Liquid gold. That’s how health experts and natural beauty aficionados are describing argan oil. What is argan oil? Made from the nut of the Argan tree in south-western Morocco, argan oil is full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a wonderfully natural treatment for hair and skin. Today, as in days of old, argan oil is extracted by Moroccan women by cracking the nuts between two stones and grinding it up slowly. Of course, mass production demands the use of machines for larger quantities, but benefits of argan oil for skin and hair remain the same.

Natural Argan Oil for Skin Conditioning

Great for all skin types, argan oil can be used in virtually every phase of your skincare routine as this list of argan oil skin use options will attest:

1. Moisturizer: Apply directly to your face and body as a moisturizer after washing.

2. Mask: Mix with your favourite face mask for an added moisture boost.

3. Foundation: Blend a drop or two with your liquid moisturizer for a dewy complexion.

4. Bath: Add a few drops to your bath for a deep, heated treatment all over.

5. Cuticle softener: Apply directly to your cuticles to soften them and boost nail growth.

6. Foot treatment: Soften your heels by spreading argan oil on cracked skin and covering your feet with socks overnight.

7. Wrinkle resistance: Get the antioxidant benefits of argan oil for the prevention of wrinkles and fine lines by applying full strength where needed most before bed.

8. Acne benefits: Argan oil may even improve acne-prone skin because of its ability to moisturize without clogging pores.

Pure Argan Oil for Hair Benefits

Celebrities and natural beauty experts alike are raving about argan oil’s benefits for hair care as well, as it can moisture without creating an oily locks look. Check out these creative uses of argan oil for hair:

1. Everyday conditioner: Mix in several drops of argan oil with your regular hair conditioner for a moisture boost every day.

2. Deep conditioner: Apply several drops of argan oil to still-damp hair and massage in for extra moisture when you need it. Leave it overnight for a really deep conditioning treatment.

3. Frizz taming shine: Control unwanted frizz by putting a few drops of argan oil in the palms of your hands and smoothing it over your dry hair. A little goes a long way.

4. Damage protection: Apply argan oil to your hair after a swim in chlorinated water or a day in the sun to return moisture and elasticity to your hair.

Remember, as you seek out natural argan oil for hair care and skin rejuvenation, be sure to look for brands that are made without artificial preservatives, colours, fragrances, or silicone to ensure you’re getting the full benefits of the oil without any added toxins.

Save money and avoid the harmful chemicals common in conventional lip care products with natural lip balm recipes you’ll want to eat! Though the methods may vary, most of these natural lip balms rely on a mixture of plant-based oils, beeswax, and tasty flavours your lips will love.

Wrap up your homemade natural lip balm in upcycled mint tins, old lip gloss containers, or little jars. You’ll find that most of these recipes require time (about 3 hours) as the mixtures set, but your patience will be rewarded!

Photo credit: MaryMakesDinner/Wikimedia Creative Commons

Minty Natural Lip Balm

• Beeswax: 15 grams
• Olive oil: ½ cup
• Honey: 1 teaspoon
• Mint extract: 20 drops

Melt beeswax in a double boiler, then add honey and oil and stir for 2 minutes. Take off heat, add mint, and pour into containers and have fun with your mintlicious natural lip balm.

Further instructions via Grit.

Tinted Chocolately Natural Lip Balm

• Beeswax: 1 tablespoon
• Cocoa butter: 1 tablespoon
• Apricot oil: 2 tablespoons
• Dark chocolate: 1 small square
• Cocoa powder: 1 teaspoon

Melt beeswax and cocoa butter together in a double boiler then add the apricot oil and chocolate until fully combined. Add cocoa powder and mix thoroughly. Pour into containers and enjoy chocolately deliciousness!

More details at SoapQueen.

Lavender Natural Lip Balm

• Beeswax: 1 tablespoon
• Almond oil: 4 tablespoons
• Honey: 1 teaspoon
• Vitamin E oil: 3 capsules
• Lavender essential oil: 7 drops

Melt together the beeswax and almond oil in a double boiler, then remove from heat and whisk in the honey, vitamin E oil, and lavender oil. Pour into tins and wow your friends with your natural lip balm beauty.

More instructions at Crunchy Betty.

