Ingredients A to H

We are committed to both sourcing and only using ingredients that are wholesome, natural and 100% free of artificial fragrances and colourants. We use the entire plant; the flower, the buds, the seeds, the stem, the roots, the bark, the leaves and the whole fruit to provide you with nutrient rich vitamins and antioxidants in every one of our goodies.

We purchase our ingredients directly from farming communities and/or partnerships with fair trade and organic suppliers throughout the world, helping to maintain economic independence and cultural survival. We support local businesses, and try our best to source from local organic farmers whenever physically possible.

Our ingredient glossary is not an exhaustive list and will be updated regularly.

Aloe Vera

(Aloe Barbadensis)

Aloe Vera Barbadensis may look like a cactus but actually it's a member of the lily family close cousins to the garlic, onion, and asparagus. Aloe vera is a stemless succulent perennial herb growing from 50 cm for up to 100 cm tall.

It is green or grey-green in colour with some classes exhibiting semi-opaque white spots at the base of the leaves. The leaves are very thick because they have a colourless, mucilaginous gel inside

Aloe Vera contains a veritable cornucopia of nutrition including essential amino acids and protein - the basic building blocks of skin and hair.

Our Aloe Vera is produce of the USA.

Amla

(Emblica Officinalis)
aka: Nelli, Amalaki, Indian Gooseberry, Amla in Hindi , Amalaka in Sanskrit , Amlaki in Bengali, Nellikkai in Kannada, Amala in the Nepali language

What is it?
Amla is the most common ingredient used in Indian medicine and hair care tonics. Amla fruits are also used in the culinary world for pickling, making jams and juices. Amla fruit is a major food source for the wild animals of India like the barking deer, bear and macaque to name a few. The Amla fruit is highly prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its properties and is harvested in the elevated dry deciduous forest region of India. Each Amla berry is picked by hand, left to dry in the sun, then ground by hand into powder form. Amla's dark tan colour is known to add a supple cool brown colour to fair curly hair.
Botanical Facts:
The Amla tree belongs to a tropical plant family called the Phyllanthus of which there are two varieties:
- Emblica - has an unrestricted distribution worldwide.
- Indofischeri Bennet - has a restricted distribution.
Hair Care Benefits:
Known for its cleansing, conditioning and colour enhancing properties Amla has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic hair care.

It is purported to:

Strengthen hair from the roots
Stimulate natural hair growth and reverse abnormal hair loss and/or breakage.
Impart lustre
Prevent premature greying.
Ward off infection and keep dandruff at bay

The native Indian Amla fruit contains the highest natural source of vitamin C, tannic acid, glucose, protein, cellulose and calcium.
Medicinally Amla is beneficial:

As a diuretic and laxative.
An aid for the digestive system
For the treatment of jaundice and coughs
For the Ayurvedic preparation of Triphala (treatment of dysentery and bilousness)
For cleansing wounds, cuts and abrasions (Amla seeds are burnt, oil is pressed from the seeds and applied to effected areas) and the leaves can be used as a mouthwash and for the treatment of sore eyes

Reference Sources:
Winston, David; Maimes, Steven (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press. ISBN 1594771588. Contains a detailed monograph on Emblica officinalis (Amla; Indian gooseberry; Amalaki) as well as a discussion on health benefits.
We've added fresh ground Amla powder to our bubble action Babassu shampoo bars for its excellent conditioning attributes leaving your naturally curly hair glossy, silky and soft.
Our 100% pure, freshly ground Amla powder is produce of India. Harvested by the Soliga community farmers of Southern India.

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

(Cedrus Atlantica)
This soft, sweet, warm balsamic essential oil is part of the Pine family and is extracted by steam distillation from either recently sun dried twigs, wood chips or saw dust.

There are 4 different botanical names for this essential oil:
1. Cedarwood - Atlas (from Morocco)
2. Cedarwood Himalayan
3. Cedarwood Texas (Juniperus Ashei) and Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus Virginiana) - the 2 common types of the United States.
4. Cedar from Lebanon.
When added to butters it increases the ability of the skin and/or scalp to retain water.

