The skin is a living organ and, as are all organs, in a delicate chemical balance. It is the body's largest organ and is, by virtue of it's placement, exposed and subjected to the highest amount of abuse.

 

It is an element protection and elimination organ. In essence, a third kidney.

 

When it is in chemical balance the skin is normal and the acid level promotes the ideal response. When the chemical balance is upset, even slightly, abnormal skin conditions occur.

 

Like snow flakes, no two skins are exactly the same. Although skin is classified into various group types such as colour, thickness, condition, etc. each skin is individual and unique and each skin is in a CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE.

 

pH is the numerical measurement used to determine the alkaline or acid balance of the skin. When the pH is greater than 5.6 it is classified as alkaline. When the pH is less than 5.6 it is classified as acid.

 

The acid or alkaline level is important because it has a direct affect on the natural enzymatic activity, or lack thereof, in the skin. A minute change of only .00001, plus or minus, in the pH level has an immediate impact on, and can disturb, the ability of individual enzymes to perform their function. This, in turn, has a direct influence on the ever changing condition of each individual skin.

 

BEFORE YOU, AS A PROFESSIONAL, CAN HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF YOUR CLIENT'S SKIN YOU MUST FIRST BALANCE THE pH LEVEL.   

 

In general terms the skin may be grouped into the following condition types:

 

1.       NORMAL skin is a healthy skin with a pH of 5.6. It requires routine maintenance and skin care products which have

        the ability to maintain it's pH balance.

 

2.       SENSITIVE skin has a pH balance greater or less than 5.6. The more alkaline or acidic the skin is the more sensitive

        it is. The more sensitive the skin is the more limited the range of products and ingredients that can be used to treat

        it. Generally, soothing and neutral to semi-active products are recommended such as azulen and camomile.

 

3.       DULL skin is usually the result of poor circulation and inadequate nourishment. It has an abnormal accumulation of

        dead skin cells which give the skin that sick look. It also wrinkles quicker. The normal condition of aging skin,

        which has not been looked after. This skin requires professional cleansing and stimulating, exfoliating and nourishing products incorporating ingredients such as such as collagen, shark liver oil, etc.

 

4.       DRY skin has a ph of more than 5.6 and is, therefore, alkaline. The sebaceous glands are under active and do not

       produce the required amount of oil. It requires alkaline normalizing products which stimulate the

       sebaceous glands, moisturize and nourish such as papaya.

 

5.       OILY skin has a pH of less than 5.6 and is, therefore, acid. This skin requires products which calm the sebaceous

        glands, balance and normalize the pH and cleanse the excessive surface oil such as cucumber.

 

6.       ACNEIC skin is acid. It is very oily and tends to have clogged pores. It requires products which calm the sebaceous

       glands, normalize the acid and have disinfecting and drying ingredients such as melaleuca alternifolia, camphor,

       sulphur, etc.

 

  7.     BLEMISHED skin is extremely acid with very active sebaceous glands. It requires products similar to Acneic skin.

 

8.       DEHYDRATED skin can be any skin type that has a lowered level of water content. It requires hydrating products such as collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, papaya, aloe vera, fig, etc. coupled with an increased water intake. It is interesting to note that skin with a high level of water content (oedema) requires the same treatment, with the addition of juniper, red vine, gold, etc., including an increased water intake.

 

9.       ASPHYXIC skin is any skin type that is oxygen starved. It requires products which stimulate the oxygenation such as horsetail, birch, burnt chestnut, mandragora, etc.

 

10.    CONFUSED skin is skin that has been exposed to too many different products and in particular products with a high

       synthetic content.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: CONFUSED SKIN will tend to experience a breakout reaction when exposed to natural activating, stimulating ingredient products. This is not a reaction to the natural product, unless you have recommended the wrong active product for their skin, but as a result of proper stimulation, which is activating the skin to eliminate the toxin build up and/or synthetic residue. This skin must be treated with patience, gentleness and kindness. The reaction may last as long as two weeks but the long term reward is more than worth the short term inconvenience.

