Continuing education always in progress...
ZenJens Ingredient Knowledge
This glossary is intended to provide BASIC information about the many
ingredients & definitions used to produce ZenJens skincare products.
This information is in no way an attempt to replace the advice of any professional physicians. None of the products or definitions listed on this website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. None of the statements or products on this web site have been evaluated by the FDA.
Click here for -> References
Please remember that essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils and can have many different actions on the body.
Not all e.o.'s are suitable for everyone and should be regarded with care per individual.
Please use with discernment, particularly with the use on the elderly, children, those pregnant, nursing and any other frail individuals.
Essential Oils
Cypress: (Cupressus sempervirens)
This essential oil has a sweet balsamic refreshing aroma reminiscent of pine needles and juniper berry oil. It is used in skin care preparations for it's antiseptic and astringent properties. *Safety- Cypress oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Geranium: (Pelargonium graveolens)
This Essential oil has a sweet, rosy, herbaceous odor. It is known in skin care for helping to balance the production of sebum, Making it valuable for all dry, oily & combination skin types. *Safety- Geranium oil has been reported as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. However, cases of dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals caused by geranium oil have been documented.
Helichrysum/Everlasting: (Helichrysum angustifolium DC.)
This essential oil has a sweet-fruity and tea-like odor. Used in skincare it is known for it's excellent anti-inflammatory properties. *Safety- Everlasting oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Lavender: (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is often referred to as 'mother' of essential oils. This species known as the "true" lavender are native to Bulgaria and France. Lavender oil is commonly associated with the healing of the skin, as one of it's many actions is antiseptic and can be used for all skin types. *Safety- Lavender oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Palmarosa: (Cymbopogon martini)
Palmarosa is a species of grass in that of the same family as lemon grass and citronella. Palmarosa is great for skin care, it's actions on the skin are extensively used for it's antiseptic and hydrating properties. It's reputed for having a balancing effect on the sebaceous glands as well as stimulating effects on cellular regeneration. *Safety- Palmarosa oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Peppermint: (Mentha arvensis)
Peppermint can be used to relieve any kind of skin irritation or itching with proper dilution. Known for it's cleansing and decongesting properties, as well as vasoconstrictor, constricting the capillaries. *Safety- Peppermint oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Petitgrain: (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara.)
Petitgrain oil is produced from the leaves from the bitter orange. It has a tonic effect on the skin and is helpful for acne, blemishes, and helps reduce overactive sebaceous glands. *Safety- Petitgrain oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Rose: (Rosa damascena)
Rosa damascena is commonly known as Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose or rose otto. In skin care it has excellent emollient, antiseptic and hydrating properties making it deal for mature, dry and sensitive skin. *Safety- Rose absolute and rose otto oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Rosemary: (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary has traditionally been used in skin and hair care. Known to have desincrustation effect on harden sebum , breaking down the oil and a liposolvent/astringent effect on the pores. *Safety- Rosemary oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. However, it should not be used during pregnancy and by persons suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Rosewood: (Aniba rosaeodora)
Rosewood is a very safe oil to use on the skin. With antiseptic and cytophylactic properties it's beneficial for treating acne, dermatitis, sensitive soon, aged skin and damaged skin. *Safety- Rosewood oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Sage: (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is knowns for it's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Reputed to be highly regenerative in skin care and recommended for the treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema, dandruff and hair loss. *Safety- I recommend Sage oil should be used in diluted formulas by professionals and aromatherapists due to the high percentage of it's thujone and camphor. Should not be used during pregnancy, for young children or anyone suffering from epilepsy.
Thyme: (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is recommended in treating skin infections, as it has excellent antimicrobal properties and well researched as a antioxidant. *Safety- Thyme oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and a possible sensitizer in some individuals.
Carrier Oils/Base Oils/Fixed Oils
Apricot Kernel oil: (Prunus amygdalus)
This cold pressed oil has a light texture, that is easily absorbed into the skin making it
especially suitable for facial blends. Good for the treatment of mature, dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.
Avocado oil: (Persea americana)
Rich in Proteins, Vitamins (A, B1, B2, D, E), Fatty acids and Beta carotene this oil is particularly good for soothing mature, dry & climate-damaged skin. It's also renowned for it's healing, anti-bacterial and anti-wrinkle properties.
