Ingredients and their uses

At Spardha’s Natural, I value quality and transparency of what goes into each of my products. So, you can be rest assured of what you put on your skin meets the highest standard of quality and efficacy. Here’s a list of some of the ingredients and their uses, which will help you get more information about your favourite Spardha’s Natural product, and benefits of the ingredients used.

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ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is extensively used in beauty products and for good reason. It’s got antiviral and antibacterial properties, known all over the world for it’s unbelievable healing properties. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally. A number of beneficial effects of Aloe vera have been reported, including immunomodulatory, wound and burn healing, hypoglycemic, anticancer, gastro-protective, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Slathering the soothing gel on sunburnt skin might be one of the most famous aloe vera uses. Aloe Vera contains some important substances which are very effective at giving your skin a boost. These substances include steroids, amino acids, enzymes and polysaccharides. Aloe Vera accelerates fibroblast development which is necessary for collagen repair and wrinkle prevention.

APRICOT KERNEL OIL

Apricot Kernel oil is a source of vitamin B17. It works to moisturize dry, sensitive skin and to smooth out blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, and other symptoms typical of maturing skin. It balances oil production, boosts circulation and is great for skin rejuvenation. Its high level of unsaturated fatty acids makes it non-greasy, and its combination of Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic acids helps relieve and prevent acne. The most common source of vitamin B17 is the apricot kernel and is present in about a 2-3% level of concentration within the seed kernel. This substance is thought by some to attack cancer cells, and thus can help prevent cancer from breaking out in our bodies.

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AVOCADO OIL

Avocado oil is known for freshening, lifting and providing lustre to tired, dull and lacklustre skin. It is good for dry and mature skin as well, working its anti-wrinkle and skin regeneration properties. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in avocado oil help your skin stay smooth, strong, and elastic. It helps to calm itchy skin, heal chapped skin, replenish dry skin, hydrate and moisturize skin, shield skin from ultraviolet radiation and protect against skin damage. It has a natural sun protection of 2-3 and works as an occlusive i.e. it offers protection against the weather and wind and helps to keep moisture in the skin by stopping trans-epidermal water loss. It is also good for dark skin, which produces less vitamin D in restricted sunlight, so especially useful to people with black skin living in the northern hemisphere, where there is not as much sunlight as in the southern hemisphere.

CARROT SEED OIL

Carrot seed oil is a type of essential oil. It’s extracted via steam distillation from the seeds of the Daucus carota plant. When used in aromatherapy applications, Carrot Seed Oil stimulates circulation as well as brain and nerve functions. Its warm, earthy, woody, and herbaceous scent has a soothing, refreshing, and grounding effect that is known to diminish feelings of fatigue, weakness, anxiety, and stress. When used cosmetically, Carrot Seed Oil repairs skin damage, tones muscles and tissue, and tightens skin to prevent it from sagging. By removing bodily toxins, it boosts immunity, reduces muscle and joint inflammation, and addresses fluid retention. When used medicinally, Carrot Seed Essential Oil lowers blood pressure, facilitates the healing of infected skin and wounds, soothes sore throats and hiccups, and alleviates ailments caused by viruses.

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COCOA BUTTER

Cocoa Butter is a rich natural fat derived from the cacao beans contained inside the pods of the Cocoa/Cacao Tree. Cocoa Butter melts at body temperature and works to naturally soothe dry, sensitive skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of scars and unwanted marks. Its richness in vitamins and anti-oxidants makes it ideal for use as a moisturizer that promotes skin health and relieves the itching, chapping, peeling, or burning discomfort associated with conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. By creating a protective barrier between skin and the harsh, weathering environmental elements, Cocoa Butter’s saturated fats allow skin to retain its required moisture, thereby restoring the health of by remaining on the skin for hours despite being easily absorbed. The polyphenols in Cocoa Butter are known to diminish the appearance of aging by enhancing skin’s moisture content, skin tone, elasticity, and collagen production.

COCONUT OIL

Coconut Butter/oil is extracted from coconuts grown on palm trees. The fresh butter is pure white and retains that colour when it goes solid. Coconut oil gives softness and nourishment to skin and hair care products including hair dressings, soaps, sun care products, body oils and it adds body to massage products. Coconut Oil can penetrate the skin easily, due to the small size of its molecules, which are almost as small as essential oil molecules and which allows essential oils to be readily absorbed into the skin when combined with Coconut Oil. Without clogging pores, Coconut Oil offers excellent emollience to dry, itchy skin and hair, remaining suitable for sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin. In providing hydration, it creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture to soften, lubricate, and cool skin and hair while preventing future dryness as well as fungus.

