BUTTERS, OILS & WAXES 

 

Almond Oil (Sweet) Prunus amygdalus, P. dulcis

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the nut of the tree, which is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. This oil is a favorite carrier oil for essential oil aromatherapy blends, although it’s often used by itself for moisturizing skin. The oil has no scent and is a great nutrient for softening and conditioning the skin. It's been known to be especially suitable for eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin. It’s very lubricating but not very penetrating. Since it contains glucosides, vitamins and minerals, it makes a fabulous massage oil. It’s widely used in lotions, lotion bars, balms and soap. Sweet almond oil saponifies easily and produces a mild soap with very good lather. This oil can be used as a large percentage of the fats or as an oil added at trace. It’s recommended that you add just one ounce per pound of fats to the soap batch. It goes rancid quickly. Should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated. SAP value: 192.5.

Aloe Vera Liquid, Aloe Vera Gel & 40x (food grade) and Aloe Vera Oil. Aloe barbadensis miller

Although Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family, it is very-cactus like in its characteristics. Aloe vera is used in creams and lotions. It’s a well known healing and soothing agent for damaged, dry skin. It is soothing and healing for burns, skin irritations, and raw open wounds. Our Liquid aloe vera (1 part aloe vera to 1 part distilled water) may be added to cosmetic formulations, soaps, and used pure on the skin. Our clear, transparent Gel is excellent for preparing cooling skin treatments, aftersun care, glitter body gels, hand disinfectant gel, etc. Our 40x concentrate will save you on shipping. It’s formulated for you to mix whatever amount you need at one time (always mix it right before using, it shouldn’t be prepared in advance). Simply mix 1 part aloe vera gel powder to 39 parts distilled water (this will not produce a gel, but a totally liquid product). And our aloe vera oil is suitable for applications in which aloe vera in water cannot be used.

Apricot Oil Armeniaca vulgaris, Prunis armeniaca

Apricot Kernel is a light but rich oil which is especially good for sensitive skin, as well as for and skin that is inflamed or dry. It can be used alone or in massage and is used quite often in lip balms and creams. It is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature or sensitive skin. It has a high vitamin A content. For soapmaking, one should use one or two ounces for every pound of fat. It is normally used at 15%-50% strength, although it may be used full strength. SAP value: 190.0.

Avocado Oil Persea americana, Persea gratissima

Avocado oil nourishes and restores dry, dehydrated, and mature skin. It is a rich, heavy oil that is best blended with other carrier oils. Skin problems, especially eczema and psoriasis, respond to its high content of vitamins A and E. Avocado oil is added to carrier oils, in a 10%-20% dilution, as an aid to skin moisturizing. This is a highly therapeutic oil which is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, vitamins D and E, protein, pantothenic acid, and fatty acids. May be used as a massage oil at approximately 10% dilution. It’s a nice oil to use in soap because it has a high percentage of unsaponifiables. Should be kept in a cool place or refrigerated; has an excellent shelf life. SAP value: 187.5. INCI: Persea gratissima (avocado) oil.

Beeswax

Beeswax has the sweet smell of honey. It adds many wonderful properties to various bodycare products. Beeswax makes a harder bar of soap and is also used in creams, lotions, lip balms and candle making. We offer beeswax in white or yellow one pound blocks, natural one ounce pastilles, and white pearls/beads. Beeswax contains a high percentage of unsaponifiables. At best, half of these substances participate in the normal soapmaking reaction. Limit the use of beeswax in cold-process soapmaking. SAP value: 88-100.

Borage Oil Borago officinalis

Borage seed oil is clear and slightly thick with very little odor. It contains an abundance of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture prostaglandins–hormone like substances that balance and regulate cellular activity. It reduces the aging process of the skin and reverses damage from ultraviolet rays. This oil is used to treat PMS, endometriosis, and menopausal discomforts, as well as for psoriasis and eczema. It may be used at a 10%-15% dilution rate.. SAP value: 188.0.

Calendula Infused Oil Calendula officinalis

Also known as pot marigold or marybud. Fixed or essential oils are not obtained from this plant but extracts are produced, although not by distillation. The flowers (in our case, organically grown) are macerated in virgin olive oil to produce calendula oil which contains the lipid soluble constituents of the calendula flowers. The infused oil has been used externally for slow healing wounds, bed sores, bruises, cuts, scratches, varicose or broken veins, eczema, gum inflammation, hemorrhoids, persistent ulcers and burns. A common mix is 25% infused calendula oil with 75% of a fixed oil. Calendula is beneficial when used alone on small areas such as facial broken veins or a baby’s bottom.

