The Natural Beauty Workshop

Arabian Fragrance Oils

Photo by Aisha J

We are excited to introduce our new line of Arabian Fragrance Oils at From Nature With Love!  These finely crafted Fragrance Oils posess deep, complex scents, making them ideal for perfumery and fine product formulation.  They would be wonderful for adding delicate scent to creams, lotions, body powders, and other cosmetics.  In perfume Oils, solid perfumes, body mists, or colognes, Arabian Fragrance Oils will truly shine.  Our collection of Arabian Fragrance Oils contains nine unique aromas, each special in its own way.  Take a look at the wide variety of Oils we currently have available.

• Abal: Our Abal Arabian Fragrance Oil has a light but sultry amber aroma. An exotic combination of sweet, fruity and floral notes complete this exquisite fragrance oil.
  
  
• Isra: This rich, musky fragrance oil is named Isra in honor of the legend of the winged horse journey that the Islamic prophet Muhammad took.  Isra Arabian Fragrance Oil combines the rich, grounding aroma of amber and sandalwood with sweet and exotic floral top notes. Isra is both feminine and masculine and can be incorporated into both very gender-specific products as well as unisex formulations.
  
  
• Jannah: In Arabic, Jannah means garden or paradise. Our Jannah Arabian Fragrance Oil is a beautiful floral that is perfectly married with a rich amber fragrance. Hints of citrus complete this stunning fragrance oil.
  
  
• Motia:  Our Motia Arabian Fragrance Oil beautifully captures the fragrance of Motia Attar. This rich fragrance combines the warmth and depth of sandalwood with the sweet and narcotic aroma of fresh jasmine petals. Unlike other jasmine fragrances, Motia Arabian Fragrance Oil is slightly more mellow and more well rounded in aroma.
  
  
• Musk Ghazala:  In Arabic, Ghazala means gazelle.  Musk Ghazala Arabian Fragrance Oil possesses a warm, graceful, exotic musky aroma that is also softly spicy and floral.
  
  
• Rose:  We are very proud to offer this outstanding rose fragrance within our new collection of Arabian Fragrance Oils as it so beautifully captures the aroma of a fragrant, fresh rose. This fragrance also conveys a hint of sandalwood. Unlike Rose Essential Oil or other rose fragrances, Rose Arabian Fragrance Oil is slightly more mellow and more well rounded in aroma.
  
  
• Ruh: In Arabic, Ruh means spirit.  Ruh Arabian Fragrance Oil possesses a very deep, grounding and earthy amber fragrance. Peaking out are lively sweet and floral top notes that help to round out this very unique fragrance.
  
  
• Safa:  Safa means pure in Arabic.  Our Safa Arabian Fragrance Oil possesses a complex, light, sweet, fruity, warming amber aroma against a backdrop of beautifully floral nag champa. Unlike other nag champa fragrances, Safa Arabian Fragrance Oil is slightly more mellow and more well rounded in aroma. 
  
  
• Sandalwood:  Our Sandalwood Arabian Fragrance Oil beautifully captures the fragrance of sandalwood. This soft fragrance is rich, warming, grounding and sweetly woody. Sandalwood is loved by both men and women, and can be incorporated into both very gender-specific products as well as unisex formulations. In comparison with our traditional Sandalwood Fragrance Oil, our Sandalwood Arabian Fragrance Oil is a bit softer and more mellow in aroma.

Since their aromas are very powerful, we recommend diluting them in order to evaluate their aromas properly.  Their complex aromas are likely to become distorted at full strength.  Try diluting a few drops into a teaspoon of plain carrier oil to experience their aroma fully.  In formulations, undiluted Arabian Fragrance Oils can be added at a ratio of 2 - 5%.

For more information on our Arabian Fragrance Oils, visit the Arabian Fragrance Oils product pages on From Nature With Love.

