About ethix ESSENTIALS

ethix ESSENTIALS

Natural skin care — benefiting you and others.
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About Our Ingredients 
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Palm Oil

Our palm oil is organic as well as certified responsibly and sustainably sourced through rigorous RSPO standards. No habitats are destroyed to create our palm oil, and no animals at risk due to the collection or processing of our palm oil.

We are adamant about the ethical sourcing of our products, and only work with suppliers that maintain a high standard of supply chain visibility. While our palm oil is a bit more expensive for this reason, sustainability and global land conversion for the production of palm oil is a very important issue to us and our customers.
 

Goat Milk

While a large majority of our soaps are 100% vegan, some do contain honey, beeswax or goat milk. Those that do contain goats milk only use milk from locally-raised, free-roaming goats on our partner small family farms in Conway and Faulkner County, Arkansas — never from a large factory farm. Milks are sourced in small quantities, and these goats are treated like pets rather than farm animals. We feel it makes a huge difference in the milk quality as it comes from happy, well treated animals.

Honey & Beeswax

As mentioned above, we use natural honey or beeswax in some of our products; and, when we do, it comes from locally-sourced small bee farms from our partner supplier in Arkansas. These insects are healthy and an important part of our agricultural ecosystem.

Bees, and the products that they naturally manufacture, provide people with not only honey but pollenate our food crops as well. In fact, 1 out of 3 bites of food you eat is thanks to pollination by honey bees…but bees are under threat!

Since the initial detection of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in 2006, honey bee keepers have been losing roughly 30% of their hives annually. Although CCD is not fully understood, it appears to be a destructive synergism of multiple drivers of collapse. These include but are not limited to pesticides, parasitic mites, and increased viral levels.

To learn how you can help reverse devastating declines in the global bee population that are critically threatening the world’s food security, please visit Fungi.com/bees.

Shea Butter

High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using shea butter on your body, especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin. Our soaps, lotions, lip balms, and beard balms incorporate shea butter in their blends. It is a highly moisturizing natural product that can help your skin heal faster due to a high vitamin K concentration, making a shea butter-based lotion, soap or balm great for when you get a bit too much sun!

Shea butter has high levels of oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids. These acids are an effective ingredient to combat oxidative stress, which is the effect the environmental toxins have on your skin cells. This helps your skin to have a healthy turnover of new cells, and also supports the structure and tightness of your skin.

Shea butter is an incredibly low risk topical ingredient — allergic reactions to shea butter are rare. Even people who are allergic to tree nuts, the family that shea nuts belong to, have a low risk of reaction to shea butter.

Cocoa Butter, when used topically, melts at body temperature and works to naturally soothe dry, sensitive skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of scars and unwanted marks. It is believed to have photo-protective properties that protect against harmful UV radiation.

Our Base Oils

ethix ESSENTIALS products use a variety of base oils (organic, wherever possible) that include sustainable palm oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, Abyssinian oil, Argan oil, jojoba oil, hemp oil, safflower oil and soybean oil. Each of these oils may appear in a product, depending on the type of lather or moisturizing we are trying to achieve with the product. Castor oil, for example, is not used often in our products — only in our shaving soaps as it is a great oil for shaving.

Extracts and Ferment Filtrates

Some of our ethix ESSENTIALS products contain natural fruit or herbal extracts. These extracts are all-natural and provide incredible benefits when used in our bath and body products. You can read more about the benefits of these extracts below:

• Rosemary extract can prolong the life of bar soap and other skin-care products by helping to prevent oxidation.
  
  
• Coconut fruit extract is a rich skin-conditioning natural extract with fatty acids, proteins and complex B vitamins which makes it a perfect skin-softener in our lotion.
  
  
• Radish root ferment filtrate is a natural preservative made from radish roots that helps to protect against contaminates and is used in our lotion.

Natural Herbs & Powders

Many of our soaps contain natural herbs and powders which provide many different benefits. Some provide natural colors while also adding innate natural benefits to each soap (for example, turmeric powder, which not only is used as a natural colorant in some of our soaps but also offers healthy anti-inflammatory qualities when used on the skin.). 

You can read more about the benefits of our natural herbs and powders below:

• Turmeric powder contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. These characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow.
  
  
• Activated Charcoal is used to treat oily or acne-prone skin. Activated charcoal may also be used to help treat cellulite and body odor.
  
  
• Peppermint Leaf helps tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity. Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation appearing in the form of red marks on the skin.
  
