Oils &  Butters: 


Canola Oil  -  this is a moisturizing oil that promotes healthy skin.  It is nutritious, it conditions
and penetrates well.  It is a medium to light oil known for it's essential fatty acids and vitamins, specifically vitamin E.  Canola softens and smooths.  It helps provide a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping the skin.  In soaps it make a silky lather.  

Castor Oil  -  comes from the castor bean plant. It has been used for thousands of years as a cure all.  Just ask Grandma.  In beauty products it is an excellent moisturizer.  It soothes and softens the skin.  Because it is a thick oil, it provides a great barrier that locks moisture into the skin.   It is also a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture as well.  Castor Oil provides a fluffy lather.  It is also very conditioning to the hair.  You will find this oil in all good shampoo bars.  Castor Oil is a great treatment for brittle, damaged hair.

Coco Butter   -  this is a hard, crumbly oil that smells absolutely wonderful!  It is a mild yellow color and smells just like deep, rich chocolate! Yum!  Coco Butter is also great for the skin.  It softens and soothes dry, itchy areas.  It also rejuvenates damaged skin.  You will find this oil in recipes designed to ease scars and stretch marks.  Coco butter is one of my favorites!

Coconut Oil   -  this one comes from the coconut palm.  This oil gives soap it's cleansing properties as well as a great, bubbly lather.  Coconut oil is slippery and takes a little longer to absorb that other oils.  But... it is an amazing moisturizer especially on the tough spots like knees and elbows. 
It is also perfect for scars and stretch marks.  You will find this oil in many hair tonics and treatments as it promotes growth by stimulating the scalp. 

Olive Oil   -  for centuries this has been a favorite.  It is nutritious, healthy and mild.  You will almost always find Olive Oil in natural baby products and formulas for sensitive skin.  Depending on how it is processed, olive oil can be thick or light.  Thicker oils create a barrier to prevent moisture loss.   Thinner oils soak in quicker to provide soft, supple, younger looking skin.  Olive Oil is also packed with vitamins, minerals and proteins.  This makes it perfect for skin and hair treatments. 
In soap, it creates tiny, silky bubbles. 

Safflower Oil   -  made from the seeds of the safflower.  This oil is clear and light.  It is one of
my favorites as it soaks in readily providing great moisture.  Safflower Oil can help plump and restructure skin as it is high in vitamin E. 

Shea Butter    -  from the nut of the Mangifolia Tree.  Shea Butter is thick and grainy.  It has a look and feel all it's own.  This butter is very versatile.  It contains a natural UV protectant, vitamins A & E and it penetrates deeply into the skin.  This is another perfect treatment for scars and stretch marks.   Shea is also used on burns, eczema and severely dry skin.  It gives skin elasticity and helps reverse aging.  Shea can be used in hair products to provide deep moisture to dull, dry locks.

Rice Bran Oil   -  not well known but a vital, super moisturizing oil that is great for dry, sensitive skin. Avocado Oil   -  full of awesome fatty acids & proteins that are amazing at reducing age spots, scars & sun damage.

Sunflower Oil   -  rich in vitamins that help fight acne & protect against bacteria. This is a light, wonderful oil for the skin. Almond Oil   -  this oil is very light and similar to the oil in babies skin,
a great moisturizer and a terrific massage oil.

Palm Kernel Oil   -  this one is great for soaps as it helps produce wonderfully big bubbles and lather!



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  Other Ingredients:  
                             
Beeswax  -  produced by honey bees.  This is the substance that holds the honey that the bees produce. 
It is a nourishing, soothing ingredient that seals in moisture with out clogging pores.  It is a wonderful, natural emulsifier and is completely renewable!

Baking Soda  -  neutralizes acids, washes away oils, it has a great natural PH that is similar to
our skin, it works well in bath products such as scrubs and bath fizzies.

Bentonite Clay  -  a very smooth, fine powder that draws toxins from the skin, yet does not leave
you overly dry.  It creates a creamy lather in shave creams and soaps.

BTMS (Behentrimonium)  -  this is a waxy, conditioning emulsifier.  BTMS is derived from canola
oil, but it is processed in order to turn it into an emulsifying wax.  This process makes it a "not
quite natural" product.  Even though it is not 100% natural, I love this product.  it is an amazing
mild, safe hair and skin conditioner.  it blends oils and water and creates a stabile mixture.

