INGREDIENTS

Disclaimer: Listed below are ingredients used in Sea Freckle Soap Company soaps. Many of these ingredients have known properties and characteristics, and some even have research studies concerning this. I have included this information below and included sources of information at the bottom. However, Sea Freckle Soap Company does not claim that it's soaps have any medicinal or cosmetic value derived from these ingredients or otherwise. Sea Freckle Soap Company only states that it's soaps do what a soap is supposed to do, and that is to clean.

~~~~~Oils and Butters~~~~~

Avocado oil (Persea gratissima)

It is deeply absorbed by the skin, making it an ideal moisturizer. It contains potassium, lecithin, and antioxidant vitamins A, D, and E that aid in moisturizing and reliving dry, itchy, cracked skin. Avocado oil is also beneficial for eczema and psoriasis, as it can soothe the skin as it moisturizes. Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, are also beneficial in these skin conditions. Avocado oil contains sterolin that can aid in skin softening and reduce frequency of age spots, and has been shown to increase collagen and elastin production, keeping skin plump and decreasing effects of aging skin.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Gentle, mild bar.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis)

It is an excellent emollient for dry skin and dermatitis. Detoxifies and cleanses skin by breaking up facial oils that tend to clog glands and pores. It contains undercylenic acid which helps disinfect skin and can kill acne-causing bacteria. Castor oil is also moisturizing and softens dry skin and rough age spots.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Creamy lather and helps stabilize lather produced from coconut oil, a bubble booster.

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut oil is known for its moisterizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Because it is high in vitamin E, it helps protect dry skin while the fatty acids in the oil can strengthen the skin's barrier to lock in moisture. Coconut oil also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that may benefit skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Highly cleansing, large bubbly lather.

Meadowfoam oil (Limnanthes alba)

Meadowfoam oil has moisturizing effects and anti-aging benefits. Some studies have shown that it can help reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. it is a superb long-lasting skin hydrator and rejuvenator. It gives a nice emolliency but is not too greasy.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Highly conditioning and lengthens the fragrance retention and the shelf life of the bar.

Olive oil (Olea europaea)

Olive oil contains antioxidants Vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols that can protect skin from premature aging by restoring skin smoothness and protecting against UV light. Hydroxytyrosol in olive oil helps prevent free radical damage to skin. Olive oil also penetrates deep skin layers with a cleansing effect and is less likely to clog pores or exacerbate skin issues like commercial moisturizers can.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Gentle, mild bar with low, lotion-like lather.

Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis)

Palm oil has antioxidant effects from its saturated and unsaturated fats, Vitamins A, C, and E, and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene antioxidant kills free radicals that can prematurely age the skin. Palm oil has one of the highest contents of Vitamin E of any plant oil, and is beneficial in acne, dermatitis, and eczema.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Hard, long-lasting bar, stabilizes the lather.

Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

Shea butter contains Vitamin A, which is needed in process to improve various skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and wrinkles. Shea butter mimmics natural skin mosturizers and contains oleic, stearis, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect the skin and prevent skin dryness. Shea butter also contains Vitamin E and cinnamic acid. Lupeol cinnamate has been found to reduce skin inflammation, which can be beneficial with acne.

Properties it gives the soap bar: Hard bar with stable, silky lather.

~~~~~Herbal Additives~~~~~

Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile)

Used for centuries for health and beauty, Chamomile flowers are effective additives that have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

Coconut-shredded (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut is a gentle additive that can clean bacteria from skin. It is also a known natural moisturizer that can soothe irritated skin.

Coffee beans-Guatemalan (Coffea arabica)

A gentle additive, the caffeine in coffee grounds can increase circulation and boost fat metabolism in the skin, decreasing appearance of cellulite, redness, and inflammation.

Juniper Berries (Juniperis communis)

Antibacterial and antiseptic effects of this powerful additive help to balance oily skin and help with acne. They can diminish appearance of cellulite and tone the skin. Their invigorating and calming aroma refreshes the mind and eases stress.

Lavender (Lavandula angustafolia)

Lavender flowers are great additives with antiseptic properties. They are known for their relaxing and soothing properties for the body and mind as well.

Lemon Peel Powder (Citrus limon)

This gentle additive is known to remove dead skin promoting new skin growth. It may give clarity, glow and softness to the skin by cleansing, lightening, and brightening the skin with its citric and plant acids.

Marigold Petals (Calendula officinalis)

A gentle additive, marigold petals have intrinsic immunostimulant properties that promote wound healing. They also possess skin disinfectant and antibacterial properties.

Oatmeal (Avena sativa)

Oatmeal is a gentle and soothing additive used for health benefits since ancient times, oatmeal contains polysaccharides that aid with skin dryness and beta-glucan for skin moisturizing. It is a natural cleanser that effectively improves skin tone and clarity.

Orange Peel Powder (Citrus sinensis)

This gentle additive contains antioxidant vitamin C that protects skin, calcium for aid in renewing worn out cells, potassium for skin hydration, and magnesium to combat oxidative stress.

Poppy Seeds (Papaver somniferum)

High in linolenic acid, these effective additive can be useful in eczema, dry skin conditions, and can even lend anti-inflamatory properties to the skin.

Rose hips (Rosa canina)

Known to rigorously exfoliate, rose hips contain many antioxidants and can benefit the skin not only as an astringent, but also rejuvenator, aiding in skin cell renewal.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

A strong additive, rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and disinfectant properties. It can reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin, as well as aid in acne and other oily skin conditions.

Rose petals (Rosa centifolia)

These gentle additives may naturally tone the skin while moisturizing at the same time. Their antibacterial properties may aid in acne and other skin maladies as well.

Spearmint Leaves (Mentha spicata)

These gentle additives packed with menthol have astringent properties that may tighten pores and tone the skin.

Safflower Powder (Carthamus tinctorius)

Finely ground safflower is a naturally gentle additive and natural skin antiseptic cleanser.

Saffron (Crotus sativus)

Rich in carotenoids like zea-xanthin, lycopene, alpha and beta carotene, saffron can act as a toner used to brighten dull and dry skin. It also can aid in reducing appearance of acne blemishes and dark skin spots.

~~~~~Colorants~~~~~

LabColors Cosmetic Dye Solutions

Water-soluble, concentrated, synthetic FD&C dyes that come in a wide variety of colors and can give extreme depth to the soap color pallette.

Mica

Double-sided mineral plates of two different shades of color on each side, allowing light reflection, shimmer, and shine to soap. Micas are found in nature, but those used in cosmetics are are manufactured in labs to eliminate toxins, such as lead or arsenic. Some are colored with artificial colorants, and some are coated with natural oxides or ultramarines.

Oxides and Ultramarine Pigments

Mineral pigments formerly mined from earth, but now manufactured in labs to eliminate toxins found in nature, such as lead and arsenic. The synthetic versions are identical chemical structures of those found in nature. Earthy toned pigments occur naturally, however artificial colorants may be added to enhance or brighten their color in some.

~~~~~Other~~~~~

Distilled Water

Use of distilled water ensures that there are no unwanted minerals or products that are found in hard water or tap water that can end up in the soap.

Lye (sodium hydroxide)

Lye is a strong base that is used in the saponification reaction with the oils and butters to produce the soap. In the cold process of soap-making, the entire saponification reaction takes 4 -6 weeks to reach completion. This is called the curing process. At the end of the curing process, THERE IS NO LYE REMAINING IN THE SOAP, since it has all COMPLETELY reacted with the oils and butters. Sea Freckle soaps are superfatted, meaning there is excess oils and butters at the end of the curing process. Superfatting allows one to reap the benefits of the excess oils and butters. It is also a way to ensure that all of the lye has completely reacted.

Sources of Information on Ingredients

1. The American Oil Chemists' Society. www.aocs.org

2. Pharmacist's Letter. pharmacistsletter.therapeuticresearch.com

3. American Botanical Council. www.herbalgram.org

4. WebMD. www.webMD.com