Lecithin Powder Profile

Botanical Name- Derived from Soy Beans (Glycine max) Origin- USA Extraction- De-gummed Soybean oil / Centrifuge Shelf life- 2-3 yearsNotes- Stores well under any condition but extreme heat and light may cause discoloration. The line of lecithin offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes. This particular Lecithin has not been tested for GMO's and at this time we are unable to declare it as "GMO Free".


Specifications Color- Yellow

Odor- FlatSize- US #20 Mesh
Acetone insoluble- 97%
Soybean oil- <2%>

A Brief Introduction

Lecithin powder is a wonderful ingredient to add to your culinary and body care recipes. It contains many beneficial properties, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, mild preservative, moisturizer, and emollient. Lecithin can be utilized in almost any recipe, and is commonly found in both food and cosmetic products. Cosmetically, it may be added to moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lip balms, and many other products. It is a great alternative to other emulsifying and stabilizing agents, some of which are derived from petrochemical sources. For food use, lecithin is often found in chocolate, baked goods, salad dressing, and many other prepared foods. The lecithin powder sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is derived from soybeans, making it a much safer ingredient to use for our bodies.

Cosmetic Use

Lecithin powder is an emollient, which is a softening and soothing agent. In addition, it has magnificent moisturizing properties, and helps to hydrate the skin. The phospholipids naturally present in lecithin are able to attract water from the air, and in doing so, increase hydration. This makes it an excellent additive for restorative creams, or for products designed for mature, dry, or overworked skin. It also has the unique ability to deeply penetrate the skin, and carry substances directly to the cells and the bloodstream. Because of this, it may assist the body in absorbing other properties as well. If a product is created with natural and healing ingredients, then the addition of lecithin would actually bring those beneficial properties to the cellular level. Lecithin also has emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, and suspending qualities. With these amazing and varied capabilities, the addition of lecithin could assist in the therapeutic and medicinal properties of your body care products.

Lecithin powder may be easily added to your products by first dissolving it into the oil portion of your recipe. To do this, heat the mixture while stirring, until the granules have been fully dissolved. The amount of lecithin used depends upon the recipe type and size, and on the product thickness desired. However, a general rule is 1/2-1 Tablespoon for a 19 oz batch of cream. We recommend experimenting with the amount in small batches.

Culinary Use

Made from soybeans, our lecithin is a healthful and invaluable culinary ingredient. Lecithin is utilized throughout the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer, and mild preservative. It is often present in vegan or low fat cooking as an alternative to fat in baked goods, and improves moisture and texture at the same time. It may be added to a variety of baked items including breads, cakes, casseroles, and cookie dough as an anti-caking, pan release, and moisturizing agent. Bakers also employ lecithin for its ability to help dough rise, create uniformity and suspension in the batter, and to lessen the dough’s tendency to be sticky while kneading. In addition, lecithin is commonly used for its emulsifying properties in mayonnaise, margarine, shortening, salad dressing, and other water-oil combinations. For the same suspending and emulsifying properties, it is added to various sauces, gravies, soups, nut butters, and gravies. Lecithin is an important ingredient in chocolate, caramels, confectionary coatings for spattering control, to prevent crystallization, and as an emulsifier. In addition, lecithin is a wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying tool for powdered products, such as cake mixes, cocoa powder, and instant powder mixes.

Medicinal Applications

Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid, and is an excellent source of choline. Lecithin physically is made in our liver, and is necessary for every cell in our bodies. Without choline, the membranes of our cells would harden, which would prevent nutrients from entering and leaving the cell. Lecithin also helps cholesterol deposits from forming in our blood vessels, and is involved in the process of moving cholesterol through our bodies. Soy lecithin chemically binds with cholesterol, and in this manner reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstreams, and may lower cholesterol levels. It also assists with the neurotransmitters crucial for memory, muscle control, and brain function. Research suggests that lecithin may be helpful for repairing liver damage, and protecting against liver damage. In addition, lecithin may assist with the following:

● Improves memory and cognitive functions
● Menopause and post-menopausal conditions – (contains estrogen like compounds)
● Poor nutrition and anemia
● Diabetes
● Neurologic disorders
● Cardiovascular health
● Improves energy and physical performance
● Assists with the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E, and K
● Psoriasis
● Gallstones
● Eases digestion
● Promotes overall health and physical performance

Because of its many health and cosmetic benefits, lecithin is truly an amazing ingredient. Lecithin may be easily added to your culinary or cosmetic recipes. We recommend that you try this wonderful product yourself, as it may prove to be a key ingredient for your overall health and well-being.

Precautions:

Although no drug interactions have been found, we recommend speaking with your healthcare practitioner before incorporating lecithin into your diet.


