Oil and Butter Properties

An overview of the oils and butters that we use in our products and why we use them.

Almond Oil (Sweet)
100% Pure

INCI: Prunus amygdalus dulcis

Almond oil is the most popular carrier oil used for facial and body massage, and its excellent emollient properties help the skin to balance the absorption and loss of moisture.

As a great moisturizer, it is suitable for all skin types, helps relieve irritation, inflammation and itching, and is great for lubricating because it is not an overly fast penetrating oil.

It is a good massage medium to use to assist the spread of the oil and essential oil mixture, while still allowing you time to do a good massage before it is absorbed by the skin.

Not only does almond oil help protect the surface of the skin, but has great value to act as an emollient, skin soother and softener while conditioning the skin and promoting a clear, young looking complexion.

Almond oil is suitable for all skin types but is especially good for dry or irritated skin.

Almond Oil's rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids makes it extremely desirable for usage in the cosmetic industry for its penetrating, moisturizing and restructuring properties.

Our sweet almond oil is cold pressed from 100% pure almond nuts and then gently refined. This high quality nut oil is a great emollient for softening and conditioning the skin and hair. It is well suited for eczema, psoriasis and itchy, dry and inflamed skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E.

Apricot Kernel Oil

INCI:Prunus Armeniaca

Apricot kernel oil is a light but rich oil that is high in oleic and linoleic acids. It is similar to sweet almond oil and is readily absorbed into the skin. It is especially good for mature skin, sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed or dry.

Avocado Oil

INCI: Persea gratissima

Although it is classed as a vegetable oil, the avocado is really a fruit since it has a stone, none-the-less it yields a rich and extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral.

It also contains proteins, lecithin, beta-carotene and more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids contained are palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic.

Benefits of avocado oil to the skin include:

* It is also high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. It is the sterolins (also called plant steroids) in the oil that helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect.
* For this reason it is an ideal ingredient to include when formulating for people with dehydrated, sun or climate damaged skin, as it is an extremely good moisturizing and nourishing compound, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin.
* In a study done at the Department of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in 1991, it was found that avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin - which normally is under attack as we grow older.
* Avocado oil is easily absorbed into deep tissue, and with its wonderfully emollient properties, makes it ideal for mature skins. It also helps to relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema.
* It is often used for clients with dry or mature skins, or people suffering from eczema or psoriasis, and is very useful when treating sun or climate damaged skin that is dehydrated and undernourished, as it is said to help with regenerating the skin and softening the tissue.

Babassu Oil

INCI: Orbignya oleifera

Babassu oil comes from the seeds of the babassu tree. The babassu tree is a palm tree that stands approximately 20 meters tall. It is native to Brazil in South American. Babassu oil has similar properties to coconut oil and is used similarly. More and more, babassu oil is increasingly being used as a replacement for coconut oil.

Babassu oil also forms a protective, soothing coat when applied to the skin as well as a pleasant, smooth feeling.

Babassu oil is considered to be a superior emollient that is beneficial for either dry or oily complexions. It gently moisturizes the skin without leaving an oily sheen.

Castor Seed Oil

INCI: Ricinus communis

Castor 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.

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids and is soothing and lubricating. It is a humectant that attracts and holds moisture to the skin. It is routinely used in hair oils, balms, and other thick emulsions for the skin and hair.

Cocoa Butter (Natural)

INCI:Theobroma cacao

Cocoa butter is a pure, crushed butter obtained from the cacao bean. It has a beautiful, rich aroma of dark chocolate. This edible fat from the cocoa pod is a stable fat containing natural anitoxidants.

Cocoa butter is a soothing emollient that has been used for centuries in Africa for skin care. It has been traditionally used to heal and moisturize skin that has been exposed to the elements.

Cocoa butter helps reduce the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy by keeping the skin supple.

Coconut Oil - Extra Virgin - Organic

INCI: Cocus nucifera

Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining. 

Coconut Oil 76 Degree

INCI: Cocus nucifera

Coconut Oil , also known as Copra Oil, is a white solid fat obtained from the fruit of the coconut, widely used in food products and in the production of cosmetics and soaps.

Coconut Oil is probably the most popular soap making oil. This oil adds volumes of lather to a soap making recipe.

