Cowgirl's Guide to Beautiful Skin

Ingredient Glossary

Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus) –

Expressed from the nut, it is rich in oleic acid and other essential fatty acids, which soften skin and increase moisture – they are necessary for good skin condition. It is odorless, colorless, and is very easily absorbed. It relieves dry, chapped skin, is moisturizing, and contains vitamin A and zinc, so it’s a highly skin compatible oil. Very beneficial skin oil – wonderful as a carrier oil or extraction oil because it is neutral.

Aloe Vera, Whole Leaf (Aloe barbadensis) -

A skin healer, softener, and moisturizer. Contains polysaccharides and glucomannan, extremely potent constituents that are antibiotic, astringent, pain and scar inhibitors, and promote healthy growth. In skin care products, Aloe Vera displays all of the above and has healing and cellular renewing properties as well. Aloe Vera is amazing; it is used worldwide as a “medicine plant” for burns. It contains vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc that skin loves and needs for growth and repair. It has an inhibitory action against some bacteria and fungi. Aloe’s anti-inflammation action makes it a good treatment for acne and skin inflammation.

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca) -

A natural derivative from the apricot pit, this oil is very light, and leaves no oily film on the skin because it is completely absorbed. It is very rich in minerals and Vitamin A, an important anti-oxidant, which protects the skin from decomposition by oxygen and exposure to UV rays and pollution.

Arnica Infusion (Arnica montana) -

Used extensively in European and Native American folk medicine, arnica is one of the best remedies for external local healing in the treatment of bruises, muscle aches, and sprains. Arnica improves blood supply to tender and congested areas to relieve pain rapidly. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in the relief of rheumatic pain and inflammation of phlebitis and similar conditions. It has been shown to be immuno-stimulant as well.

Beeswax (Cera flava) -

Obtained from honeycombs of the hive, beeswax has natural healing properties and enzymes that soothe and soften skin. It has natural antimicrobial properties, is very mild, and absorbs slowly, which make it ideal for protecting the skin from dryness.

Birch E.O. (Betula lenta) -

Relieves arthritic & muscular pain, soothes irritation eczema & psoriasis. The crude tar used in pharmaceutical ointments for dermatological disorders.

Black Spruce E.O. (Picea mariana) -

Enlivening, refreshing, it energizes the skin and balances the blend.

Burdock Root Extract (Artcticum lappa) -

Due to polyacelyane, burdock’s anti-microbial actions make it excellent in the treatment of skin eruptions. It helps with eczema and skin scaling.

Calendula Flower Infusion and Extract (Calendula officinalis) -

The infused oil of fresh leaves and flowers of the plant is soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory. Most importantly, it has cellular renewing properties, helps to minimize scar formation, and brightens the skin. Many baby creams and soaps have Calendula in them because it is so gentle and softening.

Carrot Seed E.O. (Daucus carota) -

Contains Vitamins A, C, B1 & B2. It stimulates skin circulation, and the external application accelerates the formation of new healthy cells. Improves skin tone and elasticity, moistens dry skin, prevents wrinkles, skin discolorations, dermatitis, and eczema rashes.

Castor Bean Oil (Ricinus communis) –

From the castor bean, it is soothing to the skin, and helps to keep moisture in the skin. Acts as a barrier against harsh climate conditions: drying winds and cold air that robs skin of its own moisture. It is warming to the skin.

Cedarwood Bark E.O. (Cedrus atlanticus) –

Very balancing oil, it balances over active skin and feeds dehydration and irritation.  It is good for all skin types.

Clove Bud E.O. (Syzygium aromaticum) -

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, brings warmth to tissue and promotes circulation.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera) -

A rich emollient that lubricates and soothes skin, contains vitamins and fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the skin.

Comfrey Infusion (Symphytum officinalis) –

Also called "Knit bone" from “to unite” in Greek, relieves sprains, promotes the healing of bruised and damaged joints, muscles, and pulled tendons. It is anti-inflammatory and healing. It contains allantoin, which stimulates cell proliferation and wound healing both inside and out.  It encourages ligaments and bones to knit together firmly.

Dandelion Leaf and Root Extract (Taraxacum officinalis) –

Clarifying, detoxifying, and decongesting, it is anti-rheumatic, stimulates, and refreshes. As an alterative, it purifies and cleanses the blood, helping with rashes, psoriasis, eczema, infections, inflammations, and boils.

Dreamsicle Flavor -

Real vanilla bean and tangerine essential oils give the fragrance and taste to our lip balm, enlivening, warming, sweet, and comforting.

