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Natural Ingredients

This glossary will help you exactly understand the ingredients in Emz Blendz products. Also, you will see details on ingredients that may be in other natural skin care products, or ingredients that are not in any of our products such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), detergent, and other less healthy ingredients.

All information here is gathered from several sources and through years of research in this industry.

Apple cider vinegar - Astringent, helps restore the natural acidity of the skin and hair. Removes dead skin cells.

Apricot kernels ground - Used as a gentle exfoliate.

Alcohol (Ethanol) - Used as a highly effective preservative and solvent. Can cause dryness and irritation. Ethanol can increase the permeability of the skin and may enable unwanted impurities to be absorbed. NOT used in any Emz Blendz products.

Allantoin - Derived from Comfrey root. Humectant, anti-irritating and soothing. Speeds up cell repair and wound healing.

Almond, sweet - Sweet almond oil is pressed from almond kernels. The almond tree is cultivated in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean countries and California. A light nearly odorless oil. Sweet almond oil is said to have great nutritional value for all skin types. It has a similar make up to baby's sebum, the oil naturally produced by the skin to protect it and is easily absorbed. It contains minerals, and vitamins and is rich in protein.

Aloe vera gel or juice - Expressed from the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera improves hydration is soothing and healing to all skin types. Aloe vera is composed of water, the enzymes catalase and cellulose, minerals, calcium, aluminum, iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, 20 amino acids and carbohydrates. Aloe vera also contains he "youth mineral" potassium. It has renowned healing properties, is anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin and help heal cuts, burns and insect bites.

Ammonium alum (Alunite) - Naturally occurring non-toxic mineral crystals. Only impacts on germs, does not choke pores. One of the most effective natural deodorants.

Ammonium lauryl sulfate - One of the milder detergents used in shampoos as a foaming and cleaning agent.

Apricot Kernel - Apricot kernel oil comes from the large pits of apricots that yield up to 45% oil. Apricot kernel oil has 30% unsaturated essential fatty acid content. The oil is similar in weight to human sebum. Extremely nourishing to the skin and excellent around the eyes and neck. Apricot kernel oil is an emollient. According to the AMA's committee on Coetaneous Health does help make the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. And may possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging.

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) - Anti-oxidant, pH adjuster.

Avocado oil - Emollient, hydrating, nourishing and moisturizing. Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins D and E. Excellent for dry, mature skin.

Bees wax - Has a protective action and is used to make products water-resistant.

Benzyl alcohol - An anti-microbial agent (preservative) safe for cosmetic use. Constituent of Jasmine, Hyacinth and other plants.

Bergamot orange essential oil - Uplifting and antiseptic properties.

Borage (Starflower) - Rich in essential fatty acids, mainly Omega-6. Excellent for a dry skin condition.

Calcium carbonate - Naturally occurring chalk. Gentle, mild abrasive agent, kind to teeth.

Calendula officinalis (Marigold) - Soothing. Excellent for irritated and delicate skin. Has antiseptic properties.

Carrot oil - Is rich in beta carotene, vitamins A & E and pro-vitamin A which help heal dry, chapped, cracked skin. Carrot oil helps to balance the moisture in our skin and conditions hair. A great oil for the face.

Castille soap - Castile soap was originally 100% olive oil soap. It got its name from the Castile region in Spain. Extremely mild, liquid with water like consistency.

Castor oil - Derived from the seed of the Castor Oil plant.

Cedarwood essential oil - Cedarwood oil is used for insect repellent, arthritis, congestion, stress, oily skin, nervous tension. Avoid during pregnancy.

Cetearyl alcohol - Fatty alcohols are components of all natural waxes. Derived from plant oil and used as an emulsifier, emollient and thickener. Not to be confused with Ethyl alcohol. See Alcohol.

Cetearyl glucoside - Emulsifying wax extracted from Corn and Coconut. Mild and non-irritant.

Cetyl alcohol - Used as a thickener and emulsifier.

Chamomile essetial oil - This herb has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years. It is used for allergies, burns, dermatitis, eczema, inflammations, wounds, headache, insomnia, and stress.

Chamomile extract - Has soothing properties.

Chlorophyll - Green nitrogenous colouring matter contained in the chloroplasts of plants.

Cinnamon oil - Anti-microbial, antiseptic.

Citric acid - From citrus fruits, pH modifier.

