CARRIER OILS:
Marula Oil – Organic unrefined marula oil is one of the most prized oils on the market for skincare formulations. It has a clear, pale, yellowish-brown color and a pleasant nutty aroma. As far as its composition is concerned, it is very rich in oleic acid (69%) much like moringa and olive oils. It also contains palmitic acid (16%), linoleic acid (9%), palmitoleic acid (4%), and stearic acid (2%). Amazingly also, the marula fruit has an extremely high concentration of vitamin C, surpassing that of lemon, orange, and mango! Concerning the benefits of using marula oil, marula oil has been found in studies to significantly improve skin hydration, smoothness, and radiance and decrease transepidermal water loss. Its ability to improve skin hydration and smoothness is due in most part to its high oleic acid content; oleic acid is an emollient that is rapidly absorbed by the skin and very hydrating. The brightening effect provided by marula oil is also due to oleic acid which also helps to promote radiance, and importantly, vitamin C, which gently exfoliates the skin of dead cells to produce a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Research also suggests that marula oil is non-irritating and has a very high spread value (i.e., it migrates easily beyond where it was applied), making it very good as a massage oil and face/neck serum.
Rosehip Seed Oil – Organic unrefined rosehip seed oil is a “dry” or fast-absorbing oil with a beautiful reddish orange hue. Studies on the composition of rosehip seed oil suggest that it is rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), carotenoids (including beta-carotene/Vitamin A and lycopene), vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), essential fatty acids (EFAs, such as linoleic and linolenic acids), and phytosterols. The vitamin C in rosehip seed oil gently sloughs away dead skin cells to promote a brighter, more youthful, and even-toned skin; it also encourages the production of collagen which works to lift and tighten the skin. The vitamin A content of rosehip seed oil works to diminish signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging; also, it works in concert with vitamin E to provide photoprotection and photoaging prevention by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced damage. Finally, rosehip seed oil’s high concentration of PUFAs, EFAs, and vitamin E help to protect against inflammation and thus alleviate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and neurodermatitis; they also combine with water molecules in the skin to act as a water barrier and to reduce trans-epidermal water loss which is a necessary function to keep the skin well-hydrated and supple.
Sea Buckthorn Oil – Organic unrefined sea buckthorn oil is an incredibly healing, regenerative, and fast-penetrating oil with a deep reddish orange color. It contains numerous bioactive ingredients including unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, 6, 7), flavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and phytosterols which make it an exceptional addition to reparative and antiaging skincare products. The omegas 3, 6, and 7 in sea buckthorn oil work synergistically to encourage skin cell regeneration, reduce trans-epidermal water loss (thus keeping skin hydrated and supple), reduce inflammation induced by UV radiation, and accelerate the healing of burns and wounds. Topical application of sea buckthorn oil also helps to improve blood circulation, skin oxygenation, and collagen production which work to liven up, tighten, and repair aging skin. The antioxidants present in sea buckthorn oil (vitamin A, C, E, and K) also promote anti-aging: vitamin A works to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging; vitamin C, which is 15 times higher in sea buckthorn oil than in oranges, helps to gently exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, even skin tone, and protect against harmful UVA and UVB radiation; vitamin E encourages moisture retention and provides UV filtration; and vitamin K helps to suppress pigmentation, improve dark spots, and assist the healing of wounds. Finally, the phytosterols in sea buckthorn oil also support anti-aging by promoting skin barrier recovery; a healthy skin barrier is necessary to prevent the penetration of environmental toxins and water loss from skin.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
Lemon Peel Essential Oil – Lemon peel essential oil is astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Its astringent properties make it effective at exfoliating the skin and refining and brightening complexion.
Peppermint Japanese Essential Oil – Peppermint japanese essential oil is antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It cools and detoxifies the skin, calms irritation, and balances oil production.
