Common Ingredients

City Girl Naturals features products with natural, effective, ingredients. My recipes are simple but they work. Preservatives are generally limited to natural items such as citric acid, vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary essential oil and the like. A few products such as body creme and lotion do have chemical preservative to extend it's useful shelf life. But I use as little as possible (which means your product will not last forever) and those that are paraben-free. Think of those products like mayonnaise, an oil and water emulsion. Without preservative it would have to be kept in the refrigerator and last only a couple of days. If you want preservative free moisturizing products check out my body balms, body oil and hydrating spray instead. Here are some of my favorite ingredients.

Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is obtained from the pulp of the avocado pear and is one of the most active and effective ingredients used cosmetically. It is highly therapeutic. It contains protein, amino acids, and large amounts of vitamins A, D, and E. It is very "alive." It is therapeutic and , moisturizing and healing. Avocado oil helps regenerate cells, soften body tissue and heal scaly skin and scalp.

Calendula Oil
Calendula Oil comes from the blossoms from the calendula herb. It is regenerative and anti-inflammatory. Calendula oil also promotes the healing of wounds, burns, and tissue. It softens and soothes dry, chapped skin.

Castor Oil
Castor Oil has been used medicinally for ages. But it is also very good for the skin acts as a humectant by attracting and retaining moisture to the skin. It is highly moisturizing and great for the hair.

Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter comes from the same bean as chocolate and cocoa. Cocoa Butter lays down a protective layer that holds moisture to the skin, making it a good skin softener. Those who are allergic to chocolate should not use cocoa butter products.

Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is obtained from dried coconut meat of the coconut fruit. Small amounts of coconut oil is very moisturizing. Too much of it can be drying. Its one of the best ingredients in high grade vegetable based soaps.

Kukui Nut Oil
This oil comes from the kernel of the kukui nut of Hawaii. This non-greasy oil has been used by native Hawaiians for hundreds of years to treat sunburns and chapped skin. It is high in linoleic acid and linolenic acids which are essential fatty acids for healthy skin. This oils is also very beneficial in the treatment of eczema, acne, psoriasis, sunburns and chapped skin. It is rather expensive but well worth it. Those allergic to tree nuts, take care in using this oil.

Olive Oil
Olive Oil is the mother of cosmetic oils. Olive oil is healing a very good moisturizer. It attracts external moisture, holds moisture close to the skin, and forms a breathable film to prevent loss of internal moisture. I does not block the natural functions of the skin while performing it's own. Olive oil is the main ingredient of most of my soaps and shower gels. Castile soap is made from 100% olive oil.

Shea Butter
Also known as African karite butter, she butter is expressed from the pits of the fruit of the African Butter tree which grows in central Africa. It has been used for years for foot and body care. It can be used alone or in combinations of other ingredients to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Oil is obtained from the seeds of large sunflowers. It is known to be a moisturizing vegetable oil. It lays down a slightly oily protective layer on the skin that holds in moisture. Sunflower oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E). But since it is very high in linoleic-acid content and few saturated fatty acids, products containing this oil have very limited shelf life. This is a great alternative in lotions for those that might be allergic to Sweet Almond Oil.

Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a great skin care oil. It can be used alone or in combinations of other oils for skin and hair. It is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It is mild and can be used for all skin types. However, those allergic to nuts should take care in using this oil.