Fixed Oils:
Apricot Kernel Oil -
Rich in acids. Softner for delicate skin around eyes, mouth and neck
Avocado Oil-
Rich in vitamins, protein and efa's. Particularly good for dry, mature skin.
Borage Oil-
High in GLA which helps maintain skin and repair damage/regenerate skin.High in vitamins and minerals. Only need a small amount to benifit.
Black Currant Seed Oil-
Lots of EFA's especially GLA. Reconstructs damaged skin. Very Pricey.
Camelina Oil-
High in EFA's. Improves elasticity.
Carrot Oil-
High in vitamins and minerals. Also used for dry skin and scars. Usually macerated in another base oil. Different from an EO.
Coconut Oil-
Easily absorbed by the skin and is excellent for bringing the healing properties of other ingredients into the skin. (virgin and fractionated can be used staright, refined up to 50% of your blend) Emollient. The natural substitute for sodium lauryl sulfate which is not truley made from coconut since it is synthetic.
Emu Oil-
Made fromt he fat of emu's, this oil is moisturizing, penetrating cell restorative. And that is just cosmetically.
Since it closely resembles human sebum it is considered an excellent carrier.
Evening Primrose Oil-
Made from seeds, itis high in GLA which helps restore skin cells. Very nourishing. Mix with borage oil and even in small amounts you've got a winner. Best for dry, mature skin.
Flax Seed Oil-
High in Alpha-linolenic Acid which helps the body absorb EFA's. Good for dry, mature skin. Will help soften skin.
Grapeseed Oil (may cause sensitivity)-
Vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid. Cold pressed has an unpleasant odor, while solvent extracted is nutty. However, from best I can tell, more sensitivity is reported from solvent extracted varieties. (no major studies, just an observation)
Best for oily & oily, mature skin types.
Jojoba Oil -
Helps control oil, so if you have oily skin this is great yet it is a humectant and puts a protective barrier over skin so it is good for dty skin as well.
Kukui Nut Oil-
High in EFA's, easily absorbed by skin. Good for all skin types especially damaged, mature, wrinkled and sensitive.
Macadamia Nut Oil-
antioxidant, good for all skin types especially dry. Emollient and soothing, easily absorbed as it is much like human sebum.
Meadowfoam Oil- Extremely high in fatty acids. Moisturizes and prevents moisture loss. Extremely stable, it is said to hep stabalize other oils.
Olive Oil-good for dry, mature skin. Attracts moisture to the skin but does not inhibit proper skin functioning. Use extra virgin since each pressing takes away more of the nutrients.
Peach Kernel Oil-
Similar to Apricot Kernel oil. Light weight.
Pumpkin Seed Oil-
Rich in fatty acids, zinc and vitamins. It is said to be excellent for acne so unless you are oily, mature skin type you may wish to stay away from it. Good pumpkin seed oil is said to be thick.
Rice Bran Oil-
High in EFA's. Antioxodant and a mild sunscreen. Great for mature and sensitive skins.
Rose Hip Seed Oil-High in EFA's, skin regeneration properties, minerals and vitamins (particularly vitamin C). Also good for damaged and dry skin.
Safflower Oil-
Nourishes and restructures the skin. High amounts of Linoleic acid. (can make lotions sticky)
Seabuckthorn Oil- Particularly the berries, but all parts of the plant are useful. Extremely high in EFA's(at least 80%) and phytosterols(if taken internally it lowers cholesterol) & a wide variety of vitamins including A, b's, C, E, K & P and beta carotene. Contains palmitoleic acid which can be found in skin's natural sebum. Antioxidant, skin restorative, antiwrinkle and skin softening. Try the CO2 extract for a treat. (can be costly).
Sesame Oil-
High in Vitamins A, B & E and in EFA's. Anti-inflamatory. Restructures skin and moisterizes but is better for dry, mature skin since it is heavy.
Sunflower Oil-
High in Vitamins A&E (antioxidants). Will leave a film/layer on skin which may or may not be pleasing.
Tamanu Oil / Foraha Oil-
Hydrating, regenerating, anti inflamatory, healing. All around great oil.
Vitamin E Oil-
Antioxidant and preservative (D-alpha-tocopherol). Combine with Emu oil and even neem for a burn treatment.
Walnut Oil-
High in Linoleic acid, restructuring and moisturizing.
Wheatgerm Oil-
High in vitamins A,D and E. Helps prevent moisture loss. Good for skin irritations.

Butters:
Apricot Butter (look under oils)
Kokum Butter-
reduces degeneration and restores elasticity.
Mango Butter (may help protect against sun damage) may prevent drying of the skin and wrinkle formation, may be better for mature, dry skin types.
Sal Butter (may help protect against sun damage) emollient, may prevent drying of the skin, may be better for mature dry skin types.
Shea Butter-High in EFA's, repairs cell damage, skin elasticity, gives some sun protection.

Essential Oils:
Carrot seed - Repairs skin, tones skin, prevents wrinkles, stimulates circulation, Balances skin so it is great for all skin types.
Frankincense- rejuvinates mature skin. Helps skin that looks pale or sallow.
Helichysum- Skin regenerating and antiinflamatory. Said to heal even old scars.
Myrrh (use only a little especially if you have dry skin)- Helps maintain a youthful skin tone, astringent
Neroli- Regenerates skin, balances skin.
Palmarosa- Good for all skin types, revitalizes, said to heal stretch marks.
Patchouli- Antiwrinkle, pore tightner. Best for oily skin as it can help balance it. Said to help heal cracked and rough skin. May help reduce the apperance of cellulite.
Rose- (see oil above)
Sandalwood - While it acts as an astrigent on oily skin, it also helps dry cracked skin (use only a little especially if you have dry skin until you know how it will react to you)
Spikenard (particularly if you have skin ailments) - Said to have a balancing effect on skin and will add vitality to mature skin.
Lavender-

Others
Aloe Vera
Dead Sea Mud
Honey
Ginseng
chickweed
comfrey
Most Varieties of Algae

 

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This page last updated on: August 30, 2002