Ingredients

Curious about our what ingredients we use and why? This page contains all the information you’ll ever need!

Ingredients (All descriptions from: Nature In Bottle, SVANaturals, Ashland, New Directions Aromatics, Make Your Own, Lotion Crafter, Making Cosmetics, Cosmeticsinfo.org)

Almond Oil: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil is an excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is rich in proteins, Olein Glyceride Linoleic Acid, and Vitamin D, and is considered extremely nourishing to the skin through moisturization - particularly when used regularly. It can be used to soothe dry skin and irritated areas. (New Directions Aromatics)

Apricot Kernel Oil: Organic Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil is a gentle emollient oil, suitable for all skin types. Rich in oleic, linoleic and palmitic fatty acids, as well as Vitamins A and E, it is known for its revitalizing, moisturizing and nourishing properties for skin and hair. (New Directions Aromatics)

Arrowroot: Arrowroot Powder, also known as Maranta arundinacea, has long been a staple in cabinets for centuries. It finds uses in cooking, as well as homeopath and medicinal areas are all well known. In addition to many popular uses for cooking, Arrowroot powder is also used in many popular cosmetic, bath fizzy and bath bomb formulations. It also finds uses as a safe substitute for talc too. Our Arrowroot Powder is perfect for all these uses. (Make Your Own)

Aloe Vera Juice:

Argan Oil: Argan Carrier Oil is an oil produced from the seeds of the endemic Argan tree, that is valued for its cosmetic and numerous beneficial properties. Grown in North Africa and mainly in Morocco, the Argan tree grows wild in semi-desert soil, and is extremely well adapted to drought. Argan Oil is considered to be one of the rarest oils in the world due the small and very specific growing area and is under protection of UNESCO. (New Directions Aromatics)

Avocado Oil: Avocado grows in tropical and subtropical countries between 40°N and 40°S, particularly California, Florida, Israel, New Zealand and South Africa. Like the olive and palm, the lipids are concentrated in the fruit pulp, from which it can be pressed. Our newest Avocado Oil Unrefined is cold-pressed from the fruit of the Persea gratissima (avocado). After pressing, the oil is extracted via centrifuge. It it unrefined, leaving it with a dark green color with the subtle aroma of avocado. (Lotion Crafter)

With excellent penetrating qualities and good spreadability on the skin, it adds moisturizing benefits to creams, lotions and bar soaps. Additionally, it exhibits low comedogenicity on the skin, making it an exceptional oil for facial products.

Beeswax: We are phasing this out of all recipes.

BTMS 25: The ChemConx BTMS-25 Behentrimonium Methosulfate / BTMS 25% is a natural, cationic conditioning emulsifier typically used in quality hair and skin care formulations. It is derived from what is commonly called rapeseed oil. (Make Your Own)

Castor Oil: Castor Carrier Oil is one of the few oils that can be used as an emulsifying agent. It also acts as a protective barrier on your skin that will protect against harsh environmental conditions. (New Directions Aromatics)

Candelilla Wax: Candelilla Wax NF is a unique 100% vegetable based wax found on the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, which grows in arid and semi arid climates. Because of the  unique properties of Candelilla wax, it's very useful in a wide variety of formulations from lip balm products, specialty cosmetics, lotion bars and natural, do it yourself furniture polish. It not only adds hardness and strength to waxes, it also adds lubricity and "slip" to products as well. It is easy to use, and works well with other waxes, and emulsifies with other carrier oils and butters. It also has extraordinary film forming, and protection properties. It is also used by soap makers to quicken trace. (Make Your Own)

Citric Acid: Our Citric Acid is derived from corn and sugar beets through natural fermentation, and is GMO free. It is an excellent antioxidant and exfoliant, and it can be used as part of a product’s preservative system by altering the pH levels. Citric Acid is also the most widely used organic acidulate, probably because it is classified as a weak acid. (New Directions Aromatics)

Cocoa Butter: Cocoa Butter Unrefined is obtained by cold pressing the fat from the seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). This butter is not refined, it is only filtered. Pigments, aroma components and other components remain present. It is a very stable butter which adds to its popularity and usefulness in so many applications, from cosmetics, to hair and skin care and more. The natural antioxidants help prevent rancidity and give it a storage life of two or more years when stored properly. Plus it it has a creamy consistency and good spreadability which makes it easy and enjoyable to use. (Make Your Own)

