Ingredient Description


This product information is from some of my supply sources (I try to get most of my butters at the source, like african shea butter straight from the village, YUM - but these have been trusted suppliers for many years for 'normal' bulk needs), with thanks:
Mountainroseherbs.com
fromnaturewithlove.com
camdengrey.com
Visit these great sites for your bulk ingredient needs. For information on essential oils, please visit the wonderful Marge (and her KILLER oils - you want organic, this is the place to go) at
naturesgift.com


BUTTERS

COCOA BUTTER (Theobroma cacao)
A creamy yellow butter obtained from the roasted rainforest chocolate bean. Cacao trees grow wild in the Amazon rainforest and are cultivated in many tropical countries. Cocoa butter has excellent emollient properties and is used to soften and protect chapped hands, lip and skin, absorbing quickly into the skin. It is good for all skin types and is particularly excellent for dry skin. The natural emolliency, moisturizing and antioxidant characteristics of cocoa butter make it an excellent choice for uses designed to rejuvenate the skin, it has softening and skin-healing properties It’s the perfect oil for massaging daily into fast-growing pregnant bellies to prevent stretch marks from developing..

KOKUM BUTTER (Garcinia indica)
Kokum butter is obtained from the fruit of the Garcinia indica tree grown in India. It has excellent moisturizing properties and melts on contact with the skin, helping to prevent dryness. It's emollient properties are helpful in the treatment of burns, scalds, and chaffing. Also said to help reduce the development of wrinkles. Kokum butter reduces degeneration of skin cells, supports elasticity and restores flexibility to the skin. Kokum butter has been used as an astringent, local application to ulceration and fissures of lips, hands, and sole. Kokum butter helps regenerate tired and worn skin cells and supports skin elasticity and general flexibility of the skin wall. It has been used traditionally in India to soften skin and restore elasticity and as a balm for dry, cracked, rough and calloused skin. Kokum butter is absorbed very quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy feeling.

MANGO BUTTER (Mangifera indica)
Mango butter is taken from the seed kernels of the fruit of the mango tree. It is similar in texture to shea butter and is much softer than cocoa butter. It is non-greasy, absorbs easily into the skin and provides a natural protective effect against UV radiation. It has emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable contents. Mango butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for it's skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. An ideal moisturizer for all skin types.

MOWRAH BUTTER (Madhuca latifolia)
Obtained from the fruit of the Indian tree (Madhuca latifolia). From its seed kernels the butter is extracted and further processed and refined to obtain a yellow/white butter which has a very mild odor, suitable for cosmetics and toiletries. The "butter" is of significant commercial importance in India and is used for both edible and cosmetic applications. The butter is solid at room temperature, but melts readily on contact with the skin. Mowrah butter is known to prevent drying of the skin and development of wrinkles. Reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores skin flexibility. May enhance stability of certain emulsion systems. Use from 3% to 100% pure (as a butter-like balm).

SHEA BUTTER (Butyrospermum parkii)
Extracted from the nuts of the Karite tree in South Africa. In June and July, the plum-like green berries are harvested. It is the pits of the berries that make this butter. Tests show that African Shea Butter, on its own, provides excellent protection against UV rays. It is high in vitamins E and A, linoleic acid, and fatty acids which makes it ideal for all types of skin and skin problems. It has a very soft yet non-greasy feeling and absorbs easily into the skin. Shea butter has been used for thousands of years in the African culture as the ideal treatment for dry and aging skin as well as a medicinal balm for rheumatism, muscle aches, burns, and light wounds. Shea is extremely moisturizing and gentle to the skin. One unique characteristic of Shea butter is its content of unsaponiables (up to 8%) which imparts soothing properties and provides extra sun protection.

OILS & More

Almond Oil (Sweet) - Prunus amygdalus, P. dulcis
We offer both regular & organic. Sweet almond oil is obtained from the nut of the tree, which is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. This oil is a favorite carrier oil for essential oil aromatherapy blends, although it’s often used by itself for moisturizing skin. The oil has no scent and is a great nutrient for softening and conditioning the skin. It's been known to be especially suitable for eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin. It’s very lubricating but not very penetrating. Since it contains glucosides, vitamins and minerals, it makes a fabulous massage oil.

Aloe Vera - Aloe barbadensis miller
It’s a well known healing and soothing agent for damaged, dry skin. It is soothing and healing for burns, skin irritations, and raw open wounds.

