Eggsactly…

The Liquid Gold You Didn’t Expect: Is Egg Oil the Next Skin Care Hero?

When you think of eggs, you probably think of breakfast or a DIY hair mask from a 2000s teen magazine. But egg oil (scientifically known as Oleum Ovum) is making a serious comeback in the world of dermatological science.

Unlike a raw egg white mask that can be messy and carry a risk of salmonella, egg oil is a refined, nutrient-dense lipid extract. Here’s why it’s gaining traction as a powerhouse for skin health.

Why It Works: The Nutrient Breakdown

Egg oil is essentially a concentrated dose of the best parts of the yolk. It works because its composition closely mimics the natural oils produced by human skin.

• Cholesterol: Don't let the word scare you. Topically, cholesterol is a vital skin-identical ingredient that helps repair the skin barrier and maintain elasticity.

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin: These are powerful antioxidants that help filter blue light and protect against oxidative stress.

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These "good fats" are essential for reducing inflammation and keeping the skin plump and hydrated.

• Lecithin: A natural emollient that acts as a delivery system, helping other active ingredients penetrate deeper into the dermis.

Key Benefits for Your Skin

1. Barrier Repair: If you’ve overdone it with harsh acids or retinoids, egg oil acts like a "sealant," locking in moisture and soothing irritation.

2. Anti-Aging: By supporting the lipid layer, it minimizes the appearance of fine lines and helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

3. Scar Healing: Historically used in traditional medicine for burns, modern studies suggest it can aid in tissue regeneration and fade minor scars.

Pro Tip: Egg oil is generally non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores), but if you have extremely oily or acne-prone skin, it's always best to patch test first.

The Verdict

Is it worth the hype? If you struggle with dryness, sensitivity, or a compromised skin barrier, egg oil is a highly effective, bio-available solution. It’s a classic example of "old world" wisdom meeting "new world" formulation.

Would you like me to help you find some specific products that feature egg oil, or perhaps draft a social media caption to go along with this post?

Botanicals & sustainability for the win!

My latest venture is products that have been infused with organic botanicals that have been known to have therapeutic & medicinal properties. Many plants have therapeutic uses and the exploration of natural products has been my focus as of late. By slow infusing organic oils with herbs and using a slow hot and cold process, the most benefits are gathered. I’m in the process of expanding my knowledge of medicinal plants and will be using more naturally therapeutic means to achieve the best possible products.

I’ve also been exploring more sustainable packaging and sourcing. Palm oil is a major component of my soap and it’s becoming nearly impossible to find. I have been using only palm oil with the RSPO certification and it’s ssssooooooo expensive. I’m currently formulation a recipe that would replace palm with other oils and butters and will be adding tallow soap soon. I have been in talks with a local butcher and will be sourcing fat from local, grass fed cows to render and use in place of palm oil. This will go a long way towards allowing me to keep my price point where it’s at.

I have obtained a pretty large quantity of 2oz tins made from recycled aluminum that I will be using for therapeutic salves. All butters will now be in 4oz containers as that supply of recycled tins is readily available. I will also be moving away from plastic lip balm tubes and using paper push up tubes. They will be more expensive but they will have nearly double the product ( 5gm v 8.5gm).

The Earth is literally on fire and I don’t want to be the one who strikes another match.

The Bees Knees

I’ve been very interested in getting the most benefit for skin out of herbs, flowers and other natural ingredients. Take a gander at this blog post that gives some insight to the use of propolis in therapeutic salves and balms.

Propolis: Nature's Secret Weapon for Radiant Skin

From soothing botanicals to nourishing oils, nature offers an incredible array of ingredients to help us achieve healthy, glowing skin. But what if I told you about a powerful, often overlooked ingredient created by one of nature's most industrious creatures? Enter propolis, a remarkable resinous substance collected by bees, and a true game-changer for 100% natural skincare.

What Exactly is Propolis?

Propolis, often referred to as "bee glue," is a sticky, greenish-brown substance that honeybees produce by mixing their saliva with beeswax and exudates gathered from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources. Bees use propolis to seal gaps in their hives, strengthen comb, and protect the colony from external threats like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It's essentially the hive's immune system, and it's packed with a treasure trove of beneficial compounds.

A Rich Cocktail of Goodness

The exact composition of propolis can vary depending on the geographical location and the plant sources available to the bees. However, it typically contains a complex blend of:

*Flavonoids: Powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental damage.

*Phenolic Acids: Known for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

*Terpenes: Contribute to propolis's distinctive aroma and therapeutic effects.

*Vitamins: Including B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

*Minerals: Such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc.

This intricate synergy of compounds makes propolis a powerhouse ingredient for your skin.

Why Propolis Belongs in Your Natural Skincare Routine

1. Potent Antioxidant Protection: Just like it protects the hive, propolis protects your skin. Its high concentration of flavonoids and other antioxidants helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to premature aging, dullness, and skin damage from UV exposure and pollution.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Marvel: If you struggle with redness, irritation, or conditions like acne and rosacea, propolis can be a true soothing balm. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm angry skin, reduce swelling, and promote a more even complexion.

