Ingredient Glossary
Flowers:
Calendula - Offers many benefits for the skin. It is most known for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and wound healing properties. It helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin as well as help to improve skin texture and tone. Its antioxidant protection helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure and is known to help soothe and heal diaper rash.
Chamomile - This flower offers several benefits for your skin because of its anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Chamomile is known to help reduce redness in skin and can be beneficial for skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and acne. It also has been shown to aid in healing minor cuts, wounds and sunburns. The antibacterial properties can help cleanse the skin of bacteria and calm inflammation associated with breakouts.
Roses - Who would have thought that roses have a multitude of skin care benefits including skin hydration, soothing skin irritation and reducing redness. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants and natural oils that assist in moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin. And if that wasn’t enough, roses also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be helpful in dry or acne-prone skin.
Butters:
Coco butter - This butter offers several skincare benefits because of its high moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Coco butter hydrates the skin, improves the elasticity and may reduce the appearance of scars. Additionally, this powerhouse butter is moisturizing for the skin, reduces inflammation and helps to heal damaged skin. Note that when used in skin care, this ingredient is often known to absorb slowly into the skin and can be greasy and thick.
Babassu butter - Although this is not a common ingredient, it offers a great deal of benefits for the skin. It is very emollient, so it helps to soften and smooth the skin by moisturizing it. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be effective for dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin which help to protect the skin from damage. This butter is sometimes used in place of coconut oil for individuals with skin allergens to coconut oil.
Mango butter - Offers numerous benefits for the skin. It is deeply moisturizing and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The real good properties of mango butter is its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria properties. This butter is non-comedogenic, and can be useful with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and sunburns.
Shea butter - A rich emollient butter, excellent for moisturizing and softening dry skin. Rich in vitamins A and E, excellent at skin hydration and can function as a skin barrier which make it good to use during dryer months. Shea butter also assists with reducing scars on your skin. Shea butter is a heavier skin loving product and absorbs slowly into your skin. Shea butter is becoming a great natural substitute for creams and lotions in today's market.
Carrier Oils:
Argan oil - Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, both nutrients good for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. This oil is also known for its antioxidants, soothing and healing properties, assistance in reducing inflammation, and fight acne while potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Argan oil’s antioxidants and fatty acids can also aid in wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Avocado oil - This oil offers deep moisturizing and potential wound healing, anti-aging, and relief from inflammation properties. It is rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that protect and nourish the skin. Avocado oils are often used in our bath products because they are good for dry or irritated skin.
Castor oil - This is an oldie but still oh so good! This ingredient is moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, wound healing and to top it off is good for sensitive or irritated skin. While this ingredient has some great benefits, it should be used with caution and care. Too much can cause an awkward tacky feeling to the skin, and while it is good on sensitive or irritated skin, you should avoid using it alone or on open wounds. A little goes a long way.
Coconut oil - A popular choice for moisturizing, it can help soften and hydrate skin especially for dry skin types. It is packed with fatty acids and antibacterial properties to help keep your skin clear, soothe irritation and potentially protect against infections and harmful UV rays.
Grapeseed oil - This lightweight oil is known for several benefits for the skin because of its composition of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. It can help reduce inflammation, moisturize, improve skin elasticity and is non-comedogenic. Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in grapeseed oil can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Jojoba oil - Similar to coconut oil, jojoba oil is a great moisturizer that also helps to rejuvenate the skin and protect it from environmental stressors. This oil closely resembles the oils in our skin making it a wonderful ingredient for all skin types and is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). This is a great ingredient for both your skin and hair.
Palm oil - Can be rich in vitamin E and contains beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healing the skin and known for moisturizing the skin while leaving it feeling soft and supple. One of the benefits that is most important to Healing Flower skin care is its use as a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Rosehip oil - Rich in vitamin A and fatty acids, it can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help hydrate, brighten and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. It also aids in reducing inflammation and promotes collagen production. And if those aren’t enough benefits, it also has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Compared to other oils, this is a non-greasy oil which absorbs quickly into the skin.
Sunflower oil - Offers numerous benefits for skin health, including moisturizing, antioxidant protection, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. It does not clog pores and is high in vitamin E which helps neutralize free radicals that can damage skin cells. This is a light oil that absorbs quickly and some studies suggest that it can help accelerate wound healing (more research in the area is being done).
