At Luminance Skincare, using safe, high-quality ingredients is very important. We believe every constituent of a skincare product should be either organic or wildcrafted. Ours are. We believe that ingredients considered separately should all be what skin readily considers a nutrient source and non-threatening. Ours are. Formulating an ideal skincare product is a lot more than assembling a list of good ingredients, it’s understanding the secondary and sometimes tertiary interactions and achieving the ideal ratios. We always do.

Benefits Of Key Ingredients

Coconut Oil 

It is a versatile natural oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It's widely used in skincare for its moisturizing and potential therapeutic properties. Let's analyze the components and potential benefits of coconut oil for human facial skin:

Fatty Acids:

1. Lauric Acid: Coconut oil is particularly high in lauric acid, a type of saturated fatty acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties and can help protect the skin from certain pathogens.
2. Caprylic and Capric Acid: These medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamins: 

Coconut oil contains trace amounts of vitamin E, which contributes to its antioxidant properties.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Moisturization and Hydration: Coconut oil's fatty acids provide deep moisturization, helping to soften and nourish the skin. It forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss.
2. Antimicrobial Properties: Lauric acid and other fatty acids in coconut oil possess antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for preventing and treating certain skin infections and conditions.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: The caprylic and capric acids in coconut oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.
4. Makeup Removal: Coconut oil can be used as a natural makeup remover, effectively breaking down makeup and impurities without harsh chemicals.
5. Wound Healing: The moisturizing and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can contribute to wound healing and reducing the risk of infection.
6. Hair and Scalp Benefits: Coconut oil is often used for hair and scalp care due to its ability to moisturize and strengthen hair, and soothe dry scalps.
7. Skin Barrier Support: Coconut oil's fatty acids contribute to maintaining the skin's natural barrier, protecting against environmental stressors.
8. Gentle Exfoliation: When combined with sugar or salt, coconut oil can be used for gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
9. Lip Care: Coconut oil can be applied to the lips to provide hydration and prevent chapping.

Candelilla Wax 

Candelilla wax is a plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera). It is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products, including lip balms. Here's a breakdown of candelilla wax's properties and its specific benefits for lip balm:

It is an excellent choice for lip balm formulations due to its natural emollient properties, smooth texture, long-lasting hydration, vegan-friendly nature, and stability. When used in lip balms, candelilla wax ensures that your lips remain soft, moisturized, and comfortable, making it a valuable ingredient in creating effective and enjoyable lip care products.

Incorporating Candelilla Wax into Lip Balm:

• Formulation: Candelilla wax can be used as a primary or co-emulsifier in lip balm formulations. Its melting point and texture contribute to the product's consistency.

1. Natural Emollient: Candelilla wax acts as a natural emollient, forming a protective barrier on the lips. It helps lock in moisture, preventing dryness and chapping.

2. Creamy Texture and Easy Application: Candelilla wax provides a smooth and creamy texture to lip balms, making them easy to apply. It glides on the lips effortlessly, creating a comfortable and nourishing experience.

3. Long-Lasting Hydration: The occlusive properties of candelilla wax help retain moisture on the lips for an extended period. It ensures that the lips remain hydrated and supple throughout the day.

4. Vegan-Friendly and Plant-Based: Candelilla wax is a vegan and cruelty-free alternative to beeswax. It allows formulators to create lip balms that cater to individuals seeking plant-based and ethical skincare options.

5. Non-Greasy Feel: Candelilla wax provides a non-greasy finish, ensuring that the lip balm doesn't feel heavy or overly oily on the lips.

6. Stability and Shelf Life: Candelilla wax contributes to the stability and shelf life of lip balms by preventing separation of ingredients and maintaining the product's integrity over time.

Benefits of Candelilla Wax in Lip Balm:

1. Intense Hydration: Candelilla wax's emollient properties help create a barrier that locks in moisture, providing intense hydration to dry and chapped lips.
2. Smooth Application: The creamy texture of candelilla wax ensures smooth and even application, making it comfortable to apply the lip balm.
3. Long-Lasting Protection: Candelilla wax's occlusive nature ensures that the lips stay moisturized for an extended period, even in challenging weather conditions.
4. Ethical Choice: For individuals looking for vegan and cruelty-free options, candelilla wax offers a plant-based alternative that aligns with their values.
5. Lightweight Feel: Lip balms formulated with candelilla wax provide a lightweight and non-greasy feel, allowing for comfortable wear throughout the day.
6. Preservation and Quality: Candelilla wax contributes to the overall quality and stability of the lip balm, maintaining its efficacy and freshness over time.

Avocado Oil

It is another natural oil that is commonly used in skincare for its potential benefits. Let's analyze the key components and how they can benefit human facial skin:

Fatty Acids:

1. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA): Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that provides deep moisturization to the skin. Oleic acid helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier, preventing water loss and promoting hydration.
2. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA): Avocado oil also contains some linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that supports the skin's barrier function and helps maintain its overall health.
3. Saturated Fatty Acids: Avocado oil contains smaller amounts of saturated fatty acids. These can help form a protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin soft and supple.

Vitamins:

1. Vitamin E: Avocado oil is a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin E contributes to skin nourishment, supports a healthy complexion, and may reduce signs of aging.
2. Vitamin D: Although present in small amounts, avocado oil contains some vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in skin health and can contribute to the overall well-being of the skin.

Phytosterols: Avocado oil contains various phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

Benefits for Human Facial Skin:

1. Deep Hydration: The combination of oleic acid and essential fatty acids in avocado oil helps to deeply moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple. This can be especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin.
2. Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E in avocado oil provides antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from free radical damage and supporting a youthful appearance.
3. Skin Barrier Support: The fatty acids in avocado oil strengthen the skin's natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and improve the skin's texture and elasticity.
4. Soothing Irritation: The phytosterols in avocado oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and alleviate redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin.
5. Wound Healing: Avocado oil's vitamin E content can aid in wound healing and reducing the appearance of scars, supporting the skin's natural regeneration process.
6. Collagen Production: Vitamin C, found in smaller amounts in avocado oil, is important for collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity.
7. Sun Protection: While not a replacement for sunscreen, the presence of vitamin E and other antioxidants in avocado oil may offer some mild protection against UV damage.