Ingredients Glossary

Progress In Health uses only the finest ingredients available in all of  their skin care and color cosmetics. This glossary will help you understand the benefits of the ingredients used.

Apricot Kernel Oil

The apricot tree is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil, most often used in baby skincare products due to it’s incredibly gentle nature.

Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed and refined from the dried kernels of the apricot fruit; light in colour with a pleasant, nutty fragrance. Sought out for its high vitamin E content, and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel.

Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is also high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. Apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation & irritation of eczema and dermatitis.

Argan Oil

Argan Oil is a rich source of nourishing skin food with an amazingly diverse range of benefits to the skin. With a wide-range of anti-aging properties shown to decrease wrinkles, and tighten skin. Rich in antioxidants, and ultra-hydrating it penetrates quickly, restoring skin almost immediately.

Argan Oil a non-comedogenic (non pore clogging) oil, making it ideal for blemish problems, combined with it’s natural antiseptic, and bactericide properties…it aids in regulating your skins natural oil. High in vitamin E, it reduces recovery time from acne and surgery, and helps prevent scaring. Argan Oil significantly helps heal skin tissue damage from disorders such as eczema and psoriasis; successfully alliviating infammatory symptoms, redness, inflammation, and moisture loss associated with dry skin.

Reduces wrinkles, tightens, and softens skin, Possesses a sebum-regulating action for oily skin, Significantly hydrates by restoring a natural barrier & neutralizing free-radicals.

Avocado Butter/Oil

Rich, and extremely deep penetrating. Avacado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, E, lecithin, and potassium (“the youth mineral”). Avocado oil is also full of proteins, lecithin, beta-carotene and more than 20% essential, unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids contained are palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic.

High in sterolins (safe plant steroids), reputed to reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. Helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect. Ideal ingredient for dehydrated, sun or climate damaged skin. Highly moisturizing and nourishing compound, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. In a study done at the Department of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in 1991, it was found that avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin – which normally is under attack as we grow older.

Avocado oil is easily absorbed into deep tissue, rich in emollient properties, it’s ideal for mature skins. It also helps to relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema.

Bergamot Essential Oil


(Citrus aurantium var. bergamia – Bitter Orange)

Bergamot oil is obtained by cold pressing the peel of the unusual pear-shaped fruit of the bitter orange. The small tree on which the fruit is found, is part of the Rutaceae (citrus) Family and grows in Italy. It should not be confused with Bee Balm that grows in North America and is also commonly called ‘Bergamot’. The wonderful scent of Bergamot is most often associated with ‘Earl Gray’ tea.

A powerful antiseptic, and wound healing remedy, useful in toning the skin, and easing irritation. Strongly antiseptic and excellent for skin infections and inflamation associated with acne,eczema, and psoriasis.

Other than skincare application. Bergamot’s uses are many. The refreshing and uplifting fragrance is a known natural, plant sedative, used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress. A natural analgesic, antiseptic, and antispasmatic oil that fights bacteria as well as virus and fungus infections. Also known as an expectorant, and digestive aid.

Candelilla Wax

Candelilla wax is derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica, from the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a yellowish-brown, hard, brittle and opaque to translucent wax.

Carnauba Wax

Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax: obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian tropical palm tree.

In cometic and skincare formulation…beeswax and the plant waxes help to keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components that require a creamy consistency. These waxes also increase the thickness of the lipid (oil) portion of solid and stick-like products such as lipstick, giving them structure, allowing for a smooth application, and keeping them solid. When used in eye makeup, the waxes stiffen but do not harden the product, and the flexibility and plasticity of the waxes facilitate application.

Carnauba Wax is the hardest of the commercial vegetable waxes. It is a tough, amorphous, lustrous wax that varies in color from dark yellow to brown, green or white. This wax is sometimes called Brazil Wax.

Castor Oil

Castor oil, high in triglyceride fatty acids and well known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Topically, Castor oil is very effective in curing skin infections, inflammation, and itching.