Camelina Oil Camelina sativa

(Not to be confused with Camellia Oil.) This oil is also known as false flax or gold-of-pleasure and is high in Omega-3 linolenic acid. Records of plant cultivation date back as far as the Iron Age as the oil was used as a source of fuel as well as a skin moisturizer. Research shows that Camelina oil has good skin softening properties. It is emollient, has good spreading properties, provides lubricity in both hair and skin preparations, and improves skin elasticity. Camelina oil can be used as a replacement for sperm whale oil in lipsticks and other solid products. SAP value: 187.0.

Candelilla Wax Euphorbia cerifera, Euphorbia antisyphilitica and Pedilanthus pavonis

Candelilla wax is a natural vegetable wax found on the outer coating of the candelilla shrubs Euphorbia cerifera, Euphorbia antisyphilitica and Pedilanthus pavonis. The color of the wax ranges from yellow to tan and has a melting point of 68.5 to 72 degrees C or 155 to 161 degrees F. Candelilla is the plasticizer used with chicle to make chewing gum. The wax gives the gum its ‘chew’. The oil retention properties of Candelilla allow the gum to hold flavors well and for this application has proven to be superior to most synthetic waxes. Candelilla can be used in place of beeswax for vegan formulations. It’s also a good additive in candles since it adds strength to wax blends and can be used as a substitute for beeswax in cosmetic applications. It’s a beautiful yellow color and comes in tiny little beads. SAP: 43 to 65

Castor Oil Ricinus communis L.

This oil, derived from the castor bean and obtained by cold pressure, is rich in fatty acids and very moisturizing and lubricating to the skin in general. It acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin. Castor oil packs applied with warm flannel are believed effective for pain relief and to "draw out" cysts, boils and warts. Ayurvedic medicine has long used castor oil for lumbago, sciatica and rheumatism. In the Canary Islands the oil is used to prevent sore nipples in nursing mothers and is also rubbed onto their scalps to prevent post natal hair loss. Turkey-red oil (sulfated castor oil, which we don't offer at this time) is water soluble and may be used as a base for essential oil baths and it will disperse in the water and not leave an oily ring around the bath. In soapmaking, although castor oil would appear to require less sodium hydroxide, it sometimes requires more due to its high ricinoleic acid content. It’s also a well- known superfatting agent and well suited for shampoo bars and skin-care products. Without other oils, it produces a transparent soft soap. In combination with over vegetable oils, however, it makes a wonderfully emollient, hard bar of soap. SAP value: 180.3.

Citric Acid

One of the most widely used acids in the cosmetic industry, it is derived from citrus fruit by fermentation of crude sugars. Used as a preservative to adjust acid-alkali balance. It is also used as an astringent, alone or in astringent compounds. Among the cosmetic products in which it is frequently found are freckle and nail bleaches, bath preparations, skin fresheners, depilatories and hair rinses. The clear, crystalline, water-absorbing chemicals are also used to prevent scurvy, a deficiency disease, and as a refreshing drink with water and sugar added. No known toxicity.

Cocoa Butter (food grade) Theobroma Cacao

Pressed cocoa butter is the fat which is obtained by hydraulic pressing of cocoa nib or cocoa mass (cocoa liquor) obtained from cocoa beans. It could be filtered or centrifuged. This is an all natural process and no solvents are used. It's better quality than regular cocoa butter; we purchase ours in bulk which is why we're able to offer such competitive prices. If deodorized, it's by steam and/or vacuum Both types are fabulous for balms, lotions, creams, and soaps because of cocoa butter’s softening and skin-healing properties. Our regular cocoa butter has a beautiful aroma of chocolate. Our deodorized cocoa butter has the faintest aroma of regular cocoa butter....the faintest smell of chocolate. Our white cocoa butter is very white and suitable if you need a product with a white result and not beige or ivory which may be the result if you use regular or deodorized cocoa butter. If you need to make a harder bar of soap, cocoa butter may be the answer for you. Most lip balms and massage butters require cocoa butter for firmness. It’s the perfect oil for massaging daily into fast-growing pregnant bellies to prevent stretch marks from developing. In soapmaking, cocoa butter should be used along with more easily absorbed unsaturated oils such as olive, jojoba, castor, or avocado. A soap made with too high a percentage of cocoa butter will be hard and prone to cracking. Limit cocoa butter to around 15% of your total fats and oils. Use it to counterbalance the stickiness of certain fats such as shea butter. SAP value: 193.8.

Coconut Oil (76° ) Cocos nucifera

Coconut oil is obtained from copra, the dried "meat" of coconut. Distillers separate the copra from the hull of the coconut. It is dried, crushed, and then expressed to remove the oil. This coconut becomes a liquid at 76 degrees. It is semi-liquid at room temperature. A percentage of coconut oil in cosmetics is moisturizing; too much of it can be drying. Its saturated nature resists rancidity and makes a very hard soap, while at the same time producing a fluffy lather. Soapmakers usually combine coconut oil with olive, palm, palm kernel or castor oils for an all-vegetable soap. Some soapmakers use between 20% and 30% of a soap batch as coconut oil. SAP value: 268.0.

