This is a cold-pressed oil that has a long history of use in skin- and haircare. Almost half the weight of a dried almond is pure oil, which is easily extracted. Both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine have used this oil for centuries for its ability to treat dry skin and scalp conditions.
It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing stress on your skin. With retinol, which is an A vitamin, as well as vitamin E & K present, along with magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and copper, this oil has all things necessary for keeping skin in great shape.
The impressive, highly nutritional profile of this oil led to it being used to treat all sorts of conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections and acne. It's an emollient too, which helps in balancing the skins ability to regulate hydration.
For haircare, its emollient qualities, here referring to its ability on a cellular level to fill gaps in your hair, make it a great addition to soften and condition. This ability will most certainly also reduce breakage and split ends. All its skincare benefits are equally applicable to keeping the scalp in great condition.
Apricot Kernel is a light oil extracted from the pits, or kernels, of the apricot (Prunus armeniaca). It's high in vitamins A, C, E & K as well as caffeic acid and various catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Caffeic acid also has antimicrobial functions, which may help protect against germs.
As it is a light oil, it is easily absorbed by the skin. This makes it very suitable for use in places where you want quick absorption like on the face, and for people with oily skin.
Olive oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. As it has a high level of vitamin E, using it to treat damaged skin or after shaving can help with healing.
Although this oil has many benefits, it is a relatively heavy oil and should be used sparingly, with common sense. Constant use, or excessive use of this oil could potentially lead to dryness or blackheads. For this reason, we only use this oil as an ingredient in our remedial products and shaving balms, where use is occasional and these effects are unlikely.
For many of us, the humble dandelion is not a welcome guest in the garden (we love it, though!). But there is so much more to this little flowering plant whose name comes from the French for 'lion's tooth'.
A European native that has spread around the world, dandelion is a detoxifying herb that has powerful applications which have given it a lot of respect in traditional medicine.
The nutrient contents of this plant are impressive, being a good source of vitamins A, C & K, as well as E and B vitamins. Furthermore it boasts a number of minerals, including magnesium and potassium. Its potent antioxidants and polyphenols can help reduce inflammation, boosting the health of your skin, scalp and hair.
It is of course a well-known fact hops are a source for good Friday evenings with your mates. That it can also make you look great, is a less known benefit of this flowering plant.
Hops are the seed cones of the common hop, a member of the hemp family. It's been used for treating dandruff and other dry scalp conditions and some studies suggest it could work against hair loss.
It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties which are helpful in keeping your skin and hair looking great and healthy.
Ouch! Not to worry, you will not get stung when you use this ubiquitous plant for your hair treatments. The leaves of this plant have a high level of silica and sulphur, which have a powerful role to play in promoting hair growth.
As studies have shown, it also has the ability to block DHT, which is a hormone that is sometimes overproduced in the body, leading to hair follicle damage. Its anti-inflammatory qualities could soothe the scalp too, leading to an overall improvement of your hair's health.
This classic herb is a good candidate for keeping your skin looking young and healthy. Its Latin name, Salvia officinalis, comes from the Latin word 'salvare', to heal. It is a drying, astringent herb that can help to reduce or stop excessive secretion of milk, sweat, mucous or blood
The calcium and vitamin A in sage are powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from the damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A is also important for overall skin health as it is essential for cell growth.
This is an essential oil that can be very useful in grooming. Underneath you beard, your scalp can get dry and flaky. This oil has anti-inflammatory qualities and can be very soothing if your skin is itchy or inflamed. It's also antibacterial & antifungal, making sure your beard stays free from unwanted attention. Furthermore it can help to unclog pores.
In a study it was shown to stimulate hair growth, making the hair grow thicker and faster than it would normally. This study has not yet been replicated for human hair, however this is a strong indication that it has potential benefits for those of us who like our beard to have that full appearance.
The first sensation that comes from this oil, is its cooling effect on the skin. This is great to soothe that itchy feeling on and under your chin. We all know, or at least those of us with beards do, that this can sometimes be the bane of having manes.. :(
A small study, looking at the effects of peppermint oils on chronic itching after topical application, found that it had a positive effect in reducing the severity and duration of itchiness.
In a study in 2014 it was noticed that mice treated with this oil had thicker hair, which was growing faster than normal. Furthermore it showed improved blood flow to the skin cells. However, other studies in a similar setting contradict these last findings, showing that inflamed skin could instead experience vascular contraction after application.
This essential oil is a common ingredient in men's colognes. It has a deep, fragrant and earthy scent that is very distinctive and a pleasant base note to combine with lighter scents.
It has antioxidant properties that could be beneficial in maintaining your skin's health, reducing the effects of free radicals.
It has some effects unrelated to skincare that have been studied, such as a noticeable effect on alertness and an improvement in breathing during sleep.