Vegetable Oils and Extracts

Organic Aloe Vera: It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds that help prevent wound infections. It also has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds, and it stimulates collagen synthesis and skin regeneration. Aloe contains vitamins C and E, plus the mineral zinc, and is a soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial that helps heal acne and skin disorders or all kinds.

Aloe Butter: Aloe Butter has excellent moisturizing properties and aids with the re-hydration of dry chapped skin. It is solid at room temperature and melts on contact with the skin and can be used in formulations to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and sun burn. Aloe Butter is great to use on its own or can be used in a variety of skin care applications including use in lotions, creams, conditioners, body butters, soaps, and lip balms.

Sweet Almond Oil: is used often as a massage oil. It is moisturizing, penetrating, and restructuring to skin. It is rich in protein and helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness, and inflammation in skin.

Apricot Kernel Oil High in vitamin A, C, & E. It is a very mild oil perfect for babies, those prone to acne, and wonderful for aging skin. Apricot Oil has skin softening properties and is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Helps reduce inflammation and irritation of eczema and dermatitis.

Avocado Oil a deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D, E, lecithin, as well as potassium which keeps one looking young. It has a reputation for reducing age spots, and healing damage from sun and scars. It is extremely moisturizing and assist in the regeneration of skin. Helps reduce dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema. Wonderful for hair creams as it adds shine and moisturizes hair.

Avocado Butter: Has the same properties as Avocado Oil.

Bentonite Clay: also known as Montmorillonite) is an edible clay from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments, and contains over 70 trace minerals.  This clay is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays used to treat both internal and external maladies.  The largest and most active deposits come from Wyoming and Montana. (Mountain Rose Herbs stocks a Wyoming variety).  Bentonite clay is traditionally used as an internal supplement to assist with mineral deficiencies, and to help bind toxins making them more soluble. Externally, Bentonite is used as a clay poultice, mud pack, in the bath, and in skin care recipes.  Bentonite clay has the ability to absorb toxins, impurities, heavy metals and other contaminants from the body, and is ingested to treat mineral deficiencies, anemia, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, intestinal problems, hemorrhoids, and for general organ health.

Carrot Seed Oil: may be the most underrated essential oil in aromatherapy, but there’s nothing but wellness surrounding this powerful detoxifier and skin rejuvenator. The soft earthy smell initiates the stress relieving characteristics in the oil, and when the oil is applied to the skin epidermal cells are stimulated, which keeps wrinkles in check. The oil is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, weeping sores, and boils.

Castor Oil: It has properties similar to glycerin in drawing moisture to the skin. It makes lather in soap with think large bubbles and is used in many shampoo bars because of it’s lather. Castor oil is great in hair care products for adding shine, moisturizing, and decreasing frizz in hair.

Cocoa Butter (Certified Organic): A luxurious butter that melts on contact with skin . Prevents drying of the skin and development of wrinkles. Reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores skin flexibility.

Coconut Oil:It is highly moisturizing and produces a wonderful lather in soap. Great in hair cream products because it moisturized hair and scalp adding shine.

Coconut Milk - contains vitamin A and D. It is soothing and nourishing to skin. It moisturizes and calms red irritated skin. It is soothing to dry, itchy skin and can take the itch out of burns and rashes.

Essential Oils: are a concentrated, hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils. The oil carries the distinctive scent of the plant. They are extracted usually by distillation. They are used in perfumes and cosmetics, for flavoring, incense , and cleaning products. They have properties that act on the cellular, physical, emotional, and intellectual level. Used in holistic medicine and aromatherapy.

French Green Clay (Also Known as Illite Clay or Sea Clay) is very absorbent, and literally "drinks" oils, toxic substances, and impurities from your skin.  Its toning action stimulates the skin by bringing fresh blood to damaged skin cells, revitalizing the complexion, and tightening pores. Mined from bedrock quarries in France, it is sun-dried, completely natural, unscented, and fragrance free.  Green clay is a bio-mineral, and contains decomposed plant matter as well as many trace minerals, such as: silica, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, manganese, phosphorous, silicon, micro-algaes, kelp, and phyto-nutrients. Green Clay has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it beneficial for muscular pain, swelling, and arthritic or rheumatic conditions. Cosmetically, French Green clay is revered for its ability to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, remove dead skin cells, absorb impurities and fats, and tone and strengthen connective tissues.  After using French Green clay, skin feels fresh, smooth, radiant, and soft.  French Green Clay is also marvelous for helping to clear problem skin areas, and is gentle enough to use weekly, or even daily on problem spots.

