bioemsan ingredients

This oil contains a high proportion of oleic acid, important fats and vitamins. It promotes cell regeneration. Avocado oil is green in colour and rich in vitamins (A, B, D, E) which support the cell structure and the regeneration of the skin. One noteworthy feature is its high biotin content. This is a vitamin that improves the skin structure and the complexion and strengthens fingernails and hair.

Argan oil contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It protects, softens and moisturises the skin. It also prevents the skin from drying out and keeps it firm, smooth and silky. Argan oil has natural anti-ageing properties and prevents the skin from ageing prematurely by neutralising free radicals. Argan oil helps to heal wounds, prevent inflammation and moisturise the skin, which makes it ideal for treating and helping to alleviate acne, neurodermatitis and psoriasis. It also protects connective tissue and reduces cellulite. Our argan oil comes from a women’s cooperative in Morocco.

The oil is extracted from the ripe seeds of the safflower and has the highest proportion of linoleic acid of all oil seed plants. This promotes the production of important hormones that are needed to build new cell structures. In the world of cosmetics, safflower oil is regarded as an anti-ageing oil that encourages cell renewal. The linoleic acid in safflower oil is also formed in our bodies. It produces moisture in our skin cells and regulates the skin’s protective layer. In addition, safflower oil helps to balance greasy skin, which is often lacking in moisture.

Hemp oil is a balanced source of fatty acids. It is also rich in gamma-linoleic acid. It has a calming effect on the skin and is often used to treat neurodermatitis. The oil that is pressed from hemp seeds is rich in many unsaturated fatty acids. In cosmetics, this gives it good lubricating properties and prevents moisture loss, which is why it is ideal for use in products that treat rough, flaky or sensitive skin.

Light-orange-coloured raspberry seed oil is cold pressed and has a fruity, slightly sweet scent. It has a high content of linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Raspberry seed oil is an effective and beneficial oil for use in cosmetics. It protects the skin from free radicals, prevents premature skin ageing and has moisturising properties. It is used to complement mineral UV protection.

St. John’s wort oil helps to inhibit inflammation, boost the circulation, relieve pain and heal wounds. It is also used to treat rough, blemished, inflammation-prone skin. St. John’s wort oil is deep red in colour and is extracted from the flowers of the St. John’s wort plant. It has been used in medicine for centuries and has pain-relieving and astringent properties. In addition, St. John’s wort oil softens hard skin and is therefore an important ingredient of our foot cream.

A small bush that grows in the deserts of Israel and Mexico produces a highly coveted oil that has a chemical structure different from that of edible oils. The plant has to grow for five or six years before the olive-sized nuts can be harvested. They do not contain oil, but instead liquid wax which will turn solid in the fridge and can withstand temperatures up to 300°C without deteriorating. Jojoba oil is expensive and much in demand in the skin care industry. It is similar to the skin’s natural oils and therefore it penetrates the skin easily, does not leave a greasy finish and stabilises the skin’s oil and moisture mantle. Jojoba oil can effectively be mixed with other oils and has a natural light protection factor of three to four.

Cocoa butter is a by-product of cocoa production. It contains very high-quality vegetable fat and is used to produce skin care products with the right consistency. It is an ingredient of our nourishing body butter. Because of the high proportion of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and the numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in cocoa butter, it strengthens skin cells and supplies them with moisture.

A soft fat is extracted from coconuts that melts at 24°C, which is why it is called coconut oil in the tropical countries that it comes from. Our coconut oil is a rare form of the product. It is completely natural and contains all the important fatty acids. In particular, it retains its distinctive aroma. Coconut oil helps to treat skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis because it protects, cools and stabilises the skin. It penetrates deep into the horny layer and leaves the skin feeling soft and silky. It provides lasting protection against moisture loss and also has natural light protection properties.

An extremely high-quality oil with a strong nutty flavour. It contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid and vitamin E. It is an expensive oil because when the seeds are pressed gently in a hydraulic press, they yield only 20 per cent oil. This is a cold pressing process, so the seeds are not heated. Before pressing, the seeds are roasted at 20–30°C to improve the aroma. Our camelina oil is pressed at the well-known Fandler oil mill in the Austrian province of Styria. The seeds come from organic farms that use EM technology.