Evening Primrose Oil - UnRefined (Organic), 100% Pure

INCI: Oenothera biennis

Extracted from the flowers of the plant, Evening Primrose is one of most precious plant oils. It is very supportive to the skin and is considered a rejuvenating and regenerating oil that is easily absorbed and seems to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. It is very rich in Linoleic Acid, the Omega 6 essential fatty acid that is considered key to maintaining good moisture levels in the skin and resulting skin health.

Evening Primrose oil is recommended for dry skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

Grapeseed Oil

INCI: Vitis vinifera

Grapeseed Oil is an ecologically sound product that is made from the seeds of grapes after the wine is pressed. Grapeseed oil is high in vitamin E and is 76% essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (also known as Omega 6).

Very rich in vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid. It's a light and penetrating oil for massage. The skin absorbs it easily.  

Hemp Seed Oil (Unrefined & Organic), 100% Pure

INCI: Cannabis sativa

A drying natural oil with a unique, nutty flavor, it is high in levels of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids but low in levels of saturated fats and also contains the natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.   Helps heal skin lesions and dry skin.

Jojoba Oil, (Golden) 100% Pure

INCI: Simmondsia chinensis

From the fruit (nut) of the jojoba plant that grows up to 10 feet high and is found in the deserts of the U.S. and Mexico and is a well-known medicinal oil used for treating eye and throat infections and skin disorders.

A naturally occurring ester, Jojoba oil is really a liquid wax. The oil is similar to our own sebum which is secreted by our sebaceous glands and helps to lubricate and protect your skin and hair.  Moisturizes and softens skin and hair.  Acts as a humectant by creating a protective film over skin and hair shaft that seals in moisture. 

Jojoba Oil contains protein and minerals, as well as a waxy substance similar to collagen. Hypo-allergenic and pure, Jojoba Oil is perfect for any skin type.

Mango Butter

INCI: Mangifera Indica Butter

Mango Butter has been obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango Tree (Mangifera Indica) grown in the sub-tropics of India and other parts of the globe. From its seed a firm “butter“ is rendered.

Mango Butter exhibits excellent moisturizing for lotions and good lubricity on skin. It melts readily at skin temperatures.

Mango Butter is similar to Cocoa Butter in color and texture and is most commonly used as a base ingredient in body care formulas, skin care products and soaps.

Mango Butter is an emollient with healing and regenerative properties and is a good source of essential fatty acids.

Olive Oil Extra Virgin - Refined - Organic, 100% Pure

INCI: Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A good oil for skin care, especially dry skin. It makes an excellent conditioner for hair and nails. This is a dark green oil which is rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins and essential fatty acids, especially alpha linolenic acid.  Has not undergone any processing other than washing, decanting, and filtering. High in oleic acid. Good for skin cell regeneration.

Palm Oil

INCI: Elaeis guineensis

Refined, Deodorized, Bleached

Palm oil is a form of vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the Oil palm tree. Each fruit contains a single seed (the palm kernel) surrounded by a soft oily pulp. Oil is extracted from both the pulp of the fruit (palm oil) and the kernel (palm kernel oil). Palm oil is the largest natural source of tocotrienol, part of the Vitamin E family. Popular in cold and hot process soap making because it produces a big, fluffy lather.

 Rice Bran Oil

INCI: Oryza sativa

Rice bran, which is obtained in the milling process, is the part of the rice that is richest in fat. Rice Bran is full of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, ferulic acid, linolic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and oryzanol. The oil acts as both a carrier and emollient.   In Japan, Rice Bran Oil is used as a skin and hair beauty enhancer. It also used throughout the world in a variety of cosmetics, especially those that treat dry, mature skin.

Rosehip Seed Oil - Unrefined (Organic) 100% Pure

INCI: Rosa rubginosa

This natural oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the rose plant which are enclosed in a fleshy receptacle called the “rose hip”. Rich in vitamin C this oil is an excellent product for many types of skin treatments.

Validated by the cosmetic and dermatological industries to have beneficial effects, Rose Hip Oil is most commonly used to hydrate skin and treat eczema and psoriasis. Rose Hip Seed Oil is a healing oil with antiseptic properties. Found to be a tissue regenerator, Rose Hip Seed Oil also has a natural retinoic acid that helps to prevent premature aging, minimize wrinkles, and reduce stretch marks and other spots and scars.

Shea Butter (Raw & Unrefined)

INCI: Butyrospermum parkii

Africa Fair Trade Council - A non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness in Africa and the rest of the world about the importance of fair trade. It also advises new businesses in Africa on how to incorporate fair trade practices into their business plans so that they can support the growth of their communities.

