Indian Earthy Naturals : Raw Himalayan Honey Vanilla Soap

For the longest time, I shunned from soap bars because they dehydrated my skin. Then I discovered the amazing benefits of handmade soaps. The very best reason to use handmade soap is the ingredients. Handmade soaps are typically made of vegetable oils and butters that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that are essential to healthy skin (1). Handmade soaps retain all of its natural glycerin glory and produces a rich and luxurious lather that is unparalleled to any other (1). Finally handmade soaps can be customized to personal preferences. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about IEN HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Olea europaea (Virgin Olive Oil): Full of linoleic acids, oleic acids, palmitic acids, and polyphenols, the acids in high quality olive oil work by trapping water into the skin, ensuring hydration (2). Polyphenols are antioxidants, which when absorbed into the skin, will combat the free radicals thus preventing premature ageing. Two other benefits of polyphenol is that is offers protection against ultraviolet rays and will also encourage new cell growth, so that new cells are made to replace any damaged skin cells (2). In soap making, it has moisturizing, disinfectant and anti-wrinkle properties and can be used to produce a mild soap (3).

• Butyrospermum parkii (Raw Shea Butter): A great emollient oil addition to soap, it makes a hard, shiny, conditioning bar with a stable lather and moisturizing properties. Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (4). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin, and is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (4). Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (5). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (4). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (4).

• Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil: Rice Bran Oil is a natural source for the following antioxidants:  Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Gamma Oryzanol, Phytosterols, Polyphenols and Squalene, that help fight free radicals and aid in slowing down the effects of aging (6). Hypoallergenic, it contains proanthrocyanidins which protect collagen and elastin which in turn maintain the suppleness of skin (6). Rich in fatty acids it is very beneficial for mature, delicate and sensitive skin types. Owing to a small molecule rice bran oil is easier to penetrate the skin without being greasy (6). When used in soap-making, the soaps are creamier and smoother (6).

• Cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil): The fatty acids along with the numerous minerals and nutrients in coconut will provide the skin with great benefits. The oil can also work to help remove dirt and dead cells from the skin. The aforementioned acids in coconut oil (lactic, capric, etc) can also have benefits when it comes to acne treatment: the antimicrobial properties of these fats can act to prevent or help reduce current acne breakouts (7).  The antioxidants prevent and help to reduce skin aging. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection, reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis while supporting the natural chemical balance of the skin, softens the skin helping relieve dryness and flaking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots promoting healthy looking complexion (7). Essential to soap making, it is a natural cleanser and moisturizer and makes a hard, cleansing bar with creamy, bubbly lather.

• Ricinus communis (Castor Oil): Soothing oil that has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (3). In soap it acts as an emollient, humectant and softener, adds and retains moisture and protects the skin. It is also used to treat dry lacerated and chapped skin, including psoriasis. It makes a soft, conditioning bar with bubbly, stable lather.

• Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil: High in lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids which will produce a hard, cleansing bar with a full lather when used in a soap making formula (8).Palm oil contains toctrienols, members of the vitamin E family which helps the skin to fight free radicals that damage the skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles (9). Found in soaps for its ability to remove oil and dirt from and also contains a refatting agent that helps restore the skin’s natural oils (9).

• Vanilla planifolia Bean Extract: It has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin (10). Vanilla is a great source of natural antioxidants that can also help protect skin from environmental assaults that can accelerate aging (10). Helps reduce skin infections—another reason it helps encourage wound healing—and can reduce the bacteria that cause acne (10). Rich in B vitamins, including niacin, which is a key nutrient in the maintenance of healthy skin. Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid are also found in this natural extract (10).

• Himalayan Raw Honey: Raw honey is a natural beauty solution for all skin types because of its healing skin benefits. It does wonders for a wide variety of skin ailments including acne and enlarged pores, rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, sensitive, mature, and dull lifeless skin (11). With its natural pH level of 4.5, raw honey falls within skin’s naturally healthy pH range. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it great for healing cuts and burns by killing bacteria and fungus (11). Raw honey also contains gluconic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and lightens scars and age spots (11). Rich in nutrients and minerals such as vitamin B, iron, manganese, copper, potassium and calcium, it acts as a humectant drawing moisture to the skin and is perfect as a gentle cleansing solution for even very sensitive skin (11). When mixed with water, honey releases peroxide properties which helps heal acne and impede bacterial growth causing more acne (11).

• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in the saponifiation of the oils, none of which remain in the end product.

The raw himalayan honey vanilla soap comes in a 4 oz bar format, packaged in a cellophane wrap and a cute, reusable cotton burlap bag. Brown in color, the soap bar has a heavenly fragrance of pure organic vanillin which is extracted from vanilla beans.