Cedarwood Essential Oil is also purported to relieve skin inflammation, dandruff, psoriasis and in some cases eczema.
Our Atlas Cedarwood is produce of Morocco.

Banana Powder

(Musa Sapientum)
When applied topically on the skin and/or scalp Bananas are renowned for their natural moisturising properties as well as an abundant amount of Vitamin B6 (in the form of pyridoxine which performs as a coenzyme supporting healthy skin, hair, and normal tissue cell formation). Bananas contain a natural blend of minerals, vitamins, and natural fruit sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) that contributes to a healthy diet and provides an excellent energy boost to those who require it.

Our humble friend, the Banana, also contains:

Tryptophan, a rich amino acid that is extremely beneficial for both hair and skin.
Potassium, which adds super softening properties.
Vitamins C, A1, B12, folic acid and natural oils and carbohydrates.

Apart from all the skin softening, energy boosting properties bananas smell yummylicious too!
Our community traded 100% pure Banana Powder is produce of the Republic of Ecuador.

Beeswax

(Cera Flava)
A by product of the honey comb.
Beekeepers cut off the wax caps of the honeycomb cell to collect the beeswax. Beeswax varies in colour from yellowish to brownish depending on the flowering sap gathered by the bees and its associated purity. Our beeswax has been collected from the honeycomb and *not* the brood comb. Brood comb beeswax tends to be darker in colour and may contain impurities. This beautiful Somerset beeswax is the finest that I have ever encountered; it has a very fragrant scent, golden-yellow in colour and is perfectly filtered.

Wax - back in the day:
Egyptian artists used beeswax in their paintings by heating the beeswax on an iron plate to keep it liquid. Then they mixed powdered pigments with the liquid beeswax and applied it to canvas. The finished painting melted in the sun's heat and was "burned in" or blended, hence the word encaustic. Romans used beeswax to waterproof walls, beeswax is also used to make mouthpieces for the didgeridoo and by the ancient Egyptian shipbuilders.

Nowadays, beeswax is used as an emulsifier in hair and skin care, for household items and to retain the integrity of the finest woods.

Our beeswax has been organically certified by the Soil Association of the UK and is purchased directly from beekeepers in Zambia.

Bentonite

(Sodium Bentonite)

Quarry mined from untreated, naturally occurring deposits.

Creamy grey in colour with a very fine, velvety texture.
Odourless & Stainless.

Bentonite contains over 70 natural occurring trace minerals like:
Silica- 61.4% (required for strong healthy hair growth and skin tissue regeneration)
Aluminum- 18.1%
Iron- 3.5%
Sodium- 2.3%
Magnesium- 1.7%
Calcium- 0.04%
Titanium- 0.02%
Potassium- 0.01%
Moisture- 7.8%
pH - 8.3 - 9.1

Bentonite has a high percentage of naturally occurring silica & iron than most other naturally occurring clays.
Silica & Iron deficiency may lead to:
• Skin becoming loose and dehydrated
• Lack lustre hair
• Poor bone development
• Brittle nails

Effective & powerful when taken:
• Externally as a poultice, naturally curly Afro hair mask, face and body mud pack, sprinkled in the bath, and/or to reduce swelling.
• Internally as a supplement for those with mineral deficiencies.

What's in it for you?
Bentonite is packed full of minerals like Silica, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Sodium and Magnesium.It can be used in the same way as Tuscan Green Clay.
Once combined with water, bentonite has an enormous surface area that stretches open like a highly porous sponge. The toxins are drawn into these spaces and then eliminated.

How does it do that?

"Clay has a negative electrical attraction for particles that are positively charged. Most of the toxic poisons are positively charged.
These toxins are irresistibly drawn towards the clay. The very minuteness of the particles of Bentonite gives a large surface area in proportion to the volume used, thus enabling it to pick up many times its weight in positively charged particles."