Photo by Mathias Mazzetti

Coconut Oil Recipes

The natural fats derived from this exotic fruit plays a major part in handmade skin care as we know it.  Not only is Coconut Oil one of the most popular soapmaking Oils available, this stable, moisturizing Oil is a common ingredient in hair care, skin care, and bath formulations.

Coconut Oil comes in several varieties that differ in texture, aroma, and appearance.  These varieties are made available by processing the Coconut Fats in different ways.  Standard Coconut Oil goes through a very thorough refining process, which renders the oil virtually odorless and colorless.  The light, moisturizing Oil is perfect for making soap with, due to its exceptional stability, and its ability to produce bubbles and lather when saponified.  Coconut Oil is also an excellent ingredient for use in solid oil formulations such as salves, balms, and butters.  It also takes very well to herbal infusions. Its stability makes it an excellent base for macerated or heat assisted herbal infusions.  Standard Coconut Oil is also available in a USDA Certified Organic Variety.

Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil has a similar texture to standard Coconut Oil, but due to its gentle processing, it retains the delicious aroma of fresh coconut milk, making it a pleasure to use.  In addition to retaining an intense aroma, Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil is attributed with superior moisturizing and restorative abilities. Unlike standard Coconut Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil is made from fresh coconut meat and copra, and refined in an extremely gentle process that uses the lowest temperatures possible.  The result of this careful process is an Oil that is exceptional in aroma, appearance, and benefit.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is yet another variety of Oil made from this versatile plant.  Unlike other Coconut Oils, Fractionated Coconut Oil remains liquid at room temperature, making it useful in softer formulations such as salt scrubs, lotions, or massage oils.  Fractionated Coconut Oil is made through a special process that isolates the medium chain triglycerides, or liquid fractions of Coconut Oil.  These special fractions create an ingredient that is extremely stable, odorless, and totally clear.  Fractionated Coconut Oil is a standard ingredient that is used commonly throughout the skin care industry.  Check your favorite product's label and you may see "Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride", the INCI name for Fractionated Coconut Oil.

We've used these different types of Coconut Oil in many recipes on The Natural Beauty Workshop.  Here are some of our favorites!

• Coconut Sugar Scrub
• Margarita Salt Scrub
• Jasmine & Acai Berry Pomade
• Coco-Lime Bath Cookies
• Warming Massage Bar
• Chocolate Peppermint Bath Bombs
• Rosebud Bath Melts
• Rainbow Sprinkle Bath Tub Cookies
• Bath Tub Whoopie Pies

Egg Oil

Egg Oil?  Really?

It may sound unbelievable, but Egg Oil could just be the next big thing in skin and hair care.  Just think of all the years people have been slathering their heads in mayonnaise.  What they were probably after, though they may not have known it, was cholesterol.  Cholesterol has shown to dramatically affect dry and damaged hair and skin.  Egg Oil has cholesterol in plenty, and because it is protein free, it means that the cholesterol can be readily absorbed into hair and skin.  

Egg Oil also is also rich in essential fatty acids, including two of the most sought after acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6.  It is highly moisturizing and emollient, and some believe that it could even help prevent hair loss.  So how exactly is this wonder oil made?  The process begins with pasteurizing egg yolks, making sure that the resulting oil will be safe for cosmetic use.  The yolks are then filtered, and the oil is solvent extracted.  The end product is a hazy yellow, moderately thick oil rich in cholesterol and fatty acids.

Egg Oil is ideal for use in hair care, as it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture in as it conditions.  Studies also show it to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for dry, damaged, and sensitive skin.  Try using Egg Oil in conditioners, hot oil treatments, masks, balms, body lotions and butters. 

Learn even more about Egg Oil here, at Natural Sourcing.

Deliciously Beautiful, Using Apple Ingredients in Natural Skin Care

We've reached September, and though it may still be quite toasty in some corners of the country, the dwindling temperatures tell us that Autumn is upon us.  I don't know about you, but one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of the Fall is apples.  It must be due to growing up in New England.  Every year my family and friends would make the trek to some nearby orchard to pick our own apples.  These days were played out against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, and a setting of small, twisted trees, laden with brightly colored apples.  For every few picked, one was inevitably bitten into.  The cool, crisp taste of a fresh picked apple is something truly special, a moment that you and your mouth may cherish forever, or at least until next year.  

