Title: Equipment & Ingredients 3 - Natural Beauty at Home
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Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is widely used in cosmetics because it will not spoil over time, as do many other oils. It is a mixture of refined liquid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum. If you were to read the label on baby oils, you'd find that it is the main ingredient. Petroleum jelly is the solid from of this oil; it stays on top of the skin, providing a shiny protective surface. It can be purchase at the grocery store in the health-care section.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a popular breakfast cereal rich in protein, potassium, iron, phosphates, magnesium, and silicon. It has gentle cleaning properties and can be used in place of soap. Oatmeal is nontoxic and soothing to the skin, so it's especially good for sensitive skin. It is found in the cereal section at the grocery store. "Regular" oatmeal (not quick-cooking) works best when making cosmetic products.

Olive Oil: Olive oil was probably the first oil used in cosmetics. It is obtained from fresh, ripe olives and ranges in color from a pale yellow to a dark. It is found in the cooking oil section of many grocery stores.

Orange Flower Water (Neroli): Orange flower water is a fragrant water made from the orange blossom of the bitter orange tree. It is also an excelent astringent and cleanser. The oil from this orange flower is called neroli, and its scent is believed to reduce stress and induce sleep. Orange flower water can be found at the liquor store in the mixer section, or in specialty or health food stores.

Orrisroot Powder: The root of the white iris is used as a fixative in perfumes and powders. The dried root has a light voilet scent, and its use dates back to Roman times. Many natural food stores carry this powder in their bulk bins. It is also very popular with those who make their own potpourris, so you may find it in craft or herb shops.

Rosewater: Rosewater is a fragrant water made from distilling fresh rose petals with water. Rose petals are astringent and cleansing. In London, rosewater is added to champagne for a fragrant and special drink. It can be found at the liqor store in the mixer section, or in the health-care section of many natural food stores.

Salt (Sodium Chloride): Salt can be found in any kitchen cupboard and is used as an astringent and antiseptic in cosmetics. It can also be used for removing dead skin from the body and scalp.

Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a pale yellow oil made from sesame seeds; it has a mild sesame scent. It has sunscreening properties, on of the highest for natural oils (only mink oil is higher). This oil can be found in the cooking oil section at the grocery store.

Stearic Acid: Stearic acid is a white, waxy powder obtained from animal fats and oils. When melted, it becomes a clear liquid. Stearic acid gives stiffness to creams and keeps the oils and water combined, much like beeswax does, but may be harder to find. Look in the yellow pages under "chemical supply companies." Some candle-making shops also carry stearic acid.

Tincture of Benzoin: A tincture is a solution that is about 50% alcohol. Benzoin is a gum resin secreted from the bark of the styrax benzoin tree, which grows in Thailand, Cambodia, and Sumatra. It is used as a preservative and antiseptic in cosmetics. This can be found at the drugstore or in the health-care section of the grocery store.

Vinegar (Acetic Acid): When fruit juice ferments, it turns into vinegar. Vinegars are known for their high acid content and sharp odors. In cosmetics, vinegar is used to remove alkaline residues from the skin and hair. You should never apply straight vinegar to your body; instead dilute the vinegar with pure water (one part vinegar to eight parts water). Vinegar can be purchased at the grocery store.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is found in fruits and vegetables, and can easily be absorbed through the skin (be careful, as too much can be damaging). It is believed to have skin-healing properties similar to those of vitamin E. Look for this and other vitamins at the drugstore or health-care section of many grocery stores.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Vitamin C is used as a preservative and antioxidant in many cosmetics. It is also necessary in our diet for healthy teeth, bones, and blood. It can be found in many fruits and vegetables, most commonly in citrus fruits and broccoli. Look for this and other vitamis at the drugstore or health-care section of many grocery stores.

Source: "Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox

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