Borage Seed Oil: (Borage officinalis)
This oil is very rich in GLA's (gamma linolenic acid), vitamins and minerals. Known to lubricate the skin and help with signs of premature aging.
Camellia Seed oil: (Camellia sinensis)
Camellia oil containing anti-oxidants protects the skin from free radical damage, refines mature skin, and nourishes the complexion. It is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it silky smooth without the greasy feeling, making it one of the best kept secrets in the cosmetic and hair care industry. For centuries it's been used as a traditional hair conditioner and also as a treatment to strengthen brittle nails.
Hemp Seed oil:
Jojoba oil: (Simmondsia chinensis)
Pronounced ho-ho-ba, this liquid wax is the closest to the human bodies natural sebum (oil). Known for it's moisturizing, healing properties and excellent resistance to oxidation. Suitable for all skin types whether dry, oily or sensitive.
Rosehip oil: (Rosa rubiginosa)
A popular oil in regenerative skincare, it has been found to be extremely beneficial with the treatment of wrinkles, burns, scars, hyper pigmentation and overall premature aging.
Sweet Almond oil: (Prunus amygdalus)
This oil is extensively used in skin care preparations being highly nutritious, a good source of trace minerals and rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleum acid. Excellent emollient for chapped skin and other conditional such as eczema.
Misc. Ingredients
Beet Juice Powder:
Used as a natural colorant in our lip balms and has a nice flavor to boot. There are over 80 different nutrients in beets that our bodies just love, not to mention rich in antioxidants. Used as a natural colorant in our lip balms and adds a nice flavor to boot. By just incorporating the addition of beet powder as an ingredient, your skin and body is able to enjoy the benefits.
Honey:
Besides being published widely in medical literature for it's antiseptic and preserving properties, honey is a natural humectant, a substance that draws moisture to itself. Known for skin conditioning, it can be an addition to skincare or used alone a moisturizing mask. It is also used for conditioning of hair and scalp as well as reducing facial redness and acne.
Mica:
A mineral that provides a light-reflecting quality to skincare, typically used as a SPF or natural colorant.
Vitamin E (Non-GMO): (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E helps prevents premature aging by blocking free radical damage. It boost collagen production and promotes cell regeneration. and is highly regarded as a natural preservative due to it's strong antioxidant properties.
Misc. Definitions
Cold pressed oils: (also can be referred to as Carrier or Base oils)
Excellent oil to use in skin care as they are NOT exposed to high temperatures or chemical solvents during the extraction methods, which can destroy the natural aromas, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Distillate: See Hydrosols.
Essential Oil:
An essential oil is a volatile liquid derived by a physical process from an odorous plant material of a single botanical species.
Emollient:
Emollients, or moisturizers help keep the skin soft and hydrated by reducing water loss from the epidermis.
Expeller-pressed oils:
Have been mechanically pressed from the nut, seed fruit, or vegetable from which it was derived. Highly recommended for use in skin care, as it has a higher nutritional value than conventionally processed oils.
EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids):
EFA's are vitamin-like substances that have a protective effect on the body. The reason they are called 'essential' is because your body cannot manufacture them, you must obtain them from the foods you eat or from a supplement. As far as skin care goes, OMEGA-3's & 6's are the ones you want. They're benefits range widely: balancing sebum production, relieving arthritis, promotes joint function & flexibility, aids in healing psoriasis/eczema and overall smooth, healthy, moisturized skin.
Fixed oils: See Base oils.
Flower Water: See Hydrosols.
Hydrosols:
Also known as flower Water or distillates are a by-product of steam-distilling plant materials. Unlike their "essential oil added to water" counterparts, true steam-distilled hydrosols contain all the beneficial components that the whole plant has to offer.
Organic:
Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
Steam-distilled:
Using a still, steam passes through the plant material which then releases and carries the essential oil up to the top of the still, where a separatory funnel then divides the essential oil from the steam. The steam vapors thus turning back into a liquid form has now been impregnated with all the attributes of the plant matter known as a hydrosol and the most desired essential oils are now steam distilled into their purest form.