Hemp Seed Oil: High in anti-oxidants it is one of the dryest oils available, penetratig skin quickly. It is an excellent moisturizer particularly for dry, damaged skin such as in eczema, psoriasis, and mastaligia. It’s an excellent lubricant without being greasy. Contains more nutrients than almost all other oils with the riches source of amino acids containing all 8, 2 essential fatty acids (EFA’s) omega 3 & omega 6, 21 minerals, and 13 vitamins including very high levels of vitamin A & E. Rich in GLA’s & Linoleic acid which is beneficial to aging skin, acne prone skin, and sun damaged skin.

Jojoba Oil – High in Vitamin E it is not actually an oil but an array of wax esters. It acts as a moisturizer and emollient providing a barrier on skin to improve skin elasticity and suppleness. It helps inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and hair care. In shampoos it helps to deep clean the hair follicles.

Jojoba Microsperes: Jojoba esters provides a highly safe and effective ingredient for skin and hair products. Ideal for bath and body gels, scrubs, and polishes. They are 100% biodegradable.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. An anti-inflammatory that relieves symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis and even flea allergies

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH, caustic soda, sodium hydrate, soda lye, etc.) – All soap is made with lye though the end resulting soap if properly made does not contain lye. Homemade soap made with lye is milder than commercial or even so-called glycerin soap. The reason being that homemade soap is super fatted or excess fat is used that not only consumes all of the lye but leave excess oils to moisturized and protect skin. Commercial soap and commercially made glycerin soap used in melt and pour recipes do not contain this excess fat. These soaps are a little harsh on skin not to mention all the extra chemicals that they contain. Actually commercial soaps are detergents and not even called soap. You won’t see soap on the label.

Olive Oil - Olive Oil has been used for centuries as the oil of choice in soap making. It is rich in vitamins and high in anti-oxidants. It’s soothing, moisturizing, and great in hair care as well as cosmetics.

Palm Oil - High in Vitamin E, it adds hardness to soap and replaces the use of tallow in soap making. It is very moisturizing to skin and safe for use by those with nut allergies. Rich in vitamin E.

Palm Kernel Oil: High in Vitamin E, it makes a very hard, snow white bar of soap. It can replace coconut oil in producing a wonderful lather in soap. Palm Kernel is a better choice in products meant for use by people with nut allergies because it does not contain the proteins that cause reactions like many nut oils.

Panthenol: Known as Pro-Vitamin B5 and is super moisturizing to skin and hair care products. Provides extra sheen and shine and it's also known to help improve hair structure.

Pomegranate Tincture (Organic): Pomegranate falls into the “superfruit” category because of its exceptional nutrient value and antioxidant properties. It contains ellagitannins, which are powerful polyphenols, valued for the exceptional free-radical scavenging abilities.

Rhassoul (Moroccan Red) Clay: Rhassoul clay is a truly exquisite Spa quality clay from ancient deposits unearthed from the fertile Atlas mountains of Morocco where it has been used for over 1400 years as a skin conditioner, soap, and shampoo. This clay has a long history, and was used in ancient Rome and Egypt by those of nobility.  Rhassoul is a mineral rich, reddish/brown clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience.
Today, upscale spas and resorts across the globe utilize the toning and enriching benefits offered by Rhassoul clay. It is very high in trace minerals such as silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium, making it truly one of the finest treasures for pampering your skin.  Because of the high mineral content, astringent properties, and absorption properties, Rhassoul clay is a wonderful and effective clay for cleansing, detoxification, and for general skin care treatments.  In clinical tests, Rhassoul has been shown to be effective on skin elasticity, clogged pores, removes dead skin layers, removed surface oil from skin, improves skin clarity and appearance, and reduces flakiness and dryness of both the scalp and skin.  Try using Rhassoul clay in soap recipes, facial masks, body wraps, clay packs, shampoos, and conditioners for a luxurious and decadent experience. 

Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract (Hippophae rhamnoides): promotes cell tissue regeneration, thus aiding in the healing of wounds and restoring skin tissue.