Apricot Oil - Armeniaca vulgaris, Prunis armeniaca
Apricot Kernel is a light but rich oil which is especially good for sensitive skin, as well as for and skin that is inflamed or dry. It can be used alone or in massage and is used quite often in lip balms and creams. It is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature or sensitive skin. It has a high vitamin A content.

Avocado Oil - Persea americana, Persea gratissima
Avocado oil nourishes and restores dry, dehydrated, and mature skin. It is a rich, heavy oil that is best blended with other carrier oils. Skin problems, especially eczema and psoriasis, respond to its high content of vitamins A and E. Avocado oil is added to carrier oils, in a 10%-20% dilution, as an aid to skin moisturizing. This is a highly therapeutic oil which is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, vitamins D and E, protein, pantothenic acid, and fatty acids.

Borage Oil - Borago officinalis
Borage seed oil is clear and slightly thick with very little odor. It contains an abundance of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture prostaglandins–hormone like substances that balance and regulate cellular activity. It reduces the aging process of the skin and reverses damage from ultraviolet rays. This oil is used to treat PMS, endometriosis, and menopausal discomforts, as well as for psoriasis and eczema.

Castor Oil - Ricinus communis L.
This oil, derived from the castor bean and obtained by cold pressure, is rich in fatty acids and very moisturizing and lubricating to the skin in general. It acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin. Castor oil packs applied with warm flannel are believed effective for pain relief and to "draw out" cysts, boils and warts. Ayurvedic medicine has long used castor oil for lumbago, sciatica and rheumatism. In the Canary Islands the oil is used to prevent sore nipples in nursing mothers and is also rubbed onto their scalps to prevent post natal hair loss.

Coconut Oil, Virgin - Cocos nucifera
Coconut oil is a very good carrier oil for dry, itchy, sensitive skin. It will not clog pores and it absorbs readily into the skin. Coconut oil is a gift to the soap making industry because of its resistance to rancidity and contribution to a good, hard soap with a wonderful, fluffy lather. Coconut oil is light and non-greasy. It can be incorporated well into balms and stick formulations. Herbal hair infusions are often infused in coconut oil.. This is what coconut oil really and truly smells like! Use straight on the skin, as lip balm, to blend with other fixed oils and essential oils, in creams and lotions, for those who like to tan without any protection this is it, use as a sexual lubricant or all over body oil.Properties: Moisturizes and protects skin/hair, Anti-fungal , High Vitamin E content

Emu Oil - Dromiceius novaehol-landiae
Both our standard and soapmaking grade Emu oils are imported directly from Australia. An emu (Dromiceius novaehol-landiae) is a flightless, grey-feathered ratite bird of Australia, closely related to the ostrich. The oil comes from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was initially provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of its Australian homeland. For centuries, the aborigines of Australia have been applying Emu oil to their wounds with excellent results. It is found in muscle pain relievers, skin care products, and natural soaps. Some of its known properties are: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, skin regenerative, high in oleic acid (oleic acid has better skin-penetrating qualities than vegetable oils), moisturizing, doesn’t clog pores, penetrates through several layers of skin Some of its uses are:
EMU OIL Softens dry rough skin and calluses , promotes healing and reduces scar tissue formation, hydrates and plumps up skin which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
* Assists with the healing of bed sores.
* When applied to a new cut, scrape or burn, assists with prevention of scars.
* Provides sunburn relief.
* Massage on muscle aches and strains.
* Very helpful for arthritis pain and inflammation.
* Provides canker sore relief.
* Useful for diaper and heat rash.
* Massage on children who have "growing pains" in their extremities.
* Assists with prevention of stretch marks; once stretch marks are present, assists with eliminating accompanying dryness and itchiness. Makes tight skin more supple.
Emu oil, when first applied to the skin, is greasy; however, within 5-10 minutes one notices that the oil is slowly being absorbed by the skin leaving a great feeling of overall smoothness on the skin. The bottle of Emu oil should be shaken ever so lightly to mix the contents prior to each use.

Evening Primrose Oil - Oenothera biennis
This is a pale yellow oil with a pleasant, light and nutty taste. Extremely helpful in treating menstrual and pre-menstrual problems, eczema and psoriasis. It’s useful in treating allergic skin problems; add up to 10% of the carrier oil for massage and to any creams and lotions. Its healing action results from its high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is vital to cell and body functions and not produced by the body itself.