Golden flaxseed oil is cold pressed and has a strong and characteristic linseed aroma. It contains a high proportion of alpha-linolenic acid and can be stored for up to 12 months. Flaxseed oil has valuable ingredients. It supplies the skin with fatty acids and keeps it supple, which benefits dry skin in particular.

One of the most precious skincare oils, which is extracted from sweet almonds. Soothes and protects the skin whilst reducing irritation. It is non-irritant and well tolerated by the skin. This is why it is an important component of bioemsan balsam. Our almond oil comes from Germany and the almond shells are opened only shortly before the nuts are pressed in the oil mill.

This solid fat is extracted from mango kernels. Mango butter has many positive properties, including being an excellent antioxidant. Mango butter comes from the tropical rainforests. It softens, soothes, moisturises and protects the skin. It also helps to heal wounds and to regenerate the skin thanks to its high proportion of unsaponifiable matter. Mango butter also provides protection against UV radiation. This is why we use it in our bioemsan sea buckthorn-jojoba summer skin care.

This oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose, which has flowers that only open in the evening to release their beautiful scent. Evening primrose oil contains a high proportion of gamma-linolenic acid, which is an important constituent of the skin. It forms natural substances that inhibit inflammation and alleviate itching.

In our bioemsan organic cosmetics we use the highest extra virgin grade of precious MANI olive oil. The oil is extracted from hand-picked olives by cold pressing. This lubricating oil, which warms the skin, is ideal for treating dry, cracked and flaky skin with poor circulation. Olive oil has warming properties, improves the circulation, calms inflammation and heals cracked skin. It is an excellent moisturiser, which helps to slow down the skin’s ageing process and is particularly effective at treating blemishes, spots and acne. It contains a high proportion of vitamin E, which promotes the formation of new skin cells and supports skin regeneration.

This oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant, which is grown in India, Afghanistan and tropical African countries. These are the only places where the castor oil bean ripens. Most people know of castor oil because of its laxative properties. Its healing powers and positive skin care effects are often underestimated. We use healing castor oil in our toothpastes, as it can be easily absorbed by the gums. It helps to heal inflammation and sore areas in the mouth.

Rose essence is extracted using steam distillation and the yields are very low. Three tonnes of petals are needed to produce one litre of rose oil. For this reason, rose essential oil (rose absolute) is one of the most expensive scented oils in the world, which is valued not only for its entrancing fragrance, but also for its healing powers.

Sea buckthorn oil is one of the most interesting and costly oils used in cosmetic products. It protects the skin from cell damage caused by too much exposure to the sun and repairs the damaged cells to help prevent the skin from ageing prematurely. Vitamin E and carotenoids protect the cell walls from destruction by free radicals. Sea buckthorn oil provides excellent natural light protection, because it supports the skin’s own protective mechanism by increasing melanin production.

Shea butter plays an important role in skin care. It has a particularly high fat content. Flavonoids promote skin cell renewal, phytosterols stimulate the circulation and allantoin helps to prevent inflammation, encourages cell regeneration and alleviates skin irritation. Vitamin E provides protection against free radicals, which are responsible for premature cell ageing, whilst vitamin A normalises the skin hornification process. Shea butter regulates the skin’s moisture content, replenishes natural oils and soothes the skin, giving it a smoother texture. It protects the skin from the effects of cold weather and from the damage caused by heat. It also provides natural protection against light. In our bioemsan body butter, we use fair-trade, organic shea butter from a women’s project in Burkina Faso.

Sunflowers always face the sun and each flowerhead can contain up to 2,000 seeds. The oil extracted from these seeds contains stored solar energy and has a high vitamin E and lecithin content, together with omega 6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, carotenoids and phytosterols. Sunflower oil helps with wound healing, has an antibacterial effect and supports skin regeneration.

The oil that is cold pressed from grape seeds (and around 2,000 kilogrammes of grapes are needed to produce one litre of oil) was considered to be an excellent skin care product in the ancient world. It has high levels of vitamin E, lecithin and linoleic and linolenic acids (essential fatty acids). It also contains antioxidants, which protect the lipids in the skin from free radicals. Our organic grape seed oil is cold pressed and comes from the Fandler oil mill in the Austrian province of Styria.

