Shea Butter has been used for centuries in Africa to keep skin healthy and beautiful. Shea Butter's almost magical effects are due to the fact that it has both a high moisturizing fraction and an extraordinarily high healing fraction. 

Karite Gold shea butter is crushed naturally to extract the meat from the shea nut. Its texture is soft and it has a soft golden color. Hexane is not used in the extraction process of the shea butter  that I purchase for my produts because of the serious health risks from exposure to this chemical. Many companies use hexane because it produces a larger amount of butter at a cheaper price. Besides the serious health risks posed from using hexane-extracted shea butter, much of the healing benefits are lost in the process.

Because Karite Gold shea butter is filtered, there are no impurities (shell pieces) or other debris present. The shea butter I purchase in bulk arrives ready for use in my beauty products or can be applied directly from the container.

If you are seeking a quality shea butter, always ask the seller how the shea butter was processed. If you find the shea butter you have  now is a white color then you know it was refined/processed. All the skin benefits were then sucked right out of it and you may as well use mineral oil on your skin at that point.  

Nothing is Better than Shea Butter for Natural Skin Care

Although there are many plants that produce moisturizing butters and oils, shea butter is superior because it not only contains a high moisturizing fraction, but also contains an extraordinarily high healing fraction. This healing fraction revitalizes skin cells so that they regain their moisture retention capacity. Because of these powerful properties, shea butter is nature's most effective skin care product.

The Healing Fraction: In early adulthood, our skin cells begin to become more porous and less elastic. When a moisturizer is applied, it hydrates the cells, but the cells quickly lose the moisture. The essential oils I add to my whipped shea butter cremes work synergistically with the shea butter's healing fraction to restore the skin cells' elasticity. As the healing progresses, the cells continue to admit moisture as before, but after the healing are better able to keep it from escaping.

The Moisturizing Fraction: Shea butter is a particularly good moisturizer because it penetrates the skin quickly, while leaving it feeling soft and smooth with no oily residue.

To experience the benefits of natural cosmetics, apply a moderate amount of my whipped shea butter creme daily. After you have coated an area of your skin with shea butter, spend some time making sure that the shea butter works its way down under the surface of your skin. Move your fingers in a circular motion as you apply the shea butter.

Living up to two centuries, the Karite (Shea) tree bears fruit after 15 years and produces a full crop after 25 years.  It grows mainly in West Africa, and can reach a maximum height of 15 to 20 meters.  The Karite Tree cannot be cultivated. It blooms from June to July and bears dark green fruits which fall to the ground when ripe. Each fruit contains a nut with a hard white kernel - the source of the Shea Butter.

Village women trek long distances from home to pick and gather fruit from the Karite tree. Each fruit contains a nut with a hard white kernel which is the source of the Shea Butter. The fruit must then be carried back to the village for inspection.  The Karite Gold team accepts only fruit that is in good condition.

Upon their return to the village for fruit inspection and selection, the women boil the Shea fruit in piped, sanitized water to remove the fruit from the Shea nut.  Few villages have this water available, and  Karite Gold uses only the shea butter processed with sanitized water. The Shea nuts are then spread on a stable surface near their huts to dry in the sun.  When dry, they are hand-pounded to crack them open. The cracked shea nuts are then boiled over a wood fire, while being constantly stirred, releasing the shea butter from the nut.

After the Shea butter is released, many hours of kneading take place, transforming what begins as a thick grey fluid to a smooth, buttery ivory-colored paste.  The fully kneaded mixture is then poured into sanitary containers and sealed.

Kokum Butter is often used as a substitute for Cocoa Butter due to its uniform triglyceride composition. It melts when it comes into contact with the skin. Kokum Butter is composed of beneficial compounds that help to regenerate skin cells. It’s commonly used in skin healing lotions, creams and body butters, as well as soaps, cosmetics and toiletries.

