Glossary

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are known carcinogens (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bha-and-bht-a-case-for-fresh/) used as preservatives.

Several studies have pointed to the fact that inhaling the scent of cedarwood can decrease the effects of anxiety. One study tested the effectiveness of cedarwood essential oil among others and determined that aromatherapy can act as a complementary treatment to those who struggle with anxiety. I’ve experienced firsthand how you can feel peaceful when you experience this scent, imagining you’re standing in a grove of cedar trees. Harness Antimicrobial Properties: Cedarwood oil can serve as an all-natural antiseptic. It is known to be used topically to help combat bacterial and fungal infections, and study after study has proven that cedarwood oil indeed has antimicrobial properties. Put a bit of cedarwood oil (with a carrier oil like avocado or grapeseed oil) on a paper cut and see it go to work. Improve Skin Conditions: Over the years, scientists and herbalists have discovered that cedarwood can aid in a number of skin woes. The New York Institute of Aromatic Studies says that cedarwood oil can make skin less oily and improve acne, which has been studied and proven through scientific research as well. Apply cedarwood oil to your trouble areas before going to sleep at night. Bug Repellant: A study conducted by Cornell University determined that cedarwood oil is a non-toxic way to deter mosquitoes and moths. Another study says that cedarwood oil is especially effective against ants and ticks. Before your next hike, put a few drops of diluted cedarwood oil on your ankles, wrists, and neck — it’ll smell a lot better than bug spray, and it’ll be better for your body, too.

Chamomile Extract, with Lavender and cedar, are calming protective oils that relax and pamper while providing soothing properties that can relieve skin discomfort. Chamomile is an herb that comes from the flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/teas-that-help-you-sleep). Studies have found that people who consume upwards of 270mg of chamomile extract twice daily for 28 days had 1/3 less night time awakening and fell asleep 15 minutes faster than those who did not consume the extract (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198755/).  

Plasticizers that disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.

A known carcinogen.

Preservatives that disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. In essential oil practices, lavender is a multipurpose oil. It is purported to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying, hypotensive, and sedative effects (https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767#citation-8 ).

A chemical element that can damage the kidneys and nervous system.

See: https://www.news18.com/news/world/15-cases-of-methanal-poisoning-from-ingesting-alcohol-based-sanitisers-in-us-amid-covid-19-pandemic-2769099.html

A type of formaldehyde.

MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane) is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, mammals, and clouds. Some dietary supplements for arthritis, including glucosamine and chondroitin, have added MSM to the mix, as the latter can also help with joint inflammation. The health benefits of MSM are still undergoing research, but use of the compound indicates many ways in which it can improve wellness. In addition to inclusion in joint remedies, MSM is a separate dietary supplement. We only use Bergstrom OptiMSM® as it is considered the purest (99.9%), with the smallest mole weight per molecule.

Organic Trace Minerals are minerals and vitamins in trace amounts that help the body function. After years of testing different formulations, our proprietary levels of OPA’s form a perfect blend to make the most of every mineral or vitamin.

A type of formaldehyde.

Parfum, also known as fragrance, in itself can be a good thing if it comes from natural sources such as non-toxic essential oils or botanicals. Most fragrances do NOT list the actual ingredients that can be harmful to you, usually representing a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Approximately 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances.

Long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) are synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have been linked to cancer. (https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm)

M- and o-Phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, are known to irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA, and can cause cancer.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are products of condensed ethylene oxide and water that can have various derivatives and functions.

Propyl paraben acts as a weak synthetic estrogen and is an endocrine-disrupting chemical. (https://www.ewg.org/)

A preservative that releases formaldehyde.

Sunflower Oil, is a natural anti-oxidant that contains Vitamin E and fats that can act as a skin protectant and may aid in wound healing while feeding the skin. Known to contain the highest Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. Promotes heart health via 80% of monounsaturated fats. Repairs damaged skin and acts as an antioxidant. Known for softening dry, frizzy hair. Improves the immune system by strengthening the cell membrane barrier.