Clary sage essential oil - Clary Sage is used for acne, boils, dandruff, wrinkles, hair growth, muscular aches and pains.

Clove essential oil - Strong antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral. Useful for relieving pain caused by toothache.

Cocoa butter - Cocoa butter is the solid fat expressed from the roasted seed of the cocoa seed (or beans). It is highly protective and acts as a water repellant. It contains about 5 IU of vitamin E per ounce. Cocoa Butter softens and lubricates the skin.

Cocoamidopropyl betaine - Derived from coconut. Mild cleansing and foaming agent.

Coconut oil - An excellent emollient widely used in the manufacture of soap.

Comfrey - Rich source of allantoin and used to speed up cell repair and wound healing.

Cucumber distillate - Gives skin a cool soothing feeling to the skin. A mild astringent, aids in removing dead skin cells, alleviates inflammations and irritants. Cleopatra was said to have used cucumber juice to preserve her skin.

DEA - Diethanolamine. used as solvent and detergent. Possible risk of formation of nitrosamines. Most nitrosamines are carcinogenic. NOT used in any Emz Blendz products.

Decyl glucoside - An extract from corn with exceptional foaming power. Non-toxic, non-irritating and will not block the pores.

Detergent (foaming agent) - These ingredients enable a product to cleanse grease and oil from the hair and body. There has been concern recently about some detergents commonly found in everyday products as they may affect the skin and the gums. Decyl glucoside is a safe alternative.

Echinacea angustifolia (Purple cone flower) - Powerful immune stimulant and has antioxidant properties.

Elder flowers - Regarded by herbalists as a 'cure-all' - used in some of our Children's formulations to ease inflammation and to aid in the healing of minor wounds.

Emollient - Substance which prevents water loss from the skin and keeps it soft.

Emulsifier - Agent used to mix oil and water together, so that they don't separate. Essential for the manufacture of creams and lotions.

Emulsifying wax - Plant based, used to create a bond between water and oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFA's) - About 20 specific fatty acids are used by the body to maintain normal function. All but 2 can be synthesized by our bodies. These 2 essential fatty acids belong to the Omega-3 and Omega-6 groups, and must be obtained in proper balance from foods or supplements. EFA's function is as building blocks in membranes of every cell in the body. They also produce 'prostaglandin families', hormone-like substances necessary for energy metabolism, cardiovascular and immune health.

Essential oils - Essential oils give plants and flowers their specific scent and flavor. They play an important role in the life processes of a plant by protecting against disease and by attracting or repulsing certain insects or animals. Aromatic plants and oils have been used for thousands of years as perfumes, incense, cosmetics and for their medicinal qualities. Essential oils are steam distilled from plants including their parts such as seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits. Producing the purest oil can be very costly because it may require distilling several hundred pounds of plant material to produce a small amount of oil. For example, it takes one ton of rose petals to produce about 10 ounces of pure rose oil.

Ethyl alchohol / Ethanol - Used as a highly effective preservative and solvent. Can cause dryness and irritation. Ethanol can increase the permeability of the skin and may enable unwanted impurities to be absorbed. NOT used in any Emz Blendz products.

Eucalyptus globulus - A warming, antiseptic oil. Eucalyptus is used for insect repellant, muscle aches and pains, sinus and chest congestion, flu, hay fever, acne, to purify the air, expectorant.

Evening primrose oil - A rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Excellent for dry skin.

E-vitamin - d-alpha-tocopherol - Naturally sourced vitamin E. Used as an antioxidant to protect oils from becoming rancid.

Flax (Golden Flax or Linseed) - Cold-pressed oil or cold-milled seeds used. One of nature's richest sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids - essential for maintaining good health. Necessary for cell to cell biochemical functions, such as energy metabolism, cardiovascular and immune system health. Cold-milled Flax is rich in dietary fibre.

Fennel oil - Antiseptic, anti-microbial. Freshens breath.

Fragrance - A blend of synthetic and/or natural ingredients creating a specific scent. Used in a few of Emz Blendz products where a desired scent is not available in an essential oil form.

Geranium essential oil - Balances the production of sebum - good for both dry skin or congested, oily skin. A valuable oil for toning the skin. Geranium can be used for dermatitis, broken capillaries, eczema, oily complexion, mature skin, mosquito repellent.