Reference: Robert T. Martin, Ph.D.Mineralogist at Massachusetts's Institute of Technology - an authority on Bentonite.

"Bentonite can absorb pathogenic viruses, aflatoxin (a mold), and pesticides and herbicides including Paraquat and Roundup. The clay is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its multiple surfaces."

Reference: The Canadian Journal of Microbiology (31 [1985], 50-53)

Additional Sources:
Clays and Clay Minerals and The Canadian GeoTechnical Journal "Prediction for swelling characteristics of compacted bentonite" - Hideo Komine, Nobuhide Ogata

Bentonite deposits can be found all over the globe but the largest concentrations are located in the Great Plains area of North America & the mountains of Italy. Bentonite is derived from the deposits of weathered volcanic ash.

Black Pepper Essential Oil

(Piper Nigrum)

Black Pepper Essential Oil has a warm, spicy fresh scent with a slight fiery undertone and is traditionally used:
- In the food and alcohol industries.
- For medicinal purposes.
- As an aphrodisiac.
- To relieve muscular aches and pains.
- To aid circulation
- As a stimulant

Black Pepper Essential Oil has also been used in Chinese medicine for over 4000 years but it doesn't stop there.
The natural antiseptic properties of Black Pepper have been utilised extensively in Greece "for intermittent fever and to fortify the stomach. The mendicant monks of India who cover daily considerable distances on foot swallow 7-9 grains of pepper a day. This gives them remarkable endurance." We use the EU recommended amount of Black Pepper essential oil in our goodies because of its antiseptic properties, ability to retain moisture and restore suppleness to naturally curly hair. While it's stimulating and toning attributes are purported to soothe irritated skin.

Reference Sources:
- p.153 "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" Julia Lawless - 1992
- "Marguerite Maury's Guide to Aromatherapy" - 1989

Our Black Pepper essential oil is produce of India and steam distilled from black coloured pepper corns.

Blueberry Seed Oil

(Vaccinium Corymbosum)
aka: Northern Highbush Blueberry

Blueberry Seed Oil, is naturally cold pressed from wholesome Blueberry seeds with a slight blueberry aroma. It's rich, yet light oil that rejuvenates parched, dull, tired skin and naturally curly hair. Blueberry Seed Oil is an effective treatment for eczema, psoriasis and dry irritated scalp conditions.

Blueberry seed oil also contains two phytochemicals:
i) Anthocyanosides - strengthens collagen tissues.
Collagen is found naturally in the dermis (second layer of the skin), it's responsible for the resilience and elasticity of the skin and scalp tissues.

ii) Flavonoids - "have anti-oxidant activity. Flavonoids are becoming very popular because they have many health promoting effects. Some of the activities attributed to flavonoids include: anti-allergic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral."
Source:
Phytochemicals

So, forget those expensive collagen injections and Botox, save your moolla and treat yourself to our goodies that contain fresh Blueberry seed oil.

Nourishment and nutrients for your skin and hair
Blueberry seed oil is rich in:
Essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (EFAs), Alpha linolenic acid, Tocopherols, Carotenoids, Vitamin C - required for the formation of collagen and capillaries.

Nutrients for natural hair and skin:
vitamin A IU, vitamin A RE, A - carotenoid, A - retinol, A - beta carotene, thiamin - B, riboflavin - B2, niacin - B3, niacin equivalent, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D IU, vitamin D mcg, vitamin E alpha equivalent, vitamin E IU, vitamin E mg, folate, vitamin K and pantothenic acid.

Blueberry seed oil also aids in the absorption of iron and naturally occurring anti-oxidants.