Corn Starch  -  a smooth, absorbent gentle exfoliator made from corn.  It is hypo-allergenic,
softens the skin and is a wonderful all around base for many products.  it is also edible!

Corn Meal  -  again, this is made from corn, one of our favorite vegetables!  It is a great hypo-allergenic exfoliator that can be used by all skin types.

CR Concentrate  -  is a conditioning emulsifier that is made from sugar and olive oil.  During the
process of making CR Concentrate, is becomes a not-so-natural product.  But, it is mild, safe and
makes a great thickener and stabilizer for any liquid formula.

Cyclomethicone  -  this is definately not a natural ingredient but we do admire it none the less! 
Cyclomethicone is a silicone that is wonderful in lotions or serums.  it absorbs well, leaves your
skin silky soft and makes lotions non-greasy to the touch.  it is an amazing ingredient.

Di Panthenol  -  this is a fancy way to say Pro Vitamin B.  We all know Vitamin B is essential for
good skin.  This is an important ingredient.

E-wax  -  this is yet another vegetable based wax emulsifier.  Each emulsifier creates a different
texture so we use many different kinds in our recipes.

Glycerin  -  this is a natural, thick liquid that is made from vegetables.  It is sweet and edible and
found in many recipes.  As a cosmetic, it moisturizes the skin.  it is also a humectant which attracts
moisture for constant renewal.

Guar Gum (Xantham Gum)  -  this comes from the seed of the Guar Plant.  It is a natural ingredient
that thickens liquids.  It is a conditioning agent that is good in shampoos and other hair products.

Honey  -  a natural moisturizer and antiseptic.  Great for healing lotions, lip balms, ointments and
facial products!

Lactic Acid - a natural component of the body, made from fermentation, lactic acid is wonderful
for evening out pigmentation of age spots and freckles, making skin brighter, rejuvenated,
regulates ph and provides moisture. In hair care it makes hair shiny, easy to comb, prevents scalp
from becoming dry.

Lemon Rind  -  lemons are very astringent, antiseptic and a great bactericide.  The acids can
help remove dead skin layers, smooth out broken capillaries and lighten dark skin or yellowed
nails.

Maize Thix  -  a modified corn starch that is used to bind oils and liquids while thickening liquid
formulas. 

Methylparaben  -  this is an important ingredient.  It has undergone a lot of controversy.  Did
you know that Methylparaben has been used in the food, beverage and cosmetic industries
since the 1920's?  Did you know that there was a sixteen year study done on 510,000 people,
that showed methylparaben was non irritating, non-sensitizing, non-carcinogenic.  It is
antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antibacterial.  It is also made from the gum of the Benzoin Tree. 
It is considered safe by every world health authority.  The bad reputation has come from
testing on mice.  In these tests, the mice were  constantly over exposed and given extremely
large doses for long periods of time.  There are many natural, safe ingredients that would
also become toxic if we were forced to endure such intense over exposure.  I have compared
methylparaben to many other preservatives.  The others were non effective unless used in vast
quantities, quantities large enough that they would cause an allergic reaction even on normal
skin.  It is not safe for you to use a product that contains bacteria.  We can prevent
contamination of our products by using less than 1% methylparaben.  That is just a tiny pinch
in each batch.  I think this is great!  Because I use so very little, because it is a safe and
effective product, you will find this ingredient in my line.

Moroccan Red Clay  - another fine, absorbent, mineral rich clay that makes silky soaps, healing
masks, great shave creams and much more!

Polysorbate 20, 60, 80  -  these are emulsifiers that are made from sugar.  It is during their
creation that they become a not-so-natural product.  Yet Polysorbate is a gentle emulsifier
that blends oils and water.  It also provides a slippery feel and is a great moisturizer. 

Stearic acid  -  is a wax made from vegetables.  It helps blend oil and water and creates a
mix that won't break down. 

Color  -  the colors we use are all vegi based food colorings.  The very same that use use
when you bake!

Sodium Lactate - is a salt of lactic acid. It attracts moisture just like glycerin with out the
stickiness.  This ingredient also makes bar soap harder so it lasts longer!
 