A natural remedy for dry skin, triglyceride fatty acids present in Castor oil helps the skin to restore and maintain the skins natural moisture balance, preventing unnecessary dryness. Also helpful in treating and preventing acne.

Cocoa Butter/Oil E-mail

Cocoa butter (also called cacao butter), is the cream-colored fat extracted from cacao seeds (cocoa beans) and used to add flavor, scent, and smoothness to chocolate, cosmetics, tanning oil, soap, and a multitude of topical lotions and creams.

Cocoa butter has been called the ultimate moisturizer, used to keep skin soft and supple for centuries. It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known, and melts at body temperature so that it is readily absorbed into the skin. Cocoa butter is often recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. When applied topically, it creates a barrier between sensitive skin and the environment and also helps retain moisture. In addition, cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma.

Pregnant women have long used to cocoa butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations as well. Lotions and oils containing cocoa butter are often used in aromatherapy massages to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. Recent research indicates that massaging the skin with cocoa butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because cocoa butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP. Researchers in Japan reported that CMP inhibits the growth of cancerous cells and tumors by reducing active oxygen levels in the body, and concluded that CMP inhibits the oxidation of LDL (good) cholesterol and the production of inflammatory cells; there is some evidence that the CMP in cocoa butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms.

Preliminary research indicates that CMP actually helps suppress excessive T-cell activity in the immune system, which could help treat conditions associated with overactive immune systems, such as psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cocoa butter is found in chocolate of course, and as previously stated, is an ingredient in countless topical preparations. You can also buy pure cocoa butter at pharmacies, health food stores, and from online distributorships. There have been rare cases of sensitive individuals having skin reactions to this substance. If you notice any rash or discomfort, simply discontinue use of this product.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Due to its particular molecular structure, coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin leaving it smooth, silky and with a radiant glow.

For those of you suffering from dry, rough and wrinkled skin, virgin coconut oil is a very good solution as it can also be used on everything from your heels to your scalp, providing lasting moisture and evening out the texture of the skin.

Virgin coconut oil prevents the formation of destructive free radicals. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

  • Has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities
  • Reduces inflammation and anti-aging properties
  • Wrinkle reducer and excellent humectant

Capric Triglyceride

Also known as: Fractionated Coconut Oil. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an oily liquid made from coconuts.

In cosmetics it slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It is also used to alter the thickness of liquid products. Chocked full of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) this oil works to kill viruses and bacteria, reduce inflammation, and heal fungus infections.

Cornstarch (non-GMO)

Derived from dried corn kernels, helps give skin a fresh, dry feeling , soothes irritated skin and leaves it feeling silky and smooth. Also makes a great thickener for creams and lotions. It is the primary ingredient in commercial baby powders. Cornstarch can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive or allergic to corn or corn products

Vegetable Emulsifying Wax

Our Vegetable Emulsifying wax is derived from plant leaves and shrubs, minimally processed with Cetearyl alcohol, a fatty acid made from vegetable sources as well, like palm and coconut oils and derived from a natural source. There are several cheaper versions that are available, although they still rank low on the toxicity list, we have opted touse the most natural one available as of date. Our Vegetable Emulsifying Wax never contains: Polysorbate 60, PEG-150 Stearate, Steareth-20.

Jojoba Wax

Jojoba Esters are commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, due to its remarkable similarity to the natural oils produced by the human skin, and its high oxidative stability. Fully hydrogenated jojoba esters are most often small beads used to exfoliate the skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Many studies have been carried out to determine the benefits of using grape seed oil and today, it is used in controlling various health problems like heart diseases, cancer and for regulating the level of blood sugar. Grape seeds contain antioxidants, which protect the body from a number of health problems caused by the free radicals. Besides, this oil is rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Grape seed oil presumably lowers cholesterol, especially the harmful LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, it has been found to increase HDL, a good cholesterol, which reduces risks of coronary diseases. Some studies have shown that grape seed extract may be helpful in checking the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, colon, prostrate and lung. Certain compounds found in grape seed oil are believed to improve vision, flexibility of joints and blood circulation. Many are of the opinion that it can also be effective in reducing the symptoms associated with allergies and asthma, as it suppresses the production of histamine (an amine released by the immune system during allergic reactions).