Minerals	Saturated Fats	Mono Fats	Poly Fats	Other Fats	Amino Acids
boron calcium chloride chromium copper fluoride iodine iron magnesium manganese molybdenum phosphorus potassium selenium sodium zinc	16:0 palmitic 0.02 g 18:0 stearic 0.02 g	18:1 oleic	18:2 linoleic	omega 3 fatty acids omega 6 fatty acids	alanine arginine aspartate cystine glutamate glycine histidine isoleucine leucine lysine methionine phenylalanine proline serine threonine tryptophan tyrosine valine

Source:
The World's Healtiest Foods
There is a whole plethora of Blueberry species:
    * Vaccinium koreanum
    * Vaccinium myrsinites (Evergreen Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium boreale (Northern Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium caesariense (New Jersey Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium corymbosum (Northern Highbush Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium darrowii (Southern Highbush Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium elliottii (Elliott Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium formosum (southern blueberry)
    * Vaccinium fuscatum (Black Highbush Blueberry; syn. V. atrococcum)
    * Vaccinium hirsutum (Hairy-fruited Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium myrtilloides (Canadian Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium pallidum (Dryland Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium simulatum (Upland Highbush Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium tenellum (Southern Blueberry)
    * Vaccinium virgatum (Rabbiteye Blueberry; syn. V. ashei)
Source:
Wiki
References Sources:

Our fresh Blueberry Seed Oil is produce of the United States of America.

BTMS

(Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol)
A natural and mild detangling ingredient derived from Rape Seed (Canola) oil.
Our BTMS is produce of the United States of America

Cacao/Cocoa Butter/Cocoa Solids/Cocoa Powder

(Theobroma Cacao)

Once the Cacao Pod is ripe the beans are extracted, sun dried, the husk separated from the nib and ground into Cocoa liquor.

The Cocoa liquor contains approx. 53% Cocoa Butter and 47% Cocoa Solids. Cocoa liquor is compressed to obtain Cocoa butter and/or Cocoa solids. (Note: Cocoa liquor contains NO alcohol).

Our Unrefined Black Cocoa Butter is created straight after the cocoa pod has germinated. The beans within the pod are roasted and the roots and shoots carbonised to create the dark colour. Black Cocoa Butter is not really black, but more a dark, rich chocolate brown. It's non greasy with a decadent chocolate scent which is velvety smooth - it literally sinks right into your skin and hair.

To make Cocoa powder, part of the Cocoa Butter needs to be removed from the Cocoa Liquor. Cocoa in its purest form contains an antioxidant called epicatechin - a major monomeric polyphenols which helps to guard skin cells from free radical damage. The Cocoa used in our Goodies provides moisture and nourishment to your whole body. Cocoa also contains a certain amount of natural caffeine that provides a stimulating effect.

We use a variety of Cocoa in our Goodies:
Certified Organic and Fair Trade Green and Blacks 100% Pure Cocoa Powder (From the Trinitario and Criollo Cocoa Beans of Hispaniola). Fair Trade Unrefined Cocoa Butter from the Indigenous farmers/producers of the Brazilian Amazon. Fair Trade Organic Unrefined Cocoa Butter and Black Cocoa Butter from farming communities in Ghana.

Fair trade means that the co-operatives and suppliers making our ingredients are paid at a fair rate and are provided with a pension plan, vacation, sick pay, family leave and overtime.

Camellia Kissi Oil or Camellia Kissii Oil

(Camellia Kissi)
Camellia Kissi Oil is a clear, viscose, light, non greasy anti-oxidant used for centuries by the Japanese to improve the overall texture of nails, hair, scalp and combination skin.

The oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Camellia Kissi plant, using traditional Japanese methods of extraction. It's easily absorbed, has no detectable odour and gently protects without causing build up. Rich source of plant collagen that helps to prevent keloids and/or unsightly scar tissue - great for stretch marks.
This oil has traditionally been used in Japan for everything from sculpting the hair of the Geisha to cooking tempura.

