Fixed Oils
Fixed oils are oils which are not volatile and are usually vegetable or nut oils. They are also called base oils or carrier oils if they are used to dilute essential oils. Fixed oils we use are listed below.
Almond Oil
Almond Oil (also called sweet almond oil) is a protein rich oil which also contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6 and a small amount of E. Due to its penetrating and lubricating properties, it protects and nourishes all skin types.
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Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is a very light seed oil which is high in vitamins A and B and is a cell regenerator. It is good for all skin types but particularly for prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed and dry skin. It is an excellent softener for the delicate skin around the eyes, neck, and mouth.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil contains protein, vitamins A, B, and D and is rich in lecithin. It is good for all skin types, but since it penetrates the upper layers of the skin, it is especially beneficial for dry, undernourished, or aging skin.
Borage Seed Oil
Borage Seed Oil is a natural oil that restores moisture and smoothness to dry and damaged skin. It is the richest known source (23%) of the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is important for metabolic functions which maintains healthy hair, skin, and nails and repairs tissue damage.
Calendula Infused Oil
Calendula Infused Oil is olive oil infused with the petals of the Calendula or pot marigold flower. Calendula is a very healing herb which has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and is especially good for slow healing wounds, cracked skin or for eczema or psoriasis.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is an excellent skin lubricator made from the cocoa bean. It is available in both natural and deodorized forms.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is used in soap making to promote rich lather. It is used in skin care as an emollient to soften and soothe the skin.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is another oil high in GLA which makes it useful for cell regeration and for eczema, dry, scaly skin and dandruff. It is said to accelerate wound healing.
Glycerin
Glycerin a is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. In a humid climate such as the southeastern US, glycerin attracts moisture to the skin.
Grape Seed Oil
Grape Seed Oil is a light weight oil suitable for light massage and is water-dispersible in the bath. It contains vitamins, minerals and protein and is a gentle emollient, leaving the skin with a satin finish without feeling greasy.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a wax obtained from the wool of sheep and provides a potective moisturizing barrier. It is not recommended for oily skin.
Olive Oil
Olive Oil is an emollient and is soothing to inflamed skin. It is used in soap making to produce a milder bar.
Palm Kernel Oil
Palm Kernel Oil is used in soap making to make a hard bar with excellent lather. In 2017 we switched to an organic, sustainable product due to environmental concerns.
Rose-hip Oil
Rose-hip Oil is another oil high in GLA as well as vitamin C. Research has shown rose hip oil to be a tissue regenerator making it an excellent oil for a mature skin as well as for scars, wounds, burns (including sunburn), and eczema .
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is an anti-oxidant which helps eradicate free radicals from the skin and acts as a preservative for other oils.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are volatile oils which are extracted (usually by steam distillation) from the oil glands of certain plants. They are very concentrated and therefore very potent. Always keep essential oils away from children or pets. Never use them undiluted on the skin and never take them internally.
Basil
Basil is an uplifting oil which aids in concentration and clear thinking, helps relieve anxiety and mental fatigue. It is also useful for respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, sinus congestion, asthma, and colds. Basil also improves the tone and condition of the skin.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid long term use if you have a history of estrogen dependent cancer.
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Bergamot
Bergamot, an Italian citrus oil, lifts the spirit, relaxes the nervous system, and reduces anxiety and frustration. Bergamot is also a deodorant and an insect repellent. In skin care, bergamot is used for eczema, acne, and blemishes. Bergamot can cause sunburn. At Coyote Cove Farm we use only bergaptene free bergamot which eliminates this problem.
Chamomile (Roman)
Chamomile (Roman) is soothing and calming, making it helpful in relieving insomnia. Its diuretic and antidepressant qualities make it helpful with PMS or menopausal problems. In skin care, it is especially good for dry, sensitive skin or for allergy problems such as eczema.
Caution: Avoid during first trimester of pregnancy. Avoid long term use if you have a history of estrogen dependent cancer.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has decongestant and expectorant properties which combined with its antiviral and antibacterial qualities make it excellent for colds, flu, sinus problems and asthma. It is an analgesic, especially for pain associated with arthritis, bursitis. and muscle aches. Eucalyptus is an insect repellent and works especially well for mosquitoes. A cephalic oil, it increases alertness. Caution: Avoid if you have a history of epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Frankincense
Frankincense has long been used for skin care and perfumery. It has a tonic effect on the skin and is very useful for aging or wrinkled skin. It is also a calming oil. Because it slows and deepens the breath, it is useful both as a meditation aid and for respiratory problems especially bronchitis.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy.
Geranium
Geranium, which has a sweet, rose like aroma, is a hormone regulator known for its balancing properties, both on the emotional and physical levels. It is an uplifting oil which helps relieve anxiety and depression. Because it balances the production of sebum, it is valuable for many skin problems, including acne and eczema and is especially good for mature skin. Geranium also has antiseptic and diuretic properties and is known as an insect repellent.
Caution : Avoid long term use if you have a history of estrogen dependent cancer.
Lavender
Lavender is probably the most useful of all essential oils. Its psycho-emotional benefits include calming and relaxing properties, making it helpful in relieving insomnia, nervous tension, irritability, and anxiety. The physical benefits of lavender are even more important. Lavender is a strong analgesic (pain reliever). especially good for headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for cuts,burns and bites. In skin care, lavender is appropriate for all skin types, but is especially healing for disturbed skin, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Palmarosa
Palmarosa is best known as a skin care oil. It hydrates and tones skin, balances the production of sebum, and stimulates cellular regeneration. Because of palmarosa’s antiseptic properties, it is good for the treatment of acne.
Caution : Avoid long term use if you have a history of estrogen dependent cancer.
Patchouli
Patchouli is another oil which is excellent for skin care. It is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, a fungicide, and a cell regenerator. It is good for acne, dry, cracked skin, eczema, dandruff, aging skin, and varicose veins to name but a few of its uses.
Peppermint
Peppermint is best known as a digestive aid, but has many other uses. It is an analgesic, decongestant, and a vaso-constrictor, which makes peppermint useful for relief of headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, colds, asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. It is also a cephalic oil, which means that it aids in clear thinking.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy or while nursing.
Rosemary
Rosemary for remembrance the old saying goes. And indeed rosemary is a stimulant and a tonic to the brain a well as the body. It aids memory and relieves mental strain as well as being useful for fatigue, muscle soreness, and arthritis. It is also a decongestant and a hair tonic, especially useful for treatment of dandruff.
Caution: Avoid if you have a history of epilepsy or high blood pressure or are pregnant.
Rosewood
Rosewood has a calming, steadying, and uplifting effect on the psyche. It is reputed to be an immune system stimulant. In skin care it is used for aging or dry skin due to its cell regenerative properties. In 2017 we began phasing out rosewood oil due to environmental concerns. It will remain in a few products until we have run through our existing supply.
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Tea Tree
Tea Tree is perhaps the most potent antiseptic in the essential oil arsenal. Tea tree acts against bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as stimulating the body’s own immune system. It is useful in the treatment of cuts, burns, athlete’s foot, dandruff, acne, colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis as well as many other conditions.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang has a sweet, heavy, floral aroma. It is a sedative, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac and produces feelings of well being. It is used for insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
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