Products in Cosmetic Ingredients: Antimicrobial

Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca teretifolia) is a unique species from Western Australian. Its essential oil is rich in citral (typically 70 – 85%). This essential oil has a beautiful fresh, sweet lemon fragrance with soft citrus undertones with a hint of honey notes coming through. It presents a pleasant and surprising complexity not usually associated with the more traditional lemon-scented essential oils.

Ajwain Fruits CO2-SE Extract extract is a light yellow clear liquid oil with smell of caraway and thyme. This product can be applied in oral rinse and tooth paste as well as in deodorants. In skin care it serves as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal or preserving agent. It is also applied in soaps and perfumes.

Conventional or organic available Neroli oil is an essential oil produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara or Bigaradia). Most of the parts of the bitter orange are valued for their strong but alluring fragrance, and are vital in the fragrance industry. Orange oil comes from the orange peel the leaves are used to make petitgrain oil and the flowers are steam distilled to make neroli (or orange blossom) oil. Neroli oil is widely used in the perfume and fragrance industry. Eau -de -Cologne, the famous perfume from Cologne, Germany, used this oil as its main ingredient. It was named after the 16th century Princess Marie-Anne de La Treemoille of Nerola, Italy, who loved the fragrant orange blossom scent and introduced it to Italy. Neroli oil has a deep, intoxicating mix of citrus and floral aromas and can be pale yellow or coffee-brown in color. Neroli oil is costly to produce. It takes one ton of bitter orange blossoms to make one quart of oil.

Conventional or organic available A rainforest tree growing to 40 meters, Aniseed (also known as Anise) Myrtle is very rare in the wild, limited to Bellinger and Nambucca Valleys of New South Wales. Anise Myrtle is grown in plantations around northern New South Wales. These plantations were actually planted for the herb or bush tucker markets until the ‘rediscovery’ of its unique essential oil. The trees are harvested and are then steam distilled for around 1 hour. The harvesting is done by unique farm machinery designed by the farmers themselves. Leaves are cut, a vacuum sucks the leaves into a bin and the leaves are placed into a stainless steel boiler. Anise Myrtle is a new oil to the aromatherapy industry and has the potential to supersede traditional Aniseed essential oils on the basis of a superior Anethole content and a superior, fresher Anise aroma. Anise Myrtle essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the stems and branches.

Tamanu seed carrier oil is extracted from nuts of Calophyllum tacamahaca which belongs to Caryophyllaceae family. The name TAMANU is a Tahitian word describing specifically the Calophyllum Inophyllum species which grows solely on Tahiti. The Tamanu nuts are only 3 or 4 cm in diameter and grow in small bunches dispersed throughout the tree. The fruits are green at first. Contrary to most other oil producing nuts, the fresh green Tamanu nuts are completely devoid of oil when they first fall from the tree. They need to be exposed to the sun for a few weeks before they turn a brownish color, develop their aromatic odor and achieve their full oil capacity. The pure expressed Tamanu oil which is extracted from the sun-drenched dry nuts is a rich Olive Green color with a characteristic marked odor. It contains a significant resin concentration (over 20%) which gives it its therapeutic properties well known in pharmacy and beauty care.

The santalum spictatum is a tree native to semi-arid areas at the edge of Southwest Australia and it is one of four species of the family Santalaceae to occur in Western Australia. Normally a shrubby to small tree, it can grow up to 6 meters and is tolerant of drought and salt. The foliage is gray-green in color. The fruit is spherical, about 3 cm in diameter and is orange. The oil from this amazing tree is proving very popular and more commercially viable than the Indian Sandalwood. To ensure sustainable existence for the natural sandalwood resources, timber harvesting has been regulated since 1920 by the Western Australian Sandalwood Control Act (1929). Plantations were established to renew the tree populations and essential oil production comes only from these managed sources. The trunk and roots of Australian sandalwood are stripped of bark and distilled for their essential oil. Its sweet, woody character with spicy accents is similar to the fragrance of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album), but the rawer, earthy dimension makes it an original and distinct material. The oils produced by the tree contain a greater complexity of chemicals, many of which have antimicrobial qualities. Sandalwood oil is widely known for being a spiritual, sacred oil, used around the world during practices of prayer and meditation. It is well known in Australian Indigenous circles, and traditional Aboriginal uses include making of implements/artifacts and for medicinal purposes and the seeds/fruits were eaten.