The oil extracted from wild rose hips contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. It is a precious skin care product. Wild rosehip oil helps to counteract premature skin ageing and age spots. It stimulates cell regeneration, retains moisture in the skin and helps to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Edelweiss grows in the mountains, so it needs excellent protection from the intense ultraviolet radiation that occurs at high altitudes. Physicists have solved the puzzle of how the plant protects itself from the sun. The delicate white hairs on the leaves of the edelweiss absorb almost all UV radiation, but let through other light, which the plant needs for photosynthesis. This means that it receives enough light without getting “sunburnt”. The researchers hope that this effect could be used to develop a new generation of sun creams, which would provide sun worshippers with more effective protection.

Because of its wealth of ingredients, speedwell extract is a universal remedy and its effects, in particular on the skin, are often underestimated. It is ideal for treating inflamed, itchy skin.

The mucilage in marshmallow root reduces swelling and has a soothing effect on inflammation on the skin and in the mouth and throat. Marshmallow belongs to the mallow family. Extracts from its root are used to treat coughs, but its anti-inflammatory effects also play a useful role in skin care products.

The gingko is one of the oldest living tree species in the world and still retains its original form today. Its leathery leaves play an excellent role in stimulating the circulation and can therefore help to counteract many lifestyle diseases. The gingko originally comes from China, but has been grown in Europe as an ornamental tree since the 18th century. Its characteristic fan-shaped leaves are used in pharmaceuticals and contain a high proportion of flavonoids. In skin care products, gingko has a moisturising and revitalising effect.

The ginger plant comes from tropical and subtropical regions and is used both as a spice and in medicine. Ginger is not only a remedy for nausea and vomiting, but also helps to relieve pain, acts as a disinfectant and promotes healing, including in wound treatment.

These perennial plants have horizontal roots that are dug up in August, when the plants are at least three years old. The chopped roots are dried in the sun. They contain a high proportion of essential oils that help to retain moisture in the skin. Caution: The seeds of Iris germanica are toxic.

You will notice burdock growing in the wild when its dried flower heads or burrs stick to your clothes. They are difficult to remove. The oil of the burdock root is known for its ability to counteract hair loss. But the burdock root also helps to treat a range of skin diseases and purifies the blood.

Turmeric is a spice that is widely used in Ayurvedic cuisine and helps with fat digestion. The curcuminoids that it contains also have antioxidative, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, immunostimulant and cholesterol-reducing properties.

Lavender is one of the most versatile medicinal plants of all. The name lavender comes from the Latin word “lavare”, which means “to wash”. Lavender has antiseptic, wound-healing, antibacterial properties. It also helps the formation of granulation tissue in wounds.

Lemongrass (or verbena) is a native of tropical regions and has an intense, refreshing scent. When applied externally, it strengthens connective tissue and stimulates the circulation.

Lime flowers have a calming, soothing effect, improve the appearance of the skin and help to moisturise dry scalps.

It is particularly the essential oils, resin and bitter constituents of lemon balm that have a soothing effect on the skin.

Myrrh is the ultimate treatment for gum problems. The Egyptians used it to embalm mummies, but nowadays it helps to keep our gums healthy. Myrrh can strengthen tissue, which makes it ideal for treating gum recession. It firms up the gums and also helps with loose teeth. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect, prevents periodontitis and soothes inflamed gums.

Neem bark and leaves contain a variety of active ingredients that are used in medicines, cosmetics and plant protection products. In India, neem extract has traditionally been used for oral care and in treating gingivitis because of its antiseptic and circulation-enhancing properties. There, it is customary to clean your teeth with a twig from a neem tree. Toothpaste containing neem extract is available everywhere in India. Neem extract has an antibacterial effect and stimulates circulation.

Peppermint extract is refreshing and cooling and acts as a strong disinfectant. As long ago as 1000 B.C., the Egyptians were making use of the antibacterial and antiviral properties of peppermint, as the leaves found in the pyramids demonstrate. The ancient Greeks and Romans also valued the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and toning effects of this hybrid of water mint and curled mint. In the Middle Ages, powdered leaves of Mentha piperita were used to prevent bad breath and whiten teeth.

Bees gather the resin from damaged trees and use it to plug the cracks and gaps in the beehive. This resin is known as propolis. In toothpaste, propolis has a healing, antibacterial effect and tightens up the gums.

