Sunday, December 19, 2010

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Why I use these oils

When designed the formulas for my Hand & Body lotion, and Body Butter, I wanted to choose each oil and butter carefully, considering the qualities it brings to the finished product. So I’d thought I’d share some of my reasons, and a bit of info about the chosen oils and butters!

Hazelnut Oil- An excellent emollient oil, it’s rich in Vit E, potassium, calcium and magnesium! All those vitamins and minerals mean hazelnut oil is highly moisturizing, with some cell regenerative properties. Nice! Hazelnut oil is also high in oleic acid (like olive oil) which means for one that it’s similar in nature to our skin’s sebum. In turn meaning this oil will absorb into the skin readily. Hazelnut also has a high concentration of tannins with gives it a drier feeling on the skin.

Macadamia Nut Oil – Another oil I’ve chosen because it’s high in oleic acid, making it moisturizing and giving us those lovely cell regenerative properties. Macadamia nut oil is also rich in vit E, and has excellent anti inflammatory properties, making it soothing and suitable for sensitive skin.

Kokum Butter – I like to include this butter for several reasons. It has a high melt point, which helps to keep the product stable (ie: not melt). It also thickens up my body butter nicely, without resorting to fillers to accomplish a thick cream. It has nice levels of oleic acid, and absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling.

Mango Butter - Made from mango seeds! Another ingredient I've chosen for its high oleic acid content. Mango butter offers great moisturizing properties, as well as the anti inflammatory and cell regenerative properties that come from the oleic acid. Mango butter is also a great anti oxidant, with a high level of tannins lending it a non greasy, astringent quality. Mango butter also contains something called gallic acid, and has been studied as a burn and wound healer that may prevent infection during the healing process.


I hope I've offered some insight as to what makes a good body butter or lotion!

Thanks for reading!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Why choose handmade soaps and body products?

Handmade soap is an affordable luxury that anyone can indulge in. Handmade soaps are gentle on the skin, in a way store bought soaps can never be. There are no fillers, animal products, chemical additives, or detergents in my soaps.

My handmade lotions and body butters are also made without harsh chemicals, fillers or animal products. Since I make my lotions and body butters from scratch, I choose each ingredient for the unique benefits it can offer the skin.

I always use organic and responsibly sourced oils and butters, as well as organic essential oils, and skin safe fragrances.

Visit my Etsy shop and view my full line of skin pampering products!