Below is our list of chosen supporting ingredients.  As a company, we don’t hide anything.  Only two have ever had any controversy surrounding them, in my opinion, because people just don't know the science or how to interpret the science that is presented to them. One is emulsifying wax and one is grapefruit seed extract.  I agree, there are some brands of these substances on the market that are not what they should be. The ones we use don’t fall into this category.  I can’t make a cream, and I can’t make any product containing water that does not require two things: a preservation system and an emulsifier.  Neither can anyone else.  I’ll always use the original form of organic grapefruit seed extract in my products.  It’s a misrepresented, chemically misunderstood natural wonder.  I've tried to have intelligent debates with other manufacturers over this substance, only to find that that is what they are, manufacturers, not scientists. They don't have the background to interpret the chemistry.  Please, be very cautious of the self proclaimed experts out there.  Remember, they have something to sell.  As far as vegetable emulsifying wax goes, it is the one and only substance we use in some of our products that is not truly natural, yet it is derived from natural raw materials. The brand we use is the industry gold standard.  It is the only thing I've found that can hold some of our honey based masterpieces together!  If anyone ever comes out with a better emulsifier that is 100% natural and does a good a job, I’ll be the first to try it.  Until then. . . 

- Sally, founder, Meadowlake Farm

Apricot Kernel Oil: Expeller pressed from dried apricots.  High in vitamin A.  Helps dry, delicate, mature skin and sensitive skin.

Borage Oil: 18-20% GLA.  The best available.  Cold pressed from the seeds of the borage plant.  Contains an abundance of Gamma Linoleic acid.  Effectively combats the aging process, reverses UV damage, regenerates cells and stimulates new cell activity.

Castor Oil:  A soothing emollient with humactant properties.

Essential Oils:  100% pure undiluted, steam distilled from plants, leaves, fruits and flowers.  All of our oils have been chosen for inclusion based on their antiseptic, antimicrobial, bactericidal and other complimentary characteristics  as well as for providing benefits to the mind through the sense of smell.

Grapefruit Seed Extract:  A natural preservative from the seed of the grapefruit. There has been much debate as to the integrity of this ingredient, justifiably so.  Reputable labs have found synthetic preservatives and toxins in samples of GSE from various manufacturers.  The original, proprietary extract which is manufactured under the trade name Citricidal has been tested and found to contain no contaminants.  Our own independent laboratory tests have revealed no traces of these substances in Citricidal brand, which is the only GSE we source and use in our products.

Emulsifying Wax: An emulsifier is required to hold oil and water together.  All creams and lotions must have one and a lot of natural product manufacturers are not listing this ingredient on their labels.  The only truly natural choice that would work with our ingredients is borax in combination with beeswax.  We won't use borax.  It has very concerning health risks and we can not support the impact the mining of it has on its native ecosystem. Plus, borax is a lousy emulsifier.   We use a proprietary blend of beeswax with a small amount of vegetable emulsifying wax derived from olive oil, the fatty acids of which have been esterified with sorbitol which produces a pure, stable  end product with zero health effects.  The manufacturer is Croda, the brand Polawax we've had the product independently tested and it contains no chemical contaminants in spite of claims to the contrary. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Cold pressed, stone ground.  Rich in antioxidants, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, chlorophyll and natural peroxides.  A superior moisturizer.  Provides a high degree of protection from environmental stressors and the sun as well as superior healing properties.

Hemp Seed Oil:  High in essential fatty acids.  Superior skin mositurizing, balancing and healing properties.

Grape Seed Oil:Superior emolliant, light, easily absorbed with regenerative properties.

Jojoba Oil:  A plant wax with anti-inflammatory properities.  It's composition closely resembles sebum in human skin and is readily absorbed.

Mango Butter:  Superior skin softening and moisturizing properties.  Taken from the kernel of the tropical fruit.

Naturally Filtered Well Water:  Have you thought about the water in your products as an added chemical?  You should.  All creams and lotions contain an appreciable amount of water.  Ours is as pure as water gets, from the well of Meadowlake Farm.

Rosehip Seed Oil Virgin:  Cold pressed from the seeds of the rose plant.  High in essential fatty acids and vitamin C (Important note: In spite of all the claims and high costs associated with products that have  'added' vitamin C, any added vitamin C is not in a natural form and is unstable in solution and rapidly degrades.  Added vitamin C is not in a form that can be utilized by skin cells.  It acts as a marginally effective, short acting preservative and nothing more.).  Exceptional for treating over pigmented and mature skin.  Diminishes visible capillaries and scarring.

Sweet almond Oil:  Obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. The oil is good for application to the skin as an emollient. 

Sunflower Oil:  Expeller pressed.  High in vitamins A, C, D and E, minerals, Lecithin and Linoleic acid.  Especially good for dry, delicate skin.  Superior healing properties.

Vitamin E Oil:  D-Alpha Acetate, the most natural form available.  Superior antioxidant.  A natural preservative.  Helps prevent wrinkles and scarring.   

What does expeller pressed mean? This is a mechanical means of extracting oil from seeds and nuts without the use of chemicals. The harder the seed or nut, the more pressure required to press it, the higher the temperature reached by the friction generated during process.

What does cold pressed mean? Cold pressed oils are expeller pressed in a heat controlled process which keeps the heat generated below 120 degrees F.  Delicate oils should be expelled this way to protect their bioavailable properties. 

We source organic oils whenever possible and use only the best botanical oils to support our products.