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JASMINE ESSENTIAL OIL

Jasmine essential oil is derived from the jasmine flower, and is used as a popular natural remedy for improving mood, overcoming stress and balancing hormones. The popular health benefits of jasmine essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and an aphrodisiac. Jasmine oil has been used for hundreds of years in parts of Asia as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety, emotional stress, low libido and insomnia. The aromatic effect of jasmine oil stimulates the release of a hormone called serotonin, which results in boosting energy and uplifting mood. Research suggests that jasmine oil, works by positively influencing the nervous system. Through aromatherapy or by penetrating the skin, the oils from the jasmine flower influence many biological factors such as heart rate, body temperature, stress response, alertness, blood pressure and breathing.

JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba Oil is known for providing protection, softening and helping skin to hold moisture. It also contains a natural Sun Protection Factor of 4. The high content of protective waxes in Jojoba oil stops trans-epidermal water loss and is the best vegetable oil-based occlusive. It contains myristic acid, which has anti-inflammatory actions. Jojoba Oil acts as a non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing yet long-lasting emollient that gently moisturizes, soothes, nourishes, and softens skin without leaving a greasy residue. It cleanses skin to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to promote the growth of new skin that is clear, cleansed, healthy, and supple. Due to a chemical composition that closely resembles the sebum found in human skin, Jojoba Oil is readily accepted and endured by skin.

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KIWI SEED OIL

Kiwi fruit is a rich source of phytonutrients, Vitamin A, C and E, potassium and magnesium. It also contains upto 80% of vitamin F (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids). The antioxidant found in this oil eliminates free radicals which are the cause for cell damage and degeneration. It has high concentration of Vitamin C that assist in the formation of collagen which provides firmness to the skin that lowers the chances of skin aging. Kiwi seed oil is excellent for treating sensitive, oily and large-pored skin as well as helps to treat all kinds of skin infections, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pimples and boils. It is also useful in the repair of damaged skin tissue, varicose veins and skin over-exposed to sunlight, and reducing or healing fine lines around the eyes, wrinkles and scars.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

With a calming, physically and emotionally balancing fragrance, it has commonly been used for its relaxing effects on the body. Lavender, when used in aromatherapy, is reputed to reduce stress by relaxing the brain waves, which is also said to reduce cortisol levels that contribute to the stress hormone. As cortisol leads to lower immunity, Lavender would accordingly support the immune system by helping relieve feelings of stress that can weaken health. Lavender is believed to help balance hormones, to reduce feelings of nervous tension, and based on empirical evidence, has worked to reduce feelings of depression for some individuals. Due to its calming and relaxing properties, it can work as a sleep aid for those suffering from insomnia.

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LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL

Lemon Oil is known for its cleansing, slightly cooling and refreshing effects. It’s an antiseptic, is good for oily skin and acne and helps breakdown cellulite. Lemon essential oil can be used to ease stress, elevate mood, stimulate the immune system, alleviate pain, and promote weight loss. In addition, lemon essential oil may address conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, and warts. Based on both scientific research and anecdotal accounts, lemon oil may have the following benefits when it comes to skin care:

Absorbent
Antibacterial
Antifungal, such as against Candida yeast
Astringent
conditioning
fragrant
Helps decrease hyperpigmentation

NEEM OIL

Neem oil comes from the seed of the tropical neem tree, also known as Indian lilac. Neem oil has a wide history of use as a folk remedy around the world and has been used to treat many conditions. This type of oil is rich in fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids, which help support healthy skin. The oil is, therefore, a popular ingredient in skin care products. Authors of a 2013 review of the available research into medicinal uses of neem concluded that its extracts can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including:

Acne
Psoriasis
Eczema
Ringworm
Warts

The leaf of the plant also provides health benefits. The leaves contain plant compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties along with its anti-ageing and wound healing properties.

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OLIVE OIL

Olive Oil due to its fattiness, is good for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Like, Jojoba and Avocado oil, it’s an occlusive and due to its fattiness, it protects the skin against the elements and stops trans epidermal water loss by forming a gentle protective oily layer. It is anti-inflammatory and has high Oleic acid content. Olive oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some of these vitamins may be beneficial for the skin. It also acts as an antioxidant, which is a substance that prevents oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can produce free radicals, which are chemicals that can potentially damage cells and may contribute to cancer development. When applied to the skin, antioxidants may prevent premature aging.