Separatory funnel: (chemistry)
A funnel-shaped device used for the careful and accurate separation of two immiscible liquids.
Wild Crafted:
In herbal medicine, the practice of collecting medicinally beneficial plants directly from their natural habitat as opposed to cultivating them in a greenhouse or on a farm.
Cypress: (Cupressus sempervirens)
This essential oil has a sweet balsamic refreshing aroma reminiscent of pine needles and juniper berry oil. It is used in skin care preparations for it's antiseptic and astringent properties. *Safety- Cypress oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Geranium: (Pelargonium graveolens)
This Essential oil has a sweet, rosy, herbaceous odor. It is known in skin care for helping to balance the production of sebum, Making it valuable for all dry, oily & combination skin types. *Safety- Geranium oil has been reported as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. However, cases of dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals caused by geranium oil have been documented.
Helichrysum/Everlasting: (Helichrysum angustifolium DC.)
This essential oil has a sweet-fruity and tea-like odor. Used in skincare it is known for it's excellent anti-inflammatory properties. *Safety- Everlasting oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Lavender: (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is often referred to as 'mother' of essential oils. This species known as the "true" lavender are native to Bulgaria and France. Lavender oil is commonly associated with the healing of the skin, as one of it's many actions is antiseptic and can be used for all skin types. *Safety- Lavender oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Palmarosa: (Cymbopogon martini)
Palmarosa is a species of grass in that of the same family as lemon grass and citronella. Palmarosa is great for skin care, it's actions on the skin are extensively used for it's antiseptic and hydrating properties. It's reputed for having a balancing effect on the sebaceous glands as well as stimulating effects on cellular regeneration. *Safety- Palmarosa oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Peppermint: (Mentha arvensis)
Peppermint can be used to relieve any kind of skin irritation or itching with proper dilution. Known for it's cleansing and decongesting properties, as well as vasoconstrictor, constricting the capillaries. *Safety- Peppermint oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Petitgrain: (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara.)
Petitgrain oil is produced from the leaves from the bitter orange. It has a tonic effect on the skin and is helpful for acne, blemishes, and helps reduce overactive sebaceous glands. *Safety- Petitgrain oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Rose: (Rosa damascena)
Rosa damascena is commonly known as Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose or rose otto. In skin care it has excellent emollient, antiseptic and hydrating properties making it deal for mature, dry and sensitive skin. *Safety- Rose absolute and rose otto oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and may occasionally be sensitizing.
Rosemary: (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary has traditionally been used in skin and hair care. Known to have desincrustation effect on harden sebum , breaking down the oil and a liposolvent/astringent effect on the pores. *Safety- Rosemary oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. However, it should not be used during pregnancy and by persons suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Rosewood: (Aniba rosaeodora)
Rosewood is a very safe oil to use on the skin. With antiseptic and cytophylactic properties it's beneficial for treating acne, dermatitis, sensitive soon, aged skin and damaged skin. *Safety- Rosewood oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Sage: (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is knowns for it's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Reputed to be highly regenerative in skin care and recommended for the treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema, dandruff and hair loss. *Safety- I recommend Sage oil should be used in diluted formulas by professionals and aromatherapists due to the high percentage of it's thujone and camphor. Should not be used during pregnancy, for young children or anyone suffering from epilepsy.
Thyme: (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is recommended in treating skin infections, as it has excellent antimicrobal properties and well researched as a antioxidant. *Safety- Thyme oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and a possible sensitizer in some individuals.
Carrier Oils/Base Oils/Fixed Oils
Apricot Kernel oil: (Prunus amygdalus)
This cold pressed oil has a light texture, that is easily absorbed into the skin making it
especially suitable for facial blends. Good for the treatment of mature, dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.
Avocado oil: (Persea americana)
Rich in Proteins, Vitamins (A, B1, B2, D, E), Fatty acids and Beta carotene this oil is particularly good for soothing mature, dry & climate-damaged skin. It's also renowned for it's healing, anti-bacterial and anti-wrinkle properties.
Borage Seed Oil: (Borage officinalis)
This oil is very rich in GLA's (gamma linolenic acid), vitamins and minerals. Known to lubricate the skin and help with signs of premature aging.