The Japanese massage Camellia Kissi oil into the scalp and distribute it throughout the hair from root to tip; to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
" "Oshima anko" (women of Oshima) were famous for their long black hair which they bound as "Inbonjiri-maki". They carry water buckets on top of their heads twice per day - in the morning and in the evening. The "Mizu-kumi Anko" (The water dipping women of Oshima) are also a famous tourist attraction. Artist: Masao Maeda 1904-1974"
Source: Nihon Minzoku Zufu - Pictures of Japanese Native Customs

Camellia Kissi oil is rich in Oleic Acid (Omega 9) and as such is a very stable oil that resists rancidity. This emollient of unsaturated fatty acids is important to the formation and maintenance of the skin's lipid barrier. It's the primary oil that we, as humans, produce in our skin glands which is very similar to the natural oil or sebum that is produced in the sebaceous glands. Oleic acids are the most abundant fatty acids found in nature.
Camellia Kissi contains over 85% Oleic acid, even more than that of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (which contains approximately 77%).
The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California in San Francisco, USA published a document titled "Mechanism of oleic acid-induced skin penetration enhancement in vivo in humans" which stated "OA (Oleic Acid) was found to exist in a liquid phase at all levels of the SC (Stratum Corneum) spectroscopically examined."
Our Camellia Kissi Oil is produce of Oshima, Japan.
Note:
Do not confuse Camellia Kissi with other Camellia Oils as there are over 100 different species of Camellia with varying properties for example:
Camellia sinensis Oil aka: Green Tea Oil
Camellia sasanqua aka: Christmas Camellia
Camellia rusticana aka: Snow Camellia
Camellia lutchuensis
Camellia miyagii
Camellia nitidissima
Camellia nokoensis
Camellia oleifera
Camellia parviflora
Camellia pitardii
Camellia polyodonta
Camellia reticulata
Camellia rosiflora
Camellia salicifolia
Camellia saluenensis
Camellia semiserrata
Camellia taliensis
Camellia transnokoensis
Camellia tsaii

Candelilla Wax

(Euphorbia Antisyphillitica/Euphorbia Cerifera)
Comes from the stems of a small evergreen shrub. The cylindrical stems of the Candelilla produce a waxy coating that locks in moisture, which enables the shrub to adapt to the hot arid desert environment.
The method used to extract the wax does not involve any synthetic chemicals or heavy machinery just hot water. The wax is obtained by boiling the stems in water, this allows the wax to lift from the stems and float to the top it is then scooped out and air-dried until it becomes hard.
Candelilla wax is used primarily in the manufacture of chewing gum, rock candy, cosmetics, ointments, furniture polish, lubricants, Cold Process soap making and candle making. It was also used to make vinyl LPs, home insulation and coating for paper. Candelilla Wax is made up of about 29% Esters, 9% Free Acids, 51% Hydrocarbons with the rest made up of plant alcohols and cholesterols. We use Candelilla Wax because it acts as a sunscreen, prevents moisture loss, smoothes and conditions dry skin.
Our Candelilla Wax is produce of Mexico.

Carnauba Wax

(Copernicia Cerifera)

What is it?

Carnauba Wax, also known as Brazil or Palm Wax, is a wax made from the leaves of Copernicia Prunifera. This palm is native to the northeastern Brazilian states of Piauí, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte.

Botanical Facts

Known as the “tree of life”, the Carnauba Tree is indigenous to northeast Brazil.
This fan palm can grow to a height of over 45 feet if left to grow unhindered for 50 years.
The Carnauba Tree features a dense, large crown of round, light green leaves.
The tree only produces wax in Northern Brazil. Trees cultivated in other areas do not produce wax.

Benefits

Carnauba Wax is still used in a variety of ways:

Polish for candy and medicinal pills
Thickening solvents and oils
Hardening printing inks

Medicinally beneficial for:

Allowing skin to breathe

Description

Carnauba Wax is known as the “queen of waxes”. Although most commonly found as hard yellow-brown flakes, the wax can also be green or white. This wax is the hardest commercial vegetable wax available, and is characterized by its tough, amorphous luster. Carnauba Wax is acquired from beating the dried leaves of the Carnauba Palm and collecting the loosened wax.