Foraha (a/k/a tamanu, kamanu and Alexandrian laurel) - Calophyllum inophyllum, organic
This beautiful opalescent cold pressed green, slightly waxy oil is rich and thick, with a delicate nutty or spicy smell. It stimulates cell regeneration and is good for fragile or broken capillaries. Foraha is a traditional medicine in the So. Pacific, where it is used for its analgesic, antiinflammatory and cicatrizant properties. Formerly, foraha was used to treat leprosy. It helps wounds to heal and is soothing for eczema and skin irritations such as burns, rashes and insect bites. It is used as an aid for relieving pain, healing wounds, herpes lesions and post-surgical scars. A combination of foraha and Ravensara aromatica essential oil has been used successfully as a treatment for shingles.

Glycerin Vegetable - Olea europaea
Glycerin is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid which may be derived from olive oil, palm or coconut. Glycerin has long been used as a benign solvent, lubricant, humectant, emollient and preservative. Glycerin is used as a carrier for an active ingredient, is sweet tasting, warming to the skin, and edible. Glycerin is used as an ingredient in edible love oils. In herbology, glycerin's naturally sweet taste helps mask the flavor of bitter-tasting herbs and can be used to make more potent extracts than either alcohol or vinegar.

Hemp Seed Oil - Cannabis sativa
Hemp seeds produce a vegetable oil that is high in protein and can be used within a variety of foods and cosmetics. The hemp seed oil we offer you is considered "ultra natural", is minimally refined, and is obtained by cold, expeller-pressed method. It has a characteristic vegetable odor with a yellow to green color. The seeds from which this oil is obtained are not sterilized or fumigated. Hemp seed oil’s high linoleic and linolenic acid contents make it vulnerable to spoilage. Alpha linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids––the essential fatty acids known as the omegas––make up 88% of the total fatty-acid content. Its particularly moisturizing for dry, damaged skin and for eczema and psoriasis. Hemp seed oil penetrates the skin quickly and some describe it as a "dry" oil.

Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba is very similar in composition to human natural skin oils. It penetrates the skin rapidly to nourish it; also softens and moisturizes mature and dry skin. Jojoba helps to heal inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis or any form of dermatitis, helps control acne and oily scalps. Since it has antioxidant properties, it can keep other oils from going rancid. We offer you 100% pure jojoba, the extract of seeds produced by the jojoba plant which is expeller pressed, once. No solvents are used during this process. Jojoba is sometimes called "jojoba oil" when it is actually an extract; it’s not an oil at all but a liquid wax ester. Our pure jojoba is pasteurized and then filtered to prevent bacteria growth. Jojoba can be decolored and deodorized; ours is neither. Our pure jojoba is a beautiful golden amber with its own aroma, which will vary slightly from one crop year to the next and does not contain fillers, stabilizers, enhancers or preservatives. It does contain the seed’s anti-oxidants, is non-allergenic and won’t stain linens or clothing. It is highly concentrated, don’t apply it like a lotion. Put a small drop on the back of your hand and massage it in until you learn how much works for you. It’s gentle enough for newborn babies; soothes and restores elasticity to any dry skin area. It’s very good in cases of psoriasis, for massage and aromatherapy, scalp and hair care, and for hands and cuticles.

Macadamia Nut Oil - Macadamia integrifolia
This tree is native to Australia. Also known as Queensland nut oil, this cold pressed oil is high in palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that acts as an antioxidant, preventing deterioration of cell membranes. For mature skin it is hydrating and gentle. It is a skin lubricant and is easily absorbed by the skin, sometimes described as a "vanishing oil." Helpful in cases of sunburn and wound healing. This oil has a long shelf life and good resistance to rancidity. It also has a mild laxative action. Macadamia nut oil contains about 80% monounsaturated fatty acids and a higher percentage of palmitoleic acid than other vegetable oils.

Meadowfoam - Limnanthes alba
This is an herbaceous winter annual plant native to the pacific Northwest area of the United States. The oil from this plant was recognized for its outstanding oxidative stability. It is unique in that it contains over 98% fatty acids having over 20 carbon atoms. It was developed to replace sperm whale oil in the 70's in an effort to protect the species. It remains liquid at room temperature despite it's high molecular weight and is one of the most stable lipids known. Meadowfoam oil is so stable that it actually confers stability to other oils. Therefore it is useful in applications where you are using less stable oils such as sweet almond, kukui nut, evening primrose, borage, hemp etc. Use it in lotion bars and lip balms to extend shelf life. It makes a very moisturing bar of soap when used to superfat with. It is often used as a binder and may actually help hold fragrances better in bath salts, soaps, massage oils
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/meadowfoam.php :
It has amazing moisturizing and rejuvenating capabilities. It is widely used in cosmetic and hair care products because it is moisturizing, and capable of adhering and staying on the skin. In addition, Meadowfoam oil is one of the most stable oils, and will actually extend the shelf life of less stable ingredients. When applied to the skin, it forms a moisture barrier and will assist the skin with preventing moisture loss. When added to lotions and lip balms, it will remoisturize dry or cracked lips and skin, and will make balms last longer. In summary, Meadowfoam oil has these beneficial characteristics: Moisturizes the skin, Reduces wrinkles and signs of aging

