The apricot tree is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil, most often used in baby skincare products due to it’s incredibly gentle nature.

Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed and refined from the dried kernels of the apricot fruit; light in colour with a pleasant, nutty fragrance. Sought out for its high vitamin E content, and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel.

Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is also high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. Apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation & irritation of eczema and dermatitis.

Argan Oil is a rich source of nourishing skin food with an amazingly diverse range of benefits to the skin. With a wide-range of anti-aging properties shown to decrease wrinkles, and tighten skin. Rich in antioxidants, and ultra-hydrating it penetrates quickly, restoring skin almost immediately.

Argan Oil a non-comedogenic (non pore clogging) oil, making it ideal for blemish problems, combined with it’s natural antiseptic, and bactericide properties…it aids in regulating your skins natural oil. High in vitamin E, it reduces recovery time from acne and surgery, and helps prevent scaring. Argan Oil significantly helps heal skin tissue damage from disorders such as eczema and psoriasis; successfully alliviating infammatory symptoms, redness, inflammation, and moisture loss associated with dry skin.

Reduces wrinkles, tightens, and softens skin, Possesses a sebum-regulating action for oily skin, Significantly hydrates by restoring a natural barrier & neutralizing free-radicals.

Rich, and extremely deep penetrating. Avacado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, E, lecithin, and potassium (“the youth mineral”). Avocado oil is also full of proteins, lecithin, beta-carotene and more than 20% essential, unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids contained are palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic.

High in sterolins (safe plant steroids), reputed to reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. Helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect. Ideal ingredient for dehydrated, sun or climate damaged skin. Highly 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, rich in emollient properties, it’s ideal for mature skins. It also helps to relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema.

Honey another ancient remedy in skincare. Honey is a soft amino-acid exfoliator that’s safe and gentle for the most sensitive skin. A natural anti-inflammatory, it helps heal surface skin wounds quickly, due to the presence of phytochemicals (natural virus, bacteria, and fungus killing properities).

Honey is a natural antiseptic, containing antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria on the surface of skin. Honey not only prevents infections from occurring, but actually accelerates skin healing. The natural sugars present in honey draw moisture from the air doing double-duty as both a humicient (moisturizer), and healing salve.

(Citrus aurantium var. bergamia – Bitter Orange)

Bergamot oil is obtained by cold pressing the peel of the unusual pear-shaped fruit of the bitter orange. The small tree on which the fruit is found, is part of the Rutaceae (citrus) Family and grows in Italy. It should not be confused with Bee Balm that grows in North America and is also commonly called ‘Bergamot’. The wonderful scent of Bergamot is most often associated with ‘Earl Gray’ tea.

A powerful antiseptic, and wound healing remedy, useful in toning the skin, and easing irritation. Strongly antiseptic and excellent for skin infections and inflamation associated with acne,eczema, and psoriasis.

Other than skincare application. Bergamot’s uses are many. The refreshing and uplifting fragrance is a known natural, plant sedative, used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress. A natural analgesic, antiseptic, and antispasmatic oil that fights bacteria as well as virus and fungus infections. Also known as an expectorant, and digestive aid.

Candelilla wax is derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica, from the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a yellowish-brown, hard, brittle and opaque to translucent wax.

Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax: obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian tropical palm tree.

In cometic and skincare formulation…beeswax and the plant waxes help to keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components that require a creamy consistency. These waxes also increase the thickness of the lipid (oil) portion of solid and stick-like products such as lipstick, giving them structure, allowing for a smooth application, and keeping them solid. When used in eye makeup, the waxes stiffen but do not harden the product, and the flexibility and plasticity of the waxes facilitate application.

Carnauba Wax is the hardest of the commercial vegetable waxes. It is a tough, amorphous, lustrous wax that varies in color from dark yellow to brown, green or white. This wax is sometimes called Brazil Wax.

Castor oil, high in triglyceride fatty acids and well known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Topically, Castor oil is very effective in curing skin infections, inflammation, and itching.

A natural remedy for dry skin, triglyceride fatty acids present in Castor oil helps the skin to restore and maintain the skins natural moisture balance, preventing unnecessary dryness. Also helpful in treating and preventing acne.

Cocoa butter (also called cacao butter), is the cream-colored fat extracted from cacao seeds (cocoa beans) and used to add flavor, scent, and smoothness to chocolate, cosmetics, tanning oil, soap, and a multitude of topical lotions and creams.

Cocoa butter has been called the ultimate moisturizer, used to keep skin soft and supple for centuries. It 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. Cocoa butter is often recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. When applied topically, it creates a barrier between sensitive skin and the environment and also helps retain moisture. In addition, cocoa butter 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.

Pregnant women have long used to cocoa butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations as well. Lotions and oils containing cocoa butter are often used in aromatherapy massages to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. Recent 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. Researchers in Japan reported that CMP inhibits the growth of cancerous cells and tumors by reducing active oxygen levels in the body, and concluded that CMP inhibits the oxidation of LDL (good) cholesterol and the production of inflammatory cells; there is some evidence that the CMP in cocoa butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms.

Preliminary research indicates that CMP actually helps suppress excessive T-cell activity in the immune system, which could help treat conditions associated with overactive immune systems, such as psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cocoa butter is found in chocolate of course, and as previously stated, is an ingredient in countless topical preparations. You can also buy pure cocoa butter at pharmacies, health food stores, and from online distributorships. There have been rare cases of sensitive individuals having skin reactions to this substance. If you notice any rash or discomfort, simply discontinue use of this product.

Due to its particular molecular structure, coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin leaving it smooth, silky and with a radiant glow.

For those of you suffering from dry, rough and wrinkled skin, virgin coconut oil is a very good solution as it can also be used on everything from your heels to your scalp, providing lasting moisture and evening out the texture of the skin.

