French Green Clay is also known as Green Montmorillonite Clay. It is a soft, mineral-rich clay that is found in and named after Montmorillon, a commune located in western France.

It is highly efficient at attracting and absorbing dirt, impurities and oil from the skin and is rich in important minerals. It is the most widely sought after clay for use beauty, cosmetic, hair and personal care applications.

Its composition includes dolomite, manganese, silica, copper, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and calcium.

The rich mineral content acts as an exfoliator and helps remove oil and grime. It also promotes glowing skin that looks smoother, softer and healthier.

French Green Clay is a highly absorbent clay that can be used in facials, body wraps, soaps, deodorizing body/foot powders. French Green Clay can also be used in the formulation of hair pastes and other hair care products that help to naturally cleanse the hair and scalp.

Is a combination of red and white clays. It is considered to be the mildest of all the clays and works well for normal, sensitive and mature skin types. Its unique composition includes Kaolinite, Iron, Illite, Montmorillonite and Calcite.

French Pink Clay can be used to cleanse the skin, slough off dead skin cells and to create an overall refreshed appearance. It is noted in skincare for its amazing calming, anti-aging and cleansing benefits.

What makes this type of clay so gentle? Unlike other clays, pink clay does not strip off skin natural oil barrier, leaving the skin feeling silky-soft and smooth.

It is widely used in body wraps, soap making, face masks, mineral based or cream based cleansers, face or body scrubs, cosmetics and facial powders.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Light yellow
Smell: Mildly sweet

Kalahari melon seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Kalahari Melon. Kalahari melon is indigenous to the Kalahari Desert, which stretches across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

Kalahari Melon seed is extremely high in both essential fatty acids and natural Vitamin E that moisturizes and smooths dry, irritated skin. It is particularly suited to sensitive skin, because of the high Linoleic acid content. It promotes the rejuvenation and repair of skin cells. The Essential Fatty Acids help to repair the integrity of the skin barrier, meaning the skin retains more moisture and keeps out pollution. Excellent for dry, mature, sensitive, normal, and dehydrated skin.

Kalahari Melon Oil is rich in palmitic and oleic acids and is very high in linoleic acid, the fatty acid known for its skincare benefits, as well as omega-6 fatty acids.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Light gold
Smell: Warm and nutty

The Marula fruit tree is native to parts of southern Africa. The trees grow wild and were once rare, but are now cultivated. Once considered sacred, the Marula tree was linked to fertility and happy marriages in ancient times. The fermented fruit of the Marula tree was also thought to intoxicate elephants, who seem to love its delicious taste as much as humans do.

Marula oil is primarily extracted from the kernels, but can also be obtained from the nut’s outer husk. The oil is rich in protein and easily absorbed, making it an effective skin and hair treatment.

It is rich in antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and vitamins E and C, which fight free radicals and may stave off skin damage caused by the ultraviolet rays and pollution.

Because Marula oil is lightweight, it absorbs easily. This makes it an effective moisturizer for dry and/or mature and/or aging skin. It may be beneficial for smoothing and softening fine lines, preventing stretch marks, and keeping the skin well hydrated.

Marula oil makes a good moisturizer for oily skin and treating acne because it is non-greasy. It also has antimicrobial properties and may be effective against the bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Light yellow
Smell: Mildly sweet

Abyssinian oil is expressed from the seeds of Crambe Abyssinica, Brassicacea from the Crambe Abyssinica crop family.  The Crambe Abyssinica plant originated in eastern Africa in the Ethiopian Highlands known as Abyssinia, which is where it derived its name. In more recent years it is also cultivated in the Meditteranean region.

This oil is closest to the natural oils produced by our skin, which means it provides the ultimate in natural hydration of any oil. It is both hydrating and protective, with a velvety, non-greasy texture. It acts as an active lubricant and emollient, promoting soft skin and a protective barrier to prevent skin dryness.

It promotes skin softness, plumpness, and is naturally anti-ageing. It is excellent for soothing and calming red, irritated, mature and sensitive skin. It reinforces the skin’s protective barrier – an integral function in preventing dehydration.

Melting point: 30C
Colour: Creamy yellow
Smell: Mild nutty

This beautiful subtropical tree, is native to Mexico, South America and South Africa.

