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Natural Cosmetic Materials

Ingredient Descriptions

Almond Oil

Almond oil contains nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and other minerals. Using it may support your overall health, reduce frizzy hair, and improve your complexion, among other benefits. Almond oil has been used for centuries to soothe the skin and treat minor wounds and cuts. It has been used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. More than soothing dry skin, almond oil can improve complexion and skin tone. It’s highly emollient, which means it helps to balance the absorption of moisture and water loss. Because it is antibacterial and full of vitamin A, almond oil can be used to treat acne. Its concentration of vitamin E can also help to heal sun damage, reduce the signs of aging, and fade scars. Almond oil soaks in quickly and is a powerful moisturizer, so it can be used on the face or body. Beyond moisturizing your skin, almond oil is a great massage oil or skin treatment. It also has powerful antifungal properties. Rub it on your feet to prevent athlete’s foot or to help remove other fungal infections like ringworm.

 

Your skin isn’t the only thing that can benefit from almond oil. The nourishing oil can soften and strengthen your hair. It’s rich in vitamin B-7, or biotin, so almond oil helps to keep hair and nails healthy and strong. It can also help protect your hair from sun damage, with a natural SPF 5. You can use almond oil as a scalp treatment. Its antibacterial and fungicidal properties make it effective at balancing the yeast that causes dandruff. It easily soaks into the skin, so almond oil works well at hydrating the scalp and cleansing the hair follicles. You can also smooth frizz and heal damaged hair with almond oil. Apply a dime-sized amount or less to the ends of your hair before drying to hydrate and decrease frizz.

(Ref: Healthline.com)

Almonds

Avocado Oil

Really, the better question is, what doesn’t avocado oil do for your hair? The ingredient is loved by experts for its ability to smooth, soften, and repair the hair. Avocado oil is rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium and vitamins like biotin, all of which help your hair retain moisture, boost shine and elasticity, and prevent breakage and split ends,” explains Reavey. “Products with avocado oil can also help to reduce flaking and dryness on the scalp too." Good news: Avocado oil is suitable for pretty much every hair type and texture. It's relatively lightweight, fast-absorbing, and won’t create buildup or sit on top of your scalp and strands. Avocado oil is especially great for dry hair types or anyone with thick, curly hair or natural hair since it's ultra-moisturizing.

 

Researchers have documented how avocado oil can be beneficial for your skin. This works whether you use avocado oil by itself or combine it with another agent like your favorite skin cream. The beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E found in avocado oil help moisturize and protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also increase collagen metabolism. A 2015 study found that a topical skin cream consisting of avocado, tea tree, emu, and jojoba oils had positive antimicrobial effects. A 2013 study found that the linoleic acid, oleic acid, and other monosaturated fatty acids in avocado oil can speed up wound healing. Some evidence suggests that avocado oil can help treat skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition.

(Ref: Healthline.com & Cosmopolitan.com)

Sliced Avocado

Baobab Oil

Baobab oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other fats, including palmitic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid & linoleic acid. Clinical research shows that the omega-3 fatty acids in baobab oil have several health benefits for the skin. They can moisturize, help prevent water loss from the skin, soften skin, improve skin texture, improve skin elasticity, help repair the skin barrier, help to heal skin faster & reduce inflammation. In fact, linoleic acids and linolenic acids are some of the most used fatty acids in skin care, cosmetics, and hair care around the world. Baobab oil may also help to treat eczema. The omega-3 fatty acids in this oil may help heal the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture when it’s used as a topical skin treatment. This can help heal or soothe an eczema rash.

Ref: www.healthline.com

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Beeswax

Beeswax has been used topically on the skin since ancient Egyptian times. What is beeswax? Simply put, beeswax is a wax that comes from bees. The worker bees produce a honeycomb of this wax to store the colony’s honey. Thanks to its antibacterial agents, beeswax has a long history of being used for certain skin issues. Historically, this has included treating burns and wounds. Nowadays, it’s used to in ointments and creams, often to soothe symptoms of certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, boils, wounds, diaper rash caused by Candida albicans (Yeast).