PALMAROSA ESSENTIAL OIL

Also known as Indian geranium, Palmarosa essential oil has a rose-like scent that is known for its natural skin benefits. In skin care, Palmarosa Essential Oil can be helpful for balancing dry, oily and combination skin types. It is refreshing and soothing and good for mature skin. Emotionally, Palmarosa Essential Oil can be helpful during times of anxiety and can be comforting and help soothe grief, emotional wounds and help diminish anger.

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ROSE GERMANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL

Rose geranium oil is used as an active ingredient in many cosmetic products, like lotions and fragrances. Sourced from the flowers and leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, rose geranium essential oil is said to offer a variety of health benefits. It contains a number of compounds thought to enhance health, including citronellol and geraniol. A 2017 review of studies demonstrated that antioxidant properties in rose geranium oil may help reduce the signs of aging. Antioxidants are well-established as natural agents for improving your skin’s ability to heal itself from environmental toxins and exposure. Rose geranium essential oil may be used to treat the following problems:

Acne
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Post-herpetic neuralgia

Rose geranium essential oil is also used to promote emotional stability, alleviate pain, stimulate healing from burns and wounds, enhance mood, and reduce inflammation.

ROSEHIP OIL

Rosehip Oil has a high ration of oleic, linoleic, alpha-linoleic acids, carotenoids and tocopherols. These anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants help in neutralizing free radical damage, thereby, delaying onset fine lines and wrinkles tremendously. The high content of Vitamin C (which is another powerful anti-oxidant) itself in Rosehip oil gives it a potent anti-aging affect, reduces hyper-pigmentation and brightens the skin. The phenols in Rosehip oil has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also has Retinoids, which have similar effects to Retin-A, which in turns helps in quick cell maturation, its shedding, replacement and thereby giving skin a brighter appearance.

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ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Known for its distinctive fragrance that is characterized by an energizing, evergreen, citrus-like, herbaceous scent, Rosemary Essential Oil is derived from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus Officinalis, a plant belonging to the Mint family, which includes Basil, Lavender, Myrtle, and Sage. Rosemary Oil is known for its stimulating, invigorating and refreshing effects. It is warming and helps improve bad circulation in the skin and cellulite. Used in aromatherapy, Rosemary Oil helps reduce stress levels and nervous tension, boost mental activity, encourage clarity and insight, relieve fatigue, and support respiratory function. Used cosmetically, the anti-microbial, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, and tonic properties of this oil make it a beneficial additive in skin care products that are meant to soothe or even treat dry or oily skin, eczema, inflammation, and acne. Do not use a product containing rosemary essential oil if you are pregnant, epileptic or at the same time as homoeopathic treatment.

SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Traditionally, sandalwood is a big part of religious traditions in India and other Eastern countries. The sandalwood tree itself is considered holy. The tree is used for various religious ceremonies including weddings and births. Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils available on the market today. The highest quality sandalwood is the Indian variety, known as Santalum album. Among the many benefits of Sandalwood oil, some important ones are as follows:

For Mental clarity
It is relaxing and calming
It is a natural aphrodisiac
For its astringent, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory anti-aging and antiseptic properties
It helps to focus
Uplifting mood
It is very grounding and centring

Spiritually uplifting

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SHEA BUTTER

Shea Butter is known for protecting and healing dry and damaged skin. It has mildly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, good moisture-retaining properties and protects the skin from sun and drying out. It has natural Sun Protection Factor of 2-3, due to the high content of cinnamic acid esters present in the oil, which are also found in chemically produced sun protection products. Used topically, Shea Butter is known to be a “skin superfood” that nourishes skin to promote its clarity and addresses problems such as dryness, blemishes, dark spots, discolorations, stretch marks, and wrinkles without clogging pores. Used in massages, Shea Butter supports skin elasticity and suppleness, boosts collagen production, and increases circulation while promoting skin cell regeneration. It can ease joint pain and rheumatism, alleviate pain, and reduce stretch marks.

