Ingredients

Our Ingredients – Pure, Natural, & Made with Love 🌿✨

At Ash & Lee Soaps, we believe that what you put on your skin matters. That’s why every ingredient we use is carefully selected, 100% natural, and packed with skin-loving benefits. No harsh chemicals, no unnecessary fillers—just pure, simple goodness from nature.

Every bar of soap, every scrub, and every butter is handcrafted with intention, using time-tested ingredients that have been cherished for centuries. From the moisturizing magic of shea butter to the gentle cleansing power of coconut oil, each element plays a special role in nourishing, hydrating, and protecting your skin.

Scroll down to discover the goodness inside our products—where each ingredient comes from, how it's made, and why it’s amazing for your skin. 💛

Because your skin deserves the best.  Naturally.

🌿 The Complete Guide to Ash & Lee Soaps Ingredients

At Ash & Lee Soaps, every ingredient is carefully selected to provide natural, skin-nourishing benefits. This guide offers an in-depth breakdown of every ingredient used in our soaps, body butters, scrubs, and lip balms.

For Each Ingredient We Will Learn:
✔ Origins & History – Where the ingredient comes from and how it has been traditionally used.
✔ Medical Applications & Healing Benefits – A detailed breakdown of its healing properties.
✔ Production Methods – How each ingredient is sourced and extracted for skincare formulations.
✔ Fun Facts – Unique, historical, or interesting insights about each ingredient.
✔ Benefits When Used in Skincare Products – How each ingredient works in soap, body butters, scrubs, and lip balms to hydrate, heal, and protect the skin.

(you can find all of our sources on the bottom)

🧴 Base Oils & Butters

 

Base oils and butters are the foundation of skincare products. These lipid-rich emollients provide deep hydration, essential fatty acids, and skin-repairing properties. They help restore the skin’s natural barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity.

 

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

Olive Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Greece.

📜 History: Used for over 5,000 years, olive oil was a beauty secret of Cleopatra and was highly valued by ancient Greeks and Romans for its moisturizing and healing properties. It was also used as a base for perfumes, a natural wound treatment, and a symbol of wealth.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Deeply hydrating – Penetrates the skin to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
✔ Rich in antioxidants – Protects the skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Helps soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

⚙ Production: Extracted through cold pressing of olives, ensuring that all nutrients and antioxidants remain intact.

💡 Fun Fact: Olive oil was referred to as "liquid gold" by the ancient Greeks due to its incredible versatility and value.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a gentle, hydrating bar that is ideal for sensitive skin and locks in moisture.

2. Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut Oil

🌍 Origin: Extracted from mature coconuts, primarily found in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years, coconut oil has been a staple in tropical cultures for cooking, skincare, and wound healing. It was historically applied to protect the skin from harsh sun exposure.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Naturally antibacterial and antifungal – Helps fight acne, skin infections, and irritation.
✔ Deeply moisturizing – Forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
✔ Rich in lauric acid – Helps soothe inflammation and promote healing.

⚙ Production: Extracted through cold pressing or expeller pressing of dried coconut meat.

💡 Fun Fact: During World War II, coconut oil was used as a natural alternative to IV fluids due to its sterile and hydrating properties!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a rich, bubbly lather and provides deep cleansing while keeping skin hydrated.
  • Body Butters – Locks in moisture, keeping skin soft and supple.
  • Scrubs – Prevents skin dryness while exfoliating dead skin cells.
  • Lip Balm – Seals in moisture, preventing chapped lips.

3. Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

Castor Oil

🌍 Origin: Extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, native to East Africa and India.

📜 History: Used in ancient Egypt, castor oil was applied for wound healing, skincare, and hair growth. It was also used as lamp fuel due to its thick, slow-burning consistency.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Attracts and retains moisture – A natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Helps soothe eczema, psoriasis, and irritated skin.
✔ Rich in ricinoleic acid – Known to enhance collagen production, keeping skin firm and youthful.

⚙ Production: Extracted by cold pressing castor seeds, followed by a filtration process to remove natural toxins.

💡 Fun Fact: Castor oil has been used to induce labor in pregnant women due to its effect on muscle contractions.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a creamy lather that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin.

4. Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis)

Almond Oil

🌍 Origin: Extracted from the seeds of sweet almonds, commonly grown in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and California.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic and Persian medicine, almond oil was a luxury skincare ingredient for royalty and high-ranking officials.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ High in vitamin E – Protects the skin against UV damage and oxidative stress.
✔ Reduces dark circles – Naturally brightens and firms under-eye skin.
✔ Deeply moisturizing – Helps restore skin elasticity and softness.

⚙ Production: Extracted by cold pressing sweet almond nuts.

💡 Fun Fact: Almond oil is a popular carrier oil in aromatherapy because of its light scent and excellent absorption!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a conditioning bar that softens and nourishes the skin.
  • Body Butters – Restores moisture, leaving skin smooth and rejuvenated.
  • Scrubs – Prevents moisture loss while exfoliating dead skin.

5. Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Shea Butter

🌍 Origin: Harvested from the nuts of the shea tree, native to West Africa.

📜 History: Used for centuries in Africa for skin and hair care, as well as for cooking and medicinal ointments. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra reportedly used shea butter as part of her beauty regimen.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Deeply hydrating – Contains high concentrations of fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids), which help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Soothes eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin by reducing redness and irritation.
✔ Rich in vitamins A and E – Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stress and premature aging.
✔ Natural UV protection – Contains low SPF properties (SPF 3-4), helping to shield skin from sun damage.

⚙ Production: Shea butter is extracted by harvesting, roasting, and grinding the shea nuts, then kneading and boiling them to separate the fats. The resulting butter is left to cool and solidify.

💡 Fun Fact: Shea butter is known as "women's gold" in Africa because it provides economic opportunities for millions of women who cultivate and process it.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a rich, creamy lather, deeply moisturizing the skin.
  • Body Butters – Provides intense hydration, helping to repair dry, cracked skin.
  • Lip Balms – Nourishes and softens chapped lips, speeding up healing.

6. Avocado Oil (Persea americana)

Avocado Oil

🌍 Origin: Derived from the pulp of avocados, native to Central and South America.

📜 History: Used by ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations as a moisturizer and skin-repairing treatment.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Rich in monounsaturated fats – Deeply penetrates the skin, preventing moisture loss.
✔ High in vitamins A, D, and E – Stimulates collagen production, keeping skin firm and youthful.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Helps calm irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling.

⚙ Production: Extracted by pressing the avocado fruit's flesh, releasing its nutrient-dense oil.

💡 Fun Fact: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, making it great for high-temperature cooking!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Enhances the conditioning properties of the soap, making it gentle and nourishing for dry skin.

7. Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)

Tamanu Oil

🌍 Origin: Extracted from the nuts of the tamanu tree, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

📜 History: Used in Polynesian and Southeast Asian cultures as a wound-healing and skin-protecting remedy.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Promotes skin regeneration – Helps reduce scars, stretch marks, and dark spots.
✔ Antibacterial & anti-inflammatory – Useful for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
✔ Deeply moisturizing – Rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, providing intense hydration.

⚙ Production: The nuts of the tamanu tree are dried in the sun for several weeks, allowing natural oil extraction, followed by cold pressing.

💡 Fun Fact: Tamanu oil is sometimes called "green gold" because of its emerald color and powerful skin-healing properties.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Regenerates skin, making it beneficial for acne and stretch marks.

8. Sustainable Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis)

Palm Oil

🌍 Origin: Harvested from the fruit of the oil palm tree, native to West Africa but now cultivated in Southeast Asia and South America.

📜 History: Used for centuries in West African cuisine and as a base for soap and skincare formulations.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Rich in vitamins A and E – Provides antioxidant protection, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
✔ Deeply moisturizing – Helps restore the skin's natural moisture balance.
✔ Boosts collagen production – Improves skin elasticity and firmness.

⚙ Production: Extracted by cold pressing the palm fruit, ensuring minimal processing to retain nutrients.

💡 Fun Fact: Palm oil is used in over 50% of packaged products, including food, cosmetics, and soaps.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a hard, long-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather.

🌿 Botanicals & Plant Extracts

 

Botanicals and plant extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare for their healing, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties. These natural ingredients help soothe, brighten, and protect the skin, making them valuable components in handcrafted soaps, scrubs, body butters, and lip balms.

 

1. Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe Vera

🌍 Origin: Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe Vera is now grown worldwide in tropical and arid climates.

📜 History: Used for over 6,000 years, the Ancient Egyptians called it the "plant of immortality" and used it for skin healing and wound care.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Soothes burns & irritation – Effective for sunburns, cuts, and rashes.
✔ Deeply hydrates skin – Helps retain moisture without clogging pores.
✔ Supports wound healing – Speeds up recovery from minor skin injuries.

⚙ Production: The inner gel is extracted from fresh aloe leaves, purified, and processed into raw gel or powder form.

💡 Fun Fact: Aloe Vera contains over 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it one of the most versatile skincare ingredients!

🛁 Benefits When Used In:

  • Soap – Soothes sensitive and irritated skin, providing hydration and relief.

2. Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile Flowers

🌍 Origin: Native to Europe and Western Asia, now cultivated worldwide.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Rome and Greece, chamomile was infused into baths, teas, and medicinal salves to calm the skin and mind.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Helps soothe redness, swelling, and irritation from conditions like eczema and rosacea.
✔ Antioxidant-rich – Protects skin from free radical damage, preventing premature aging.
✔ Natural antibacterial – Fights acne-causing bacteria and promotes wound healing.