Lecithin may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, loose stools, or diarrhea.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/newsletter/lecithin_powder.php

Mango Butter Profile

Botanical Name- Mangifera indica
Origin- India
Extraction- Expeller pressed/Refined
Shelf life- 2 year optimal

Notes- To prolong its shelf life, store in a dark, cool location. Mango is a relatively hard butter and does not apply well as a "stand alone" application, however it will disperse evenly onto the skin once liquified and warmed. It is best used within cosmetic formulations or added with other ingredients to make it more pliable.

Specifications
Color- White
Odor- Slightly fatty
Free Fatty Acids- 0.154%
Peroxide Value- 1.49
Non-Saponifiables- 1.8%
Saponification Value- 189
Iodine Value- 45
Total Saturated- 46-57
Total Monounsaturated- 40-50
Total Polyunsaturated- 2-4

Melting point- 101-102 degrees

Fatty Acids
Oleic- 46%
Palmitic- 6.6%
Linoleic- 3%
Stearic- 42%

Benefits:
Mango Butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango Butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Reasons to use Mango Butter

- Effectively treats dry skin
- Heals skin rash
- Heals skin peeling, after tanning
- Clears blemishes and wrinkles
- Relieves itching skin
- Heals sunburn
- Shaving cream for a smooth shave
- Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
- Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
- Fights frost bite
- Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
- Relieves insect bites
- Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
- Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
- Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
- Treats eczema and dermatitis
- Fights off fine lines and wrinkle

Using Mango Butter:
Mango Butter is a tropical butter that has a similar composition to Shea and Cocoa, however the fatty acid content profile is slightly different and enhances the spectrum of natural EFAs, antioxidants and vitamins that Kabana products offer. It smells sweet and nutty in its pure form, generally has a warm creamy color and is solid at room temperature. It also melts at body temperature or upon contact with skin and disperses smoothly, providing a protective, emollient layer. Try using Mango Butter for:

Body care products
Soaps
Lotions, massage creams
Hair products

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/butter/mango.html

Beeswax Profile

Beeswax is produced by the (female) worker honeybees. The wax is secreted from wax glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen and is molded into six-sided cells which are filled with honey, then capped with more wax. When honey is harvested, the top layer of wax that covers the cells, or the cappings, must be removed from each hexagon-shaped cell. Just to put it into perspective, one pound of wax requires the bees to consume about ten pounds of honey! Beeswax works well in cosmetic products because of the “wax esthers” that exist in both beeswax and human skin and it is these compounds which help to bind and emulsify ointments, lipsticks and lotions. As a natural hydrating ingredient that increases essential moisture in skin, it is commonly found in hand and body creams that help retain natural skin moisture and in the relief of itching from sensitive skin. Beeswax has an irritation potential of zero, and a comedogenicity rating of 0 - 2, which means that when formulated and used correctly in cosmetic formulations, beeswax will not cause a problem or clog the pores, but brings a host of very positive attributes, such as general healing and softening, as an antiseptic, and an emollient to cosmetic products. In foaming cosmetics such as skin and body detergents, beeswax improves skin compatibility and reduces the aggressive properties of surfactants, while in shampoos and hair conditioners it improves the condition and the manageability of the hair. Even after processing, it still remains a biologically active product, retaining some anti-bacterial properties and also contains some vitamin A, which is necessary for normal cell development. In folk medicine beeswax was used as an antceptic for wound healing and beeswax ear candles were used for ear wax removal. They are believed to be able to heal ear infection and improve hearing by removing the wax inside the ear.

Listed below are some of the many reasons Beeswax is used in cosmetics:

It is easily incorporated in water and oil emulsions
It is an excellent emollient and support for moisturizers
It gives skin protective action of a non-occlusive type
It gives good "body" (consistency) to emulsions, oil and gels
It reinforces the action of detergents
It increases the protective action of sunscreens
Its elasticity and plasticity improve product efficacy by allowing thinner films and
It provides greater permanence on skin and lip surfaces
It does not provoke allergic reactions4
It is compatible with many cosmetic ingredients

Beeswax is very frequently used in the following cosmetic applications:

cleansing creams
cold creams and lotions
emollient and barrier creams
depilatories
lipsticks - protective sticks in general
nail creams
sun protection products
eye and face make up
foundation creams

Of particular note:

The melting point for Beeswax is approximately 140 to 150 Degrees F. Beeswax should only be melted in an approved electric wax melter, crock pot, microwave oven, or double boiler.

