Coffee butter is made up of:

1. Chlorogenic Acid is a powerful antioxidant.  In lab studies, it has shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial responses.  It plays a role in maintaining healthy sugar and fat metabolism.
2. Oleic Acid, also known as Omega 9, has many benefits.  It cleanses the skin, hydrates the skin, enhances skin absorption, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, manages dandruff, and aids in maintaining a healthy immune system.
3. Linoleic Acid, also known as Omega 6, is also an antioxidant.  It has been known to soothe skin, reduce the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and helps manage symptoms of acnes.
4. Phytosterols are known to protect the skin and aid in moisture retention. 
5. Lecithin is known to moisturize the skin and reduce the appearance of flaky skin.
6. Vitamin E has shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses in lab studies.  It helps manage dry, itchy and flaky skin, improves the appearance of scars or blemishes, cleanses pores and balances oily skin.

The post The Benefits of Coffee Butter first appeared on Bell Family Acres.

Unfortunately, the term “natural” is not USDA regulated and is loosely used.  Even homemade soaps can contain synthetic colorants, such as mica powders and synthetic fragrance oils.  It is up to the consumer to read the labels and know what to look for.  Here at Humble Hive & Co., natural to us means we leave out those things that really are not natural.  We only use truly natural essential oils and colorants.  We get added natural color by using orange peel powder, spinach powder, colored clay powders, etc., and scents are achieved by using only essential oils.  No synthetics!

So now let’s look at some of the ingredients you can find in commercial products that claim to be natural.

• Fragrances / Parfum can be found in anything that’s scented.  It can even be found in products that say “unscented” to cover smells.  Some examples of brands and products that contain fragrance are Mrs. Meyers, Johnson & Johnson, Pampers diapers, Bath & Body Works, candles, etc.  Fragrances have been known to cause headaches, asthma, impact on vision, hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, central nervous system disorders and cancer.
• Ethanolamine (also listed as TEA, MEA, DEA) is a foaming agent and is used to thicken products.  Some examples of brands this can be found in are Suave, Axe and Softsoap hand soap.  Ethanolamine has been known to cause organ toxicity, tumors, inhibit fetal development, liver tumors and hormone disruption.
• Methylisothiazolinone (also listed as MIT or CMIT) is a chemical that can control or kill a harmful substance.  It’s been known to cause allergic reactions, organ system toxicity, nerve damage and may even be neurotoxic.  You can find this toxin in Dawn dish detergent, Jet Dry rinsing agent, Pledge floor cleaner and Neutrogena sunscreen, etc.
• Parabens are preservatives.  They are a known carcinogen, germicide and skin irritant.  99% of breast cancer tissue contains paraben.  It mimics the hormone, Estrogen, and disrupts hormones and normal body functions.  They can be found in just about anything including Neosporin and Vasoline.  
• Polyethylene Glycol (also listed as PEG’s) can be found in oven cleaners, sunscreens, antifreeze, Crest toothpaste, Miralax and Johnson & Johnson, etc.  It’s toxic to the liver, heart and central nervous system and can cause breast and other types of cancer.
• Petroleum (also listed as mineral oil, paraffin, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, PVP) contaminates the body, interferes with Estrogen levels and may contain carcinogens.  It can be found in LUVs diapers, Goldbond, Aquaphor and Loreal Moisturizer, etc.
• Phenoxyethenol (also listed as PhE, Euxylk 400) can cause allergic reactions, eczema and reproductive damage.  If an infant is exposed, it can affect nervous symptom function.  You can find this in Wet Ones wipes and Aveeno Moisturizer.
• Propylene Glycol (also listed as Ethylene, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol) is a neurotoxin and can cause allergic reactions, kidney and liver failure, is cardiovascular toxic, respiratory toxic and blood toxic.  It can be found in Clean and Clear and Dayquil.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is found in 90% of toothpaste, cosmetics, cleansers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, degreasers and cleaning supplies.  It causes skin irritation, respiratory problems, hormone disruption, liver toxicity and cancer.  It can be found in All Free and Clear detergent, Crest kids toothpaste, Equate kids body wash and Seventh Generation surface cleaners.
• Synthetic Dyes and Colors (can also be listed as D&C Green 3. Yellow 6, FD&C, etc.)  can be found in just about anything and everything.  They cause allergic reactions, acne, cancers, thyroid problems, tumors and hyperactivity.  Some examples of products containing these are children’s Motrin, Tums, Crayola bath bombs and Palmolive.

The post Humble Hive & Co. vs. Commercial Brands first appeared on Bell Family Acres.

You might notice on some of our soaps, that they have a white powdery covering.  This is called Soda ash.  Soda ash forms when the unsaponified lye reacts with the naturally occurring carbon dioxide in the air during the saponification process.  This doesn’t affect the soap and the soap is safe to use.  Some soap crafters steam their soaps before sale to remove the soda ash, but we embrace the ash here at Humble Hive!  But not to worry, the soda ash will disappear after the first use!

The post What makes a soap, soap? first appeared on Bell Family Acres.