OUR INGREDIENTS

   

We search for the finest ingredients for our products, after all,

we use them in our homes too!

never tested on animals

We use no preservatives and, of course,

our soaps are tested only on willing family and friends.

We would be proud to be your personal soapmaker, too.

                       

“Quality Control Department”

…just kidding ..they are the accounting department!

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what’s in our soap?

Our soap is 100% pure soap with only the finest natural vegetable oils. Glycerin, a natural emollient, draws moisture out of the air to benefit skin health. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance (approx 7.8), no animal testing, no detergents, surfactants, sulfates, no artificial colors,

no sugar solutions, bioderadable. May contain a combination of:

Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerine (kosher, of vegetable origin), G Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan oleate (emulsifer), Soy bean protein (conditioner)

what’s the story on Lanolin?

Lanolin..where does it come from? Well, It is a yellowish substance that comes from the wool of sheep. It is excreted by the sebaceous glands on their skin, and acts as waterproofing so they don’t get cold. You might also hear it called wool fat, wool wax, or wool grease. I prefer to call it lanolin – it just sounds classier.

Sheep are not harmed in the process of “harvesting” (for lack of a better word) lanolin. When sheep farmers sheer their sheep to get the wool (about once a year), they then extract the Vaseline-like lanolin from the sheared wool before they wash it. Sheering the wool doesn’t hurt the sheep, it’s basically like getting a haircut and it all natural!

healing the skin with essential oils

Trends in health and beauty are placing more trust in the efficacy of natural and organic ingredients. Skin care is no exception, with more of us are coming to realize the purity of what they put on their skin is as important as that of what they eat.

The skin is the largest organ, and is generally permeable to substances placed on it. This is particularly important in healing wounds, for the skin may be broken and more sensitive. Enter essential oils; these powerful plant derived medicines have been used for many years for treating skin conditions, enhancing beauty and promoting wellness. Oils have been found particularly useful for regenerating skin that has suffered from accidents or surgery, or has their remaining signs in the form of keloid, acne, or other scars. Certain essential oil blends can speed healing time, reduce or eliminate scars from recent wounds andeven greatly diminish the appearance of old ones.

                 

Hemp Seed Oil

(5% added unrefined Hemp Seed Oil.This is a cleaish olive oil soap base with hemp seed oil added for its moisturizing properties to make a soap with good lather and hint of olive green color.

Shea Butter

5% Shea Butter. Smooth, creamy, and rich with natural emollient properties.

Goat’s Milk

10% refrigerated liquid Vitamin D Goat’s Milk. Softens skin and has a delicate creamy lather.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Botonical Name: Daucus carota

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled from the seeds of Wild Carrot – aka Queen Anne’s Lace

The oil has a wonderful, unique woody/ herbaceous and mildly sweet aroma, and a light, fluid consistency. The oil is often employed orally for regeneration of liver tissue. One drop taken daily is the recommended protocol; this may be particularly useful during a period of dietary restriction as part of an overall liver cleansing program.

Carrot seed is a premier skin healing oilregularly included in blends for dry and mature skin. The oil’s high carotol content gives it its skin-rejuvenative properties.Further, carrot seed oil is said to balance both dry and oily complexions.

Coffee Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Coffea arabica

Plant Part: Seeds

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Origin: Brazil

Description: Coffea Arabica is the earliest cultivated species of the coffee tree and still the most widely grown. The trees produce approximately 70% of the world’s coffee, and are dramatically superior in cup quality to the other principal commercial coffee species, Coffea canephora or Robusta. All fine, specialty, and fancy coffees come from Coffea arabica trees.

Color: Dark brown viscous liquid.

Common Uses: Coffee Essential Oil has a multitude of possible uses. It can be burned as a room deodorizer and is considered to be an excellent anti-oxidant. It has also been used to combat depression, respiratory issues, stings, fevers, and general nausea.

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Coffee Essential Oil is best appreciated when used independently.

Aromatic Scent: Coffee Essential Oil smells just like a fresh brewed pot of coffee. It is both warming and invigorating.

