Ingredients in Dr. Em's Natural Skin & Hair Care Products

dremnatural.com

Hello and thank you for your interest in learning about the amazing plant-based ingredients in my skin and hair care products. In healthcare, we promote health literacy among our consumers. The more they know, the better they are at making informed decisions. This concept also applies to skin and hair care. Knowing what you put on your skin gives you power and confidence to choose products that are beneficial to your skin and hair, which has an impact on your overall health and well-being.

 

Reading a product label of a popular brand lotion (above photo) is not only confusing but time consuming. There are so many ingredients we don't know much about and there are a ton of them! The lotion above has about 15 kinds of preservatives and a huge portion of the content are fillers like water and mineral oil. With natural and organic products, you will only see a few ingredients because there are no harmful chemicals, preservatives, or fillers involved!

Here's an example of my product label: 

What sets my product apart from store-bought lotions? Regular lotions contain more water than good oils that your skin needs. It also has fillers (non-beneficial ingredients to increase quantity) as well as preservatives to keep it from going bad (because it contains water!).  

My lotions have NO water content, NO fillers, NO  chemical preservatives, and NO perfume that can cause skin irritation. It is ALL nutrient-rich oils that your skin will love and thank you for!  And.... my natural sunscreen products are friendly to our marine life!

What sets my products apart from other natural and organic products? Like the others, I use commonly known, evidence-based, and proven ingredients that are skin-loving, plant-based, natural, and organic. But for my products, I use high antioxidant ingredients and a generous number and amount of nutrient-rich body butters, carrier oils, essential oils, vitamin E oil, and powder-form plant products (like green tea, pitaya, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid). Once you have used my product (and read about the ingredients), you will know why they're exceptionally great for your skin and hair! 

Feel free to let me know if you have allergies to one of the ingredients in my product, so I can substitute it with another ingredient that is still beneficial to your skin or hair. 

INGREDIENT INFORMATION

 (The ingredients I use are cold-pressed and organic. For vegans, you can request candelila or sunflower wax)  

Here is a quick glance at some of the ingredients I use in my formulations

PLANT-BASED BUTTERS

• Cocoa Butter is the fat content of cocoa beans that contain compounds that keep skin and hair healthy. It hydrates and holds moisture, nourishes, improves skin elasticity, and protects it from harmful UV rays. It helps heal eczema and dermatitis. 

• Mango Butter is derived from the mango seed kernel and is loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, essential fatty acids, and natural antioxidants. It conditions and nourishes the skin and hair with a subtle fruity and fatty acid scent. It is creamy and highly moisturizing but light and non-greasy. It does not clog pores or aggravate acne-prone skin. This oil is a staple ingredient in my skin and hair recipes.

• Shea Butter is an extract from the seeds of shea tree. It contains high concentrations of fatty acids (anti-aging and highly emollient) and vitamins that moisturize and soften skin, and soothe red and irritated skin. It provides essential fatty acids and nutrients for collagen production and offers mild UV protection of SPF-6. Shea butter contains carotene, vitamins A & E, linoleic acid (prevents skin water loss). It can improve skin-related symptoms such as acne, dandruff, dry skin, itching, insect bite, rash, scarring, stretch marks, and wrinkles from sun damage (WebMD)

• Tamanu Butter  (or oil) is from the tamanu nut tree known for its medicinal properties. The oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and would healing properties and is known for skin regeneration. It contains high antioxidants and can absorb UV light and may inhibit about 85% DNA damage related to ultraviolet radiation according to an in-vitro 2009 study. It is good for sunburns, acne, scars, dark spots insect stings, stretch marks, eczema, and dry hair.

• Avocado Butter like avocado oil has many benefits to your skin and hair. Read under avocado oil below.

COLD-PRESSED, ORGANIC OILS

• Squalane oil is an extract from olive oil and is one of the best oils to use for face creams because of its zero comedogenic score. The oil is lightweight yet highly moisturizing and even has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Avocado oil has many health benefits for skin and hair because of its high oleic acid, monounsaturated fats, and vitamins A, C, D, & E content, as well as its easy absorption. With vitamin E, potassium, lecithin, and other nutrients, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin and accelerate healing of sunburn and other minor skin irritation, reduces acne symptoms, and prevents premature skin aging. For hair, it strengthens follicles, tames frizz, and promotes hair growth. 