Do not melt beeswax in a pan directly on a stove under direct heat. Beeswax is mildly flammable and will start on fire if the wax comes in direct contact with a flame

People with bee allergies should not use beeswax as it could cause interactions.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/beeswax.html

Kukui Nut Oil Profile

Botanical Name- Aleurites Moluccans
Origin- Hawaii
Extraction- Cold Pressed/Partially Refined
Shelf life- 12-14 months
Kosher Certified- No
Notes- Keep away from high temperatures and direct light. A semi-clear liquid having little or no odor, and blends well with most formulations.
For cosmetic purposes only.

Specifications
Color- Light Yellow
Odor- Characteristic and odorless
Free Fatty Acids- <1.0>Fatty Acids Oleic- 78%
Palmitic- 6%
Linoleic- 19%

An Introduction

Kukui Nut Oil has been used for many years in Hawaii , and has only recently become known to the rest of the world. It is prized for its rejuvenating and soothing effects upon the skin, without leaving a greasy or oily film. Pressed from the seeds of the Aleurites moluccana tree, Kukui Nut Oil is invaluable for many different skin conditions, providing moisture and nourishment to dry, mature, and damaged skin.

The History

The Kukui Nut tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. It quickly adapted, and is now Hawaii 's official state tree. Kukui means ‘enlightenment' in Hawaiian. Traditionally, babies in Hawaii were anointed with Kukui Nut Oil to protect their skin from the sun, salt, and other elements. In addition, it was used on skin irritations, wounds, and burns. Kukui Nut Oil was also used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged for seven or more hours with this oil!

Cosmetic Use

Kukui Nut Oil is a fabulous moisturizer, and quickly penetrates the skin leaving a silky-smooth non-greasy feeling. It is often used for dry or damaged skin, immediately relieving symptoms because of its quick absorption into the skin. It can leave even the roughest and driest skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. This unique oil is able to penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture. Kukui Nut Oil is great for those with sensitive skin, and is a wonderful ingredient to add to your bodycare products. Specifically, it is beneficial for the following conditions:

Burns – including: sunburn, windburn, radiation burns, and heat induced burns.
Eczema
Chapped skin
Psoriasis
Mature and prematurely aged skin
Dry skin conditions
Acne
Scars
Lesions
Dry hair and scalp
Usage Instructions

Kukui Nut Oil is an excellent oil to add to your bodycare products, especially your creams, lotions, and massage oils. Simply add Kukui Nut Oil once that your product no longer needs to be heated, and do not expose it to high temperatures. You can also use it for an oil treatment on dry hair and scalp, or add a few drops to your bath water for a luxurious treat.


This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/kukui.html

Stearic Acid (Palm Stearic Flakes)

Specifications:

Botanical Name- Palm derived
Origin- USA
Extraction- Hydrolysis
Shelf life- Indefinite/5+ years
Color- White
Odor- Waxy
Acid Value- 208.7
Peroxide Value- <0.9>Non-Saponifiable
Saponification Value- 209
Iodine Value- 0.17
Melting Point- 150 degrees

Specific Notes- Stores well under most conditions, with an indefinite shelf life. Stearic acid is successfully used to thicken creams and lotions at about 2-5%.

Summary
Our Stearic Acid is 100% Palm derived, with no added chemicals, emulsifiers or other agents and is presented in the form of convenient 1/8 - 1/4 inch flakes.

Popularly used to emulsify, thicken, bind, and stabilize lotions and creams, Stearic Acid has become the number one choice for most body care manufacturers.
Stearic Acid occurs naturally in vegetable and animal fats, but has to go through a Hydrogenation process to convert it to the end product which is currently bought and sold as the Stearic Acid we have all come to know.

Hydrogenation typically refers to processes through which liquid vegetable oils are converted to solid or semi-solid fats, such as margarine. It refers to a chemical reaction in which "unsaturated" bonds between carbon atoms are "reduced" by attachment of a hydrogen atom to each carbon. The process thus results in the "saturation" of the atoms and, when carried to completion, converts unsaturated fatty acids to saturated ones. The end result is a white, waxy, natural fatty acid.

It is fairly insoluble in water but can become somewhat soluble in alcohol.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/steric.html

Zinc Oxide Profile

Grade- USP-2
Origin- USA
Shelf life- Indefinite
Grade- USP and FDA for food and cosmetic purposes

Notes- High quality Zinc Oxide produced to meet the requirements of the Unites States Pharmacopoeia, FDA and the Toilet Goods Association. Because of its very fine texture; which will bind to moisture, it is recommended that storage remain dry.

Specifications
Color- White
Odor- None
Particle Size- 0.46/US #325 Mesh
Zinc Assay- 99.8%

Zinc Oxide Use and Formulation
Zinc oxide is a natural source pigmented mineral, quarry mined and further refined to a fluffy white powder. It is commonly found in cosmetics as a whitening agent and it is also found within sunscreens because of its impressive capability to block UV light. Zinc Oxide has an enormous refractive index (ability to bend light) and comes in right under the refractive capabilities of diamonds! This is why it is the first choice for powerful sunscreens. Below are the 2 main uses for Zinc Oxide….