Shea Butter Burkina Faso (Organic): Shea Butter is known for its moisturizing and emollient properties. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it penetrates deeply into the epidermis and leaves a smooth, satiny finish. Shea Butter can be used to make massage butters, body butters, lip balms, as a moisturizing agent in soaps and shaving creams, and as a treatment for minor skin wounds and irritations.

Silk Protein: Silk Amino Acid has the smallest particle size and can penetrate very deeply into the hair cortex to strengthen and repair. Even when employed in low concentrations, the use of Silk Amino Acid can have a noticeable effect on the health and appearance of hair. It also has the best water solubility and still retains the full compliment of 18 amino acids. Its small size also means that it is absorbed deeply into the skin where its excellent moisture binding properties compare favorably to conventional humectants such as glycerin. Because of its ability to penetrate so deeply, this version is the best choice for applications where a therapeutic value is of highest importance.

Sunflower Oil: is high in Vitamin E. It is easily absorbed by skin. It provides a stable lather in soap. Wonderful oil in all skin products especially baby products. Improve epidermal barrier function having properties that protect skin from bacterial infections, especially in third world countries when used on premature infants. Sunflower Oil also has cancer fighting properties and can be used to treat psoriasis and bruises.

Vitamin E - is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Directly protects skin against ultraviolet radiation. It is soothing to burns, reduces inflammation, and may help scarring.

Wheat Protein: a unique hydrating complex offering a combination of moisture-balancing and film-forming properties that work synergistically to give hair better body control, and skin, a smoother softer feel.


Animal related Ingredients

Beeswax - has the sweet smell of honey. Beeswax makes a harder bar of soap and is also used in creams, lotions, lip balms and candle making.

Goats Milk (Fresh, Free-Range Goats, Organic Fed) - contains vitamin A and D. It is soothing and nourishing to skin. It moisturizes and calms red irritated skin. It is soothing to dry, itchy skin and can take the itch out of burns and rashes.

Honey – contains many minerals, vitamin B, and has anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. It attracts moisture and retains moisture , is soothing to rashes, helps acne and ezcema. It temporarily tightens skin acting as a cleanser and toner.

Lanolin Butter – is obtained from the shorn wool of sheep without animal cruelty. It is less greasy than natural lanolin and reduces greasiness in formulations. It is outstanding in skin softening and moisturizing. If someone is allergic to wool they will likely not tolerate lanolin. It makes a nice hard bar of soap.



Herbs & Extracts -We use many herbs and extracts to increase the nutritive or healing value of the soap for various skin conditions. Our herbs and extracts are all cosmetic grade from reliable companies. Many herbs that we use are infused into the oils used to made the soap.

Calendula is rich in phytochemicals, including lycopene, it is great for reducing inflammation and is an effective treatment on wounds, burns and abrasions to help rejuvenate the skin and overcome abnormal skin growths.    

Chamomile Flower Heads:adds a slightly astringent quality to soap and is anti-inflammatory, helps infections, rashes, and burns. May cause a reaction in someone allergic to pollen.

Chickweed (Organic): is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, red, itchy rash caused by contact with poison ivy and poison oak, and for healing insect stings and bites or any other inflammatory skin condition.

Comfrey leaves (symphtum officinale) Certified Organic): One of the best-known healing herbs of all times. Well known, its very name, symphytum, from the Greek symphyo means to "make grow together", referring to its traditional use of healing fractures. Comfrey relieves pain and inflammation caused by injuries and degeneration, especially the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.Comfrey creams and oils can be used in arthritic pain relieving massages.

Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best know for the topical treatment of burns, skin ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, flea and insect bites, and just about any skin irritation. Fresh leaves can be applied to bruises, fractures, sprains, and other injuries. Many healing effects of comfrey are attributable to allantoin, a compound shown to speed cell production both inside and outside the body. Comfrey works so fast that many herbalists will add antibacterial herbs to comfrey salves to prevent sealing bacteria inside a fast healing wound.

Lavender Buds – Adds a nice scent to soap and has many healing properties. It soothes skin, heals insect bites, wards off insects, and treats burns and inflammatory conditions.

Plantain (plantago major) Certified Organic:   A great "First Aid" plant that usually grows close at hand. A few fresh leaves crushed or chewed quickly stops the bleeding of open wounds. Plantain also relieves pain and inflammation of bites, stings, and the itching from poison ivy. It is a useful remedy for many skin ailments.

