Pumpkin Seed Oil – Plenty of Reasons to Smile
You’ve heard of Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, & Olive Oil but what about Pumpkin Seed Oil? Many are aware of early use and cultivation of pumpkins in the Americas, but in fact it is Austrians who first cultivated the unique variety which produces seeds without hulls (hard outer shell of the seed) and extracted oil from them with great efficiency. Most popular in Central European countries such as Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary, pumpkin seed oil has steadily gained popularity in the US as well.
Pumpkin seed oil is naturally rich in the essential fatty acids, Oleic (Omega-9) and Linoleic (Omega-6). Linoleic acid cannot be produced by the body so we must rely entirely on our diet to obtain its various health benefits. Virgin (unrefined) pumpkin seed oil is nutty, aromatic, & adds its beautiful darkly green-yet-gold color to dishes. In Austria it is traditionally used on salads, ice cream, and as a finishing oil over cake.
Jedwards proudly offers Pumpkin Seed Oil – Refined in addition to Pumpkin Seed Oil – Extra Virgin Organic. In contrast to the virgin variety, conventional refined pumpkin seed oil is clear yellow in appearance and yields a bland aroma and flavor profile. It maintains its Oleic and Linoleic content through the refining process and is therefore ideal for use in skincare applications where one may not want to add color or aroma to the formulation. Among many other beneficial applications, it is also applied to the hair and scalp for its high zinc and vitamin E content.
Witch Hazel – Which Witch is Which?
Witch Hazel is a long-established skincare ingredient, historically used by Native Americans, early settlers, and today by reputable modern brands. Jedwards carries multiple varieties of Witch Hazel, including Witch Hazel – Organic, Witch Hazel – Standard – USP, Witch Hazel – Natural – USP, and Witch Hazel – Alcohol Free. All of these options supplied by Jedwards are derived from the twigs & bark of deciduous shrubs which are native to the US, where most worldwide Witch Hazel material is produced. Extracted via steam distillation, Witch Hazel is highly regarded for its natural tannins and astringent properties, making it a popular external remedy for topical skin applications.
Additionally, Witch Hazel is a fantastic preventative as a facial toner due to its ability to balance oil production, tighten pores, and soothe skin, promoting a clear complexion. In terms of application, Witch Hazel – Natural – USP, Witch Hazel – Organic & Witch Hazel – Standard – USP are very similar, and all consist of 85-86% witch hazel distillate and 14-15% ethyl alcohol. Witch Hazel Alcohol Free consists of 99.85% Witch Hazel Distillate and 0.15% naturally occurring benzoic acid. This option is preferable for people with especially dry or sensitive skin. While many benefit from the low percentage of alcohol in standard witch hazel, the alcohol-free variety provides the same nourishing benefits without the evaporating effect of alcohol, resulting in a gentle moisturizer.
Dead Sea Salts – Helping Us Feel Alive and Well
Fine grain and coarse salts derived from the salt waters of the Dead Sea are widely used throughout the cosmetic, personal-care, food, and beverage industries. Jedwards carries multiple dead sea products for cosmetic use including Magnesium Chloride – Dead Sea, Dead Sea Salt – Fine, Dead Sea Bath Salt – Coarse and Dead Sea Bath Salt – Fine.
Dead Sea salts (both fine and coarse) are produced via evaporation of Dead Sea water and share similar benefits given their mineral content but differ in their applications due to grain size. Fine Dead Sea salt, up to 2 mm, is used in skincare products such as scrubs and lotions for exfoliation, hydration, and detoxification. Fine salts dissolve quickly, making them a convenient option to formulate with. Coarse Dead Sea salt, with granules up to 5 mm, is ideal for longer baths, releasing minerals slowly for deeper relaxation, muscle recovery, and soothing the outer epidermis. In contrast to coarse and fine grain salts, Magnesium Chloride – Dead Sea (MgCl2 – 6 H2O) is comprised of fine white flakes. Extracted from Dead Sea brine and known for rapid absorption and soothing properties, Magnesium Chloride – Dead Sea contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which nourish the skin, promote moisture retention, and improve skin barrier function. Renowned in personal care to relieve muscle and joint tension by way of bath soaks and scrubs, Dead Sea Salts are also valuable in industrial applications for textiles, de-icing, and fireproofing.
As we embrace the spooky spirit of October, it’s the ideal time to explore the enchanting world of natural ingredients that can elevate your self-care rituals. From the benefits of pumpkin seed oil to the timeless remedies of witch hazel or rejuvenating properties of dead sea salt, these ingredients offer more than just seasonal charm. Whether you’re whipping up a potion for relaxation, crafting a hydrating lotion, or treating yourself to a soothing bath, create your own spellbinding formulas this month & share with Jedwards what you come up with!