 

2018 study even found that natural products, such as beeswax, were far superior in managing sensitive skin compared with skin care products with synthetic ingredients (like petroleum products). A 2020 review notes the following benefits of beeswax when used in skin care. It softens and lubricates skin, prevents water loss, has antiseptic properties, which may help protect the skin from pathogenic microorganisms, provides a protective barrier to the skin, provides vitamin A, which helps skin regenerate sooner after damage

(Ref: Healthline.com)

Piece of Honeycomb

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter comes from the beans of the cacao plant, which grows in hot, tropical areas. Processed cacao beans produce a fatty substance. After further heat treatment, it becomes cocoa butter. The rest of the bean becomes cocoa powder. Pure cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and smells mildly of chocolate. Product manufacturers often use “cocoa butter” and “cacao butter” interchangeably, but some people argue they’re not quite the same. They claim that cacao butter is the true raw form of the butter while cocoa butter is a refined version. Cacao gets processed at a low temperature, which is why some people consider it “unrefined.” But cocoa butter gets refined at a high temperature. While some people see them as distinct from each other, you can use them in the same ways, and they offer similar benefits.Cocoa butter provides some excellent skin care benefits. Cocoa butter is excellent for dry skin and chapped lips. It’s high in several different fatty acids, which help hold in water to keep your skin from drying out. Cocoa butter contains vitamin E. This antioxidant may help protect skin cells from damage that leads to signs of aging.

(Ref: health.clevelandclinic.org)

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Emu Oil

What Is Emu Oil? Emu oil comes from the fat of the emu, a large flightless bird. The fat is made of compounds called fatty acids that may reduce pain and swelling. As an occlusive moisturizer, emu oil does a fantastic job of improving hydration and preventing water loss. In fact, a lotion with emu oil as a base may penetrate and help your skin better than pure emu oil. Studies also suggest that emu oil may have fewer side effects for people with dermatitis and eczema. In addition to its moisturizing capabilities, emu oil has positive effects on collagen production. Collagen is one of the compounds that keeps your skin elastic, plump, and wrinkle-free. Emu oil’s antioxidant properties can also target any signs of aging caused by oxidative stress. A 2015 study examined the effects of these ingredients on 11 women, who were instructed to apply a pad coated in them to one eye. After four weeks, the eye that was treated showed fading dark circles, improved elasticity, and fewer lines. Use emu oil for healing cuts, burns, or bruises. The linoleic acid in emu oil has positive effects that may even increase hair follicles in wound areas, offer protective benefits from scarring, lighten age spots & decrease acne scars

(Ref: Healthline.com)

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Jojoba Oil

Native Americans have used jojoba oil for centuries to treat skin and scalp conditions, as well as for wound care. Studies show it benefits people with acne, psoriasis and sunburn and may help prevent some bacterial infections.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis are different skin conditions with similar causes and symptoms. Both are triggered by an overactive immune system and cause skin inflammation, which can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Some of the compounds in jojoba oil help dissolve skin flakes and scales and build healthy skin layers in their place. That can help restore the normal barrier function of your skin. In addition, the wax in jojoba oil includes anti-inflammatory compounds that may soothe itchiness and flakiness. Jojoba oil may help prevent flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis that worsen due to ongoing inflammation.

 

Native Americans used jojoba oil to treat sores, which is why it's considered promising for the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Because it's so similar to sebum, jojoba oil can help dissolve blackheads and whiteheads (also called comedones), which are pores or hair follicles that have been blocked with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to form an inflamed bump on your skin. One study found that people with acne-prone skin who used a facial mask containing jojoba oil and clay 2-3 times per week had fewer blackheads, whiteheads, and bumps after about 6 weeks. Studies on jojoba oil in humans are rare, but it has been used for hundreds of years to treat some skin conditions. Lab tests and studies in animals suggest that the benefits of jojoba oil for the skin mostly come from its unique make up of plant waxes and antioxidants. Jojoba oil is capable of moisturizing hair and its follicles without leaving any residue. It can help hair cells to reproduce at a rapid pace.