Echinacea Root Extract (Angustifolia purperea) –

Healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-septic; it helps strengthen cell membranes, protecting against destructive enzymes that cause inflammatory infection. Polysaccharides heal and repair tissue damaged by infection and stimulate the immune response.

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis) –

Rich in GLA, gamma linolenic acid, and other essential fatty acids, which soften and increase moisture in the skin and are necessary for good skin condition. It is useful in treating of eczema. Most importantly for skin care purposes, it helps to attract and maintain the water levels in the outer layers of the skin keeping it soft and supple, preventing premature aging.

Geranium E.O (Pelargonium graveolens) –

Fantastic at balancing oil production and balancing all skin types, it soothes irritated or inflamed skin. It is calming, up lifting, and healing. It is an anti-inflammatory and regenerates skin tissue and is known for preventing wrinkles.

German Chamomile E.O. (Matricaria recutita) –

Great for sensitive skin, rashes, boils, and enlarged capillaries- it has a sedative and emollient effect. It is pain relieving, wound healing and anti-inflammatory. It softens the skin and contains azulene, which is naturally blue in color and contains phenols and constituents that aid in new cell growth and tissue regeneration.

Ginger Root E.O. (Zingiber officinalis) -

Very warming and energizing. It increases circulation to skin and injured areas such as bruises, aching muscles, or sprains. Used as a compress for sore muscles and congested areas it also inhibits clotting.

Grapefruit E.O. (Citrus paradisi) -

Stimulates circulation, decreases hyper-pigmentation and age spots, good for dull skin, and has an uplifting fragrance.

Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) –

Contains Vitamin C, soothing, wound healing, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-growth properties, helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and large pores. The leaf also boasts the presence of a superstar antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) as well as other notable healing substances, including fluoride, catechins, and tannins.  Research has determined that EGCG reactivates dying skin cells.  EGCG seems to be a fountain of youth for skin cells.  When old cells found in the upper layer of the skin are exposed to EGCG they start dividing, they make DNA and produce more energy. If we can energize dying skin cells, we can improve the skin condition.

Guar Gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus)  –

A natural thickener and emulsifier, rich in Vitamin C that comes from a North African bean, the gum is actually extracted from the seeds.  It is an emollient and softener and is an excellent base for oil-free products. Most importantly, guar gum, works as a water binder and draws water into the skin.

Horsetail Extract (Equisetum ravens) -

Rich in sulfur and silicic acid (silica), horsetail feeds the skin with trace minerals – supports healthy cell structure and collagen and elastin structure, promotes blood flow, relieves soreness, and soothes rough skin.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) -

A liquid wax from the jojoba bean. This shrub grows in arid deserts of Arizona, Texas, and California. A wax that protects the plant and prevents the loss of moisture in the intense climate covers the pores of the plant.  The extremely fine molecular size of the oil (technically a liquid wax) makes it an ideal lubricant. The oil is very similar to the skin’s own sebum (the oil excreted from the sebaceous gland), and it mimics collagen, helping to maintain its structure and restores the matrix. Jojoba softens and protects skin from environmental damage and moisture loss. Even oilier skinned people can use jojoba oil. It’s a non-greasy moisturizer. It leaves a velvety feeling but doesn't leave an oily film.

Juniper Berry E.O. (Juniperus communis) –

Anti-bacterial, suitable for acne and eczema, cleansing and astringent.

Lavender E.O. (Lavender angustifolia) –

Balancing to all skin types. It is soothing, clarifying and calming. It helps to prevent scarring and stretch marks and has a reputation for slowing wrinkles. It has anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties, stimulates circulation, wound healing, and cell growth.

Lecithin -

An emulsifier from soybeans, an anti-oxidant, which prevents rancidity similar to the protection of the skin from decomposition by oxygen and exposure to UV light and pollution. It also helps moisturize dry skin as it affects the fluid content of the keratinized cells in the epidermis.

Lemon E.O. (Citrus limon) –

Antiseptic and stimulating, reduces swelling and bruising.

Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) -

Used for thousands of years starting in the orient and spreading around the world, licorice is anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, detoxifying, and warming. It relieves pain, and softens and soothes tissue.

Lime E.O. (Citrus aurantifolia) -

Refreshes and energizes, helps enliven dull skin, is astringent, and suitable for acne.

Marshmallow Infusion (Althea officinalis) -

Protects, soothes, and moisturizes - as a demulcent it is softening, humectant, and anti-inflammatory.

Milk Thistle Seed Infusion (Silybum marianum) –

Detoxifying, demulcent - being a demulcent, it greatly softens and moistens the skin.  People with skin problems ranging from acne to severe eczema have reported a clearing of skin impurities, healing of redness and inflammation, a dramatic softening and moistening of dry, cracking skin, and a noticeable glow and radiance.

Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica dioica) –

Detoxifying, helps inflamed skin - they are known for strengthening and supporting the whole body, it is detoxifying, astringent, cleansing to oily skin, and helps inflamed skin.

Oat Seed Infusion (Avena Sativa) -

Very soothing, skin lightener, wonderful emollient, reduces inflammation, good for dry skin and eczema, high content of vitamins and minerals like silica (silicic acid) are excellent for dry skin.

Octinoxate -

A sunscreen SPF of about 6, a physical barrier that protects the lips from UV rays with reflective mineral particles. We wouldn’t make a lip balm without a sunscreen, but our most important aim is lip care.

Potassium Sorbate –

Food grade thickener and preservative, potassium is a natural element that in the salt form inhibits mold growth in aloe vera.

Rosewood E.O. (Aniba rosaeodora) –

Softens, soothes and feeds dehydrated and sensitive skin.

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Mosqueta ) -

Extensive studies and clinical trials have shown Rosehip Seed Oil to restore skin elasticity and function, to have a positive effect on scars and stretch marks - it helps to reduce the red coloration and the appearance of lumps it helps to increase renewed cells in the dermis. These cells produce more collagen and elastin, which make the skin look smoother, firmer, and suppler.  The natural process of removing old skin and cleaning hair follicles is enhanced giving a cleaner youthful appearance. Very rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, it can reduce pigment spots and wrinkles. It penetrates very quickly to restore moisture balance. Very high in essential fatty acids, which soften, increase moisture in skin, and are necessary for good skin condition. It is used therapeutically for burns. Excellent natural source of trans-retinoic acid (Vitamin A) –Retinoic acid, found in Tretinoin, also called Retinol, is a topical application for treating many skin disorders – most well known for the treatment of aging skin.  It reduces wrinkles and increases collagen production.

Rose E.O. (Rosa damascena) –

Wonderfully softening for dry skin, wrinkles, and irritated skin, soothing for all skin types, strongly antiseptic, cell rejuvenator.

Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius) –

Quick absorbing oil, in the same family as the sunflower.

Sandalwood E.O. (Santalum album) –

Suitable for all skin types, especially useful on inflammation, dry acne, or chapped skin. It is antiseptic and calming.

Sodium Benzoate –

Preservative, antiseptic, food grade (from salt) – inhibits mold growth in aloe vera.

St. John’s Wort Infusion and Extract (Hypericum Perforatum) -

Mentioned throughout history as a treatment for skin ailments, it is astringent and soothing. It is excellent for wound healing due to its high amount of hypericin, and it relieves pain and swelling.

Sunflower Oil(Helianthus annuus) -

This oil is rich in oleic acid and other fatty acids, which soften and increase moisture in skin and are necessary for good skin condition. It is an emollient that penetrates deeply and thoroughly.  It supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil-according to the National Sunflower Association.

Tangerine E.O (Citrus reticulata) –

Regenerative, reduces swelling, treats dry, rough skin, and helps skin circulation. It is refreshing, warming, and enlivening.

Tea Tree E.O. (Melaleuca alternifolia) –

Anti-bacterial, anti-septic, treats acne, wounds, and insect bits, and is one of the most non-irritating oils.

Vitamin A  (Retinyl palmitate) -

An anti-oxidant from carrot seeds, has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine wrinkles.

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) –

Derived from soy, Vitamin D promotes wound healing and is soothing to irritated skin.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) -

Derived from wheat germ or soy, Vitamin E is a very important anti-oxidant that prevents rancidity of all the oils and protects the skin from decomposition by oxygen and exposure to UV rays and pollution. It is a free radical scavenger that has tremendous healing and anti-aging properties. Vitamin E along with wheat germ oil is essential to the healing of cuts and improving cell structure. It also provides modest photo protection.

Wheat Germ (Triticum vulgare) –

Natural oil obtained from the embryo of the wheat kernel separated in milling. Heavy, relatively thick, and expensive, it is a natural source of Vitamins E, A, and D which are the anti-oxidant vitamins. Because of its embryonic origin, it has the ideal composition for cellular improvement.

White Willow Bark extract (Salix alba) –

A natural astringent and source of “the forerunner of aspirin” salicylic acid, it relieves pain and gently exfoliates the skin. White Willow is an excellent remedy for arthritic and rheumatic pain; it improves mobility in painful and creaky joints.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) –

A cleanser and astringent it is anti-bacterial and soothing.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) -

Is the flower of flowers; it is soft, sweet, and sensual. For the skin, it balances oil production, is nourishing, moisturizing, and aids stressed and aging skin.

More Skincare Tips...