Queen Beetanicals: Belly Bee Nourished Balm 50g

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil – Fiji – Cold Pressed
Coconut oil is a wonderful moisturiser, used as a base in our balms. Easily absorbed because of its smaller fatty acids, coconut oil has been found to improve hydration and  protect the skin barrier. It is also an antioxidant. Research has shown that it can be more effective than mineral oil in improving dry skin (Evangelista et al. 2014, PMID 24320105).

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Seed Oil – Australia – Cold Pressed
Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is a nutrient-rich wax that we use in all our balms. It penetrates easily into the skin, suits all skin types, and is rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. A review of research suggests that jojoba may assist with fighting the signs of premature ageing. Jojoba may also aid absorption of other active skincare ingredients (Pazyar et al. 2013, PMID 24442052).

Beeswax (Cera alba) – Australia – Unrefined
Beeswax is a natural emollient and humectant, providing moisture to the skin and acting as a protective barrier against the elements. Our beeswax comes from our own hives; we love our bees, so they are not harmed during harvesting. Beeswax is the perfect ingredient to base our balms on, as it provides amazing protection to your skin.

Extra Virgin Olive (Olea europaea) Oil – Grampians, Australia 
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is sourced from our friends, Olive Grove, in the Grampians – just down the road from us. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, and a range of antioxidants more potent than vitamin E.

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) Oil – Australia – Unrefined
Avocado seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6), plus plant precursors to vitamin A, and vitamins B1, D and E. This nourishing oil helps to protect the skin and reduce the appearance of redness, making it very popular in anti-ageing products. While it is no replacement for sunscreen, this may include aging caused by sun damage (Rosenblat et al. 2011, PMID 20978772).

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) – Ghana – Unrefined 

Shea butter is taken from the nuts of shea trees, native to West Africa. It contains high levels of fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, as well as vitamin E and other antioxidants. These contribute to its protective properties, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, reduce the appearance of redness and improve the look of skin by enhancing hydration (Lin et al. 2018, PMID 29280987).

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Oil – India – Cold Pressed

Sesame oil is an excellent soothing moisturiser, containing unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Sesame oil may help to reduce the appearance of redness, such as in skin damaged by exposure to the sun (Lin et al. 2018, PMID 29280987).

Rosehip (Rosa canina) Oil – Chile – Cold Pressed

Rosehip oil comes from the seed and fruit of Rosa canina, the rose. It is high in the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and plant forms of vitamin A. It may be regarded as a “miracle oil” in reducing signs of ageing, and may help relieve the appearance of dry skin conditions (Lin et al. 2018, PMID 29280987).

Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) - Australia
Kakadu plum is one of our native Australian superfoods, infused into most of our balms. As an antioxidant, it is 13 times stronger than blueberries (Konczak et al., CSIRO)! This is due to its high levels of vitamin C, which are many times greater than oranges, as well as other antioxidants such as ellagic acid. In fact, kakadu plum is a uniquely rich source of ellagic acid. These may give the fruit strong antiaging and antiseptic properties (Konczak et al. 2014, PMID 24423529).

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos flavidus) – Australia

Kangaroo Paw is an Australian native wonderful for attracting bees. Research published in 2018 also suggests that kangaroo paw may become a new star in the anti-ageing world, as it significantly smoothed wrinkles and visibly reduced neck sagging in female volunteers (Attia et al. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.03.1474).

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Australia
Calendula is an antiseptic ingredient that contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids. It is well-known for its nurturing effect on dry skin conditions  (WHO, 2004).

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) – Ghana - Unrefined

Cocoa butter is the pressed fat from cacao beans, the seeds of the cocoa tree, which is left over from cocoa powder production. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, it is a nourishing moisturiser that can help in a wide range of skin complaints. Cocoa butter’s benefits may include reducing the appearance of redness and fighting the signs of premature skin ageing (Scapagnini et al. 2014, PMID 25116848).

Lavender (Lavender angustifolia) Oil – Australia – Steam Distilled

Lavender oil is widely known and used for its calming and soothing properties, both on the skin and psychologically. It can also improve the appearance of skin damaged by the weather or age (Koulivand et al. 2013, PMID 23573142).

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – Australia
Vitamin E is a soothing, protective antioxidant that can help fight the signs of premature aging, such as those caused by excessive sun exposure. It is also added to skincare products to keep them fresh for longer (Schagen et al. 2012, PMID 23467449).

Sorbitan Olivate (derived from olives) – Australia
Sorbitan olivate is a natural emulsifier derived from olives. Emulsifiers keep ingredients blended; otherwise, oil- and water-based ingredients will separate and products may become less effective. It also brings its own moisturising properties to preparations (source: Britannica).