Ingredient Glossary

How to understand ingredients in haircare, skincare, and makeup. What ingredients are helpful and what ingredients are buzzwords or hype?

Ingredient Overview: Red Raspberry Seed Oil

August 24, 2022 ·

Raspberry Seed Oil is a skincare superhero, gently delivering beauty benefits. See how Raspberry Seed Oil can help your skin and see some of our favorite products using Raspberry Seed Oil in their formulations.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil packs powerful beauty benefits such as collagen production AND collagen conservation

Why Red Raspberry Seed Oil Is Special

Red Raspberry Seed Oil moisturizes the skin, builds collagen, improves elasticity, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

And Red Raspberry Seed Oil is gentle yet effective in addressing many skin issues associated with acne and aging. Got adult acne *and* wrinkles? Raspberry Seed Oil to the rescue!

Red Raspberry Seed Oil helps build collagen and reduces the destruction of collagen in the skin.

BONUS: Red Raspberry Oil has far less scent than the olfactory wallop of Rosehip Seed Oil yet has many similar benefits.

Here are some of them:

Raspberry Seed Oil Fast Facts

Raspberry Seed Oil is rich in Ellagic acid to reduce the destruction of collagen and protect against Ultraviolet sun damage. ^[1] Ellagic acid is also a moisture sealant.
Raspberry Seed Oil contains collagen-building and adult acne-treating Salicylic Acid.
Raspberry seed Oil also contains a high amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Raspberry Seed Oil contains phytosterols that promote new collagen production.
Red Raspberry oil has a high Vitamin E content. Vitamin E reduces skin damage and removes free radicals contributing to skin aging.

Favorite Products With Raspberry Seed Oil

EarthWise Ruby Face Oil

Earth Wise Ruby Oil absorbs immediately. Only a small amount is needed, just a few drops.

It is a deep golden hue. A substantial oil out of the dropper so that it doesn’t run, but is not heavy, sticky, or tacky on the skin. No residue.

Ruby Face Oil is a lovely translucent warm gold. It dispenses from a precise bubble dropper.

We love using it as an orbital skin treat and for gentle scar repair. An outstanding organic formulation for sensitive skin with multiple needs.

We love that Earth Wise uses organic, wildcrafted, cold-pressed oils and butters whenever possible

Such as lovely golden hue!

We loved all the organic goodness is in this formula.

Find out more about Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil contains collagen-building Red Raspberry Seed Oil, rich in ellagic acid.

This golden, silky, dry oil combines three power oils (Tamanu, Kukui, Raspberry) for stellar skin results. One of those oils is Red Raspberry Seed Oil.

Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil spreads well. It leaves skin with a non-sticky, non-greasy glow. It seals in skincare products without pilling.

Just a few drops cover the face, throat, and upper décolletage.

Kat Burki power trio radiance oil contains raspberry seed oil

Find out more about Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil, read our Raspberries to the Rescue: Kat Burki Power Trio Radiance Oil

Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum

Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum is part of the apothecary collection. It simultaneously brightens and hydrates because of the synergy between the natural ingredients of the raspberry seed oil and pomegranate.

Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum

Find out more about Dr Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Brightening Eye Serum

Ingredient Overviews

Was this Red Raspberry Seed Oil Ingredient Overview helpful? Then you may like other Ingredients Overviews such as Black Cumin Seed Oil , Watercress, and Mango Seed Butter.

Love natural collagen-enhancing skincare? You may also enjoy our Science of Skincare series exploring the Benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil.

Find more natural ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful hair and skin care ingredients.

And stay tuned for more Style Chicks Ingredient Overviews!

References

Bae JY, Choi JS, Kang SW, Lee YJ, Park J, Kang YH. Dietary compound ellagic acid alleviates skin wrinkle and inflammation induced by UV-B irradiation. Exp Dermatol. 2010;19(8):e182-e190. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.01044.x

QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Red Raspberry Seed Oil?

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Know any good raspberry products we should feature?

Beauty Benefits of Green Tea

July 12, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Green Tea is consumed as a beverage for health and beauty benefits. But it also works wonders when applied topically. An ingredient in many skin and hair products, this anti-aging superstar offers a host of beauty benefits.

Flowering Camellia Sinensis, the plant that makes tea leaves

Green Tea Skin Benefits

Green Tea feeds and moisturizes the skin, calms irritation, and is an excellent antioxidant. Topical Green Tea application can calm the irritation that aggressive topicals such as Retinol cause.