Virgin coconut oil prevents the formation of destructive free radicals. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

• Has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities
• Reduces inflammation and anti-aging properties
• Wrinkle reducer and excellent humectant

Also known as: Fractionated Coconut Oil. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an oily liquid made from coconuts.

In cosmetics it slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It is also used to alter the thickness of liquid products. Chocked full of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) this oil works to kill viruses and bacteria, reduce inflammation, and heal fungus infections.

Derived from dried corn kernels, helps give skin a fresh, dry feeling , soothes irritated skin and leaves it feeling silky and smooth. Also makes a great thickener for creams and lotions. It is the primary ingredient in commercial baby powders. Cornstarch can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive or allergic to corn or corn products

Our Vegetable Emulsifying wax is derived from plant leaves and shrubs, minimally processed with Cetearyl alcohol, a fatty acid made from vegetable sources as well, like palm and coconut oils and derived from a natural source. There are several cheaper versions that are available, although they still rank low on the toxicity list, we have opted touse the most natural one available as of date. Our Vegetable Emulsifying Wax never contains: Polysorbate 60, PEG-150 Stearate, Steareth-20.

Jojoba Esters are commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, due to its remarkable similarity to the natural oils produced by the human skin, and its high oxidative stability. Fully hydrogenated jojoba esters are most often small beads used to exfoliate the skin.

Many studies have been carried out to determine the benefits of using grape seed oil and today, it is used in controlling various health problems like heart diseases, cancer and for regulating the level of blood sugar. Grape seeds contain antioxidants, which protect the body from a number of health problems caused by the free radicals. Besides, this oil is rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Grape seed oil presumably lowers cholesterol, especially the harmful LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, it has been found to increase HDL, a good cholesterol, which reduces risks of coronary diseases. Some studies have shown that grape seed extract may be helpful in checking the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, colon, prostrate and lung. Certain compounds found in grape seed oil are believed to improve vision, flexibility of joints and blood circulation. Many are of the opinion that it can also be effective in reducing the symptoms associated with allergies and asthma, as it suppresses the production of histamine (an amine released by the immune system during allergic reactions).

Grape seed oil is usually colorless with a high smoke point and is widely used in cooking. It can be used in baking, frying, salad dressings, marinades and sauces. It can also be used as an ingredient in making mayonnaise. However, the oil available for cooking is different from the one used for external applications.

Today grape seed oil has found a wide range of applications in the cosmetic industry for its emollient property. It has an astringent property, i.e. it can tighten the skin, and so can be used in toning the skin. Besides this, It can also be used in treating acne and many other skin problems. Grape seed oil contain linoleic acid, an polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is an essential component of the cell membrane. It provides nourishment to the skin and aids in skin repair. It is an important ingredient in many hair care products, lip balms, creams and lotions. It protects the skin from the sun and is used in sunscreen lotions. Besides, grape seed oil has antiseptic and moisturizing properties and is particularly effective for the skin around the eyes. Due to its lightness, it is easily absorbed by the skin.

To sum up, you can use this oil in cooking various dishes or for enhancing your skin. Many researchers believe that most of the health benefits from grapes can be attributed to the seeds. No major side effects of using grape seed oil have been discovered so far. However, people allergic to grapes are advised to avoid any grape seed extract.

Natural grain alcohol is produced from the fermentation process of grains. It is much different from synthetic chemical alcohols and unlike synthetic alcohols, Natural Grain Alcohol is non-abrasive, non-drying and actually helps to retain moisture in the skin and hair. Therefore, it doesn’t leave the hair or skin looking or feeling dry. In our products that require alcohol, we use organic, gluten free grain alcohol, as we respect our consumers with allergy concerns.

Clinical evidence suggests that green tea is packed with health and beauty benefits that you can enjoy whether drinking it or applying directly to your skin. Even the leaves can be used as a gentle exfoliant, guaranteed to give your skin a healthy glow.

Recent research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals – naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalising on its natural benefits.

Hectorite is a type of smectite clay with high levels of sodium and magnesium. It absorbs dirt and oil, stimulates blood flow, and protects skin. Hectorite is detoxifying and purifying, drawing impurities out of the skin and absorbing toxins. The clay has exfoliating properties and can also help reduce the appearance of large pores. Best for oily, combination or normal skin types. However when blended with very moisturizing plant oils it’s beneficial for dry and mature skin types.

The most effective use of peroxide is to destroy anaerobic (means “without oxygen”) bacteria by exposing them to oxygen. Many skin infections are caused by anaerobic bacteria and hydrogen peroxide can be an effective treatment for them. We use a stabilized form of hydrogen peroxide combined with powerful anti-oxidant ingredients. Studies have shown that using stabilized hydrogen peroxide increases oxygen at the cellular level and generates collagen and new skin cells.

Iron Oxides have been used in the coloring of cosmetics since the early 1900s and are used to give not only cosmetics, but any skin product, its color. They are classified into three major color groups: the yellow iron oxide (yellow), colcothar (red), black iron oxide (black).There are 16 Iron Oxides in total and they are all compounds of iron and oxygen. Progress In Health uses the purest and safest iron oxides and minerals available.

When used in cosmetics, Iron Oxides are considered ideal because they are non-toxic, non-bleeding and moisture resistant. This makes them a great additive to cosmetic products such as eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. Iron oxides graded safe for cosmetic use are produced synthetically in order to avoid the inclusion of ferrous or ferric oxides, and impurities normally found in naturally occurring iron oxides.

Safety Measures/Side Effects: Iron Oxides are considered a safe ingredient in the manufacturing of cosmetics and beauty products, in part because of their natural components and in part because of the regulations mentioned above. They are non-toxic and non-irritating, and there are no studies showing them to be allergens,cancerous or irritants.

References: http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/iron-oxides