acacia gum-dried sap from the acacia tree-thickener and stabilizer.

aloe vera -whole leaf of Aloe barbadensis-skin softener and healing agent, astringent, emollient, soothes psoriasis and eczema.  Good for wounds, burns and sunburn.

ascorbic acid (Vit C)-plant derived-preservative and anti-oxidant.

avecado oil (we use both refined and unrefined) expeller pressed-emollient, high in Vit A,B1, B2, D, E and essential fatty acids, unrefined has higher levels of proteins and vitamins, skin softener and toner, good for dry skin, absorbs well.  Found to diminish age spots, scars, and fine age wrinkles.  Said to protect skin from UV rays.

calendula-extract of Calendula officinalis (marigold)-skin healing remedy, calming, astringent, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, good for dry skin and eczema.

chamomile (German)-essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla-skin soothing remedy, calming, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-allergenic, soothes eczema, anti-spasmodic, good for hypersensitive skin and psoriasis.

citronella (in Herbal Insect Repellent only)-essential oil of Cymbopogon winterianus, insect repellent, deoderant, fragrance.

distilled water-steam distilled, the purest you can get.

evening primrose oil-cold pressed from the seed of Oenothera biennis, is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly gamma linoleic acid (GLA), high in vitamins and minerals, used to treat PMS, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions.  Said to repair damaged skin cells and retard wrinkles.

grapefruit seed extract-expressed from the seeds of grapefruit-preservative, antibacterial, antifungal.

hempseed oil-cold pressed from the seed of Cannabis sativa (does not contain THC)-rich skin emollient, high levels of essential fatty acids-including omega-3 and GLA, including linoleic acid and omega-3, absorbs well, excellent for dry skin.

hydroxymethylglycinate-derivative of amino acid glycine-preservative and antimicrobial, antifungal.

jojoba oil-cold pressed from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis-rich skin emollient and hair conditioner, used to diminish wrinkles, stretch marks and dry skin, non-greasy and readily absorbed by skin.  Hypoallergenic and good for all skin types.

lavendar-essential oil-popular aromatherapy relaxant, antiseptic, anitviral and wound healing properties, antidepressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent.

linoleic safflower oil-expeller pressed from Carthamus tinctorus-emollient, skin softener and moisturizer, high in essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, readily absorbed by skin.

neem oil-extract of Azadriachta indica-antibacterial, antiviral, used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, scabies, lice.  Bug and flea repellent.

palm stearic acid- natural fatty acid, emulsifier, stabilizer, lubricant, imparts smooth pearly sheen.

progesterone, USP (US Pharmaceutical grade) micronized (pulverized into very small units that are more easily absorbed through skin)-derived from wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), bioidentical to that made in the human body, used to treat symptoms associated with estrogen dominance in both men and women, PMS, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), and other symptoms associated with low progesterone levels.

rosehip seed oil-cold pressed from Rosa rubiginosa-emollient, soothing skin conditioner, rich in Vit C, reduces scarring and wrinkles, high in essential fatty acids including gamma linoleic, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, beta-carotene, good for dry skin, reduces stretch marks, scars and wrinkles.

rosemary oleoresin-organic antioxidant and natural preservative-beneficial to skin, astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant.

sodium borate-stabilizer and texturizer, pH adjuster, normal skin pH is about 5.0-5.5, the same pH range as Botanical Alternatives creams.

soy lecithin-anti-oxidant, emollient, emulsifier and stabilizer, contains phospholipids (what our skin cell membranes are made of) that can transport other molecules across the skin barrier, readily absorbed by skin.

sweet almond oil-expeller pressed from kernels, easily absorbed skin emollient for all skin types, high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, contains minerals, other vitamins and proteins.

tea tree oil- essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, skin healing properties, good for oily skin.

tocopherols, (Vit E) mixed includes alpha, beta, delta, gamma -potent anti-oxidant, preservative, emollient.

unrefined beeswax-emulsifier and thickener.

vanilla oleoresin-Vanilla planifolia-emollient, aromatic and flavoring.

virgin olive oil-cold pressed from ripe olives (Olea europaea)-skin penetrating oil, emollient, good for dry skin, contains proteins, minerals and vitamins.

A few notes about oils:  Oils that are cold pressed or expeller pressed are higher quality and retain the vitamins, proteins and other nutrients.  Oils produced in this way are also more expensive, as the yield is lower than that of solvent or high heat processes.  Chemical agents that are used to refine oils can leave harmful residues and oils that are extracted at high temperatures lose many of their beneficial properties.  Botanical Alternatives only uses cold or expeller pressed oils.  We don't use sunflower, canola, soybean or corn oil.  The current sources of these oils are predominately GMO (GE), so we suggest that you don't use these oils for cooking or eating either (Safflower, Olive, and Grapeseed oils are non-GMO). 

There is a direct link between what we eat and our level of health.  There is no substitute for a healthy diet.  Pure water and organic foods, supplemented with vitamins and herbs, when coupled with regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle, has the greatest potential of maintaining and improving health and preventing disease.  Reducing one's exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals (which includes many pharmaceutical drugs), contributes to maintaining health and quality of life.

A person (or your pet) can develop an allergic reaction to anything at any time, even if you have used a product before and did not have a reaction.  We suggest that you do a patch test on your inner arm or thigh with any product that you have not used before.  If you experience redness, blistering, or swelling, discontinue use and consult a medical practitioner.  If you experience breathing difficulties, seek medical attention immediately.