Avocado Butter is designed for topical use, and is formulated with Avocado Oil for its fatty acids. It is soft and rich at room temperature and slowly melts on contact with the skin. The oil from the avocado fruit is high in vitamin E which helps to stimulate collagen activity.

It is used to moisturize dry skin and it can also help to reduce the appearance of age spots. Avocado butter helps to reduce dark marks, reduces/prevents wrinkles, hydrates, lightens skin tone, helps to prevent breakouts and leaves your skin feeling nourished and silky smooth.

It helps in lightening scars and acne spots, and gives you a radiant skin tone. The fruit butter is effective at reducing fine lines on the skin. The butter also contains antioxidants, which help in protecting your skin from the damage of free radicals. It helps in maintaining water in the skin, which add to the skins radiant glow. Avocado oil is easily absorbable and thus penetrates deep into your skin, leaving it well-nourished.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Yellow/brown/amber
Smell: Mildly sweet

Rice bran oil is a refined oil that comes from the bran of the rice kernel. Its composition is totally different to that of other plant oils, in that it has a high content of waxes.

Refining this oil is a tricky process, and is not easy to get hold of rice bran oil for commercial use. It is super rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It is an excellent moisturiser and is particularly good for mature and dry skin.

When the pulp of the fruit of this Majestic African tree is ground into powder, it is known simply as Baobab powder. The powder contains a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and an assortment of antioxidants. 

Because of its high doses vitamin C as well as its high doses of antioxidants, this powder helps to increase the production of collagen and elastin in your skin. These are the proteins that help keep skin supple and line- free. Vitamin C also helps lighten dark spots and scars. 

It’s a wonderfully exotic natural ingredient which tightens and tones the skin, moisturizes and encourages skin cellular regeneration. It’s a beautiful super-fruit powder that also helps brighten, repair and regenerates the skin.

Marshmallow root powder brims over with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that is often used to improve and rejuvenate skin conditions. 

Its anti-inflammatory properties, while mild, are great for soothing skin irritations like acne, puffiness. And yes, it can slow down the signs of aging too by reducing the appearance of fine lines in areas with delicate skin that are prone to drying out.

It works to refine the look of uneven texture and redness. It helps hydrates, softens, and balances the skin too. 

Containing mucilage, the root appears as a gel-like substance that forms a protective layer to seal in moisture, making it a popular choice for dry mature and sensitive skin. Skin can also benefit from its plumping properties, and its ability to moisturize deeply, leaving a soft, glowing skin.

Coconut sugar is not refined, it’s harvested from the sap of the coconut palm tree flower buds. 

Coconut sugar retains large amounts of the nutrients found in the coconut palm. Most notable of these are the minerals iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, along with some short-chain fatty acids like polyphenols and antioxidants.

Its colour is similar to that of raw sugar, but the particle size is typically smaller or more variable. 

The sugar is finer in texture and gentler on the skin. It works well to gently slough off dead skin cells which aids in detoxification. Helps your skin retain moisture, leaving you with a healthy glow.

Is also known as Baby Foam due to its exceptional mildness, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Raw Material is a surfactant that is comprised of a type of sulphonic acid called Isethionic Acid as well as the fatty acid – or sodium salt ester – obtained from Coconut Oil. 

It exhibits lovely foaming ability, producing a stable, rich and velvety lather that does not dehydrate the skin, thus making it ideal for addition to water-free products. 

This high-performance surfactant, which is equally effective in both hard and soft water.

Its emulsifying property, allows water and oil to mix, as it encourages dirt to attach itself to them, which in turn makes it easier for it to be washed away. 

This powerful yet gentle ingredient effectively washes away dirt and oil without leading to dryness or irritation. Ideal for all skin types, but more so sensitive skin.

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide derived from glucose or sucrose (sugars), which is used as a thickening or stabilising agent skincare.

Its use in skincare is significant for product texture and formulation. It is appropriate for use in natural and organic skincare and is thought to have some hydrating benefits for the skin. Unlike some gums, xanthan gum is stable under a wide range of temperatures and varying pH environments. This allows for a smooth application when used in skincare products.

This sunset-yellow powder is made from the rhizome of Curcuma Longer, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tinge.