Pink and Berrylicious Natural Lip Balm

• Non-petroleum jelly: 4 tablespoons
• Berry flavored natural drink crystals: 1 individual serving package

Squeeze the non-petroleum jelly into your desired lip balm receptacles according to the size of your containers and then sprinkle in the drink mix. Stir with a cotton swab and prepare for lip-smacking flavor!

More from how does she.

Clove, Orange Natural Lip Balm

• Beeswax: 1 tablespoon
• Jojoba oil: 2 tablespoons
• Orange essential oil: 2 drops
• Clove essential oil: 2 drops

Place the beeswax and oil in a double boiler and melt together. Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Pour into receptacles and wait for festive-flavored goodness.

Additional details at Beautylish.

These days fashionistas are living the green life. They’ve switched from disposable plastic grocery bags to reusable stainless steel or aluminum water bottles. Stylish ladies are even taking the bus or riding a bike across town.

The wardrobe, however, has been one area lacking eco-friendly alternatives, and the manufacturing processes used to produce clothing on a large scale leave a lot to be desired. The standard, stereotypical eco-friendly fashions, such as hemp dresses in shades of oatmeal, aren’t exactly inspiring.

Luckily, green fashion has come a long way in just a short amount of time. There are a number of brands that produce earth-friendly and mirror-pleasing pieces, from clothing to accessories. If you want to fill your wardrobe with clothes that are sustainable, organic or inspiring on the eco-friendly front, here are a couple brands to check out and shopping tips to keep in mind.

Photo: Adidas by Stella McCarney, Flickr/adifansnet

Stella McCartney

Eco-friendly fashionistas love Stella McCartney’s line because the designer shares the same values as her sustainable products. As a vegan, she is committed to not using leather or other animal products in her designs. Although not all of her clothing is organic, according to iDesignTimes, her lingerie and Adidas-collaborated lines are. She’s also made use of some pretty interesting, sustainable materials. For example, she produced a line of shoes that featured biodegradable soles. For budget-conscious fashionistas, the major downside about Stella McCartney is that her designer clothes command designer prices. Although it’s a set back for some, she continues to inspire beautiful trends that influence the planet positively.

Study NY

The Brooklyn-based designers behind Study NY produce a line of women’s clothing crafted with organic fabrics. Produced exclusively in New York, Study NY clothes are budget-friendly, and pieces range from just under $100 to just under $400. In addition to using organic materials, the company is committed to zero-waste production and giving back. Lead designer Tara St. James mentors up-and-coming designers who have eco-friendly aspirations.

Green Wardrobe Tips

Of course, buying new clothing isn’t always the most eco-friendly pick. You can be stylish and green by refreshing your wardrobe with just one or two new pieces a year. One way to revive your wardrobe without buying newly produced clothing is to hold a clothing swap with like-minded, high-fashion friends. You’ll each get a new-to-you piece without straining the planet’s resources or spending any money.

Online Shopping Tips

When it comes to how you shop, the online route can be more eco-friendly, suggests the LA Times. Even with shipping and packaging, purchasing online uses up to 30 percent less energy. There are some precautions you need to take during the online shopping experience. Retail was the sixth most targeted industry for online shopping identity theft, according to Lifelock. Protect yourself by only shopping on fashion sites that are secure. Look for “https” in the URL and the padlock symbol. Never send a company your personal details such as your credit card number or full address over email.

As concern for the planet continues to grow, you can expect to see more and more fashion companies taking the green route. Target your closet for a green style makeover and promote sustainability in how you live your life as an eco-friendly fashionista!

>>> Do you have any eco-fashion shopping tips? Share below!

Spring is a glorious time, when beloved BBQs come out of hibernation and back to bless our lives. For many men, the re-emergence marks the beginning of it all: brewskies, bonfires and sweet, sweet sun.

Amidst the excitement, skin care often gets put on the back burner. We’ve written this post because … this must end!

Similar to barbecuing meat – or veggie burgers – caring for your face requires prep work (washing and exfoliating) and marinading  (moisturizing). So instead of bland and blotchy skin like boiled corn-on-the-cob, you’ll appear dangerously delicious like buttery char-grilled corn-on-the-cob.

 Make the most of what you’ve got using natural skin care products and follow these steps:

Wash & Exfoliate ~ a.k.a. prep your cooking station

First thing’s first. Before putting anything on our grills, we clean them by closing the hood (so excess residue gets burnt off). In the same vein, we must make sure our skin is sanitary. That means cleansing thoroughly with a mild face wash each morning and night.