(Ref: WebMD.com)

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Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is commonly used in traditional medicine. Many people prize it for its purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Made from the Chilean Rosa canina bush, rosehip oil is an extract made from pressed seeds and fruit. This is different from rose oil extracts, which are made from the actual rose flower petals. Overall, rosehip oil is said to have several benefits, healthy fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids, antioxidants, such as lycopene and vitamin C, which can help fight free radicals, boost collagen, and moisturize the skin, vitamin A, a known fighter against acne, wrinkles, and sun damage, anti-inflammatories, such as polyphenols and vitamin E

 

Rosehip oil might help certain inflammatory conditions of the scalp. Another study looked at rosehip powder’s potential pain-relieving qualities for osteoarthritis. It found that rosehip powder can reduce inflammation and pain. As a rule of thumb, hair growth depends on healthy roots. Certain properties in rosehip oil might help increase the strength of your hair, thereby promoting overall growth. These

 properties include fatty acids, lycopene, and vitamin C.

(Ref: Healthline.com)

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Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is found in the oil on your skin, where it acts as a natural moisturizer. As we age, we have less oil and vitamin E in our skin. Ultraviolet light, from the sun, tanning devices, and even some fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent light bulbs, can deplete those natural oils further. So, it makes sense that the vitamin is added to many moisturizing products. It may help those products keep your skin moist, soft, and protected. It may also play some role in reducing sun damage but is no substitute for using sunscreen and limiting your time in the sun

(Ref: WebMD.com)

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Argan Oil

Argan oil is best known as an additive to hair and skin products, but its uses go beyond the field of cosmetics. Argan oil has a sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for a wide variety of foods. It’s also known as one of the rarest culinary oils in the world. The oil comes from the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. The fruit is peeled away and the seeds are dried, roasted, and pressed to extract the oil. The final result is a smooth, delicious oil that’s become popular around the world for its flavor and health benefits.

 

Applying argan oil to your skin can help support skin health and elasticity. This results in skin that is slower to sag or wrinkle, warding off common signs of aging. The same properties that make argan oil helpful for keeping skin looking young may also help wounds heal. The antioxidants found in argan oil can help reduce inflammation. One early study showed that burns heal faster when you apply argan oil regularly, but scientists still need to do human trials.Some research shows argan oil could improve your skin's elasticity, whether you apply it to your skin or consume it. And potential benefits, including hair protection. Another study found that argan extract, which has argan oil, may enhance cell growth in hair follicles while preventing inflammation and other harmful reactions in your body.

(Ref: Webmd.com)

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Babassu Oil

Babassu oil is a type of tropical oil that originates from the South American Rainforest, where you will find the native babassu palm. The oil comes from the tree’s seeds, which have been used for centuries for cooking, medicine, skincare and haircare. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, it can boost the health of your skin and hair, moisturizing them without causing you to feel greasy or develop acne

 

In the parts of Brazil where the babassu tree grows, its harvest is the primary source of income for more than 300,000 people.3 The leaves and roots are used in a tea for pain and wound healing, while its fruits are used to help treat many ailments, including gastritis and conjunctivitis.3 Its medicinal powers are due largely to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that lend themselves to healing skin cuts and infections.4

When applied to the hair and scalp, babassu oil can bring moisture and healing to dry skin and strands. "When used on the scalp, it can reduce inflammation as well as soothe, protect, and moisturize," Zubritsky explains. She goes on to share that babassu oil can provide this as it is rich in healthy fatty acids like lauric and myristic acids. Rabach adds that it contains a high amount of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which help the scalp and hair repair damage from everyday toxins and stressors. 

 

  • Provides moisture to the scalp and hair: Both of our experts agree that babassu oil is a great natural hydrator for the hair and scalp. Zubritsky says it is a better alternative to the more widely known coconut oil, as it leaves hair less greasy and doesn't have an odor to it. She also shares that it is less comedogenic and thus less likely to induce scalp acne.

  • Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties: Zubritsky points to babassu oil's antimicrobial properties as the reason it can help with wound healing and aid in hydrating the skin. One study even found that microemulsions of babassu oil can help to improve human immune system function. 5

  • Reduces inflammation: Babassu oil has both cosmetic and medicinal uses due to its anti-inflammatory properties, says Zubritsky. Research has proven the anti-inflammatory power of babassu oil when applied topically.1 This is beneficial to the hair and scalp because inflammation of the scalp can contribute to many hair issues.

