Carrier Oils

CARRIER OILS IN PRODUCTS

almond (Prunus dulcis) oil plant-derived This popular light, sweet-smelling oil is an emollient that softens the skin and reduces moisture loss. It contains vitamins A and E, important in skincare, as well as high levels of unsaturated essential fatty acids.
apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) oil plant-derived Used in our moisturisers, this fragrant oil is rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. It is a readily absorbed emollient that improves the texture and health of skin, especially if sensitive, dry or mature.
avocado (Persea gratissima) oil plant-derived Extracted from dried fruit, avocado oil has a heavy texture and is vitamin-, mineral- and fatty-acid rich, so we use it in products for dry and mature skin. It absorbs easily and thus it is a useful base to draw other ingredients into the skin.
borage (Borago officinalis) oil plant-derived Obtained from seeds, borage oil is one of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid, which is important in skincare. The oil keeps skin supple and nourished, especially where skin is dry or ageing. It is also a soothing anti-inflammatory.
castor (Ricinus communis) oil plant-derived Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant. Although the seeds are poisonous due to their ricin content, the extracted oil is ricin-free and therefore not toxic. Sulphated castor oil is water-soluble and therefore makes a good base for essential oils used in the bath.
cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter plant-derived High in saturated fatty acids, cocoa butter is solid at room temperature but melts at body temperature, absorbing easily into the skin. It is traditionally used to smooth wrinkles and stretch marks, and it also helps to thickens products.
coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) plant-derived Coconut oil is a highly saturated fat that is commonly used in cosmetics as a nourishing, thickening base that gives skin a satiny finish. We use it in our cleansers, soaps, shampoos and conditioners for its cleansing, moisturising action.
corn (Zea mays) oil plant-derived Extracted from corn germ, this oil is rich in vitamins A, C and E, lecithin, fatty acids and many minerals. The lecithin contributes to its emollient action, while the other constituents help nourish the skin.
evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil plant-derived Evening primrose oil is found in the plant’s seeds. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which is used by the body to repair and improve the quality of skin tissue. It is moisturising, helping to ease dry and irritated skin.
grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) oil plant-derived Light and odourless, this oil is extracted from grape seeds and makes a neutral base for lotions and body oil blends. Despite being antioxidant- and vitamin-rich, it is mild enough to be used in products suitable for sensitive skin.
hazelnut (Corylus avellana) oil plant-derived Hazelnut oil is a light base oil. It penetrates the skin quickly, stimulating circulation and gently astringing, which can improve the texture and tone of the skin. It gives products a fresh, nutty aroma.
hemp seed (Cannabis sativa) oil plant-derived Although this nutritious oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant it does not have psychoactive constituents. Similar in structure to the skin’s sebum, it is absorbed easily and without greasy residue. It cleanses and softens the skin.
jojoba (Simmondsia sinensis) oil plant-derived Jojoba oil is a liquid wax from the seeds of desert-dwelling jojoba shrubs. Sweetly smelling, it is thick and protective, and therefore used for dry, mature, hardened or sunburnt skin. It is easily absorbed and does not clog pores.
olive (Olea europea) oil plant-derived Obtained from the flesh of the fruit, olives yield a heavy, greenish oil with emollient and anti- inflammatory properties. Olive oil is beneficial for dry skin and wrinkles, especially when combined with other base oils. It is moisturising and soothing.
palm oil (Elaeis guinensis) plant-derived Traditionally used in soap-making due to its natural lather and cleansing properties, palm oil strengthens and moisturises the skin. It contains vitamins A and C, both valuable in skincare. The oil is extracted from the kernel or the fruit.
rosehip (Rosa canina) oil plant-derived Rosehip seed oil, extracted from the seeds within the rosehip, is a vitamin- and antioxidant-rich oil that reduces scar tissue, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. The regenerating properties of the oil improve the condition of skin and reduce effects of premature ageing.
sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil plant-derived A stable oil from the small seeds of the tropical sesame plant, it has antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. It is in Lavender Sun Screen and Sun Protection Lip Balm due to its UV-absorbing capacity. It makes a rich massage oil.
shea nut (Butyrospermum parkii) butter plant-derived Obtained from the nut of the African karite tree, shea butter is high in fatty acids and vitamins A and E.. Although it has a thick texture, it melts at body temperature, enabling it to absorb easily into the skin.
soy (Glycine soja) oil plant-derived Derived from the beans of the soy plant, the oil is rich in lecithin, vitmains, unsaturated fats and protein. It strengthens tissue, as well as nourishing and softening it. The soy oil in our products is not genetically modified.
sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil plant-derived The oil, derived from the seeds, is high in vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin that revitalises the skin and accelerates tissue repair. It is virtually odourless, easy to apply and it blends well with other oil- based ingredients.
wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare) oil plant-derived Extracted from wheatgerm, the oil is very rich due to its high essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is restorative to dry or damaged skin, and it benefits tired muscles, so is useful blended with lighter oils for massage.