⚙ Production: The flower heads are dried and ground into a powder or steeped in oil for infusion.

💡 Fun Fact: Chamomile is often called "herbal aspirin" due to its natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Soothes and calms sensitive, irritated, or inflamed skin.

3. Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric

🌍 Origin: Native to South Asia, particularly India and Indonesia.

📜 History: Used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 4,000 years, turmeric was applied to heal wounds, brighten skin, and reduce inflammation.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Reduces hyperpigmentation – Naturally brightens dark spots and uneven skin tone.
✔ Powerful anti-inflammatory – Helps with redness, acne, and inflammatory skin conditions.
✔ Rich in curcumin – A compound known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, helping to heal scars and blemishes.

⚙ Production: Turmeric rhizomes are boiled, dried, and ground into a fine powder.

💡 Fun Fact: In Indian weddings, brides apply turmeric paste to their skin for a radiant glow before the ceremony!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Brightens skin tone and reduces inflammation.

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger

🌍 Origin: Indigenous to Southeast Asia, now widely cultivated across China, India, and Africa.

📜 History: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for over 5,000 years, ginger was known for its warming and detoxifying properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Boosts circulation – Stimulates blood flow, enhancing skin radiance and healing.
✔ Rich in antioxidants – Helps protect against environmental damage and aging.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Reduces puffiness, irritation, and redness in sensitive skin.

⚙ Production: The rhizomes are harvested, dried, and ground into powder or processed into essential oil.

💡 Fun Fact: Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, ate ginger daily for health benefits over 2,500 years ago!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Refreshes the skin and promotes a healthy glow.

5. Pumpkin Purée (Cucurbita pepo)

Pumpkin Purée

🌍 Origin: Native to North America, used for centuries by Indigenous tribes for food and skincare.

📜 History: Used by Native Americans as a nutrient-rich skin treatment, pumpkin was dried and ground into a paste for healing wounds and moisturizing the skin.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ High in vitamins A & C – Boosts collagen production, improving skin elasticity.
✔ Contains natural enzymes – Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and soft.
✔ Antioxidant-rich – Helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

⚙ Production: Fresh pumpkins are cooked and puréed into a smooth, nutrient-rich paste.

💡 Fun Fact: In colonial America, pumpkin was often used as a fermented beer ingredient!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides gentle exfoliation and deep nourishment, giving skin a healthy glow.

6. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamon

🌍 Origin: Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Egypt for its antibacterial and embalming properties, cinnamon was also a highly prized spice in trade.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Antimicrobial & antiseptic – Fights bacteria, making it useful for acne and skin infections.
✔ Stimulates circulation – Naturally plumps and revitalizes dull skin.
✔ Rich in antioxidants – Helps protect skin from premature aging.

⚙ Production: Harvested by stripping the inner bark of cinnamon trees, which is then dried and rolled into quills or ground into powder.

💡 Fun Fact: In medieval Europe, cinnamon was worth more than gold due to its high demand and limited supply.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

    • Soap – Acts as a mild exfoliant, improving skin texture and circulation.
    • Scrubs – Enhances blood flow, giving skin a healthy glow.
    • Lip Balms – Naturally plumps lips by stimulating blood circulation.

7. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Nutmeg

🌍 Origin: Native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, now cultivated in the Caribbean, India, and Malaysia.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries, nutmeg was highly valued for its aromatic, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Antibacterial & antifungal – Inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria and fungal infections.
✔ Natural exfoliant – Gently removes dead skin cells, improving skin texture.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Reduces swelling and irritation, soothing eczema and sensitive skin.
✔ Rich in antioxidants – Helps fight free radical damage, preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

⚙ Production: The seed of the nutmeg tree is dried, then either ground into powder or steam-distilled into essential oil.

💡 Fun Fact: In 16th-century Europe, nutmeg was so valuable that wars were fought over its trade!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Acts as a gentle exfoliant, enhancing skin texture.
  • Body Scrubs – Helps polish and brighten the skin.
  • Lip Balms – Adds a warm, slightly tingling sensation, increasing lip circulation.

8. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove

🌍 Origin: Native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, now grown in India, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.

📜 History: Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Middle Eastern medicine, clove has long been valued for its antiseptic and numbing properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Powerful antiseptic – Kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it ideal for acne and skin infections.
✔ Numbing effect – Clove oil is often used as a natural pain reliever for toothaches and skin irritations.
✔ Stimulates circulation – Helps plump and rejuvenate dull skin.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Soothes redness and irritation, making it beneficial for eczema and sensitive skin.

⚙ Production: Clove buds are sun-dried, then either ground into powder or steam-distilled into essential oil.

💡 Fun Fact: Ancient Chinese emperors required their subjects to chew cloves before addressing them to ensure fresh breath!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Acts as a natural disinfectant, reducing acne and skin blemishes.
  • Body Scrubs – Improves circulation and helps detoxify the skin.
  • Lip Balms – Provides a warming sensation, increasing blood flow for a plumper look.

