Ingredients

For centuries healers have treated burns by breaking off the tip of an aloe vera plant and rubbing it against the damaged skin. This plant was used by the peoples of Egypt, Ancient Rome, Greece, India, China for medical purposes many thousands of years ago.

Cleopatra used the gel of the aloe vera plant in her bathwater because her royal physician proclaimed it nature’s most perfect skin cleanser and moisturizer.

A study in the journal Tropical Medicine and International Health found that 83% of psoriasis patients treated with aloe vera extract were cured vs. only 7.7% of those treated with a placebo.

Providing natural collagen stimulation, avocado is wonderful for skin rejuvenation. The oil is rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E as well as beta-carotene, potassium, and lethicin. Sterolins found in avocado oil can reduce blemishes and also heal sun damaged skin.

A study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that a formula containing avocado oil significantly reduced redness in the skins of patients undergoing radiation therapy. 29 In another study, a skin cream containing avocado oil reduced the appearance of wrinkles in menopausal women

Like honey, beeswax is a natural secretion of honeybees. In a study reported in Scientific World Journal, researchers found that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax was effective for treating dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and skin fungal infection.

Beeswax forms a protective barrier against irritants when applied to skin while still allowing the skin to breathe

A fresh, sweet, citrus scent that is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea. Uplifting and relaxing, bergamot is good for building confidence and enhancing your mood.

It has a long history of use for oily and troubled skin.

A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that bergamont oil reduced skin fungus in treated patients by 80%. Link

From the willow tree, famous for its dark brown, ridged bark which is rich in tannins and salicylic acid-like materials it is found primarily in the eastern part of the continent.

A natural source of salicylic acid-like ingredients, willow bark enhances skin cell turnover by promoting exfoliation. This results in a general improvement in the appearance of the skin and a smoothing effect with accompanying reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

In one study, 91% of individuals treated with black willow bark experienced an average reduction in skin redness of 48% within 56 days of application.

Considered the “Queen” of all essential oils, it is also the most costly (at $4600/lb) and rarest (it takes 60,000 petals to produce just one ounce) of oils.

It has the highest oxygen levels of any essential oil, thus making it the most regenerative.

It also contains flavonoids that block the sun’s harmful rays: Research shows that the oil works as a sunscreen, shielding the skin from UV radiation in the range of 270 to 300 nm.

From the willow tree, famous for its dark brown, ridged bark which is rich in tannins and salicylic acid-like materials it is found primarily in the eastern part of the continent.

A natural source of salicylic acid-like ingredients, willow bark enhances skin cell turnover by promoting exfoliation. This results in a general improvement in the appearance of the skin and a smoothing effect with accompanying reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

In one study, 91% of individuals treated with black willow bark experienced an average reduction in skin redness of 48% within 56 days of application.

Carrot seed oil is one of the most rejuvenating and regenerating oils that can be used in skincare. It helps to improve the complexion by removing toxic build-up in the skin and eliminating excess water from the tissue.

Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins B, C, D and E, carrot seed oil improves the complexion of the skin through its strengthening effect on red blood cells, while toning the skin and increasing elasticity and firmness.

In one study, 24 patients getting radiotherapy were treated with a skin cream containing carrot seed oil. The result: a significant decrease in dermatitis.

A PEG-free emulsifier, olivate is derived from olive oil, and combines the properties of olive oil with other naturally derived ingredients.

The ester of cetyl palmitate and palmitic acid, this thickener and emollient helps smooth and condition dry skin while preventing moisture loss.

The ingredients that comprise cetyl palmitate are naturally-occurring fatty acids. It may be derived from animals but can also (and is usually) derived from plants or manufactured synthetically.

The cetyl palmates in Celtic Complexion products are plant derived.

Coconut oil is the best natural source of essential fatty acids, which will give the skin a natural glow. It also prevents the formation of free radicals and can keep the skin from forming unsightly liver spots.

It helps to keep connective tissues strong, which helps to prevent sagging of the skin.

Additionally, it helps to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother.

Comfrey’s use in Chinese traditional medicine spans over 2000 years. Comfrey baths were common during the Middle Ages.

Comfrey is widely known as one of nature’s greatest medicinal herbs; one German study found that wounds topically treated with a 10% preparation of comfrey healed 42% faster than those treated with only 1% comfrey.

A powerful antioxidant which neutralizes free radical damage to the skin.

Free radical damage causes collagen and elastin breakdown which results in wrinkles.

This butter is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the cupuaçu tree, which is native to Brazil and commonly cultivated throughout the Amazonian basin.

Cupuaçu butter contains phytosterols that help regulate the balance and activity of the lipids in the outermost layer of the skin.

Virgin olive oils are those obtained from olives without having been synthetically treated. Olive oil has a large proportion of vitamins A, D, K, and E, which is a key source of protein needed in the fight against free radicals.

This makes olive oil particularly helpful in treating against skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

A clinical study of a baby cream containing olive oil used for 4 weeks on babies found that it smoothes, softens, and moisturizes the skin.

This oil is rich in essential fatty acids, especially gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is part of the omega-6 family of oils. Essential fatty acids are responsible for the structure of the cell membrane and give skin its elasticity and mattress-like “bounce.”

As an antioxidant, primrose is carried deep into the skin, plumping cells and bathing them in vital nutrients. One study found that after 28 days of applying evening primrose oil, individuals had improved skin texture and a 20% reduction in wrinkles

Used for many thousands of years, frankincense – given by the three wise men to Jesus at his birth – has perhaps the greatest association with spiritual practice of any plant on earth. In Egypt, it was used to preserve mummies for thousands of years.

A 2008 clinical study reported in the Journal of Environmental Toxicology found that topical application of frankincense oil to skin reduces the generation of free radicals and prevents damage to skin tissue.