Application

Applied directly to both skin and hair, Carnauba Wax provides a rich, protective barrier that locks moisture in, whilst still allowing your skin to breathe.

Our carnauba wax is wild harvested from Brazil and expertly crafted with our world class micas creating a concealer formula that is not only effortless to apply, but super long lasting, and 100% sustainable. Beauty innovations like these help bring together the gifts of the rain forest.

Chamomile Powder

(Matricaria Recutita)

A little history for you:
Our Egyptian Chamomile contains an exceptionally high content of essential oils. It was used by ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks to cure a number of ailments.

Benefits:
- A great anti-inflammatory perfect for hypersensitive skin, broken veins and puffiness. - - Strengthens skin and scalp tissue.
- Reduces swelling and pain of the skin and mucous membranes.
(excellent for eczema, skin rashes, acne, excessive acne, rosacea & allergic reactions).
- Brightens highlights in hair when used in a shampoo or as an herbal hair rinse.
- Contains traces of the essential oil called azulene (an analgesic & detoxifier).

Chamomile is a clinically proven anti-allergenic herb that gives off an abundant amount of mucilage, which softens and soothes everything it touches.

Our Chamomile Powder is produce of Egypt.

Chlorella

(Chlorella Vulgaris)

What Is It

Chlorella is a single-celled algae that thrives in fresh water. It has been around for more than 2 billion years and has been known to be the very first form of a plant exhibiting a well-defined nucleus. Its name was derived from the Greek words “chloros” which means green and “ella” which means small. This spherical-shaped algae holds green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and -b in parts of its cell called chloroplast and is 2 to 10 μm in width. Chlorella has the highest concentration of chlorophyll of any plant known to date.

Through a process called photosynthesis and the presence of water, carbon dioxide, minerals and sunlight, chlorella reproduces at an incredible rate. It’s a natural food and energy source that is rich in protein and other key nutrients.

Chlorella Growth Factor

The Chlorella Growth Factor or CGF is a major part of chlorella taken from its nuclei that stimulates growth. It is composed of a nucleotide-peptide complex of substances like amino acids, peptides, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and beta glucans that provides an extra boost and replenishes the body - from head to toe. According to research, CGF is created during the most intense photosynthesis activity in chlorella that allows it to multiply quickly. CGF can only be found in chlorella.

Skin care and Hair care Benefits:

ANTI-AGEING - CGF forms key components of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) also known as the blueprints of life responsible for cellular renewal. The nucleic acid levels decreases and significantly drops upon reaching your early twenties which can lead to inevitable skin aging. It is therefore important to have RNA and DNA supplementation that can be best achieved through CGF based products. CGF promotes rejuvenation and regeneration of the cells in the body improving overall health.

COLLAGEN – Collagen is a protein synthesized by the body that supports and keeps connective tissues together. The body produces low levels of collagen as it gets older which causes decreased joint mobility and the appearance of fine lines. According to clinical studies, expression levels of activity in collagen with the help of CGF increased by 333% when consumed at a concentration of 1%. It has also been found that CGF also protects collagen and elastic fibres from damaging enzymes.

SKIN / SCALP TISSUE REGENERATION – Clinical tests show that chlorella is an excellent firming active ingredient in terms of dermal and epidermal structure and on the epidermal-dermal junction. Any skin care or hair care product that shows 1% dermochlorella (Chlorella Vulgaris Extract) in its ingredient list can assist in improving the firmness and tone of the skin and scalp.

Source: Pierre-Yves Morvan and RomualdVallee, “Effects of Chlorella extract on skin”, Personal Care Magazine, November 2007

Coffee Essential Oil

(Coffea Arabica)
When brewed, coffee has the same 4.5 pH balance as our skin, but it doesn't stop there. Coffee Oil also has antioxidant and anti mutagenic properties that may help to reduce mild skin allergies and calm the scalp. It's a known stimulatant that doubles as a UV filter and helps to retain moisture.