Glycerin - Derived from plant material. This is a humectant, emollient, emulsifier, and solvent. A natural by-product of the soap-making process. The naturally-occurring glycerin stays in handmade soaps, but is usually removed from commercial soaps.

Glyceryl stearate - Derived from plant material. This is an emulsifier and moisturizer.

Grapefruit seed extract - Grapefruit seed extract is made from the dried, ground seeds and pulp of grapefruit. It is a natural preservative, antiseptic, a nontoxic, broad-spectrum anti-microbial.

Grapefruit (pink) essential oil - Refreshing, astringent, cooling and detoxifying. Grapefruit is used for acne, congested and oily skin, depression, headaches, hair growth, tones the skin and tissues.

Grapeseed oil - Is made from the seeds of wine producing grapes. The lightest of oils and virtually odorless. Contains vitamins, minerals and protein. Grapeseed oil is wonderful used around the eyes and neck. Widely used in hypoallergenic natural products because it does not often cause allergic reactions in the highly allergic.

Green tea - Known to be a remarkable antioxidant due to its high level of polyphenols.

Hemp seed oil - Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. To most people Cannabis sativa is synonymous with marijuana; the Latin name translates to "useful hemp." Because of this we are often asked if our hemp soap is legal. The oil itself is perfectly legal. There is no tetrahydrocannabinol in the final product of hemp oil. Hemp contains proteins and high quality fat. Hemp has a remarkable fatty acid profile. Hemp is a wonderful oil for dry or mature skin since it is said to help stimulate cell growth. It has high levels of essential fatty acids, including linolenic acid. Natural hemp seed oil is dark green and has a nutty rich scent. Hemp seed oil is an emollient. According to the AMA's committee on Coetaneous Health emollients help make the skin feel softer and smoother, reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. And may possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging. Hemp seed has a lot of minerals and is good for the skin and hair.

Humectant - A substance used to retain moisture on the skin and prevent the product from drying out.

Hydrogenated vegetable oil - An oil that has hydrogen added to solidify it. Not used in any of Emz Blendz products.

Hydrolised wheat protein - A rich source of amino acids that strengthen and condition hair shafts.

Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate - A UV-filter derived from cinnamic acid esters.

Jasmine absolute oil - Very sensual and exotic scent. Ideal for mature and sensitive skin.

Jojoba oil - Almost identical to sebum, the skin's natural lubricant. Technically not an oil, but a wax. Will not turn rancid. Edible, nontoxic, generally nonirritating, makes a superb skin conditioner.

Kaolin clay (China Clay) - It is the mildest of all the cosmetic clays. This is a very gentle product and can be used on most sensitive skins, it will draw impurities from the skin without removing any natural oils.

Lanolin - Also known as wool fat, or wool wax. It is a product of the oil glands of sheep and is used in many cosmetic skin care products. Highly emollient, soothing and softening. Absorbs and holds water to the skin.

Lavandin essential oil - Antiseptic and soothing. Excellent for delicate skin. Slightly less camphorous than Lavender oil.

Lavender essential oil - Antiseptic and soothing. Excellent for delicate skin. Lavender is generally regarded as the most versatile essence therapeutically. Lavender is used for burns, depression, insomnia, stress, stiff joints, headaches, cold sores, insect bites, insect repellant, acne, bruises, and sunburns.

Lavender water (Flower essence) - Aids in relieving irritation due to dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, insect bites, rashes, pimples, black heads and light forms of acne. Good for all skin types and is relaxing and sedating.

Lemon essential oil - Antiseptic, excellent for tired and ageing skin. Lemon is used for wrinkles, digestive problems, brittle nails, greasy skin, insect bites, mouth ulcers, varicose veins, high blood pressure, obesity, poor circulation, colds, sore throat, clarifying thought, uplifting, energy.

Lemongrass essential oil - Refreshing and stimulating with tonic properties. Lemongrass has been used for acne, as an astringent, athlete's foot, deodorant, insect repellent, headaches, and stress.

Lemon verbena essential oil - Lemon Verbena is relaxing and soothing, calms nervousness and improves concentration.

Lye - The common term for a caustic alkali used to make soap.

Mandarin essential oil - Sweet refreshing smell, pleasant and safe to use.

Mango butter - Mango butter is solid and from the seed kernel of mango fruit. The Mango tree is a tropical evergreen tree from India and Malaysia. Mango butter exhibits excellent moisturizing for lotions and good lubricity on skin.