9. Vanilla Extract (Vanilla planifolia)

Vanilla

🌍 Origin: Native to Mexico, now primarily grown in Madagascar, Tahiti, and Indonesia.

📜 History: First cultivated by the Totonac people of Mexico, vanilla was later adopted by the Aztecs and used in sacred rituals and as a luxurious fragrance.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ High in antioxidants – Protects skin from environmental damage and slows premature aging.
✔ Natural antibacterial properties – Helps keep skin clear and free of breakouts.
✔ Moisturizing and soothing – Reduces dryness and irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

⚙ Production: Vanilla beans are fermented and cured, then either extracted into oil or infused into alcohol-based extracts.

💡 Fun Fact: Vanilla is the second-most expensive spice in the world after saffron due to its labor-intensive cultivation process.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Adds a rich, warm aroma while soothing and moisturizing the skin.
  • Body Butters – Deeply hydrates, leaving skin smooth and supple.
  • Lip Balms – Provides a sweet, comforting scent while protecting delicate lip skin.

10. Cranberry Seeds & Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Cranberry

🌍 Origin: Native to North America, cultivated in the U.S. and Canada.

📜 History: Used by Indigenous tribes for medicinal purposes, wound healing, and natural dyeing.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ High in vitamin C & antioxidants – Fights free radicals and UV damage.
✔ Natural exfoliant – Cranberry seeds gently buff away dead skin without irritation.
✔ Brightens complexion – Enhances skin glow and radiance.

⚙ Production: Cranberries are cold-pressed to extract their oil, while the seeds are dried and ground into fine exfoliating particles.

💡 Fun Fact: Cranberries contain natural fruit acids (AHAs), which help promote gentle skin renewal!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Gently exfoliates while boosting skin brightness.
  • Scrubs – Improves skin texture, leaving it soft and smooth.

11. Matcha Green Tea Powder (Camellia sinensis)

Matcha

🌍 Origin: Native to China and Japan, matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves.

📜 History: Used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, matcha is highly revered for its detoxifying and energizing properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Rich in chlorophyll – Detoxifies pollutants and impurities from the skin.
✔ High in catechins (antioxidants) – Fights fine lines, wrinkles, and UV damage.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Helps reduce redness, irritation, and acne breakouts.

⚙ Production: Green tea leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder, ensuring maximum antioxidant retention.

💡 Fun Fact: Matcha contains more antioxidants than blueberries, spinach, and dark chocolate combined!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Detoxifies and fights acne while providing antioxidant protection.
  • Scrubs – Helps clarify and refresh the skin.

12. Cucumber Extract (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber

🌍 Origin: Native to India, now widely cultivated in Asia, Europe, and North America.

📜 History: Used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its hydrating and cooling effects on the skin.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Deeply hydrating – Composed of 96% water, making it excellent for moisture retention.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Reduces puffiness, redness, and irritation.
✔ Natural astringent – Helps tighten pores and balance oil production.

⚙ Production: Cucumbers are cold-pressed or extracted to preserve their hydrating and soothing properties.

💡 Fun Fact: Cucumber slices are commonly placed over the eyes in spas because they help reduce puffiness and dark circles!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides hydration and skin-calming effects.
  • Body Butters – Helps lock in moisture, leaving skin soft and refreshed.

13. Arrowroot Powder (Maranta arundinacea)

Arrowroot Powder

🌍 Origin: Native to South America and the Caribbean, primarily grown in Brazil, St. Vincent, and Thailand.

📜 History: Used by Indigenous tribes in South America as a digestive aid and natural healing agent for wounds and irritated skin.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Natural absorbent – Helps control excess oil and sweat, making it ideal for balancing oily skin.
✔ Soothes irritation – Reduces rashes, itchiness, and inflammation.
✔ Enhances texture in skincare – Creates a light, silky finish in body butters and creams.

⚙ Production: The roots of the arrowroot plant are dried and ground into a fine powder.

💡 Fun Fact: Arrowroot was historically used to treat wounds from poison arrows, hence its name!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Body Butters – Helps create a lightweight, non-greasy texture while absorbing excess oil.

14. Dried Lavender Buds (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender Buds

🌍 Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, particularly in France, Spain, and Italy.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Rome and Greece for bathing, healing wounds, and repelling insects.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Calming & soothing – Helps relax the skin and senses, reducing stress and anxiety.
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties – Soothes irritation, burns, and redness.
✔ Antiseptic – Prevents bacterial growth, promoting clear, healthy skin.

⚙ Production: Harvested lavender flowers are dried and hand-sorted for use in skincare and aromatherapy.

💡 Fun Fact: The name lavender comes from the Latin word "lavare", meaning "to wash", reflecting its historical use in Roman baths!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap & Scrubs – Adds a natural exfoliating texture while releasing soothing aromas.

