We’ve written about the base blends of our body butters in Part I and Part II, but it’s time to delve into the final ingredients: essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated hydrophobic liquids derived from plant matter. They are healing not only topically, but aromatically. They’re very potent, so it’s important to dilute them well which is where our base blends come in.

You can see the full list of essential oils we use in each of our body butters on their respective product pages here, but here are a few highlights.

Eucalyptus / Barefoot in the Park The scent of eucalyptus trees is what inspired the scent of Barefoot in the Park. Not only does it have a fresh, outdoorsy scent, but it has soothing and cooling properties that help calm inflamed skin. Eucalyptus essential oil makes the perfect post-sun skin treatment as it soothes sunburnt skin. Eucalyptus also contains flavonoids which are antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals.

Ginger / Jar of Cozy Due to its digestive properties, ginger is an integral part of Asian cuisines. While it’s best known for its ability to aid digestion, the health benefits of ginger essential oil are nearly identical to the medicinal health benefits of fresh ginger. The most potent form of ginger is the essential oil because it contains the highest levels of gingerol.

Clove Bud / Jar of Cozy Helps calm irritated skin and helps to reduce the appearance of redness, pigmentation and puffiness to leave your complexion deeply soothed and supple. This oil is emotionally balancing and offers clarity and a stimulating atmosphere. It is spicy and pungent with dry, slight sweet and fruity notes that are characteristic to dried clove buds.

Helichrysum & Frankincense / Serenity Now When blended, helichrysum and frankincense essential oils work together to treat skin ailments such as blemishes, acnes, scars, wrinkles, wounds, burns, stretch marks and eczema. Helichrysum contains an anti-inflammatory substance called arzanol which plays a part in healing wounds. Frankincense is called “The King of Oils” because of its versatility. It promotes cellular function and the appearance of healthy-looking skin, evening out skin tone, and minimizing blemishes.

Lavender / Serenity Now Lavender is called the “Universal Oil” because it is probably the most widely known scent in modern times. Most are familiar with its calming and relaxing scent. This gentle oil is generally safe for everyone and is known to balance the body and work wherever in the body there is need.

Carrot Seed / Five O’Clock Hour
Carrot seed oil is rich in antioxidants, making it the perfect anti-aging ingredient. These antioxidants also protect your skin from sun damage which is why it’s common to see this ingredient in clean face products. Carrot seed oil has potent antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth of many harmful bacteria on the skin. The oil targets the bacteria alone and does not cause any damage to the underlying skin.

Clary Sage / Blushing Ambition
Many claims have been made as to its benefits when dealing with cramps, heavy menstrual cycles, hot flashes and hormonal imbalances. There is an important ester in clary sage oil called linalyl acetate which is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in many flowers and spice plants. Linalyl kills or slows the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans. This ester reduces skin inflammation and works as a natural remedy for rashes. It also regulates the production of oil on the skin.

Ylang Ylang / Blushing Ambition
Ylang ylang essential oil has hydrating properties that aid in maintaining the skin's oil production and keeps it well-nourished. Its natural antiseptic properties can even heal any kind of cuts or cracks caused by excessively dry skin. It can moisturize, replenish the skin as well keep it healthy. 

Read Part I here and Part II here.

Shop our full line of body butters here.

 

In harmony with nature,

Micaela & Dawn, Founders & CEOs