Products in Cosmetic Ingredients: Antimicrobial

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 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 organic available Thyme oil is typically acquired from the leaves and flowers of Thymus vulgaris via a steam distillation process. The first distillation produces red thyme essential oil, which is a heady, dark oil with a spicy scent. Red thyme oil is often used as a middle note in perfumery. White thyme essential oil is a further distillation of the red thyme. This second distillation process results in a gold to pale yellow oil. This is the most commonly used form of thyme oil. It’s simply referred to as thyme oil or white thyme oil.

Ethyl Paraben provides the good performance against Gram positive bacteria exhibited by all the parabens and has the same limitations regarding pH range (acidic only), system compatibility (avoid high levels of ethoxylates) and water solubility (limited). Ethyl paraben has been used in combination with Propylparaben in oral preparations for controlling fennentative action. It can be used alone but is generally used at 0.10 to 0.25% levels with other Parabens as the antifungal portion of the preservative system. Ethyl Paraben is an ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxyben- zoic acid with ethanol ; It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative, an antifungal agent. Ethyl Paraben is mainly used as antiseptics in cosmetics, food and medicine. It also can be used as feed preservatives and antiseptiC for bacteria. It is non- irritant, low toxic level and effective at low concentration.

Frankincense Carterii Oil also called Olibanum Oil is the name given to the (Boswellia carterii) variety of Frankincense which is native to and most commonly grown wild in Somalia. Frankincense Carterii Oil (Boswellia carterii) is made from natural, wild, old-growth tree resin and is considered the most valuable and highly prized form of Frankincense oil due to its richness and high levels of therapeutic constituents, over two hundred molecular compounds. It has been an important source of incense in many Middle Eastern and African countries for centuries. It is high in alpha-pinene and other monoterpenes. The aroma of Frankincense Carterii is what most people are familiar with, it has a sweet smooth, relaxing and uplifting aroma and has many therapeutic properties. Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata), also highly valued for its different benefits, is produced on a larger scale and is more affordable than (Boswellia carterii) Oil. The Oman/Yemen variety is called (Boswellia sacra).

Most people will know Manuka for its honey, but the plant also produces a beautiful essential oil. With a fresh, herbaceous, crisp aroma, Manuka oil has been used for centuries to ease muscular aches and pains, to soothe and moisturize skin, and promote healing. Leptospermum scoparium is a fast growing, small tree is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. The oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and small branches. This versatile oil is a powerhouse, with antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties among others, with a subtle, calming scent. Manuka oil is a valued ingredient in a wide variety of products including skincare, wound care, hair care and body care, plus products targeting skin irritations and fungal issues. Our Manuka oil has a triketone level of 5+.

NOVAGUARD C8G is a esterified derivative of glycine, its chemical structure is similar to natural lipo-amino acid (such as lipoprotein) in live biological body. NOVAGUARD C8G shows broad spectrum activity against a wide variety of bacteria. NOVAGUARD C8G effectively controls the activity of 5-alpha-reductase- sebum production is reduced. NOVAGUARD C8G reduces the required quantity of preservatives, thus making it possible to eliminate preservatives.

Conventional or organic available Varieties Available: Cinnamon Bark Oil and Cinnamon Leaf Oil Cinnamon is thought to be one of the world’s oldest and most valuable spices. It has been used for thousands of years, and features prominently in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Cinnamon is derived from a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow over 12 meters tall. Cinnamon oil has a very distinct, fresh aroma and contains primarily cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which give both varieties their distinct aroma and their antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The leaf oil is easier to produce, as the leaves are easier to distill and extract the oil from and have a higher yield than the bark. Avoid use on sensitive skins. Pregnant women should avoid the use of this oil.

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.

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.

Agonis Fragrans is a relatively new oil from Australia. It was first introduced to aromatherapists in 2006. Agonis Fragrans or Coarse Tea Tree is found on the South Coast of Western Australia. The plant is a small shrub with fragrant white foliage. Agonis fragrans belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is a small lignotuberous shrub growing up to 2.5 meters. The aroma of Agonis Fragrans is clean, refreshing, delicately camphoraceous with a hint of citrus and a balsamic undertone. It blends well with most other essential oils. Agonis Fragrans is a safe, non-toxic essential oil and is safe for use with children and the elderly. Agonis Fragrans essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the stems and branches.

A highly valued carrier oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. It boasts powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and is rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. Originally cultivated around Iran and India, the fruit was brought to Egypt and revered by the Egyptians as early as 1600BC as an important food source and for its medicinal properties. It is now widely grown around the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This oil is red to yellow/golden color with a distinct subtle smell. Pomegranate Seed Oil is extremely nutritious and rich which makes it a great ingredient for skin, hair and body products.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Oregano Leaf CO2-SE Extract Phenol Type is a dark reddish-brown liquid with characteristic smell. It is produced by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon dioxide, no solvent residues, no inorganic salts, no heavy metals, no reproducible microorganisms.The extract has antiproliferative, immune stimulating, antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. It is effective as antioxidative and antimicrobial agent; it is analgetic and antiinflammatory by COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. The product has application in natural remedies and dietary supplements, in cosmetic products and as a natural food flavor.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Tasmannia lanceolata (syn. Drimys lanceolata), commonly known as the mountain pepper is a shrub native to woodlands and cool temperate rainforest of south-eastern Australia and the mountains of Tasmania. The shrub varies from 2 to 10 m high. This attractive tree has shiny dark green pointed leaves with scarlet stemletts. It has small, waxy, cream flowers which develop into dark charcoal brown pepper berries, only born by the female plants. The small cream or white flowers appear in summer and are followed by black, globose, two-lobed berries 5–8 mm wide, which appear in autumn. There are separate male and female plants. The oil is steam distilled from the fruit of the tree and has an intense peppery background aroma, with spicy, exotic top notes, a hint of cinnamon and the Australian bush.

Conventional or organic available Eucalyptus smithii, or gully gum, is a native tree of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, Australia. It naturally occurs on the lower slopes, gullies, and swamps, where soil does not dry out. The species is widely grown in southern Africa, and its leaves are used for the production of distilled eucalyptus oil. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the twigs and leaves and has a woody, camphorous, yet fresh aroma. Eucalyptus Smithii is the mildest Eucalyptus oil and is the preferred choice for use with children or the elderly or when prolonged use is required. Australian aboriginals use oil-containing eucalyptus leaf infusions as a traditional medication for body pains, fever, sinus congestions, and colds. As early as the 1880s, surgeons were already using eucalyptus oil as an antiseptic during operations. Toward the end of the century, the oil was used in most hospitals in England to clean urinary catheters. In 1948, the United States also officially registered eucalyptus oil as an insecticide and miticide (one that kills mites and ticks). Image source: By Geekstreet - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69117143 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.