Green Tea on a compress or cotton pad can soothe inflammation from sunburn or angry cystic acne.

Drinking green tea has anti-aging benefits from polyphenols. It can reduce sun damage, decrease collagen breakdown and increase cell regeneration.

Green tea contains polyphenols that soothe skin while providing antioxidants. Polyphenols may improve sun-damaged skin. ^[1]

High in Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Green Tea is a major player in skin health and appearance. EGCG is the potent antioxidant from green tea. It protects against environmental damage and neutralizes free radicals that prematurely age skin. Research shows EGCG reactivates dying skin cells. This shows promise for repairing sun damage and scar healing. ^[2]

Hair Benefits

Topical application of Green Tea reduces hair fall. Dermato-trichologists use green tea as an excellent scalp massage as it nourishes the scalp, soothes inflammation and dandruff. The Polyphenols in green tea are good for hair roots and follicles, promoting hair regrowth. ^[3]

Green Tea removes DHT from the scalp. DHT is a hormone that accumulates on the scalp and chokes out hair follicles, shrinking them until they no longer grow new hair. Green Tea can remove DHT from the scalp.

Choose a quality whole leaf tea to brew your own green tea for DIY beauty benefits, or choose from some of our favorite products that incorporate green tea in their ingredients.

Brew green tea for 2 hours and allow to cool. Pour into a squirt bottle to use as a 5 minute treatment on your hair and scalp in the shower.

Choosing Green Tea

Superior results come from full leaf tea that is fresh. Choose full leaf loose tea whenever possible, not the dust found in tea bags.

Adagio teas has loose leaf teas that are fresh and do not contain preservatives. Choose one without added sugars.
Local health stores may also have bulk loose leaf tea.

DIY Green Tea Treatment Ideas

Use brewed and cooled green tea as a soothing and nourishing face wash.
Rub your face with green tea ice cubes for a refreshing morning pick me up that makes skin glow.
Soak a muslin cloth in green tea and place in a Ziploc baggie in the refrigerator. Use as a cooling facial compress over a moisturizer or mask.
Add brewed green tea to bathwater or a foot soak.
Rinse washed hair with green tea for shine. Focus on a gentle scalp massage to remove DHT.

Recommended Beauty Products Featuring Green Tea

Some products we use that feature green tea in their ingredients include:

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream is a lightweight gel like cream that absorbs quickly with no tacky dry down. It is lightweight enough for day use but packs the ingredients of a decadent treating night cream, including several synergistic fermented ingredients, such as fermented green and white teas, that promote collagen synthesis.

Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Brilliant Cream

ROIL LIFE SHAMPOO

Developed by celebrity hair stylist Amanda George, the ROIL Private Collection range features green tea in products such as their Roil Shine Shampoo and Roil Body Lotion.

ROIL Shine Shampoo has a decant lather and leaves hair clean yet hydrated. The Green Tea pairs well with Indian Gooseberry and Rosehip Oils.

BeautyStat

BeautyStat Universal C Refiner combines green tea’s EGCG with a stable Vitamin C for strong anti-aging protection. The green tea makes an excellent buffer so skin can tolerate the vitamin C.

emerginC Eye Serum

EMERGINC Scientific Organics Eyelight Serum combines green tea with Komucha, White Tea, Grape Stem Cells, Seaweed Extract and Yerba Mate. It depuffs eyes while treating signs of aging.

References

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2015, pages 456-463
Journal of Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003 306: 29-34
Journal of Leukoc Biol. 2001; 69:719-726

Black Cumin Seed Oil Ingredient Overview on Black Seed Oil Benefits

April 6, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Black Seed Oil, also known as Black Cumin Seed Oil, is an excellent hair conditioning and hair growth remedy. It also has skincare benefits.

Black Cumin Seed Oil comes from the seeds of this flower

About Black Cumin Seed Oil

Rich in fatty amino acids, Black Seed Oil is moisturizing to the skin and hair. It makes an excellent scalp treatment. It is an anti-inflammatory that soothes chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The fatty amino acids make the skin glow and give hair a natural shine.

Black Seed Oil Fast Facts

Black Seed Oil comes from seeds of the virgin on the green flower

Hair enhancing Black Seed Oil comes from the seeds of Nigella sativa

Black Cumin Seed Oil or Black Seed Oil:

comes from the seeds of the Nigella sativa, commonly called virgin in the green flower.
is also known as Black Cumin Seed Oil
works well with other ingredients to provide therapeutic effects.
is an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant oil
Black seeds and their oil have a long history of traditional medicine use in Indian and Arabian civilizations.