Helichrysum (Organic)Traditionally used as a  wound healing poultice and a variety of skin infections. The leaves have high levels of anti-oxidants that help to speed the healing process and the formation of scar tissue. Also known as Helichrysum arenarium, Everlasting, Immortelle, Curry Plant, and Yellow Chaste Weed.

Henna Red (Lawsonia inermis): Henna not only colors hair, but its conditioning properties help bring body, life and vibrancy back to dry or damaged hair. Henna permeates the hair shaft to strengthen and enrich your hair, giving it a distinctive, natural radiance not found with chemical-based coloring. The leaf contains the compound lawsone, which is active against many fungi and bacteria.

*Note: Due to the nature of the saponification process and/or the limited amount of time the suds stay on the hair, the henna contained in any shampoo bars will not change color of hair.

Horsetail (Shavegrass) Certified Organic (Equisetum arvense): Rich in silica and silicic acids. Silica, which helps form the collagen in skin and bones, also helps to strengthen hair. It also keeps hair looking smooth and shiny. The potassium, manganese and selenium may also encourage hair growth,

Oatmeal (Organic) – is soothing and relieves itching of irritated skin, mildly exfoliating and smoothing to rough skin.

Sea Kelp
– High in vitamins and minerals and gives soap skin and hair softening qualities..

Stinging Nettle Leaf (Certified Organic) Extracts of nettle have been included in hair tonics for centuries due to its purported ability to stimulate hair growth. Nettle has been used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, inflammatory skin conditions, diarrhea, and asthma.

White Willow Bark: is known for relieving pain and has been used for fevers, rheumatism, inflammation and more. White willow's main substance is salicin. Its bark was used to make aspirin in the early days of medicine.

Essential Oils

Anise: Anise Star Essential Oil has carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism. Anise Star has a powerful and licorice-like scent that fisherman say attracts fish.

Bergamot: Bergamot Essential Oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, infection (all types including skin), anorexia, psoriasis, eczema and general convalescence.

Birch (Sweet): Birch Sweet is credited with being an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pryetic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, and tonic. It is an effective addition to massage oil blends for sore muscles, sprains and painful joints because of its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Cajeput: Cajeput Essential Oil has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties and is used chiefly as a local application for skin ailments and as a stimulating expectorant. Other properties include being mildly analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, anthelminthic, diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific and tonic.

Cedarwood: Cedarwood Atlas Oil can be used to assist with acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress. It has warming, uplifting, and toning properties. Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil is considered to be comforting, reviving and an aphrodisiac.

Citronella: Citronella Ceylon Essential Oil is credited with having therapeutic properties as an antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and as a stimulant. Nonetheless, most people will associate it with its insecticide properties. Many commercial repellents contain Citronella Ceylon, and it is often used in combination with Cedarwood to produce a pleasant smelling natural insect repellent. It will also be seen in soaps and candles, and it has common applications in massage. This oil can also help with minor infection, but is more commonly known for its ability to assist in combating colds and flu. Citronella can also be used for excessive perspiration and for conditioning oily skin and hair.

Clary Sage: Clary Sage Essential Oil is viewed by aromatherapists as an antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic and uterine. It is well known for providing a euphoric action, for balancing uterine issues, and as an agent to clean greasy hair. There is also some documentation of its effectiveness in helping to relax the spasms of asthma.

Clove Bud (Organic): Clove Bud Essential Oil is an effective agent for minor pains and aches (particular dental pain), and is helpful when battling flu and colds.

Cypress Australian Blue Essential Oil is well known for its skincare properties – specifically moisturizing and soothing properties. Amongst aromatherapists and manufacturers, this oil is considered very similar to Blue Chamomile. It is also regarded as being a soothing and relaxing agent for the nerves without sedative properties.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil is fantastic on skin ailments such as burns, blisters, wounds, insect bites, lice and skin infections, as well as to combat the effects of colds and the flu. There is also a history of Eucalyptus essential oil being applied to sore muscles and joints.

Fir Needle: Fir Needle Essential Oil is reported to help with arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism and sinusitis.

Pink Grapefruit: is believed by aromatherapists to be a spiritual up-lifter, and to ease muscle fatigue and stiffness. It is also a purifier of congested, oily and acne prone skin and is sometimes added to creams and lotions as a natural toner and cellulite treatment. Grapefruit Essential Oil is reputed to ease nervous exhaustion and relieve depression.

