Mediterranean Mint Shaving Oil, 18ml

Ingredients

Castor Oil (ricinus communis)

Castor Oil has a low molecular weight so it penetrates skin easily, and it acts as a softening agent. Even though it is one of the most viscous oils in our product, it is low comedogenic (1 out of 5) and is non-irritating. It has acanthotic activity, meaning it can help increase skin thickness.  Ricinoleic acid is an interesting fatty acid. It’s a hydroxy acid, which is why it is soluble in alcohol (but not water) and oil. It’s a humectant, which means it helps retain moisture. This is a reason we see it so often in cosmetic products. The ricinoleic acid helps makes it drier. Like grapeseed oil it contains phytosterols in the form of ß-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, so it offers both anti-inflammatory and itch reducing properties. The ricinoleic acid is considered an analgesic and anti-bacterial.

Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall, evergreen eucalyptus tree, scientifically classified as Eucalyptus Globulus.  Depending on your location in the world it may also be known as a stringy bark tree, a fever tree or a blue gum tree. Eucalyptus oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities when topically applied. Eucalyptus oil is also used in personal hygiene products for antimicrobial properties and it can be applied to wounds to prevent infection.  While we don’t expect you’ll nick or cut yourself using Almaden Shaving oil, it’s nice to know that if you do, you’re protected.

Grapeseed Oil (vitis vinifera)

Grapeseed Oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid. It’s an amazingly outstanding alternative to shaving creams and lotions being that it isn’t a harsh man-made chemical.   Pressed from the seeds of grapes, it contains anti-oxidants and Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs). In addition to scavenging free radicals, OPCs help maintain elastin and stabilize collagen of the skin.  The linoleic acid provides some moisturizing, and helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss. It contains campesterol, ß-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, all of which help with barrier repair, reduction of inflammation, and reduction of itching.

Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa)

Exceptionally rich oil, high in essential omega fatty acids and proteins. This oil has a pleasant nutty smell, deep green color, and absorbs well into the skin. The oil does not contain detectable Delta-9-Tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC). The green color in hemp seed oil is a result of the high level of naturally occurring chlorophyll in the seeds. Studies have indicated that hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness which helps to alleviate itching and irritation. ^[1] Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin. Hemp seed oil is a rich and balanced source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Limonene

Is distilled from orange oil which is obtained by cold pressing orange rinds.  It is important that the distillation be done in a vacuum so that temperature be kept low. Several studies suggest anti-cancer properties.  We use very little as it can be an irritant, but it smells so nice!

Olive Oil (olea europea)

It is often used for its ability to soothe inflamed skin from such ailments as eczema and psoriasis and to soften hard skin. One of the most wonderful attributes of olive oil is its ability to attract external moisture and keep it close to the skin while creating a natural and ‘breathable film’. The beauty here is that unlike synthetic products that are designed to provide these humectant actions, olive oil does not inhibit the natural functions of the skin such as sweating and the shedding of dead skin, nor does it stop the release of sebum – all necessary and natural functions of our skin.

Extra virgin olive oil is obtained through purely mechanical and other physical means, and should contain no more than 0.8% free fatty acids (oleic acid), and should contain no more than 0.9% linolenic acid. 

We know oleic acid has many great features – it’s moisturizing, regenerating, softening, offers anti-inflammatory properties, and is well absorbed by the skin. We find substantial tocopherols and squalene in olive oil. Squalene is found in our sebum (~12%), which is why you’ll see olive oil listed as being like our natural sebum and allowing our skin to “breathe”.

Peppermint Essential Oil (mentha piperita)*

Peppermint essential oil also provides antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. It helps relieve itching, inflamed skin, cools and soothes the skin with its vasoconstrictor properties.  The menthol in peppermint is the constituent that helps to promote clear and healthy skin and helps reduce an overabundance of sebum, making it beneficial for the reduction of acne and clogged pores. Natural menthol is refined usually from Peppermint oil. We don’t include too much Peppermint as it can be irritating to some people.

Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (rosmarinus officinalis)

An antioxidant not an essential oil, rosemary extract – also known as ROE – is included in our shaving oil for its ability to extend the shelf life of the other oils. It is from rosemary, the herb, and is comprised of many antioxidant compounds. Rosemary Oleoesin works to substantially halt spoilage. It provides an herbaceous scent.

 Spearmint Essential Oil (mentha spicata)

Spearmint essential oil provides many benefits to shaving oil similar to it’s cousin Peppermint oil, including astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory actions. With vasoconstrictor capabilities, spearmint calms the skin as well as providing soothing and cooling. It decongests the skin by calming irritation, itching and redness. It hydrates the skin, making it beneficial for dry skin and issues such as dermatitis and eczema.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil has both antiseptic and anti-fungal qualities and is applied to the skin (topically) for infections such as acne.  The name was likely given by Captain Cooke when he arrived in southern Australia. Researcher Arthur Penfold published several papers in the 1920s and 30s reporting the powerful antimicrobial action of Tea tree oil.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant. Antioxidants are used in skin care products to neutralize free radicals before they attack the skin. Free radicals have the ability to turn the natural oils of our skin rancid, thereby damaging the collagen and elastin.  It is an immensely popular ingredient in many skin care products and helps promote healthier skin. Along with it antioxidant properties, it is an emollient making the skin smoother and softer, and also helps reduce cracking, roughness and irritation. Many of the other oils contain Vitamin E, but it is so beneficial that we add additional tocopherols to our blend.

What We Don’t Have

No Parabens

Almaden Shaving Oil is paraben free. Parabens are a group of compounds used in cosmetics as preservatives. Current research suggests that there may be some possibility of later side effects when these substances come into regular contact with the skin. Although the scientific evidence is not absolutely conclusive, we chose not to use these ingredients.

No Phthalates

Sorry to disappoint, but none of these either. Unfortunately, they are relatively common in cosmetics, moisturizers and liquid soaps.

What We Don’t Do

No Animal Testing

We are our own “Guinea Pigs” (actually, rabbits are more commonly used for cosmetic and personal product testing) We simply did a LOT of research on the ingredients before we started formulating with them.

*Mediterranean Mint Version only