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F
Fennel
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Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, essential fatty acids. It
has a smoothing and softening effect on the skin.
Frankincense
- Stimulant to the
skin. Used for incense and as a fixative for scents. Calms the
senses and emotions. Used in soaps, potpourris, body powders,
and bath salts. Scent increases with age.
Fruit Acids
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A group of acids naturally occurring in fruits and herbs, used
in cosmetics to clear and smooth the complexion. Alpha-hydroxy
acids is the patented trade name for fruit acids, which are
synthetically derived in most commercial formulations. (Alpha-hydroxy
acids are now common ingredients in cosmetics, but were
originally used as solvents in cleaning compounds and for
tanning leather.) Use only fruit acids from natural sources
(glycolic, malic, citric, and lactic acids). Individual fruit
acids are used in various products for their exfoliating and
skin revitalizing properties.
Fucus
- A seaweed rich in alginic acid, amino acids, polysaccharides,
minerals and vitamins. Its essential oil is a stimulant and
tonic, often used in massage lotions and some hair and scalp
care products.
G
Geranium Oil
-
A natural cleanser and skin freshener, sometimes also used as a
fragrance.
It has hormonal balancing properties.
Ginger
-
A stimulant, its warming properties are very beneficial to the
skin. Sometimes used as a fragrance. In both powdered and liquid
form, it is an excellent ingredient for bath oils and other
cosmetics.
Glycolic Acid
-
A fruit acid from sugar cane often used as a peeling agent by
dermatologists. (See also Fruit Acids.)
Grain Alcohol
-
(See Natural Grain Alcohol.)
Grape
Seed Oil
- From the Muscrat
raisins. Excellent penetrative properties. Good for oily skin
types, as it doesn't clog pores. Used in skin lotions, creams,
and massage oils.
Green Tea
-
A powerful antioxidant, 20 times stronger than vitamin E.
Helps prevents free radical damage caused by sun exposure and
pollution and protect and revitalize the skin. Used in creams,
lotions and suncare products, it is very soothing and
moisturizing.
Gum Xanthan
-
An herbal gum frequently used as a thickener and binding agent
in creams and lotions, and as a setting agent in hair sprays and
gels. A natural
alternative to synthetic polymers such as PVP, found in most
commercial hair products.
H
Hamamelis Water
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A witch hazel extract, very soothing and cooling to the skin.
Hibiscus Flower
- Contains Vitamin C and is a
good anti-oxidant. Is a natural dye and is used in teas,
infusions for skin care, toners, lotions, and creams.
Hops
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A sedative and skin softener.
Horsetail
-
Often used in conjunction with coltsfoot in hair care
products. High in silicic acid and the sulfur-rich amino acid
cystine. It helps normalize and balance the skin and scalp. Has
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Also beneficial for
nail treatments.
I
Indigofera (Indigo Blue)
-
A safe, natural plant color (deep blue to purple) and skin
freshener.
Inositol
-
Naturally occurring in lecithin, this B vitamin is produced by
the body in greater quantities than any other nutrient.
Essential for cell respiration, it helps maintain scalp health.
(Also see Vitamin B-complex.)
Iodides
-
Compounds containing iodine, naturally occurring in plants that
grow in the sea. Applied topically, it is an excellent cleanser
and refresher.
J
Jasmine
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The essential oil of this aromatic flower, widely used in
aromatherapy for its calming effect. A popular herbal medicine
in China, often used as a natural fragrance in cosmetics and
perfumes.
Jojoba Oil
-
This rich extract helps the jojoba desert plant retain water
during the long summer drought. When used in cosmetic
preparations, it not only acts as a humectant, but actually
creates a protective film over the skin and hair shaft that
helps keep moisture in. Highly effective on dry skin and split
ends. We use only organic jojoba oil in our products.
Juniper Berries
-
Excellent toners, their essential oil is very soothing to the
skin.
K
Kaolin (Mt. Kaolin Clay)
-
A fine, natural clay from Mt. Kaolin, China, known for its
drawing properties. Excellent in deep-cleansing face masks.
Karite Butter
-
(See Shea Butter.)
Kelp
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A seaweed high in iodine and vitamins A, B-complex, C and E. A
skin and scalp nutrient, soothing and toning. |