History: The history surrounding coffee is vast. An Islamic monk was vexed by his inability to stay awake during his prayers. One day he saw a goat shepherd dancing with his goats and was told a specific bean caused the happiness. Convinced that Mohammed had sent him this herb as a gift to keep him awake, the monastery was thereafter called the home of the Wakeful Monks, as they would drink coffee as they prayed. (A similar legend exists in China regarding tea.) African warriors would mix mashed coffee berries with animal fat, roll them into balls, and eat them before battle. All of Latin America’s coffee industry emerged from one tree in a Dutch botanical garden. The name Coffee comes from Caffa, an Abyssinian province.

Cautions: Coffee Essential Oil should be avoided during pregnancy. It may also cause heart palpitations in some individuals.

Tea Tree Oil

Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Plant Part: Leaves

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: Australia

Description: The Tea Tree is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves. It is also domestically referred to as Ti-tree. It can grow up to 7 meters (20 feet) in height and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in plantations. The Tea Tree is very robust; it is ready for cutting only two years after its’ previous harvest.

Color: Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid.

Common Uses: Tea Tree Essential Oil is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant. It can help to fight all three categories of infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses), and there is evidence that Tea Tree Oil massages prior to an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock. Used in vapor therapy, Tea Tree Oil can help with colds, measles, sinusitis and viral infections. For skin and hair, Tea Tree has been used to combat acne, oily skin, head lice and dandruff. As essential oils have become more accepted by the public, the use of Tea Tree has increased significantly. This can be readily evidenced by the commercial products now using Tea Tree Essential Oil.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Middle

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Cinnamon, Clary sage, Clove, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Rosemary and Thyme.

Aromatic Scent: Tee Tree Essential Oil has a fresh, antiseptic and medicinal scent. It also has characteristic mint and spice back-notes.

History: The aboriginal people of Australia have long used Tea tree oil; similarly, Tea tree has a long history of use within the field of aromatherapy. In World War Two, the producers and the cutters of Tea Tree were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. The oil was a highly valued product as it was issued to each soldier and sailor as part of their kit in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds

Neem Seed Oil

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Neem is a medium sized to large tree characterized by its short straight trunk, furrowed dark brown to gray bark, and dense rounded crowns of pinnate leaves. Native to India, Neem kernels contain about 45% oil. The termite resistant Neem timber is used as a building material, and in making furniture and farm implements. The bark yields tannin and gum. The amber hued gum is used as a dye in textiles and in traditional medicines.

Color: Yellowish brown to dark greenish brown liquid.

Aromatic Description: Neem Carrier Oil has a pungent, earthy, green musty smell.

Common Uses: Scientific research has confirmed that Neem Carrier Oil is non-toxic to mammals and may be very effective antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, dermatological and dental agent. It is also widely hailed as a natural insect repellant. This oil has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to aid in the healing of topical skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns and acne. It is rich in fatty acids and glycerides and together with its healing properties, provides an excellent natural moisturizing base for skin care formulations. Use at up to 10% in skin care formulations. Up to 3% in hand and foot care products and at 1 – 2% as an insect repellant. It is considered to be safe in all normal topical applications.

Consistency: Neem Carrier Oil is very viscous, and it gets solid in the cold. Simply heat it in a hot water bath in order to thin it out.

Absorption: Does not absorb easily into the skin.

Pomegranate Seed Oil

Botanical Name:Punica granatum
Origin: Turkey
Extraction: Cold Pressed/Unrefined

Cosmetic Use: Pomegranate seed oil is commonly used in cosmetic products to revitalize dull or mature skin, assist with wrinkles, and to soothe minor skin irritations. Pomegranate seed oil adds moisture, has natural estrogenic properties, anti-oxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin. It provides relief from minor skin irritations and inflammation, including dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. The conjugated fatty acids give it strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches and pains.

Jojoba Oil

Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Jojoba Golden is a favorite carrier oil. In actuality, it is a liquid wax. It closely resembles the sebum of the skin, and is rich in vitamin E. This promotes a glowing complexion. The Golden variety of Jojoba may alter color and odors in cosmetics. It is also important to note that Jojoba may go cloudy in cool temperatures. It will return to its clear state with warming. Purchases of entire drums can also expect some clouding near the end of the drum. This is natural as Phospholipids (natural components of most vegetable oils) hydrate and precipitate out of suspension. The sediment is actually extremely high in beneficial vitamin E and will only create problems if the oil is heated to extreme temperatures where they will darken and precipitate out of suspension. Any sediment can be decanted out wherever practical.