Grape seed oil is usually colorless with a high smoke point and is widely used in cooking. It can be used in baking, frying, salad dressings, marinades and sauces. It can also be used as an ingredient in making mayonnaise. However, the oil available for cooking is different from the one used for external applications.

Today grape seed oil has found a wide range of applications in the cosmetic industry for its emollient property. It has an astringent property, i.e. it can tighten the skin, and so can be used in toning the skin. Besides this, It can also be used in treating acne and many other skin problems. Grape seed oil contain linoleic acid, an polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is an essential component of the cell membrane. It provides nourishment to the skin and aids in skin repair. It is an important ingredient in many hair care products, lip balms, creams and lotions. It protects the skin from the sun and is used in sunscreen lotions. Besides, grape seed oil has antiseptic and moisturizing properties and is particularly effective for the skin around the eyes. Due to its lightness, it is easily absorbed by the skin.

To sum up, you can use this oil in cooking various dishes or for enhancing your skin. Many researchers believe that most of the health benefits from grapes can be attributed to the seeds. No major side effects of using grape seed oil have been discovered so far. However, people allergic to grapes are advised to avoid any grape seed extract.

Green Tea Extract

Clinical evidence suggests that green tea is packed with health and beauty benefits that you can enjoy whether drinking it or applying directly to your skin. Even the leaves can be used as a gentle exfoliant, guaranteed to give your skin a healthy glow.

Recent research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals – naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalising on its natural benefits.

Hectorite Clay

Hectorite is a type of smectite clay with high levels of sodium and magnesium. It absorbs dirt and oil, stimulates blood flow, and protects skin. Hectorite is detoxifying and purifying, drawing impurities out of the skin and absorbing toxins. The clay has exfoliating properties and can also help reduce the appearance of large pores. Best for oily, combination or normal skin types. However when blended with very moisturizing plant oils it’s beneficial for dry and mature skin types.

Stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide

The most effective use of peroxide is to destroy anaerobic (means “without oxygen”) bacteria by exposing them to oxygen. Many skin infections are caused by anaerobic bacteria and hydrogen peroxide can be an effective treatment for them. We use a stabilized form of hydrogen peroxide combined with powerful anti-oxidant ingredients. Studies have shown that using stabilized hydrogen peroxide increases oxygen at the cellular level and generates collagen and new skin cells.

Iron Oxides

Iron Oxides have been used in the coloring of cosmetics since the early 1900s and are used to give not only cosmetics, but any skin product, its color. They are classified into three major color groups: the yellow iron oxide (yellow), colcothar (red), black iron oxide (black).There are 16 Iron Oxides in total and they are all compounds of iron and oxygen. Progress In Health uses the purest and safest iron oxides and minerals available.

When used in cosmetics, Iron Oxides are considered ideal because they are non-toxic, non-bleeding and moisture resistant. This makes them a great additive to cosmetic products such as eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. Iron oxides graded safe for cosmetic use are produced synthetically in order to avoid the inclusion of ferrous or ferric oxides, and impurities normally found in naturally occurring iron oxides.

Safety Measures/Side Effects: Iron Oxides are considered a safe ingredient in the manufacturing of cosmetics and beauty products, in part because of their natural components and in part because of the regulations mentioned above. They are non-toxic and non-irritating, and there are no studies showing them to be allergens,cancerous or irritants.

References: http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/iron-oxides

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is also used as a base oil for many skin care products, as it serves as a natural lubricant for dry skin and is non-greasy. Its non-greasy property ensures that it effectively penetrates the skin, moisturizing and softening it. It has a high spread, absorbent and lubricity quotient, which leaves a rich velvety non-oily feel on the skin, while replenishing moisture (water) and increasing the suppleness of the skin at the same time.

