* An antioxidant

* Also known as Citrullus Vulgaris, Ootanga oil and Kalahari oil

Functions:

Watermelon Oil is extracted from the seeds of the watermelon, and used in cosmetics and personal care products because of its antioxidant properties, as well as its fragrance. It is often found in lip glosses, lipsticks, and hair care products. Watermelon Oil contains high levels of the antioxidant lycopene, which gives red fruits their color, and is thought to be effective in preventing certain cancers. As an antioxidant, Watermelon is thought to contain free radicals and aid in skin regeneration, restoring elasticity (FitSugar.com).

Watermelon oil is also thought to be a mineral oil substitute, because of its ability to moisturize without clogging pores or preventing toxins from escaping, according to FromNatureWithLove.com. It is a natural emollient that is absorbed quickly, and is thought to contain Omega 6. Watermelon Oil is also considered an acne treatment that clears the skin, and the fiber content in watermelon assists in the removal of toxins.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Watermelon Oil is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which does note almost 100% data gaps, indicating a lack of available research about this ingredient. However, no studies or reports were found that listed negative side effects resulting from the use of Watermelon Oil.

Recommended Products w/ Watermelon:

Yes to Tomatoes Tender Touch Hand Cream, Your Best Face Quench Lip Treatment, Rare2Be Eye Gel

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* A cleansing ingredient and anti-inflammatory

Functions:

Willow Bark Extract is used in cosmetics and personal care products for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, soothing and conditioning properties. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for headaches and other ailments due to its aspirin-like properties, as well as as an antiseptic, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. Willow Bark Extract contains salicylic acid, a BHA that is a natural exfoliant and is used in many acne treatments because of its ability to help skin shed dead cells and clear pores; it can also stimulate new cell formation. Willow Bark Extract also contains “phenolic acids; such as salicin, salicortin, fragilin, populin, triandrin and vimalin, as well as flavonoids, tannins (gallotannins and catechin-type tannins) and minerals,” which all allow it to aid in skin rejuvenation (Dermaxime.com).

The acne benefits of Willow Bark Extract are mostly thought to derive from the salicylic acid (which can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun, and should always be used with an additional sunscreen). Salicylic Acid is created by the conversion of salicin to this acid compound, and is generally thought to only be converted when digested, but not when applied topically. The additional anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties of Willow Bark Extract may soothe acne-ravaged skin, but it is not proven that this ingredient will actually prevent or clear away acne. Willow Bark Extract’s astringent properties are, however, thought to soften and loosen dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Willow Bark Extract is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, and the negative side effects that derive from salicylic acid (such as burning, peeling, and sun sensitivity) are thought to be lessened because of the low levels of salicin actually found in this ingredient. However, Willow Bark Extract should still be used with an additional sunscreen product for safety reasons.

The FDA has issued a warning about the use of Willow Bark Extract as an oral supplement, because it can cause gastrointestinal, reproductive, cardiovascular and immune system toxicity. No other negative side effects were found regarding this ingredient.

Recommended Products w/ Willow Bark:

Nutra-Lift Shampoo, Burt’s Shea Butter Hand Repair Creme, Epicuren Discovery Milk Cleanser, Skyn Iceland’s The Antidote Mineral Sunscreen SPF 18, Victoria Principal’s Secret Eyemazing Eye Cream, Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray, Jurlique’s Biodynamic Beauty Refining Treatment, Suki Color Tinted Active Moisturizer

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* An anti-inflammatory

* Also known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Ayamodakam in Malayalam and Samm Al Ferakh

Functions:

Withania Somnifera is a plant-derived ingredient found in the roots of shrubs that grow primarily in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Very little research is available on this ingredient as it relates to cosmetics, anti-aging products, or personal care formulas, although it has been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries, and is thought to treat symptoms of arthritis and other ailments when taken orally because of its anti-inflammatory properties (Wikipedia). It is marketed as a toner and anti-inflammatory skin ointment, and is though to have antioxidant properties, which may account for its use as an anti-aging ingredient, although there are no studies that prove its effectiveness. According to Dr. Ray Helian, Withania Somnifera also contains flavonoids that may rejuvenate skin cells.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

The Cosmetics Database has not reviewed Withania Somnifera, and neither has the CIR. It is reported to have anti-carcinogenic effects in animal and cell cultures (Wikipedia), and there are no studies which report negative side effects regarding its use.

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