About Our Ingredients

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Activate Charcoal

"Active charcoal is a popular natural ingredient to include in soap and other skin care products because of its power to draw impurities from your skin" (thenerdyfarmwife.com). We also use it to give natural colour and accents to our soap.

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Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera has cooling, soothing, and moisturizing properties (aromaweb.com).  

Pure aloe vera gel has a very short shelf life if it is not preserved. Road 35 West sources preserved aloe vera gel. 

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Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is rich in antioxidants and high in hydrating and moisturizing fatty acids. "...[A]pricot kernel oil acts as an emollient, softening skin when applied, and helping to seal it against moisture loss. It also has a soothing effect, especially on 'chapped' or over-dried skin" (tatcha.com).

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Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder helps to absorb excess oil.  Used in our lotion, it adds to making our non-greasy lotion feel even more non-greasy!  It is said to also aid in promoting healing and soothing inflammation on the skin (newdirectionsaromatics.com).        

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Baking Soda

Baking Soda is used in our natural deodorant because baking soda is effective at absorbing moisture.  It also helps to eliminate odor.  Baking soda is alkaline which helps to discourage or eliminate the growth of bacteria; but, for this same reason, it can also cause some skin irritation on sensitive skin.

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Beeswax

"Beeswax heals and softens skin, and is an antibacterial agent. It can help you fight conditions like acne, dry skin, eczema, and stretch marks. Beeswax has many healing properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of beeswax encourage the healing of wounds. It is also protective, helping form a barrier between the skin and the environment without clogging pores. Further, beeswax is high in vitamin A, which has been found to support cell reconstruction and health. The protective nature of beeswax helps hold in moisture and reduce dryness of skin. It is also a humectant, which means that it attracts water. This helps keep the skin hydrated and soft" (sleepingbearfarms.com).

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Clay

Clay is added to our soaps, primarily, for its ability to provide beautiful 100% natural colours.  It also has the benefits of adding to the lather's silky feel and removing impurities from the skin (lovelygreens.com).

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Cocoa Butter

"Cocoa Butter is moisturizing; [it] leaves a protective barrier on the skin. It is well recognized for its ability to keep the skin supple and to help prevent or reduce stretch marks or scars.  It is said that cocoa butter is rich in anti-oxidants" (aromaweb.com).

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Coconut Oil

According to a 2018 International Journal of Molecular Sciences published review, coconut oil is said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.  It is also said to make an effective moisturizer.

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Essential Oils

Road 35 West uses NOW Brand essential oils. We find this brand to be safe, effective, and economical. Any essential oil used in our products is good for the skin and is used in amounts safe for the skin (according to  eocalc.com).

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Honey

"Acne: Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention. Aging: Full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging. Complexion boost: It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow. Pores: Honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog" (sheknows.com).  Sugar increases lather; therefore, one more benefit of adding honey to our soap is for creating a beautiful lather!

Our honey is locally sourced! 

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Jojoba Oil

"Jojoba (huh-hoe'-buh) Oil is actually a wax.  [It] is said to act as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is said that its compositions is similar to that of the skin's natural sebum [oil]" (aromaweb.com).  Jojoba Oil is a good choice for use with any skin type-even those who have oily or acne prone skin!

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Magnesium Hydroxide

"Studies have shown that Magnesium Hydroxide does not absorb into the skin. Instead, its main purpose in a natural deodorant is to counteract any odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin without impacting the dermis-the layer of skin where sweat glands, pores and hair follicles are contained" (garrisonminerals.com). 

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Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

"Zinc oxide is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it will fight off odour-causing bacteria."  Non-nano zinc oxide will sit on the skin. It is not absorbed and "won't clog your pores" (bottegazerowaste.com).

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Oatmeal, Oat Oil

Oatmeal "is very high in many vitamins and minerals" which greatly benefits our body (healthline.com).  

It amazingly

1. "helps to keep skin hydrated by forming a...layer on the surface that retains water in the skin;

2. "allows natural and gentle cleansing of skin due to presence of saponins;

3. "provides gentle exfoliation;

4. "imparts moisturizing, soothing, conditioning, and nourishing qualities, significantly improving skin dryness and roughness;

5. "helps reduce skin inflammation making it ideal for treating inflammatory skin conditions [either chronic or acute];  

6. "has been found to protect the skin from irritation caused by Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) [which is often found in detergents, shampoo, shaving foam, and bubble bath];

7. "has antioxidant properties;

8. "is suited for all skin types including sensitive and problem skin such as acne, eczema and psoriasis" (schoolofnaturalskincare.com).

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Preservative

Preservative is needed in lotion and cream formulations containing water to inhibit the potential growth of bacteria or mold.  A lot of thought and prayer was put into deciding which preservative Road 35 West was going to use in our Signature Blend Moisturizing Cream.  We wanted to use a gentle but effective preservative suitable for all.  Some nature-derived preservatives are effective against bacteria but not against mold (or vice versa), some are not to be used on young children (such as those containing salicylic acid), some are only effective for a short period of time or in high concentrations, and some cause a stinging sensation when the lotion is applied to the skin.  We decided on using Liquid Germall Plus. It is not the most natural preservative on the market, but it is paraben free, non-stinging, appropriate for everyone to use, and is effective when added at just 0.1-0.5%.

