Turmeric oil [INCI: Curcuma longa] Turmeric oil is obtained by steam distillation or solvent extraction of the powdered rhizome of species of the genus Curcuma (family: Zingiberaceae). Of these species, Curcuma longa is the most well known. Curcuma longa yields 0.3-7.2% (usually 4-5%) of turmeric oil following steam distillation. The chief constituents of the essential […]

Kaempferia galanga [INCI: Kaempferia galanga root extract] Kaempferia is a genus in the Zingiberaceae family found in southern & southeastern Asia. These gingers grow from small globular rhizomes which grow fleshy roots. Most are low growing with colorfully marked foliage. Flowers either emerge in the spring just prior to the foliage or with the foliage […]

The need to control microbial activity is inherent in two major facets of personal care. The first area is that of antimicrobial care where the product helps to retard the growth of topical pathogens or eliminates them. The second is in the area of preservatives that retard the growth of microbes in product formulations. Recently […]

When one keeps an Igor, one will find that one spends an inordinate amount of time outside under the burning rays of the DayStar, and often submerged in water saturated with either salt or chlorine.  None of these are terribly good for one’s hair. However, repairing the damage is pretty simple.  Here’s the formula for […]

Cecropia obtusa Bark Extract is known for its capacity to reduce cellulite, which also results from restricted blood flow and stagnation of lymphatic fluids (congestion of connective tissue and accumulation of toxins) and there are indications that it activates the lipolysis (elimination of fat). The theory behind formulations such as these is that eye bags […]

I’ve put a permanent page, available at the top of the left navigation and the top of the page, that will list all the “How To” projects that I’m moving from instructables back to here. So far, the following How To projects are available: Bath and body projects: How to make bath bombs How to […]

Working on testing formulations with some new to the market biological actives.  This one is a decadently rich night cream that contains  Laboratoires Serobiologiques actives. Complex Caviar: extracted elements of fish roe and caviar combined with oligo-peptides from actin and fucus vesiculosus extract. Phytocoothetm: canola phytosterols with moisturizing and skin barrier strengthening effect. Arganyltm: flavonoids […]