Milk, powdered - Lactose is present in the milk of mammals. Milk leaves the skin feeling silky smooth with a hydrated appearance. An effective and softening skin cleanser. Milk proteins smooth, firm and soften the skin.

Mineral oil - This is commonly used in baby lotions and creams as well as in other cosmetic agents. It is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic. This is a petroleum by-product which can clog your pores. Mineral oil is a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, and not particularly beneficial for any skin type, and yet, because it is cheap and stable from spoilage, is widely used in many skin care products.

Neroli (Orange blossom) essential oil - Has uplifting and antiseptic properties. Neroli is used for scars, stretch marks, mature or sensitive skin, anxiety, depression, nervous tension, grief.

Oatmeal - Oatmeal is used in cosmetics and soaps for its soothing qualities.

Olive oil - Oil pressed from the fruit of the olive tree. Since olive oil is an excellent moisturizer (because it attracts and holds moisture close to the skin and forms a breathable film to prevent loss of internal moisture) it is widely used in cosmetics. When used to make soap, it produces a very mild and moisturizing bar. Traditionally "Castile" soap was made using only olive oil, but the term has loosened now to include soaps that have olive oil as one of the ingredients in them. All of Emz Blendz soaps are made with a base of olive oil.

Olive leaf - Is a natural anti-microbial derived from leaves of the olive tree. It is a source of almost 100 phytochemicals and essential nutrients for all anti-aging programmes and is good for the immune system.

Omega-3 - Alpha-linolenic acid and Omega-6 - linolenic acid, are both essential fatty acids (EFA's) and two vital nutrients. Among other functions, they are required for cell membrane formation and function, normal brain development during infancy, prostaglandin production and energy production on a cellular level. An Omega-3 deficiency is associated with dry skin. The richest sources of Omega-3 are oily, cold water fish and Flax seed oil (suitable for vegans).

Orange blossom water (Flower essence) - Naturally hydrating and balancing to the skin, antidepressant, mild astringent. Promotes a feeling of emotional harmony and has a calming effect on the heart and mind.

Orange sweet essential oil - Sweet, refreshing oil with detoxifying properties. Orange essential oil is used for anxiety, dispelling melancholy or depression, poor appetite, nausea, deodorant, mouth ulcers, obesity, sore muscles, colds, flu, fever, dermatitis, wrinkles. The fragrance of orange promotes peace and happiness.

PABA - A water-soluble acid (para-aminobenzoic acid) used as a sunscreen agent. Natural PABA is a sentisizer. NOT used in any Emz Blendz products.

Palm oil - Oil from the fruit of the palm tree. When used in soaps, palm oil creates a hard, long lasting bar of soap that is mild and cleanses well.

Panthenol - A form of vitamin B5. Panthenol strengthens and conditions hair shafts.

Paraffin - A white or colorless petroleum-derived solid wax. It is often used in making candles and cosmetics. This is the wax commonly found in the grocery store and used to seal canning jars.

Peppermint essential oil - An anti-microbial. Good for bad breath. Peppermint essential oil is used for depression, headaches, energy, morning sickness, motion sickness, rejuvenating, clearing, refreshing, cooling, food poisoning, arthritis, inflammation, sore muscles, and indigestion.

Phenoxyethanol - An anti-microbial agent (preservative) safe for cosmetic use.

Pigments - A substance, usually mineral, that imparts color to something else. Pigments do not dissolve in liquid, but are tiny particles of color that are suspended in it.

Potassium sorbate - Used as a mold and yeast inhibitor. Safe for cosmetic use.

Preservative system - Preservatives are added to cosmetics to keep a product fresh and free from bacterial or fungal contamination. Essential to prevent product deterioration and to protect the consumer. Some preservatives may be allergenic, irritating and can even release small amounts of formaldehyde, which is an irritant as well as a carcinogen. Alcohol can replace preservatives (see Alcohol). More gentle preservative systems are available. Effective preservation can be achieved by using a blend of citrus seed extracts (antibacterial effect) in combination with a minimal amount of a food grade preservative.

Parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben) - Widely used in cosmetics as a preservative against bacteria and fungus. Recent research has shown them to be estrogenic and some research has linked these chemicals to breast cancer. Not used in any of Emz Blendz products.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - essential nutrient needed for skin health and melanin production by the body.

