Coconut Oil - Why We Use It In Our Cosmetics?

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength.

These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.

How is Lauric Acid Used by our body?

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled various references on scientific research done on coconut oil.

Before we move on to the benefits of coconut oil in detail, let us understand its composition.

Composition of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats (Don’t panic! First read to the last word. Your opinion may change), with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin Coconut Oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this.

• The Saturated Fatty Acids: Most of them are Medium Chain Triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric Acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic.
• The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid.
• The Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: Oleic Acid.
• The Poly-phenols: Gallic Acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
• Certain derivatives of fatty acid like Betaines, Ethanolamide, Ethoxylates, Fatty Esters, Fatty Polysorbates, Monoglycerides and Polyol Esters.
• Fatty Chlorides, Fatty Alcohol Sulphate and Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphate, all of which are derivatives of Fatty Alcohols.
• Vitamin-E and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.

  Let us now explore the benefits of coconut oil in detail:

Hair Care:

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. Most of the people in these countries apply coconut oil on their hair daily after bath.

It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.

Skin Care

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin.

It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

Immunity

Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.

It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Healing and Infections

When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.

Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.

Other Benefits

Coconut oil is strongly recommended for other benefits which are given below. Usage of coconut oils mildly helps for the following: Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases as they substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.

• Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.
• Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.
• Stress Relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.
• Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
• Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for development of bones. Thus coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.
• Dental Care: Calcium is an important element present in teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in getting strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay.
• HIV and Cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown indications of the effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients (Reference).

Finally, coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.

Coconut Oil and Alzheimer's Disease: There are reports of  research conducted by Dr. Newport stating that coconut oil is useful for treating Alzheimer's disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge or coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer's. It was also not known traditionally that coconut oil helps in the brain function.

Why is Coconut Oil Solid?: Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point - about 24 to 25 degress Celcius or 76-78 Farenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperatures go high. Hence, if you buy a bottle of coconut oil and find it solid, don't think that there is some problem with it. Coconut oil is like this only. And of course, don't keep it in your refrigerator. How to Use Coconut Oil?: If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or warm water. You can also take some coconut oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (do not use microwave). Then take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember, you need not switch to coconut oil completely, as you will miss the benefits of other oils and dairy products. Article Courtesy of Kiran Patil

Customer Reviews Our Face Cream For Dry Skin

Comments: Hi,

I was given a sample of your naked face cream by a friend, she had spoken to Lisa about my skin problems and had been given a sample pot for me to try.

I have to say it was amazing!! I had tried a few different very natural products on my face after I had a very bad reaction to a facial, but within a few days anything I tried started to burn my face. I was at the point of not even being able to put water on my face as even that felt like it was burning. My skin was bright red and constantly dry and so tight it hurt to open my mouth. I was at desperation point when Deans spoke to Lisa and then arrived on my doorstep at 10 at night with a pot of cream to try! I cant believe how much of a difference it has made. People have noticed how much better my skin is and I have even been asked if I'm pregnant because I'm glowing!

However unfortunately I have now run out and I'm off on holiday on Friday morning!! Am I able to collect buy and collect from you as I don't think I trust the post.

Many thanks.

Katharyn

Cedarwood Essential Oil – Information and Allergens

Cedarwood Essential Oil Description

The luxurious deep woodsy smell of Cedarwood Atlas supplied in a quality Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!
Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica
Plant Part: Wood
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Origin: The Himalayas of India
Description: Cedarwood Himalayan is a tall, evergreen tree up to 50 m high, occasionally more. It grows extensively on the slopes of the Himalayas in northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Colour: Pale yellow green
Consistency: Medium
Note: Base
Aroma Strength:Strong
Blends well with: Blends well with the citrus oils, giving them a base note that very nicely complements them. Also with Rosemary, Chamomile, Eucalyptus and many more.
Aromatic Scent: Cedarwood Himalayan has a dry – woody aroma, slightly camphoraceous, smoky, balsamic. Very subtle with a hint of spice. History: Also called Tibetan Cedarwood. The ancient Egyptians already used this oil, namely to embalm, for cosmetics and perfumery.
Cautions: Non-toxic, non-irritant. Avoid during pregnancy.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage. This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.
Candle Flash Point 100°C
Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%
Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%
Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10% Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5% Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

None one of the safest oils to use for sensitive skin.

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Stephensons Clear SLS Free Melt and Pour Soap Base - Technical Information

Stephensons Clear SLS Free Melt and Pour Soap Base

The Stephenson’s Melt and Pour SLS Free Soap Base is free from the synthetic foam booster SLS. It has the same qualities as the Standard Clear Melt and Pour Base. This Melt & Pour Glycerin Soap base has all Vegetable Oil and contains no alcohol or harmful products to dry your skin! Glycerin, a natural emollient, draws moisture out of the air to benefit skin health. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. And, since they use no heavy animal oils, the soap rinses clean and leaves no soapy film behind. All Stephensons soap bases are produced from the highest quality double distilled and deodorized clear coconut oil, forming luxurious lather and sparkling clarity.

Features

• Highly moisturizing formula
• No artificial colors added
• No animal testing
• 100% Vegetable base
• Biodegradable
• Clear in Colour
• Contains no Sodium Lauryl Sulphate SLS
• Odorless base for a superior fragrance lift
• Neutral pH of approximately 8.0 – 9.0
• Compatible with wide range of fragrances

Top Tip

Ingredients

• Water
• Glycerin
• Sodium Stearate
• Propylene Glycol
• Sorbitol
• Sodium Laurate
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate
• Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
• Sodium Chloride
• Stearic Acid
• Lauric Acid
• Pentasodium Pentetate
• Tetrasodium Etidronate

Our Review

We have found this base to be one of the best generic melt and pour bases out there with sparkling clarity and good foaming.