Hailed as one of the most prized condiments in the cupboard, this gorgeously golden powder is very effective at combating acne and redness due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. It helps by destroying the acne-causing bacteria and also removes the excess oil from the skin.  

Inflamed, acne scarring, dark spots, and uneven skin tone can benefit greatly from this fine ingredient. It’s is effective and natural and it is noted that curcumin further reduces excess production of melanin, which helps to even skin tone and lighten scars. 

Kahlwax 6702 is an all-natural, plant blend of carefully selected, high quality ingredients like Sunflower seed wax, Berry wax, and Shorea Robusta resin. It is a Vegan substitue for beeswax.

Every single component has unique and outstanding properties. Berry wax (INCI: Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera) is a fruit peel wax consisting of a high content of glycerol ester of C16-18 fatty acid. Because a significant part of it melts at temperatures <30°C, Berry wax feels very silky and soft and significantly improves the sensory characteristics of formulations.

Sunflower seed wax (INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera) is a pale colored hull wax with a transparent melt showing exceptional properties. It contains mainly esters of C16-C24 fatty acids and C26-C32 alcohols and is free of glycerol- and other polyalcohol esters. It has a melting point of approximately 78°C with a well-balanced softness hardness and an outstanding oil-binding capacity.

Damar resin (INCI: Shorea Robusta Resin) is a raw material which enhances the durability of a product’s effect, supports film forming, and enhances adhesion on the lips and skin.

Kahlwax 6702 is ideal for giving lips the care and attention they need, while producing outstanding gloss and delivering excellent oil-binding properties and remarkable hardness.

Melting point: 34°C to 38°C
Colour: Creamy yellow
Smell: Chocolate-like

It is the edible natural vegetable fat of the cacao bean, which also happens to be the fruit of the Theobroma Cacao tree.

Cocoa butter is extracted from cacao beans that is used extensively in chocolate making, as well as skincare formulations. Cocoa solids and cocoa butter are separated out at an early stage during processing of the cocoa bean. Cocoa has a low melting point that makes it ideal for use in skincare as the butter melts when in contact with warm skin. Do not overheat cocoa butter as it will destabilise its structure.

Cocoa butter easily absorbs into the top the skin. Cocoa contains polyphenols that possess anti-inflammatory, and rich antioxidant properties. It is widely used for its anti-ageing effects against free radicals.

Melting point: 32°C to 46°C
Colour: Cream
Smell: Nutty

A butter that is extracted from the Karite tree which grows in West Africa/Ghana. The fat is extracted by boiling the nuts in water, then grinding it into a paste until the oils start to separate. This is tough work that is done over an open fire. It is traditionally done by women.

Shea butter is noted for its luxurious moisturising properties. It also melts easily on contact with the skin. The butter is however notoriously prone to graininess due the high stearic acid content.

Melting point: 24°C
Colour: Off-white
Smell: Pleasantly mild coconut

Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut, from the coconut palm tree. It is colourless when liquid and/or pale white when solid.

It is highly saturated, as it contains medium chain triglycerides. It has a high content of lauric acid, which has anti-microbial activity.

Coconut oil has a high resistance to oxidation. It has a moisturising effect, and has occlusive and emollient properties. This helps bolster your skin’s protective barrier layer, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for irritated, chafed skin.

Melting point: Viscous liquid at room temperature
Colour: Yellow/brown/amber
Smell: Mild

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. Although originally extracted from wheat germ oil, most natural Vitamin E are now derived from vegetable oils, usually soybean oil.

Vitamin E is a naturally occurring component of healthy skin. It offers significant antioxidant properties to help ward off pollution and other environmental stressors that would otherwise weaken and cause unwanted changes in skin.

Certain forms of vitamin E also help soothe skin. Unfortunately, with time and sun damage, skin’s vitamin E decreases. It promotes skin cell regeneration and helps to nourish the skin.

Vitamin E oil is very viscous (thick) and hard to spread on skin, some suppliers sell a blend of Vitamin E in a Sunflower and/or Sweet Almond base oil. This makes it easier to incorporate into skincare formulations to prolong the shelf life of carrier oils and butters.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Very light yellow
Smell: Nutty

Caprylic Capric Triglycerides are a specific fraction of coconut and/or palm oil fatty acids resulting in a more stable, and skin loving, caprylic & capric fatty acids which creates a dry, silky oil form of esters.