Coffee is derived from Caffa which is a province of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). It was introduced to Arabia in the 15th century and supplied the world's coffee for over two hundred years. It wasn't until the 17th century when the Dutch introduced the humble coffee plant to Batavia. Then in 1714 it was presented to Louis XIV of France. Coffee then found it's way around the world and back again.

The most aromatic coffee beans can be found in:

Columbia
Cuba
Brazil
Africa

The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredient) of Coffee is Coffea Arabica which refers back its roots - Arabia.
Our Coffee Oil is a Fair Trade produce of Brazil.
Fair trade means that the co-operatives and suppliers making our products are paid at a fair rate and are provided with a pension plan, vacation, sick pay, family leave and overtime.

Cucumber Seed Oil

(Cucumis Sativa or Khira)
The refreshingly cool, crisp and clean effects of the aromatic Cucumber Seed Oil is a wonderful addition to our yummylicious hand made hair and skin care goodies.

Cucumber Seed oil is packed full of:
i) Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
ii) Caffeic acid (a powerful antioxidant, phenolic phytochemical and carcinogenic inhibitor)
Source:
Oxford Journals

Cucumber seed oil helps to prevent water retention which in turn reduces swelling under the eyes, inflamed sunburned skin and dermatitis.

The oil of the cucumber seed is an excellent natural source of silica, needed to improve the health and complexion of skin and is purported to strengthen and promote new hair growth. This is due to its naturally high silicon and sulphur content. Silica is a major building block of hair that provides elasticity whilst reducing hair loss and hair breakage.

Scrummy topical benefits of Cucumber:
- Great source of silica required to maintain and improve the complexion and health of skin cell tissues.
- Known for its anti inflammatory, soothing and healing properties.
- Helps to prevent pimples, blackheads and dry skin.
- An excellent skin and hair tonic.
- Brightens dull complexions, to give you glowing skin.
- Purported to remove dark circles from around the eye area.
- Improves dullness of the skin and minimizes the appearance of blotches and age spots.

Nutrients - Cucumbers also contain:
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Chlorine
Fluorine

Brief history:
Cucumbers are available in a variety of colours (from light to dark green), shapes and sizes. The humble Cucumber is believed to originate from Northern India. However, it was held in high regard to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks who used this prized food for trade. Cucumber is now cultivated in most tropical areas around the world including but not limited to India, China, Africa, Central and South America, South East Asia and the Caribbean.
Our 100% pure Cucumber Seed Oil is steam distilled from the seeds of the Cucumber. Our Cucumber Peel Powder (10:1) is taken from the dark green flesh of ripe cucumbers, then air dried and hand ground into a fine powder.

Our Cucumber seed oil and extract are produce of Indonesia.

Golden Jojoba Oil

(Simmondsia Chinensis)
Jojoba is a multi-stemmed evergreen woody shrub that produces male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruit of the female is green with elongated acorn shaped seeds that turn brown and produce the golden liquid wax. Jojoba seeds contain up to 55% oil composed of esters of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and long chain mono-unsaturated alcohols but it's not a fat or oil.

It's an odourless, colourless and very stable light moisturiser that resembles human sebum secretion and discourages blemishes.

Golden Jojoba is an ideal lubricant for skin and hair.

Our Golden Jojoba Oil is produce of Argentina.

Honey

(Miel)
Honey is one of the most naturally hydrating, acid balanced skin and hair food. It's composed of a variety of sugars or glucose (also known as dextrose), lactic acid, beta carotene and trace levels of amino acids, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, sulphur, vitamins and enzymes.
Note:
The nutrients contained within honey are dependent on the nectar that the bees collect.
Honey's humectant properties nourish and moisturises everything it touches. In Thailand honey is used on open wounds to soften the scar tissue and encourage new skin growth. This may be due to the fact that there is a high concentration of sugars in honey that prevents the growth of bacteria on open wounds but it has never been scientifically proven.

Self preserving
The low pH of honey prevents the existence and growth of micro organisms making honey a self preserving natural ingredient.

