INGREDIENTS
Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is beautifully hydrating but also cleansing due to its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. A medium-chain fatty acid that shares the composition of sebum, (the oil naturally produced by our skin), coconut oil can help reinforce the skin's natural barrier while improving elasticity and restoring moisture. It is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, provitamin A and ferulic acid, all of which protect skin cells from damage and reduce fine lines and age spots. It is also rich in lauric acid, which has a history of being used to fight pathogens. It has incredible anti-microbial properties and studies have shown that its effective in treating acne [1]. The vitamin E found in coconut oil also soothes eczema, sunburn and psoriasis, and its antiviral and antifungal benefits even help to treat bug bites. Each of the three fatty acids found in coconut oil, capric, lauric and caprylic acid, kill candida, a common cause of fungal infection on your skin.
Organic Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used in skin care since ancient Egyptian times. It contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols. Antioxidants, when topically applied, help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light. [2] Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin. [3]
Organic Argan Oil
Argan oil is exceptionally healing as it is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E and is packed with anti-oxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to skin, it eases inflammation while moisturizing [4] and the tocopherol from the vitamin E helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair.
Organic Jojoba Oil
Like coconut oil, the composition of jojoba very closely resembles that of human sebum, the natural oils produced by our skin. It is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid (omega 6) which has been shown to reduce and prevent acne as well as UV-induced hyper-pigmentation.[6] [7] It is packed with vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium.
Organic Castor Oil
Used therapeutically since ancient Egyptian times, castor oil has incredible healing abilities. It is also known as "Palma Christi" or "Hand of Christ." Castor oil is a Triglyceride, comprised of fatty acids, 90 percent of which is ricinoleic acid, thought to be responsible for castor oil's unique healing abilities. Castor oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and is high in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids. Its ricinoleic acid content helps increase circulation to the skin.
According to North Carolina State University, castor oil can also help to cleanse the skin of dead skin cells that are clogging the sebaceous glands, pulling out impurities in the pores. It is detoxifying and helps to break up oils on the face that clog glands and pores. It contains a compound called undercylenic acid, which can help to disinfect the skin and kill bacteria that cause skin conditions such as acne. According to Palomar Community College, it is an excellent skin emollient and even helps with skin conditions like dermatitis, which can cause severely rough, dry skin.
Palo Santo "Holy Wood"
The wood from the Palo Santo tree has been used since antiquity by the Incas as a spiritual remedy for purifying and cleansing. It is traditionally used in South America as an antiseptic and to remove impurities from the skin, body and home. It is often burned as a natural incense, used to clear out bad energy, raise vibrations and bring good fortune. It contains antioxidants and phytochemicals called terpenes, including limonene and a-terpineol, which fight free radical damage and are anti-inflammatory. Our Palo Santo is sustainably harvested from tree branches that have fallen from the Palo Santo tree in the wild, without harming the trees, which live for 80-90 years. At this stage, Palo Santo is not available in a certified organic form, and wild-harvested Palo Santo is the most sustainable option available.
Organic Lavender
Lavender oil has a chemically complex structure with over 150 active constituents. This oil is rich in esters, which are aromatic molecules with antispasmodic (suppressing spasms and pain) properties. It is known for its calming abilities, and has been used therapeutically for insomnia, anxiety, depression and stress. “The scent of lavender increases alpha waves in the area of the brain responsible for relaxation,” explains Alan Hirsch, M.D., neurological director for the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago. [9] Scientists from the University of Coimbra found that lavender oil is lethal to skin-pathogenic strains known as dermatophytes, as well as various Candida species. The study, published in Journal of Medical Microbiology, found that lavender oil kills fungi by damaging their cell walls.
Organic Geranium
Geranium was used by the ancient Egyptians for radiant skin. It has astringent properties that tighten pores and has powerful cicatrisant (cell regeneration) properties, increasing blood flow just below the surface of the skin, creating a glow. It is exceptionally anti-inflammatory and is one of the best oils for diverse dermatological problems like congested skin, eczema and dermatitis [10] It is used traditionally to uplift mood, energize and for emotional wellness. In aromatherapy it is used to treat acne, anxiety, depression and insomnia as well as to balance hormones and heal wounds, incisions and irritations to the skin. Composed primarily of fatty acids, geranium has been shown in studies to be anti-microbial and anti-fungal and is often used as an insect repellent. [11]
Organic Clary Sage
Clary sage contains fatty acids alpha-linoleic acid and oleic acid. Studies have shown that clary sage has a calming and anti-depressive effect [12] There is an ester present in clary sage called linalyl acetate, which reduces skin inflammation, heals rashes and balances and regulates the production of natural oils in the skin. It is also anti-microbial and anti-fungal.