Benefits:
Kokum Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which aid in cell oxygenation and make nutrients more readily available for use by skin tissues. Kokum Butter also contains antioxidant vitamin E.  Kokum Butter is a non-comodegenic (non pore-clogging) material that aids quick absorption and adds a premium texture to your cream emulsions. 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. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:

• Helps prevent dry skin and wrinkles
• Helps regenerate skin cells

Using Kokum Butter:
With its relatively higher melt point, it melts slightly at skin temperatures making it ideal for lipsticks and balms; it‘s also a great addition to bar soaps and skin lotions and may be easily incorporated into Lotions, Creams, and Body Butters. It is also wonderful to use in the summer as a moisturizer before and after sun exposure to reduce possibility of the skin peeling or becoming dried out.  Use as an addition to:

• Creams, lotions, balms
• Cosmetic foundations
• Lipsticks
• Conditioners
• Moisturizers

Precautions:
Those with serious or persistent skin problems, such as eczema, should consult a physician before using Kokum Butter. Not recommended by those with nut allergies.

Mango Butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango Butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Reasons to use Mango Butter

• - Effectively treats dry skin
• - Heals skin rash
• - Heals skin peeling, after tanning
• - Clears blemishes and wrinkles
• - Relieves itching skin
• - Heals sunburn
• - Shaving cream for a smooth shave
• - Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
• - Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
• - Fights frost bite
• - Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
• - Relieves insect bites
• - Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
• - Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
• - Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
• - Treats eczema and dermatitis
• - Fights off fine lines and wrinkle

Cocoa was named Theobroma and means 'food of the gods'. Cocoa Butter is becoming increasingly popular in the natural bodycare and cosmetic industries for good reason. It has been used for centuries in Africa for its moisturizing and healing properties, where it has been used to protect and condition skin which has been damaged by the sun and wind.

Extraction Methods:
The four major West African cocoa producers are the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. The Ivory Coast produces about 43 percent of the world's cocoa, and the next largest producer is Ghana with about 14 percent of the world's output. Nigeria is one of the smallest and produces about 6 percent of the world's cocoa. Outside of West Africa, the major producers of cocoa are Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. After cocoa beans have been received at the processing location, they are inspected and thoroughly cleaned of all extraneous matter, such as sticks, stones, and metal fragments, as well as broken beans. Once the beans are cleaned they are roasted and then ground into a paste. The heat generated by this process causes the Cocoa Butter in the nib to melt, hence the name ‘cocoa liquor’. Chocolate liquor destined for processing into Cocoa Butter is refined to a very small particle size because it is easier to reduce the particle size early when the butter is still present. A smaller particle size makes butter extraction easier.

Benefits:
Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants that give it a long shelf life of over 3 years. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Cocoa Butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. For centuries pregnant women have used to Cocoa Butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations. Lotions and oils containing Cocoa Butter are often used in aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and the feeling well-being. Research indicates that massaging the skin with Cocoa Butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because Cocoa Butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP and there is some evidence that the CMP in Cocoa Butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms. Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams. It is also a folk remedy for burns, cough, dry lips, fever, malaria, rheumatism, snakebite and wounds. It is reported to be antiseptic and diuretic.

• Cocoa Butter has a melting point at human body temperature, is edible and nutritious which presents many industrial uses.
• Cocoa Butter is a superb moisturizer which slows down moisture loss.
• Cocoa Butter is known for its hydrating effects,
• Cocoa Butter is also gentle on the skin and has a pleasing aroma.
• Cocoa Butter is excellent when used on dry skin or on wrinkles.
• Cocoa Butter's Emollient properties great in soap making and lotions.
• Cocoa Butter is hard at room temperature.
• Cocoa Butter is mainly used as a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams.
• Cocoa Butter easily absorbs into the skin and imparts sheen.