Color: Golden to brownish yellow liquid wax.

Aromatic Description: Jojoba Golden Carrier Oil has a pleasant, soft odor.

Common Uses: Jojoba Golden Carrier Oil can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend shelf lives, and has become a common oil in the aromatherapy industries because of it’s excellent skin care properties. The golden variety of Jojoba is less desired in cosmetic manufacturing; nonetheless, in applications that aren’t sensitive to discoloration or odor, Golden Jojoba is still commonly used. Massage therapists may use small amounts in their carrier oil blends, but as it will clog pores, its application is limited.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: Jojoba Golden creates a barrier but will leave a satiny finish.

Lanolin

Lanolin (German, from Latinlāna, “wool”, and oleum, “oil”)

… also called Adeps Lanae, wool wax, substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool bearing animals, with the vast majority of it used by humans coming from domestic sheep. Chemically akin to wax, it can be used as a skin ointment or water-proofing wax. Lanolin’s waterproofing property aids sheep in shedding water from their coats.

Medical grade lanolin is used as a cream to soothe skin, as it is hyperallergenic and bacteriostatic. As an ointment base, it is readily absorbed through skin facilitating absorption of the medicinal chemicals it carries.

Rose Oil

Botanical Name: Rosa Damascena

Rose Distillate or hydrosol of rose. Obtained from the flowers of the oil bearing rose (rosa damascena) through water distillation. Aroma is warm, floral, fine, with a faint peppery and honey notes, specific for Indian attar of roses. Widely used skin care ingredient. Can be used as is on the skin, mixed with glycerine or to replace all or part of the water in skin care formulations. 100% natural distillates not artificially made floral.

Peppermint Organic Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Mentha arvensis

We use Certified Organic Essential Oils from Certified Organic Processors and their oils have all been certified under the world renowned BFA Organics Standard. Chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers are prohibited. Instead the products are cultivated using traditional farming methods. Soil fertility is built; natural systems are worked with, not against; there is minimal, if any damage to the environment, and most importantly, Mother Nature is being respected

Plant Part: Herb

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: India

Description: There are several species of the mentha arvensis perennial herb that can grow to 3 feet in height, spreading due to their underground ‘runners’. Peppermint plant has hairy leaves with serrated edges and purple spiked flowers. Peppermint Japanese is known for its high menthol content. It is so high in fact that menthol crystals sometimes form right on the leaves.

Color: Colorless to pale yellow liquid.

Common Uses: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has long been credited as being useful in combating stomach ailments. It is also viewed as an antispasmodic and antimicrobial agent. Of course, most people will associate it with being a flavoring or scenting agent in foods, beverages, skin and hair care products (where it has a cooling effect by constricting capillaries and helping with bruises and sore joints), as well as soaps and candles. This is largely due to its menthol content – typically 85%.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint and Thyme.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has a sharp, penetrating mint scent based on its high menthol content. The sweetness of the vapor makes it easy to see why it is such a common flavoring and scenting agent.

History: Peppermint and its name has its roots in Greek mythology. Pluto – god of the dead – fell in love with Minthe, a beautiful nymph. Pluto’s goddess wife Persephone became jealous and turned Minthe into a plant. Pluto could not bring her back to life but ensured that she would have a wonderful and fragrant aroma.

Lavender Organic Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Lavandula officinalis

Plant Part: Flowers

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Origin: Bulgaria

Description: Lavender is an evergreen woody shrub, up to 1 meter tall, with pale green, narrow linear leaves and violet blue flowers.

Color: Pale yellow to yellow liquid.

Common Uses: Properties of Organic Lavender Essential Oil include analgesic, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-phlogistic, antirheumatic, antseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, and as a diuretic. Herbalist regards Lavender as the most useful and versatile essential oil for therapeutic purposes. Lavender is the essential oil most commonly associated with burns and healing of the skin. It also has antiseptic and analgesic properties which will ease the pain of a burn and prevent infection. It also has cytophylactic properties that promote rapid healing and help reduce scarring. Lavender is a popular choice amongst both aromatherapists and massage therapists for its combination of therapeutic quality and pleasant floral scent.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends well with: Bay, Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Tangerine, Thyme, Rosemary, Rosewood and Ylang-ylang.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Lavender Essential Oil has a sweet floral note preferred by many.

