MANY OF THE INGREDIENTS USED IN OUR PRODUCTS
AND THEIR ALLEGED BENEFITS
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - is a gentle, alkaline, white powder that neutralizes acids. This common household product is used as a skin softener, tooth powder, and deodorizer.
Beeswax - A substance produced by bees to build honeycombs. In cosmetics, it is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stiffening agent in creams, lotions, lipsticks, etc. No synthetic product having all its properties has been developed. It will not become rancid and has germ-killing properties. In beauty products it forms a protective barrier on the skin to guard against environmental irritants and lock in moisture. Used in our lotion bars and lip butters.
Brown Sugar - Sugar is a nice ingredient to add to recipes for body scrubs. It may be too abrasive for use on the face and neck area but when used on the body, especially hands, feet and ankles, heels, elbows, knees and everywhere else, it is superb. Used in or sugar scrubs.
Buttermilk - emollient properties, adds creaminess, rich texture to soap lather. In days past, buttermilk was made when cream (from cows) was churned into butter and buttermilk for drinking and bread baking. Today, buttermilk is made by adding bacteria to pasteurized milk, then heating the mixture until a desired acidity is reached. Salt and citric acid are sometimes added. Because of buttermilk's high acidity, it is perfect for use in products for oily or acneic skin. Used in some of our soaps.
Canola Oil - contributes protein and moisturizing qualities in soap. Used in all of our soaps
Castor Oil - acts as a humectant by attracting and retaining moisture to the skin. Also contributes lots of bubbles to soap - a "bubble booster". Castor Oil comes from the Castor bean. Native to tropical Africa and Asia. The oil, when used in cosmetics, acts as a humectant; attracts and retains moisture to the skin. It is also a thickener and an emollient. Used in all of our soaps
Citric Acid - Citric acid (the reason lemons, limes and other citrus fruits have a tart taste) is a crystal-like, colorless, organic acid that naturally occurs in citrus fruits. It is used extensively in the production of food, carbonated beverages, detergents and cleaners, but also in cosmetics.
Cocoa Butter - made from the same bean as chocolate and cocoa. Cocoa butter is a by-product of making chocolate. When used in body products, it puts down a protective layer that holds moisture to the skin, acting as a softener. Originally from the South and Central American rain forests, it is now cultivated principally in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is moisturizing. It has a slight scent of chocolate unless it is deodorized. Used in our lotion bars and lip butters.
Coconut Oil - a soaping MUST! Oil obtained from the fruit of the coconut. Used in the correct percentage, coconut oil is moisturizing and adds lots of fluffy lather. The major producers are the Philippines and Indonesia; lesser amounts come from India, Sri Lanka, and Mexico. Coconut oil is used in the manufacture of soaps, cooking fats, and margarine. It is preferred oil in soaps because it helps produce a hard bar, which has a quick, fluffy lather, even in cold or salt water. Coconut oil is an emollient and is moisturizing, conditioning and protecting to the skin. Used in our lotion bars and all our soaps.
Cornstarch (Corn Flour) - is a fine, white, starch powder made from corn. It soothes the skin and is believed to possess healing properties. For cosmetics, the most well known use of corn starch is in powders as a natural, more healthy alternative to talc. Corn starch is soft and gentle, making it the perfect body powder for babies and adults alike. It is also used as a thickening agent for creams and lotions. Used in our powders and certain lotion bars.
Cow's Milk or Goat's Milk - Milk is high in proteins. Whole milk contains a great deal of fat, which makes it useful for skin care preparations. For extra dry skin, use heavy whipping cream which has a higher fat content. For oily skin, use skim milk which has a lower fat content. Goat's milk contains skin-loving caprylic acid and is easily absorbed into the skin and is ph balancing. It is frequently used in handmade soaps, lotions and creams, and is available in liquid or powder form. Milk softens the water and makes skin silky and smooth. Excellent for facial masks and soothing baths. Powdered cow's milk is used in our milk bath and goat's milk in our scented and unscented soaps and our goat's milk lotion.
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