Using Cocoa Butter:
Cocoa Butter is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known, and melts at body temperature so that it is readily absorbed into the skin.  Since Cocoa Butter absorbs so quickly, it immediately relieves dry and irritated skin. There are many different uses for Cocoa Butter, below are some of the ways in which Cocoa Butter may be used:

• Add a spoonful to your bath water for a luxurious and healing experience. Especially helpful for those with dry or itchy skin, or sore muscles. Try adding Lavender or Chamomile essential oil as well, or an herbal infusion made from soothing herbs.
• In massage, Cocoa Butter is beneficial for overexerted muscles or for dry skin
• In soaps, Cocoa Butter has a conditioning effect that adds a good lather. Try incorporating Cocoa Butter into your handmade soap recipes.
• Use during pregnancy to keep the skin supple, and to prevent stretch marks. It may also be used after giving birth to reduce stretch marks.  

Precautions:
Those with serious or persistent skin problems, such as eczema, should consult a physician before using Cocoa Butter. Cocoa Butter is often mistakenly used by people to expedite a suntan and while it will enhance a natural tan, it does not have a sun protection factor (SPF). To prevent the harmful effects of the sun, use a suntan lotion with an SPF of at least 15 that contains Cocoa Butter. Not recommended by those with nut allergies.

Cold Pressed/Unrefined
Jojoba oil comes from the beans of the shrub like plant, simmondsia chinensis. I use the highest grade certified organic, cold pressed oil (actually a liquid plant wax). It is bright and golden in color and is regarded as the most favored in the carrier oil family because of its advanced molecular stability. Also makes a great scalp cleanser for the hair, and is equally wonderful for the skin because it has absorption properties that are similar to our skins own sebum It is very penetrating, moisturizing & hydrating for our skin. It helps reduce stretch marks and wrinkles, lightens and heals scars, acts as a humectant by creating a protective film barrier over the skin that seals in moisture, returns the skin to its natural pH balance and dissolves clogged pores.

Sweet Almond Oil - Excellent as a massage oil, this luxurious oil is also wonderful in soap. Sweet Almond Oil is renowned for its rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids which help to give it unequalled penetrating and restructuring properties. This oil also makes an unparalleled carrier for salt (for use in salt scrubs). On a side note, it's also a good oil for stir fry (as it has a very high flashpoint and is cholesterol free).

Tamanu Oil is an incredible oil! Thousands of years ago, the natives of Tahiti found a large, strange tree growing near the ocean. They soon found that the dried nuts from this tree, which they name the "ati" tree, contained a special oil that they used to help protect their skin from the hot sun, humidity and sea winds. There is a very small supply of Tamanu oil in the world because of the small growing area. It takes a full 100 kilograms of Tamanu fruit (which is the annual production of one adult tree) to make just 5 kilograms of cold pressed Tamanu oil. Reputed uses by the people of Tahiti are wide and varied - from burns, to insect bites, to stretch marks this oil is truly multi faceted. Use it in soap up to 5% or as a massage oil - the uses are endless! As with any nut based oil, people with allergies to nuts of any kind should not use Tamanu Oil.

Meadowfoam Oil is pressed from the seeds of Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), a plant which received its name because of its resemblance while in bloom to the white foam blowing on the ocean. Meadowfoam is native to northern California, southern Oregon, Vancouver Island, and British Columbia. It has proven to be invaluable in the body care and cosmetic industries, and is also being studied for pharmaceutical and industrial use.

Meadowfoam oil contains over 98% long-chain fatty acids, and also has higher quality triglyceride levels when compared to other vegetable oils. In addition, it has three long chain fatty acids that were previously unknown before its discovery. It also has amazing moisturizing and rejuvenating capabilities, is very stable, and may be utilized for many different purposes.

Meadowfoam oil in your natural body care recipes because of its outstanding qualities. It is widely used in cosmetic and hair care products because it is moisturizing, extremely stable, 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. It is a key ingredient in many different products such as massage oils and lotions, facial creams, sunblock, hair and scalp products, cosmetics, body lotions, and shaving creams. In hair care products, it will add shine and moisture to the hair, and will remedy dry or damaged hair. 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
• Rejuvenates and adds shine to hair
• Ultra-violet protection (sunscreen applications)
• Non-greasy feeling, soaks into the skin easily
• Reduces wrinkles and signs of aging
• Blends well with other carrier oils
• Very stable, even under heat and air exposure
• Adheres well to the skin
• Binder, helps products retain their scent longer
• Stability extends product shelf life when combined with less stable ingredients
•  