Coconut Oil, Fractionated

This is a liquid, clear, odorless coconut oil. It’s processed by using hydrolysis or high pressure. This is a favorite of skin care professionals and of massage therapists as it will not stain sheets and clothing. It’s quickly absorbed by the skin, glides easily and never leaves a greasy feeling. Fantastic for overall body oil applications.

Coconut Oil, Virgin

Organic, suitable for internal consumption. This is what coconut oil really and truly smells like! When you take a whiff of this virgin, pure oil you will be transported to an island somewhere in the Caribbean or the South Pacific. This oil is processed by technology developed in Japan using a centrifuge and gravity. They harvest the coconut and the coconut milk is extracted by centrifuge with a density separator. Both the fractionated and virgin coconut oils come directly from the Fiji islands and we can attest to their purity and contents.

It has the most intoxicating coconut fragrance one could ask for. Its texture is a soft-solid with a creamy texture while at room temperature. Use straight on the skin, as lip balm, to blend with other fixed oils and essential oils, in creams and lotions, for those who like to tan without any protection this is it, use as a sexual lubricant or all over body oil, massage into hair for a truly moisturizing treatment prior to shampooing.....use your imagination. SAP value: 0.1946.

Emu Oil Dromiceius novaehol-landiae

This oil isimported from Australia. An emu (Dromiceius novaehol-landiae) is a flightless, grey-feathered ratite bird of Australia, closely related to the ostrich. The oil comes from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was initially provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of its Australian homeland. The yellow color in emu oil is based on the natural diet of the animal; the flocks are raised specifically for the purposes of providing food and oil. The shade of yellow may vary from batch to batch from pale ivory to deep yellow. For centuries, the aborigines of Australia have been applying Emu oil to their wounds with excellent results. Today, more and more Emu oil is being added to products worldwide to increase their effectiveness. It is found in muscle pain relievers, skin care products, and natural soaps.

Some of its knownproperties are: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, skin regenerative, high in oleic acid (oleic acid has better skin-penetrating qualities than vegetable oils), moisturizing, doesn’t clog pores, penetrates through several layers of skin

Some of its uses are:

* Assists with the healing of bed sores.

* When applied to a new cut, scrape or burn, assists with prevention of scars.

* Provides sunburn relief.

* Massage on muscle aches and strains.

* Very helpful for arthritis pain and inflammation.

* Provides canker sore relief.

* Useful for diaper and heat rash.

* Massage on children who have "growing pains" in their extremities.

* Assists with prevention of stretch marks; once stretch marks are present, assists with eliminating accompanying dryness and itchiness. Makes tight skin more supple.

* Good skin lubricant; also useful in sexual applications. Many people use so-called "baby oil" for their babies, for their skin care, and for sexual lubrication. Are you aware that the main ingredient in "baby oil" is mineral oil which is derived from petroleum? You won’t find anything natural in petroleum. Yet, this is what thousands of people are using on their babies and on their private parts. Is it any wonder that every day more cancers and unusual diseases are being found in infants, children and adults?

Emu oil, when first applied to the skin, is greasy; however, within 5-10 minutes one notices that the oil is slowly being absorbed by the skin leaving a great feeling of overall smoothness on the skin. You can use it straight or you can add essential oils of your choice. The bottle of Emu oil should be shaken ever so lightly to mix the contents prior to each use.

Attention Soapmakers:

Emu oil is a great addition to cold processed soap. It is moisturizing and adds hardness along with good lathering. Fatty Acid Composition: Oleic 45-50%, Palmitic 22-25%, Stearic 8-10%, Linoleic 6-10%, Free Fatty Acids less than 6%, Iodine Value 50-80. SAP Value: 175-200.

Emulsifying wax

This wax is used for combining oil and water in your recipes for lotions, creams, etc. This emulsifier is derived from plant-based alcohols and derivatives; it is a waxy solid containing a derivative of a fatty acid ester of Sorbitan. There are no petroleum products in this wax. Use approximately 4%-5% by weight in your recipe.

Evening Primrose Oil Oenothera biennis

This is a pale yellow oil with a pleasant, light and nutty taste. Extremely helpful in treating menstrual and pre-menstrual problems, eczema and psoriasis. It’s useful in treating allergic skin problems; add up to 10% of the carrier oil for massage and to any creams and lotions. Its healing action results from its high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is vital to cell and body functions and not produced by the body itself. It goes rancid quickly and should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated. In soapmaking, a little goes a long way; add 1-2/3 tablespoons per 5 lbs. of soap just before adding the essential oils. SAP value: 191.0.