 

To help the skin to maintain it's proper pH balance and address the various deficiencies, the skin care treatments and products must be thoughtfully chosen in order to successfully meet the individual skin's requirements. This ability comes as the result of proper advanced training and is the criteria by which a professional skin care expert is differentiated from an over-the-counter cosmetic sales person.

 

The ideal products required to successfully address all of these various skin conditions and bring them to normal skin condition are TRUE natural products formulated with the proper, beneficial percentages of natural ingredients (in other words - not adding just enough to satisfy label requirements). To properly use natural products you must understand the actions of natural products and their ingredients on the skin. 

 

These actions can be classified as:

 

                                                                 1. ASTRINGENT.

                                                                 2. BALANCING.

                                                                 3. DEHYDRATING.

                                                                 4. ENZYMATIC.

                                                                 5. HYDRATING.

                                                                 6. MOISTURIZING.

                                                                 7. NOURISHING.

                                                                 8. PENETRATING.

                                                                 9. SOOTHING.

                                                                10. STIMULATING.

 

Natural ingredients are extracts or substances obtained from plants or animals through many different processes and are available in many forms

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many natural ingredients have been synthesized and are now available in a cheaper synthetic form. Synthetic substitutes do not produce the same benefit or result as "Natural" ingredients. Just because a product label lists aloe vera or camphor for example does not mean that the ingredient is "Natural". Products using synthetic ingredients, even if they include small traces of the natural substance, are much easier and cheaper to formulate and manufacture, especially in large batches.

 

HOLISTICA USES ONLY NATURAL INGREDIENTS IN THE FORMULATION AND PRODUCTION OF IT'S PRODUCTS.   

                 

THAT IS WHY IT TOOK HOLISTICA OVER 40 YEARS OF TRIAL AND ERROR WITH THE INPUT OF MANY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS EXERCISING KNOWLEDGE, PATIENCE AND EFFORT, AT GREAT PERSONAL COSTS, TO FORMULATE AND PRODUCE THE WONDERFULLY EFFECTIVE PRODUCT LINE WE CAN OFFER YOU TODAY.

 

 

The following chart does not list all of the available natural ingredients and is a only a sample of some of the more common natural ingredients used in skin care products. There are excellent books available on the subject which provide more complete listings and information.  

 

  ACTION                                  PLANT ORIGIN INGREDIENTS                  MARINE LIFE ORIGIN INGREDIENTS

ASTRINGENT	hamamelis, quince, strawberry leaves, witch hazel, aloe vera.
BALANCING (pH)	ACID pH factor- FRUITS: berries, citrus, tomato.   ALKALINE pH factor- VEGETABLES: carrot, celery, dandelion, parsley, spinach, cucumber.	none.
DEHYDRATING
ENZYMATIC	aloe vera, papaya, pineapple, brewer's yeast.	Marine Life.
HYDRATING
MOISTURIZING	aloe vera, fig, grape, jojoba oil, papaya, saccharides.	Marine collagen, elastin, lanolin, uric acid.
NOURISHING	bee pollen, henna, soya, saccharides, the oils of almond, avocado, calendula, carrot, jojoba, olive, St. John's Wort, wheat germ.	egg yolk, halibut liver oil, lanolin.
PENETRATING	aloe vera, jojoba oil.	lanolin, shark liver oil.
SOOTHING	calendula, camomile, colt's foot, hamamelis, lecithin, linden, sage, witch hazel.	Marine collagen.
STIMULATING	aloe vera, arnica, birch leaves, brewer's yeast, eucalyptus, ginseng, stinging nettle, wheat germ.	honey, royal gelee.

 

For more ingredient information please see - Listing of Active Natural Ingredients For Skin Care.

HOLISTICA products have been designed and formulated to address all of the above skin type groups and, because the products can be mixed and matched, the varying degrees of change in the different skin type groupings can be successfully treated with amazing results.