• Additional Benefits
  Aside from these amazing cosmetic uses, Meadowfoam oil is also beneficial for our environment! It was first developed in the 1970’s, and was introduced as an alternative to sperm whale oil in order to protect the species. The pressed seeds are fed to cattle and other livestock, and are a source of nutrients for these animals. While grown in the field, birds, insects, mice, and other critters, also eat the nutritious seeds. The Meadowfoam plants themselves are a renewable crop, and are usually grown as a rotation crop for grass seed farmers. This eliminates the need to burn the fields in between grass seed plantings, and also provides farmers with additional income. Meadowfoam also requires less fertilizer and pesticides than most crops, assisting farmers and the environment. Scientists at Oregon State University and the US Department of Agriculture, as well as other scientists, are all currently studying Meadowfoam oil, in order to discover new applications for this versatile oil.

  Precautions:  None found, however its use is stated as cosmetic use only.

  NEEM OIL

  Introduction
  Neem Oil has been used medicinally and cosmetically for hundreds of years. Its long term use has made it one of the oldest medicines available today. Used to treat a myriad of diseases and illnesses, Neem Oil is truly a product that has withstood the test of time. The Neem Seed Oil sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is cold-pressed from whole Neem tree nuts (Azadica Indica). It has been blended with 15% organic Olive oil to assist in pourability, as Neem oil alone will solidify at typical room temperatures. It has a very strong odor, dark color, and thick viscosity.

  History
  Neem has been used in India since 2000-4000 BC, and was referred to in ancient Indian texts as "the curer of all ailments". All parts of the Neem tree were used - the leaves, twigs, and oil from the nuts. Neem trees are cherished in India, where they are considered good luck. Since India’s Neem trees were used so extensively, Neem trees were affectionately referred to as "the village pharmacy". Even today, Neem is a key herb used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.

  Medicinal and Cosmetic Use
  Neem is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic. Because of these properties, it is widely deployed in many different toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, hair care products, and skin care products. It is used to treat a wide array of diseases, illnesses, and problems, and is considered a cure-all in India. The oil has moisturizing and regenerative properties, contains Vitamin E, and has essential fatty acids. Scientific research today validates many of the traditional uses of Neem Oil, it is used to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, boost the immune system, and for many specific health problems. It is also used to deter mosquitoes, fleas, flies, ticks, mites, and lice. Among other conditions, Neem Oil has been historically used to treat the following: Malarial fevers, diabetes, urinary problems, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, gingivitis, swollen and bleeding gums, cavity prevention, ringworm, chicken pox, lice, dandruff, burns, wounds, athlete’s foot, sore throat, tiredness, cough, leprosy, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, boils, ulcers, warts, herpes, arthritis, cancer, sprains, AIDS, cold sores, parasites, bed sores, rashes, gangrene, heart disease, gastritis, stomach problems, high blood pressure, sinusitis, hives, snake bites, hypertension, hair loss, heart burn, cholesterol, hangover, shingles, chronic fatigue, headaches, poor circulation, influenza, colds, insomnia, tuberculosis, immune system, indigestion, conjunctivitis, inflammation, urinary stones, candida, kidney problems, wrinkles, eye disorders, yeast infections, earache, hot spots, and nausea.
  Please Note! The Neem oil we offer is labeled on the bottle as "For Cosmetic Use Only" as we do not want to promote its internal use indiscriminately.
  It is suitable for dietary use, but only under the direct supervision of someone qualified in the administration of this substance.