Foraha (a/k/a tamanu, kamanu and Alexandrian laurel) Calophyllum inophyllum, organic

This beautiful cold pressed oil is rich and thick, with a delicate nutty or honey-spice aroma. The color of this oil will vary from vendor to vendor, we have offered very dark green Foraha and we have offered Foraha of an amber color. It stimulates cell regeneration and is good for fragile or broken capillaries. Foraha is a traditional medicine in the So. Pacific, where it is used for its analgesic, antiinflammatory and cicatrizant properties. Formerly, foraha was used to treat leprosy. It helps wounds to heal and is soothing for eczema and skin irritations such as burns, rashes and insect bites. It is used as an aid for relieving pain, healing wounds, herpes lesions and post-surgical scars. A combination of foraha and Ravensara aromatica essential oil has been used successfully as a treatment for shingles. Rarely used as a carrier oil due to its quite thick in consistency, but may be part of a blend with other carrier oils. It’s highly recommended as a facial oil, either alone or with essential oils added.

Glycerin Olea europaea

An odorless, colorless, syrupy derivative of olive oil, glycerin has long been used as a benign solvent, lubricant, and preservative. It is sweet tasting, warming to the skin, and edible. Glycerin is used as an ingredient in edible love oils. Suitable for internal consumption. It's Kosher but we don't offer paperwork certifying this.

Grapeseed Oil Vitis vinifera

Grapeseed Oil is an ecologically sound product that is made from the seeds of grapes after the wine is pressed. Grapeseed oil is high in vitamin E and is 76% essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (also known as Omega 6). It is low in saturated fat, contains natural chlorophyll and valuable antioxidants (known as proanthocyninidins), and has a good shelf life. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid. It's a light and penetrating oil for massage. It’s also used in lotions, balms, creams, and soap. The skin absorbs it easily; it has no perceptible odor. Since it is slightly astringent, it tightens and tones the skin. Will not aggravate acne. This is one oil that is nearly impossible to extract through cold pressure due to its very low oil yield.

Hazelnut Oil  Corylus avellana

Hazelnuts yield a pale amber oil with a pleasant aroma. Its composition is similar to almond oil for which it’s often substituted. This is the only fixed nut oil with an astringent quality, making it beneficial for use on oily skin. It absorbs quickly and is useful as a base for oily or acne-prone skins. It may be useful against thread veins and has been used internally in cases of urinary stones, kidney colic and tapeworms. May be used full strength or in 10%-15% dilution. This oils is relatively new for soapmaking. Only two fatty acids account for 90% of its fatty-acid content and both of these are unsaturated. With nearly 80% oleic acid and 10% linoleic acid, hazelnut oil is one of the most highly unsaturated vegetable oils. When incorporating hazelnut oil into your soapmaking recipe, be sure to include more saturated fats and oils in the formula for more normal tracing times. With only 7% saturated fatty acids, hazelnut oil is slow to saponify. SAP value: 195.0.

Hemp Seed Oil Cannabis sativa

Hemp seeds produce a vegetable oil that is high in protein and can be used within a variety of foods and cosmetics. The hemp seed oil we offer you is considered "ultra natural", is minimally refined, and is obtained by cold, expeller-pressed method. It has a characteristic vegetable odor with a yellow to green color. The seeds from which this oil is obtained are not sterilized or fumigated. Hemp seed oil’s high linoleic and linolenic acid contents make it vulnerable to spoilage. Alpha linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids––the essential fatty acids known as the omegas––make up 88% of the total fatty-acid content. Its particularly moisturizing for dry, damaged skin and for eczema and psoriasis. Hemp seed oil penetrates the skin quickly and some describe it as a "dry" oil. This oil requires cool, dark, oxygen-free storage conditions. An unopened container can be stored in the deep freezer indefinitely and in the refrigerator for a year. An opened container will last for 10 to 12 weeks in the refrigerator; at room temperature, an unopened container can last 4-6 weeks. An opened container should be used within two to four weeks. According to the Soapmaker’s Companion book: "Because of its highly unsaturated nature, I take no more than a 10% sodium hydroxide discount when I use hemp seed oil, as 20% to 30% of my total soapmaking oils; too much of this free oil in a bar of soap would spoil the bar in a hurry. To ensure a hard bar, and to delay rancidity, incorporate saturated fats and oils into a hemp seed oil formula. This is my favorite of all of the soapmaking oils that have come my way in the last couple of years." May be used up in concentrations of 2-5% in creams and lotions, 3-10% in bar soap, and 2-4% in hair care. INCI: Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil. SAP value: 192.8

Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis

Jojoba is very similar in composition to human natural skin oils. It penetrates the skin rapidly to nourish it; also softens and moisturizes mature and dry skin. Jojoba helps to heal inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis or any form of dermatitis, helps control acne and oily scalps. Since it has antioxidant properties, it can keep other oils from going rancid.