Lavender (Organic): Lavender is the essential oil most commonly associated with burns and healing of the skin. It also has antiseptic and analgesic properties which will ease the pain of a burn and prevent infection. It also has cytophylactic properties that promote rapid healing and help reduce scarring. The scent of Lavender is said to have a calming effect on the body and it can be used to reduce anxiety, stress and promote sleep.

Lemon: Lemon Essential Oil has been historically recognized as a cleanser. It is reputed as being antiseptic, and as having refreshing and cooling properties. On skin and hair it can be used for its cleansing effect, as well as for treating cuts and boils. Research has also shown Lemon Essential Oil to enhance the ability to concentrate.

Lemongrass (Organic): Lemongrass Essential Oil is known for its invigorating and antiseptic properties. It can be used in facial toners as its astringent properties help fight acne and greasy skin. An excellent anti-depressant, Lemongrass Essential Oil tones and fortifies the nervous system and can be used in bath for soothing muscular nerves and pain. Lemongrass shares similar properties with citronella and has a great reputation for keeping insects away.

Lime: Lime Essential Oil has a crisp, refreshing citrus scent that has been used by aromatherapists for its uplifting and revitalizing properties. It can also act as an astringent on skin where it is reputed to help clear oily skin.

Litsea Cubeba (Organic): Also known as May Chang, Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil is most valued for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Other therapeutic properties include being astringent, antiseptic, insecticide, hypotensive, stimulant and tonic.

Menthol: Menthol Liquid Essential Oil has been used as a flavoring for centuries, but also has applications in aromatherapy when applied to sore muscles or in combination with other products such as in a pain relief balm. It is often referred to as having a cooling effect.

Palmarosa (Organic): Organic Palmarosa Essential Oil can be used as an antiseptic and bactericide, as a stomachic to relieve the discomforts of flu and high temperatures. It can also be used to normalize thyroid, nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions.

Patchouli Dark: Patchouli is recognized by aromatherapists as being effective for combating nervous disorders, helping with dandruff, sores, skin irritations and acne. The specific properties include use as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antimicrobal, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, nerving, prophylactic, stimulating and tonic agent. In the perfumery industry, it is interesting to note that Patchouli improves with age, and that the aged product is what is preferred over freshly harvested.

Peppermint: Peppermint Supreme Essential Oil is widely credited with being a digestive aid. Peppermint leaves contain menthol, which is a proven aid to digestion. The familiar aroma of Mentha piperita is known for both its warming and cooling properties. Friendly to the sinuses, peppermint is also useful to the muscular system, especially for women during monthly cycles or menopause. Properties include being refreshing, a mental stimulant and energizing. It relieves bad breath and is a good nerve tonic that helps with mental fatigue and nervous stress.

Rose Geranium: As one of the few oils with the ability to both uplift and sedate, Rose Geranium works profoundly on the emotions. It works wonders in skincare remedies and can be used to help in the treatment of the following: acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, mosquito repellent, ringworm, ulcers, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. It can be used to remedy digestive ailments, kidney and bladder disorders and has traditionally been considered as an astringent.

Rosemary: Rosemary Spanish Essential Oil stimulates cell renewal and improves dry or mature skin, easing lines and wrinkles. It can also clear acne, blemishes or dull dry skin by fighting bacteria and regulating oil secretions. It improves circulation and can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and varicose veins. Rosemary Essential Oil helps to overcome mental fatigue and sluggishness by stimulating and strengthening the entire nervous system. It enhances mental clarity while aiding alertness and concentration. Rosemary Oil can help you cope with stressful conditions and see things from a clearer perspective.

Sweet Orange(Organic): Properties for Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil are as follows: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant (nervous) and tonic (cardiac, circulatory). It has also been applied to combat colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, the flu, gums, slow digestion, and stress.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree Essential Oil is best known for its antimicrobial activities. It contains the compound Terpinen-4-ol which is thought to be the responsible for fighting all three categories of infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). Tea Tree Essential Oil can be used to combat a variety of ailments including acne, dandruff, athlete’s foot, lice, eczema and psoriasis.

Ylang Ylang II: Ylang-ylang Essential Oil can assist with problems such as high blood pressure, rapid breathing and heartbeat, nervous conditions, as well as impotence and frigidity. Spiritual practitioners claim that the users of Ylang-ylang are those who have been drawn to the oil, and who in turn, suit it. Ylang-ylang Essential Oil is best suited for use in the perfumery and skincare industries.