  Neem oil is exceptionally rich and contains a heavy odor. It will need to be diluted accordingly before adding it to your products, and sometime heated to turn it into a pourable liquid. We recommend experimenting in small batches with this oil, so that the odor does not adversely alter your final product. Below are several usages for Neem Oil:

  • Athlete’s foot: Add a few drops to a foot soak, foot powder, or anti-fungal salve recipe.
  • For dandruff and head lice: Massage with Olive or other carrier oil into the hair and scalp. Leave in for one hour, and then shampoo out.
  • In salves-- add a few drops to your healing salve.
  • In soaps-- use with your base oils.
  • Garden pesticide-- Mix with Castille Soap and water, spray onto infested plants as needed. The spray will suffocate soft bodied insects, and will repel other insects.
  • Acne-- mix a small amount into your facial clay and apply to problem spots.
  • Bath-- mix a few drops into the bathwater.
  • Bug repellent: Use in lotion to deter bugs and mosquitoes.
  • Hand soap: Add to liquid hand soap for antibacterial properties.

  Precautions
  Use caution if using internally. Because of Neem Oil’s strength, we recommend that you do additional research before using Neem Oil internally. Children and pregnant or nursing women should not use Neem. Infants have suffered from death as a result of internal use of Neem.
  Long term use of the oil has been linked with liver and kidney dysfunction.
  Large doses of Neem may be toxic. If you are currently on medication, consult with a doctor before using Neem. Not enough studies have been done on drug interactions. Keep away from children and pets.

  Rosehip seed oil

  A rich, amber colored organic oil from the ripened fruit of the famed Rosehip, also known as Rosa Mosquita. This unique oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids and has carried much respect amongst professional journals and organizations as being a great agent in the fight against dry, weathered, and dehydrated skin. It works wonders on scars and is the predominant oil used for treating wrinkles and premature aging. Can be used in all fine skin care recipes.

  Introduction
  Rosehip seed oil is truly an amazing product, which has only recently become recognized by the general public.  This surge in popularity is for a good reason, as it is believed to be the best oil available for anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation.  Numerous scientific studies have also taken place, which have yielded astounding evidence supporting the use of Rosehip Seed oil. 

  The History
  Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of a native rose plant which grows wild in Chile.  The oil has been used by native people in Chile for centuries, and has only been validated by scientists fairly recently.  The first major confirmation of its capabilities came in 1983, when the University of Santiago conducted research on 180 individuals.  These tests studied people with extensive facial scarring, acne scarring, deep wrinkles, UV damage, radiation damage, burn scars, surgical scars, premature aging, dermatitis, and other skin related problems.  In these tests, rosehip seed oil regenerated the skin, reduced scars and wrinkles, prevented the advancement of wrinkles and aging, and helped skin to regain its natural color and tone.  Since this time, other universities and labs have also completed studies, also yielding positive results.  Another well-known study in 1988 was conducted on twenty women between the ages of 25-35 with extensive premature aging to their skin.  Their skin was wrinkled, and had sun spots from overexposure to the sun.  After four months of applying rosehip seed oil daily, their wrinkles and sun spots had almost completely disappeared, and the skin had a fresher and healthier look.  Today, rosehip seed oil is exported around the world, and is used by the medical community, as well as in fine facial and cosmetic care products.

  Benefits
  Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase.  This results in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin with greater elasticity.  Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which further promotes healthy skin.  In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, which are important skin nutrients.  Rosehip seed oil has been used successfully to treat the following skin problems:

• Stretch marks
• UV damage from overexposure to the sun
• Scars from surgery, burns, and acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Wrinkles and premature skin aging
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Dermatitis
• Burns, including those from radiation and sunburns
• Age spots
• Brittle nails
• Dry and damaged hair

Directions for Use
Rosehip seed oil is considered a “dry” oil, meaning that it soaks into the skin easily, and does not leave a greasy residue.  It is a wonderful hydrator, and penetrates dry or damaged skin immediately.  This oil may be used straight from the bottle as a moisturizer, or can be incorporated into a cream, lotion, facial oil, or massage oil.  Because it is so gentle, rosehip seed oil may be used undiluted on the skin, even on sensitive skin.  Rosehip seed oil is a safe, inexpensive, effective, and non-invasive product for preventing and healing damaged skin. 

Caution: 
Recommended for external use only.
Rosehip seed oil is not recommended for use on acne, or on very oily skin.