We offer you 100% pure jojoba, the extract of seeds produced by the jojoba plant which is expeller pressed, once. No solvents are used during this process. Jojoba is sometimes called "jojoba oil" when it is actually an extract; it’s not an oil at all but a liquid wax ester. Our pure jojoba is pasteurized and then filtered to prevent bacteria growth. Jojoba can be decolored and deodorized; ours is neither. Our pure jojoba is a beautiful golden amber with its own aroma, which will vary slightly from one crop year to the next and does not contain fillers, stabilizers, enhancers or preservatives. It does contain the seed’s anti-oxidants, is non-allergenic and won’t stain linens or clothing. It is highly concentrated, don’t apply it like a lotion. Put a small drop on the back of your hand and massage it in until you learn how much works for you. It’s gentle enough for newborn babies; soothes and restores elasticity to any dry skin area. It’s very good in cases of psoriasis, for massage and aromatherapy, scalp and hair care, and for hands and cuticles. For shaving legs and faces, just moisten the skin and massage a generous amount of our pure jojoba deeply into the area to be shaved, then rinse your razor with hot water. May be used full strength or in 10% dilution. SAP value: 97.5.

Kukui Nut Oil Aleurites moluccana

Kukui nut oil, brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers, is quickly absorbed into the skin. Kukui nut oil is high in linoleic and linolenic essential fatty acids. Excellent for skin conditioning after sun exposure, as well as for acne, eczema, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, dry/wrinkled skin and offers good protection for outdoor sports. It offers just the right amount of lubrication without leaving a greasy feeling. Excellent for chapped skin and may prevent scarring. Use in a 10%-15% dilution. For soapmaking, even 1-2/3 tablespoons added to 5 lbs. of soap just before incorporating the essential oils adds richness to the soap. A higher percentage, 10-20% of the total fats and oils, makes an outstanding soap. SAP value: 190.0.

Macadamia Nut Oil Macadamia integrifolia

This tree is native to Australia. Also known as Queensland nut oil, this cold pressed oil is high in palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that acts as an antioxidant, preventing deterioration of cell membranes. For mature skin it is hydrating and gentle. It is a skin lubricant and is easily absorbed by the skin, sometimes described as a "vanishing oil." Helpful in cases of sunburn and wound healing. This oil has a long shelf life and good resistance to rancidity. It also has a mild laxative action. Macadamia nut oil contains about 80% monounsaturated fatty acids and a higher percentage of palmitoleic acid than other vegetable oils. Palmitoleic acid does not occur in any other plant oil. SAP value: 195.0.

Mango Butter Mangifera indica

Mango butter is taken from the seed kernels of the fruit of the mango tree. It is similar in texture to shea butter and is much softer than cocoa butter. It has a very light yellow/mango color. High in unsaponifiables

Olive Oil-Grade A Olea europaea

Refined olive oil grade A is slightly green owing to the retention of trace amounts of chlorophyll––the green coloring matter of plants. Like avocado oil, olive oil is prone to solidify when cold. Olive oil has the properties of being calming, demulcent and emollient and can be used pure or in blends for burns, sprains, bruises, insect bites, to relieve itchy skin, and to massage the gums of those suffering from pyorrhoea (periodontal disease). After the olives go through the first pressing which produces extra virgin and virgin grades, water is then mixed with the pulp which is pressed again to produce oil of second quality such as Grade A. This is a very good oil for creating blends & infusing herbs and many soapmakers use this grade instead of pomace (which is the lowest grade). This is a healthy and perfectly acceptable food product. SAP value: 189.7. INCI: Olea Europaea

Many of us think of olive oil only for salad dressing, but in fact it's a healthy and tasty substitute for butter, or vegetable oil in almost every aspect of cooking:

Sautèè/pan frying: There's nothing tastier than onions sautèèd in olive oil or a nice slice of chicken breast pan fried to a golden brown .

Frying: Olive oil which can be reused repeatedly, without spoiling or losing its taste. Food fried in olive oil is never greasy or oily tasting.

Fish: A perfect combination with any fish dish. Splash some on the next time you bake a piece of fish.