3. Natural Antiseptic and Antimicrobial: Propolis has long been revered for its natural ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For blemish-prone skin, this means it can help cleanse pores, reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria, and prevent future breakouts without harsh chemicals that can strip your skin.

4. Promotes Healing and Regeneration: Propolis has been shown to support the skin's natural healing process. It can help repair minor wounds, reduce the appearance of scars, and encourage cell regeneration, leading to healthier, more resilient skin.

5. Moisturizing and Conditioning: While not primarily a moisturizer, propolis can contribute to overall skin health by supporting the skin's barrier function. This helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin supple and hydrated.

How to Incorporate Propolis into Your 100% Natural Routine

The beauty of propolis is its versatility. You can find it in a variety of natural skincare products:

Serums: A propolis serum can deliver a concentrated dose of its beneficial compounds directly to your skin.

Masks: Look for propolis in hydrating or purifying masks for an intensive treatment.

Cleansers: A propolis-infused cleanser can help purify and balance your skin without stripping it.

Balms and Spot Treatments: For targeted relief of blemishes or irritated areas.

A Note on Sensitivity:

While propolis is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may have an allergy, particularly those with existing bee allergies or allergies to poplar trees. It's always wise to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any new propolis product to your entire face.

Embrace the Power of the Hive

By integrating propolis into your 100% natural skincare regimen, you're not just using a trendy ingredient – you're tapping into centuries of natural wisdom and the incredible power of the natural world. Give your skin the gift of this amazing bee-derived treasure, and watch as it transforms into a healthier, more radiant version of itself.

Keep an eye on my IG and this site for a new salve/balm using propolis and egg oil. Blog post on egg oil comes next week.

Elderberry is where it’s at.

**Elderberry syrup. You’ve seen it in stores, people take the gummies when they’re sick. Let’s talk about the why of it. Medicinal use of elderberries is attributed to the ancient Greeks around 400 BCE, particularly Hippocrates, who called the elder tree his "medicine chest" for its wide variety of healing properties. However, evidence suggests people used elderberries even earlier; archaeological findings in Neolithic Swiss settlements show they were cultivated as far back as 2000 BCE. 

**So what does it do? Let’s talk about it.

Elderberries are jam packed with Vitamin C & Vitamin A which help support a healthy immune system.

They are full of antioxidants like anthocyanins, which fight off harmful free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. 

Studies suggest elderberry may help reduce the severity and length of flu symptoms. 

Potassium in elderberries helps regulate blood pressure. 

Elderberries contain phenolic acids and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. 

They may act as a diuretic and help with digestive problems like gas. 

Elderberries do contain cyanogenic glycosides , which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if not prepared properly. You should always bring your elderberries to a boil and then drop to a simmer and cook uncovered for 40 minutes to neutralize these toxins.

Your elderberry syrup kit also contains organic dried ginger & oranges (dehydrated by me without sulfur or preservatives), imported, organic Ceylon cinnamon, star anise, clove buds. These all help with digestion, inflammation and provide antioxidants.

Elderberry Syrup should be used with caution by pregnant women.

Now, let’s go over the (+) components.

Elderberry Syrup (+) Cough contains the above as well as :

Wild Cherry Bark - cough suppressant, eases bronchial spasms

Ginger - immune support

Echinacea - stimulates immune response

Peppermint - promotes relaxation

White Horehound - expectorant

Red Honeybush - secondary expectorant & cough suppressant

Elderberry (+) Throat contains the above as well as:

Elderflower - antiviral properties, fever break, decongestant

Calendula - soft tissue ant inflammatory

Marshmallow root - immune booster

Peppermint - promotes relaxation, adds flavor

Slippery Elm Bark - mucilage (coats throat), decreases swelling in mucous membranes

Licorice Root: breaks up phlegm and aids in expectoration

**Elderberry syrup is generally safe for children over 1 when taken in moderation. Pregnant women would be safe using the Elderberry only syrup in moderation , I would NOT recommend giving the (+) recipes to kids. There isn’t a lot of evidence saying that it’s not safe, there also isn’t a lot of evidence saying that it is.

Like Buttah

Our whipped body butter is so rich and hydrating, your skin will love you for it.

Base Ingredients

• Mango Butter
• Kokum Butter
• Organic Oils

Making a fresh batch of whipped body butter is a 3 day commitment. After getting my ingredients combined, the magic starts. I add no fillers, waxes or emulsifiers so you’ll get the purest form of these amazing ingredients. This body butter is quality tested and the consistency is tweaked until it’s perfect. I have lavender lemongrass and sweet orange sandalwood in stock from September through late April. Custom scents are available on request.

The power of a dream

After years of dabbling, making this a reality is my focus. I appreciate you and thank you for joining me in this venture. I love the community I live in and hope to keep growing and thriving in upstate New York.

I’m a one man show but the time, effort and investment are paying off. My goal is to expand and bring people from my community on board and I’m excited to get to it!!!

Introducing my new custom blended oils.

These oils have been slow cold infused with hibiscus, calendula, chamomile or rosemary. My herbs and flowers were chosen for their medicinal qualities and soothing properties.

With year round availability, my custom blended oils are hydrating, nourishing and all natural. Feel free to reach out if you have a specific products in mind, I have a large inventory of base oils to work with.