• Sweet almond oil is one of the best oils for skin and hair. It keeps skin and hair moisturized and nourished with rich antioxidant compounds like phenolic, flavonoid, phytosterol, lipid soluble vitamins, and fatty acids (Rebeiro et al, 2015). This oil is great for eczema and acne prone skin. It has SPF 5.

• Jojoba oil is the closest oil to our natural skin oil (sebum). Its natural fatty acid content can help repair the top skin layer (epidermis). It is easily absorbed, lightweight, and a great choice for oily skin. It has a sun protection factor (SPF) 6 UVB. It helps repair skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, acne, and minor wounds. "It has proven anti-inflammatory effect, with potential uses in a variety of skin conditions including skin infections, skin aging..." (Lin, Zhong, & Santiago, 2018, p. 12).

• Hempseed oil is a staple in my face creams because it scores zero on the comedogenic scale where 0 means it does not clog pores at all while a score of 5 has the highest chance of clogging your pores! Its rich linoleic and alpha linolenic acids are beneficial to the skin and hair. It is used to treat eczema, dermatitis, acne, and itchy skin. It is absorbed deep into the dermal layers of the skin and provides excellent moisturization.

• Neem oil contains vitamin E and fatty acids that penetrate deep into the skin to protect it from ultraviolet rays, combats wrinkles and acne, evens out skin tone, and reduces inflammation or irritation from eczema, acne, and other minor skin irritation. It can heal minor wounds and stimulates collagen production.

• Vitamin E oil is a staple in my skin and hair care products because of its high antioxidant properties. It lightens scars and pigmentation, reduces appearance of stretch marks and dark circles, and heals sunburn. It is an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair and strengthens hair follicles and adds shine to hair. It also protects hair and skin from the sun. Last but not least, it is a natural preservative by lengthening the shelf life of my chemical and preservative-free skin and hair care products.

• Grape seed oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which makes it a great ingredient for skin care products. It gives skin elasticity and softness, evens skin tone, and protects skin from sun damage. 

• Olive oil  has tremendous benefits when taken internally. It also has many wonderful benefits when applied topically.  Olive oil has antioxidants such as vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols, which protect the skin from premature aging and restores skin smoothness. It protects the skin from UV rays with its SPF 7.5 content. It is easily absorbed in the skin and does not clog pores. Dry and thick hair, split ends, and dandruff will highly benefit from conditioners with olive oil. 

• Wheat germ essential oil is extracted from the germ of wheat and contains antioxidants. Its vitamin E content keeps your skin supple and glowing. It controls the symptoms of acne and pimple and provides skin protection with a wonderful SPF 22 UVB! This oil is part of my natural sunscreen recipe.

• Rosehip oil contains fatty acids and vitamin A and C that are beneficial for your skin and hair. It is great to reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and can reduce or reverse sun damage. 

• Vegetable glycerin keeps skin looking younger because of its humectant property. It is safe and gentle for sensitive skin and heals minor skin blemishes. It is a natural moisturizer because of its easy absorptive property. It is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and can be used as a cleanser, toner, or moisturizer without feeling greasy or sticky. It is also a natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of our chemical-free skin and hair care products.

THICKENER/EMULSIFIER

• Beeswax is packed with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It softens skin and improves skin texture. It is great for all skin types. It can heal eczema and acne, and soothe irritated skin. It locks moisture in and keeps harmful environmental pollutants off your skin. As a base ingredient for my products, you will enjoy the benefit of beeswax with any product from Dr. Em Natural Beauty Care.

• Arrowroot powder is a starch made from arrowroot tuber for use as a thickening agent. In skin or haircare, it is used to absorb excess oil from the skin. It can reduce oil production for those with oily skin. 

POWDERED/DRIED INGREDIENTS

• Pitaya (also known as dragonfruit) is a natural moisturizer, and helps to fight premature skin aging due to its high vitamin C content. It can soothe sunburn and improve acne symptoms.

• Ferulic acid is derived from the phenolic phytonutrients found in plants. As an antioxidant, it works synergistically with other antioxidant and boost their effects, which is to reduce formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots thereby improving or maintaining overall skin integrity.  

• Hibiscus flower is rich in amino acids and alpha hydroxy acid making it great for skin and hair. It can exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce the size of your pores. It is a great moisturizer as well as protection against free radicals and environmental pollutants. For conditioners, it prevents split ends and hydrates and moisturizes dry hair. It is also a great cleanser for hair and scalp when added to shampoos.