Salads and Sauces: The only oil for any salad - oil and vinegar, oil and lemon, etc. Try it in mayonnaise or just pour a good squirt over those boiled/mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Breakfast: Sprinkle it over the morning slice of toast instead of butter. Great!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olea europaea

Extra virgin olive oil is extracted from olives by mechanical or other methods which do not modify its basic properties. This results in a completely natural product which maintains the taste plus chemical and biological characteristics of the olive. Once the flesh of the olives are pressed, the resulting oil is centrifuged and filtered for clarity. The first potion of oil is known as virgin oil and the oil obtained at the very beginning of this pressing is known as extra virgin oil or first pressing. The fruits yield about 18-20% oil and it is relatively expensive. Olive oil has traditionally been taken with lemon juice in 5ml doses to treat gallstones. There are indications that olive oil lowers the blood pressure more than other highly publicized polyunsaturated oils. It appears that olive oil lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body and perhaps high cholesterol levels may be reduced more by ingesting olive oil than by following a fatless diet. Olive oil is recommended as part of a diabetic diet. Extra virgin olive oil is nutritious and easy to digest. It is often used in salads and is ideal for low temperature cooking as it does not smoke under 200C, although the flavor begins to change at 140C. It has been found by some that dandruff is made worse if olive oil is applied to a dry scalp. SAP value: 189.7. INCI: Olea Europaea

Many of us think of olive oil only for salad dressing, but in fact it's a healthy and tasty substitute for butter, or vegetable oil in almost every aspect of cooking:

Sautèè/pan frying: There's nothing tastier than onions sautèèd in olive oil or a nice slice of chicken breast pan fried to a golden brown .

Frying: Olive oil which can be reused repeatedly, without spoiling or losing its taste. Food fried in olive oil is never greasy or oily tasting.

Fish: A perfect combination with any fish dish. Splash some on the next time you bake a piece of fish.

Salads and Sauces: The only oil for any salad - oil and vinegar, oil and lemon, etc. Try it in mayonnaise or just pour a good squirt over those boiled/mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Breakfast: Sprinkle it over the morning slice of toast instead of butter. Great!

Olive Oil-Pomace Olea europaea

Pomace olive oil is a mixture of refined olive residue oil and virgin olive oil (10%) with a resultant maximum acidity (oleic acid) of 1.5g/100g - 1.5%. Pomace is the ground flesh and pits after pressing. Any oil that hasn't been removed by pressure can then be extracted using steam and solvents. This is pomace oil. It is used for soap making or industrial purposes. This is a favorite of many soapmakers who have had excellent results with it. This oil is extracted from the residues (skins and pits) of olives. Due to its high percentage of unsaponifiables it tends to pull the oils into a quick saponification. Pomace olive oil may also be ingested but being the least expensive type of olive oil, has no real taste and is used primarily for deep frying. SAP value: 189.7. INCI: Olea Europaea

Palm Oil Elaeis guinnesis

Palm oil is produced from the pulp or flesh of the fruit of the oil palm. Palm oil contains an equal proportion of unsaturated acids, containing about 40% oleic acids (monounsaturated), 44% palmitic acids and oleic acids, which are also the major fatty acids produced by the body. It is a natural source of Vitamin E, the tocopherols, and tocotrienols and is also a very rich source of beta-carotene, an important source of Vitamin A. Palm oil is physically and chemically different from either palm kernel or coconut oil and should not be considered similar to these oils. Palm oil also contains a much higher proportion of palmitic acids than other fats and oils.

Palm oil makes a nice hard bar when used in combination with other oils such as coconut and olive oil. It is less water soluble and resists melting; it saponifies easily and pulls other oils into saponification quicker. It is also known as vegetable tallow and adds firmness to bar soaps, giving a pale white-yellow color. Palm oil will speed up the soapmaking process. Because the palm oil mixture is more reactive, you must add the essential oils and the nutrients swiftly or the soap will begin to set prematurely. Our palm oil is refined, food grade palm oil. SAP value: 199.1.

Palm Kernel 107° Elaeis guineensis

This oil is obtained from the kernels, taken from the cracked nuts of the palm. This oil contains large proportions of lauric acid, its chemical composition is quite different from that of palm oil, and is used chiefly for soap making. Palm kernel oil is a lauric type, similar to coconut oil and produces hard soaps that lather well in all kinds of water. Soaps made with palm kernel oil are white, very hard, and lather beautifully; 10-30% is plenty when combined with other vegetable oils. This small percentage also keeps the final bars from developing an odor characteristic of the palm kernel oil. Like coconut oil, palm kernel can have a drying effect when used in excess, yet is moisturizing when used in moderation. SAP value: 219.9.

