of fatty acids.
Frankincense -
A resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; as a fragrance, can help deepen meditation. It has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
G
Geranium -
A flowering plant, originating in north and central Asia. It can be used to balance the production of sebum in the skin, and is particularly soothing, sedative, healing. It has potent antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
Ginger -
Commonly grown in warmer climates, such as Jamaica, Africa and China. Ginger has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Goji Berry
- The popular vine fruit, famously known for the use in the production of wine, is also a powerful skincare ingredient. Grapes are used for their skin, juice and seeds. They contain high levels of vitamins and antioxidants.
Grape Seed Extract -
The grape seed contains very potent antioxidants, and its oil is an incredibly lightweight moisturizer.
Grapefruit Seed Oil -
Of the citrus fruit, it is a powerful natural preservative.
Green Tea -
Used for centuries, Camellia Sinensis - including black, green, and white tea - contains potent antioxidant as well as anti-carcinogenic properties. It is found across Asia and Africa. Rooibos, a shrub found in Africa and unrelated to Camellia Sinensis, is considered "red tea" and contains many antioxidants and minerals as well. A cosmetic preparation using tea delivers antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to the skin.
H
Hemp -
The seed of the hemp plant is high in essential fatty acids. It is this property that makes hemp seed oil an incredible ingredient for young-looking skin. It contains an insignificant amount of the psychoactive substance found in marijuana.
Honey –
Raw honey from our local Minnesota bees and farmers. The viscous, sweet syrup produced by the honeybee. A very valuable healing agent, it has been used for centuries on burns and boils. It has been shown to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and is also used as a moisturizer.
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J
Jasmine -
A delicate, seductive flowering vine. In aromatherapy, the oil is used as an aphrodisiac, and to calm and sedate.
Jojoba -
A wax derived from a desert-plant found in N. America. Closest to the skins naturally occurring sebum, making it an excellent oil to balance skins oil production.
K
Kaolin -
Natural claylike mineral (silicate of aluminum) that is used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties.
Kelp –
Algae: Aquatic, eukaryotic one-celled or multi-cellular plants high in chlorophyll, and other minerals.
Kokum Butter - Kokum Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which aid in cell oxygenation and make nutrients more readily available for use by skin tissues. Kokum Butter also contains antioxidant vitamin E. Kokum Butter is a non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging).
L
Lavender -
A flowering plant found throughout the Mediterranean, tropical Africa, India and N. America. It is hugely beneficial internally and externally, as it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antimicrobial. It is used as a soothing skin tonic, a calming moisturizer and an anti-acne treatment.
Lemon -
A member of the citrus family, yielding small to medium sized yellow, sour fruits. Lemon is a wonderful clarifier and skin lightener, and it's oil has antibacterial properties. Also beneficial in treating oily skin.
Lemon Balm -
A culinary herb widely found across Europe. In skincare and aromatherapy, it is soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Lemongrass -
An aromatic grass found largely in Asia. Used as a flavoring, it is also beneficial in skincare as it contains antibacterial properties.
Lime -
Of the citrus family, yielding small to medium-sized sour green fruit. In skincare, it is a powerful clarifier, and has very high concentrations of fruit acids. It works well to give skin a polished, smooth texture. Also beneficial in treating oily skin.
M
Macadamia Nut -
Originally of Australia, the white nut is produced mostly for consumption. Its oil is used in cosmetics as an emollient for dry skin.
Mandarin -
Of the citrus family, the oil is used in aromatherapy to calm anxiety, tension, nervousness and stress related disorders.
Mango Butter -
Derived from the seed kernel of the Mango tree, very high in essential fatty acids. It is used as an emollient in cosmetics.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil -
Distinct from many other natural oils. This is due to the novel chemistry of its fatty acids, which contain more carbon atoms than fatty acids common in edible oils such as soy, almond, sunflower and olive. As a result, Meadowfoam Seed Oil provides good emolliency without being overly greasy or unctuous. It is absorbed quickly and leaves a lighter skin feel than many other oils. Meadowfoam Seed Oil is one of the most stable lipids known with naturally occurring tocopherols and the absence of oxidatively susceptible polyunsaturated fatty acids common in other oils.
Mica -
A mineral from rocks
Mulberry -
Native to Eastern China, the berry is similar to the common Blackberry. In skincare, the extract can have some value in preventing melanin production.
Myrrh -
The dried sap of a small, thorny tree. In skincare, it may have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
N
Neem -
A tree grown in many parts of India. Known to have potent healing, and anti-fungal, anti-microbial properties.
Neroli -
The blossom of the bitter orange tree, beneficial in soothing dry skin.
Nutmeg -
the seed of the tree, native to Australia and Southeast Asia. In aromatherapy, it is used for its rejuvenating, uplifting, and energizing properties.
O
Oatmeal -
Contains anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. A wonderful soother for itchy, dry and irritated skin.
Olive Oil -
The oil of the fruit of the olive tree, native to the Mediterranean. A potent antioxidant, rich in polyphenols. A very rich, soothing and lightweight moisturizing oil, used in serums, moisturizers and massage oils.
Oregano -
An herb bush, originally grown in Italy and Greece. The oil is incredibly antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.