🌸 Essential Oils & Natural Scents

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. These oils provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-enhancing benefits in handmade soaps, body butters, scrubs, and lip balms.

 

1. Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly France, Spain, and Italy.

📜 History: Used for over 2,500 years, ancient Romans and Greeks infused lavender in baths, perfumes, and medicine for its calming and healing properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Calming & stress relief – Proven to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
✔ Antibacterial & antifungal – Inhibits acne-causing bacteria and promotes wound healing.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation in sensitive skin.

⚙ Production: Extracted from lavender flower buds using steam distillation, preserving its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

💡 Fun Fact: The name “lavender” comes from the Latin word "lavare", meaning "to wash", referring to its use in Roman baths!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a soothing, antimicrobial effect while calming the senses.
  • Body Butters – Enhances moisturization, helping with eczema and dryness.
  • Lip Balms – Heals cracked lips and prevents infections.

2. Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)

Sandalwood Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Indigenous to India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, with the highest quality sandalwood coming from Mysore, India.

📜 History: Used for over 4,000 years, sandalwood was valued in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Middle Eastern cultures for its aromatic, anti-inflammatory, and spiritual properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Soothing & anti-inflammatory – Calms red, irritated skin and helps with eczema & psoriasis.
✔ Antimicrobial – Fights bacteria and fungi, reducing acne breakouts.
✔ Mood-enhancing – Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improving relaxation.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation from the heartwood of mature sandalwood trees, a process that takes 40+ years for optimal oil quality.

💡 Fun Fact: Sandalwood is one of the most expensive essential oils, as trees must mature for at least 30–40 years before harvesting!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a luxurious, woody aroma with anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Body Butters – Deeply hydrates and improves skin texture.
  • Lip Balms – Softens & conditions lips with its natural emollient properties.

3. Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouli Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, India, and the Philippines.

📜 History: Used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, patchouli was applied for skin ailments, wound healing, and aromatherapy. It became widely known in the 19th century as a moth repellent for silk shipments and later gained popularity in 1960s counterculture movements.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Antimicrobial & antifungal – Fights bacteria and fungi, helping prevent acne and skin infections.
✔ Regenerative properties – Stimulates new skin cell growth, helping heal scars and blemishes.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Soothes red, irritated, or inflamed skin, making it ideal for eczema and psoriasis.
✔ Natural deodorizer – Effectively neutralizes odors while promoting relaxation.

⚙ Production: Extracted by steam distillation of the dried patchouli leaves, often aged to develop its signature deep aroma.

💡 Fun Fact: Napoleon Bonaparte was known to wear patchouli-scented clothing, as it was believed to ward off illness!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Adds antibacterial protection while providing a rich, earthy aroma.
  • Body Butters – Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
  • Lip Balms – Helps soothe chapped lips, leaving a light herbal scent.

4. Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea Tree Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Australia, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree.

📜 History: Used for centuries by Aboriginal Australians, tea tree leaves were crushed and applied to cuts, burns, and infections due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Powerful antimicrobial – Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it effective against acne and infections.
✔ Natural acne fighter – Reduces oil production, unclogs pores, and helps clear blemishes.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Soothes redness, swelling, and irritation, especially in eczema and psoriasis-prone skin.
✔ Wound healing – Accelerates skin recovery from minor cuts and burns.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation of tea tree leaves, ensuring a highly concentrated therapeutic oil.

💡 Fun Fact: During World War II, tea tree oil was included in Australian soldiers' first-aid kits as a natural disinfectant!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides deep cleansing, antibacterial action, and is great for acne-prone skin.
  • Body Butters – Calms eczema, psoriasis, and itchy skin.
  • Lip Balms – Helps heal cracked lips and provides antibacterial protection.

5. Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, now grown worldwide in tropical regions.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years, lemongrass was prized for its cleansing, energizing, and antimicrobial effects.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Antibacterial & antifungal – Kills bacteria and fungi, preventing acne and infections.
✔ Astringent properties – Helps tighten pores and control excess oil, making it beneficial for oily skin.
✔ Reduces inflammation – Soothes swelling and irritation, helping with eczema and redness.
✔ Natural insect repellent – Protects against mosquitoes and other bugs.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation of fresh lemongrass stalks.

💡 Fun Fact: Lemongrass essential oil is a key ingredient in many natural bug repellents due to its citronella-like properties.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Creates a refreshing, antibacterial lather perfect for oily skin.
  • Body Butters – Leaves skin feeling clean, toned, and refreshed.
  • Scrubs – Helps purify pores and brighten dull skin.

6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Australia, now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions.

📜 History: Used by Aboriginal Australians for respiratory issues and wound healing, eucalyptus has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Powerful antimicrobial – Naturally combats bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
✔ Clears congestion – Opens airways, making it popular in aromatherapy for respiratory health.
✔ Relieves sore muscles – Has natural analgesic properties, reducing muscle tension and joint pain.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation of eucalyptus leaves.

