Ingredient Guide

Oils and Waxes

Avocado Butter – Avocado butter is created by hydrogenating avocado oil. It has a natural resistance against ultraviolet rays, which makes it a natural sunscreen. Avocado butter absorbs easily into the skin. In soap, avocado butter helps condition the skin as well as adding some hardness to the bar and creaminess to the lather. When used in hair products it promotes hair growth and adds luster.
Avocado Oil - Avocado oil is made by cold pressing avocados. It has emollient properties and is easily absorbed into the skin. This allows it to soothe and treat dry skin and aid in skin regeneration. In soap, avocado oil helps condition the skin as well as adding some hardness to the bar and creaminess to the lather. When used in hair products it promotes hair growth and adds luster.
Beeswax – Beeswax is produced by honey bees. It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that soothe, treat, and protect dry chapped skin. Beeswax seals moisture in skin without clogging pores. In soap, it adds hardness and creaminess to the bar while also conditioning the skin. All of the beeswax used in our products comes from the Hansel beehives.
Castor Oil - Castor oil is made by pressing castor beans. On skin it is a humectant (retains moisture). In soap it makes a softer and slightly translucent bar.
Cocoa Butter - Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans. Cocoa butter softens skin and hair while sealing in moisture by forming an occlusive layer.
Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is made by pressing dried coconut kernel. It contains antioxidants that can help prevent skin aging and repair damage caused by UV rays. Coconut oil is known to soften, moisturizes, and soothe dry irritated skin. It is irreplaceable in soap as it adds a hardness to the bar and bubbliness to the lather.
Grapeseed Oil - Grapeseed oil is made by pressing grape seeds which are a byproduct of winemaking. On skin it can help reduce inflammation and irritation by promoting moisture retention. In soap, it helps to condition the skin and produces a softer soap bar.
Jojoba Oil - Jojoba Oil is a wax that is produced by pressing and filtering jojoba seeds. This ingredients works well in both hair and skin products since it mixes with sebum (skin oil) so it can be washed away. It is also known for is moisturizing qualities.
Lanolin – Lanolin is a wax secreted by the sebaceous gland of wool-bearing animals like sheep to help them shed water from their coats. It is collected from wool after shearing by washing the wool and centrifuging the runoff. Lanolin is an effective emollient that also locks in moisture and protects skin and hair.
Mango Butter - Mango Butter is a fat that is made by pressing mango fruit seeds. On the skin, mango butter moisturizes, helps eliminate toxins and dirt, and promotes cell regeneration. On the hair, mango butter moisturizes and strengthens hair follicles.
Olive Oil - Olive oil is made by pressing and filtering olives. It is known for its ability to moisturize and nourishing skin. Olive oil soap (Castile Soap) is extremely mild and therefore suitable for sensitive skin. Pomace Olive Oil is olive oil that is extracted from olive pulp after the initial press. It has the highest level of unsaponifiables which is why it is often used for herb infusions in soap. Olive oil is used in hair products to seal and soften hair.
Rice Bran Oil - Rice Bran Oil is a byproduct of the rice milling process, it is extracted from the bran and germ of a rice plant. It is known for it ability to soften skin, improve skin elasticity, and promote cell regeneration. Rice bran soap is similar to olive oil soap except it produces a slightly harder bar.
Rosehip Oil - Rosehip oil is an oil that is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. Rosehip contains many skin-nourishing vitamins and fatty acids. It also has some antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Sesame Seed Oil - Sesame Seed Oil is made by pressing and filtering sesame seeds. This oil has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also great for moisture regulation and promoting cell regeneration.
Shea Butter - Shea butter is extracted from shea nuts. Shea butter can penetrate deep into the skin which gives it the ability to rejuvenate damaged cells and restore elasticity and tone. It has a high level of unsaponifiables which means that it provides a moisturizing quality to soap. It also adds hardness to the bar and creaminess to the lather.
Vitamin E Oil – Vitamin E is a group of fat soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects. Products sold as Vitamin E oil are typically made up of Vitamin E and a vegetable oil carrier such as sunflower oil. There are different ranges of vitamin E oil concentration but we typically use the max strength, 75,000 IU (Internal Unit). Vitamin E is very effective as an antioxidant and is able to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils are made by distilling of filtering plant extracts.