* All of our suppliers of Shea Butter - Raw & Unrefined are members of the Africa Fair Trade Council *

The differences between raw and refined Shea Butter lies in how the Shea Butter is extracted from the nut and how it is processed after that.

The basic process is the same in most families. Shea Nuts, the fruit of the Shea Tree is picked, cracked, grilled and pounded to extract the butter. It is then boiled in water for a number of hours until the fresh shea butter rises to the surface. It is then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. This process and the way it is done imparts the smells noted with each batch. Manual extraction processes leave more of the raw ingredients in the Shea Butter.

Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent.

Shea butter can be effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, severely dry skin, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Shea butter provides natural UV sun protection.

Shea butter can be found in many high end moisturizing skin products. It is also used in hair conditioners to add and maintain moisture in dry brittle hair, in addition to revitalizing, repairing and preventing breakage. Shea butter can be used as an all-natural hair conditioner.

Shea butter promotes quicker healing of small wounds, burns, cuts and scrapes.
Shea butter is an efficient natural makeup remover.
Shea butter is safe to use on babies, children and adults.
Shea butter helps prevent and soothe sunburns.
Shea butter is high in vitamins A and E.
Shea butter helps moisturize dry skin.
Shea butter soothes sore, overworked muscles.
Shea butter is recommended for conditioning animal’s coats.
Shea butter makes an excellent natural lip balm.
Shea butter helps restore elasticity of aging skin.

Shea Oil - Liquid - 100% Pure

INCI: Butyrospermum parkii

Shea Oil is a byproduct of Shea Butter production, which produces fractionated oil. Shea Oil is used for protecting skin from harsh weather environments. The oil offers benefits for skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, burns, dryness and other irritations.

Soybean Oil (Liquid) Refined - 100% Pure

INCI: Glycine soja

The oil expressed from the seeds has a multitude of benefits for the skin.

The oil has a regenerative effect on the cutaneous tissues due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, and therefore enhances local circulation in the area treated to bring about revitalization of the dermis.

The combined properties of soybean oil makes it a valued emollient for cosmetic use. Not only is it a superb moisturizer, but its intrinsic phytoestrogen content is valuable in promoting good skin care.

The antioxidant effect of the oil also plays a role in preventing premature aging.

Sunflower Seed Oil - High Oleic, Refined - 100% Pure

INCI: Helianthus annus

Sunflower seed oil is extracted from the seed of sunflower. It is odorless oil which clinical studies have shown is ideal for healing damaged skin and replacing the natural lipids that damaged skin lacks. The presence of linoleic acid allows the skin to retain moisture and is imperative for proper skin barrier function.

Because sunflower oil is high in essential fatty acids. It helps to moisturize, regenerate and condition the skin. It is especially useful in formulations intended for mature, sensitive, dry or damaged skin. High in vitamin E, it is moisturizing and deposits a protective layer that holds in moisture.

Tocopherol T-50
(Natural Vitamin E), 100% Pure

INCI: Tocopherol

Tocopherol T-50 (Natural Vitamin E) is an anti-oxidant that is processed in a manner to minimize deterioration.

Vitamin E has long been considered the most important oil-soluable antioxidant and free-radical scavenger with studies indicating that Vitamin E can perform these noted functions when applied topically.

Benefits of Vitamin E:
* Antioxidant
* Photoprotectant and helps protect cellular membrane from free-radical damage
* Protects against oxidation
* Absorbes well into the skin
* Improves skin's water binding ability
* Improves appearance of rough, dry and damaged skin

Wheat Germ Oil - Refined - 100% Pure

INCI: Triticum vulgare

This light-yellow, fat-soluble natural oil is expeller pressed from the germ of the wheat kernel. Twenty-eight pounds of wheat germ is required to produce one quart of oil. High in lecithin, vitamins A, D and E this oil is exceptional for treating dry and aging skin.

Wheat Germ Oil is an antioxidant with more Vitamin E than any other natural oil making it more resistant to light and heat than other vegetable oils. Wheat Germ Oil also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B (B1, B2, B3 and B6), Vitamin F and lecithin.

It is primarily used to moisturize and relieve dry, irritated skin. Wheat Germ Oil possesses cell regenerative properties that make it a good choice for anti-aging formulas.

Common Uses of Wheat Germ Oil:
* Skin care products for dry and maturing skin
* Used as an emollient
* Antioxidant