Washing at bedtime is especially important as pollution, sweat and oil accumulate throughout the day, which can clog pores and cause pimples. A good cleanser will remove impurities without irritating the skin or leaving it feeling dry. The best non-toxic face washes are emollient (skin softening); comprised of a high concentration of soothing, deep-cleansing oil.

Exfoliation, like cleaning your BBQ grill, is essential. That’s because it gets down deeper to remove dead skin cells and leave skin squeaky clean, extra smooth and radically radiant. It works thanks to the rough particles in the formula, which buff away the bad, built-up stuff. If you have oily skin, exfoliate more frequently and if you have dry skin, less frequently. If you exfoliate on a daily basis, use something with finer grains (which are less aggressive). If you exfoliate less often, larger grains are better as they provide a deeper clean (but can also be more irritating).

Moisturize ~ a.k.a. marinate

Moisturizers help your skin retain its natural moisture, and act as a barrier against dirt and toxins in the environment. They should contain ingredients that nourish and repair (think antioxidants and soothing agents). Like delicious marinades, the idea is that your skin will “suck in” their goodness and benefit from their presence.

Protect ~ a.k.a. don’t overcook

Daytime moisturizers should absolutely contain sunscreen (with a minimum SPF 30).  Sun damage is the leading cause of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration, so it’s important to always be protected.

At nighttime, opt for a richer (obviously SPF-free) formula, as we lose the most moisture while sleeping.

Related ethicalDeal:

To freshen and simplify your cleansing routine try Canadian-made SCENTUALS Body Care From Nature: $18 for an unscented, natural skin care kit including body wash, lotion, and hand and body repair – perfect for Father’s Day!

Your medicine cabinets are probably packed beyond capacity with skincare products like cleaners, toners, moisturizers and eye creams. But little do people know, our diet is the main contributing factor to the appearance of our skin.

Healthy diets are not only to maintain a healthy weight, but they also help our skin in ways that most products cannot. Here are seven super skin super foods to help clear your pores and get radiate skin.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are an ultimate wrinkle fighter. The omega-3 fatty acids help deter and smooth fine lines and also diminish spotting on your skin as an added bonus. Flaxseeds can be added to shakes, baked into breakfast muffins and mixed in with yogurt.

Tomatoes

Cooked tomatoes, like those in spaghetti sauce, homemade ketchup and roasted tomatoes, keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. Lycopene helps to prevent the free radicals from UV light that causes your skin to age.

Safflower Oil

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? Safflower oil may be your skin’s saviour. Omega-6 fatty acids aid your skin to provide moisture, which may help treat eczema.

Green Tea

Green tea is filled with antioxidants, including catechin, which has proven anticancer properties. Those who tend to drink two or more cups of green tea a day lessen their chances of developing skin cancers. But the antioxidants are in their prime when hot, so make sure to drink your tea before it cools. Green tea is also a top skin defender because it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pomegranates

Polyphenol in pomegranates is a rich antioxidant that protects the skin from cancer-causing free radicals. Pomegranates also help to smooth wrinkles and fine lines when applied to the skin.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains more protein than regular yogurts, which helps to keep your skin firm and smooth. When applied directly to the skin Greek yogurt can also help ease irritation and counteract dry skin.

Soy

Hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone, is something that many of us have to face as we age from years of sun exposure. The protein and minerals in soy help to even out your skin tone to reveal a more youthful appearance. Turn to soy products like tofu, soy milk and edamame.

>>> Have you heard of another super skin super food? Please, do tell below… 

Feeling disheartened by the treatment of animals when it comes to the world of fashion, yet not quite as impassioned to the point of standing half-naked in the street protesting with PETA? You can make informed consumer decisions that you feel good (and green!) about by avoiding certain products and taking the extra time to search out cruelty-free options.

When it comes to people’s everyday fashion choices, fur, leather and wool are the most commonly used animals products. If you want to have an animal-happy wardrobe, these are the top three products to avoid:

1) Fur:

All fur, even the tiniest amount of trim, requires the life of an animal, and this is a product to absolutely avoid if dressing cruelty-free is your intent. For more information on the industry, as well as access to activist resources, check out The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals.