Camphor Essential Oil - Camphor essential oil not only repels insects it also helps alleviate the pain from insect bites (and wounds). It also helps clear away excessive skin oils.
Cedarwood Essential Oil - Cedarwood Essential oil has a sweet woody fragrance. It is known for its ability to stimulate cells to clear out toxins and cellulite. Cedarwood essential oil is also known for its effect on sore muscles and joints.
Cinnamon Essential Oil - Cinnamon Essential oil is wonderfully fragrant. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Clove Essential Oil - Clove Essential Oil has a spicy sweet fragrance. It is known for its antibacterial and anti-aging properties
Frankincense Essential Oil - Frankincense essential oil has a warm earthy fragrance. It is known for its ability to promote cell growth and rejuvenation. Frankincense is also known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects as well as its ability to heal wounds and reduce the appearance of scars.
Grapefruit Essential Oil - Grapefruit Essential Oil has a fresh citrus scent. It is known for its ability to treat cellulite and fluid retention by flushing fluids out of tissues. It is also known for gently balancing skin oils.
Lavender Essential Oil - Lavender essential oil has a great floral fragrance. It is known to relieve muscle spasms, stimulate cell growth, and tone the skin.
Orange Essential Oil - Orange Essential Oil has a sweet citrus scent. It is known for gently flushing excessive oil from the skin.
Patchouli Essential Oil - This essential oil has an earthy scent. It is known for treating dry skin and hair.
Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing mint fragrance. It is known for its ability to relieve tension and irritation, unclog sinuses, and relieve headaches. On skin it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which allows it to effectively treat dandruff.
Pine Needle Essential Oil - Pine needle essential oil has a woody pine fragrance. It is known for its ability to relieve aches and pains associated with muscle tension and its antimicrobial qualities.
Rosemary Essential Oil – Rosemary essential oil has an herbaceous and woody fragrance. It is known for its ability to relieve pain and detoxify. It is used in hair products to promote hair growth.
Sandalwood Essential Oil - Sandalwood essential oil has a musky woody fragrance. It is known for its healing effect on dry skin, rashes and acne.
Tea Tree Essential Oil - Tea tree essential oil has an earthy fragrance. It is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammation, and immune stimulating qualities.
Thyme Essential Oil – Thyme essential oil contains potent antioxidant properties which help fight free radicals and reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Thyme also has calming and balancing properties.
Vanilla Essential Oil - This essential oil has a wonderful sweet fragrance and a calming effect.

Miscellaneous

Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal is carbon which has been processed to have a large process area available for adsorption or reaction. It draws toxins to the surface of the skin so they can be washed away which helps achieve an even complexion and prevent breakouts. In soap it changes the color to black.
Allons-y Brewery’s Cranberry Mead - The Cranberry Mead was created by a local home brewery, Allons-y Brewery. This fragrant beverage was made using cranberries and honey and has a very impressive foam head. Fermented beverages contain many nutrients that nourish your skin and hair. They are also known for their cleansing ability. We hope to feature more Allons-y Brewery products in the future.
Bentonite Clay – Bentonite clay is weathered volcanic ash. Bentonite clay helps remove toxins from the pores, allows skin to heal and reduces inflammation. It also helps in the lightening of marks on the skin by eliminating scar tissue and stretch marks.
Camel Milk - Just like our goat milk - we strive to source camel milk that is humanely and sustainably sourced. Camel milk is known to moisturize and soften skin and hair. This ingredient is not used in many of our soaps.
Fragrance Oil – Fragrance oils are formulated to produce wonderful scents while also providing therapeutic benefits for the skin. We always use therapeutic grade fragrance oils.
Goat Milk - Goat Milk is obtained by milking pregnant or nursing goats which often means that the baby goat is taken from the mother soon after birth so that milk collection is optimized. Additionally, animal agriculture is one of the leading industries for greenhouse gas emission. For this reason it is difficult to find goat milk that is both cruelty free and sustainable. Our goat milk is locally sourced and humanely collected. Goat milk adds true moisture to skin and hair and helps to soothe irritation. This ingredient is not used in many of our soaps.
Honey – Honey is made by honey bees. Honey has naturally antibacterial qualities which aid in acne treatment and prevention. It also has antioxidants which help to slow aging. Honey also moisturizes and soothes. All of the honey used in our products comes from the Hansel beehives.
Liquid Lecithin – Lecithin is extracted from organic sources such as vegetables and animal products. We only use vegetable lecithin in our products. It is used as an emulsifier and thickener but also has some benefits for skin and hair due to its ability to moisturize and soothe.
Lye – A metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching ashes. This material reacts with oil to form soap.
Mica Powder – Mica powder is a natural stone mineral that comes in a variety of colors and is ground into a powder. It is used to add color to soaps.
Silk Fibers – SIlk is a natural protein fiber that is produced by silkworms. Silk contains natural cellular albumen, which helps speed up cell regeneration. In soap, it adds a smooth quality to the lather.
Table Salt - Table salt is typically collected from salt deposits or seawater. It is used in many of our soaps to add hardness.
Titanium Dioxide – Titanium Dioxide is pigment that is extracted from titanium slag. It is an environmentally friendly physical sunscreen that reflects UV light before it can damage your skin. In soap it changes the color to white.