Rosehip Seed Oil (organic) Rosa mosqueta, rubignosa, rubirosa, canina

Rosa mosqueta grows wild in the southern Andes (Chile) as well as other parts of the world. The amber seeds inside the hips contain an oil high in essential fatty acids, GLA, and vitamin C. The cold-pressed oil contains between 30% and 40% gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which has valuable uses in treating skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Can be used as a carrier oil with very small amounts of essential oils added, as a massage oil, or added to other vegetable/nut oils as part of a blend. This oil reduces scarring, heals burns, and softens scars and keloids. It can help diminish broken capillaries, but may also aggravate acne or blemished skin. The application of rosa mosqueta oil produced rapid healing of the inflammation, darkening and dermatitis caused by radiation. This is the best antiaging oil to use in skin care. However, it may turn rancid quickly and should be stored in a cool place or refrigerated. Our rosehip oil is extra virgin and cold pressed. The oil is a golden reddish color (which will vary from batch to batch) due to the carotenoids in the hips; it is produced from the fruits or berries of wild bushes. As with all natural products from plants, the color and aroma of this oil may change from batch to batch. SAP value: 193.0.

Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE)

Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE) is a food grade product. It’s a thick, dark green liquid with a definite herbal aroma which prevents rancidity in products in which vegetable/plant oils have been used. This product is made up of oil soluble antioxidant compounds and is not soluble in water. It has no additives, it is made of 100% rosemary oleoresin.

How To Use: Use ½ to 1 gram of pure ROE per Kg of oil in your recipe or product. (1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. for each 10 Kg or 22 lb. batch). If you dilute the ROE in oil it makes it much easier to handle and to disperse. Should the oil/ROE mixture solidify, place the bottle in a pan of warm water to melt it.

Diluting ROE in Oil: Dissolve 4 tbsp. of the ROE in ½ cup of vegetable oil. Add 1/4 - 1 tsp. of this dilution per 2 lbs. of oil; however, users have been successful using ½ tsp. per pound. Warm oil is better for prompt dilution. However, the dilution can also be refrigerated for up to 30 days and will remain at full strength. A 22 lb. batch requires anywhere from 1.5 to 3 tbsp. of the dissolved ROE. The antioxidant compounds in ROE are resistant to lye; therefore, you may add the ROE to the soap batch before saponification or at trace. However, ROE is best dispersed if added to the oils at the time they’re being prepared and not at trace.

Other Uses: ROE is also used in making lotions, creams and salves. Add in same proportions as used in soapmaking and add to the oil before the emulsification step for lotions. When making salves and balms, add ROE to the melted oils. Clean-Up: You will find ROE is extremely sticky. Wash all implements used in warm soap & water. Precautions: Use gloves, as ROE can be a skin irritant for some people. Keep away from eyes; should it fall in the eyes, flush with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention.

Sesame Oil Sesamum indicum

This oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. Its vitamin E content gives the oil excellent stability. Some of its recommended uses are for psoriasis, eczema, arthritis, and as a skin softener. It’’s an oil which is gaining a lot of popularity as a tanning oil. It’s recommended that this oil be used as a base or in a 10%-15% dilution. It’s beneficial for rheumatic and skin conditions, psoriasis, dry eczema and broken veins.

Sesame oil, like avocado oil and shea butter, contains a high percentage of unsaponifiables (those parts of fats and oils that do not react with sodium hydroxide to form soap and remain in the final bars as conditioning plant nutrients). Sesame oil is used in creams and soaps for its moisturizing qualities. Some subscribe to the theory that three of its unsaponifiable substances– sesamoline, sesamine, and sesamol––have powerful antioxidant properties that resist rancidity. With high percentages of oleic and linoleic fatty acids, a sesame oil soap formula should incorporate coconut oil and palm oil for a quicker saponification and a harder bar. Saponification value: 187.9. INCI: Sesamum indicum.

Sesame oil has properties similar to those of olive oil. It is very stable due to its natural antioxidant system. This oil is almost odorless and is a clear pale yellow color which may vary from batch to batch. The seeds are helpful in cases of constipation and, when ground up with water, can be used to treat hemorrhoids. Internal use of sesame oil is said to improve the blood platelet count and combat anemia. The oil is soothing to the digestive tract (high in calcium, not acid forming) and is a mild laxative. Sesame oil is suitable for flavored dips, salad dressings and deep frying.

Shea Butter Butyrospermum parkii

Shea butter is also called African Karité butter. Shea Butter is offerd filtered (with slight odor) and ultrarefined (no odor) shea butter, both are expressed from the pits of the fruit of the African butter tree. Both are smooth and creamy and ultrarefined is much whiter than filtered. Our shea butter is cold expeller pressed and carbon treated to remove the impurities. It is not solvent extracted, but mechanically extracted. There are no impurities whatsoever. Shea is extremely moisturizing and gentle to the skin. In soaps, it gives a very luxurious feel to the finished product. It can also be added to creams and lotions or used alone for massage or skin cream. Shea butter is remarkably high in unsaponifiables, up to 11%, making it a superfatting material for soapmaking.