It is used as a facial cleanser and an eye makeup remover. As a facial cleanser, it cleans clogged pores and restores the skin’s natural pH balance. Not only does it gently help to clean the eye, it conditions the eyelashes by stimulating the lash follicles. Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic in nature and as it is very similar to the human sebum, all kinds of skin accept it well. It completely moisturizes dry skin, while balancing excess sebum in oily skin. It helps to reduce wrinkles and lighten skin marks, scars and stretch marks.

Kaolin Clay

White Kaolin has natural adsorbent properties. It is the mildest of all clays and is suitable to add to products created for people with sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. It does not draw oils from the skin, so it can also be used on dry skin types without negative results.

Kaolin Clay is high in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for oily, blemished skin. The clay’s mildly drying and disinfectant properties help heal existing blemishes and inflammations, while preventing new ones from forming. It can also be used as a scent fixative.

Traditionally, clays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and to draw impurities from the skin. Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents, and each clay type has a different effect on the skin. The high mineral content of White Kaolin Clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow.

Kaolin Clay (white dirt as it is called in the South) has been used medically to treat diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and is also used in paper making, paint, fiberglass, porcelains and ceramics, china, and toothpaste. Some of the most popular products made with Kaolin Clay are Kaopectate, Rolaids, Di-gel, Mylanta, and Maalox. Some people have actually been known to consume White Clay regularly and not only like the taste but crave it (probably due to a vitamin deficiency). It has been said that the taste of white dirt is similar to the fresh way that the dry ground smells after a sprinkle of rain falls. Dirt-eating is an ancient tradition that is practiced all over the world and although the demise of the practice has been predicted for many years, it still persists, particularly in rural areas of the South.

Lactic Acid


Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used in rejuvenation products and is considered to be a gentle yet very effective anti-aging treatment. Our L-lactic acid is derived from non-gmo organic sugar beets, making this a 100% vegan ingredient. It’s a standard ingredient in natural skin care recipes.

Lactic acid also has one of the oldest histories as a skin care treatment that literally spans centuries! Typically found as an active anti-aging ingredient in moisturizing treatments, lactic acid is noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. Lactic acid skin care is well documented as an effective anti-aging treatment. Now lactic acid is considered a staple as a specialty spa treatment for skin rejuvenation as well as used in the stronger anti-aging skin peels performed in skin care clinics.

Sharing the similar skin rejuvenation traits of glycolic acid,lactic acid skin care is known for:

  • diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
  • reducing the appearance of age spots
  • reducing hyperpigmentation
  • improving skin texture
  • stimulating collagen production

Lactic acid also presents the added benefit as a skin softening agent which makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin types.

Lactic acid treatments tend not to irritate the skin as much as other AHA treatments; namely glycolic acid. It is a favored ingredient in natural organic skin care recipes.

Lavender Essential Oil

The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. Lavender has the Latin name Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma that gives the feeling of a clean aroma.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris since years.

Lavender essential oil has also been traditionally used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil. Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. Today, lavender essential oil is used in various forms including aromatherapy oil, gels, infusion, lotion, and soaps.

The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:

  1. Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
  2. Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.
  3. Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backacheand lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.
  4. Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.
  5. Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold,asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapour or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
  6. Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.
  7. Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.
  8. Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.
  9. Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea.
  10. Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Mango Butter

Mango butter is a soft solid with a very slight sweet scent. It is extracted from the de-shelled fruit kernels of the mango tree. The mango tree is a tropical evergreen, and once the mango butter is extracted from its fruit kernels it is heated and boiled to get the right consistency.

Mango butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend mango butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use.

