Solids
Solids, for our purposes, includes nut extracts (commonly known vegetable butters) and beeswax, for these items are all solid at room temperature. Nut extracts are extremely healthy fat based products derived from nuts, including Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil. These saturated fats are highly effective in healing dry skin and lips because they are easily absorbed and have the ability to remain on the surface of the skin for hours. Beeswax has similar properties to the nut extracts but with a higher melting point, making it ideal for creating firm and solid products. One important factor to consider in using these (or any) ingredients in facial products is their comedogenic factor. The higher the comedogenic factor the more easily it is absorbed into the pores and, potentially, lead to outbreaks. A lower comedogenic factor indicates the ingredient is better suited for facial products, especially important to those with more oily skin types or prone to acne breakouts. The highest quality solids are the least refined and therefore retain a greater amount of their inherent properties, these solids also have a stronger natural odor, which is generally ranges from sweet to nutty. These odors may take some time to get used to if you are new to unrefined products but well worth the benefits they impart. The following is a summery for some of our core solids.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao)
Extracted from the cocoa beans native to Central and South America, it has been used for centuries to make all natural skin moisturizers. This emollient remains on the surface of the skin and lips longer than commercially available products. Many commercial products are designed to be absorbed quickly, which can also be very drying. Cocoa butter contains antioxidants, which can lead to improved skin elasticity and skin tone has well as greater hydration. Substantial benefits for the skin from a single product with no additional additives, however, it has a higher comedogenic rating, therefore, is not optimal as a facial moisturizer as it is more likely to clog pores, but many use it sparingly around the eyes given its substantial anti-aging properties. Pure un-deodorized cocoa butter has a strong odor similar to chocolate.
Extracted from the cocoa beans native to Central and South America, it has been used for centuries to make all natural skin moisturizers. This emollient remains on the surface of the skin and lips longer than commercially available products. Many commercial products are designed to be absorbed quickly, which can also be very drying. Cocoa butter contains antioxidants, which can lead to improved skin elasticity and skin tone has well as greater hydration. Substantial benefits for the skin from a single product with no additional additives, however, it has a higher comedogenic rating, therefore, is not optimal as a facial moisturizer as it is more likely to clog pores, but many use it sparingly around the eyes given its substantial anti-aging properties. Pure un-deodorized cocoa butter has a strong odor similar to chocolate.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
Extracted from the nut of the sacred African shea tree, shea has long been used in African culture for cooking and medicinal purposes. Rich in vitamins A and E, it is an amazingly hydrating emollient improving skin elasticity with anti-inflammatory and sun-blocking properties. It is also believed to be a collagen production booster (a factor in anti-aging), reduces the appearance of acne scars, and fight off infections. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for skin, face, hair and scalp, and an ideal protectant from the harsh elements of sun, wind, and cold. Best of all, shea butter is non-comedogenic, making it the ideal solid and fat containing ingredient for facial moisturizers. Pure un-deodoraized shea is an amazing emollient but it has a strong natural odor, almost medicinal, but well worth it.
Extracted from the nut of the sacred African shea tree, shea has long been used in African culture for cooking and medicinal purposes. Rich in vitamins A and E, it is an amazingly hydrating emollient improving skin elasticity with anti-inflammatory and sun-blocking properties. It is also believed to be a collagen production booster (a factor in anti-aging), reduces the appearance of acne scars, and fight off infections. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for skin, face, hair and scalp, and an ideal protectant from the harsh elements of sun, wind, and cold. Best of all, shea butter is non-comedogenic, making it the ideal solid and fat containing ingredient for facial moisturizers. Pure un-deodoraized shea is an amazing emollient but it has a strong natural odor, almost medicinal, but well worth it.
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)
More than just a fad product, coconut oil has long been a staple to native tropical cultures, dating back thousands of years. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals and promotes anti-aging as well as being high in vitamin E, an excellent hair and skin strengthener, and contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties known for combating acne and blemishes. Coconut oil has a higher comedogenic factor; therefore, it is not the best option as a facial moisturizer for those with oily skin or prone to acne breakouts.
More than just a fad product, coconut oil has long been a staple to native tropical cultures, dating back thousands of years. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, fights free radicals and promotes anti-aging as well as being high in vitamin E, an excellent hair and skin strengthener, and contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties known for combating acne and blemishes. Coconut oil has a higher comedogenic factor; therefore, it is not the best option as a facial moisturizer for those with oily skin or prone to acne breakouts.
Beeswax (Cera alba)
A pure solid product, beeswax is created naturally by honeybees for protection within the hive as well as honey storage. A natural antioxidant with antimicrobial properties, beeswax can inhibit the growth of bacteria, making it an excellent choice in protecting skin against diaper rash, psoriasis, and eczema. In addition, it's natural ability to lock in moisture makes it an excellent option to moisturize, repair, and protect dry, chapped skin and lips. Beeswax has higher comedogenic factor, therefore, it is not ideal for everyone as a facial ingredient but an excellent option for hair, skin, and nails.
A pure solid product, beeswax is created naturally by honeybees for protection within the hive as well as honey storage. A natural antioxidant with antimicrobial properties, beeswax can inhibit the growth of bacteria, making it an excellent choice in protecting skin against diaper rash, psoriasis, and eczema. In addition, it's natural ability to lock in moisture makes it an excellent option to moisturize, repair, and protect dry, chapped skin and lips. Beeswax has higher comedogenic factor, therefore, it is not ideal for everyone as a facial ingredient but an excellent option for hair, skin, and nails.