1. Cosmetic Use
Zinc Oxide is one of the most powerful whitening pigments found today. It adds a bright white color to lotions, creams, and sunscreens. When using Zinc be sure not to add NO MORE then 25% to the total mixture/recipe. Adding to much will cause a spotty appearance to your cosmetics and may actually cause more harm then good. It should also be noted that if your cosmetics contain too much it will leave a very white, opaque appearance on the skin when applied, this is especially problematic for sunscreens. For best results we recommend 1-2 tablespoons for a 1-gallon batch and 2-3 tablespoons for a 2-5 gallon batch.

2. Sunscreen Use
Unfortunately we are not able to help our customers formulate an exact percentage of Zinc to be used within their sunscreen recipes to create a particular SPF. Creating SPF values is an exact and precise science and we recommend its use through your own trial and error or through the administration of laboratory assistance.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/zinc_oxide.html

Witch Hazel Extract Profile

Botanical Name- Hamamelis virginiana
Origin- USA
Exraction- Alcohol and water (14% alcohol)
Shelf life- 3 years

Notes- Our line (Mountain Rose Herbs) of Witch Hazel extract is distilled from the twigs and bark of the Witch Hazel tree and contains 14.5% ethyl alcohol. USP grade and manufactured according to such standards.

Specifications
Color- Clear
Odor- Virtually odorless/characteristic
Pesticide residues- Tested Negative
Alcohol by volume- 14.6%
pH- 3.5
Gravity- 0.981
Bacteria- <1>
Tannins- <0.03>
Yeast and Mold- <10 CFU/ml

An Introduction
Witch Hazel Extract is a wonderful ingredient for use in your cosmetic and medicinal preparations. It is gentle enough to be used alone, or it may be combined with other ingredients or herbs. Commercial Witch Hazel extracts usually contain more alcohol than actual Witch Hazel, and have only been distilled once. However, the line offered by Mountain Rose Herbs leads in both quality and potency. Our true Witch Hazel extract has been double distilled, and contains 86% Witch Hazel extract and only 14% alcohol. This makes it more soothing than the version found in your local store, and lacks the alcohol sting and scent.

A Brief History
Witch Hazel extract is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American shrub Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. It has been used medicinally throughout history. The Native Americans used poultices of Witch Hazel leaves and bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, painful tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers. They also made Witch Hazel infusions for conditions including cuts, colds, heavy menstruation, tumors, and eye inflammation. In addition, Witch Hazel was used in folk medicine for backache, and internally for diarrhea, nervousness, nosebleed, vaginitis, and venereal disease.

Medicinal and Cosmetic Use
Witch Hazel extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties, making it indispensable for a variety of different medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Medicinally, Witch Hazel extract is used for bedsores, bruises, eczema, insect bites, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, bruises, sore muscles, swelling, psoriasis, cracked or blistered skin, diaper rash, windburn, and sunburn.

In cosmetic products, Witch Hazel extract is used as an aftershave or a facial astringent, applied to blemishes and pimples, varicose veins, and is used to cleanse oil from the skin, remove make-up, decrease bags under eyes and skin puffiness, and to reduce pore size. It is beneficial for both oily and dry mature skin, and is commonly found in anti-aging products as well as in products for blemished or acne-prone skin.

Usage Instructions
For conditions such as bedsores, bruises, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, bruises, sore muscles, swelling, or diaper rash, Witch Hazel extract can be applied using a compress. For hemorrhoid relief, it is also added to sitz baths.

For facial care products, Witch Hazel extract can be easily added to facial cleansers, astringents, masks, and toners. Witch Hazel extract can be incorporated into creams or lotions, and then applied to the skin. For sore muscles, Witch Hazel extract can either be used in a compress or cream, or may be added to bath water. Athletes rub Witch Hazel extract onto their arms or legs limbs prior to workouts to help prevent muscle strain, or after a workout to help relieve soreness.

Precautions
Witch Hazel extract is intended for external use. Avoid using Witch Hazel extract close to the mucus membranes or in the eyes, as it contains a small amount of alcohol. It is best to use on this product on unbroken skin.

External use of Witch Hazel extract could result in minor skin irritation for some people.

Do not use on serious burns, cuts, or other wounds.

The FDA has approved Witch Hazel distillate as safe for external use in skin care products. Sources had reported no known side effects as of March of 2000. However, future studies may provide more information about the safety or side effects of Witch Hazel.

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/witch_hazel_extract.html