💡 Fun Fact: Koalas rely almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves for food and hydration!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a cooling, deep-cleansing effect, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
  • Body Butters – Helps relieve muscle soreness and inflammation.
  • Lip Balms – Soothes dry, chapped lips while offering a refreshing, cooling sensation.

7. Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia serrata)

Frankincense Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Oman, Somalia, and India.

📜 History: Used for over 5,000 years, frankincense was highly prized by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its healing, spiritual, and medicinal properties. It was one of the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men in biblical times.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Skin rejuvenation – Helps tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and fade scars.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Calms redness, puffiness, and irritation, making it great for eczema and sensitive skin.
✔ Antimicrobial – Naturally combats bacteria and fungi, keeping skin clear and healthy.
✔ Stress relief & relaxation – Used in aromatherapy to lower anxiety and improve mood.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation from the hardened resin of the frankincense tree.

💡 Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, frankincense was more valuable than gold and was used in mummification rituals.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Helps restore skin elasticity and even out complexion.
  • Body Butters – Reduces the appearance of fine lines and scars.
  • Lip Balms – Provides soothing and antibacterial protection.

8. Pine Essential Oil (Pinus sylvestris)

Pine Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Found in North America, Europe, and Asia, pine trees grow abundantly in mountainous and forested regions.

📜 History: Used in traditional European medicine as a natural remedy for respiratory issues, muscle pain, and skin infections. Native American tribes used pine needles in steam baths to clear congestion.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Antimicrobial & antifungal – Fights bacteria and fungal infections, making it great for acne-prone skin.
✔ Clears congestion – Helps open the airways and relieve respiratory discomfort.
✔ Soothes sore muscles – Reduces inflammation and joint pain, beneficial in post-workout skincare.
✔ Energizing scent – Naturally invigorates the senses and promotes focus.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation from pine needles and resin.

💡 Fun Fact: Pine essential oil was used as a disinfectant in hospitals before the invention of modern antiseptics!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a deep-cleansing, antibacterial effect.
  • Body Butters – Soothes muscle aches and joint stiffness.

9. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata)

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to tropical Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar.

📜 History: Used for centuries in Aromatherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, ylang ylang is famous for its exotic floral scent and calming properties. It was also used in perfume making and is a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Mood booster & stress reliever – Helps reduce anxiety, depression, and tension.
✔ Balances oil production – Regulates sebum levels, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin.
✔ Natural aphrodisiac – Used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and romance.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation of fresh ylang ylang flowers.

💡 Fun Fact: In Indonesia, ylang ylang flowers are scattered on newlyweds’ beds to promote love and harmony.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Adds a luxurious floral scent and balances oil levels in the skin.
  • Body Butters – Softens dry skin and enhances skin radiance.

10. Jasmine Essential Oil (Jasminum grandiflorum)

Jasmine Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to India, China, and the Middle East, jasmine is now cultivated worldwide for its intensely fragrant flowers.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern medicine, jasmine was believed to uplift mood and enhance skin glow. It was also a favorite scent of ancient Persian royalty.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Uplifting & stress-reducing – Boosts mood and relaxation, reducing anxiety and insomnia.
✔ Promotes skin elasticity – Helps smooth wrinkles and firm the skin.
✔ Natural antiseptic – Protects against bacteria and infections.

⚙ Production: Extracted using solvent extraction from fresh jasmine petals, as the flowers are too delicate for steam distillation.

💡 Fun Fact: Jasmine blooms at night, earning it the nickname "Queen of the Night"!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Enhances skin hydration and glow, leaving a luxurious floral scent.
  • Body Butters – Improves skin texture and elasticity.

11. Spearmint Essential Oil (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Europe and the Middle East, now cultivated worldwide.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Greece and Rome for digestion and skin treatments. Spearmint was also used in medieval herbal remedies.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Cooling & soothing – Relieves itchiness, irritation, and inflammation.
✔ Antibacterial & antifungal – Fights acne, dandruff, and fungal infections.
✔ Stimulates circulation – Helps brighten skin and promote a healthy glow.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation from fresh spearmint leaves.

💡 Fun Fact: Spearmint contains less menthol than peppermint, making it gentler on the skin.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a cooling, refreshing cleanse.
  • Lip Balms – Helps heal chapped lips and freshens breath.

12. Vanilla Essential Oil (Vanilla planifolia)

Vanilla Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Mexico, now mainly cultivated in Madagascar, Tahiti, and Indonesia.

📜 History: Used by the Aztecs and Mayans, vanilla was considered a luxury ingredient in skincare and perfumes.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ High in antioxidants – Fights free radicals and skin aging.
✔ Soothing & anti-inflammatory – Helps calm irritated skin.
✔ Antibacterial – Supports clear skin and reduces acne breakouts.

