Beneficial Ingredients
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is made
up of 80% essential fatty acid, the highest amount of any other plant. Hemp so
closely matches our own skins lipids it is able to penetrate inside our cells
and lubricate the surface between them, thus bringing the EFA's within our
body. For this reason EFA's have been proven to play a preventative role in
skin aging and a healthy moisture balance. Not only does Hemp seed oil
contribute greatly to the barrier function and appearance it also has other
skin benefits such as offering relief to acne, minor abrasions, psoriasis and
eczema. Hemp is also the only plant oil containing Vitamin D, which is
necessary for Calcium absorption, especially useful to vegans. Using Hemp seed
oil is a great way to achieve soft, smooth and hydrated skin.
Raw African Black Soap
While we do not make Black Soap, we do incorporate it into the Shea butter soap we make. Black soap is made from the ash of locally harvested plants and barks such a plantain, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and Shea tree bark. First the leaves and bark are sun-dried and then roasted in a kettle or pot at an even, constant temperature, which is important to ensure color, texture and smell. Then water and various oils - palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil (including Shea butter and cocoa pod powder) - are added to the mixture and stirred for at least a day. After that, the “soap” is left to set for two weeks to cure. Oftentimes the soap is made by women and is fair-traded, though not always. Black soap is traditionally made in west Africa, typically Ghana, from secret recipes. Different tribes and communities have adopted their own specific (secret) blend of oils and cooking techniques, which can be seen in the different color variations among black soap. The ash itself was often used to heal cuts. Varieties of black soap actually made in Africa tend to be pure, while soaps made in Europe or the US tend to have added artificial ingredients.
The plantain skins give the soap Vitamin A & E, and iron. Because the soap has the highest Shea butter content of any soap, it also offers UV protection. The soap is also good for sensitive skin, meaning its a good option for babies or the elderly. Some people with caffeine sensitivities may need to test out soap that contains cocoa pods as there is some evidence that the caffeine can be transmitted through contact with the skin.
What are the benefits of Shea butter? There are so many benefits of this marvelous butter on both the skin and hair that it's hard to know where to get started. We will attempt to list just some of many benefits below:
1. Shea butter is very effective and helping to prevent stretch marks, including during and after pregnancy as well as after significant weight loss or just from the natural aging process of the skin.
2. Deeply hydrates and moisturizes dry skin, making it softer and smoother
3. Reduces itching and irritation as well as flakiness caused by extremely dry patches of skin
4. Helps reduce skin peeling and irritation from sunburn
5. When used on hair, helps restore the hair's sheen and luster, making it silky and giving it a naturally healthy shine
6. Dramatically restores elasticity to the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles
7. Great moisturizer for certain skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis
8. Reduces dryness and flakiness of the scalp and hair
9. Helps reduce the symptoms of various skin rashes
10. Dramatically softens tough and cracked skin on hands and feet