  
• Lemon peel may help to enhance the clarity, glow and softness of the skin. Use lemon peel to rub on dry or scaly skin to regain its smoothness and softness. Lemon peel contains citric and plant acids that work to cleanse, lighten and brighten the skin; remove dead skin; and stimulate new skin growth.
  
  
• Oatmeal can soak up the excess oil on your skin and help treat acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers. They remove the dirt and oil that clog the pores and exfoliate the skin. We also use it as an exfoliant.
  
  
• Thyme Leaf is touted as a natural solution for oily skin and clogged pores, thyme makes a great antioxidant. Like most natural ingredients, thyme contains powerful antioxidants that can help protect skin from environmental stressors. Our Green Thumb soap contains not only crushed thyme leaves for exfoliation but also thyme essential oil.
  
  
• Lavender Powder and Buds help to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and oily skin. It is also a great way to soothe irritated skin. The buds are also great for exfoliation.
  
  
• Bentonite Clay works great to help with ‘slip’ for shaving and Bentonite clay helps to remove toxins from your pores, allows skin to heal and reduces inflammation. Bentonite clay helps in the lightening of acne marks on the face. Bentonite clay helps one to get rid of scar tissues and stretch marks easily and effectively.
  
  
• Kaolin Clay is another great product to create ‘slip’ for shaving, Kaolin clay is also a natural gentle exfoliator. As a gentle cleanser, kaolin removes the impurities and dirt from the skin without drying it or causing any redness or irritation.
  
  
• Calendula Petals have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in medicinal preparations to cure rashes, sunburns, minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other mild skin irritations. 

Natural Colors

ethix ESSENTIALS is committed to providing as natural a product as possible, and this includes the colorings that we use for our soaps. Unfortunately, some naturally occurring colors in nature have become contaminated by pollution, and since the 1970s, the iron oxides and micas that would occur naturally are now lab made to remove pollutants and toxins.

In the United States, only synthetic iron oxides and lab refined micas are approved for cosmetic use. There is just no getting around it, as you wouldn’t want to use colorants that can be contaminated with arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium which is what has contaminated naturally mined iron oxides and micas.

That said, we often use other ways to color our soaps such as parsley powder, madder root, spirulina powder, turmeric powder, curry powder, kaolin clay, green tea, pigments, annatto seed, beet root, chamomile, chlorophyll, cinnamon, cloves, chocolate, coffee, cornmeal, kelp, various natural clays, rose hips, vanilla, saffron, sage, sandalwood powder, spinach and wheat grass.

You may find one or a mix of several of the above natural colors in our soaps.

You may also occasionally find FDA approved ‘lab’ colors in some of our soaps, these are used in very small amounts (4 tiny drops to 2.5 pounds of soap for example) and are extremely safe and non-toxic. These colors are not used often in our soaps and we don’t stock them in large amounts.
 

Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from natural herbs, plants, fruits and vegetables. We only use natural, phthalate-free essential oils in all of our products. Below you will find a list of the essentials that we use the most. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list of every essential oil we might use.

• Lavender Essential Oil is sedative, antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anesthetic, anti-carcinogenic, immune boosting and antiviral. It’s perhaps the most versatile, gentle and effective essential oil and why it is extremely popular in bath and body and aromatherapy products.
  
  
• Tea tree oil is antiviral, anti-inflammatory and exhibits anti-cancer activity. It helps heal mild to moderate dandruff and works like benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. It takes longer, but causes fewer side effects, while being less drying than benzoyl peroxide. It’s a great spot treatment and can even help treat rosacea. It is however a very astringent essential oil and some people may be sensitive to it. We recommend to always test on a small spot on the inside of your arm when trying tea tree oil for the first time as it can burn some more sensitive skin types.
  
  
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil is useful for sinus issues, while not everyone enjoys the scent of eucalyptus it is a key ingredient in our Breathe Free and Eucalyptus and Help soaps due to its unique benefits. Eucalyptus essential oil is great for chest colds, sinus issues and also for insect repellent and is great for killing fungus and bacteria.
  
  
• Rosemary Essential Oil is a natural stimulant. When inhaled, the aroma of rosemary has been shown to increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate and boost your immune system. It has also been shown to increase brain wave activity and aid the part of your nervous system that controls organ function. But while it stimulates many bodily systems, it also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s commonly found in skincare, especially natural products, because it not only has topical benefits but also will extend the shelf life of a product exponentially. You will find Rosemary in many of our products.
  