⚙ Production: Extracted via solvent extraction from fermented vanilla beans.

💡 Fun Fact: Vanilla is the second-most expensive spice after saffron!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Adds a sweet aroma while soothing and hydrating the skin.

13. Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint Essential Oil

🌍 Origin: Native to Europe and the Middle East, now grown worldwide, particularly in the U.S., India, and China.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, peppermint was a sacred medicinal herb for treating skin conditions, digestion, and headaches. It has been a staple in herbal medicine for over 2,000 years.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Cooling & refreshing – Contains menthol, which provides a soothing, tingling effect on the skin.
✔ Antibacterial & antifungal – Helps reduce acne, infections, and fungal issues.
✔ Relieves itching & irritation – Effective for bug bites, burns, and scalp health.
✔ Stimulates circulation – Increases blood flow, making lips and skin appear brighter and more plump.

⚙ Production: Extracted via steam distillation from fresh peppermint leaves, preserving its menthol-rich properties.

💡 Fun Fact: The Romans and Greeks used peppermint as a natural deodorant and air freshener, often rubbing the leaves on their skin before social gatherings.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides a cooling, antibacterial cleanse, ideal for acne-prone skin.
  • Lip Balms – Enhances blood circulation to lips, creating a plumping effect.
  • Body Butters – Soothes muscle aches and sunburns, leaving skin refreshed.

💎 Minerals, Clays & Natural Exfoliants

These natural ingredients help purify, detoxify, and revitalize the skin. Minerals provide nutrients that restore skin balance, while clays and exfoliants gently remove dead skin cells, absorb toxins, and improve complexion.

 

1. Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal

🌍 Origin: Created from carbon-rich materials such as coconut shells, bamboo, and hardwood, then heated at high temperatures to increase its absorption capacity.

📜 History: Used by Ancient Egyptians and Greeks for detoxification and medicinal treatments, charcoal has long been a natural skin purifier.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Powerful detoxifier – Absorbs toxins, excess oil, and bacteria, deeply cleansing pores.
✔ Reduces acne & blackheads – Draws out impurities, making it effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
✔ Balances oil production – Helps regulate sebum levels, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

⚙ Production: Made by heating organic materials at high temperatures to remove impurities, resulting in highly porous charcoal that binds to toxins and dirt.

💡 Fun Fact: Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, prescribed charcoal for digestive health and detoxification over 2,000 years ago!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Provides deep cleansing, ideal for acne and oily skin.
  • Scrubs – Gently exfoliates while removing toxins and impurities.

2. White Kaolin Clay

Kaolin Clay

🌍 Origin: Named after the Kaoling mountain region in China, kaolin clay is found in Brazil, the U.S., and the U.K.

📜 History: Used in Ancient Chinese and Greek medicine, kaolin clay was a natural beauty treatment for absorbing excess oil and brightening skin.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Gentle cleanser – Removes dirt and impurities without stripping natural oils.
✔ Soothes irritation – Calms sensitive and inflamed skin, making it great for eczema and rosacea.
✔ Mild exfoliation – Gently buffs away dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.

⚙ Production: Extracted from natural mineral deposits, then dried and ground into a fine powder.

💡 Fun Fact: Kaolin clay was used in Ancient China as an ingredient in porcelain!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Leaves skin soft, smooth, and deeply cleansed.
  • Face Masks & Scrubs – Detoxifies while calming irritation.

3. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt

Himalayan Pink Salt

🌍 Origin: Mined from ancient sea beds in the Himalayas, particularly Pakistan.

📜 History: Used for over 250 million years, Himalayan salt was a highly prized mineral in traditional medicine and skincare.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Rich in minerals – Contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which restore skin hydration and balance.
✔ Detoxifies pores – Draws out toxins and impurities, leaving skin refreshed.
✔ Exfoliates & softens skin – Helps remove dead skin cells, making skin feel smooth and polished.

⚙ Production: Mined from salt deposits formed over millions of years, then ground into fine crystals.

💡 Fun Fact: Himalayan salt is believed to have natural ionizing properties, which help purify the air when heated!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Scrubs – Gently exfoliates and detoxifies.
  • Soap – Improves skin hydration and texture.

4. Indigo Powder (Indigofera tinctoria)

Indigo Powder

🌍 Origin: Native to India and Southeast Asia, indigo is a natural dye and skincare ingredient.

📜 History: Used in Ayurvedic medicine, indigo was applied for soothing irritated skin, reducing scalp issues, and natural hair coloring.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Calms sensitive skin – Reduces inflammation, redness, and eczema symptoms.
✔ Natural antibacterial properties – Helps fight bacteria and acne.
✔ Soothes itchy scalp – Used in hair care for reducing dandruff and irritation.

⚙ Production: Indigo leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into powder for skin and hair treatments.