So it is easy to admit your love for apples.  What may surprise you is their ability to love you back.  Apples contain a bounty of natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that promote beauty.  Whether they are used fresh, or processed into ingredients, apples make pretty.  
When used fresh, apples can help to brighten your skin, giving you a fresher, more lively appearance.  Try pureeing fresh apple in a food processor than adding it to your favorite mask or cleanser recipe.  Apples can also be distilled into teas, herbal infusions, or tonics to create skin birghtening toners or facial wetting agents. 

Apple Cider Vinegar presents a wildly different set of attributes for use in beauty recipes.  This fermented liquid has a knack for balancing the ph of skin and hair.  It is often used in hair rinses and treatments to cleanse buildup from other products, refreshing and rejuvenating tired locks.  Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a regular hair rinse can help with dandruff and irritated scalps.  Some even claim that it can help slow hair loss.  On the skin, it can also be used as a tonic for everything from bruising to acne.  Try using Apple Cider to soothe bug bites, sun burns, or rashes.  

Here are some recipes that include apple ingredients.  Use these as inspiration to create your own apple based skin and hair care products! 

• Apple Granola Face Mask
• Herbal Hair Rinse
• Ayurvedic Hair Rinse
• Rosemary Walnut Shampoo & Vinegar Rinse

Prune (Plum) Kernel Oil

Prune Kernel Oil, also called Plum Kernel Oil, is one of my favorite new additions at From Nature With Love.  Aside from Prune Kernel Oil bursting with skin loving benefits, it posesses a delicate aroma that is quite rare in Carrier Oils.  The sweet, sour, and slightly bitter scent of Prune Kernel would make it a marvelous addition to all natural massage oils, scrubs, or fresh creams.  Though the scent would be unlikely to survive saponification or complex formulation, it would carry very nicely in simple recipes.

To add to its allure, Prune Kernel Oil is as pleasant to use at is to smell.  It contains a huge portion of Oleic Acid, and plenty of Linoleic Acid, making it wonderful for use in mature or dry skin formulations.  It has a relatively light texture, and absorbs into the skin very quickly.  This makes it a great for use in body oils, balms, and butters.  A rich bounty of vitamins A and E top off this amazing ingredient with a nutritive kick.

Coral Calcium

Ethically harvested from fossilized coral in beds that have risen above sea level, Coral Calcium Powder provides a truly unique combination of minerals to skin care products.  Coral Calcium has been finely milled into a very soft powder that can be used as a high power exfoliant in body polishes and scrubs.  It also makes an excellent addition to masks and facials.  Calcium has strong detoxifying properties.  When combined withthe 75 additional minerals in Coral Calcium, it makes an intensley nutrtive addition to almost any type of skin care formulation.  Try adding it to bath products, like bombs, salts, or powders to create spa-like detox baths.   

Pracaxi Oil

A gift from the Amazon, Pracaxi Oil is often used to reduce the appearance of scars.  High in Oleic Acid, Pracaxi Oil also makes an excellent conditioner for both skin and hair.  It is believed to posess healing properties, and may be helpful in the treatment of rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.  This exciting new ingredient can be used in almost any type of formulation, and can help to increase viscosity in creams and lotions.  

Oils of Africa

Africa boasts a long lived tradition of creating skin and hair care recipes from the natural ingredients provided by its rich and varied landscape.  As these ingredients gain popularity in commercial formulations, they have also become readily available to natural skin and hair care artisans, lending a fresh perspective on these traditional ingredients.  

An incredibly popular ingredient for soap making, Avocado Oil is a rich, moisturizing ingredient that is also great for dry skin formulations, and intensive hair treatments.  High in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and fatty acids, Avocado Oil makes a nutritive addition to skin and hair care formulas.  Avocado Oil can be a little heavy, so use it sparingly in light formulations such as facial recipes or massage oils.  Use it liberally in moisturizing soaps, intensive conditioners, and balms. 