Cocoa Powder: Used for coloring purposes

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is harvested from the meat of matured coconuts. Our Coconut oil is refined without the use of chemical solvents and is suitable for soap making. It is also suitable for human consumption.mIt is a very stable oil and resistant to rancidity. Should last approximately 2 years if stored properly in a cool, dark location. Uses: Coconut produces a very fluffy, bubbly lather in your soap bars. It produces a nice, hard, longer lasting bar. It has excellent cleansing properties. (Make Your Own)

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Cocamidopropyl betaine is an excellent all around mild amphoteric liquid soap base ,and additive  that offers the formulator outstanding foam, foam stabilization and viscosity building properties in liquid soap creations like shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, and more. (Make Your Own)

Coco Glucoside: Coco Glucoside is a mild, non ionic alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactant made up of C8-C16 fatty alcohol glucoside made from renewable ram materials such as coconut and fruit sugars. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for something with no sulfates, parabens or diethanolamides. Coco Glucoside is used as a mild, natural foaming surfactant, emulsifier, and/or conditioner. It is easily formulated in to all types of skin and hair care products, foaming cleansers, body washes, scrubs and other great products. Use it anywhere you want all natural cleansing foam. (Make Your Own)

Decyl Glucoside: A versatile nonionic surfactant that is very mild and gentle. But tough enough for more serious surface cleaning too! Decyl Glucoside is a fatty polyglycoside prepared by reacting cornstarch glucose with Natural fatty alcohol. (Make Your Own) 

Diatamaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth, also known as "DE" or "DE powder", or diatomite and kieselguhr consists of the tiny micrscopic biogenic skeletons of millions of the  unicellular plants known as diatoms. Over 5 million years massive  deposits were left in freshwater lakes which covered much of what is now Nevada and eastern Oregon. Today DE has so many varied  uses. It's a filtration media to filter liquids such as wine, beer, water, and specialty chemicals. It's also a useful functional additive in products such as soaps, paint, plastics, rubber, and even  insecticides. It is used as a natural absorbent for cat litter and floor dry, and as a source of silica in calcium and other silicates. (Make Your Own)

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a top performing surfactant that has many advantages when formulating. It is easy to use, very mild , highly water soluble and used  in a wide pH range. The disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a top  choice for making any number of products where a natural focus is desired. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, also known as DLS, or DLS mild,  is the perfect choice for making non irritating natural products - from ultra mild shampoos, products for sensitive skin, baby products, facial products and so many other gentle and natural hair care and skin care products. (Make Your Own)

Dl-Panthenol: Dl Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5 powder, or Pro Vitamin B5, isoften used in the best skin and hair care products. It is added in many conditioners, creams, and lotions. It is reported to be used to treat inflammation in the skin, reduce redness and add moisturizing properties to creams, lotions, hair and skin care products. Often used to help treat dryness, cracking, and flaking of the skin. In hair products Panthenol is used for it's reported moisturizing properties to improve hair strength and structure as well as hair shine and luster. (Make Your Own)

Emulsifying Wax: Emulsifying Wax NF is used to make viscous (thick) or thin emulsions, depending on the concentration at which it is used. (Make Your Own)

Euxyl K-940: Euxyl® K 903 is a complete preservative system with a broad, balanced spectrum of efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast and mold.  It is a typically biostatic product with the biocidal properties necessary for practical use. It is paraben free and formaldehyde free. The combination of benzyl alcohol with organic acids in Euxyl® K 903 is an extremely effective preservative, yet gentle enough for eye-area products where the reduction of sting potential is important. Euxyl® K 903 is also an excellent choice for use in baby wipes and other products, where gentleness to the skin is required. (Lotion Crafter)

Euxyl PE-9010: Euxyl® PE 9010 is a liquid cosmetic preservative based on phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin. The addition of ethylhexylglycerin affects the interfacial tension at the cell membrane of microorganisms, improving the preservative activity of phenoxyethanol. Euxyl® PE 9010 is considered to be a broad spectrum preservative effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast and mold.  Euxyl® PE 9010 is paraben free and formaldehyde free. (Lotion Crafter)

