Nourish Naturally Cosmetic Ingredients
AVOCADO OIL Persea gratissima – Full of vitamins A, B, D and E, antioxidants and renowned for it’s naturally moisturising properties. This oil is one of the few oils that retains its natural properties throughout the soap making process giving it a beautiful silky lather and highly moisturising when used in skincare products. We use avocado oil in our Mint and Avocado Soap and after shave lotions.
ACTIVATED BAMBOO CHARCOAL – Activated charcoal is made by heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, bamboo, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures. Since bamboo is one of the fastest growing renewable resources in the world, makes it the most eco-friendly option available and the one that we choose to use. Researchers have found that activated charcoal can help draw microparticles, such as dirt, dust, toxins, and bacteria, to the surface of the skin, which is why we have used this in our very popular Charcoal Face Soap.
ALMOND OIL SWEET Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis – what a wonderful oil this is. Long been used in complementary medicines for its numerous health benefits, research has shown almond oil to have anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity properties. It has been used in alternate health care practices to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and known to smoothe and rejuvenate skin. Also used to improve complexion and skin tone, makes this a wonderful addition for our Shea Moisture Cream and other skin moisturising products.
CALENDULA INFUSED OIL Calendula officinalis – calendula flowers are macerated in organic cold pressed sunflower oil to obtain this gorgeous oil that has many uses. The colour and medicinal part of the plant is found in the beautiful, deep orange and yellow flowers. Historically Calendula has been used to treat a variety of ailments affecting the skin and has also been used as a pain and inflammation reducer. We specifically chose to add Calendula Oil to our Lemon Myrtle and Sandalwood Aftershave Lotions for this reason.
COCONUT OIL Cocos nucifera is a highly saturated oil extracted from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. It is rich in lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These medium-chain fatty acids are known to have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. It is solid at room temperature but easily melts on the skin. Coconut oil contributes to the soap hardness and produces a beautiful fluffy lather. Coconut oil is fantastic for relieving dry skin and perfect as an addition to lip balms and lotions.
LEMONGRASS COCHIN ESSENTIAL OIL Cymbopogon Flexuosus – Lemongrass is a perennial fast-growing aromatic grass, growing to about 1.5 metres high with long, thin leaves. Lemongrass has been used as a culinary herb, and traditionally used in natural medicine. Native to India, the oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves. It has a refreshing, bright, herbaceous lemony scent.
PALM OIL Eleais Guineensis Oil – is made from the fruit of the oil palm tree. It is one of the most widely produced edible fats in the world. We use only certified sustainable palm oil. Palm oil helps to make a nice long lasting hard bar with a beautiful creamy lather. While the use of Palm Oil can be controversial for some our research shows that the alternatives are far worse. The complete banning of palm oil is not recommended by the WWF who promote the use of sustainable palm oil. View the WWF position statement for further information. A recent documentary filmed in Borneo starring Judy Dench highlighted the complex issues of the palm oil industry.
SANDALWOOD West Indian (Amyris balsamifera) is a tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. The essential oil is derived from the wood of the Amyris tree through steam distillation. It has a warm, woody aroma with sweet, balsamic undertones. It is often compared to sandalwood oil due to its similar scent profile, earning it the nickname “West Indian Sandalwood.” However, it is generally more affordable than true sandalwood oil. It is known for its ability to promote relaxation, ease stress, and create a sense of tranquility. In perfumery, it is often used as a base note to add depth and fixative qualities to fragrance blends. It can help hydrate dry skin and may be used in formulations for creams, lotions, and massage oils. Amyris is considered a sustainable alternative to true sandalwood (Santalum album) because the Amyris tree is fast-growing and abundant in its native regions. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice for perfumery and aromatherapy.
SODIUM BICARBONATE sodium hydrogen carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a known natural deodoriser and comes as a white crystalline solid or a fine powder. It is the fine powder that we use in our natural deodorant to give a beautiful smooth application. It readily absorbs odors making it an effective ingredient in underarm deodorant.