P
Palmic Acid -
one of the most common saturated fatty acids. It is found in both animals and plants, primarily from the oil of palm trees. It acts as an emulsifying agent and emollient.
Palm Oil - Oil derived from the fruit of the palm tree, containing emollient and antioxidant properties for skin.
Patchouli -
A plant found primarily in the East and West Indies. In skincare, it is beneficial in treating extremely dry skin.
Peppermint -
An ancient herb used for centuries as an overall health tonic. Peppermint is used in skincare as an antibacterial, and can help soothe and relax muscles.
Petitgrain -
The orange tree leaf is used commonly in skincare as an astringent. In aromatherapy, it is used to uplift and treat fatigue and stress.
Pink Grapefruit -
The large, slightly bitter citrus fruit is incredibly high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is also rich in fruit acids, making it a strong source of Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Prune Oil -
A late summer tree fruit, which may have antioxidant activity when applied topically.
Pomegranate -
A small tree native to Southwest Asia, producing large red many-seeded fruit. Since ancient times it has been consumed as an aphrodisiac, and is now touted as a superfood. In skincare, it is used for the high levels of antioxidants.
Potassium Sorbate -
A polyunsaturated fatty acid salt, used as a preservative.
Pumpkin Seed Oil -
Also known as "green gold", pumpkin seed oil is one of the most nutritious oils available.
Pumpkins are naturally rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A, amino acids, and natural UV protectors
R
Raspberry -
have an extremely high concentration of ellagitannins, including ellagic acid and anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are believed to inhibit collagenase enzymes that damage collagen in the skin, causing wrinkling and premature aging.
Rose -
Named the flower of beauty, the rose has been used since recorded history in cosmetics. There are more than 100 species. In skincare, it moisturizes, vitalizes, and tones.
Rosehip Seed Oil -
A wild rosebush now found mostly in Chile. The oil has incredible antioxidant properties, and it has been shown to assist the skin heal wounds and reduce scarring.
Rosemary -
A flowering Mediterranean herb used both internally and externally. It is rejuvenating and stimulating. It has antioxidant benefit for skin, and can also be used as a preservative.
S
Safflower Oil -
An annual crop commonly used as cooking oil, highly antioxidant when consumed. The oil is an emollient.
Sage -
An herb native to the Mediterranean. In skincare it can be rejuvenating and soothing, and a potent antioxidant.
Sandalwood -
A tree found in SE. Asia, Hawaii, Nepal and Australia. Sandalwood has been used for over 4000 years, primarily as incense. In skincare, it provides treatment for overactive sebaceous glands and can be beneficial in treating acne.
Sea Salt -
Of the sea, the evaporated water. Incredibly high in minerals, sea salt is used dry/mixed with oil as a body scrub for exfoliation; as a bath soak, it is also helpful in alleviating sore muscles due to colds or exercise.
Seaweed -
Seaplants (Algae) of all sizes and shapes. Seaweed is known to provide detoxification properties by absorbing toxins. Many types of seaweed have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Shea Butter -
From the Karite tree in Africa, Shea butter is tremendously nourishing to the skin and hair. It also provides a natural sun protection factor.
Spearmint -
Of the mint family, Spearmint is used as a tea, in cooking and in cosmetics. It is wonderful in summer skincare, as it is cooling and reviving.
Strawberry -
Encourage a healthy and more radiant complexion. They are also a good source of salicylic acid that removes dead cells and clean pores.
Steric Acid -
Veggie wax based substance is derived from fats. Acts as a co-emulsifier.
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T
Tangerine
A sweet, orange-like citrus fruit used for the oil in the peel. In skincare, it can help to reduce stretch marks. In aromatherapy, it is used as a muscle relaxant, being sedative and calming.
Tea Tree -
A shrub brush commonly found in Australia and some parts of New Zealand. The oil in skincare can be a powerful warrior against the bacteria that cause blemishes.
Titanium oxide -
Considered to be the safest of all sunscreens. It is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics.
V
Vanilla -
The vanilla bean is used to flavor food, drink and cosmetics. The plant is a source of polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants activity and can be anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin A -
Very high in beta-carotene, an amazing antioxidant, particularly as retinol and retinal palmitate.
Vitamin B -
Essential vitamin for stress, it helps skin retain moisture.
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) -
A building block for healthy gums, teeth, skin and bones. Considered a potent antioxidant for skin, helping to prevent the signs of aging.
Vitamin D -
Essential for health and used as a powerful antioxidant. Safe sun exposure is touted as an important part of Vitamin D production in humans.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate) -
A powerful biological antioxidant, and considered an antioxidant superstar. Is used to help scars fade, and also as a natural preservative.
W
Wheatgrass -
The leaf buds of the wheat plant provides powerful ingredients such as chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.
Witch Hazel -
An herb traditionally used in North American medicine as an anti-inflammatory. It can also have potent antioxidant properties.
X
Y
Ylang Ylang -
A fragrant flowering plant grown in the tropical rainforests. It can help normalize sebum production in oily skin types, and is considered an aphrodisiac. It is also believed to lower blood pressure.
Z
Zinc Oxide -
An Earth mineral, zinc is primarily used in cosmetics as a full-spectrum sun protection factor. It can be a significant anti-irritant and antioxidant, and is useful in the treatment of acne.
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