 

LISTING OF ACTIVE NATURAL INGREDIENTS FOR SKIN CARE

 

ALOE VERA: It is generally accepted that many of the benefits available from the proper use of aloe vera still have not been discovered. It is one of the very few natural substances that have the ability to penetrate, with extreme speed, to the water retention level of the human skin. It, virtually, destroys viruses on contact, increases circulation and enzyme activity, has healing, astringent and moisturizing properties and contains all of the known amino acids.

AMINO ACID COMPLEXES: Amino Acid is any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential components of proteins. Amino Acid complexes are those classes of amino acids, which predominantly contain sulphur. They part with their sulphur which encourages the body, through metabolism, to synthesize it's own biogenic amine. It is not considered physiologically proper to offer the body those amino acids which it is can synthesize within the framework of it's own metabolism. Only those amino acids, which will encourage the body to build it's own natural amino acid model should be introduced. There are more than twenty-five amino acids which are required for human life and when they are selectively combined in the formulation of high quality natural skin care products they have a great biological value. Amino Acids containing sulphur have a positive influence on seborrhoeic modifications (greasy and impure) of the skin. Amino Acid complexes may be used effectively in emulsions, lotions and creams.

ANISEED (ANISE SEED): One of the herbs, which originated in Egypt and Syria. The Romans introduced Aniseed into continental Europe. The seed is used in various types of cosmetics for it's cooling, stimulating and mildly antiseptic properties. It is used, in very low concentrations, in eye products. It's use is valuable in anti-wrinkle products, masks, astringents and shampoos, again in low concentrations.  

ANISE OIL(Pimpinella Anisium): Well known for its sweet aroma and taste, it is antiseptic and slightly astringent. Helps induce perspiration.

ARNICA OIL: Obtained from Arnica flowers via a vegetable oil extraction process retaining it's lipo-soluble constituents. Arnica oil has a long history of being used medicinally and for the treatment of bruises, contusions and other minor injuries as a poultice or embrocation. In aesthetics it is used to encourage blood flow to the skin and is always used in harmony with other natural oils such as calendula, St. John's Wort, avacado, olive, peanut and almond depending on which skin condition the product is formulated to address.

AVACADO OIL: Avocado oil is extracted from the avocado fruit. Its main constituents are the glycerides of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids (the essential fatty acids). The body cannot synthesize essential fatty acids and must get them from external sources. Avocado oil also contains lecithin, phytosterols, Vitamins A, D, E, H and chlorophyll. It is soluble in oils, fats and lipoid solvents. It is used for very dry skins and should not be used on oily or blemished skin. Precious, natural oil derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit. Rich in vitamins A, C, & E, protein, amino acids and high in essential fatty acids. One of the few vegetable oils containing protein, avocado oil penetrates the skin deeply without leaving an oily film. Promotes the regeneration of scarred skin. Softens and conditions dry, flaky skin and scalp. Stimulates hair growth.

AZULEN: Azulen oil is separated from the azulen flower by pressure distillation. When exposed to light the striking natural blue colour turns greenish but does not affect it's effectiveness. Azulen is used primarily for sensitive and dry skin because of it's soothing and mildly antiseptic properties.

BALM MINT: Balm Mint is also known as Melisse and is extracted with an alcohol process. Balm Mint is used on irritated skin because of it's soothing and neutralizing properties.

BEESWAX: Natural wax made by bees, found in the cell walls of honeycombs. Beeswax is a natural emulsifier has been used in cosmetics since prehistoric times. Adds a wonderful natural smell and color to products, and helps to seal and protect the skin when used in moisturizing products.

BIRCH: Birch is extracted from the leaves and bark of the birch tree. It has a stimulating, antiseptic and astringent effect.  

BLACK CURRANT: Extracted from the leaves and berries of the ribes nigrum (Black Currant) plant. It has a natural astringent property, which produces a pore tightening effect. It also has a skin oil normalizing effect. Promotes healthy skin and hair. A great source of essential fatty acids such as, omega-3 Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), omega-3 Stearidonic Acid, plus omega-6 Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Keeps hair & skin healthy, hydrated and supple.