Sugar  -  we use brown and white cane sugars in our recipes.  The advantage of sugar as an
exfoliator is that is slowly dissolves while you use it.  So you wont scrub too much or too
hard and damage your skin.

Candelilla Wax  -  a natural vegi wax that helps thicken products like lip balms, also helps
protect skin from chapping.

Fullers Earth  -  a natural clay that is silky soft, very absorbent.  This is great for masks and skin
polishing soaps. 

Potassium Sorbate  -   a natural preservative that can be used in products with a low ph.

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Herbs & other Additives:

Alfalfa  -  Known throughout history as one of the great healers, Alfalfa contains beneficial
vitamins and minerals that make it a great addition to hair and facial products.  It is also good in
salads!

Ashwagandha  -  helps clear acne and lighten age spots

Basil  -  is a sacred herb in India, it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, great on itchy bug bites and
a tonic for the skin.

Barberry  -  topically used on wounds, reducing spider veins, dark circles and great for treating
psoriasis.

Basil  -  perfect for itchy insect bites, anti fungal, purifies skin so it helps eliminate many skin
problems.

Bay Leaf  -  is know for it's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Beet Root  -  is wonderful for normalizing the ph in the body, beets contain beneficial minerals...history
said that "Aphrodite" ate beets to maintain her beauty!

Bladderwrack or Kelp  -  is a sea weed that is packed with minerals, anti bacterial, very
emollient, helps soften skin and is good for arthritic joints.   Blue Violet Leaf  -  this plant is 
very pretty to look at.  It is also edible and healing.  The Violet plant contains natural aspirin.  
It is good for treating eczema and other skin conditions.  Blue Violet is also very moisturizing!

Borage  -  is very emollient, anti-inflammatory, great for eye soreness, rashes and skin irritations.

Bupleurum  -  one of the most important Chinese herbs.  It is detoxifying, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.  This herb helps clear stagnation and regulate the body when taken internally.  

Burdock  -  is great for all skin irritations, it contains fatty acids, iron, calcium and many other beneficial elements, it is great in bath products, hair products and can even be used as a coffee substitute when the root is roasted!

Butchers Broom  -  strengthens blood vessels so it is perfect for soothing varicose veins and
rosacea.

Calendula  -  is a wonderful astringent. It is antiviral, so it really helps with burns, rashes,
cuts, bites and many other skin problems.

Carrots  -  packed with vitamins carrots help with wrinkles & providing moisture.  they aslo help regenerate and tone skin!

Catnip  -  is not just for cats!  This herb makes a relaxing tea, is anti-bacterial, great in baths,
good on insect bites and generally tonic for the skin.

Cats Claw  -  very astringent, good for toning skin, cleaning wounds, also for relieving inflammation.

Chamomile  -  a great tea for digestion, but also anti-inflammatory and very soothing on itchy, irritated skin.

Chaparral  -  this one acts like an herbal antibiotic, great for treating skin, hair and joint
problems. Only good topically.

Charcoal  -  a wonderful natural ingredient that absorbs toxins, oils, dirt and more!  Charcoal polished and cleans like crazy!

Chicory  -  very anti-inflammatory, a tonic for the skin especially irritated by an allergic reaction, great for promoting hair growth!

Chickweed  -  soothes eczema & psoriasis, soothes & heals.

Cleavers  -  an awesome herb for treating skin issues, tightens wrinkles, tones, even helps cure dandruff!

Chrysanthemum  -  taken internally this beautiful plant helps inhibit the growth of abnormal cells, used externally it is great for eye problems and skin problems.

Cinnamon  -  is very anti-fungal, good for healthy teeth and gums and great for treating acne.

Citronella Oil  -  a plant based oil that repels insects.  Natural and very effective!

Cloves  -  anti-bacterial so it is great for wounds and irritations.

Club Moss  -  good for eczema and other skin irritations, also helps calm itchy skin.

Comfrey  -  soothing when used on non broken skin, helps heal wounds & bruises, even helps
with skin elasticity and growth of new cells.

Corn Flower  -  soothes, moisturizes and heals, very gentle yet effective 

Corn Silk  -  very mild to use, reduces pain and swelling. 