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Pumpkin

"Pumpkins contain enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that break down dead skin cells. By removing dead skin cells, normal cell regeneration speeds up. This has a smoothing and brightening effect, resulting in glowing skin. Pumpkin enzymes are plentiful in antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C. These amazing ingredients refine and soothe the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. A derivative of vitamin A, beta-carotene, boosts collagen production to help minimize wrinkles. Beta-carotene also helps to reverse UV damage and improve uneven skin pigment" (njvvc.com). We also like the creamy texture that pumpkin gives to our bar soap!

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Shea Butter

"Shea Butter is typically used for its moisturizing effects.  When you apply shea topically, these oils are rapidly absorbed into your skin.  They act as a 'refatting' agent, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture.  This restores the barrier between your skin and the outside environment, holding moisture in and reducing your risk of dryness.  Shea Butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E, which means it promotes strong antioxidant activity.  Antioxidants are important anti-aging agents.  They protect your skin cells from free radicals that can lead to premature aging and dull-looking skin" (healthline.com).

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Sweet Almond Oil

IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ALMONDS, PLEASE DO NOT USE OUR PRODUCTS CONTAINING SWEET ALMOND OIL.

Sweet Almond Oil is relatively fast absorbing, so it does not leave the skin feeling greasy.  It is a great moisturizer, and it can help improve complexion and skin tone.  It is safe for all skin types-sensitive, dry, oily.  It is noncomedogenic so it shouldn't clog pores.  "[It] has been used for centuries to soothe the skin and treat minor wounds and cuts.  It has antifungal properties."  You can also use almond oil as a cleanser to gently remove make-up (healthline.com).

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Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil helps to soothe and hydrate skin. It is also "widely claimed to help speed healing and reduce scarring when applied to skin" (healthline.com).

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Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is used in the Body & Linen Spray as a carrier for the essential oil. "Witch hazel is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin" (healthline.com). Some people also use witch hazel for its astringent properties. 

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Anise Essential Oil

Anise Essential Oil is used in our soap to give the delicious smell of black licorice. It is said that the aroma with induce a calming effect and is good for the respiratory system.  "With natural properties that help your body fight off infections, anise provides you with an oil option good for your skin." Anise, therefore, helps your skin to fight off acne and heal wounds, acts as a good antiseptic, and acts as a good skin product to ward off fungal and microbial infections (rootsessential.com).

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Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood Essential Oil "enhances circulation to the scalp and tightens the follicles, which helps stimulate healthy growth and thereby helps reduce thinning by slowing hair loss" (newdirectionsaromatics.com).

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Eucalyptus Essential Oil

"In most cases, what is causing [an] odour is bacteria and germs."  Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, and Lavender Essential Oil are used in the Body & Linen Spray because they are a good choice for neutralizing odours and purifying the air (organicaromas.com).

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CHILDREN UNDER 10 YEARS OF AGE DO NOT USE EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL.

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Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil is beneficial for helping to heal scars and stretch marks (aromaweb.com).

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Lavender Essential Oil

Skin care properties of Lavender Essential Oil include anti-bacterial properties making it good for healing minor cuts and scrapes (AromaWeb).

It is also a good choice in the Body & Linen Spray for neutralizing odors and purifying the air (organicaromas.com).

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Lemongrass Essential Oil

"Lemongrass essential oil has purifying properties which make it perfect for skincare.  These properties help to remove impurities, detoxify the skin and leave it feeling clean and clear.  It is a natural astringent to control excess oil on the skin" (garnier.com).

Lemongrass, very similar to citronella, is said to be a safe way to help repel bugs in the summer!

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Lime Essential Oil

Lime essential oil is said to benefit the skin because of it's high vitamin C content, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial/antifungal properties. "In skin care, lime essential oil can act as a tightening and toning astringent that reduces the amount of oil production" (newdirectionsaromatics.com).

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Geranium Essential Oil

"A 2017 review of studies on geranium essential oil indicated that its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties make it beneficial for reducing acne breakouts, skin irritation, and skin infections when applied topically" (healthline.com).  It is said to make the skin glow.  It is also said to repel ticks; great for use in the summer!​

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Orange Essential Oil

Orange Essential Oil helps to reduce dull skin (aromaweb.com) and smells uplifting!

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Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil is said to have antibacterial properties as well as the ability to increase blood flow (healthline.com).

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Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil "strengthens circulation" (healthline.com) and is said to have antimicrobial properties.

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Sandalwood Essential Oil

According to AromaWeb, Sandalwood Essential Oil can benefit in treating chapped skin, dry skin, oily skin, scars, and stretch marks.

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Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Oil is known to have skin-soothing benefits and anti-bacterial properties (healthline.com).

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Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla is not really an essential oil, but involves infusing the vanilla bean into a carrier oil. It does not contain properties that benefit the skin specifically (aromaweb.com), but it is a wonderful smell to add to skin care products.  The jojoba oil into which it is infused is very good for the skin.

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REMEMBER: This is only general information and should not be substituted for professional medical advice.

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