Rich in healthy monosaturated fats, vitamins and antioxidants, olive oil is one of the key ingredients for moisturizing and cleansing, to reduce signs of aging, and promote wound healing. This oil contains squalene and Vitamin E, two essential components to absorb and retain moisture. Packed with antioxidants, these compounds can combat oxidative stress, which is associated with skin aging. In addition, olive oil can be used to dissolve oily residue on the skin, including certain makeups like waterproof cosmetics! Finally, this oil has vast amounts of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can contribute to wound healing.

Coconut oil ad butter both provide antimicrobial properties. Composed of many different types of medium chain fatty acids, lauric and capric acids are the top contenders in fighting against bacteria that can cause acne as well as fungal growth on the skin. In addition, the linoleic fatty acid found in coconut oil plays a key role in locking in hydration. Coconut oil and butter is an emollient - it retains the moisture within the skin and with it’s natural antioxidant properties, coconut oil & butter is well known to reduce topical inflammation as well as assist in healing wounds and stretch marks on the skin when used regularly. Many people with eczema and ace prone skin have found reduced rashes and breakouts when using coconut oil & butter products.

High in Vitamins K and E, these antioxidants may help protect skin cells from damage that leads to signs of aging., softens and heals skin, Cocoa butter is super high in fatty acids and helps improve skin elasticity. The high concentration of fatty acids in cocoa butter helps diminish scars and stretch marks as well as reducing rashes due to psoriasis and eczema. Cocoa butter is rich in phytochemicals, naturally occurring plant chemicals that may improve blood flow to the skin and slow skin aging by protecting against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays (with the addition of SPF, cocoa butter should not be used solely as a UV protectant!)

Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, not only can avocado oil regulate skin oil production, it can help keep skin hydrated and reduce the damaging effects of UV radiation and inflammation. Vitamins A, D and E are also found in avocado oil, which provide great nourishing benefits to the skin as well as moisture retention, and new cell generation thanks to the additional potassium and lecithin! This oil is known to promote collagen production and accelerate wound healing as well and rid away dark spots.

Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body that can prevent the onset of wrinkles. Castor oil can reduce swelling and puffiness with the anti-inflammatory properties, as well as ease pain associated with sunburn and peeling. Castor oil is full of healthy fatty acids, which is essential to maintaining good skin health as well as a great source of a cleansing agent as the triglycerides found in castor oil are also helpful in removing dirt from the skin.

Shea butter contains two antioxidants that provide anti-aging properties, including vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that plumps the skin, stimulates collagen production and overall increases cell turnover rate. The majority of vitamin E in shea butter is in the form of alpha-tocopherol, which has the highest antioxidant activity, this helps prevent cellular damage from sun exposure while also boosting moisture. The fatty acids in shea butter can help soften scar tissue and speed up the scar healing process.

Rice bran contains high levels of various forms of vitamins B & E which both have very hydrating and anti-aging properties. Vitamin B is a huge soother, helping with sunburns and rashes, and really penetrates the skin for strength. Vitamin E is amazing on the skin as it offers natural UV protection and soothes for after sun exposure. Ferulic acid, also found in rice bran oil, aids in this protection with its antioxidant properties, repelling and preventing free radical damage. Squalene is another naturally occurring compound in this oil, which helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier. This oil stimulates microcirculation within the skin barrier as well as efficiently retaining moisture, a big role in preventing premature wrinkles.

Not only is coffee a natural exfoliant, it also fights the free radicals naturally produced by the microbes living on your skin, which inevitably cause oxidative stress and aging. It also helps shed dead skin cells with its acidic nature, and can even act as a soothing agent and reduce the appearance of sunspots. The powerful antioxidants and properties of caffeine can not only protect the skin from the sun’s rays, but also inhibit abnormal cell growth as a result from sun exposure. Caffeine also improves circulation on the skin, helping improve skin texture. Regular use of skin products with coffee will give great results (paired with a healthy lifestyle, of course!)

With its highly porous properties, activated charcoal can suck out all the dirt, toxins and other impurities from the skin. This product is very versatile in its effectiveness to address breakouts, dull skin and premature signs of aging. The use of activated charcoal in your bathing routine can also reduce acne.

Kaolin clay is naturally found in soil. helps draw impurities from the skin. Kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil on the skin, so for those who tend to produce more oil than others, finding a soap with kaolin clay is a great solution! While it has the properties to take excess oil away, it is mild enough for the most sensitive skin. Another great benefit of kaolin clay in soap is the smooth, silky feel it lends to the soap bar. Soapmakers like us love to use kaolin clay because it holds the fragrance of the soap for much longer!

Bentonite clay can help to cleanse the skin and remove impurities, while also providing a range of minerals to nourish and support the skin's natural healing processes. This clay naturally contains calcium, magnesium and iron which may contain great benefits to the skin and it’s healing process. In addition, it may have a calming effect on inflamed breakouts all while absorbing excess sebum and bacteria.

Rhassoul clay is rich in magnesium and potassium which may help fight off acne causing bacteria and improve skin elasticity. Rhassoul clay deeply pulls out debris and impurities from the pores, detoxifying while tightening up larger pores. This clay also softens skin and exfoliates dead skin cells. This clay contains silica which aids in the synthesis of collagen, which is key to preserving youthful skin.