Macadamia Nut Butter/Oil
This fine oil comes from the pressed nuts of the Macadamia tree. It is a priceless delight for the skin and has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available.
It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and closely resembles sebum (the oil naturally produced by ones skin to help protect it). Macadamia oil is a fabulous, protective oil with a high absorption rate and has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations.

Panthenol (AKA - Pro-Vitamin B5):This vitamin is like a “wonder drug”! It aids in soothing, repairing, restoring & enhances healing for hair, skin & nails. It provides long lasting moisturization and has tremendous penetrating capabilities. It is converted to a Vitamin B complex and Vitamin F which assists in collagen repair and decreases fine lines & wrinkles. It also aids in thickening the hair, reduces inflammation on the skin & increases natural nail flexibility! We told you it was a “wonder drug!”

Vegetable Glycerin: is a wonderful humectant for the skin. It aids by maintaining the moisture level in the skin by drawing moisture from the air.

Silk Protein - is a free amino acid that has been derived from pure silk fibers. It is easily absorbed and penetrates deep into the skin forming a moisture retentive film as well as enhancing the feel.This silky, lustrous ingredient  imparts oil absorption, improves leveling and accentuates application characteristics. It enhances the feel and adhesion properties of these preparations and provides skin with a silky, lustrous appearance. The silk peptides provide the healing of the skin and quickens the healing of surface injury to the skin: therfore preventing chapping or aiding with the healing of chapped skin which reduces skin wrinkling and helps prevent skin damage from dust, paint, acid, alkali and other chemicals.

Tocopherol Acetate or Vitamin E: is a major antioxidant nutrient which retards cellular aging due to oxidation. When applied to the skin it neutralizes free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system, helps maintain soft & supple skin, aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing.

Xtra Virgin Olive Oil contains  Omega 9 fatty acids. It also provides us with vitamins A, D & E. The oil contains MUFA's (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) & PUFA's (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). These two types of fatty acids help to produce optimal health and aid in the strengthening of the body's immune system. Vitamin A is renowned for aiding the body with good eyesight, skin and physical growth. It is also an antioxidant which disposes of free radicals that can cause aging. Vitamin D is essential for aiding the body in the absorption and proper use of calcium from food and supplements.

VenaSilk: Naturally derived from oat flour. VenaSilk™ provides unique characteristics to hair and skin care formulations. In skin care, VenaSilk™ imparts a luxurious emolliency and silky feel to lotions and creams and also provides added stability and viscosity. In hair care, VenaSilk™ provides surfactant based systems with stability and a silky, clean feel. INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Oat Flour:- (Hydrolyzed Oats is a naturally derived, soluble form of hydrolyzed whole oats. Hydrolyzed Oats contain both oligosaccharides and protein. This novel skin care ingredient can be used to improve the feel properties of creams and lotions and imparts a soft, cushiony feel on the skin, giving it a near-velvet smoothness after drying. Studies have shown that hydrolyzed oats retain significantly more moisture no matter what the humidity, and gain up to 50% more moisture at relative low humidity when extra moisture is most needed.)

Natramulse: Natural Source self-emulsifier for oil in water emulsions. This system is based on vegetable derived lactylates, which are conditioning to both hair and skin. The anionic lactylates are produced by a reaction between the acyl group of fatty acids and lactic acid. Lactic acid and fatty acids are natural moisturizing factor (NMF) constituents that are found in the skin. The lactylates are excellent viscosity enhancers, stabilizers, and conditioners. NatraMulse™ is a complete, balanced and highly desirable emulsification system. When used in lotions and creams, it will provide a soft, conditioned, talc-like feel to skin.

INCI Name: Glyceryl Stearate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

INCI Name: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (and) Calendula officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract (and) Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract (and) Rosa (Rose) Flower Extract (and) Salix alba (White Willow) Bark Extract (and) Trifolium pretense (Red Clover) Flower Extract (and) Sambucus nigra (Elder) Flower Extract (and).