Gluconolactone SB: Natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial blend in powder form consisting of glucono-delta-lactone (microbial fermentation of corn) which has chelating and hydrating benefits and sodium benzoate (food grade preservative). Non-GMO. Free flowing white powder, water soluble. (Making Cosmetics)

Hempseed Oil: Hempseed Carrier Oil is high in Omega fatty acids and proteins. It is a fantastic cosmetic grade oil due to its nutrients, though the illegal Cannabis association tends to reduce its popularity. It is currently being more readily explored by progressive manufacturers. (New Directions Aromatics)

Hydrolized Rice Protein: Hydrolyzed Rice Protein has been shown to significantly increase total hair volume by up to 32%. It also adds natural shine and highlights to the hair. By increasing the ability of the hair and skin to bind moisture, it leads to increased flexibility and tensile strength. On the skin, the increased moisture retention creates a more hydrated and elastic surface. Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is an effective anti-irritant and leaves a smooth, dry feel on the skin. (Lotion Crafter)

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Golden Carrier Oil can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend shelf lives, and has become a common oil in the aromatherapy industries because of its excellent skin-care properties. (New Directions Aromatics)

KOH: KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) is a saponifer that activates a combination of oils, water and glycerin, turning them into soap. It itself is caustic, but becomes completely harmless once the soap is complete.

Kokum Butter: Kokum butter is made from the oil of the seeds from the kokum tree (Garcinia indica). It is sometimes known as wild mangosteen or red mangosteen as it is part of the mangosteen genus. The tree is indigenous to India and is found in coastal areas of western India. It is sometimes used in the place of cocoa butter due to its triglyceride composition. It is the most stable and hard vegetable butter known. Kokum butter is also known for its high traces of vitamin E and antioxidants. It has a high oxidative stability and known to be a high quality moisturizer. (Make Your Own)

Lactic Acid: Used to lower the ph of recipes.

Liquid Germall Plus: liquid germall™ plus preservative is a patented synergistic combination of germall™ II preservative (diazolidinyl urea) and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) in propylene glycol. germall™ plus is a highly effective, broad spectrum preservative for emulsions and aqueous formulations. It can be incorporated into a variety of leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic and personal care formulations for broad preservation. (Ashland)

Magnesium Citrate: A magnesium salt of citric acid. It has a cooling sensation. (Cosmeticsinfo.org)

Mango Butter: Mango Butter is an excellent emollient, favoring the regeneration and hydration of the skin. It is an ideal butter to help fight wrinkles and stretch marks, and may help in would healing and skin regeneration. Mango Butter is an ideal moisturizer for all skin types.  It is designed for cosmetic applications and can be incorporated in high quantities. It gives stable emulsions due to the uniform triglyceride composition with a high oxidative stability. It has good emolliency properties making it a very suitable replacement for many synthetic emolliency enhancers. It has a good softening effect and a good spreadability on the skin. (Make Your Own)

Montanov 68: Montanov™ 68 is a non-ionic, liquid crystal emulsifier based on the HLB system. Liquid crystal emulsifiers create a lamellar or bilayered structure that mimics the lipid bilayers in our stratum corneum, which may help actives or lipids from our lotions penetrate our skin easier. They also help reduce transepidermal water loss as the lotions hold more water in contact with the skin for a longer period of time. (Lotion Crafter)

Moringa Oil: Moringa Oil leaves lasting moisture without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores. The fatty acid profile of Moringa Oil makes it a deeply nourishing and indulgent option for natural skincare products, its application leaving behind a very smooth, almost velvety finish. (Nature in Bottle)

Olive Oil: From culinary to cosmetics, this oil is obtained from the first pressing of the olive and is left in its natural unrefined state. The appearance is a greenish yellow color with a characteristic aroma. (Make Your Own)

Pequi Oil: Pequi Oil has high content of Vitamin E and provitamin A cartenoids as well as a unique combination of Oleic and Palmitic fatty acids that contribute to its moisturizing and treatment capabilities. Pequi occupies an important role in the culture of indigenous people in Brazil's Cerrado region. Locally known as Cerrado's Gold, Pequi is both prized for its role in the Brazilian diet as well as for the nutritive oil that can be produced from the fruit's seeds. (Nature in Bottle)

Prickly Pear Seed Oil: The Prickly Pear plant - also known as Barbary Fig, Cactus Pear, Nopal Cactus and a host of other common names - is a member of the Cactus (Cactaceae) family indigenous to Mexico; it has been naturalized and widely cultivated in the southern United States, the Mediterranean region, and other arid to semi-arid parts of the world. Extremely rich in Vitamin E and brimming with antioxidants, Prickly Pear Seed Oil is one of the most powerful, luxurious skin care ingredients on the market. (Nature in Bottle)

Red Mica: Used for coloring.

