accurately.”
If, despite the risks, you choose to use DMAE in your DIY skin preparations, you should add it in
strictly recommended amounts to any anhydrous fluid, such as glycerin. DMAE can turn any cream
containing water into liquid. Conventional DMAE preparations usually contain 1–2 percent of
dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea)
This plant is believed to stimulate the body’s immune system and protect against various infections.
Echinacea extract is rich in caffeic acid derivative eicosanoids, or prostaglandins, anthocyanins, and
phenols that have a strong antioxidant effect. What makes echinacea even more beneficial in green
beauty applications is its ability to protect skin from UV damage. Italian scientists found that
echinacea effectively wards off free radicals and recommended “topical use of extracts from
Echinacea species for the prevention/treatment of photodamage of the skin by UVA/UVB radiation, in
which oxidative stress plays a crucial role” (Facino et al. 1995). Echinacea is used in moisturizers
and toners for easily irritated, acne-prone skin.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus torquata)
An essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves contains powerful natural disinfectants effective
against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Eucalyptus essential oil also has insect
repellent properties. For the first time in history, a December 2007 Egyptian study revealed that
eucalyptus extracts and oils were toxic to cells of human breast adenocarcinoma (Ashour 2007), but
more studies are needed to determine if eucalyptus has anicancer potential.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Essential oil from the seeds of evening primrose contains a very rare omega-6 essential fatty acid,
namely, gamma-linolenic acid. This is one of the body’s three sources of eicosanoids, which makes
evening primrose oil potentially effective for autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and eczema. Gamma-
linolenic acid also shows promise against breast cancer. When mixed with antioxidants and applied
topically, evening primrose helped decrease UV-induced skin damage.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Aside from being the flavorful heavyweight of Chinese cuisine, ginger plays an important role in
green beauty. An extract from ginger root, rich in gingerol, protein, minerals, vitamin A, and niacin,
has mild analgesic and antibacterial properties. Ginger is commonly used in creams and hair
conditioners for its ability to promote circulation in skin. Ginger also smells fantastic!
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
This herb is rich in the natural antiseptic compound isoquinoline. When applied topically, an
extract from the whole herb has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make this herb
useful in astringents and topical antiseptics for acne-prone skin.