  • Protects the scalp and hair: Babassu oil contains a high amount of vitamin E and other antioxidants which help the scalp and hair repair damage from everyday toxins and stressors, says Rabach. Zubritsky agrees, adding "when used on the scalp, it can reduce inflammation as well as soothe, protect, and moisturize."

  • Boosts shine: The hydration provided by babassu oil helps to add moisture to the hair, resulting in shinier, healthier-looking locks, says Zubritsky.

(Ref: byrdie.com)

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Bee Propolis

Propolis, sometimes called bee glue, is an important material for honeybee hives. It’s a complex mixture of plant sap, beeswax, and honeybees’ natural enzymes — and it plays an important role in helping keep beehives in one piece. It also seems to help keep beehives pest-free by preventing fungus and microbes from growing.

 

There’s more to propolis than its use as a bee-based building material, though. Studies are beginning to show that propolis may have some significant health benefits, both as an oral supplement and as a topical treatment. As a result, you can find propolis in various forms at many health food stores. One of the most important effects of antioxidants is the way they reduce your cancer risk. They help minimize free radicals, which can damage your cells in a way that makes them dangerous. The potent antioxidant mix of propolis appears to be particularly effective at reducing the risk of cancer. While more studies need to be done on the subject, current research suggests that propolis may help reduce cancer proliferation and moderate the immune system’s response to cancer cells.

 

One of the most-studied effects of propolis is its antimicrobial activity. As a result, propolis is often sold as a topical solution to help keep wounds clean. However, it can also help solve internal problems as a supplement. For example, gastritis and peptic ulcers are often caused by the overgrowth of the bacteria H. pylori. Studies suggest that consuming propolis, with or without honey, can help reduce the symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcers significantly. Propolis may even encourage healing. Propolis may help ease symptoms of several chronic conditions by reducing inflammation. You can experience chronic inflammation alongside many potential health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis.

(Ref: WebMD.com)

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Castor Seed Oil

Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. Its use dates to ancient Egypt, where it was likely used as fuel for lamps as well as for medicinal and beauty purposes. Cleopatra reportedly used it to brighten the whites of her eyes.

 

Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing, especially when it's combined with other ingredients. For example, Venelex, which contains castor oil and balsam Peru, is an ointment used to treat skin and pressure wounds.

The oil may help to prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation. Because it's rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing effects. Some people think castor oil's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects could help fight acne. Castor oil may moisturize your scalp and hair. While castor oil may not help you to suddenly sprout fuller, longer hair, it does have some strand superpowers. The ingredient can smooth strands, nourish hair, promote scalp health, prevent split ends and breakage and purify hair and scalp.

(Ref: WebMD.com & goodhousekeeping.com)

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Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its MCT content — specifically, lauric acid.

Lauric acid is a fatty acid that makes up about 50% of the MCTs in coconut oil. Research suggests it may have antimicrobial effects against disease-causing microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori. Studies show that lauric acid may act as a bacteriostatic agent. This is a substance that prevents bacteria from multiplying without killing the bacteria. It may also act as a bactericidal agent, which destroys some bacteria. In addition, it may also inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to plants.

 

The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis and athlete’s foot, are caused by bacteria or fungi. Applying coconut oil directly to the skin may prevent the growth of these microorganisms. This is due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and can fight harmful microorganisms. One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acids against 20 different strains of bacteria. Lauric acid was found to be the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria. Another test-tube study showed that lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne. Furthermore, capric acid is another medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, although to a lesser extent. Like lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties. A test-tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid effectively killed off strains of bacteria. Another test-tube study demonstrated the anti-fungal effects of capric acid, showing that it was able to inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi.

(Ref: Healthline.com)

Coconut in Bowl

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil was tested, along with a number of other herbal ingredients that claim to improve your skin’s elasticity and softness. Research has shown that it did improve skin’s moisture, softness and its ability to bounce back. Grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant may even out skin tone when it’s used on your skin consistently. Grapeseed oil helps the vitamin E and vitamin C in your skin to be more efficient and effective at preserving your skin.