Honey concerns
i) Honey should not be used on infants under the age of 12 months for fear of infant botulism.
Clostridium bacteria may be one of the causes of infant botulism. This bacteria is said to be found in certain types of foods like honey. Infant botulism may occur in children from the age of six months or under.

ii) If you're allergic to pollen then you may be allergic to honey - a patch test is always recommended.

Well I'll Bee!
All honey bees belong to the Apis gene regardless of whether the bee is from Sunny Africa or Bonny Scotland. Some bees have access to particular areas of fields where only one kind of flower grows.
For example:
- Clover
- Goldenrod
- Heather
- Basswood
- Chamomile
- Lavender
etc...

It is the flowering plant (nectar or plant sap) that gives honey its distinct flavour, colour, extra nourishment and/or individual beneficial properties.
Bees can also create their own blends of honey from various flowering plants in any one particular field.

Bees add a lot of moisture and enzyme compounds to nectar, the sugars of the honey nectar are broken down to form simple sugars - some of which are converted into a naturally occurring acid called glyconic acid (hydroxyacetic acid). This is what gives each particular type of honey its rich distinctiveness and flavour from mild to bland to full on powerful to sickly pungent.
(Note: There are synthetically made gluconic acids available too, so read the label and ask questions if you're unsure).
The colour of the honeys can range from deep black to beige or white. Each of the colours are created in the nectar of the plant, it is then transported back by the bee to the hive, then the bees do their natural stuff by reducing the moisture level. When the honey is darker it means that it has come from a nectar source where the flowering plant produces a darker plant sap.

Types of honey we use:

Runny (liquid extracted) honey

This is when the liquid has been hand squeezed or mechanically extracted out of the entire honeycomb. Then it's strained through a cloth to remove any particles, the actual comb is melted down and sold as beeswax because the comb can not be re-used by the bees once it has been squeezed.
Our Fair Trade runny Honey is Produce of Chile. Fair trade means that the co-operatives and suppliers making our products are paid at a fair rate and are provided with a pension plan, vacation, sick pay, family leave and overtime.
We use this in our Rhassoul Deep Condishes.
The main floral sources of the Chilean Honey we use in our Goodies are native to the Chilean Ulmo Blossom (Eucryphia Cordifolia), together with wildflowers such as Echium, Rosa, Lotus and Quilaya (Quillay). The Ulmo can be identified by its delightfully fragrant backnote, reminiscent of Violets.
Comb honey also called Chunky honey

One particular beekeeper used this method to get combed honey.
She would cut out pieces of the honeycomb, place the pieces in a glass container, then remove the white caps from each cell of the other honeycomb pieces and pour the liquid honey around the honeycomb in the glass container. This would allow the beekeeper to reuse the honey comb so that the bees can fill it up with more honey. This way the same comb is used over and over again.

Cut-comb honey

Sometimes with Acacia honey you will see that the beekeeper has left the cut honey comb in the honey jar - great marketing/selling effect because you can use the comb later for teas, lotion and potion infusions or melt it down and make your own beeswax from it.

Granulated (creamy to white in colour and firm) honey
Basically honey where sugar crystals have formed under a controlled process and then hand blended or churned to a creamy texture. The Organic Clover Creamed Honey comes from the perfumed clover of Actearoa in New Zealand and has been certified Organic by the Soil Association of the United Kingdom.

Each of the hives are managed to organic standards - free from harmful chemical residue. It has a deliciously mild, buttery flavour and smooth texture perfect for our yummy Lippys.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

(Glycine Soja)
This vegan ingredient is created by a chemical process called hydrogenation. A number of hydrogen atoms are added to the Soya Bean Oil this changes its chemical make-up from unsaturated to saturated (or liquid to solid). Soya bean oil is a great source of linoleic acid, protein, minerals, vitamins (A, K and E) and lecithin. We use this ingredient in our Creamy Café Latte.

Our Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is a produce of the United States of America