Avocado Tree - Photo by Joachim Huber

Baobab Oil is golden in color, with a light, nutty aroma.  It contains a high level of essential fatty acids, as well as a nutritive boost of vitamins A, D, and E.  Baobab Oil is great for moisturizing both skin and hair.  It can help to improve elasticity, regenerate cells, all the while leaving pores clean and clear.  An excellent ingredient for eczema or psoriasis, Baobab Oil continues to be a boon to the natural skin care industry, as it has for centuries in Africa.  

Baobab Tree - Photo taken by Geoff Wilson

Manketti Oil, or Mongongo Oil, is derived from trees that grow throughout the African continent.  The nuts of this tree produce a highly emollient oil that can help protect the skin from harsh winds and dry climates.  It is used in a traditional Kwangali hair oil treatment, and makes an excellent ingredient for moisturizing formulations such as body butters, salves, balms, and ointments. 

Marula Oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutritive African skin care oils.  Marula is a great choice for dry skin formulations.  In addition to being highly moisturizing, it can also help to reduce redness and heal damaged tissue.  Use Marula in healing ointments, balms for chapped skin, moisturizing lotions and soaps.

Marula Fruit - Photo by Sarahemcc

Also known as Behen Oil, Moringa Oil is light in texture, but carries a lot of weight in the world of natural skin care and medicine.  Its potent antioxidants have made Moringa Oil a sought after ingredient, even by ancient cultures.  Today, the oil is popular for use in massage and aromatherapy applications.  It also makes a great addition to light lotions, creams, and body or hair oils.

Moringa Flower - Photo by Ton Rulkens

Papaya Oil is high in Oleic Acid, making it a highly moisturizing oil.  Its moisturizing properties, paired with its light texture make Papaya Oil an ideal ingredient for skin and hair care.  Papaya Oil can be used in almost any kind of formulation.  Use Papaya Oil in light lotions and creams, body scrubs, and hair conditioners or oils.  Papaya Oil also makes a great massage oil.

Lady Selling Papayas - Photo by Elin B

Maracuja (Passion Flower) Oil is an exceptional ingredient for personal care.  It contains a huge amount of Vitamin C, a component not often found in skin care ingredients.  Vitamin C can help to energize skin's appearance, adding an extra punch to facial formulations.  Maracuja is also highly moisturizing and rich in fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorous.  Its light texture makes it extremely versatile. It can be used in facial serums, creams, lotions, lip balms, or even hair care products.  

Maracuja (Passion Flower) by Gilberto Santa Rosa

Kalahari (Watermelon Seed) Oil is also known as Ootonga Oil in Africa.  It has a delightfully light texture while being highly moisturizing, making it a versatile ingredient in both hair and skin care.  Kalahari Seed Oil can help to restore skins elasticity, and is often used in belly oils and balms for expecting mothers.  The oil is also popular for use as an alternative to mineral baby oils.  Kalahari Oil is an excellent conditioner of both the hair and skin.  It is great for use in scrubs, soaps, and light lotions and hair oils.

Yangu Oil, also called Cape Chestnut Oil is a traditional ingredient in African Skin Care.  Generations of African people have used natural Yangu Oil to condition their hair and skin.  It is currently a popular ingredient in cosmetics and bath & body products due to its high content of essential fatty acids.  Yangu Oil may also provide a degree of ultra violet protection.  It makes an excellent ingredient for soaps, lotions, shampoo bars, hair conditioners, or balms.

