Ingredients 101
Skin Benefits of the most common ingredients:
Organic Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer because it attracts external moisture, holds it close to the skin and protects the the body from internal moisture loss. Unlike synthetic and petroleum products, olive oil does not block the natural functions of the skin. Olive oil will not cause acne and other skin problems.
Organic Cold pressed Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. It helps protect your skin from the aging effects of free radicals, and can help improve the appearance of skin with its anti-aging benefits. When coconut oil is absorbed into the skin and connective tissues, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by helping to keep connective tissues strong and supple. Coconut oil will not only bring temporary benefits to the skin, but it will aid in restoring your skin's youthful appearance. The coconut oil will aid in exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. It also penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to strengthen the underlying tissues.
Organic Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is very nourishing and is also a wonderful moisturizer. Sunflower oil contains naturally occurring Vitamin A and E. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, provides many health benefits, as does vitamin E. Both vitamins neutralize free radicals. Sunflower oil is recommended for most skin types, from normal to oily. A non-greasy, protective layer is formed on the skin when Sunflower oil is used, providing a smooth and luxurious texture every time.
Organic Shea Butter
Also known as African karite butter. This has been used in Africa for centuries for its abitity to soothe dry, chapped skin. This butter can be used for the most sensitive skin including newborn babies.
Carrot seed oil
Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, It heals chapped, sun damaged skin and is high in antioxidants. It balances the skins moisture content.
Essential oils
The aromatherapy benefits of essential oils are endless. These plant oils restore balance to the mind and body and give our products their intoxicating aroma!
What is aromatherapy?
Thousands of years old, the practice of aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils. Essential oils are extracted from the aromatic essences of certain plants, trees, fruits, flowers, herbs and spices. Each one has its own scent and unique healing properties. When the extracted oils are inhaled or applied to the skin(in a carrier oil), they begin to work immediately on body tissues and then are absorbed through the pores and into the bloodstream to treat specific ailments and restore your natural balance both physically and mentally.
Purple Prairie Botanicals uses high quality, steam distilled medicinal grade essential oils in all our products.
Herbal infusions
This ingredient is made by steeping organic herbs/flowers in Olive oil to release the beneficial properties of the herb/flower. We pick the herbs/flowers close to the full moon and place the infusions in the sun until ready.Chamomile infused oil is an excellent oil to use for the relief of the syptoms of eczema and dermatitis. It helps to soothe rashes and irritated skin.Calendula infused oil has powerful skin healing properties. This makes it useful as the main oil in creams and ointment for cracked skin, burns, eczema, inflammations, rashes, work-rough hands, nappy rash, grazes and wounds. It also helps to fade old scars.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a natural presevative high in antioxidants. It also offers skin healing properties.
Oatmeal
Finely ground oatmeal is used as an exfoliant to release debris which collects on the skins surface. Soaps with oatmeal remove dirt and dead skin while stimulating the healthier cells below. We use certified gluten free oatmeal.
The Dirty Dozen
Remember, your skin is your largest organ. What you slather on, gets absorbed into your blood and it’s a faster route to your blood than actually eating these chemicals. Make sure your products are clean and avoid the top 12 dirtiest ingredients in 80% of personal care products. Here they are:
1. BHA and BHT. Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number. Look for p-phenylenediamine hair dyes and in other products colours listed as “CI” followed by five digits.1 The U.S. colour name may also be listed (e.g. “FD&C Blue No. 1″ or “Blue 1″). Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain.
3. DEA-related ingredients. Used in creamy and foaming products, such as moisturizers and shampoos. Can react to form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Look also for related chemicals MEA and TEA.
4. Dibutyl phthalate. Used as a plasticizer in some nail care products. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Used in a variety of cosmetics. Slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer.
6. Parabens. Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance) Any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even in some products marketed as “unscented.” Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.
8. PEG compounds. Used in many cosmetic cream bases. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Also for related chemical propylene glycol and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (e.g., polyethylene glycol).
9. Petrolatum. Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
10. Siloxanes. Look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone.” Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
11. Sodium laureth sulfate. Used in foaming cosmetics, such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Look also for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).
12. Triclosan. Used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes, cleansers and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.