🪔 Oils & Butters

🪔 Oils

1. Olive Oil

   • Properties: Conditioning, stable, rich yellow–green color, strong aroma.

   • Notes: Mix with other ingredients to soften scent; no need to use virgin/extra virgin for skincare.

2. Jojoba Oil

   • Technically: A liquid wax ester, not a true oil.

   • Properties: Mimics human sebum; excellent for moisturizing and cleansing.

   • Source: Simmondsia chinensis shrub (native to Southwestern North America).

3. Castor Oil

   • Properties: Emollient; water-binding—creates a moisture-sealing film on skin.

   • Use: Adds shine and smoothness in cosmetics.

4. Sweet Almond Oil

   • Source: Expeller-pressed from almonds (Prunus dulcis var. amygdalus).

   • Properties: Light, easily absorbed, rich in vitamins and fatty acids; conditions skin and hair.

5. Coconut Oil

   • Properties: High in fatty acids; antibacterial and antimicrobial.

   • Form: Solid below 24°C (76°F).

   • Notes: Use unrefined, virgin coconut oil for skincare; works well blended with other oils and butters.

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🍈 Butters

1. Mango Butter

   • Source: Pressed from mango seeds.

   • Properties: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins; melts on skin contact; excellent moisturizer.

2. Cocoa Butter

   • Source: Extracted from cocoa beans.

   • Properties: Solid at room temp, antioxidant-rich, deep moisturizer.

   • Notes: Gives chocolate its aroma and flavor; melts and blends well when warmed.

3. Shea Butter

   • Source: Expeller-pressed from shea nuts.

   • Properties: Intensely moisturizing; offers mild UV protection (approx. SPF 6).

   • Notes: Strong aroma—best used with other ingredients or essential oils.

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🕯️ Waxes

1. Beeswax

   • Use: Binds ingredients, adds structure and solidity.

   • Form: Available as pellets/pastilles; gives a mild honey scent.

   • Note: Common in lip balms, salves, and creams.

2. Carnauba Wax

   • Source: Palm leaves.

   • Properties: Very hard wax, provides gloss and stability.

   • Note: Vegan alternative to beeswax.