skin tolerates arnica very well, and I find it an effective pain-relieving addition to massage creams.
Avocado (Persea americana)
This tropical fruit contains more fatty alcohols than any other fruit known to man. Avocados are
rich in potassium and vitamins B, E, and K. Avocado oil is a highly effective emollient and can be
used in many cosmetic products and home recipes.
Azelaic Acid
This acid is found naturally in wheat, rye, barley, and Malassezia fur-fur (also known as
Pityrosporum ovale), yeast that lives on normal skin. Azelaic acid is effective against acne when
applied topically in a cream formulation of up to 20 percent. “Azelaic acid 15 percent gel represents
a new therapeutic option for the treatment of acne vulgaris,” wrote acne expert Dr. Diane Thiboudot,
professor of dermatology at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, in her 2008 study on
this exciting new green beauty ingredient, adding that “most physicians (81.9 percent) described an
improvement in patients’ symptoms after an average of 34.6 days” (Thiboudot 2008). Another
important benefit of this plant-derived acid is its activity against excessive pigmentation, including
melasma and post-acne brown marks. As if it weren’t enough, azelaic acid wards off free radicals,
reduces inflammation, appears to be virtually nontoxic, and is well tolerated by most complexions.
Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate)
This fine white powder is in natural deodorants for its ability to absorb odors. Baking soda is
traditionally used as a tooth whitener because of its abrasive properties. Last but not least, baking
soda makes a gentle antibacterial facial scrub, which is especially good for acne-prone skin.
Beeswax (Apis mellifera)
This natural wax is produced in the beehive of honeybees. Beeswax is rich in fatty acid esters and
is used in cosmetic products like emollients, thickeners, and emulsifiers. A controlled German study
found that a barrier cream with beeswax was more effective in baby care than a commercial product
with petroleum jelly (Frosch et al. 2003).
Beet (Beta vulgaris)
Beetroots are rich in the nutrient betaine and red pigments betalains and indicaxanthin. This
pigment has been shown to be a powerful protective antioxidant that also prevents the breakdown of
alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E. Beet juice can be used to prepare liquid blushes and lip colors.
Bentonite
This natural clay has the chemical name aluminum phyllosilicate. Clays are used cosmetically in
facial masks for their ability to absorb oil and protein molecules. As aluminum salt, bentonite and
kaolin are less toxic than aluminum hydroxychloride, which is used in antiperspirants. However,
bentonite clay may be toxic to the central nervous system and detrimental to bones because aluminum
competes with calcium for absorption. Currently, cosmetic manufacturers consider bentonite clays
safe for use in cosmetics based on a study in which aluminum silicate was applied to human skin