Vitamins:
Vitamin C - A powerful antioxidant that can help brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and protect against sun damage. It may also reduce inflammation and can brighten skin complexion.
Vitamin E - Contrary to some beliefs, vitamin E is not a preservative. It is an antioxidant which helps keep other butters and oils from going bad. It is good for moisturizing skin and treating some skin conditions. A little goes a long way in skin care regiments.
Essential Oils:
Frankincense oil - Has many benefits including antibacterial and antiseptic properties, soothes irritated skin, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, rashes and other skin irritants. It helps aid in skin cell turnover and reduces dark spots. It can also help lock in skin moisture and help prevent dryness.
Lavender oil - Offers numerous benefits for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It can help soothe irritation, reduce acne, promote wound healing and may combat signs of aging.
Lemongrass oil - Offers many skin benefits due to its astringent, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. It can help control oil production and minimize pores, fight acne, and protect against environmental damage. Lemongrass also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for preventing skin infections and promoting a healthy complexion.
Rosemary oil - Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It can help combat acne, reduce inflammation, minimize the appearance of fin lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone and hydration. It can also help balance oil production and hydrate the skin, making it beneficial for various skin types.
Tea tree oil - Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also helpful in treating acne and other skin irritants. Adding a few drops of this to your carrier oil and skincare routine can help your skin. However, when using this ingredient remember to use it sparingly, a little goes a long way and too much may irritate your skin. Tea tree oil may also be helpful in soothing insect bites, minor cuts, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
* Note: it is not recommended that essential oils be used by themselves *
Additives:
Aloe vera - Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can help hydrate and moisturize the skin, and can also be used to soothe sunburn or minor cuts. It absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue and has anti-aging properties. Additionally, it also has anti-inflammatory benefits and aids with acne prone skin.
Arrowroot powder - Offers various benefits for skin due to its absorbent, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can also help absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and soothe skin irritations.
Colloidal oats - Binds to your skin and locks in moisture, giving your skin a chance to rehydrate. It also softens your skin and soothes itching. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and moisture retaining properties make it a great ingredient for cleansing skin and reducing redness due to skin irritation.
Kaolin clay - Gently exfoliates, refines pores, absorbs oil and soothes skin. It is particularly useful for oily and acne-prone skin because it draws out impurities and excess oil while also being gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Rose clay - Has a variety of benefits for skincare, particularly for its gentle exfoliating and detoxifying benefits. It can help improve skin tone, reduce signs of aging and calm irritations making it suitable for many skin types.
Epsom salt - Benefits come from its magnesium content and exfoliating benefits assist in soothing inflammation, soothe muscles and gently exfoliate while softening skin.
Pink salt - Mineral-rich composition helps make this detoxifying, skin cleansing and exfoliation ingredient wonderful for a nice soothing soak.
Spinach Powder - Aids in skin detoxification, promotes a healthy and radiant complexion. It is also deeply nourishing and skin hydrating. Its also a rich antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage.
Witch hazel - A natural astringent that can help tone and tighten the skin as well as reduce inflammation.
Glycerin - A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin from the air and from the deeper skin layers to hydrate the skin's surface which helps to improve its softness and smoothness.
Polysorbates - Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, improve product texture and enhance the absorption of active ingredients, and can contribute to the stability of product shelf life.
Humectant - Helps support hydration in skin care.
Waxes:
Bees wax - Acts as a natural moisturizer, protective barrier, and anti-inflammatory agent. It helps hydrate, soften, and protect the skin from environmental damage while potentially aiding in wound healing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Emulsifying wax - This ingredient creates a smooth consistent emulsion like lotions and creams. It is instrumental in enabling the stabilization of oil and water-based skincare products. It improves product texture, making them easier to apply and absorb, while enhancing hydration and providing a silky or powdery feel on the skin.
Recommendations:
Patch testing - When using new products and new ingredients it's a good idea to conduct a patch test before applying the product to your entire face or body.
Skin Care Routines:
Cleansing - using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, and oil from the skins surface preparing it for further treatment.
Exfoliating - Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from your body which prepares your skin for better absorption of moisturizes, vitamins, minerals and essential oils that assist with skin care.
Moisturizing - Hydrates the skin and prevents it from dryness.