Black Seed Oil as a Scalp Treatment

For scalp care, Black Seed Oil contains Thymoquinone. This is an excellent antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

Black Cumin Seed Oil makes for an excellent scalp treatment. It hydrates the scalp to keep it in optimal condition for growing healthy hair. Black Cumin Seed Oil also combats scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and other skin conditions ^[1] that can impair healthy hair growth.

How to Apply Black Seed Oil as a Scalp Treatment

Black Seed Oil comes from the Virgin in the green flower

Mix the oil with Coconut or Olive Oil, about a 50/50 ratio.

The oil can be warmed and applied directly to the scalp with a cotton ball or nozzle applicator tip.

Massage gently into the scalp in a circular motion.

Leave the oil mixture in the hair for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left in for even a few hours.

Wash with a mild shampoo.

Black Seed Oil for HAIR GROWTH

You may have heard about this oil as a hair growth remedy. This is the case for certain types of hair growth.

Medical research studies of Telogen effluvium hair loss show topical Black Seed Oil application reduces temporary hair loss. ^[2]

Black Cumin Seed Oil does not directly stimulate hair growth in those within normal, healthy hair growth. But it does enable the keeping maximum hair length by combatting hair brittleness.

Hair breakage can give the appearance of slower hair growth when the hair breaks as fast or faster than it grows. By stopping hair breakage, hair retains healthy length.

It works well with other ingredients to provide therapeutic effects. It is synergistic with other humectant and moisturizing ingredients to lock moisture into the hair. Hydrated hair is more elastic and resilient to breakage than brittle hair.

Black Cumin Seed Oil from the seeds of this flower is an excellent scalp treatment

How to Use Black Seed Oil for Hair Conditioning

Mix Black Seed oil with Coconut or Olive Oil, about a 50/50 ratio.

This Oil mix can be warmed and applied to the lengths of the hair with or without a scalp treatment. Smooth the oil onto the hair with the palms of the hands, do not rub. Squeeze in extra onto the hair ends and damaged sections.

It can also be added to your favorite hair conditioner to make a hair masque. Leave the mix in the hair for an hour before rinsing. The advantage of mixing the oil into a cream conditioner is it is far easier to rinse from the hair without excessive shampooing or leaving a residue.

If possible, allow hair to dry within a towel or on a cool air setting to retain the moisture.

Ingredient Overviews

Find more hair-friendly ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful ingredients for hair and skin care. And stay tuned for other Style Chicks Ingredient Overviews

References

Salih H.M. Aljabre, et al. Dermatological effects of Nigella sativa, Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 19, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 92-98, ISSN 2352-2410, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdds.2015.04.002.
A. Rossi, L. Priolo, A. Iorio, E. Vescarelli, M. Gerardi, D. Campo, D. Nunno, S. Ceccarelli, S. Calvieri, A. Angeloni and C. Marchese, â€œEvaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study, Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, Vol. 3 No. 3A, 2013, pp. 9-16. doi:10.4236/jcdsa.2013.33A1002.

About This Post

The Style Chicks personally researches each ingredient we feature. Our research comes from respected, peer reviewed medical and scientific journals. All research articles are cited in the References section.

Science of Beauty: Why Use Mandelic Acid for Acne to Anti-Aging

July 1, 2019 · 5 Comments

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States.
No acne treatment overview would be complete without Mandelic Acid.

Retinol is still the gold standard for acne. But peeling acids are more common in acne and acne scar treatment. And Mandelic Acid is an ingredient worthy of your attention. It gets the results of a robust acid but with little to no skin irritation.

WHAT IS MANDELIC ACID?

Mandelic acid is a natural ingredient that comes from bitter almonds

Mandelic acid is a natural ingredient that is extracted from bitter almonds

Mandelic acid is a very gentle AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid).

Mandelic acid penetrates the skin slowly, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. While it is an “acid” it is very gentle and rarely causes skin irritation.

Mandelic acid is natural, clean, green, and skin-friendly.

It is useful in organic skin care product formulations.

HOW MANDELIC ACID WORKS: ACNE TO ANTI-AGING

Mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together. This microexfoliation accomplishes several skincare objectives.

