Dancing Dingo Special Ingredients
Aloe Vera - Aloe vera, a. Barbadensis
Good for all skin types. Best for sensitive skin. - The most popular botanical ingredient in skincare formulas. Made from the juice of the plant leaves, Aloe Vera contains 99.5% water, and is very hydrating by nature. Important properties for skin include its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, healing and softening properties. Aloe Vera has is used tor treating burn, injuries, and skin disorders. It is also used for arthritis, and pain relief.
Dancing Dingo uses Aloe Vera in many of our De-funkifier™ Pet products, as well as our Cocoa & Shea Hand Cream, and our Cocoa & Shea Foot Cream with Tea Tree.
Apple fruit extract – Pyrus Malus (Apple) fruit extract
Apples, rich in organic acids, vitamins and minerals, also contain a high anti-oxidant capacity. Apple extract contains an alpha-hydroxy acid that rejuvenates and refines skin. Apple extract is an exceptional additive for treatments aimed at maintaining the skin's youthful elasticity. Known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, apple extract it perfect for dry or mature skin. Apple is also an excellent ingredient for soothing dry, irritated, sensitive skin. Great when used in natural cleanser.
Allantoin -
Allantoin is a botanical extract of the comfrey plant and is used for its healing and anti-irritant properties. It is a biogenic skin softener that accelerates wound healing and helps to heal skin irritations, stimulate the growth of healthy tissue, and improves hydration in the skin.
Sweet Almond Oil - Prunus amygdalus Dulcis
Perfect for softening and conditioning the skin, Sweet Almond oil is rich in protein, offering relief for dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Excellent oil for healing and moisturizing dry, chapped skin. Sweet Almond Oil is rich in nutrients and suitable for all skin types. Made from this fruit of the almond tree, almond oil can be used daily for most skin types, and is safe for baby skin.
Avocado oil - Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Avocado oil has been used in African skin treatments for centuries. It is a highly therapeutic oil, rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and fatty acids. It is a useful, penetrating, nutrient rich oil for dry skin and eczema.
Dancing Dingo uses avocado oil in our Mango Butter, After-Bath Spray oil, and many of our Luxury Soaps.
Beeswax –
Beeswax is a product made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. Beeswax is not absorbed into the skin, so it primarily protects the surface of the skin and traps water on the surface. It is also thickener, but is primarily used as an emulsifier. Beeswax is used in many cosmetics including baby creams, and is also a natural sun protectant.
Bilberry extract - Vaccinium myrtillus
Bilberry extract is made from a small, blue berry that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Like their close relatives, blueberries and cranberries, bilberries have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Castor Oil - Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Expressed from the seed of the castor bean plant, Castor oil is known to be helpful in hydrating dry and aging skin because of its humectant properties. It is often used as an emollient and skin softener and has been known to be used in the treatment of skin disorders such as Psoriasis.
Calendula flower – Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold Flower)
Calendula oil is most recognized for its ability to help heal wounds and abrasions. The beautiful yellow flowers of the calendula plant (also known as the pot marigold) are used on the skin for their antifungal, antiseptic and astringent properties. Its active constituents include: high amounts of flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, saponins (such as oleanolic acid, beta-carotene and other carotenoids), polyacetylenes and phenolic acids. Topically, calendula flower soothes burns and sunburn. It is gentle enough to use in products such as eye creams and baby care products, and can even help relieve cradle cap and diaper rash. Calendula is also used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses, especially for blondes.
Citric Acid –
Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most concentrated in lemons and limes where it can comprise as much as 8% of the dry weight of the fruit. One of the most widely used acids in the cosmetic industry, it is derived from citrus fruits by fermentation of crude sugars and is employed as an acid-alkali balance adjuster, an antioxidant, an astringent, an exfoliant (it is an alpha-hydroxy acid), a preservative, and a foam inhibitor. Additionally, it serves as an environmentally benign cleaning agent.
Cocoa Butter –
Good for all skin types, Cocoa Butter is one of the most stable fats known, containing natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and give it a shelf life of two to five years. It is used for its smooth texture in various cosmetics and soaps, pastes and emollient creams. Cocoa butter softens and lubricates the skin, and melts at body temperature making it good for massage creams.
Coconut Oil – Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) oil
Cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, and softening. Coconut oil is has degreasing and cleansing properties, and lathers readily, which is why cleansing agents are frequently derived from coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of the heaviest and fattest of the plant oils, which makes it more emollient than other plant oils. Good oil for dry, itchy skin, will not clog pores.