It does contain a very small amount of SLES but we find it suitable for the most sensitive of skin.

The natural base is the other alternative which contains no synthetic foamer but we really don't like that base. It doesn't leave a nice feeling on the skin and hardly foams.

So unless you have ultra sensitive skin this is a great base to start your adventure into soap making.

Where To Start?

Bergamot Essential Oil - Information and Allergens

Bergamot Essential Oil Description

The citrus spicy floral smell of Bergamot supplied in a quality Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
Plant Part: Fruit Peel
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Origin: Italy Description: The Bergamot tree can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers, and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow.
Colour: Light yellow with a hint of green to yellow with a hint of brown liquid.
Consistency: Thin Note: Middle
Aroma Strength: Medium
Blends well with: Blends well with woody essential oils and strong floral oils to give a good middle note that very nicely complements them. Try Jasmine, Sandalwood and pine plus many more.
Aromatic Scent: The aroma is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality. History: The name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy where the oil was first sold. Cautions: Bergamot Essential Oil can cause severe burns when used on sensitive skin that has been exposed to sunlight due to the high bergaptene content.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage.
This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.
Candle Flash Point 58°C
Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%
Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%
Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10%
Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5%
Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

• CITRAL
  • Inclusion Level: 0.4%
  • CAS Number: 5392-40-5
• LINALOOL
  • Inclusion Level: 40%
  • CAS Number: 78-70-6
• LIMONENE
  • Inclusion Level: 40%
  • CAS Number: 5989-27-5

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Melt and Pour Soap - Making My First Soap

Making your own soaps is not only rewarding but you know exactly the ingredients you have added so no harsh chemicals or parabens.

Soap Making Check-list

First time making melt and pour soap. Ensure you have all you need with our soap making check list.

Melting Your Soap

Cut your soap into small chunks and return to the microwave container. Melt the base slowly on a low setting starting with 40 seconds. Then burst of 10 seconds until all the lumps have gone.
Try to avoid boiling as this will affect the quality of your finished soap.

**SAFETY** Ensure children are supervised when cutting and heating soap.

Colouring Your Soap

You now need to work fast once your soap base has melted. Add your colour a few drops at a time until you reach your desired colour.
Add colour slowly because you can always add more but you cannot remove colour if it gets too deep.

REMEMBER: Only use our cosmetic grade colours and take care handling these colours as they are very concentrated. Protect all clothes and work surfaces.

Add Your Fragrance

Add you cosmetic grade fragrance oil in a general ratio of 5 to 10mls per one kilo of soap base. The intensity of the fragrance is personal choice but in general do not add more than 10mls per kilo. **NOTE** Chocolate, coconut and vanilla can change the colour of your soap.

**NOTE** Chocolate, coconut and vanilla can change the colour of your soap.

Pouring into the Soap Mould

Pour your soap into the mould, letting any air bubbles rise to the top. Lightly spray the top of the soap base with surgical spirits and the bubbles will disappear. Allow the soap to cool for one to two hours then place in the freezer for a few minutes. This helps to release the soap from the base.

Removing The Soap From The Mould

Turn over the mould and press with your middle two fingers to release the soap. Press gently at first gradually increasing the pressure until your soap pops out. It should take around 15 seconds for the soap to release, do not exert sudden pressure on the mould as this can damage the mould.

Wrapping Your Soap

As your soap contains natural glycerine, it will attract moisture from the air so you will need to wrap it in a protective layer. You can either use a shrink wrap machine if you have one to create a see through film. Or use professional waxed paper to wrap your soap which gives it a classy natural look.

Where To Start?

You can either pop along to our shop with your shopping list and select what you need or try our beginners soap making kit which has everything you need except the microwave.

Melt and Pour Soap - What Do I Need?

Making melt and pour soap can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. That is the exciting thing when entering the world of soap and cosmetic making. Quality results can be achieved easily giving you hand crafted beauty items that not only look good but are great for your skin.

Soap Making Checklist

1. A microwave or a stainless steel or glass bowl over a pan of simmering water.
2. A melt and pour soap base.
3. A soap making mould.
4. Your favourite fragrance?
5. A Soap Colour Dye. Your favourite colour?
6. Wrapping for your soap.

Where To Start?

You can either pop along to our shop with your shopping list and select what you need or try our beginners soap making kit which has everything you need except the microwave.

Basil Essential Oil - Information and Allergens

Basil Essential Oil

The refreshing sweet herbaceous scent of Sweet Basil supplied in a quality 10ml Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Plant Part: Leaves & flowers
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Description: An annual Herb, Basil grows 8-20 in, and when in bloom the purple- white flowers appear in clusters, framed by oval pointed green leaves.
Color: Golden yellow with some green tone
Consistency: light
Note: Top
Aroma Strength: Strong
Blends well with: Basil essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Lime, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lemon, Neroli, and Rosemary
Aromatic Scent: Clear, herbaceous and light refreshing with a faint balsamic woody backnote and a lasting sweetness.
History: In Greek its name means ‘royal remedy’ or ‘king’. Beloved culinary plant of Indian, Asian and Mediterranean countries.
Cautions: May irritate sensitive skin. Do not use during pregnancy.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage.
This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.
Candle Flash Point 80°C
Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%
Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%
Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10%
Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5%
Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%
 

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

• EUGENOL
  • Inclusion Level: 0.5%
  • CAS Number: 97-53-0
• LINALOOL
  • Inclusion Level: 1.1%
  • CAS Number: 78-70-6
• LIMONENE
  • Inclusion Level: 1%
  • CAS Number: 5989-27-5

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