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What Makes Our Body Butters So Great (Part II)

 

In Part I, we deep dove into butters which form the base of our body butters. These are what makes our body butters solid at room temperature. We mix our butters with carrier oils which create their creamy, spreadable consistency. Carrier oils are liquid at room temperature and help safely and effectively carry essential oils to the skin, hence the name “carrier oils”. We’ll get into their carrying function more in Part III.



Jojoba Oil Ironically, we’ll start off with an oil that isn’t actually an oil but is actually a liquid wax ester. Out of all compounds found in nature, jojoba oil is structurally and chemically the most similar to human sebum meaning it mimics the structure of the skin. As a result, it helps balance out oil production while feeling lightweight and non-greasy. It helps maintain skin hydration, offers antioxidant protection, has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin, and is useful in treating acne. It is a wonderful everyday oil suitable for all skin types and ages. We use jojoba oil in Serenity Now and Basic.



Sunflower Seed Oil Sunflower seed oil is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores. It’s super absorbent, aids in healing wounds, and typically won’t irritate most people. It soothes skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and is a master at hydration—ideal for thirsty complexions. Sunflower seed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in our skin’s sebum. Because of its high fatty acid concentration, sunflower seed oil has great emollient benefits, helping to improve skin barrier function and maintain hydration. We use sunflower seed oil in Blushing Ambition, Basic, Jar of Cozy, and Therapy.



Safflower Seed Oil Safflower seed oil is rich in protective antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, helps promote wound healing, and helps reduce the size of blackheads and whiteheads. It's gentle and non-comedogenic, so it’s generally safe for all skin types to use daily. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it is abundant in antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. You will find safflower seed oil in Blushing Ambition, Serenity Now, Basic, Five O’Clock Hour, and Therapy.



Coconut Oil Coconut oil is occlusive, meaning it sits on top of the skin, trapping moisture underneath. This helps smooth the skin and lock in existing moisture, but it does not hydrate the skin. The lauric acid found in coconut oil has antimicrobial properties which can help kill bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation.


Its antibacterial properties help exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells, making skin smoother, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and is a wonderful anti-aging moisturizer. However, if your pores tend to clog easily and blackheads are your nemesis, you might want to avoid coconut oil which is heavy and regarded as one of the more comedogenic oils. You will find coconut oil in Five O’Clock Hour.



Sweet Almond Oil Sweet almond oil is full of vitamins A and E, monosaturated fatty acids, protein, potassium, and zinc. Deterioration of skin collagen occurs when the body doesn’t have enough antioxidants to fight free radicals (also known as oxidative stress). Since collagen keeps skin looking supple and wrinkle-free, that’s where the antioxidants in sweet almond oil come in.


Due to its high levels of Vitamin E, sweet almond oil keeps skin cells healthy, protects skin from UV radiation damage, and helps skin look smooth, soft, and free of fine lines. The protein and zinc found in sweet almond oil can strengthen brittle nails. It maintains balanced skin moisture levels, rejuvenates scar tissue, and helps even out the color and texture left behind in the healing process. Ancient cultures used almond oil as a medicine to treat dry skin as well as hypertrophic scars and general skin rejuvenation.


Important to note: We use refined sweet almond oil which is unlikely to contain adequate allergenic protein to elicit a reaction to those allergic to almonds. However, we recommend you consult with your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure if it is safe for you to use. We use sweet almond oil in Barefoot in the Park.



Avocado Oil Avocado oil is an emollient, highly permeating oil. It’s a humectant meaning it can deeply penetrate the skin and keep it hydrated for a very long time. The natural content of vitamins A and E work synergistically to improve skin texture. Avocado oil contains sterolin which softens skin and can reduce the appearance of age spots—an excellent choice for maturing skin. Avocado oil also increases the production of collagen making skin look plumper.


It’s highly soothing for those with severe dry skin and inflammatory conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. It can reduce acne, soothe sunburned skin, and help treat wounds. You’ll find avocado oil in Barefoot in the Park.



Now you know all about the carrier oils we use in our body butters. In Part III, we’ll focus on essential oils, the final ingredient in the trifecta of what makes our body butters so great.

 

Read Part I here and Part III here.



Shop our full line of body butters here.

 

In harmony with nature,

Micaela & Dawn, Founders & CEOs

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