BORONIA OIL: Extremely expensive oil from the native Australian evergreen shrub that bears its name. This oil's fresh fruity-spicy scent with rich undertones is prized for high-end fragrance blends.

BREWER'S YEAST: Contains a wide range of organic ingredients including: glutamic acid, leucine, lysine, glycerin, isoleucine, arginine, phenalanime, tyrosine, threonine, histidine, methionine, tryptophan, cystine, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol, iron, silicon, calcium, phosphorus and iodine. It also has a high concentration of Vitamin B complex and enzymes. Also, very nourishing and stimulating to the skin. It also encourages blood circulation and promotes an increase in new cell growth.

CALENDULA OIL: Extracted from marigold flowers. Used for the treatment of cuts, scratches, abrasions, bruises, chapped, cracked and inflamed skin. Popular ingredient in baby products.

CAMOMILE (CHAMOMILE): A very fragrant herb, there are two species of chamomile; Roman and German. Both produce a light blue oil used since ancient times for its' invigorating qualities. Rejuvenating and relaxing, it's particularly good for dry skin, dermatitis, acne, burns and inflammation. Bathing with Chamomile is soothing, helps menstrual problems, aches and pains related to exercise, anxiety, stress and irritability. Chamomile also has very low toxicity so it is good for children.

CAMPHOR: Extracted from the wood of Cinnamon camphora tree found in Formosa, Japan, China, Taiwan, Brazil and Sumatra. It is used for its antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulating properties. Cooling, highly stimulating herb. Used for oily skin and acne or treating colds & flu to unblock sinus & ease breathing.

CARROT OIL: Carrot oil extract contains carotin, carotinoid, tocopherol and other fat soluble substances.

Vitamin A and/or it's provitamin, carotin, is essential for the human organism. In the instance of Vitamin A deficiency it has been demonstrated that serious functional disturbances occur, dermatologically, in the form of increased keratinization, excessive dryness and more marked pigmentation, an escalation in the formation of wrinkles and scaling as well as the dysfunction of the sweat and sebaceous glands. Even the growth of hair is impaired in cases of prolonged A-avitaminosis.

In cosmetic products Vitamin A's greatest importance is that the carotin is converted into Vitamin A in the cells of the skins sebaceous glands and increasing their activity to their normal standard. It also supports the formation of epidermal cells, intensifies circulation and counteracts carnification of the skin making the skin more supple, nourished and clearer looking.

Thin, yellow oil distilled from ground seeds. Rich in beta-carotene and valued for its' soothing, relaxing properties, it stimulates cell renewal as well as the sweat and sebaceous glands. Protects skin exposed to weather extremes and is indispensable for hikers, skiers and outdoor athletes. Helps to deter and reduce wrinkles. Has a heavy, woodsy, earthy, fruity scent.

CASTOR OIL: Castor oil is obtained from the castor bean and is very soothing to the skin and has a growth stimulating effect on hair. It contains the triglyceride of ricinoleic Acid (12-hydroxyoleic acid) as well as small amount of glycerides, fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) and 10-dihydroxystearic acid. The oil extracted from the castor bean. It is a moisturizer and natural pigment dispersant.

CHLOROPHYLL: The green pigment that occurs in all living plants as a result of photosynthesis. Used in cosmetics for its potent antioxidant & oxygenating properties. Like a shot of wheatgrass for the skin!

COMFREY (Symphytum Officinale): Contains allantoin, a skin ingredient that promotes healing, and is known for its regenerating and soothing properties. The extract of the Comfrey plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent and emollient. Aids the healing of open wounds, cuts, burns, and bruises.

CORN STARCH (Zea Mays): Highly absorbent product derived from the corn plant. Absorbs both moisture and oils. Produces a soft, soothing feeling in face masques. An ingredient added to creams and lotions to help the product spread on the skin more easily.