Ginger CO2-SE Extract is a yellow clear liquid oil. This product is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals and no reproducible microorganisms. Can be applied in the food industry, in the confectionery industry, liqueur industry, in pharmaceutical industry as stomachicum and stimulant as well as in the perfumery industry.

In ancient Indian culture, Sesame oil has been used to treat different health and skin conditions for thousands of years. The oil is pressed from the seeds of the sesame plant, an annual originally found in Africa and India, but now grown widely around the world. It was known to the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and the Romans. Sesame seed oil can be used as a general-purpose oil and it suits most cosmetic applications; Creams, lotions, body butter; sun care; massage products; soap; bath oils. Sesame oil is high in zinc which helps produce collagen in the skin. The oil contains an antioxidant called sesamol.

Conventional or organic available Clove Bud Oil comes from the aromatic dried flower bud of the Clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), which originated in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. Clove as a spice is well known and has been used for centuries in trade between nations as a valuable commodity along with other spices and herbs. Clove Bud Oil has a very unique aroma of rich, warm, sweet, spicy and woody notes and really is a stand-alone scent aromatically.

Conventional or organic available The Avocado Tree is an evergreen native to Mexico and Central America but now grown worldwide. The fruit is a berry, consisting of a single large seed, surrounded by a buttery pulp. Avocado oil is obtained from the cold press of the fruit pulp, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fatty acids. The oil is usually a dark green color with a thick feeling texture. It has quite a strong fresh, sweet and nutty aroma. A highly moisturizing oil, Avocado oil has been embraced by the cosmetic industry and is a very popular product with a variety of uses.

Conventional or organic available A versatile, lightweight carrier oil, Grapeseed Oil is produced from cold-pressing the seeds of the grape – a byproduct of the production of wine. It is jam packed with antioxidants, high amounts of Omega fatty acids and vitamins. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapeseed Oil is high in Vitamin E and C, this combined with is high levels of Omega fatty acids, mainly Omega 6, it is highly moisturizing and great for skin hydration. It is highly valued as an ingredient in skin care and body care products and is also great in hair care products. Due to having very little odor, it is often a preferred carrier oil for use in the formulation of massage oil and essential oil blends.

Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub found along the Atlantic coast of Europe and throughout Asia. This plant sprouts leaves, fruits and seeds which are all used for traditional medicinal and remedial applications. Sea buckthorn oil is derived from the fruit that grows on this plant. Sea buckthorn oil has become increasingly popular in natural skin care as it contains over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients. This nutritious berry has twelve times the amount of Vitamin C than oranges, just as much Vitamin E as wheat germ and three times more Vitamin A than carrots. Sea buckthorn also contains Omegas 3, 6, 9 and 7, along with many other nutrients and antioxidants. Seabuckthorn oil is composed of seed oil that is rich in essential fatty acids, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and pulp oil that contains high levels of monounsaturated palmitoleic acid. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, pain relief, and promotion of regeneration of tissue.

Conventional or organic available Orange Oil or Orange Sweet Oil is a versatile oil with a refreshing, sweet citrus aroma. This popular oil is uplifting and energizing. Oranges are believed native to the tropical regions of Asia, especially the Malay Archipelago. Orange probably spread from its native habitat to India and the east coast of Africa and from there to the eastern Mediterranean region by the Roman conquests, who developed the Arab trade routes. By the time Christopher Columbus sailed, orange trees were common in the Canary Islands. Today oranges are cultivated in subtropical and tropical America, northern and eastern Mediterranean countries, Australia, and South Africa. Orange plants arrived in Australia along with the early convicts and still thrive in all States and the Northern Territory. Orange Sweet oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression. Orange blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Pettigrain, Rose, Rosewood, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

Conventional or organic available Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers that belongs to the mint family. The plant flowers in spring and summer in temperate climates, but the plants can be in constant bloom in warm climates. The leaves are frequently used to flavor foods and the oil is of great use and highly beneficial as well. A sharp and herbaceous smelling essential oil Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the flowering tips of the plant through steam distillation.