(83% EFA’s) Raspberry seed oil is an excellent free radical scavenger and antioxidant, and a rich source of tocopherol (vitamin E), along with carotenoides (Vitamin A). It is Anti-inflammatory due to high content of alpha linolenic acid (the highest in any fruit seed oil) making it perfect for rosacea-prone skin.

(70% EFA’s) A cold pressed, virgin oil extracted from the seeds or kernels of French Ente plums. Highly moisturizing, quickly absorbed, great for improving skin elasticity and smells divine (almost like almonds – go fiure!)

One of the most widely used botanicals, chamomile has emollient, healing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also contains azulene, which helps to reduce puffiness and cleanses pores of impurities.

Chamomile has great wound healing properties and is used extensively with skin problems such as rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. In an animal study, mice with dermatitis treated with chamomile oil scratched less and had lower serum histamine levels than those not treated.

Grapefruit has a high vitamin C content and is therefore valuable to the immune system. It stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby clearing the body of toxins.

In addition, grapefruit helps to clear congested oily skin and also assists with acne, while toning the skin and tissues.

A study in the International Journal of Applied Science demonstrated grapefruit oil’s ability to fade age spots and brighten skin tone.

From the seeds of grapes cultivated in the Central valley of Chile, this oil is a good source of antioxidants, which trap free radicals generated by skin lipids.

The high concentration of omega 6 fatty acids can alleviate eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

A rich source of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, green tea extract helps repair the effects of aging and environmental factors. The active constituents are the polyphenols and catechins, which are potent antioxidants.

One study found that green tea extract aids in production of sebum, a substance produced by the sebaceous glands produce to keep skin moisturized.

This oil is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and proteins. 35 As an anti-inflammatory, the omega-3 helps reduce skin inflammation and redness.

Hempseed oil also thins skin oil, preventing clogging of pores and blackheads. An animal study found that in mice treated with hempseed oil, the hydroxyproline content of the skin increased.

Not as fragrant as their Bulgarian counterpart, the oil of the Indian rose is still an anti-aging powerhouse. Rich in vital nutrients essential to cell renewal, Indian rose delivers oxygen to the surface of the skin, giving it a rosy glow.

A natural pigment derived from minerals from the earth, iron oxide gives mineral makeup the ability to complete a flawless look in skin.

Jasmine is a delicate flowering plant with a pleasing scent that is often described as intoxicating, sweet, and warm.

It takes about 3.5 million flowers to produce one pound of jasmine essential oil, making it one of the most costly oils to procure.

Jasmine oil tones dry, oily, irritated, and sensitive skin, increases elasticity, and is often used to erase the appearance of stretch marks and reduce scarring.

In an animal study, a herbal preparation with jasmine was shown to reduce the time required for wound healing by 25%.

A natural botanical, jojoba beads are cylindrical-shaped with no hard edges. They release nourishing esters that exfoliate, leaving skin clean, soft, and hydrated.

Jojoba is a perennial woody shrub grown primarily in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Native Americans have long used jojoba oil to help heal sores and wounds.

Jojoba oil contains many important nutrients, such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and the minerals silicon, chromium, copper, and zinc. It also contains a lot of iodine, which helps fight against bacterial and fungal infection.

In one clinical study, individuals with skin lesions applied a clay jojoba oil mask 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. The result: a 54% reduction in lesion count.

Jojoba is a perennial woody shrub grown primarily in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Native Americans have long used jojoba oil to help heal sores and wounds.

Jojoba oil contains many important nutrients, such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and the minerals silicon, chromium, copper, and zinc. It also contains a lot of iodine, which helps fight against bacterial and fungal infection.

In one clinical study, individuals with skin lesions applied a clay jojoba oil mask 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. The result: a 54% reduction in lesion count.

An herb that has been in use for years in traditional Indian medicine, this plant is a type of an aromatic or scented grass native to India that has antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties; prevents and cures skin infection, stops acne breakouts; and soothes broken or inflamed skin.

(70-78% EFA’s) Is a powerful antioxidant that fights environmental aggressors and may reduce the appearance of sun damage and boosts cellular vibrancy (whatever the heck that means – use that phrase at your next party and see the looks you get). Seriously, it means it makes your skin look younger.

A vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen tree which is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics.

This oil has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to aid in the healing of topical skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, and acne.

In a study conducted at the Wad Madani Hospital, 90.3% of subjects with skin lesions were partially or completely healed after treatment with a preparation that included neem oil.

This essential oil helps treat broken veins and capillaries under the skin’s surface, while at the same time it stimulates cell activity and growth which in turn leads to clearer and rejuvenated skin.

Data from multiple clinical trials indicates neroli oil may possess anti-fungal properties.

Peppermint’s main constituent is menthol, which imparts the famous heady, minty aroma and the remarkable “cooling sensation” when tasted or touched. Peppermint oil comprises vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, and copper.

A study in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology suggests that low concentrations of peppermint oil may help prevent chemicals from penetrating the skin.

Rooibos contains a counterpart of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an antioxidant that attacks free radicals and limits their damaging effects on the skin.

In a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, a preparation of tea and rooibos the eased appearance of wrinkles by 10% within 28 days.

Rosemary is a highly efficient antioxidant which strengthens skin elasticity and assists to slow the aging process.

A study in Phytomedicine found that women treated with rosemary extract for 4 weeks achieved a significant improvement in skin firmness.

In a separate study, a serum containing rosemary leaf extract improved skin pigmentation between 20% and 80%.

Extracted from the bark of the evergreen rosewood tree native to Peru and Brazil, 19 rosewood essential oil has analgesic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac properties. The oil has a light flowery scent with woody undertones.

It is used to soothe irritated and sensitive skin. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fades scars, and promotes the growth of new skin.