  
• Lemon Essential Oil is a powerful antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic agent, which makes it a great ingredient. It also contains a high concentration of D-limonene, a compound that assists in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, promoting circulation and toning the skin. In fact, recent research showed that D-limonene exhibits powerful skin-repairing and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon Essential Oil can make the skin photosensitive so be sure to always use sunscreen but particularly when you use a product with Lemon Essential Oil in it. Often this essential oil loses its scent easily in soaps so we tend to add Lemongrass Essential Oil to boost the lemon scent.
  
  
• Lemongrass Essential Oil is antibacterial and anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and can be a potent insect repellent. Its anti-fungal properties are especially helpful in combating the nasty yeast associated with dandruff. One study noted that participants who used a dandruff tonic with a ten-percent concentration of lemongrass oil saw a significant reduction in dandruff in as little as a week.
  
  
• Cinnamon Essential Oil was once the most precious and exotic essential oils of them all, cinnamon oil is a great therapeutic oil. In aromatherapy, cinnamon essential oil can be used to help clear up chest colds. Applied topically, it can soothe muscle aches and pains, thanks to its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It’s also an antiseptic and makes a powerful natural preservative. It is antibacterial and antimicrobial, as well as being anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. It can however be irritating to some skin types so be sure to test if you are unsure or have sensitive skin.
  
  
• Sage Essential Oil is antibacterial, astringent, antiseptic and can help improve circulation. It has been lauded for its ability to regulate hormones and its scent is thought to have antidepressant effects.
  
  
• Orange Essential Oil is a classic zesty aroma that can help reduce anxiety levels. One study showed it slowed down participants’ pulse rates and breathing rates, while they also reported feeling more cheerful and vigorous.
  
  
• Peppermint Essential Oil is a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antioxidant. It is an effective treatment for headaches: Participants in one study reported a significant reduction in the pain of their tension headaches within fifteen minutes, and the pain continued to drop for the following hour. It can help soothe nausea, improve concentration and memory, and is an analgesic, which means it numbs and kills pain on the skin.
  
  
• Basil Essential Oil is calming in nature and a natural relaxant oil. Whether inhaled, or applied topically, this essential oil may help ease discomforts from migraines, nervous tension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mental strain, and other mental conditions. This essential oil has a refreshing effect on a person.
  
  
• Patchouli Essential Oil helps with depression, boosts immune system. works as a natural deodorant. stops fungal growth. reduces inflammation. enhances mood, strengthens hair and fights infections. It has long been used in Asian cultures and it is said to work well with skin problems like eczema, acne, chapped skin and dermatitis. It has often been associated with the 60s and the hippie movement, but it is a great product for your skin care routine!
  
  
• Geranium Essential Oil is said to help balance hormones, relive depression and improve the health and radiancy of skin. It is also said to help with inflammation and stress relief. Generally, we use it in a blend of other essential oils in our soaps, beard oils and balms.
  
  
• Cedarwood Essential Oil is an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antispasmodic oil which is also a natural insecticide which is great in our natural insect repellent soap and spray.
  
  
• Bergamot Essential Oil is great for oily skin types because it helps to unclog pores and helps to balance oily skin. It works well with other essential oils and its scent has been said to help with reliving depression. It is also great for eliminating skin odor from sweat.
  
  
• Frankincense Essential Oil is said to have the ability to revive and rejuvenate the skin making frankincense wonderful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars, preventing acne, and healing minor wounds.
  
  
• Myrrh Essential Oil is said to reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, alleviate pain, and promote wound healing. In skincare products, myrrh essential oil is also purported to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  
  
• Palmarosa Essential Oil is well-known for its hydrating properties, and can assist in preventing inflammation and balances the sebum or oil production of your skin, aids in the healing of cuts and bruises, and helps remedy acne breakouts.
  
  
• Lime Essential Oil has a high limonene content and is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals that damage cells, including those of the skin. This helps reduce signs of aging such as fine lines, sun spots, and wrinkles. Its astringent properties help keep the skin firm, reducing sagging.

A few words about Sodium Hydroxide

There is no soap on earth that does not contain lye (sodium hydroxide) but having said that, there is no lye in our soap. How can that be? That is because the lye is chemically changed during the saponification process so there is no lye left in our finished soap. The chemical reaction of lye and oil changes the lye into soap and glycerin. All soap is made with lye, otherwise it is detergent (which is chocked full of chemicals and unnatural products).

Lye traditionally was made from wood ash or potash so it does have a ‘natural’ base though these days it is made using a membrane cell (to filter) during a chloralkali process, which is an industrial process for the electrolysis of sodium chloride. Industrial scale production began in 1892 so the world has been using this process to make lye for more than 120 years.