Comfrey Root – Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey)
The leaves and flowers of this perennial herb are used topically for their anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, cell regenerating, emollient, ND soothing properties. Comfrey’s active constituents are: alkaloids, mucilage, saponins, tannins, terpenes, sterols, phenolcarboxylic acids (such as salicylic acid and caffeic acid),. Comfrey is also high in amino acids, vitamin B12, and Allantoin which stimulates new cell growth resulting in the swift healing of damaged or injured tissues. In fact, comfrey is one of the most favored herbs to treat wounds and abrasions because it proliferates cells. Excellent for dry skin, comfrey is used in soaps, lotions, moisturizers. Recommended for dry hair, comfrey is also used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.
Cosmocil CQ – Vantocil
Paraben free and gentle Cosmocil CQ is a broad spectrum, fast acting bactericide (preservative).
Cyclomethicone –
Cyclomethicone is a clear, odorless, silicone-based oil that is incredibly useful and versatile in a number of bath & body recipes. It is a synthetic unmodified silicone that stays on the surface of the skin - the molecules are too big to physically enter past the upper living cells. It doesn't really have any "healing" or "moisturizing" qualities in and of itself - think of it more as a "carrier." Because it evaporates relatively quickly, it is most commonly used to carry fragrance or essential oils in linen sprays, body sprays, and roll-on "dry" perfumes.
Essential oil -
All-natural oil, usually having characteristic odor or flavor of the plant from which it is obtained, used to make perfumes and flavorings.
Evening Primrose Oil – Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) oil
The oil of the mature seeds of Evening Primrose contain approximately 7-10% gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), a rare essential fatty acid that is a cell regenerator, anti-inflammatory and is also very emollient. Evening primrose oil is a popular ingredient in organic cosmetics. It acts on the nerves to relieve anxiety and medicinally, it is recommended for infantile eczema, and arthritis. The roots and shoots can be eaten. At one time it was used to ease bruises and speed the healing of wounds. Evening primrose oil is also shown to have sun protectant properties.
Fragrance Oils -
A fragrance oil is a synthetic fragrance; the man-made version of a scent. Oftentimes fragrance oils have a bit of essential oils in their make-up. We are currently phasing out our fragrance oil selection.
Glycerin –
An emollient, humectant, skin softener, Glycerin is an oily, clear, sweet, thick liquid obtained by adding alkalis to fats and fixed oils. It is used as an emollient and skin softener in many cosmetics as well as a humectant (meaning it absorbs moisture from the air). Glycerin helps keep moisture in creams and other products as well as on the skin. In fact, glycerin attracts just the right amount of moisture to maintain the skin’s homeostasis and fills in the intercellular matrix of the skin (thus plumping it up in a good way). Its presence in the intercellular layer helps other lipids do their job better and is actually present in all natural lipids. It also helps products spread better and is a menstrum, which helps with the absorbability of medicinal plants.
Grapeseed Oil – Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A light, penetrating oil that is nourishing for all skin types. Grapeseed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid quite important for the skin and the cell membranes. It also contains vitamins, minerals, protein, GLA and a small amount of Vitamin E. It is good in massage oils for those whose skin does not seem to absorb easily. This oil is mild astringent and especially suited for acne or oily skin.
Jojoba oil – Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Although jojoba is generally categorized with vegetable oils, jojoba is actually a liquid wax. Jojoba offers the traits of both an oil and a wax to make it an ideal ingredient within soap, cream, lotion, balm and massage oil formulations. It is highly penetrating and closely resembles the natural sebum within our skin. Jojoba contains a natural anti-inflammatory called myristic acid and is useful in formulations for arthritis and rheumatism. Mexicans and Native Americans have long used jojoba oil as a hair conditioner and skin lubricant. It is a particularly effective treatment for “crows feet,” wrinkles, stretch marks and dry skin.
Kukui oil – Aleurites moluccana (Kukui) Nut Oil
Kukui nut oil is high in the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids. These acids are vital for the metabolism of healthy skin. Vitamins A, C and E are added to stabilize the oil. Kukui nut oil is easily absorbed by the skin. It soothes irritated, sunburned, or burned skin. Surveys have shown that kukui nut oil can help relieve itchy and dry skin due to eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Lemon peel extract –
Lemon peel acts as an astringent for the skin and hair.
Olive Oil - Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Olive oil is high in oleic acid and is a good skin cell regenerator. Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin and still permits the skin to properly release sweat, shed dead skin and release sebum. It is a good oil for inclusion in massage oil formulations and it helps to sooth inflamed skin. This emollient plant oil has anti-aging properties and tests show that topically applied olive oil can protect against UVB damage. It is a good antioxidant as well as a good moisturizer.
Orange peel extract –
Orange peel extract acts as an astringent for the skin and hair.