There are plenty of warm and cozy alternatives to fur. Both Patagonia and The North Face offer synthetic down alternatives. If you want the look of real fur, many brands offer coats made with faux-fur which can provide good insulation and are typically made from acrylic fibers.

2) Leather:

Leather, a product made mostly from the skins of cows, sheep and pigs, is easily enough to avoid when it comes to outerwear. However, finding quality, leather-free shoes that are also weather-appropriate (no wet socks please!) can indeed be a slightly frustrating task.

Vegan shoes can be made of a variety of materials ranging from synthetic leather or suede, cork, canvas and hemp. When shopping for vegan shoe wear, it is important to keep in mind that you will inevitably have a smaller pool of options to choose from. Nice Shoes is a Vancouver-based, entirely vegan and eco-friendly shoe store where as a consumer you can feel confident that within those four walls (or url), any purchase made will be one that is cruelty free. They also ship anywhere in Canada for free with orders over $100.

3) Wool:

Many jackets and outwear, as well as shoes, tights and leggings can be made partly of wool. Wool is a product that doesn’t necessarily require the life of the animal, however sheep are often genetically altered to grow unnatural amounts of wool to increase production, and through the process of sheering, the animals are often injured. Merino wool is acquired from lambs through a process known as “mulesing” which can result in large chunks of flesh being removed from the animal. Alternatives to wool include, polyester fleece, synthetic shearling and flannel. Tencel, a breathable and biodegradable wool-like material is also a wonderful option.

Shopping Tips

• Don’t forget to check the labels! Animal products can be present in items you may not even think twice about. Wool especially can pop up in unlikely places. It only takes a few seconds to read a label and avoid buying a product you did not intend to.

• A vegan closet could be a click away with online shopping an easy route to determine whether your clothing is cruelty-free. PETA has an excellent “Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing”  on their website as does the Vegetarian Resource Group and the eco-fashion website ecouterre.

• If you have clothes derived from animal products in your closet that you would like to get rid of, simply donate them to a thrift shop. Yes they will still be around, but you are making the eco-friendly choice of recycling your clothes and someone else will have the option to reuse instead of buying new and supporting the industry!

When it comes to dressing within your moral means, a little extra time and research can go a long way. Shop with purpose and remember the power you have within your consumer voice!

 

Related ethicalDeal

Save 60% off eco-conscious accessories, handbags, jewellery and more from Hearts.com Buy $20, get $50 to spend – or – buy $40, get $100.

>>>Do you have any eco-style tips? Leave in the comments below?

Mainstream mascaras are not as nice as they look. Many of the toxins they contain can cause cancer, neurological problems and reproductive and developmental disorders once absorbed by the body. Other daily discomforts include headaches, lung damage and hair loss. And as if that weren’t bad enough, often ingredients aren’t even listed on the label!

Now you’re probably thinking, “that’s terrible! But my mascara is an integral part of my out-on-the-town look and well… it makes me feel pretty!”

Thankfully, there’s no need to fret. Stay away from a few icky ingredients and you’ll not only look, but also feel great.

Here are our pick for top three toxic offenders:

1) METHYLPARABEN

This powerful preservative can do major damage. Functioning as a fungicide with the purpose of keeping bacteria at bay, it is best known for being an endocrine disruptor, is quickly absorbed by the skin into the intestinal tract and wreaks havoc on your hormone system. It can cause birth defects, developmental disorders and cancer. On a micro level, it can cause major irritation to your eyes.

On labels,methylparaben can be identified as one of the following: 4-HYDROXY- METHYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID; 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER; 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT; BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER; BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT; BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT; BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, METHYL ESTER; BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, METHYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT; METHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE; METHYL ESTER 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID; METHYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-

Information available at: Environmental Working Group Cosmetics Database

2) PROPYLPARABEN

This common preservative can cause the burning, itching, hives and blistering. Because it can mimic estrogen, it has the potential to cause reproductive problems in both females and males. Early exposure has been linked to breast cancer.

3) ALUMINUM POWDER

Being made of finely ground particles, this ingredient – used to colour makeup – is very easily absorbed by the body. Classified by the Environmental Working Group as a neurotoxin (an ingredient that causes damage to the nervous system), it has been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, dementia and more.