To use in soapmaking (2-5% of your total fats and oils) melt the shea butter with the other solid fat. To superfat with shea butter add 1-2/3 tablespoons per 5 pounds of soap, melted and cooled to approximately 75°F (24°C) just before adding the scent. SAP value: 180.0.

Stearic Acid

Occurs naturally in butter acids, tallow, and other animal fats and oils. A white waxy natural fatty acid, it is the major ingredient used in making bar soap and lubricants. It gives pearliness to hand creams. Ours is vegetable based, either from palm or coconut. It’s white and granulated.

Sunflower Oil Helianthus annuus

Sunflower oil has a light texture and is pleasant to use. It contains vitamins A, C, D, and E, a high linoleic acid content, and few saturated fatty acids. This oil is easily absorbed and can be used on all skin types. Its high vitamin E content makes it especially helpful for delicate and dry skin. It has a protective effect on the skin and is healing when applied to leg ulcers, bruises and skin diseases. Many soapmakers use sunflower oil as a less expensive alternative to olive oil. When using sunflower oil in soapmaking, be sure to include other more saturated fats and oils for a quicker saponification and, in the case of superfatted soap, a longer shelf life. Limit sunflower oil to 10-15% of your total fats and oils. SAP value: 188.7.

Vitamin E (T-50)

With today’s concerns over the safety of synthetic ingredients, why risk your product’s success by using synthetic antioxidants? There are two classes of natural Vitamin E: tocopherols and tocotrienols. We offer you all natural low d-alpha mixed tocopherols or T-50.

Tocopherols: A term used to describe the collection of all the tocopherols in Vitamin E that occur naturally in food. There are 4 types of tocopherols: d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta. Low d-alpha mixed tocopherols are often used to slow the onset of rancidity in fats & oils. Natural oxidants are isolated from vegetable oils and concentrated to contain a mixture of d-alpha (commonly known as Vitamin E), d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols. T-50 is all natural, low d-alpha mixed tocopherols, has 500 mg total tocopherols, and is a brownish-red, clear, viscous oil. When you compare prices between the gel caps verses the Tocopherols pound per pound, Tocopherols is a whole lot cheaper to use, not to mention that you will be using all natural Vitamin E and not a synthetic. At proper usage levels T-50 doesn’t contribute odor, taste or color to the end product. Tocopherols are nature’s perfect antioxidant. The optimal level of tocopherols in finished products will range from 0.01% to 0.2% of the fat or oil content. Because antioxidants can only prevent oxidation, not reverse it, it is important to add the antioxidant as early in the process as possible. Tocopherols also slows the onset of rancidity in fats & oils in your soaps & lotions. If you superfat your soaps, then Vitamin E is a must so that your soaps won’t develop a rancid scent in a few months. Tocopherols also help to protect the most vulnerable citrus essential oils .Because antioxidants can only prevent oxidation, not reverse it, it is important to add the antioxidant as early in the process as possible, (by adding to oils).

Recommended usage: 4 drops per one pound of oils in a recipe. Make-up of this oil: 50/50 natural mixed tocopherols & vegetable oil, usually soybean oil.

Walnut Oil:

Walnut oil (Juglans regia): Very unsaturated, walnut oil presents good moisturizing, anti-aging, regenerative, emollient and toning properties. This oil is obtained from walnut kernels by cold expression and subsequent refining. Walnuts are unique among nuts because the essential fat they contain is primarily polyunsaturated (the source of omega-3 fatty acids.). Walnuts contain a host of other important vitamins and minerals. Walnut oil is a clear, grease less, penetrating oil, that is a rich source of fatty acids essential to maintaining the skin's cellular integrity. Walnut oil is not a cooking oil; high heat destroys its delicate flavor. Where it does shine is as an ingredient in a salad dressing or a fresh pasta sauce. It can be used in any cosmetic product as an active principal or as a carrier in the oily phase, without any proportion limit. Shelf life if refrigerated: at least 6 months. SAP: 189-198 INCI: Walnut (Juglans regia) oil.

Wheat Germ Oil Triticum spp.

This oil is thick, sticky and antioxidant. It’s also very rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. Based on this, it can be added to other carrier oil sot act as a preservative. Wheat germ oil can be used to nourish dry or cracked skin and soothes skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis; also helps to prevent and reduce scarring and may prevent stretch marks. Mature skin, in particular, will benefit from wheat germ oil. It’s also known to be beneficial for tired muscles, making a good base for after sport massage. Some people use it as a preservative in vegetable oils, soaps and toiletries, and others totally disagree as to its preservative powers. People allergic to wheat flour may have reactions to wheat germ oil. Refrigeration’s recommended. SAP value: 185.0.