Camellia Seed oil: (Camellia sinensis)
Camellia oil containing anti-oxidants protects the skin from free radical damage, refines mature skin, and nourishes the complexion. It is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it silky smooth without the greasy feeling, making it one of the best kept secrets in the cosmetic and hair care industry. For centuries it's been used as a traditional hair conditioner and also as a treatment to strengthen brittle nails.
Hemp Seed oil:
Jojoba oil: (Simmondsia chinensis)
Pronounced ho-ho-ba, this liquid wax is the closest to the human bodies natural sebum (oil). Known for it's moisturizing, healing properties and excellent resistance to oxidation. Suitable for all skin types whether dry, oily or sensitive.
Rosehip oil: (Rosa rubiginosa)
A popular oil in regenerative skincare, it has been found to be extremely beneficial with the treatment of wrinkles, burns, scars, hyper pigmentation and overall premature aging.
Sweet Almond oil: (Prunus amygdalus)
This oil is extensively used in skin care preparations being highly nutritious, a good source of trace minerals and rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleum acid. Excellent emollient for chapped skin and other conditional such as eczema.
Misc. Ingredients
Beet Juice Powder:
Used as a natural colorant in our lip balms and has a nice flavor to boot. There are over 80 different nutrients in beets that our bodies just love, not to mention rich in antioxidants. Used as a natural colorant in our lip balms and adds a nice flavor to boot. By just incorporating the addition of beet powder as an ingredient, your skin and body is able to enjoy the benefits.
Honey:
Besides being published widely in medical literature for it's antiseptic and preserving properties, honey is a natural humectant, a substance that draws moisture to itself. Known for skin conditioning, it can be an addition to skincare or used alone a moisturizing mask. It is also used for conditioning of hair and scalp as well as reducing facial redness and acne.
Mica:
A mineral that provides a light-reflecting quality to skincare, typically used as a SPF or natural colorant.
Vitamin E (Non-GMO): (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E helps prevents premature aging by blocking free radical damage. It boost collagen production and promotes cell regeneration. and is highly regarded as a natural preservative due to it's strong antioxidant properties.
Misc. Definitions
Cold pressed oils: (also can be referred to as Carrier or Base oils)
Excellent oil to use in skin care as they are NOT exposed to high temperatures or chemical solvents during the extraction methods, which can destroy the natural aromas, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Distillate: See Hydrosols.
Essential Oil:
An essential oil is a volatile liquid derived by a physical process from an odorous plant material of a single botanical species.
Emollient:
Emollients, or moisturizers help keep the skin soft and hydrated by reducing water loss from the epidermis.
Expeller-pressed oils:
Have been mechanically pressed from the nut, seed fruit, or vegetable from which it was derived. Highly recommended for use in skin care, as it has a higher nutritional value than conventionally processed oils.
EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids):
EFA's are vitamin-like substances that have a protective effect on the body. The reason they are called 'essential' is because your body cannot manufacture them, you must obtain them from the foods you eat or from a supplement. As far as skin care goes, OMEGA-3's & 6's are the ones you want. They're benefits range widely: balancing sebum production, relieving arthritis, promotes joint function & flexibility, aids in healing psoriasis/eczema and overall smooth, healthy, moisturized skin.
Fixed oils: See Base oils.
Flower Water: See Hydrosols.
Hydrosols:
Also known as flower Water or distillates are a by-product of steam-distilling plant materials. Unlike their "essential oil added to water" counterparts, true steam-distilled hydrosols contain all the beneficial components that the whole plant has to offer.
Organic:
Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
Steam-distilled:
Using a still, steam passes through the plant material which then releases and carries the essential oil up to the top of the still, where a separatory funnel then divides the essential oil from the steam. The steam vapors thus turning back into a liquid form has now been impregnated with all the attributes of the plant matter known as a hydrosol and the most desired essential oils are now steam distilled into their purest form.
Separatory funnel: (chemistry)
A funnel-shaped device used for the careful and accurate separation of two immiscible liquids.
Wild Crafted:
In herbal medicine, the practice of collecting medicinally beneficial plants directly from their natural habitat as opposed to cultivating them in a greenhouse or on a farm.