This glossary is an informative list of ingredients and the processes that are used to obtain these ingredients that some people may not be familiar with. They are all used to create BCB products.

Our ingredients are obtained from companies that have strict quality control standards. These companies do regular inspections on their goods such as: moisture counts, bacteria/mold sampling, and pesticide residue testing. In addition to the above, they also examine environmental impact reviews, fair market trade, and human rights issues.

GLOSSARY:

Annato Seed Powder: A natural and organic colorant. Yields an orange hue obtained from powdered annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds.

Beet Root Powder: A natural and organic colorant. Yields a pink hue obtained from powdered beets.

Beeswax: Used as a thickener. Natural beeswax from local, Milwaukee honey farm. Contains no petroleum or other additives.

Citric Acid: This anhydrous (dry) citric acid comes from the fermentation of crude fruit sugar and is mostly used to prevent color, texture, and appearance loss in cosmetics.

Cocoa Butter: Organic, unrefined, expeller pressed and partially deodorized using natural clay leaching method. Solid vegetable fat from roasted seeds of the African Theobroma cacao tree. A thick and cream consistency that is a heavier moisturizer in comparison to Shea Butter. An excellent emollient that is used to sooth and add flexibility to the skin.

Coconut oil: Organic and refined. Expeller pressed vegetable fat from the coconut (Cocos nucifera). This is a good oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping the skin to retain moisture. Great for people who have skin sensitivities. An excellent anti-inflammatory.

Epsom Salts: Magnesium sulfate, a mineral that occurs naturally in water. The name Epsom actually comes from the town of Epsom, England where water was first boiled to yield these minerals. A useful soak for the relief of minor sprains and bruises.

Essential oil: Obtained by steam distillation or cold expression of the plant’s volatile oils. The oils I use are 100% natural with no added water, alcohol, or other dilutents. All oils are organic except for Neroli.

Ethically Wildcrafted: Herbs that are collected in an ethical and respectable manner, only taking what one needs. Plants are not overharvested, threatened and endangered species are left alone.

Expeller pressed: Mechanical extraction. A method where oils are obtained by mechanically pressing and crushing the desired fruit, nut, or vegetable. Cold pressing and vacuum extraction are also considered to be expeller pressed methods.

Refined butter and oils: A processed butter and/or oil. This normally includes deodorization and removal of natural odor and color by filtration through bleaching clays. More aggressive methods use chemicals and solvents to remove odor and color. We at BCB use minimally processed Shea butter and Coconut oil.

Rose/Orange Blossom/Rosemary floral waters: Flower waters are produced from the steam distillation of plant material. Usually floral waters are the byproduct of essential oil distillation. Rosemary floral water is organic.

St. John’s Wort infused olive oil: This includes the flowering tops of organically grown St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) that is infused in organic olive oil for about a period of 2-3 weeks. This process allows the healing properties of the plant to be extracted into the olive oil for topical use.

Sea Salt: Solar evaporated sodium chloride from coastal California. Helps soften skin and relaxes muscles.

Shea Butter: Organic, expeller pressed vegetable fat from the Karite tree (Butyrospermum parkii), partially deodorized using natural clay leaching method. Used as a light moisturizer, it forms a breathable and protective barrier that helps defend the skin against harsh elements. Very healing and improves skin superior to other oils and butters. It’s vitamin A and cinnamic acid content makes shea butter an effective treatment for wrinkles, eczema, rashes, burns, stretch marks, dandruff, cracked and dry skin. Graininess may sometimes occur. This is due to the melting and resettling of the butter. This is completely normal.