SWEET ALMOND OIL

Known as the “King of Nuts,” the Almond as well as the oil it yields are both known to improve and strengthen cognitive functions. Sweet Almond Oil is a mild, non-irritating skin oil, which is known to soften the skin making it smooth and supple. It is great in treating dry skin conditions. Used topically, Sweet Almond Carrier Oil can heal superficial skin burns, soothe dry and chapped skin, as well as skin affected by dermatosis, eczema, and psoriasis. Being non-comedogenic, anti-bacterial, and non-greasy, this medium-light lubricant has a quick absorption rate that is ideal for use in facial care, massages, and on skin that is sensitive or acne-prone. Sweet Almond Oil promotes smooth, youthful, blemish-free skin by boosting collagen production, keeping it hydrated and supple, and by protecting it against the potential damage caused by UV radiation. Do not use a product containing sweet almond oil if you are allergic to nuts.

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TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea Tree essential oil is a wonderful antiseptic essential oil which can help maintain a healthy and balanced immune system. Tea Tree essential oil is a deeply cleansing and antibacterial and is useful in inhalations to clear the head and in body skincare blends for problem skin. Tea tree oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s antimicrobial activity. It has a warm, fresh, slightly medicinal, camphor-like scent that has been likened to the fragrance of Eucalyptus, and when used for aromatherapy purposes, it is known to reduce feelings of stress, fatigue, and brain fog. Tea Tree Essential Oil should never be applied to sensitive areas of skin such as around the eyes or in the nose. Sun exposure should be avoided after using the oil, as the oil can sensitize the skin to UV rays.

THISTLE OIL

Thistle oil is an excellent source of Omega 6 & 3 essential fatty acids (also known as Vitamin F). Of all the vegetable oils, Thistle oil has the highest content of Linoleic acid, which is nourishing to the skin, helps to reduce the size of the pores and is particularly good for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin. It is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect skin against free radicals and UVA and UVB skin damage (which causes premature aging). Thus, when used topically, it is anti-aging.

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TURMERIC

Turmeric is well known as a spice used in Indian cuisine. In fact, its traditional Indian uses span far beyond this: it’s been used for centuries to help keep the skin pure, the blood clean and the life-long. In Ayurveda, turmeric has been used to help maintain healthy blood, skin, circulation and as a nourishment to feed the whole body. It contains some very potent polyphenols, also known as antioxidants, which have the ability to protect cellular DNA and repair any existing damage from environmental carcinogens. When applied on the skin, Turmeric is believed to:

Be a strong antibacterial and antiseptic agent that may be beneficial for application to areas of minor burns, cuts, bites, and bruises
Cleanse, clarify, smooth, calm, invigorate, and brighten the skin
Generally, support skin health
Remove excess natural skin oil
Diminish the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles
Improve the skin’s resiliency
Moisturize dryness to alleviate itchiness
Exfoliate to remove dead cells and reveal new skin, which can enhance natural radiance and promote a supple, healthy, revitalized appearance

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a classic antioxidant, which protects against the destruction of the connective tissue caused by free radicals and is also known for its healing and skin cell stimulant properties. Free radicals in the body are molecules with an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable. These unstable molecules interact with cells in the body in a way that can cause damage. As the process snowballs, cells can be damaged, and you’re made vulnerable to disease. Our bodies can create free radicals as we age or through everyday factors like digestion or exercise. They’re also caused by exposure to external things like: tobacco smoke, ozone, environmental pollutants, radiation, etc. Antioxidants, like vitamin E, neutralize free radicals by donating the missing electrons that destabilize them. Antioxidants are found in many foods and are also made in our bodies using the vitamins and minerals found in foods.

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YLANG YLANG ESSENTIAL OIL

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is known to balance and regulate oil production in the skin and hair. It soothes inflammation and irritation on the body and the scalp while strengthening skin and hair. It addresses acne as well as hair loss by enhancing circulation, encouraging the growth of new skin and hair, contributing and maintaining hydration, conditioning, and preventing infections with its anti-microbial properties. It is also known to soothe stress, anxiety, sadness, tension, sleeplessness and enhance libido.

(Additional) Saffron: Saffron, called Kesar in India, has been a beauty ingredient of the royals for many centuries. Saffron has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. These properties offer protection to the skin from rashes, redness, swelling, irritation and acne. Saffron has anti-oxidants such as carotenoids and crocetin, which contributes to its anticancer properties and making skin look fresh and younger. It also renowned for its skin lightening and brightening properties. It used for reducing blemishes, dull appearance of the skin, dark circles and improving skin complexion.