 

When it comes to your hair, grapeseed oil is an excellent choice because it contains vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs, all of which are necessary for healthy hair growth and vitality." This oil contains a lower amount of monosaturated lipids (fats that can penetrate the hair strand) and higher amounts of linoleic acid (fats that sit on top of the hair strand). Because of its composition, this oil works as a great sealant. Because of its high content of nutrients and emollient properties, when massaged into the scalp, it can reduce dandruff production by stimulating new, healthy cell growth. With its high levels of antioxidants, vitamin E, and omegas, it can help strengthen weak or brittle hair and restore shine.

(Ref: Healthline.com)

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Peru Balsam

Peru balsam is an oily sap obtained by removing the bark of the Myroxylon balsamum tree and scorching the exposed wood. It is used to make medicine. Don't confuse Peru balsam with tolu balsam, which is obtained from the same tree, but by making a V-shaped cut through the bark and underlying wood. Peru balsam might prevent bacterial growth and kill tiny insects (mites) that cause a skin condition called scabies.

 

Peru Balsam essential oil has a range of therapeutic properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, fungicide and sedative. The oil can be used to treat a variety of conditions. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of Peru Balsam essential oil can help to heal cuts and wounds. The astringent properties of the oil can help to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The sedative properties of Peru Balsam essential oil can help to relieve stress and anxiety. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil can help to relieve muscle aches and pains.

(Ref: WebMD.com & naturallivingonline.com)

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Shea Butter

Shea butter is a creamy fat found in nuts growing on shea trees in African countries. It’s solid at room temperature but melts on contact with skin, like coconut oil. Raw shea butter is packed with vitamins and nutrients that are good for your skin. Refined (or processed) shea butter loses some of its essential nutrients during processing. For example, there’s less or no cinnamic acid, an anti-inflammatory substance, in processed shea butter. Raw shea butter is usually yellow or beige, while refined shea butter is white. Both shea and cocoa butter are moisturizers. Emollients that keep water from evaporating from your skin. But shea butter has more fatty acids, vitamin E and, unlike cocoa butter, contains vitamin A.

 

Shea butter contains fatty acids. They lubricate the skin and create a barrier that keeps moisture in. In people with oilier skin, sebum (natural skin oil) does this job. But for those with drier skin, a moisturizer helps maintain dewiness. Shea butter contains anti-inflammatory substances, which ease swelling and redness in skin. People use it for any irritation, from sunburns to chapped lips to skin that’s reacting to too many acid peels or scrubs. Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy, red rashes. It also makes you prone to skin infections. When you have eczema, part of the problem is that you don’t have enough fatty acids in your skin. Your skin barrier isn’t as effective at warding off irritants and germs. Eczema treatment includes applying thick ointments, balms or creams to seal in moisture and defend against germs. One study found that shea butter was better at reducing eczema symptoms than petroleum products, which doctors often recommend. This may be because shea butter contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that’s in skin. Research indicates that linoleic acid plays a crucial role in protecting skin and can significantly reduce eczema symptoms. It’s essential for people with eczema to keep their skin moist and protected.

(Ref: health.clevelandclinic.org)

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Zinc Oxide

Zincite in its natural form. Zinc oxide is a key active ingredient in sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the percentage of zinc oxide in your sunscreen, the better it can shield your skin from harmful sun exposure. The recommended zinc oxide percentage in sunscreen typically falls within the range of 10% to 25%. This concentration offers effective sun protection without leaving a thick, white residue on your skin. If you check the back of many bottles of mineral sunscreen, you will see that a 25% Zinc Oxide percentage is labeled as SPF50 and a 18% Zinc Oxide percentage is labeled as SPF30

 

Zinc oxide is a white, powdery compound that plays a crucial role in various applications, including skincare and sunscreens. It's a mineral-based ingredient that, when used in sunscreens, acts as a physical barrier when applied to the skin. Contrary to popular belief, when UV rays from the sun strike this barrier, the zinc oxide particles both absorb and scatter the radiation, preventing it from penetrating the deeper layers of your skin. This mechanism effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays, making zinc oxide a reliable choice for sun protection.

(Ref: rejuvaskin.com)

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