Eucalyptus Kochii, formally known as Eucalyptus Horistes or commonly as Eucalyptus West Australian Mallee, is a species of mallee and is endemic to Western Australia. Eucalyptus Kochii typically grows to a height of 8 m (26 ft), rarely a tree to 12 m (39 ft), and forms a lignotuber. It has rough, flaky or fibrous, light gray to brown bark on the trunk and larger branches, smooth gray to pink bark on the thinner branches. The leaves of the Eucalyptus Kochii have a natural 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) content of 90 – 95% the highest 1,8-cineole level of all the Eucalyptus’s and there are over 800 species of Eucalyptus’. It is an energizing oil with a crisp and fresh aroma. Find out more about our 8 other species of Eucalyptus in the video below and discover the different uses of their essential oils in our Essence of Eucalyptus blog post.

Conventional or organic available Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as Indian Saffron and Indian Yellow Root, is a perennial tropical herb belonging to the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family. Native to India and Southeast Asia this golden spice has been used for thousands of years for culinary, religious and medicinal purposes. It is a staple ingredient in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking and has long been used in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating a wide range of ailments. Turmeric essential oil is steam distilled from the ‘cured’ roots (rhizomes). It is yellow in color and has a distinctive, spicy, smoky, woody aroma. Turmeric was used in the ancient Ayurveda and Unani medicine system to treat a large number of health-related problems such as indigestion, common cold, liver ailments, etc. It was also applied to wounds and cuts as it comprises antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Conventional or organic available A versatile and often underrated oil, Cajeput oil has many applications. It has an uplifting, clean fragrance with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. A member of the Melaleuca family, Cajeput oil is steam distilled from the leaves and lateral branches of the Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi. The name Cajeput derives from the Malaysian word ‘kayu-putih’ meaning white wood. The tree is highly regarded in the east and has many therapeutic and herbal uses, and was widely used by Indigenous Australians in traditional medicine including the treatment of aching joints and respiratory issues.

Palo Santo is translated from Spanish as ‘Holy Wood’. With a long spiritual history, it has been used for healing and in cleansing rituals for thousands of years and is believed to help clear negative energy. Palo Santo oil is steam distilled from the wood of the trees, which are primarily located in South and Central America. The oil can be sustainably harvested from fallen trees and branches. The tree is in the same botanical family as Frankincense. With a gentle aroma, with a woody scent with hints of pine, lemon and mint, Palo Santo oil is rich in antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is considered to be a purifying and cleansing oil.

St. John's Wort CO2-TO Extract is a stiff brown product at room temperature with a characteristic smell. Under cool storage water can separate. This product is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals and no reproducible microorganisms. Ideal for application in natural remedies and in cosmetic preparations because of the wound healing effect and inhibition of microorganisms, in creams and preparations for treatment of impure skin, as additive with preservative properties, and internally for treating mild depression disorders.

Conventional or organic available White Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), from the Rutaceae family is the rotund, yellow-orange sour to semi-sweet fruit of a subtropical evergreen citrus tree. With a fresh, uplifting aroma, the oil is cold pressed from the rind of the fruit and is cherished for its many uses and benefits. It has a very high (88 to 95 percent) content of highly valued limonene as well as antioxidants. Its benefits are purifying, cheerful and uplifting. White Grapefruit is slightly tart and less sweet than Red or Pink Grapefruit. It is also a good choice for aromatherapy purposes and as a top note in natural perfumery. A wonderfully energizing oil, its citrusy tangy odor is sweet and fresh.

Conventional or organic available Citrus bergamia is a small tree that that can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit, but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow. The most delicate of the citrus plants it likes the warmer weather and requires special climate and soil in order to thrive. The name is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where the oil was first sold. The oil has a refreshing citrus scent with a high floral note and is cold pressed from the rind. Its powerful aroma makes it a popular component in many perfumes, and it is also used in Earl Gray tea. More about Bergamot on our blog!