Papaya – Carica papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil
Papaya contains Vitamin A which helps to increase new cell formation, and Vitamin C an anti-oxidant, along with proteins that smooth and soften the skin. The fruit enzyme, Papain, dissolves excessive cell build-up on the stratum corneum making Papaya excellent in stabilizing oily skin. Papaya is rich in essential fatty acids, penetrating and moisturizing the skin very effectively. Papaya conditions the hair and skin and can be used in any formulation where conditioning and moisturizing properties are required.
Purified Water –
This ingredient is specifically reverse osmosis purified H2O. The process of reverse osmosis is the most complete and safe process known to remove impurities in water. Water makes up a large part of the skin. It is also the most frequently used cosmetic ingredient. As a vehicle, it helps keep other ingredients in solution and helps spread product across the skin. As a performance ingredient, water replenishes moisture in the surface of the skin.
Rosemary oil - Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Rosemary oil is touted as a new generation antioxidant. Rosemary leaves are antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, rejuvenating, skin conditioning and stimulating. Its active constituents include rosmarinol acid (named after the plant and a potent antioxidant), caffeic acid, flavonoids, saponin oleanolic acid, lipids and salicylates. Rosemary is best for blemished, oily and dull skin and is used for acne, seborrhea and cellulite. When used on the skin it helps to strengthen capillaries and improve sluggish and mature skin, poor circulation, arthritis, rheumatism and infection. It is used in massage oils for sore muscles and cellulite.
Shea Butter/Oil – Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit
African healers have used shea butter for thousands of years as the ideal treatment for dry or aging skin. Its high content of non-saponifiables and unique fatty acid profile gives it the ability to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin. Shea butter also helps to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration. It is deeply penetrating and melts at body temperature which make it a superior moisturizer to others in its class. Its skin conditioning abilities outweigh even avocado oil (known for skin conditioning) because of the high amount of un-saponifiable fat it contains (up to 65%). Shea butter is also naturally equipped with a sunscreen (cinnamic acid) giving it an SPF ranging from 2-6 and blocking up to 30% of UV radiation. Its cinnamic acid ester content also accounts for some of its healing properties. A high linoleic acid content makes it excellent for soothing chapped, burned, or irritated skin. Furthermore, shea butter is safe for babies.
Soybean oil – Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil
Soybean oil contains approximately 60% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is also a good source of vitamin E. It is commonly used in bath oil and soap making formulations and is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and emollient oil which contains isoflavones, saponins and is high in vitamin C.
Sunflower Oil - Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Healthy, natural sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. It is high in essential fatty acids and helps to moisturize, regenerate and condition the skin. Sunflower oil can be used as the primary oil within lotion, salt scrub, bath oil and massage oil formulations. It is especially useful in formulations intended for mature, sensitive, dry or damaged skin. Sunflower oil supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.
Tocopheryl Acetate – Vitamin E
Obtained by the vacuum distillation of edible vegetable oils, tocopherols act as a natural preservative (they help prevent rancidity and hence help to maintain the shelf-life of products that contain them) and important natural antioxidant. Considered an amazingly effective antioxidant, vitamin E is a lipid-soluble vitamin that has eight different forms, of which some are known for being excellent antioxidants when applied topically to skin, particularly alpha tocopherol and the tocotrienols. However, other studies have indicated the acetate form (tocopherol acetate) is also bioavailable and protective for skin. And still other research points to tocopherol sorbate as providing significant antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidative damage.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants recycle vitamin E end-products back into effective suppressors of free radicals. Pointing to the significance of vitamin E for skin is an article in the Journal of Molecular Medicine (January 1995, pages 7-17) which states: “More than other tissues, the skin is exposed to numerous environmental chemical and physical agents such as ultraviolet light causing oxidative stress (free-radical damage). In the skin this results in several short- and long-term adverse effects such as erythema (redness), edema (swelling), skin thickening, wrinkling, and an increased incidence of skin cancer”. Vitamin E is the major “antioxidant protecting the skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress including photoaging (sun damage).” Tocopherols also provide fabulous relief for chapped lips and ragged cuticles and are reported to soften and gradually fade scar tissue because they aid in tissue repair and moisturize the skin from within. Additionally, tocopherols protect fat in the body’s tissues from abnormal breakdown, increase micro-circulation, and may protect blood vessels.
Wheat Germ Oil - Triticum vilgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Wheat germ oil is rich is vitamins A, D and E. Wheat germ oil is very nourishing to the skin. Wheat germ oil prevents moisture loss from the skin, and it soothes irritated, sunburned, or burned skin. Wheat germ oil is especially beneficial within massage oil formulations.