Rose essential oil - Antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, soothing. Rose oil is used for dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive complexions, and wrinkles. Rose is the oil of love, trust and self-acceptance. It calms and supports the heart.

Rose water (Flower essence) - Rose Water is the byproduct of producing rose essential oil. It has skin softening, toning, soothing and healing properties. Was used during Victorian times to soothe the skin.

Rosehip oil - Rich in essential fatty acids, helps reduce fine wrinkles and is reported to repair sun-damaged skin.

Rosemary essential oil - Antiseptic, refreshing and stimulating for the skin. Good for circulation. Rosemary is used for acne, dandruff, greasy hair, hair growth, headaches, and poor circulation. Avoid during pregnancy.

Safflower oil (Thistle seed oil) - Very rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

Sandalwood essential oil - Excellent for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated skin. Sandalwood has been used as a perfume material for over 4000 years. It is used for bronchitis, sore throat, nausea, cracked and chapped skin, aftershave, depression, nervous tension, stress, meditation and ritual work.

Saponification - The reaction between a caustic alkali (lye) and fatty acids in a vegetable oil, which results in soap.

Sea salt - Salt made by evaporating the water out of seawater.

Sesame seed oil - Cold-pressed. Excellent oil rich in antioxidants and Omega-6 essential fatty acids.

Shea butter - An emollient that spreads easily, has healing properties and can help protect skin from UV-radiation. Also known as African karate butter; a solid vegetable fat obtained from a West African tree bearing nuts containing a large amount of fat. Traditional uses of shea butter include: treating dry skin, blemishes, skin discoloration, scars and wrinkles.

Sodium benzoate - A food grade preservative, sodium salt of benzoic acid. Can be found in nature in free and combined form e.g. cranberries, prunes and cinnamon.

Sodium chloride - Common table salt. Used as an astringent and antiseptic as well as thickener.

Sodium hydroxide - See lye.

Sodium lauryl sulphate - A synthetic detergent of which the origins may be plant (coconut, palm kernel oil) or animal. Used in 90 percent of all shampoos and toothpastes for its foaming and detergent properties. Can be an irritant and is best avoided. Not used in any Emz Blendz product.

Spearmint oil - Anti-microbial. Good for bad breath. Spearmint is used for asthma, bronchitis, colic, flatulence, nausea, vomiting fatigue, headache, stress.

Stearic acid - One of the fatty acids contained in several animal and vegetable oils. Our stearic acid is specifically derived from Palm Oil.

Sucrose - Raw cane sugar used as a gentle effective abrasive in Emz Blendz Sugar Scrubs.

Sunflower oil - Emollient and lubricant.

Surfactant - Surface active ingredients. Substances capable of emulsifying oils and holding dirt in suspension so that it can be rinsed away with water.

Sweet almond oil - Light oil with soothing, nourishing and skin-conditioning properties.

Tangerine essential oil - Tangerine essential oil is used for congested and oily skin, stretch marks, digestive problems, restlessness, cellulite, and nervous tension.

Tea tree essential oil - Antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral. Tea Tree has been used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal people of Australia. The oil is used for acne, skin rashes, fungal infections, dandruff, energy stimulant, tooth and gum infections, vaginal infections, burns, cuts, immune boost, bronchial congestion, warts.

TEA (Triethanolamine) - A frequently used dispersing agent and emulsifier. An irritant and possible sensitizer. NOT used in any Emz Blendz products.

Titanium dioxide - A UV-filter (mineral filter) found in nature. Known to reflect the sun's rays away from the skin.

Tocopherol (Natural vitamin E) - Used as an antioxidant to protect plant oils from rancidity.

Vegetable oil - An oil extracted from a plant as opposed to an animal or mineral oil.

Water, purified - Free from environmental pollutants, a solvent and dilutant for natural ingredients.

Wheat germ oil - Rich in vitamin E, excellent for dry skin.

Witch Hazel extract - Astringent and cooling. Good for itchy skin.

Xanthan gum - Corn sugar gum. Used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabiliser.

Yucca schidigera - Yucca plant. Has excellent gentle, cleansing properties.

Zinc oxide - Earth mineral used as sun filter.

Zinc ricinoleate - A highly effective deodorant based on zinc salt of ricinoleic acid. Does not inhibit natural perspiration. Does not interfere with the natural flora of the skin.