CUCUMBER: Cucumber is rich in sulphur, phosphorus and chlorophyll. It has a normalizing effect on the over-functioning of the sebaceous glands and is a natural pore tightener It has a natural astringent effect on the skin, effective on oily skin.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus Globules): Thin colorless oil derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, a native of Australia. Stimulating and antiseptic oil valued for its penetrating fragrance. Often used to fight colds and coughs, it has strong antibacterial, expectorant and cough-suppressant properties, and is soothing and refreshing. Insects are repelled by the smell of eucalyptus oil so it's used in many herbal insect repellents. A popular medication used to relieve joint pains, muscular aches and the swelling of arthritis. Eucalyptus is very refreshing, cooling, antiseptic and antibacterial. It contains menthol, camphor and is very rich in chlorophyll and has exhibited a healing effect on damaged tissue.

FIG: Fig has a very high content of saccharides and consequently an excellent natural moisturizer for dry, sensitive, aging skin.

GRAPE (Vitis Vinifera): Expressed from grape seeds, this rich, soothing, carrier oil imparts shine, and is widely used in hypo-allergenic moisturizers because it does not cause allergic reactions. Grape is rich in vitamins and saccharides. The seeds are rich in potassium. It is used to moisturize and nourish the skin and is therefore good on normal to dry skin care products. It is quite active and therefore should not be used on oily or blemished skin.

GREEN WALNUT SHELL EXTRACT: Green Walnut Shell Extract is one of the classics in sun tanning products. It has the unique property of allowing tanning without burning the skin. It tends to be a sunscreen as well as protecting and stimulates the melanin.

HAMAMELIS: Extracted from the root of witch hazel, which has proven to have a strong astringent effect on the skin. It reduces excessive sweating of the feet and is soothing, calming and pore shrinking to the skin.

HORSE CHESTNUT: Horse Chestnut has an extreme stimulating effect on the circulation when applied topically. It should never be used on sensitive skin.

HYALURONIC ACID (Sodium Hyaluronate): Plant-derived, this is an intensely hydrating ingredient that ?plumps' skin with moisture to give the appearance of smooth, wrinkle-free skin. It helps protect against free radical damage and stimulates the skins own regeneration processes to significantly improve overall appearance.

JOJOBA OIL: Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the crushed bean of the jojoba shrub. Especially useful for applications that require moisture control, protection, and emolliency, jojoba oil is liquid at room temperature because of its high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids. It is an effective cleanser, conditioner, moisturizer, and softener for the skin and hair. It can be applied directly to the skin to soften the skin, to reduce wrinkles and stretch marks, to lighten and help heal scars, and to promote healthy scalp and hair. It forms a lipid layer on skin acting as a moisturizer, as well as penetrating and being absorbed by the outer layer of skin.

LAVENDER (lavandula augustifolia): Any of the woody evergreen shrubs belonging to the genus Lavaendula, bearing spikes of pale purple flowers and yielding a fragrant oil. It has a fresh, clean scent. Lavender oil is an all purpose skin care oil that relieves pain, promotes healing, and prevents scarring by stimulating the cells to regenerate more quickly. Used on itchy skin, bruises, burns and blemishes and has healing effects. Stimulates circulation to the skin. Lavender also contains a fair amount of menthol and camphor.

LECITHIN: A natural emulsifier found in soy beans that has excellent emollient benefits, and is a source of choline and Vitamin B. Lecithin is a term used to designate a group of substances, which consists of glycerin-phosphoric acid, higher fatty acids and choline or colamine - being an ester in structure.

Lecithin is a phosphatise and an important constituent of all cells. It regulates the permeability of the cell membranes, influences the composition and nature of body fluids as well as the function of almost all tissues and organs. It also acts as an intermediary between water and fat.

Lecithin is a dermophilic additive to cosmetic preparations intended to render the skin soft and flexible. It is also a good emulsion stabilizer and increases the wetting property of oils and fats because of it's hydrophillic and hydrophobic molecular groups.

LINDEN (LIME BLOSSOM) : Derived from the Linden tree it produces a very popular tea. In skin care it has a soothing effect on sensitive skin. Astringent, antiseptic and non-irritating, lime oil is useful in the treatment of acne. Uplifting in aromatherapy.

MARJORAM : Marjoram is a very fragrant herb. It is used in cosmetics because of it's soothing and relaxing effect on the skin.

MISTLETOE: Mistletoe is a herb used where a stimulating effect is required. It has the effect of increasing blood circulation to the area of application.

 

 

NUTMEG (Myristica Fragrans): Used in perfumery, especially in combination with such other scents as sandalwood, lavender, patchouli, and vetiver, and in spicy aftershave lotions and other types of men's cosmetics. Used as a massage oil to stimulate circulation and to relieve rheumatic pains and achy joints. It is used externally as a gentle stimulant.

OATMEAL: Oatmeal is a course grind of oat grain. It is used, as an abrasive for removing dead cell removal as well as for it's soothing and oil normalizing effects. Helps absorb oils, leaving a silky smooth feel to the skin.

ROSEHIP SEED OIL (Rosa Mosqueta): This botanical oil contains a high percentage of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), a natural fatty acid that maintains healthy skin and repairs tissue damage. Excellent for dry, mature and aging skin. High in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin C, rosehip has powerful antioxidant abilities and works well to soothe, soften and regenerate skin. Successfully used to treat scar tissue.

ROSE OIL: Has soothing, gentle cleansing properties that have a softening and refining effect on the skin. It is antiseptic and mildly astringent for dry or chapped skin, helping to restore pH. Excellent for use on all skin types.

 

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus Officinalis): An aromatic shrub with scaly bark and leathery, needle-like leaves yielding a pungent pine-like aroma with a woody, camphor note. Used for centuries, rosemary is a physical and mental stimulant, and an astringent healer used to treat muscle soreness. Stimulates cell renewal, and in beauty products it is used to clear acne and blemishes, improve circulation and can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and varicose veins. Has a long history as an ingredient in hair care, as it normalizes excessive oil secretions and improves most scalp problems, notably dandruff. Conditions the scalp and stimulates hair growth.

ROSEMARY EXTRACT: From the aromatic rosemary shrub with scaly bark and leathery needle-like leaves, it yields a pungent pine-like aroma with a woody, camphor note. Used for centuries, Rosemary is a physical and mental stimulant. Stimulates cell renewal, and in beauty products, it is used to clear acne and blemishes, improve circulation and can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and varicose veins.

ROYAL JELLY: Made of nectar, pollen, flower parts, vitamins, minerals, bee hormones and other natural ingredients. Very precious, mysterious substance that honeybees produce and feed to select young bees, who in turn become mature and fertile Queen bees. The Queen bee lives 40 times longer than her worker bees.

SAGE (Salvia Officinalis): A natural antioxidant. The leaves of the small evergreen perennial are used for their tonic, astringent, and soothing properties. Sage oils, obtained by steam distillation of the leaves, are used as a fragrant component in lotions. Used ancient rituals to ?clear' the air.

SANDLEWOOD OIL (Santalum Album): This rich, luxurious, fragrant oil is one of the oldest known perfume materials, with at least 4,000 years of uninterrupted use. Sandalwood helps reduce tension and anxiety, and is moisturizing to dry skin and hair. It is believed to be an antidepressant, expectorant and aphrodisiac.

SEAWEED: Detoxifying marine plant. Good for the treatment of oily skin.

SESAME SEED OIL: The edible seeds of an East Indian herb that yield a pale yellow oil which is an effective skin softener. Aids in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema and is excellent for all skin types.

SILICA: The most common constituent of sand, generally fine particles of quartz, used to thicken and stabilize formulations.

SOY AMINO ACIDS: Derived from soy beans. Amino acids are the building block of proteins and help repair and strengthen the hair by coating individual hair shafts, providing strength, conditioning and improving volume.