On labels, aluminum powder can be identified as one of the following: Pigment Metal 1, LB Pigment 5, A 00, A 95, A 995, A 999, AA 1099, AA1199

Information available at: Environmental Working Group Cosmetics Database

To learn more about mascara, check out the environmental working group’s rating of items you have, or might want to buy at EWG.org.

Related ethicalDeal: 

Don’t feel like searching the shelves? Look no further! Buy $25 at Affera Cosmetics and get $50 to spend on eco-friendly skincare and mineral makeup including eye shadow, bronzer, concealer, lip colour and more (March 27-April 3)

Nowadays all you hear about is how people are using coconut oil in every aspect of their cooking . With its high smoke point it has quickly become a household staple, and that is awesome!

But coconut oil is so much more than just an ingredient in your food; it can have so many amazing benefits to you around your home and even to your budget! I am going to share five ideas from my bag of tricks!

Coconut oil lipgloss:

You can use coconut oil straight from the jar to soften your pucker but if you’re feeling a bit luxurious, use the following recipe. It is really simple to make and is great wrapped as a gift!

Ingredients: 

4 tbsp of coconut oil

4 tsp of beeswax pearls or granules

5-10 drops of essential oil (optional, read here for types of oil: Cream Conundrum)

Method:

1. Using the double boiler method combine both the coconut oil and beeswax over boiling water, adjust the temperature to keep it at a low simmer.
2. Stir until they have melted together. Take off the heat and stir in your essential oil (if you have choose).
3. Let the waxy liquid cool then separate into containers of your choosing.  Go to a large craft store such as Michael’s if you are looking for several options. I also suggest recycling your old lip gloss containers.  I have a few from the body shop that I use to refill then I keep the rest in one large container.

Coconut oil homemade sunscreen:

This looks like the most complicated recipe in my arsenal but even it is super simple.

Ingredients:

1 oz. of beeswax pearls or granules

½ cup of Shea butter

½ cup of coconut oil

4 tbsps of zinc oxide powder

Method:

1. Once again using the double boiler method, combine beeswax, Shea butter and coconut oil over low boiling water until they have melted together.
2. Once melted take off the heat and mix in the zinc oxide powder until completely combined.
3. Let cool, then put into a container of your choosing, in this case I like to use a glass heremes clamp jar. But a mason jar or any other glass jar would work just was well, again re-using old sunscreen containers is also an awesome idea!

(Note: coconut oil can usually be found in your local health food store along with the rest of the ingredients.  You can find zinc oxide powder, Shea butter from your local drug store as well) 

Coconut oil for your hair:

This is the main reason why I have a tub of coconut oil in my bathroom.  I put it in my hair every night, ensuring to work it from root to tip and tying it in a bun or braid overnight.  In the morning I wash my hair as normal and it results in lovely, flowing locks with my crazy curls quenched.  It is a super simple way to use it, requires no special treatment or preparations just massage into hair.

Coconut oil body lotion for eczema and dry skin:

This is another super simple, straight application for coconut oil.  I often have patches of dry irritated skin and I find that coconut oil is instantly soothing and lacks the perfumes and chemicals that will irritate my sensitive skin.

Coconut oil diaper cream:

Another easy, apply-as-is tip: I used a dab of coconut oil instead of Vaseline to pamper my babies’ bottoms because it is all-natural — just the way I like it. It spreads very easily, won’t irritate their supple skin and leaves them smelling even better than they already do.

Do you have another use for coconut oil or ethicalTip that you would like to share? Leave a comment below. 

Related ethicalDeal:

Save up to 50% off your choice of organic, virgin coconut oil from Naked Coconuts

$6 for 16 oz. OR $12 for 32 oz. (up to $21.99 value)

VANCOUVER         VICTORIA         TORONTO

About the author:

Eschelle Westwood is the author of Mumfection.com and young mother to two wild and hilarious boys. On her time off you can usually find her up to her elbows in diapers and dishes; but you can also find her on Facebook and Twitter!

When special occasions call for a gift from me, at the last minute, I desperately hunt for a gift that is expensive enough and doesn’t scream “obligation”.

What a contrast…

If a two-year-old can make someone’s day with something as simple as a cutout of her little hand covered in scribbles, using supplies that cost a fraction of a dollar, then clearly, I’ve been missing the whole point of this gift-giving idea.

In an attempt to get better at gifting, I decided to follow the lead from the little one and keep my gifts simple, creative and handmade.