💡 Fun Fact: Indigo was called "Blue Gold" due to its high value in ancient trade!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Helps soothe and protect irritated skin.

🌿 Natural Preservatives & Additives

 

Natural preservatives and additives help extend shelf life, enhance texture, and provide additional skin benefits. Unlike synthetic chemicals, these plant-based alternatives maintain the integrity and effectiveness of skincare products while offering hydration, protection, and nourishment.

 

1. Raw Honey (Apis mellifera)

Raw Honey

🌍 Origin: Harvested from bee colonies worldwide, with top production in New Zealand, the U.S., and Europe.

📜 History: Used for over 8,000 years, honey was prized in Ancient Egypt, China, and Greece for its medicinal, preservative, and skincare benefits. It was even found in sealed Egyptian tombs—still perfectly preserved!

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Powerful antibacterial & antifungal properties – Helps prevent bacterial growth and skin infections.
✔ Natural humectant – Draws moisture into the skin, preventing dryness and flaking.
✔ Rich in antioxidants – Protects against environmental stressors and premature aging.
✔ Soothes irritation – Reduces redness, inflammation, and sensitivity.

⚙ Production: Collected from honeybee hives, then minimally processed to retain enzymes, nutrients, and antibacterial properties.

💡 Fun Fact: Honey never spoils! Archaeologists found honey jars in ancient Egyptian tombs that were still edible after 3,000 years.

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Helps retain skin moisture and provides a mild antibacterial cleanse.
  • Body Butters – Boosts hydration and soothes dry patches.
  • Lip Balms – Heals chapped lips and locks in moisture.

2. Sodium Lactate (Plant-Based Humectant & Hardener)

Sodium Lactate

🌍 Origin: Derived from corn and beets, commonly used in natural skincare and food preservation.

📜 History: Used in medical and cosmetic formulations for decades, sodium lactate is a natural byproduct of fermentation and a powerful skin-conditioning agent.

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Boosts hydration – Acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into dehydrated skin.
✔ Improves soap texture – Hardens bars for longer-lasting use while maintaining a silky feel.
✔ Supports skin barrier function – Helps restore moisture balance, making skin smooth and soft.

⚙ Production: Created through fermentation of plant-based sugars, then purified for cosmetic and medical use.

💡 Fun Fact: Sodium lactate is naturally present in human skin, making it one of the most effective hydrating ingredients!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Soap – Improves firmness and longevity, preventing bars from dissolving too quickly.
  • Body Butters – Enhances moisture retention, keeping skin hydrated longer.

3. Beeswax (Cera alba)

Beeswax

🌍 Origin: Produced by honeybees, mainly harvested in North America, Europe, and Africa.

📜 History: Used since Ancient Egyptian times, beeswax was applied for moisturizing balms, candles, and waterproofing materials. It was even found in the tombs of Pharaohs!

🩺 Medical Applications & Healing Benefits:
✔ Forms a protective barrier – Locks in moisture while allowing skin to breathe naturally.
✔ Soothes dry & chapped skin – Helps prevent cracking and irritation.
✔ Rich in vitamin A – Supports skin healing and cell regeneration.
✔ Naturally antibacterial – Protects against infections and irritation.

⚙ Production: Beeswax is secreted by honeybees to build their honeycomb, then carefully extracted and filtered for skincare use.

💡 Fun Fact: Bees must consume about 6–8 pounds of honey to produce just one pound of beeswax!

🛁 Benefits When Used in:

  • Lip Balms – Provides a long-lasting moisture seal and heals cracked lips.
  • Body Butters – Improves skin hydration and creates a natural protective layer.


💛 The Heart & Soul of Ash & Lee Soaps 💛

At Ash & Lee Soaps, every ingredient tells a story—a story of nature’s power, centuries-old beauty rituals, and skin-loving goodness. From the creamy richness of shea butter to the detoxifying magic of activated charcoal, we carefully select each ingredient to nourish, protect, and pamper your skin the way it deserves.

Our products are made with love, intention, and a little bit of botanical magic—because your skin deserves nothing but the best. 🌿✨

So whether you're lathering up with a silky soap bar, indulging in a whipped body butter, or smoothing on a hydrating lip balm, know that every ingredient was chosen with purpose and passion.

Here's to healthy, happy skin—naturally! 💖

With love & bubbles,
Ash & Lee Soaps 🛁🌸✨

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and we cant forget the sources..

🌍 Botanical & Plant-Based Ingredients Sources

General Botanical & Herbal References:

Specific Ingredients & Uses:

🧴 Base Oils & Butters Sources

General References for Carrier Oils & Butters:

Specific Carrier Oils & Their Properties:

🌸 Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Sources

General Essential Oil Research:

Specific Essential Oils & Their Properties:

💎 Minerals, Clays, & Natural Exfoliants Sources

🌿 Natural Preservatives & Additives Sources