It is gentle and is considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It’s included in skincare due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface, and resist moisture loss.

Caprylic/capric triglycerides can also function as a thickener, but its main purpose is to moisturize and replenish skin.

Caprylic Capric Triglycerides offers a silkiness in products that exhibit excellent anti-oxidant properties, and skin nurturing benefits due to the skin loving nature of the specific fatty acid esters. They are especially suited to sensitive skin and oily skin.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Yellow
Smell: Pleasantly mild

Is the oil that is extracted from these delicious tree nuts. Although almonds are commonly referred to as nuts, they’re actually the seeds found at the centre of the almond fruit, which closely resembles a peach.

They are very rich in fat, making them a perfect source of oil. Sweet almonds are the variety typically eaten and used to make foods, oils and cosmetics. Almond oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and contains a small amount of vitamin K.

Meanwhile, bitter almonds are believed to have medicinal properties, though they can be toxic if they’re not properly processed. They’re not widely available either.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Greenish
Smell: Olivy

Olive oil is obtained from the flesh of the olive fruit not the kernel. Black olives can contain as much as 50% oil. Olives are mechanically cold-pressed when ripe and can be further filtered.

Cold pressed, extra virgin oil is best for formulating. It is a fatty oil, which make it useful in nourishing products.

About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. The predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which usually makes up 73% of the total oil content.

The antioxidants in olive oil can reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals.

Melting point: None, in a super fine powder form
Colour: White
Smell: Odourless

It is a natural thickener and texture enhancer that is derived from the roots of the Manihot esculenta (Cassava) shrub. It consists primarily of amylose and amylopectin, both components of starch and what gives tapioca its thickening properties.

In skincare, tapioca starch can serve to stabilize formulations. It is also used as an anti-grease agent and a talc substitute as it is aluminium free.

It has a velvety effect in anhydrous products like body butters.

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Part: Bark and/or leaves
Smell: Deep spicy-wood
Colour: Orangey brown

Cinnamon is thought to be one of the world’s oldest and most valuable spices. The cinnamon plant is native to South Asia, but can be grown throughout different regions in Asia and across the world today. It

Cinnamon Essential Oil may be obtained from either the tree’s outer bark or its leaves, hence the two main varieties are Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil and Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil.

Used cosmetically, Cinnamon Essential Oil is reputed to calm dry skin, effectively alleviate aches, and pains. It promotes circulation, and nourishes the skin.

Cinnamon oil has a high concentration of antioxidants, which means that it fights free radicals and combats signs of aging when used in skincare.

Cinnamal, Eugenol, Linalool, Coumarin, and Cinnamyl Alcohol are the natural components of this deeply scented essential oil. These are natural allergens that one could be sensitive and/or allergic to, which by law have to be declared on all cosmetic labels so that you are aware of its presence in the product.

Some of their natural components are used extensively in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Extraction Method: Expression
Plant Part: Fruit peel
Smell: Grape-fruity
Colour: Pale yellow

Grapefruit essential oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal effects. D-limonene, β-myrcene, α-pinene and β-pinene, are major components in this oil.

Grapefruit oil has been used in cosmetic treatments for cellulitis and localised fat treatment. Has GRAS (Generally recognized as safe) status.

It has a lovely, citrus aroma. It is a good choice for body skincare products, especially firming, anti-cellulite formulas, but works well in other products such as shower gels, body lotions.

Some of their natural components are used extensively in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Light yellow
Smell: Light

Apricot kernel oil is extracted from seeds of the Apricot (Prunus armeniaca). This lovely oil can be obtained from kernels using solvent extraction, or cold pressed. Cold pressed is a preferable method.

The oil is light and suitable for sensitive skin. Apricot kernel oil contains higher levels of total phytosterols, tocopherols and b-carotene.

It is quickly absorbed by the skin and considered a very light and nourishing oil, that is recommended for all skin types. Due to its polyphenol content, it has photo-protective effects, that improve skin elasticity and tone.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Greeny-yellow
Smell: Pleasantly mild

Grapeseed oil, an often under estimated oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. Unlike other oils that may only suit certain skin types or clog pores, grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that’s noncomedogenic, making it suitable for most skin types—including sensitive and acne-prone skins.