Triandra root contains around 10 per cent tannins. Extracts from the root are used primarily to treat inflammations in the mucous membranes in the mouth and in the gums. The active ingredients of triandra root in a tincture or gargle can cause the inflammation to subside and form a protective coating on the irritated mucous membranes. The roots of the Krameria triandra plant, which grows in the Andes, have a high tannic acid content that produces an astringent effect. It tightens the skin and helps to heal wounds. It is also an effective remedy for bleeding gums.

Calendula stimulates cell growth and has a balancing, anti-inflammatory, purifying and healing effect. It is ideal for blemished, sensitive, dry and ageing skin.

Roman chamomile flowers contain azulene, which has wound-healing properties. The scent of the flowers is fine and delicate and they have an anti-inflammatory, purifying and soothing effect. Their essential oils are among the most beneficial substances that are obtained from our native flora.

Rosemary is a very ancient herb that in the Mediterranean region was once considered to be holy. It has a long association with wedding customs and its intense flavour also makes it popular for cooking. Herbalists say that it has a strengthening effect, which is why rosemary is used to remedy weaknesses. Rosemary also has a number of other useful properties for external use. It is highly circulation-enhancing and is therefore ideal for treating tired, ageing skin and cellulite. It also has a toning effect, particularly on greasy skin and on the scalp.

Horse chestnut is astringent. It strengthens the skin and stimulates the circulation. It makes the vein walls stronger and helps to treat heavy legs and the swellings caused by varicose veins.

Red vine leaf extract contains plant-based substances called flavonoids that strengthen connective tissue. It helps in the case of swollen feet and legs by reducing the pain and the feeling of pressure.

Sage has antibacterial properties. It reduces sweating and has a hormonal effect on acne and blemished skin. Sage can also be added to aftershave.

Liquorice root plays a key role in Chinese medicine. It also makes an important contribution to keeping skin healthy when used in skin care products because of its anti-inflammatory, soothing and strengthening properties.

Thyme has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin. As an ingredient in organic cosmetics, thyme can be used to treat wounds, blemishes and skin problems.

Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on earth. It helps to strengthen connective tissue. It also makes the skin more taut and enhances the circulation. Thanks to its high silica content, it has astringent properties. It tightens the skin and the pores and has a positive effect on inflamed and blemished skin. It also helps to treat acne and improves the elasticity of tissue.

We use natural beeswax with a high proportion of propolis, the wound-healing resin made by bees, which comes from a certified organic apiary in the Austrian province of Styria. Beeswax is used to give cosmetic products the right consistency and, as well as having emulsifying properties, it protects and cares for the skin.

The substance used to produce this emulsifier, which is highly expensive because the process is complex and it is made in small quantities, is olive oil. It makes the skin feel particularly pleasant and improves the stability of the products, for example by preventing the oil from separating out from the balsam. This emulsifier is made from olive oil and naturally occurring sugar alcohol or fatty alcohol. For this reason, it is particularly kind to the skin and highly biodegradable. The fatty acids from the olive oil are also especially beneficial for the skin.

Fatty alcohol is a component of all natural waxes and is used to stabilise and improve the consistency of cosmetic products. The fatty alcohol that we use comes from a plant-based fat (coconut oil) and not from petrochemical sources.

Glycerin is an important sugar alcohol and forms the basis of all natural fats. Glycerin can absorb large quantities of water, is highly moisturising and protects the skin from drying out. In addition, glycerin has extraction properties and can therefore be used as an agent for separating out plant extracts. We do not use cheap synthetic glycerin. Our glycerin is produced from organic maize. The glycerin that makes up part of our products does not have a drying effect.

Lanolin has been used for centuries and is a wonderful natural product. It is secreted from the sebaceous glands of sheep and is extracted from the fleeces when they are washed after shearing. Lanolin is used as an emulsifier in our creams that consist of a water-in-oil emulsion and helps to blend the water and the oil. At the same time, it is has excellent skin care properties. It retains moisture in the skin and contains valuable biological nutrients such as cholesterol and provitamin D.

An emulsifier made from sugar, palm kernels and coconut, which is used to produce light oil-in-water emulsions. It contains no hydrated fats and complies with the Austrian regulations for emulsifiers permitted in organic cosmetic products.

