Shea butter

Shea butter has emollient properties and anti-inflammatory qualities making it suitable for any skin type. It is a natural fat taken from the nut of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea trees are indigenous African trees; mostly growing in West Africa, and parts of Eastern and Central Africa. The tree first bears fruit between 10 to 15 years old and reaches its peak at about 30 to 50 years old. At full maturity, shea nut kernels contain almost 50 percent fat or oil, Shea Butter. There are several unique and profound benefits to shea butter; including

1. Its anti-aging qualities;

2. emollient properties, creamy butter that helps create a seal and allows your skin to remain moisturized for a longer and healthier time

3. it’s chameleon like ability to act as a carrier oil and pair well with other carrier oils, like coconut oil, jojoba, etc.

cocoa butter

Cocoa comes from the cacao tree and grows inside the cacao pod. Research suggests that cocoa butter improves skin elasticity and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Creamy cocoa butter is extracted from the cacao pod or beans by fermenting, drying, roasting, and then pressing them. Similar to other natural moisturizers, cocoa butter is mostly made up of fatty acids. These fats create a protective layer on the skin, sealing in moisture. In many cases, cocoa butter is used to relieve skin dryness from common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

coconut oil

Coconut oil is made up of a medium chain of fatty acids – including, capric, caprylic, linoleic acid and lauric acid. Unrefined coconut oil is said to be the healthiest of all. It is extracted directly from the coconut's flesh and does not contain any preservatives and chemicals that might harm the skin. The natural ingredients in coconut oil include linoleic acid (vitamin F), which helps skin retain moisture, and lauric acid, which contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can reduce candida, fight bacteria, and create a hostile environment for viruses. Almost half of the fat in coconut is made up of lauric acid; known to destroy active bacteria in the stomach, mouth and skin. Interestingly, this acid is also in breast milk. Research shows breast milk helps immunize babies against a variety of infections.

apricot kernel oil

Apricot kernel oil, scientifically known as Prunus armeniaca, is cold pressed from the apricot kernel (e.g. seed, pit). It has high levels of vitamin E, vitamin K, and antioxidants, such as caffeic acid. Some notable health benefits of apricot kernel oil, include its ability to moisturize the skin, protect the hair, reduce symptoms of acne, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. When topically applied, the emollient properties of apricot kernel oil can help exfoliate and moisturize the skin, helping it retain moisture, eliminating dry skin patches, and easing joint pain and stiffness. It is also known to fight acne and lighten the acne scars.

rice bran oil

Rice bran oil is an edible oil [extracted from rice grains] also used in cosmetics; because it is profoundly rich in vitamin E, with an ideal fatty acid balance. It is an antioxidant with the ability to lower cholesterol, boost the immune system, prevent certain types of cancer, improve skin health, promote weight loss, relieve menopausal symptoms, protect heart health, increase cognitive strength, and lower allergic reactions.

jojoba oil

Jojoba is a wax-like substance extracted from the jojoba plant. With high levels of vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, copper, and zinc, jojoba essential oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin and stimulating healing. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, removing signs of aging, such as wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier oil and is great for moisturizing dry to very dry skin and hair. It seeps in and forms a natural layer of oil that locks in moisture.