This oil is packed full of helpful vitamins that are great for the skin and the overall maintenance of the body, including vitamin E and omega 6. Its special qualities as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory element help with wrinkles and lines.

Melting point: Liquid at room temperature
Colour: Gold
Smell: Nutty

Argan oil is derived from the nuts of the argan tree. The fruit of the tree is green and resembles an olive, but is larger. Inside, there is a hard-shelled nut which can contain up to three kernels from which the argan oil is then extracted.

The traditional production of this oil is demanding, it takes about 100kg of fruits to make just 2-3 litres of oil. Traditionally, Argan oil was used extensively in Morocco as a topical oil to treat dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, joint pain, and skin inflammation.

It is also used to prevent hair loss and dry hair. Argan oil is rich in Omega-6 fatty acid, which means it helps with skin rejuvenation and skin elasticity.

It is used in products for mature skin but is said to be effective in eye care products as well. It is easily absorbed into the skin and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. The oil performs anti-sebum activity, reducing greasiness and improving appearance of oily facial skin.

Melting point: Viscous at room temperature
Colour: Yellow
Smell: Earthy-nut

This oil differs from other oils because of its very high viscosity and specific gravity.

It is obtained from cold-pressing the seeds of the castor plant. It is one of the few naturally high purity glycerides, containing around 90% of Ricinoleic acid, which is responsible for castor oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Although its use can go up to 100%, it is not frequently due to its thickness and characteristic aroma.

It has emollient and lubricating properties, as well as excellent capability to wet and disperse pigments. It is often called the ‘dirt magnet’ as it is great for removing makeup and is often used in cleansers. It is a very slow penetrating oil.

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Part: Leaves
Smell: Green menthol-mint
Colour: Yellowy-green

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world. Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves of the plant and the young twigs through a process of steam distillation.

Eucalyptus essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, and has been shown to boost ceramide production, a fatty acid that helps the skin retain moisture.

Because eucalyptus essential oil is antiseptic and antibacterial, it helps cleanse the epidermis of impurities that contribute to acne breakouts. Eucalyptus oil’s antibacterial properties make it an effective clean.

Some of their natural components are used extensively in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Besan powder also known as gram flour has renowned properties and has been used in India for centuries. It has been hailed in the combat of acne and problematic skin. 

It contains zinc that has been shown to fight the infections that cause erupting acne. It also helps control excess sebum production and soothes inflamed skin. It is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, which are nutritionally important skin loving unsaturated fatty acids. It is also a great source of other vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, folate, and beta-carotene.

It is also suitable for dry skin as it helps to moisturise and keep the skin hydrated.

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Part: Leaves
Smell: Lemony
Colour: Bright to pale yellow

Lemongrass essential oil comes from the lemongrass plant, which grows in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The oil can be bright or pale yellow with a thin consistency and a lemony scent. The essential oil is steam-distilled from fresh or partly dried leaves of this tall grass.

It has purifying properties which make it perfect for skincare. These properties help to remove impurities, detoxify the skin and leave it feeling clean and clear. As a natural antioxidant, making it an ideal defender in the fight against free radicals!

The compounds that make up lemongrass essential oil are known to have antifungal, insecticidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass may prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast, due to its antioxidant properties.

Some of their natural components are used extensively in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin. 

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Part: Flowers
Smell: Floral
Colour: Yellow

Also known as Common Lavender, True Lavender.

Lavender Essential oil is very appreciated for its aroma, and therefore is widely used in cosmetics for fragrance purposes and has more than a hundred components, with linalool, linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate, camphor and 1,8-cineole being the predominant ones.

Its aroma is beautifully floral. It is a favourite by many formulators because it is easy to use, and blends well with many other oils.

Lavender blends well with citrus oils, and other florals such as geranium and rose, but also with neroli, chamomile, palmarosa, lemongrass, patchouli and rosemary.

Some of their natural components are used extensively in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Part: Resin from the bark
Smell: Woodsy spice
Colour: Cloudy-ish

The Boswellia tree where frankincense resin is extracted from produces frankincense essential oil and frankincense hydrosol. Frankincense hydrosol is extracted by steam distillation of frankincense resin. It is usually extracted at the same time as the frankincense essential oil, just collected in different vessels.