Witch hazel water is extracted from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel bush. Witch hazel extract is ideal for facial cleansing, as it normalises the skin’s sebum production in the case of blemished skin and blocked pores. The water has a soothing, cooling effect. It also has disinfectant properties, which makes it particularly beneficial for cracked skin or open pores. It clears and revitalises any skin type and can also be used as aftershave.

This is extracted from the flowers of Roman chamomile and is ideal for sensitive, irritated and allergy-prone skin. It has a soothing effect and is used in our products to retain the moisture in the skin.

Lavender water is recommended for treating dry and blemished skin, as well as acne. The gentle ingredients have a soothing, disinfecting effect and improve the appearance of problem skin. Lavender water is a very popular ingredient in hair care products because of its stimulating and soothing properties. It cleanses, tones and calms the skin and helps to prevent inflammation. It is suitable for any skin type and is ideal for making soothing compresses.

This particularly aromatic hydrolate is well known for strengthening cells and soothing the skin, which is why it is recommended for treating skin irritations. It is suitable for any skin type. The distillation of the delicate, white blossoms of the orange tree produces neroli essential oil and orange flower water, which has an equally fine and delicate scent. The scent of orange flowers represents beauty and pleasure. It lifts the spirits and stimulates the senses. It also revitalises and refreshes tired and stressed skin.

Peppermint water is used both internally and externally. Alongside tannins, bitter constituents and essential oils, peppermint also contains menthol, which has a refreshing and cooling effect. It is widely used in cosmetics because of its disinfectant and antiseptic properties. Peppermint water helps to cleanse, tone and clarify tired skin.

This hydrolate is particularly suited for use on tired, greasy skin. It has a cleansing effect and stimulates the circulation, particularly where the blood supply to the skin is poor. Rosemary water is also very popular in hair care products. It stimulates the circulation and strengthens the scalp. Its revitalising effect can also be beneficial in the case of hair loss.

Since time immemorial, the rose has been used as a beauty treatment for improving the complexion. Rose water is soothing and moisturising, which helps to slow the ageing process of the skin. The delicate scent of rose water lifts the spirits. Pure, natural rose water is produced by distilling rose petals. This precious flower water is perfect for use as a facial cleanser. It helps to prevent wrinkles, reduces puffiness and calms the skin. It is suitable for any skin type, but is particularly good for mature, dry and sensitive skin. It refreshes and moisturises the skin, has a mild astringent or tightening effect and reduces redness and inflammation.

Sage water helps to reduce sweating, regulates the sebaceous glands and forms the basis for bioemsan deodorant. Due to its cleansing properties, sage water is also used in bioemsan toothpaste.

Acyl glutamate is a particularly mild surfactant made from amino acids and coconut fatty acids. The main raw material is coconut oil, which is biodegradable and causes no irritation to the mucous membranes or the eyes. Acyl glutamate is not widely known and is rarely used, because it is a relatively costly surfactant. It meets the requirements for surfactants specified in the Austrian Food Code.

The raw materials used to make sugar surfactant are coconut oil, palm kernel oil and cane sugar. It consists of compounds of fatty acids and raw cane sugar. Sugar surfactant is fully biodegradable and causes no irritation to the skin, mucous membranes or eyes. It meets the requirements for surfactants specified in the Austrian Food Code.

Fennel is a perennial herb that can grow up to two metres in height. It grows wild on the Mediterranean coast and is cultivated throughout Europe. Fennel oil is extracted from the dried seeds of the plant using steam distillation.

This oil is extracted from air-dried cloves using steam distillation. It has a warm, spicy scent and is antiseptic and antineuralgic.

This is extracted from orange peel using a cold pressing process. Its fresh, fruity scent helps to lift the mood.

Peppermint has a high essential oil content. This peppermint oil contains up to 60 per cent menthol, which is what gives it its characteristic aroma. It is antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal.

Geranium oil is extracted from the leaves of the rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) by means of steam distillation. The oil has a delicate, flowery scent with hints of rose. In skin care products, rose geranium tightens the skin. It is particularly nourishing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and also helps to heal wounds.

The rose is known as the flower of the gods. It is a traditional symbol of love and adoration. It comes originally from Persia, but is now grown primarily in Egypt, Algeria, France, Turkey and Morocco. Rose oil is produced from rose flowers that have been picked in the early hours of the morning. