Ever wonder what all these “butters” and “oils” are in our skin care products? Fortunately, most of them are made from natural products such as nuts and seeds. However, there are so many different ones marketed to us in the skin care department that it can be hard to figure out where to start. In this blog we’re going to give you some quick facts about the natural butters and oils that we use in our handmade skincare products.
Shea Butter
A fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is a soft natural butter that has been around for centuries. It is full of antioxidants and vitamins that make it a very popular skincare ingredient. It’s solid at room temperature but melts easily when coming into contact with the skin which makes it easy to spread.
Shea butter is very moisturizing but light enough that it absorbs into skin fast and doesn’t clog pores. However, it is still greasy and slippery so it’s best to use any products heavy in shea butter before going to sleep so it has the maximum amount of time to absorb into the skin. This butter is appropriate for all skin types, which is one of the reasons it’s found in so many skin care products now.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is the fat extracted from the cocoa (or cacao) bean, and yes it’s the same cocoa butter that is used to make chocolate! It contains fatty acids and minerals that rehydrate skin and form a protective barrier that locks in the moisture. Cocoa butter is more solid than shea butter at room temperature, but also has a low melt point, letting it spread and absorb into the skin easily. It is still greasy and a bit thicker feeling than shea butter, so it will take longer to absorb than traditional lotions and may not work for oily skin types.
Mango Butter
This butter is extracted from the mango seed, and has a consistency between shea butter and cocoa butter. Mango butter is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that makes it replenishing and moisturizing to both the skin and hair. It can also help rebuild the natural skin barrier. A lot of skin care products use mango butter because it has a very mild odor in its unrefined form, unlike cocoa and shea butters that have strong natural scents. It is similar to shea butter in texture, which means it can benefit all skin types.
Coconut Oil
This is by far the most popular oil in skin care today, and virgin coconut oil is made from pressing the meat (white part) of the coconut. It’s melting point is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may appear solid or liquid depending on how it is stored. Coconut oil is very moisturizing and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in treating several skin conditions, including eczema. It is also popular in scalp and hair treatments for hydration.
Although coconut oil works for most people, it can have a tendency to clog pores depending on skin type. Anyone with oily or acne-prone skin may want to look into using other oils.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is made form pressing the almonds of a specific almond tree. It is rich in vitamin e and antioxidants that promote skin and hair health. Light and fast-absorbing, sweet almond oil is very popular with skin care products because it’s safe for sensitive skin and more affordable than other light weight oils such as jojoba. It can also be used in hair to help reduce frizziness and give shine.
Sweet almond oil should be avoided by people with nut allergies, and can still clog pores in some people despite being light weight.
Jojoba Oil
This oil is made from cold-pressing the seed of the jojoba bush, which grows in the desert! Although it’s called jojoba oil, it is actually more of a liquid wax. It is very similar to sebum, which is the oil naturally produced by our skin, so when we use jojoba oil it can make the skin produce less oil and possibly help reduce acne breakouts. It is very light and absorbs into the skin fast enough to be able to use it multiple times in one day. Jojoba oil is full of vitamin E and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help some skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Those are the quick facts on the butters and oils we use here at The Wild Haired Child! There are dozens more skincare oils and butters out there, but we hope this information helps you find a starting point for your personalized skincare plan, and getting your skin moisturized and healthy. If you’re looking for products that use natural oils and butters, visit our online store to find luxurious hand made body care products!