• Turmeric gives your skin that natural glow. It has anti-aging, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for acne-prone skin and other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It moisturizes the skin while controlling oil production. 

• Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in our body that helps cells proliferate and migrate, and to lubricate connective tissues. It is a huge component in our skin for tissue repair from damage due to sunburn and other skin inflammation. Babies and children's skin look and feel soft and supple because they have plenty of hyaluronic acid. But the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases with age. This is the reason why mature skin needs supplementation of hyaluronic acid as part of their skin care routine to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin appearance and feel. Look for my facial skin care product with hyaluronic acid that is plant-based. You may also order a stand-alone hyaluronic serum. 

• Vitamin C powder is an antioxidant and can help repair skin damage cause by free radicals and the sun. It can slow aging of your skin. You can also reduce potential skin damage from long-term sun exposure. In skin care, you can expect improvement in skin dryness and fine lines and wrinkles.  It can brighten your skin and lighten dark spots and pigmentation. Watch for my Nighttime C serum with hyaluronic acid.

• Niacinamide (aka nicotinamide) is a form of vit B3 which helps build keratin (a protein) that keeps skin firm and healthy. It can create a lipid barrier when applied on the skin which helps in retaining moisture. Niacinamide reduces inflammation in the skin which makes it a good addition to acne or eczema skin care products. It is known to reduce large pores and controls oil production. It has protective properties from ultraviolet rays and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Goji berries are high in antioxidants and protects skin from damage from the environment including ultraviolet rays and consequently reduces wrinkles and early signs of aging. It can promote collagen production, retain moisture, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

SEED OILS

• Carrot seed oil stops the breakdown of healthy cells, thus, slowing premature skin aging. It has a sun protection factor (SPF) 19 UVB.

• Red raspberry oil is not only a moisturizer but also a humectant (helps attract and retain moisture in the skin & hair). It has a broad spectrum skin protection ranging from  SPF 28-50 UVB and 6.75-7.5 UVA (Omah & Godfrey, 2000; Niculae et al., 2014).

• Aloe vera oil is a result of soaking aloe vera leaves or gel in a carrier oil in order to extract the phytonutrients found in aloe vera. This oil contains vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, and amino acids and minerals. The oil promotes circulation, is hydrating, moisturizing, and refreshing to the skin. It has emollient, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacteria, and anti-irritant properties. 

• Broccoli seed oil is one of the best new discovery for anti-aging. It  contains carotenoids, vitamins A, B, C, E, & K as well as high amounts of omega 9 fatty acids (erucic acid 49%, oleic acid 13.5%), omega 6 fatty acids (linoleic acid 11%), omega 3 fatty acids (alpha linoleic acid 9%) and  eicosenoic acid and palmitic acid. It is now a common ingredient for high end cosmetics and anti-aging oils and serums and lotions, etc. Its load of fatty acids makes this oil a great moisturizer for skin and hair. It also mimics the effect of silicone (a synthetic ingredient in hair products) , which makes hair look smooth and shiny. It's great for frizzy hair and split ends. For the skin, it protects skin from ultraviolet radiation and sunburns. Its compound sulforaphane has cancer-protective effects based on mice and human studies (Moreno et al. 2007). This phytochemical in broccoli is absorbed deep into the skin cells and creates a protective matrix to defend the skin against UV exposure and reduces skin redness and inflammation from UV radiation. The vitamin A in this oil is better than retinoid products since it does not cause any side effects (such as dryness, irritation, photosensitivity, etc.). 

• Blackberry seed oil contains phytosterols and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids making it a great addition to skin care products. It helps reduce pores, improve skin blotches and blemishes and restore softness and smoothness of skin. It improves skin elasticity and suppleness and slows down signs of aging. The fatty acids nourish and condition thereby improving the overall health of your hair.

• Strawberry seed oil contains omega-3 linolenic acid, vitamins A, C, E, B and essential minerals. It is known to help remove freckles and can purify the skin when used with lemon juice. It moisturizes the skin. improves lines and wrinkles and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, and sunburn. Its antioxidant properties can prevent skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

• Papaya seed oil has antifungal properties thereby helping control and prevent dandruff. It nourishes and moisturizes the hair shaft and promote strong, shiny hair. Its phytonutrient lycopene stimulates scalp circulation and subsequent hair growth. 
• Cucumber seed oil

EXTRACTS

• Aloe vera extract contains both the gel and water portion of the aloe vera plant, which is laden with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties along with vitamins A & C. 