I made a manifesto for handmade giving:

It has been a short two months since I have put this pledge to practice. But the recent shift in my gift-giving ways has already opened my eyes to the benefits of handmade gifting.

Lessons I Learned From Giving Handmade

a) You can do small things with great love: as the artisan of your fabulous gift, $10 can go far; you get to be in complete control of the cost of materials, making the possibilities endless for incredible little handmade projects on a budget. But don’t expect to go to the mall with $10 and come out with a quality gift. A handmade win. Hands down.

b) A special occasion is an opportunity for creativity: when is the last time you made a greeting card? Birthdays, holidays and special occasions are perfect excuses for you to get crafting and infuse creativity into your life.

c) Pleasure from price is short-lived: receiving name brand everything could never compare to the joy of receiving handmade anything. One-of-a-kind. Full of love. Priceless.

d) Give slow, live slow: instead of rushing to the mall at the last minute to get the first shiny thing that catches my eye, I plan ahead to ensure that I have time to make something that I would be proud to give. Handmade gifting is an opportunity to reduce stress and chaos in our fast-paced world.

e) Green gifting is easy: when shopping for supplies for your D.I.Y project, going green is as easy as choosing the eco-friendly materials. Whereas with mass-produced products, consumers have no easy way of knowing whether the production process is ethical or not.

Crafts create a kinder world.
Give love. Give handmade.

 In the comments below, tell us about your favourite handmade gift that you’ve given or received.

 About the author:

Nat Nanton is a mother and writer who blogs at natnanton.com, where she provides tips, tools and resources to kick ass in motherhood and life. If you are committed to living your greatest life, you can subscribe to her blog or connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.

With that said, not all are created equal. This post will help you spend your money more wisely by differentiating between the good guys — and the bad ones, dressed in clever packaging and misleading advertising.

Mainstream moisturizers

According to recent estimates, skin can absorb up to 60 per cent of substances we apply. That’s why we don’t want those substances that enter the blood stream to include toxic ingredients such as parabens, BHA, PEG compounds and siloxanes. These synthetic chemicals can disrupt our endocrine systems, cause cancer and harm wildlife.

In small quantities they aren’t thought to do much harm but studies show with long-term exposure, the effects can be significant. And while the costs may outweigh the benefits for the companies who produce them (financially, less spent on inferior products means greater budgets for advertising and inflated profits), educated consumers are increasingly less willing to go along with this model and put their health at risk.

Mineral oils and alcohols are two of the biggest ingredients to avoid. The former prevents skin from eliminating toxins, clogging pores and causing breakouts and rashes. The latter strips your skin of its natural acid layer and can leave it itchy and dry.

Natural moisturizers

Plant-based botanicals work with (not against) the body to retain moisture and ameliorate texture and tone. Look for the following ingredients when in the market for a nontoxic moisturizer. And don’t forget: just because an item contains one or several of the following ingredients, if it’s mixed with synthetic fragrances, dyes or other harmful chemicals, it should still be avoided.

Essential oils (the purer the better) heal, tighten and deeply moisturize. Avocado, grape seed and jojoba oils are your best options. Containing high concentrations of powerful antioxidants, they do everything from stimulate collagen production to minimize wrinkles, reduce the look of stretch marks and treat acne and other unwelcome skin conditions.

Carrier oils also known as vegetable or base oils, are combined with essential oils to be diluted and absorbed into the skin. For best results and to get the most out of their therapeutic properties, they should be cold-pressed. Examples of popular options include almond, evening primrose, sunflower and sesame oils.

Butters also play a special role in nourishing and rejuvenating skin. Our favourites are cocoa butter for its beautiful, lingering aroma and shea butter, which acts as an intense moisturizer and works wonders to prevent wrinkles. Other options include kokum, mango and sal butters.

Botanicals are substances extracted from plants like flowers, fruits, leaves, herbs, roots and seeds. They are used in cosmetics for their pleasing scents and healing properties, in lieu of artificial smells and colourings. These include peppermint, lavender and cinnamon, among others.

Herbs offer excellent alternatives to drugstore solutions for a number of conditions. Witch hazel works to unclog pores, aloe vera improves elasticity and tea tree oil softens skin.

Related ethicalDeal: 

(Feb. 20 -26) $25 for 30ml bottle of Scentuals Body Care organic facial anti-aging serum (save 62%)