Neem - Azadirachta indica
Used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal, antiseptic, antiparasitic agent in toiletries, soap, toothpaste and skin/hair care products. It is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores, chicken pox etc. It can be used to get rid of lice and control dandruff. In toothpaste in helps relieve swollen and bleeding gums and kills the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Neem powder can be used in a foot bath powder to kill fungus and bacteria. Mixed with clay, it makes a great facial for those with acne and other skin problems.

Olive Oil - Olea europaea
Olive oil is slightly green owing to the retention of trace amounts of chlorophyll–the green coloring matter of plants. Like avocado oil, olive oil is prone to solidify when cold. Olive oil has the properties of being calming, demulcent and emollient and can be used pure or in blends for burns, sprains, bruises, insect bites, to relieve itchy skin, and to massage the gums of people suffering from pyorrhoea. It is good for rheumatic conditions and inflammed skin. It is often used to produce herb infused oils. Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin and still allows normal functions of the skin (such as sweating, shedding of dead skin and releasing sebum) to take place.

Palm Oil - Elaeis guinnesis
Palm oil is produced from the pulp or flesh of the fruit of the oil palm. Palm oil contains an equal proportion of unsaturated acids, containing about 40% oleic acids (monounsaturated), 44% palmitic acids and oleic acids, which are also the major fatty acids produced by the body. It is a natural source of Vitamin E, the tocopherols, and tocotrienols and is also a very rich source of beta-carotene, an important source of Vitamin A. Palm oil is physically and chemically different from either palm kernel or coconut oil and should not be considered similar to these oils. Palm oil also contains a much higher proportion of palmitic acids than other fats and oils.

Rosehip Seed Oil (organic) - Rosa mosqueta, rubignosa, rubirosa, canina
Rosa mosqueta grows wild in the southern Andes (Chile) as well as other parts of the world. The amber seeds inside the hips contain an oil high in essential fatty acids, GLA, and vitamin C. The cold-pressed oil contains between 30% and 40% gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which has valuable uses in treating skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. This oil reduces scarring, heals burns, and softens scars and keloids, moisturizes dry, mature, sensitive, aging and problem skin. It is considered a cellular regenerative oil which regenerates scar tissue, attenuates wrinkles and age spots and helps to prevent and fade stretch marks. It is a potent anti-inflammatory oil with polyunsaturated essential fatty acids and trans-retinoic acid that helps dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis by providing an immediate relief for dry skin. These benefits are due to the high amounts of natural trans-retinoic acid found in high proportion in Rosehip seed oil. It can help diminish broken capillaries, but may also aggravate acne or blemished skin. The application of rosa mosqueta oil produced rapid healing of the inflammation, darkening and dermatitis caused by radiation. This is the best antiaging oil to use in skin care. However, it may turn rancid quickly and should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated. The oil is a golden reddish color, due to the carotenoids in the hips, and, as it is produced from the fruits or berries of wild bushes.

Walnut Oil - Juglans regia:
Very unsaturated, walnut oil presents good moisturizing, anti-aging, regenerative, emollient and toning properties. This oil is obtained from walnut kernels by cold expression and subsequent refining. Walnuts are unique among nuts because the essential fat they contain is primarily polyunsaturated (the source of omega-3 fatty acids.). Walnuts contain a host of other important vitamins and minerals. Walnut oil is a clear, grease less, penetrating oil, that is a rich source of fatty acids essential to maintaining the skin's cellular integrity.

Wheat Germ Oil - Triticum spp.
This oil is thick, sticky and antioxidant. It’s also very rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. Based on this, it can be added to other carrier oil sot act as a preservative. Wheat germ oil can be used to nourish dry or cracked skin and soothes skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis; also helps to prevent and reduce scarring and may prevent stretch marks. Mature skin, in particular, will benefit from wheat germ oil. It’s also known to be beneficial for tired muscles, making a good base for after sport massage. Some people use it as a preservative in vegetable oils, soaps and toiletries, and others totally disagree as to its preservative powers. People allergic to wheat flour may have reactions to wheat germ oil.

