Big Five African Oils Box Information: Fun Ways of Using Oils
MONGONGO SEED OIL
- Shampoo: Add a few drops of Mongongo oil to your shampoo for a silky and softening effect.
- Conditioner: Combine Mongongo oil with a drop of Cedarwood and Rosemary essential oils to promote healthy hair growth.
- Massage Oil: Create a relaxing massage oil by blending Mongongo oil with Lavender and Bergamot essential oils.
MARULA SEED OIL
- Shampoo: Add a few drops of Marula oil to your shampoo for a luxurious moisturising boost.
- Conditioner: Mix Marula oil with a few drops of Rosemary and Peppermint essential oils for a refreshing and invigorating scalp massage during conditioning.
- Skin Serum: Blend Marula oil with Lavender and Frankincense essential oils for a calming and anti-ageing skin serum.
XIMENIA SEED OIL
- Shampoo: Mix Ximenia oil with a drop of Chamomile and Lavender essential oils for a calming and soothing shampoo.
- Conditioner: Blend Ximenia oil with a touch of Ylang Ylang and Patchouli essential oils for an exotic and aromatic conditioner.
- Body Oil: Create a nourishing body oil by adding Ximenia oil with a drop of Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils for a luxurious skincare experience.
KALAHARI MELON SEED OIL
- Shampoo: Mix Kalahari Melon oil with a drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil for a sweet and exotic aroma.
- Conditioner: Combine Kalahari Melon oil with a touch of Geranium and Bergamot essential oils for a balancing and uplifting conditioner blend.
- Body Lotion: Create a hydrating body lotion by adding Kalahari Melon oil with Lavender and Chamomile essential oils for relaxation.
BAOBAB SEED OIL
- Shampoo: Enhance your shampoo with Baobab oil and a drop of Tea Tree essential oil for a refreshing and cleansing experience.
- Conditioner: Mix Baobab oil with a drop of Lemon and Eucalyptus essential oils to invigorate and promote scalp health.
- Face Moisturiser: Blend Baobab oil with a drop of Geranium and Lavender essential oils for a nourishing and soothing face moisturiser.
Carrier Oils:
A carrier oil is a base oil used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin or in various beauty and wellness applications. Carrier oils are named as such because they “carry” or “dilute” essential oils, making them safer and more suitable for direct application on the skin.
Key characteristics of carrier oils include:
Derived from Plants: Carrier oils are typically derived from various plants’ nuts, seeds, or kernels. Other examples of carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, almond and olive.
Neutral Scent and Properties:
Carrier oils have a mild or neutral scent, unlike essential oils which often have strong and distinct aromas. This neutrality allows them to blend well with essential oils without overpowering or altering the desired fragrance.
Non-Volatile:
Carrier oils are non-volatile, meaning they do not evaporate quickly like essential oils. They have a longer shelf life and provide a stable base for essential oils.
Moisturising and Nourishing:
Carrier oils are known for their moisturising and nourishing properties, making them excellent skin and hair care choices. They help to hydrate and protect the skin while promoting a soft and smooth texture.
Dilution Medium:
Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. Directly applying undiluted essential oils on the skin can cause irritation or sensitivity reactions. Carrier oils serve as a dilution medium, reducing the concentration of essential oils and making them safer for topical use.
Versatility:
Carrier oils are versatile and can be used on their own as a simple moisturiser or blended with essential oils to create customised massage oils, body oils, serums, lotions and hair treatments.
When using carrier oils, choosing ones suitable for your skin type and specific needs is essential. Different carrier oils have varying absorption rates and properties, so it’s helpful to understand their benefits and characteristics. Always perform a patch test before using a new carrier oil to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Recipes
Basic Skin Serum Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon of your preferred carrier oil (such as Marula Seed Oil or Ximenia Seed Oil)
- 1-2 drops of a skin-loving essential oil (such as Lavender, Frankincense, or Geranium)
Instructions:
- Combine the carrier oil and essential oil in a small glass bottle or dropper bottle.
- Gently shake or swirl the bottle to mix the oils.
- After cleansing and toning your skin, apply a few drops of the serum to your face and neck.
- Gently massage the serum into your skin using upward motions until fully absorbed.
- Follow with your regular moisturiser or sunscreen if desired.
Homemade Conditioner Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of your favourite hair conditioner (preferably unscented)
- 2 tablespoons of your chosen carrier oil (such as Baobab Seed Oil or Mongongo Seed Oil)
- Optional: 10-15 drops of essential oil for fragrance (e.g., Rosemary, Geranium, or a combination)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the hair conditioner and carrier oil.
- Add the optional essential oil drops and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a bottle or container suitable for use as a conditioner.
- After shampooing, apply a small amount of the homemade conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Safety
Product Safety Information
Usage Recommendation:
The five oils presented by Afrika Botanicals are intended for cosmetic purposes only. Carrier oils blend with essential oils to create personalised beauty and wellness products.
Not for Consumption:
Please note that these oils have not been tested for food safety. Therefore, they are not suitable for ingestion. Avoid ingestion.
Caution:
If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Consult a doctor if any adverse reactions or allergies develop after using the oils.
Pregnancy:
Rural women are known to use some of these oils for stretch marks when pregnant.
Patch Test:
Before using the oils on a larger area, perform a patch test on a small skin area. Discontinue use if irritation or discomfort occurs.
Heat and Sunlight:
Keep away from heat and sunlight. Store the oils in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Responsibility:
Users assume all responsibility and risks associated with the use of these oils. Afrika Botanicals shall not be liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the misuse or mishandling of the oils.
Pets:
Users are known to mix these oils in dog and cat shampoos. Use sparingly and test first.
Discontinue Use:
Discontinue the use of the oils if any adverse reactions occur and seek medical advice if needed.
Disposal:
The shelf life of these oils is approximately two years. Some producers are now claiming a lifespan of up to three years. We will advise you with each certificate of analysis. Rather than dispose of them, rub the remaining oil on wood and extend nature’s value.
Ethically Sourced and Organic:
The seeds used to produce these oils are wild-harvested and collected by rural women who sustain rural villages. The oils are considered organic, as the trees grow wildly in rural areas where no chemicals are used as they are not cultivated.