History: Lavender is adapted to living in a dry climate and is native to the western half of the Mediterranean, reaching altitudes of up to 1800 meters. It is believed that the Romans and the Benedictine monks subsequently introduced it to rest of Europe.

Lemongrass Organic Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citrates

Plant Part: Leaves

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: India

Description: Lemongrass is a fast growing, tall, aromatic perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 metres (4 feet) in height. It is native to Asia, but is now cultivated mostly in the West Indies, Africa, and Tropical Asia.

Color: Yellow to brownish yellow liquid.

Common Uses: Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil is known for its invigorating and antiseptic properties. It can be used in facial toners as its astringent properties help fight acne and greasy skin. An excellent anti-depressant, Lemongrass Essential Oil tones and fortifies the nervous system and can be used in bath for soothing muscular nerves and pain. Lemongrass shares similar properties with citronella and has a great reputation for keeping insects away.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends well with: Pine, Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary, Marjoram, Cedarwood and Lemon.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil has a fresh earthy, citrusy scent.

History: Traditional Indian medicine has used Lemongrass Essential Oil to treat infectious illness and fever

Orange Organic Essential Oil (Sweet)

Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis

Plant Part: Fruit Peel

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Origin: USA

Description: Sweet Orange is derived from an evergreen tree. It is smaller than the bitter orange tree, and less hardy with fewer or no spines. The fruit itself has a sweet pulp with no bitter membrane.

Color: Yellowish orange to dark orange liquid.

Common Uses: Properties for Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil are as follows: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant (nervous) and tonic (cardiac, circulatory). It has also been applied to combat colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, the flu, gums, slow digestion, and stress.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Middle

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Lavender, Bergamot, Rosewood, Lemon, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Clove.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Sweet Orange Essential Oil has a sweet, citrus smell much like the orange peels it is derived from, only more intense and concentrated.

History: There is some argument, but it is believed that sweet orange was brought to Europe by the Arabs in the First century along with the bitter orange.

Sage Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Salvia Lavandulifolia

Plant Part: Leaves

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: Morocco

Description: Sage is an evergreen perennial herb that can grow up to about 60cm (2 feet) high with a woody base, soft gray-green oval leaves and a mass of blue or violet flowers.

Color: Pale yellow to greenish yellow liquid.

Common Uses: The therapeutic properties of Organic Sage Essential Oil include use as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. In aromatherapy, it is believed to calm the nerves, assist with grief and depression and also assist with female sterility as well as menopausal problems. For topical applications, Sage Oil is reputed to ease swelling, relieve pain caused by rheumatism; and it may be used to reduce pore size, heal wounds, infections and assist with skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano and Rosemary.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Sage Essential Oil has a spicy, sharp, and very herbaceous scent. It is referred to as having a penetrating and powerful aroma.

History: The folklore of sage goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed that it imparted wisdom and mental acuity. In the Middle Ages sage was used as a treatment for memory loss, fevers and intestinal problems. It was also used to treat eye problems, liver disease, epilepsy and infections!

Cucumber Fragrant Oil

A fresh, crisp cucumber fragrance. Top notes of cucumber, green, muguet and citrus. Geranium and rose at the heart of the fragrance. A soft violet and musk at the base.

Ylang-ylang Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata

Plant Part: Flowers

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: Madagascar

Description: Ylang-ylang Essential Oil is extracted from Cananga odorata – also known as flower of flowers. It is a tall tropical tree about 20meters (60 feet) high with large, tender, fragrant pink, mauve or yellow flowers. The yellow heads are viewed as being the best in terms of quality.

Color: Pale to golden yellow clear liquid.

Common Uses: Organic Ylang-ylang Essential Oil can assist with problems such as high blood pressure, rapid breathing and heartbeat, nervous conditions, as well as impotence and frigidity. Organic Ylang-ylang Essential Oil is best suited for use in the perfumery and skincare industries.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Base

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends well with: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Neroli, Rosewood and Sandalwood.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Ylang-ylang Essential Oil has a sweet, exotic, floral scent that is one of the most sought after aromas.