ACNE

Mandelic acid is useful in acne treatment. Mandelic acid removes bacteria-trapping dead skin, which contributes to acne formation. Dead skin also dulls the complexion and makes fine lines look worse. Removing dead skin cells brightens skin. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. If you have adult acne, Mandelic acid is ideal to treat both acne and signs of skin aging. (1)

ANTI-AGING

Mandelic acid an appealing ingredient within anti-aging products. Mandelic acid is helpful for smoothing mesh-like pattern wrinkles. Mandelic acid promotes collagen production. More collagen increases skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. Collagen counteracts sun damage by smoothing and refining the skin surface. Sun damage is the largest cause of visible signs of aging.

Mandelic acid reduces hyperpigmentation. It lightens acne scars, sun damage, and age spots.

MANDELIC ACID VS GLYCOLIC ACID

Both acids are highly effective at causing rapid cell turnover. Both reveal younger, smoother, brighter skin. Both acids dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells. Both remove dead skin cells without forceful scrubbing. Both Mandelic Acid and Glycolic Acid are ideal for skin unable to tolerate harsh exfoliants.

A difference between the acids is that Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid. Smaller molecular structures penetrate the skin faster and deeper. (2) If the skin can tolerate glycolic, that’s great. But if the skin gets irritated by Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid is an ideal option. The larger molecular structure of Mandelic Acid gets the job done, albeit a tad slower. Mandelic is kinder to the skin. There is little to no irritation and redness with regular Mandelic Acid use. (3)

MANDELIC ACID TIPS FOR BEST USE

Skin using AHAs, including Mandelic Acid, is more sensitive to light. Always wear sunscreen
To avoid irritation, choose products with 10% or less Mandelic Acid concentrations

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Some hyperpigmentation fading ingredients work best on pink undertone skin. Mandelic Acid works on the hyperpigmentation of all skin tone types. Mandelic Acid inhibits melanin production in existing scars, age spots, and acne marks. (4) This reduces hyperpigmentation of all types on all skin tones.

Mandelic Acid: A Holy Grail Ingredient

Mandelic Acid earns our “Holy Grail Ingredient” rating. It reduces sun damage, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It gently exfoliates and improves skin texture. It works on all skin tones and textures, including mature and sensitive skin. It is natural and suitable for organic product formulations. A Style Chicks skincare superstar!

REFERENCES

Debowska, Renata & Kaszuba, Aleksandra & Michalak, Iwona & Dzwiga‚owska, Agata & CieÅ›ciÅ„ska, Czanita & Jakimiuk, ElÅ¼bieta & ZieliÅ„ska, Joanna & Kaszuba, Andrzej. (2015). Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of mandelic acid-containing cosmetic formulations for acne skin care. Dermatology Review. 4. 316-321. 10.5114/dr.2015.53419.
Garg VK, Sinha S, Sarkar R. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic-mandelic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: A comparative study. Dermatol Surg 2009;35:59-65.
Taylor MB. Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditions. Cosmet Dermatol 1999;12:26-8
Kessler E, Flanagan K, Chia C, Rogers C, Glaser DA. Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg 2008;34:45-50.

Vitamin K for Dark Undereye Circles: Fast Facts

June 24, 2019 · 6 Comments

Five Fast Vitamin K Facts

Vitamin K is popular in under-eye creams because it can lightenÂ infraorbital darkness, Â AKA under eye circles. It is most beneficial for circles with a blue or brown undertone.

Vitamin K reverses the calcium deposits in elastin fibers. These deposits harden and cause wrinkles.
Vitamin K helps with blood coagulation and circulation.
Vitamin K is also called Phytonadione on ingredient listings.
Some dark circles are caused by weak vessels that allow blood near the surface of your skin. These circles have a blue, purple or brown undertone.
Topical application of vitamin K cream prior to an in-office procedure strengthens blood vessels. Stronger blood vessels means less bruising after surgical or laser treatments.

What to look for in a Vitamin K Topical

Vitamin K is most effective as part of a team instead of a standalone K cream or gel. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed topical Vitamin K works best when paired with retinol, Vitamins C, E, and the Bs. (1)

If you use prescription retinol, apply the retinol first and then the topical K product.

Choose a product with enough Vitamin K to be effective. The study used a 2% Vitamin K concentration.

REFERENCES

Mitsuishi, T. , Shimoda, T. , Mitsui, Y. , Kuriyama, Y. and Kawana, S. (2004), The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 73-75. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x