To use, apply on moistened skin, use a loofah to work up a lather before rinsing off.

I was looking for a soap for my daughter who is prone to eczema. While discussing with Suman, she mentioned about how this soap was developed in house to help with her daughter's eczema. This variety is so popular that it is almost always back ordered and it isn't difficult to imagine why.

When I received this soap, I placed it in my closet and every time I would open the sweetest fragrance of honey and vanilla would waft out!!!

Made with 100% natural, skin loving & therapeutic ingredients, the soap lathers rather mildly when used without a loofah but leaves the skin super hydrated and well moisturized. My 3 year old seems to love the smell and  bath times have become less of an ordeal! The honey-vanilla fragrance does not linger long after the shower, though I secretly wish it had!

Since I switched to natural skincare products for my DD, her skin hasn't had a breakout. Though I am not sure if this product helped with her eczema, I can guarantee that once you've tried one of these treasures, you'll never again be satisfied with commercial soap bars. This right here is the REAL deal!

Ida Naturals : Ubtan

Ubtan, made using natural ingredients is traditionally an Indian beauty paste applied on brides & grooms-to-be a few days before the D-Day as part of a ritual. Made using a myriad variety of natural ingredients, ubtan serves as a cleanser, de-tanner, astringent, stimulant, and skin-tonic all at the same time. It has several beauty benefits for the skin and is even used for babies in place of soap. 

Priya Iyer of Ida Naturals was kind enough to send me a complimentary sample of her ubtan for my daughter and I cannot thank her enough!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Ida Naturals HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Green Gram Flour: Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (1). Applied topically, moong dal is a great way to soothe dry skin and retain its lost moisture. It is packed with cell rejuvenating vitamins and enzymes that help to lock in moisture into the skin (1). Its exfoliating properties help lighten the skin (de-tan) and get rid of fine facial hair. It also prevents the pores of your skin from clogging up with oil or dirt and draws out impurities from the skin and skin pores preventing acne (1). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (1).  

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (2). 

• Red Sandalwood: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (3). The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (3). It is also a natural astringent, especially for oily skin and also helps in toning up the skin (3). 

• Neem (Azadirachta Indica) : The leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. They also soothe irritation and reduce inflammation without drying the skin (4). High in beneficial fatty acids, neem can keep oil secretion in control and  effectively kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces inflammation thus clearing acne and preventing new ones (5). A neem pack has moisturising properties that is quite effective in taking care of excessively dry skin and helps keep dry skin from getting rough and itchy (5).

• Tulsi (Basil): Antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal in nature, external application on the skin removes extra oil from the skin surface and prevents acne. Essential oil camphene in tulsi gives a soothing, cooling effect (6). Vitamin-C, A, phytonutrients and the essential oils in Holy Basil are excellent antioxidants and protect the body from nearly all the damage caused by free radicals in the body (6).

• Aloe Vera: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (7). (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Aavaram Senna (Tanner's Cassia): Avaram Senna flower is a natural source of antioxidants and the flower extract contains terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroid (8). Saponins found in the flower extract is a natural antimicrobial compound that fights against fungal and microbial infections (8). Dried Avaram Senna flower when used in topically  prevents black spots, treats uneven skin tone and improves skin complexion (8).

• Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (9). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (9).

The ayurvedic version of microdermabrasion, ubtan is a a powerful exfoliating yet gentle treatment that stimulates the underlying tissues of the skin.  

Powdery in consistency, smooth to touch, the ubtan has a greenish yellow color with a sweet basil fragrance.  I was sent a 100 gm sample which lasted me for 2-2.5 weeks at the rate of 1 tablespoon per day. 

To use, I take 1 tablespoon of the dry powder and mix it with hot water to bring it to a paste like consistency. When wet, the ubtan smells of green gram which brings back childhood memories! 

I employ this ubtan as a body cleanser (in place of soap) for my daughter. Generally, I oil my tiny tot followed by gently massaging of the ubtan in circular motion to the oiled skin before rinsing it off. The ubtan effectively removes the excess oil but does not dry the skin. Her skin is soft and feels cleansed and well hydrated after the shower. I do moisturize her skin after as she is prone to eczema. 

The ubtan has a yellowish tinge due to the turmeric which does not stain the skin nor does it leave behind any detectable herbal fragrance. I am so glad to have found a natural cleanser for my baby...thanks a ton Priya!!

I have already extinguished my supply  and have made a bulk order of the same, that is how much I have fallen in love with this ubtan!