History: In Indonesia, Ylang ylang flower petals are strewn upon the bed of newlywed couples. Ylang ylang was a popular ingredient of hair preparations in Europe and was known as Macassar oil.

Honeybush Tea
Fragrant, deep, floral, alluring and mystifying. These are some of the first thoughts that cross our mind when exposed to a sample tasting of Honeybush Tea.
Honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) is a native shrub to the Cape of South Africa. This plant was first documented is the 1700’s and since then it has kept a pretty low profile and its use was previously isolated to the natives of the region. Recently documentation and study of the plant have brought it within radar of the international community and once one samples a sipping, their taste for this delicate brew almost becomes insatiable. Now large-scale organic crops have replaced wild gathered Honeybush to help curb the exponential demand for this fabulous beverage, this is great news for the local habitat that might have been ravaged to supply such a demand.
Honeybush is a fermented tea with a smooth taste and lacking the typical bite found in most green and black teas. This is because it contains virtually no tannin. This lovely beverage is what some have described as “super fruity”, exceptionally sweet, and it brews to a deep dark amber color. The versatility of this tea covers every audience from the sweet tooth of small children, to the passionate evening drinker, and it covers the sensitivities of the elderly. Some of the benefits include that it is caffeine free, high in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It is
an invaluable resource for anti-oxidants, rare trace minerals, and containing isoflavones, and Coumestans. The benefits are numerous indeed and this has become a staple tea for many people…Including all of us at Mountain Rose Herbs!

Organic Chamomile Flowers

Chamomile is renowned for being a household herb. It has traditionally been used as a gentle sedative to help alleviate anxiety and mild sleep disturbances. Its relaxing action helps soothe indigestion and used as a gargle can also help alleviate a sore throat. When used in a steam bath, it can help ease respiratory congestion and applied topically it can assist in wound healing and reduce swelling. Chamomile is such a gentle herb that it is used by many cultures throughout the world to help soothe childrens’ indigestion associated with anxiety.

Plant Part Used: Flower petals

Aromatic Description: Mild chamomile scent.

Common Uses: Chamomile Flowers can be used in ointments, creams, compresses, poultices and liniments.

Apple Mint

also referred to as “Fuzzy Mint,” is an old fashioned standard.

Known for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is traditionally used to help alleviate digestive complaints such as flatulence and indigestion. Its refreshing nature has an uplifting effect and can help ease mental strain and fatigue.

Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a useful herb to apply topically to infected wounds and make it an invaluable asset in the first aid kit at home.

Plant Part Used: Leaves

Aromatic Description: Mild scent

Common Uses: Peppermint Leaves can be used in ointments, creams, compresses, poultices and liniments.

Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme looks like and grows like English Thyme but that is where the similarity stops. Lemon Thyme definitely smells like lemon and tastes like lemon. It can be used in any recipe calling for lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon flavoring. It grows like a weed so there is always more lemon waiting in the garden.

Spring-Harvested Green Tea Tips

Jojoba Meal Exfoliant

Jojoba meal is composed of finely grounded particles of crushed Jojoba seeds, the remains after the mechanical extraction of Jojoba oil. It can be used as an all natural body scrub to lightly exfoliate the skin while minimizing pores. Jojoba meal has low abrasive properties and is a gentle way to deep-clean, detoxify and soften the skin. It can be used in formulations for skin massage products, facial cleansers, shower gels, soaps, and hand and body scrubs.

Mesh Size: 30/60 microns

Cherry Blossom Tea

Cherry Blossom trees (also known as Sakura) are Japanese ornamental trees, related to, but completely different from, the trees that produce cherry fruit. The trees bloom majestically in early Spring, often forming the basis for numerous cherry-blossom festivals through Japan and across the globe. As the blossoms are available only for a short time each year, teas blended with fresh cherry blossoms tend to be offered only “in-season” in mid- to late-Spring

Dead Sea Salt Fine

This 100% Authentic Dead Sea Salt comes straight from Jordan, excellent for soothing your aching muscles, using it as a body scrub, or just as a relaxing additive to your baths