Rose Hip Seed Oil: Rosehip Seed Oil is a cold pressed, unrefined, natural oil with a light, non-greasy skin feel that moisturizes dry or damaged skin.

Rosewater: Rose Water is Great for Skin Care: this beauty product has anti-inflammatory properties that help in the reduction of skin irritation and redness. The floral water can also act as a face cleanser to remove the dirt and dust from the face. (SVANaturals)

Kosher Salt: Used as a thickening agent.

Shea Butter: Shea Butter - Natural comes from the kernels of the fruit of the shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii). The tree is indigenous to Africa and is found throughout West, Central and East Africa. Unrefined Shea butter is a non-toxic and non-irritating material derived from totally renewable natural resources. It is easy to use within cosmetic formulations. Because of its unique fatty acid composition shea butter is a soft fat, which readily melts at body temperature, making it a very attractive emollient for many skin care applications, such as baby care products, skin care products, massage creams, make-up. Shea butter is an excellent ointment base that releases medicaments faster than other well-known bases. Unrefined Shea butter is absorbed quickly by the skin, acts as a refatting agent and has good water-binding properties. The particular strength of shea butter applies to the content of unsaponifiables which provide good soothing properties and extended sun protection. (Make Your Own)

Sodium Bicarbonate: Sodium Bicarbonate, or Baking Soda, is an alkaline ingredient, when combined with an acid will produce carbon dioxide gas, and thereby cause a batter to rise. Sodium bicarbonate, baking soda, reacts with acidic products like lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, yogurt, and cream of tartar. It is a popular leavening agent for baked goods such as cakes, pancakes, muffins, and fried food batters. (Make Your Own)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Powder is is often used as a foaming agent in many common products: Bath products, shampoos, foaming powders and more. Highly Active, high quality SLS Powdered sodium lauryl sulfate. Useful in powdered or tablet or blended liquid hard surface, and carpet cleaners, powdered bubble baths, and cleansing preparations, scouring and foaming agents SLS is also commonly used in many  in textile and industrial cleaners, powdered hand cleaners. Great to use in  liquid hand soaps too. (Make Your Own)

Trace Mineral Drops: Used for ph balancing.

Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable glycerin is used as a humectant, solvent and emollient in cosmetic formulations. Glycerin is soluble in water and is added to the water phase of formulations. (Lotion Crafter)

Vitamin E Acetate:

Washing Soda:Vitamin E oil, known as Vitamin E Acetate is an active product used in many skin care and hair care products, and cosmetics. It is a stable form of vitamin E. According to manufacturer it converts to pure vitamin E for nourishment to skin and hair, and improves the elasticity and smoothness of skin. (Make Your Own)

Witch Hazel: Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Distillate (or Witch Hazel extract) is a clear, colorless botanical extract prepared from the recently cut and partially dried, dormant twigs of the Hamamelis virginiana Linné plant. This plant is indigenous to North American from Nova Scotia west to Ontario, Canada and far south to Florida, and Texas in the United States. The witch hazel extract is obtained by steaming the twigs of the shrub. It has so many great uses and applications. It is used in all kinds of salves, creams, lotions and potions. It is reported by many to be helpful for all kinds of ailments from sore muscles to bug bites. Perfect for an astringent. Many love to use witch hazel in bath bombs too. (Make Your Own)

Xanthum Gum: Xanthan Gum, an anionic, is a very useful Thickener and Rheology modifier, stabilizer, emulsifier, used in a wide range of applications. Xanthan Gum is great in many cosmetics and personal care and bath and body products. (Make Your Own)

Zinc Ricinoleate: Zinc Ricinoleate is a popular, highly effective ingredient for Odor Neutralization. (Make Your Own)

Essential/Fragrance Oils: All essential/fragrance oils are used to add scent to products, and are derived from the plant/fruit they share a name with.

Essential oils are derived from natural sources, whereas fragrance oils are lab made.