• Aloe Vera gel is nature's way to care for your skin by keeping it hydrated and refreshed. It heals sunburn and helps improve the symptoms of psoriasis, rashes, itching, and other mild skin disorders.

• Black elderberry extract is derived from black elderberries that are known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanin found in elderberries prevent cell damage and can improve overall health of the skin.

• Green tea extract provides exceptional health benefits to your body, skin and hair. Its compound polyphenols can reduce inflammation (great for acne-prone skin), and its antioxidant property prevents cell damage (premature aging). It can diminish signs of aging, calms irritated skin, evens discoloration, decrease appearance of blackheads, decreases puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. When added to cleansers, it can exfoliate, eliminate dead skin, dirt, and bacteria.

• Grapeseed extract can protect skin from ultraviolet radiation and consequent sun damage. It is rich in antioxidants to help the skin fight free radicals from its harmful effects. It helps increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis and evens out skin tone. It is a great booster for vitamin C and vit E functions on the skin in relation to moisture, softness, and elasticity.

• Papaya extract like papaya seed oil has excellent benefits to skin and hair. It is rich in antioxidants like lycopene to combat signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, and control acne. The enzyme papain and chymopapain help remove dead skin cells that clog pores. Papain is also found to lighten dark scars and melasma. 

• Licorice root extract not only has many health benefits for your body (antiviral and antimicrobial properties, for stomach discomfort, prevents tooth decay, among others) but for skin as well. The main benefit of licorice root on the skin is its brightening and lightening properties. It reduces the appearance of dark spots  and acne scarring and evens out skin tone boosting overall skin luminosity. 

ESSENTIAL OILS are extracts from plant bark, flowers, seeds, or leaves. These pure oils are the most expensive ingredients in my skin care recipes.

• Lavender essential oil reduces fine lines and wrinkles, in addition to its relaxing effect on the mind. It protects the skin with its SPF 6 content.
• Peppermint essential oil is not only refreshing but can soothe irritated skin from insect bites and minor skin irritation. It contains SPF 7 to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. 
• Lemon essential oil reduces the signs of aging by preventing sun damage. Citrus oils, however, can make skin sensitive to sunlight, so only use products with lemon and other citrus at night.
• Rose essential oil not only smells heavenly, but it is one of the best oils for your skin! It promotes skin renewal, keeps skin looking youthful (delays skin aging), and helps reduce puffiness and redness in the skin. 
• Mango essential oil is a moisturizer and humectant (attracts and retains moisture), it reduces acne, prevents dandruff, keeps hair moisturized and shiny,  and helps improve acne-prone skin. If you have allergies to fresh mango fruit, you are likely allergic to the oil too. 
• Frankincense essential oil reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and stretch marks.
• Pomegranate essential oil reduces the appearance of sunspots and redness. It is an antioxidant thereby slowing down the signs of skin aging.
• Rosemary essential oil is easily absorbed in the skin, hence, providing the benefits your skin needs to stay healthy. It fights acne, unclogs blocked pores, minimizes large pores, tightens and tones the skin, reduces oiliness, and heals eczema and other skin irritation. It can stimulate hair growth for those experiencing frontal hair loss. 
• Geranium essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it great for acne-prone skin by reducing acne breakouts. It helps heal minor wounds and skin irritations.
• Patchouli essential oil is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties making it a great addition to skin and scalp care products.  
• Ylang Ylang essential oil is derived from the Cananga odorata plant that is native to Indonesia and the Philippines. Like lavender, it has stress-reducing properties to calm the mind, but it can also promote wound healing and soothe irritated skin and reduce appearance of scars.  
• Note: To read more about essential oils and their sun protection factor (SPF) value, click this link to a credible research article under Table 3 Results and Discussion section   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/
• The article listed below by Lin and colleagues is a good resource to read up on the benefits of olive, coconut, grape seed, avocado, jojoba, rose, shea, almond, and pomegranate oils.
• You may also look up information about skin and hair care product ingredients from cosmeticsinfo.org
• As with any skin or hair care product, always do a patch test for 24 hours on your inner wrist/arm to determine any allergies.

References

Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70.

 

To read more about or purchase my products, go to https://www.dremnatural.com/

Disclaimer: Information about ingredients described above is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as advice or a recommendation concerning the use of any of the ingredients or products. The information contained herein has not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any medical condition. This blog is designed for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician or medical provider. Please consult your physician if you have had an allergic reaction to any skin or hair care products.