Now that we have done a whole series on the botanical ingredients of The Healer Balm, I want to highlight the non botanical ingredients: sunflower seed oil & beeswax.
Sunflower Seed Oil: I source organic sunflower seed oil from a company I trust in the finger lakes region of New York. It it expensive? Yes! Is it worth it? 1000% times yes.Â
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Sunflower Seed Oil is highly absorbent and non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores. It is antioxidant rich and appropriate for all kind of skin types: dry, normal, or oily. It contains oleic acid, vitamin e, sesamol, and linoleic acid. Studies show that linoleum acid supports a healthy skin barrier and has topical anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to it’s virtues on its own, sunflower seed oil absorbs the qualities of herbs beautifully, making it my favorite carrier oil for skin care balms.
Beeswax: I source my aromatic beeswax from a small apiary in the finger lakes region of New York. I came across them at the famous Ithaca farmers market and have paid many a visit to their candle making studio to pick up their beautiful, local wax. I would never buy beeswax from a source I am unfamiliar with, especially for skin care. It's a product that can be adulterated if you are not familiar with your supply chain, so buying from a local farm is very important to me.
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You know how I always say to apply The Healer Balm to damp skin? Beeswax is the ingredient that really helps to lock in that moisture, it’s a humectant, which is a crucial ingredient in any skin care routine aimed at keeping skin hydrated.
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Studies show that Beeswax is much less likely to be irritating for sensitive skin than synthetic ingredients. From Healthline: A 2020 review notes the following benefits of beeswax when used in skin care:
- softens and lubricates skin
- prevents water loss
- has antiseptic properties, which may help protect the skin from pathogenic microorganisms
- provides a protective barrier to the skin
- provides vitamin A, which helps skin regenerate sooner after damage