Zinc Oxide (Powder) -
Among sunscreen agents, only zinc oxide protects against the full ultraviolet spectrum. Salicylates and cinnamates protect against UVB radiation, and avobenzone absorbs UVA exposure, but only zinc oxide blocks both UVB and UVA radiation. It's one of the most effective natural sun block ingredients available at the moment. You may add this to sunscreen recipes and to creams and lotions to which you wish to add an antiseptic element. Zinc oxide is also used for its skin-cleansing properties. Zinc oxide is a white powder also used in skin ointments and diaper rash treatments.

Preservatives

Organic Liquid Lecithin - Botanical Name- Derived from Soy Beans
Lecithin is a wonderful ingredient to add to your culinary and body care recipes. It contains many beneficial properties, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, mild preservative, moisturizer, and emollient. Lecithin can be utilized in almost any recipe, and is commonly found in both food and cosmetic products. Cosmetically, it may be added to moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lip balms, and many other products. It is a great alternative to other emulsifying and stabilizing agents, some of which are derived from petrochemical sources. For food use, lecithin is often found in chocolate, baked goods, salad dressing, and many other prepared foods. The organic liquid Lecithin sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is derived from soybeans, making it a much safer ingredient to use for our bodies.

Rosemary Oleoresin (ROE = Rosemary Oil Extract)
Rosemary Oleoresin (ROE) contains natural antioxidant compounds that are derived from the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis). ROE is often used for its antioxidant properties to retard the oxidation of lipids (oils) and helps to retard rancidity. Rosemary Oleoresin (ROE) is a purified extract of rosemary from which most of the characteristic rosemary odor has been removed. ROE has a faint herbal note, which is usually absent at usage levels in final applications. In addition to antioxidant qualities, Rosemary Oleoresin has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics as well. The main antioxidative effects of rosemary oleoresin come from carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Our Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE) is a food grade product. It’s a thick, dark green liquid with a definite herbal aroma which prevents rancidity in products in which vegetable/plant oils have been used. This product is made up of oil soluble antioxidant compounds and is not soluble in water. It has no additives, it is made of 100% rosemary oleoresin.

Vitamin E (T-50)
With today’s concerns over the safety of synthetic ingredients, why risk your product’s success by using synthetic antioxidants? There are two classes of natural Vitamin E: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols: A term used to describe the collection of all the tocopherols in Vitamin E that occur naturally in food. There are 4 types of tocopherols: d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta. Low d-alpha mixed tocopherols are often used to slow the onset of rancidity in fats & oils. Natural oxidants are isolated from vegetable oils and concentrated to contain a mixture of d-alpha (commonly known as Vitamin E), d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols. T-50 is all natural, low d-alpha mixed tocopherols, has 500 mg total tocopherols, and is a brownish-red, clear, viscous oil. Tocopherols are nature’s perfect antioxidant. Tocopherols also slows the onset of rancidity in fats & oils

Potassium Sorbate
Forms sorbic acid when dissolved in water and is the most widely used food grade preservative. It is effective up to pH 6.5, but is more effective as the pH decreases and becomes more acidic. Potassium sorbate is effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It is used in the food industry from 0.025 to 0.10%. Can be used to increase the pH in formulations. If potassium sorbate is used as a preservative, the pH of the finished product may need to be reduced for potassium sorbate to be effective. Potassium sorbate is not a broad spectrum preservative for cosmetic use. All cosmetic products should undergo microbial testing to ensure the efficacy of any preservative system.

PROPOLIS

Propolis is an organic resinous substance exuded by certain trees to protect themselves from infection & disease. Honeybees then collect this resin from leaf buds or bark.
Often called"nature's penicillin,". Modern scientific & medical research has shown propolis to be antibacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic, as well as a powerful agent to strengthen the immune system! These protective and healing properties have been conclusively demonstrated in numerous studies all over the globe. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in the treatment & prevention of many human ailments of both internal & external origin. Some of these are ear, nose & throat conditions, gum disease & mouth ulcers, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, shingles, burns, wounds, skin & scalp problems & of course colds & influenza.
Propolis is rich in B group vitamins along with C, E, H, P & provitamin A, amino & organic acids, + minerals & antibiotics. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, propolis may be taken daily to stimulate the body's own defence system to prevent & resist disease.

Others:

Grapefruit Seed Extract, Benzoin Gum :

Benzoin oil can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers. Therapeutic properties include the following: antiseptic, anti-depressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary.

Also preservative qualities: Vitamin E, Honey, Meadowfoam, Neem, Vegetable Glycerin, Zinc Oxide.