Conventional or certified organic available The Foeniculum vulgare is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy perennial herb that grows up to 2m in height with yellow flowers and fine, feathery leaves. It is a highly aromatic herb. Foeniculum vulgare is indigenous to Mediterranean countries, like Italy, Greece and France but is now grown in northern Europe, Australia and North America. Fennel Sweet has been used in traditional medicine for an array of different ailments. The plant was in fact cultivated by the ancient Romans so they could harvest is aromatic fruits and edible shoots. It was again used in Spanish agriculture dating A.D. 961 and was also used in ancient China and also by the Egyptians. Fennel Sweet oil is a sweet, yet slightly spicy smelling oil. It is uplifting and energizing and a beautiful addition to a myriad of cosmetic and fragrance products.

Santalum spicatum, syn. Fusanus spicatus This golden oil, with a mild nutty aroma, is a powerhouse of benefits. It possesses high levels of Ximenynic Acid, a rare and powerful anti-inflammatory, and Sandalwood Seed is one of the highest yielding natural sources of this important fatty acid. Along with other special lipids, such as Oleic acid, this oil’s chemical make-up gives it many beneficial properties, making it moisturizing, soothing and protecting. It is a valued addition in products including skin care, hair care and body care. Sandalwood Seed Oil is harvested from the seeds of the Sandalwood Spicatum tree using CO2 extraction, making it a sustainable product, and non harmful for the tree. The tree is native to Western Australia where strict measures are in place to ensure the Sandalwood tree numbers thrive. Every Sandalwood Seed Oil product is packed and quality assured as per regulatory requirement. The ultimate achievement of this oil is to deliver one of the greatest gifts of nature in its purest form and share the secret of this dermatological elixir. Learn more about Sandalwood on our blog!

Novakare PO is a multi function ingredient blend that contains anti fungal properties and acts as a preservative. It makes a great addition to anti-dandruff products. It also works well in products like baby wipes and other skin care applications.

Conventional or organic available With a warm, herbaceous and woody aroma, Marjoram is a comforting and calming oil with a positive effect on the nervous system. It is derived from a tender, bushy perennial herb with wooly, hairy leaves which grows up to 60cm high. Origanum majorana is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in France, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. Marjoram Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowing tops of Origanum majorana. It is a pale yellow to greenish yellow colored mobile liquid, with a middle perfumery note and a warm-spicy odor.

Conventional or organic available Peppermint Mentha piperita, is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. The plant, indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, is now widespread in cultivation in many regions of the world. It is found wild occasionally with its parent species. Peppermint was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected in England he treated it as a species, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid. It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing to 30–90 cm tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading, fleshy, and bare fibrous roots. The leaves are from 4–9 cm long and 1.5–4 cm broad, dark green with reddish veins, and with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm diameter they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering is from mid to late summer. Peppermint is a fast-growing plant once it sprouts, it spreads very quickly.

Conventional or organic available Hydrosol is the aromatic water that is produced during the distilling process. It has similar therapeutic properties to the essential oils, but is far less concentrated. These aromatic products possess a similar scent to their oil counterpart and the plant matter used in the distillation process imparts the hydrosol with the water-soluble aromatic and therapeutic properties of the plant. With a strong floral and sweet fragrance, rose is a favorite in the fragrance industry and favored in skin care with its soothing and hydrating properties. The high cost of Rose Otto Oil makes Rose Otto Hydrosol a viable alternative. Rose Otto Oil is extracted via gentle steam distialltion, with this prized Hydrosol being a product of this process.

Oil With a warm, herbaceous and woody aroma, Marjoram is a comforting and calming oil with a positive effect on the nervous system. It is derived from a tender, bushy perennial herb with wooly, hairy leaves which grows up to 60cm high. Origanum majorana is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in France, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. Marjoram Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowing tops of Origanum majorana. It is a pale yellow to greenish yellow colored mobile liquid, with a middle perfumery note and a warm-spicy odor.

Conventional or organic available Melissa, or Lemon Balm, is a perennial herb from the mint family. It grows to about 60 cm (2 feet) and likes soil with a high iron content and has small serrated slightly hairy leaves. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear that are very attractive to bees. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of the plant and has a sweet, fresh, citrus like fragrance. One of the most powerful essential oils in all of aromatherapy, Melissa essential oil is most significantly known for being an effective mood lifter. Because lemon balm uses are popular with the perfume and other industries and the plant has a very low oil yield, the distillation cost is extremely high making it a rare and expensive oil.