SOY PROTEIN: Derived from defatted soy flakes, soy protein offers a rich penetrating blend of protein, B vitamins and essential minerals that nourish and moisturize the skin and hair.

SOYBEAN EXTRACT: Extracted from soybeans, high in linoleic and oleic essential fatty acids, and Vitamin E. Soybean oil is a brilliant emollient, helps with cell renewal, and improves the appearance and health of the skin.

SPEARMINT OIL: Natural mint flavor imparts taste and antimicrobial properties to oral products.

SPRUCE OIL (Tsuga Canadensis): Deeply soothing and invigorating in the bath, Spruce oil is also used commercially in soap making, room deodorants, bath preparations and many other types of household products.

SWEET ALMOND OIL (prunus dulcis): Sourced from the almond, this is a very emollient, all-purpose oil that is absorbed quickly and effectively to soften. Excellent for skin and nails.

TARRAGON OIL: Used as a scent. Aromatherapy benefits include stabilizing calming, normalizing.

 

TEA TREE OIL: Indigenous to Australia, Tea Tree has been used for centuries for a wide range of medical conditions. It is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.

THYME OIL: Used as a scent and known for cleansing, purifying, stabilizing, energizing and strengthening.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE: Naturally derived from a mineral. Used chiefly as a white pigment, and as a base to make formulations opaque. Reflects light so can be considered a natural sun block.

VANILLA EXTRACT (Orchidaceae): From the tropical epiphytic orchid. The sweet, warm aroma is used in cosmetics for its soft, sensuous, calming fragrance.

VEGETABLE GLYCERIN: A sweet tasting, colorless, sticky fluid derived from plants that draws moisture to the skin.

VEGETABLE OIL: Used to dilute essential oils that are very concentrated and can not be used directly on the skin. Extracted from nuts, kernels and seeds, vegetable oils are also used extensively as emollients.

VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Protein derived from vegetables. It provides moisturizing benefits for both hair and scalp, helping to re-nourish hair follicles and to add volume.

VITAMIN A: Derived from retinol, vitamin A is an antioxidant and stimulates skin rejuvenation, cell renewal and effectively smoothes and brightens the skins surface eliminating dead skin cells.

VITAMIN B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Found prolifically in nature and in the human body. It is essential to brain functioning and a lack of it can cause nerve degeneration and depression.

VITAMIN C (Ester C): Derived from citrus fruits. It is a patented mineral salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), with C metabolites allowing the cellular uptake of Vitamin C within the dermal layers.

VITAMIN E: Vitamin E is derived from wheat germ and/or vegetable oils. It heals, rejuvenates, softens, soothes and protects the skin.

WHEAT GERM OIL (Triticum Vulgare): Thick, dark, fragrant oil expressed from wheat germ, the seed of wheat grain. This oil is very high in vitamins, particularly vitamin E, carotene, and lecithin. Its high Vitamin E content acts as an antioxidant and preservative. Wheat germ oil is added to some cosmetics to keep the product from turning rancid.

WHEAT GRASS EXTRACT: Extracted from young plants of Lophophyrom Elongatum, this juice or powder possesses high levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes.

WHEAT PROTEIN: Protein from wheat, it provides moisturizing benefits for both hair and scalp. Helps re-nourish hair follicle to add volume.

WILD YAM: Extract is generally derived from the root. It is an anti-inflammatory and has healing properties.

WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelis virginiana): Witch hazel is a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant. Containing water and alcohol it is used externally on inflammations, bruises and as an astringent. Brilliant for toning and refining skin.

YARROW EXTRACT (Achillea Millefolium): Extract from the leaf and flower of the yarrow plant, this is a strongly scented, spicy, wild herb used in astringents and shampoos. Infused with almond and olive oils, Yarrow is valued for its cleansing, toning, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and encourages blood flow to the skin. Adds sheen and body to hair when used in hair products.

ZINC OXIDE: A natural mineral that works as one of Mother Nature's most effective skin protectants. Provides a natural block or barrier to wetness and moisture, as well as to the sun's rays