Reasons to use Mango butter

  • Effectively treats dry skin
  • Heals skin rash
  • Heals skin peeling, after tanning
  • Clears blemishes and wrinkles
  • Relieves itching skin
  • Heals sunburn
  • Shaving cream for a smooth shave
  • Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
  • Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
  • Fights frost bite
  • Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
  • Relieves insect bites
  • Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
  • Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
  • Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy orpoison oak
  • Treats eczema and dermatitis
  • Fights off fine lines and wrinkle

Mango butter is obtained from the kernels of the mango tree. It has a high content of stearic acid which makes it similar to cocoa butter. Mango butter has good emolliency and lends protection against the sun. It is said to prevent drying of the skin and formation of wrinkles. Mango butter also reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores elasticity. Mango butter’s hardness makes it a great butter for stick formulations such as lip balm and lotion bars. It can be used “as is” to provide relief from the dryness of eczema and psoriasis.

Mica

Mica is a naturally occurring group of silicate minerals. In cosmetics and personal care products, Mica, from muscovite mica is used in the formulation of a wide variety of product types, including makeup, nail products and skin care products.

Mica imparts a sparkly, glitter-like appearance to cosmetics and personal care products. The micas we use are minimally processed.

Neem Oil

Often described as the most medically useful tree of all time, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indicahas), has been valued by the people of many parts of Asia and Africa for more than 4000 years. The bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, and sap are used.

Neem oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and astringent. It is also known as an excellent natural insecticide and fungicide. It consists primarily of saturated and of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, steriods and is rich in oleic (Omega_9), stearic, palmitic, and linoleic (Omega_6) acids. Neem oil is not used for cooking purposes but is used internally in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine. Note: Only use neem oil internally on the advice of a qualified practitioner. Although no major problems are reported, pregnant women and babies should not use it externally either, unless they are advised to do so by a qualified practitioner.

An excellent skin care oil. Neem oil adds moisture and elasticity to the skin and is known to heal many skin disorders like acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, head lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, and warts. Mix one teaspoon neem oil to half a cup of carrier oil, like almond, olive, coconut or palm oil. It has been used with excellent results against candida or thrush, without the side effects of many pharmaceuticals, and is good as a mouthwash when having sore gums.

Neem oil is used safely on pets to eradicate fleas, mites and dry skin. Just add a few drops of the oil to a handful of their shampoo when bathing them.

It is also wonderful for eradicating garden pests but is non-toxic to bees, birds and earthworms.. Add a couple of teaspoons to your watering can or spraycan water. Neem oil does not mix with water without an emulsifier, so also add a couple of squirts of liquid soap or shampoo to the water. Then water or spray the infested plants. Also add a couple of drops to you skin lotion to deter mosquitoes when gardening.

Neem oil is great when cleaning house. Add the oil to carpet shampoos and mattress sprays to kill dust mites. Add to liquid hand soap for antibacterial properties. As neem oil has a strong garlicky/sulfur smell you might wish to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as well, to mask the smell if you do not like it. Lavender or lemongrass are good choices.

Olive Oil/Butter

The Egyptians (imagine the legendary Cleopatra), Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans all took full advantage of this prized oil. Today, we observe the beautiful skin of Mediterranean women. Many claim their secret is the oil of this tiny fruit.

To receive the full benefit of olive oil, don’t limit it to external care. Take a cue from the Mediterranean culture… eat it! Incorporate this healthy oil regularly into your diet. You’ll enhance your health while improving the appearance of your skin.

Olive oil is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants are nutritional powerhouses that protect against age-accelerating free radicals. The oil of this miraculous fruit will guard your body and your skin… from the inside out.

The next time you enjoy a healthy salad, top with a drizzle of olive oil. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil make a delicious vinaigrette that is high in antioxidant, anti-aging protection.

When purchasing, choose Extra Virgin olive oil. This is the least processed and retains the highest nutrient value.

Promote a smooth, radiant complexion Olive oil will:

  • Help maintain elasticity of skin
  • Heal dry, brittle nails and soften cuticles
  • Condition and add shine to hair
  • Tasty, too…

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