Early settlers often found native animals sleeping under the Kunzea shrub. Eventually, the plant was nicknamed “Tick Bush” after early settlers learned that native animals slept under the plant in an effort to rid themselves of ticks. The oil in the kunzea ambigua tree is not palatable and, as a result, many insects and native animals leave it alone. Today, scientists continue to study this amazing plant and are finding new properties, benefits and uses. It is known to relieve minor aches & pains, arthritis, nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety. Helps heal cuts, insect bites and bruises. It can also be used to treat itchy, flaky skin. Use Kunzea oil in vaporizers and baths to treat chest congestion. It can also be used in massage oil, potpourri and room deodorizers.

Conventional or organic available Grapefruit Pink Oil has a sweet, rich, refreshing citrus aroma and is rich in di- limonene which is a powerful anti-oxidant. Grapefruit oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit. The pulp is pink in color with varying sweetness depending on the environment and genetic factors. There are minor differences between Pink and White Grapefruit Oil. Pink Grapefruit Oil is slightly sweeter and more generally produced to keep up with supply and demand. Pink Grapefruit Oil is incredibly versatile, from aromatherapy to skincare and household cleaning. Above all benefits, it is best known for its ability to energize and revive the mind when diffused or vaporized and to help ease symptoms of stress, nervous exhaustion, and depression through aromatherapy or massage.

Conventional or organic available Also known as Chinese Cinnamon, this beautiful, warm, spicy oil has been used for thousands of years. It has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine and was even mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible as an anointing oil. The oil is steam distilled from the bark of the Cinnamomum Cassia, an evergreen native to China and Burma, but now grown across Asia, the US, UK and India. It is a member of the same family as traditional Cinnamon, and although similar in smell, Cassia oil has slightly sweeter and more subtle aroma. An uplifting and soothing oil, Cassia has many benefits. It is antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and has astringent properties. This beautiful oil is a middle note, has a myriad of uses and is mind clearing and boosts emotional well-being. Cassia oil – aka Chinese Cinnamon, is one of the oldest spices known to mankind.

Marigold Flower CO2-TO Extract is dark red - brown color liquid with a waxy consistency and a characteristic hay-like smell. This product is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals and no reproducible microorganisms. Typically applied in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, ideal for treatment of hurts, bruises and inflammations, for wound healing and increasing the granulation, for dry sensitive skin, in face creams, sun lotions, lipsticks, hair shampoos, and bath additives.

Thyme CO2-SE Extract is a brown, viscous liquid with characteristic thyme odor. This product is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals and no reproducible microorganisms. Ideal for application in natural remedies, as expectorants and antisepticum, in the spice industry, and in the cosmetic industry.

Conventional or organic available With a wonderful, uplifting, refreshing lemon aroma, Lemon Myrtle is one of Australia’s newest and most exciting essential oils. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a slow-growing, subtropical flowering plant with a strong lemon scent, native to southeast Queensland, Australia. Since before 1788, the Australian aboriginals have used lemon myrtle both in food and in medicinal treatments. In 1853, lemon myrtle was given its scientific name Backhousia citriodora by botanist Ferdiand von Mueller. The antimicrobial properties of the oil were discovered in the 1920’s but the oil wasn’t distributed internationally until the 1990’s. International demand for lemon myrtle is now growing every year. Considering its many diverse uses and effective properties, it is not surprising that it is growing in popularity. Lemon myrtle has 4-7 times the antioxidant value than blueberry. Antioxidants have many uses in the cosmetics and food industries and have been known to slow the aging process by reducing oxidative stress in the body. Lemon myrtle can also be used in a wide range of beauty and body products, in household cleaning products and has a wide range of medicinal uses.

Conventional or organic available A potent and powerful oil, Oregano has been used since ancient times in traditional practice. Oregano Oil is derived from the Origanum vulgare - a hardy, busy perennial herb (part of the mint family) which grows up to 90cm. Origanum vulgare is native to Europe, however it is now commonly cultivated all over the world. Oregano Oil is produced by the steam distillation of the leaves and shoots. It is a clear mobile liquid with a strong herbaceous, swett, dry, peppery odor.