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.
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.
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.
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