Power of Kitchen Ingredients

Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate)

This fine white powder is in natural deodorants for its ability to absorb odors. Baking soda is traditionally used as a tooth whitener because of its abrasive properties. Last but not least, baking soda makes a gentle antibacterial facial scrub, which is especially good for acne-prone skin.

Beeswax (Apis mellifera)

This natural wax is produced in the beehive of honeybees. Beeswax is rich in fatty acid esters and is used in cosmetic products like emollients, thickeners, and emulsifiers. A controlled German study found that a barrier cream with beeswax was more effective in baby care than a commercial product with petroleum jelly (Frosch et al. 2003).

Beet (Beta vulgaris)

Beetroots are rich in the nutrient betaine and red pigments betalains and indicaxanthin. This pigment has been shown to be a powerful protective antioxidant that also prevents the breakdown of alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E. Beet juice can be used to prepare liquid blushes and lip colors.

Bentonite

This natural clay has the chemical name aluminum phyllosilicate. Clays are used cosmetically in facial masks for their ability to absorb oil and protein molecules. As aluminum salt, bentonite and kaolin are less toxic than aluminum hydroxychloride, which is used in antiperspirants. However, bentonite clay may be toxic to the central nervous system and detrimental to bones because aluminum competes with calcium for absorption. Currently, cosmetic manufacturers consider bentonite clays safe for use in cosmetics based on a study in which aluminum silicate was applied to human skin
daily for one week (Elmore 2003). Long-term effects of exposure to aluminum salt in facial masks and creams are as yet unknown. Keep this in mind when buying clay masks based on salts of aluminum There are many wonderful aluminum-free clays that have healing potential. Natural muds, such as volcanic fango mud and marine muds from the Dead Sea, are naturally rich in thermal water and minerals. They are used in spa procedures at balneological resorts.

Birch (Betula pendula)

Birch extract has traditionally been used to promote hair growth. Birch bark is rich in anti inflammatory tannins and saponins, while the leaves contain betulinic acid, which has anti inflammatory and anti-HTV activity. Birch extract is used in shampoos, conditioners, and body treatments for cellulite. You can prepare a birch leaf infusion at home to rinse your hair after shampooing.Green Beauty Recipes