Olive Oil 

• Olive oil contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols. Antioxidants, when topically applied, may help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light. Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin. 

• Unlike commercial moisturizers that can clog pores and exacerbate current skin conditions, olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin while providing a cleansing effect.

• Because of the many skin benefits olive oil provides, natural skin care products often use olive oil as a key, active ingredient. Olive oil creams, cosmetics, and body lotions are more popular than ever for self-administered skin care because more people are finding that it works better than commercial moisturizers.

Coconut Oil 

• Coconut oil by nature is a refined product, because oil does not grow on a tree. The oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. The fruit’s oil is predominantly made up of saturated fats with a high amount of medium chain fatty acids, with a good percentage of the fatty acid being lauric acid. It contains vitamin E, which is known to protect the skin from free radical damage. 

• Is coconut oil the same as a mineral oil? No. Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut fruit. A mineral oil is an odorless and colorless substance that is made from a non-vegetable (mineral) source, generally from petroleum. Before synthetic oils were invented, mineral oil was used primarily as a mechanical lubricant. Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and it works together with the kidneys to rid the body of toxins. If your skin cannot breathe, it cannot do its job properly, which may affect the health of your body. Slathering mineral oil on your body may be doing more harm than good, as this oil can attract moisture from cells deep in the skin which causes cell renewal to slow, collagen to break down and connective tissue to be damaged. This can cause premature aging.

Soybean Oil 

• Omega-3 fatty acids, which make up 7% of the total fatty acid content in soybean oil, are integral to protecting the cardiovascular system in the role of scraping our “bad” cholesterol, but it also protects cell membranes. This includes the very fragile and dangerous areas of the skin and eyes, both of which are common entrance points for bacteria and other foreign materials. These omega-3s also promote healthier vision by acting as antioxidants and neutralizing free radicals that can cause macular degeneration and cataracts.

• The high vitamin E content in Soybean Oil also acts as a powerful antioxidant while similarly protecting the skin from the damage of free radicals. Vitamin E is directly associated with improving the appearance of blemishes, reducing acne scarring, protecting the skin against sunburn, and stimulating the regrowth of new skin cells to promote healing. Vitamin E is also associated with general antioxidant activity in the rest of the body, which boosts the immune system and helps to eliminate free radicals that cause certain conditions like cancer, premature aging, cognitive disorders, and heart diseases.

Corn Oil 

• Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene which forms vitamin A that is vital for the maintenance of a healthy skin. Vitamin C and lycopene are potential antioxidants that prevent the UV generated free radicals from damaging the skin and increase the production of collagen that assists in the maintenance of smooth skin.

• Corn Oil improves skin functioning because of the presence of linoleic acid and vitamin E in it. Corn oil is a gentle oil and one can use it as base oil for household products like lip balms, salves, creams and night oils. Corn oil is about 59 % linoleic acid and because of it, this oil penetrates quickly into the skin.

Hemp Oil 

• Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They're packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. High in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and omega 3, hemp oil can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. Several studies show that the linoleic acid present in hemp oil can slow down the aging process and fight psoriasis.

• Hemp is the only edible seed that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is eventually converted to the protective hormone prostaglandin PGE1 that regulates the hormonal balance and supports menopausal health.

• Due to its high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, hemp oil has a composition similar to skin lipids, which makes it an excellent natural emollient and moisturizer. It is especially useful for dry, tired or dehydrated skin and nails. It increases the skin elasticity and water retention capacity in tissues.

Organic Shea Butter 

• Shea butter contains plant antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, as well as catechins. The vitamins A and E protect the cells from free radicals and environmental damage. The cinnamic acid esters in the shea fat help in preventing skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

• Shea butter has several derivatives of cinnamic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Research has proved that in addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, lupeol cinnamate found in shea butter prevents the development of tumors. Its anti-inflammatory properties render it beneficial for the improvement of skin conditions.

Lye

• Cold process soap bars are made using a combination of oils or fats and lye. All the caustic qualities of the lye are removed during the saponification process. When the lye interacts with the oils or fats, it creates glycerine.

• Properly made and aged, lye soaps are very safe as effective cleansers. Bar soaps, liquid soaps, laundry and body soaps can all be made with lye.

Ground Oatmeal

• Oats help in the recovery of the eczematous skin by moisturizing, restoring the skin barrier, reducing itching, and regulating inflammation. The gritty nature of oats makes it an excellent scrub for sensitive skins that cannot tolerate the usual exfoliators.

• Due to antioxidant benefits, oats can help in reversing damage caused by UV rays, pollution, harsh chemicals, etc. on your skin. 

• Oats are effective in fighting dull, flaky dryness as they contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water. They form a fine protective film when applied on the skin. The cereal is effective in addressing dry skin symptoms like itching, rashes, scales, and peeling.

Peppermint Leaves 

• Peppermint leaves can help you get smooth and shiny skin and maintain it as well. The nutrients in peppermint leaves help tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity. Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin. B vitamins, riboflavin, and folate, brighten the complexion. These leaves can be powdered in sugar scrubs to have an invigorating effect on the skin.

• Being a natural ingredient, it is a no-side-effect option to all the skin troubles and preferred because of its soothing and cooling effect on the body.

Eucalyptus Oil 

• The oil is largely used for first-aid purposes due to its vast remedial and healing properties. It is used for the treatment of cuts, minor wounds, blisters, and bruises. Application of the oil also heals skin irritation and insect bites. Especially appropriate for skin eruptions and oily complexions, it is also used for acne and chicken pox. 

• Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.

Aloe Vera 

• For a moisturizer that doesn’t leave a greasy film on your face, look no further than Aloe Vera. It softens the skin without clogging pores.

• Aloe is most commonly used as a topical treatment for cuts, burns and other wounds – and with good reason. A review of four experimental studies found that Aloe Vera may reduce the healing time of first or second degree burns by almost nine days, when compared to the control groups.

• As it is rich in vitamins C and E and beta carotene (a pre-cursor to vitamin A), Aloe may have some anti-aging qualities. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and its ability to lighten blemishes, also help it take years off your face.

• Its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties protect the skin from bacteria and other pathogens which lead to infection and inflammation. It contains substances – gibberellins and polysaccharides –  that stimulate the growth of new cells, while glycoproteins reduce the inflammation and redness.

Goat's Milk 

• Goat's milk soap delays signs of skin again due to its high content of alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid. Alpha-hydroxy acids break down dead skin cell bonds, removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface and leaving behind new cells on the surface that appear smoother and more youthful.

• Water-based soaps on mainstream supermarket shelves use harsh chemical acids to break down dead skin cells. The lasting effect of chemical acids on the skin is more similar to a chemical "burn." Alpha hydroxyl acids found in goat's milk, work with skin instead of breaking it down and aging it further.

• Goat's milk reduces skin inflammation due to its fat molecule content. The cream present in goat's milk is a moisturizer, soothing dry and damaged skin, possessing an anti-inflammatory effect.

Activated Charcoal

• Because toxins stick to the activated charcoal, it makes a good candidate for a deep cleanser and detoxifier. It’s all-natural and won’t add new chemicals to your skin and hair when you use it. Which means, less for your skin and hair to have negative reactions to.

• Oily skin? Activated charcoal may be just the ingredient you need to balance things out. Used in a cleanser or mask, activated charcoal can pull the unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth. 

•  Activated Charcoal is gentle exfoliation you need. It will also absorb oils and toxins on and below the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment.

• Whether you were stung by a bee or had a cut from the kitchen that’s wound up infected, activated charcoal can help speed the healing and relieve the symptoms. 

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