Plants and Plant Based Ingredients

Aloe Juice - Aloe juice is made from the flesh of the aloe vera leaf. Aloe Liquid is hydrating and healing. It may help reduce the frequency and appearance of acne. Compounds in aloe have also been shown to neutralize the effects of UV radiation, repair your skin from existing UV damage, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Apple Cider - Apple cider is made by crushing, pressing, and filtering apples. Our apple cider is hand made by the Hansel family using a cider press and fresh natural apples. Apple cider contains nutrients that nourish skin and hair.
Basil - Basil is an herb in the mint family. Basil has many benefits for both skin and hair; it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Basil is used in our shampoo to promote hair growth.
Birch Bark - Birch Bark is the bark from birch trees. Birch Bark is said to help clear actinic keratoses when applied to the skin. When applied to the hair it promotes hair growth and soothes dry flaky scalps.
Burdock Root - Burdock root is a plant that is part of the daisy family. The root part of this plant is known for its antibacterial qualities and for containing antioxidants that help fight the effects of free radicals. It is also known for adding softness to hair.
Carrot Juice – Carrot juice is made by juicing fresh carrots. It helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and helps in fixing damaged skin tissue. It also adds an orange color to soap and lotion.
Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder is made by grinding dried, fermented, roasted cocoa beans. It is known for its ability to increase blood flow which helps to hydrate the skin and mitigate cellular breakdown. Cocoa powder is also known for its ability to prevent aging by increasing collagen production.
Colloidal Oatmeal - Colloidal Oatmeal is oatmeal that has been ground and suspended in liquid. This treatment softens the oats allowing them to be absorbed into the skin. Colloidal oatmeal soothes irritated skin by attracting and locking-in moisture. It has natural anti-inflammatory qualities and is safe for sensitive skin.
Dandelion Leaf - Dandelion Leaf is, you guessed it, the leaf from the Dandelion plant. On the skin, dandelion is known for reducing fine lines and toning unbalanced skin. In hair products, it is known for making hair stronger and stimulating hair growth.
Dried Orange Zest - Dried orange zest is produced by grating orange peel and then drying at a low temperature. It is used in our products as an exfoliation and for its beautiful color.
Flaxseed - Flaxseed is the seed from the Flax plant. When applied to the skin it moisturizes and reduces inflammation. When applied to the hair it promotes hair growth and adds shine.
Ground Cinnamon - Ground Cinnamon is cinnamon bark that has been ground to a powder. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soften skin. We use ground cinnamon in our products to add a brown color and mild cinnamon fragrance.
Hibiscus - Hibiscus is a beautiful fragrant red flower. When dried it is a deep purple color. Hibiscus contains alpha-hydroxy acids which exfoliate, encourage cell rejuvenation, help prevent breakouts, and improve skin elasticity.
Horsetail - Horsetail, also called Shavegrass, is a medicinal plant. It can be applied directly to the skin to treat wounds and burns. When applied to hair, it helps to maintain normal oil regulation
Indigo Powder – Indigo powder is obtained from the dried leaves of the indigo plant. On the skin, indigo powder is known to prevent infections and stimulate cell growth. When used on the hair it is known to promote hair growth and prevent premature greying. In soap, it adds a blue color.
Lavender - Lavender is a fragrant purple flower. It is known for its ability to heal wounds and burns, prevent acne, and soothe insect bits/stings. We use lavender in shampoos to help calm dry itchy scalps.
Madder Root Powder – Madder root is the root of the madder plant, a perennial climbing plant. Madder root is typically used as a natural dye. It adds a red to purple color to soaps. When applied to the skin it promotes wound healing and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Marjoram - Marjoram is an aromatic perennial herb. Marjoram treats infections of the scalp while promoting hair softness. When applied to the skin it helps prevent infections and wrinkles.
Oats – Oats are grains from Avena Sativa, a cereal plant. They have rich antioxidant properties that help repair damage done to your skin by pollution, UV rays and chemicals. Oats help reduce itching and inflammation and can be used to calm eczema and heal psoriasis.
Peppermint Leaf - Peppermint leaf comes from the aromatic peppermint plant. When applied to skin peppermint soothes irritation while creating a cooling sensation. The nutrients in peppermint are known to tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling, and restore skin elasticity. When used in hair products it helps soothe dry flaky scalps and promote hair growth.
Poppy Seeds - Poppy Seeds are the seeds of the opium poppy plant. We use poppy seeds in some of our products as an exfoliant.
Pumpkin Powder - Pumpkin Powder is made by drying and grinding pumpkin flesh. This powder does not have much of a fragrance but it does add color and gentle exfoliation to our products.
Red Clover - Red Clover is a plant with medicinal red flower tops. When applied to the skin, red clover helps to soothe and treat skin irritation. In hair products is promotes hair growth and helps maintain normal oil regulation.
Rosemary - Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb. It is known for its ability to gently cleanse skin of excessive oil. It is also known for its ability to stimulate and rejenerate which results in restored elasticity and a youthful glow. We use this ingredient in our shampoos to promote hair growth.
Sage - Sage is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It has antioxidants that combat free radicals known to cause wrinkles. It is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to promote hair growth and hair shine.
Self Heal - Self Heal is a plant with purple flowers. Self heal has antiseptic and astringent qualities which makes it great for preventing acne. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Spirulina Powder - Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It contains vitamin E, selenium and tyrosine, which help prevent aging. It is known for cleansing and moisturizing skin and for promoting moisture retention. In soap it adds a blue or green color.
St. John’s Wort - St. John’s Wort is an herbaceous plant with yellow five-petaled flowers and paired oval leaves. It is known for soothing redness and irritation and supporting skin elasticity. It is used in hair products to promote hair growth.
Turmeric Powder - Turmeric powder is made by drying and grating the turmeric root. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. Turmeric is also known for its ability to reduce redness and soothe irritation. In soap it adds an orange color.