Try out each of these amazing ingredients with our sampler.  Our Oils of Africa Sampler contains 1 oz. sizes of the following:

• Avocado
• Baobab
• Manketti
• Marula
• Moringa
• Papaya
• Maracuja (Passion Flower)
• Kalahari Melon (Watermelon) Seed
• Yangu (Cape Chestnut)

The Many Faces of Aloe Vera

Aloe, a sturdy succulent that grows in warm climates, is one of the most well known ingredients in natural skin care.  Its cooling, moisturizing properties make it popular in formulations that are meant to soothe, quench, and replenish dry or damaged skin and hair.  It is often found in sunburn treatments, calming masks, and hair gels.  Aloe ingredients are widely varied in texture, solubility, and shelf life.  Here's an overview of popular Aloe ingredients. 

Aloe Vera Gel is the simplest of Aloe ingredients, being plainly juice from the plant.  Contrary to the name, Aloe Vera Gel actually has a consistency closer to water than to jelly.  Aloe Vera Gel makes a great substitue for water in most aqueous formulations.  Try using Aloe Vera Gel in facial masks, lotions, creams, hair gels, hair sprays, rinses, conditioners, and toners.  Aloe Vera Gel has a shelf life of around one year, but like water, it is susceptible to contamination, so treat it with care, and use preservatives accordingly.  

Aloe Moist is a form of Aloe Gel that has been formulated (with the help of additives) into a thick, viscous jelly.  It boasts the similar properties as Aloe Vera Gel, but can be used in s different range of formulations.  It is popular for use in body glitter or cooling gels, hair gels, and fragrance gels.  

Aloe Vera Leaf Powder is dried and pulverized Aloe Leaves.  It is not soluble in water, but makes a nice exfoliant for soaps, scrubs, and facials.  Aloe Vera Leaf Powder can also be used to create oil or water infusions.  

Aloe Vera Butter is a combination of Aloe Extract and Coconut Oil.  This unique ingredient allows the inclusion of Aloe properties into oil based formulations such as body butters, and lip balms.  It can also be used as the oil phase of emulsion formulas such as lotions or creams.  Another great way to use Aloe Butter is in cold process soap making.  Aloe Butter will behave similarly to Coconut Oil in soap, but it does have its own unique SAP value.

Shealoe Butter is made from a combination of Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Juice.  This specially created ingredient has a very unique texture.  Shealoe Butter is light and fluffy, and melts immediately on the skin.  It is a pleasure to use as is, or can be incorporated into a wide range of formulations including scrubs, lotions, body butters and more. 

Aloe Vera Oil is similar in nature to Aloe Vera Butter, as it consists of Aloe Extract and a carrier oil.  In this case, the carrier oil is Soybean.  Aloe Vera Oil can be used in oil based formulas as well as emulsions, and makes a great addition to cold process soaps.  Use Aloe Vera Oil in scrubs, body butters, balms, creams, massage oils, and more. 

Spray Dried Aloe Vera Leaf Powder is a dehydrated form of Aloe Vera Gel.  It comes in two concentrations, 100x and 200x.  It can be added to dry formulations such as milk baths, powders, and facial cleanser mixes, or it can be reconstituted with water, hydrosol, or other aqueous ingredients.  After reconstitution, Spray Dried Aloe Vera Leaf Powder can be used similarly to Aloe Vera Gel.

Buriti Fruit Oil

Buriti Fruit Oil comes from large palms deep in the heart of Brasil.  Locals call the tree, "the tree of life" because its fruit is bursting with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and beta carotene.  The pulpy fruit actually contains so much beta carotene that its oil out ranks even Carrot Seed Oil in richness.  In addition to packing a serious punch of beta carotene, Buriti Fruit Oil has an outstanding ability to moisturize, nourish, and even heal dry or damaged skin.  It is often used in treatments for sun burns or other minor burns.  Its restorative properties also make it a great choice for mature skin formulations, hair conditioners, and lip balms.  Buriti can help to reduce redness and inflammation, increase skin elasticity, and help protect skin and hair from free radical damage.  Buriti makes an excellent skin care ingredient in a wide range of formulas.  Try it in lotions, creams, serums, hair treatments, body butters and lip balms.

Have you tried Buriti Fruit Oil?  Let us know how you've used this exciting ingredient in the comments below.