petals by German scientists in 2006. This makes rose oil and rose water valuable ingredients in any
green beauty preparation.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Although traditional herbal medicine used saffron for centuries, modern medical science only
recently discovered cancer-suppressing, mutation-preventing, and antioxidant-like properties in this
ancient spice. Medical studies have demonstrated that crocin, the main ingredient of saffron extract,
may prevent the development of chemically induced skin cancer.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Common sage is used in infusions that make great deodorants and mouthwashes with a soothing and
mildly antiseptic effect. However, sage is known to inhibit milk production and therefore is not
recommended for use during breast-feeding.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
This bright orange berry is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and
flavonoids, and it is filled to the brim with the powerful antioxidant proanthocyanidin, which can
protect skin from different types of free radical attacks, including ionizing radiation. Thanks to its
antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, sea buckthorn extract can serve as a natural preservative in
green cosmetic products.
Sea Salt
Sea salt usually has a higher mineral content than table salt. It is commonly used in bath
preparations, physical exfoliants, and hair-styling products for its ability to temporarily evict water
from hair shafts, making hair stiff and curly.
Shea Butter
This natural butter, extracted from shea nuts (Butyrospermum parkii), is an exceptionally good
moisturizer and emollient with anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter is great on its own and truly
shines when used in preparations for fading scars, and alleviating eczema, burns, rashes, acne, stretch
marks, and even psoriasis. Shea butter provides natural UV protection of approximately SPF6, but
you should never rely on shea butter alone for sun protection! You can buy pure shea butter and use it
as a face and body cleanser and moisturizer, or you can mix it with active natural ingredients to suit
your needs.
Silver
Colloidal silver is a water suspension of ionic silver. Since medieval times, silver has been used
as a bactericidal agent that helps heal skin abrasions and burns. Colloidal silver has been approved
by the Environmental Protection Agency for disinfection purposes in hospitals. Colloidal silver
sprays are commonly used to treat burns and throat infections. In natural cosmetics, colloidal silver
makes a safe and nonirritating preservative with an added anti-inflammatory bonus.