Crothix  -  a wonderful thickener for liquids like shampoos and body wash.  As a side benefit,
it helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

Dandelion Root  -  is a great tonic, it draws poisons out of body and reduces fever.  this is not
a pesky weed.  dandelion is an amazing herb! Remember, it is a little bitter but very healthy in
salads!

Eucalyptus Oil  -  not as strong as peppermint but also a great pain reliever...especially in rubs and foot soaks.

Fennell - smooths wrinkles, increases elasticity and tightens skin for a more youthful appearance.

Flax  - taken internally it is great for your overall health, externally it is great in facial products
as it contains fatty acids and  gently exfoliates.

Goldenrod  -  known to relieve bach aches when added to your bath water!

Goldenseal  -  looked upon as an herbal antibiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and very
healing.

Hibiscus  -  makes a great cleansing tea.  It is also a deep hair conditioner and improves elasticity
of the skin!

Green Tea  -  very astringent, heals acnes, tones and tightens skin.

Hops  -  a very important herb for skin as it contains oestrogen's which help grow collagen.

Horse Chestnut  -  very good for circulation, it helps externally and internally in keeping veins healthy.

Horse Tail  -  this herb contains large amounts of silica.  Silica helps accelerate bone healing and tissue repair.  It is great for nails and hair, contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to
hair and skin.

Kelp  -  this is sea weed and is a naturally stinky ingredient...but Kelp contains vitamins and
minerals that are so terrific for the skin that it is worth putting up with the funny smell!

Ladies Mantle  -  contains tannins which really help tighten fine lines and wrinkles!

Lemon Balm  -  this herb smells wonderful, is astringent and healing when used on sores, rashes, minor wounds and bug bites, it makes a great general tonic and is a nice addition to massage oils.

Licorice  -  very good for sore throats, anti-inflammatory, contains niacin, biotin and other components that assist healing, soothing and toning of the skin.

Marshmallow Root  -  internally a great immune system booster, externally wonderful in treating 
cuts, scrapes and other skin irritations.

Meadow Sweet  -  contains aspirin so this herb is great for pain and as an anti-inflamitory, also
helps clear acne.

Milk Thistle  -  attacks toxins, helps regenerate tissues, soothes rough skin and smooths fine lines.

Neem Leaf  -  helpful in treating eczema, ringworm and acne.  Very nourishing for the hair. anti-bacterial and anti-viral.

Nettles  -  stimulates scalp and helps with hair growth.

Oregon Grape  -  loaded with tannins that help tighten skin and reduce fine lines, also soothing to psoriasis!

Papaya Leaf  -  contains papain which is an enzyme that is beneficial when used in facial masks
and peels, helps remove dead skin to reveal smooth, fresh, younger skin!

Peppermint  -  an awesome oil that is used as a pain reliever, astringent, stimulant & flavor. 

Pumpkin  -  rich in minerals that you skin will drink in, helps regenerate skin naturally!

Red Clover  -  a tonic for skin when used both internally and externally!

Sage  -  perfect for cuts and scrapes, so you may find this in aftershave or shave balms. 
For wounds it helps fight infection!

Sandalwood  -  not only does this smell wonderful but it helps in treating acne, rashes and skin eruptions. 
It also helps with fever and pain.

Sarsaparilla  -  great for all skin conditions

Tea Tree Oil  -  an astringent oil that is know to help clear acne, psoriasis, dandruff and many
other skin conditions.

Turmeric  -  anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, a great tonic for all types of skin problems...acne, rashes, scrapes...it even suppresses growth of unwanted hair with regular use!

Wild Yam  -  chock full of vitamins this herb is great for a variety of applications.

Yellow Dock  -  treats acne, psoriasis and itchy skin.

Vitamins  -  we like a, d, k, e and others..each for the benefits that they bring to your skin.

A. Pullulan  -  an algae that is rich in minerals and proteins.  Easily absorbed into the skin, this
algae helps reduce wrinkles, clear acne and promote general health for your skin.

Menthol  -  a great addition to vaporizers, also wonderfully refreshing in rubs or foot soaks.

Patchouli Oil  -  an earthy, slightly peppery essential oil that can be healing and up lifting.