Cranberry - Superfruit For Skincare

Vaccinium macrocarpon. It almost sounds medicinal, doesn't it? Behind this INCI name is a food we know as the large cranberry. Categorized as a superfruit, the cranberry is more than just a pretty red berry with a tangy taste. I recently discovered that it is also available as a skin care ingredient.

Coily-Kinky-Curly - Calling All Curlies!

If you've been reading this blog since last Fall, you probably know that Lola and I have been working on developing a few products exclusively for curlygirls (and curlyguys).

The feedback on my latest batch: Lola is happy.

Step one accomplished.
(insert dance of joy here)

Konjac Glucomannan – A Plant-Based Answer to Carbomer?

This innocent-looking bit of powder is my new hope for creating texture perfection. It comes from the root of a plant that has several ominous-sounding common names, like Devil's Tongue, Voodoo Lily, Snake Palm, and Corpse Flower (!).

The INCI name for the powdered root of this plant is long, complicated, and a bit of a tongue twister: Amorphophallus Konjac Root. My supplier lists it as Konjac Glucomannan Powder. Glucomannan is a polysaccharide and the main component of the Konjac tuber.

Shaving Cream and Parabens - is That OK?

Recently, a gent I know with very sensitive skin switched from using an electric shaver to 'old fashioned' shaving. He showed me his new gear: the classic shaving brush, the shiny razor complete with fancy stand, and the newly acquired shaving cream in designer packaging. It was all very posh and elegant looking.

Mango Butter - The Perfect In-Betweenie

Mangoes account for just about half of all tropical fruits produced worldwide. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and a fave in numerous dishes, but it is inside this delicious treat that we find the source of what we're focusing on today. Mango butter is made from the seed kernel inside the flat pit of the fruit.

Lead in Lipstick? Canada Fights Back With Facts

Last year, a cartoon-film about 'toxins in cosmetics' went viral and caused mass uncertainty. The film by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics succeeded in making many people afraid of using personal care products such as soaps, baby products, cosmetics, make-up and more. It was a real cleverly crafted bit of marketing that certainly achieved what the makers set out to do: cause fear, doubt, and uncertainty.

How to Make a Yellow Clay and Chamomile Cleansing Bar

These little sweethearts are the newest version of one of my latest passions: creating clay cleansing bars (say that fast 3 times, then continue reading).

If you haven't tried making a cleansing bar yet because you were just waiting for a version with yellow clay, then it's your lucky day!

Getting Butters to Behave

I've been working with butters for what feels like forever, and the more I work with them, the more there is to learn. There's just no way around it – butters are a tricky bunch.

26 Reasons These Fruits May Cause Allergies

Take a good look. These fruits all contain possibly harmful and dangerous allergens and should be banned – or at the very least – come with warning labels so we can all be properly informed before deciding whether or not we want to ingest them or – heaven forbid –feed them to our children.

Henna - When All Natural Isn't All That

Years ago when it was all the rage, I dyed my hair with henna. A friend and I both fell for the earthy packaging design and promise of all natural, plant-based hair color, so we embarked upon an afternoon of henna-dyeing experimentation.

New Deodorant - Lemon Fresh!

I absolutely love the scent of lemon. Happily, I'm not the only one.

How Crocodile Oil Taught Me a New Word

I almost wish this was an April Fools thing, but really, it isn't. A question from a good friend about a skin care product based on .. wait for it... crocodile oil (!) prompted a recent research session.

Oil from crocodiles? I had never heard of crocodile oil, but then, I haven't heard of everything used in skin care.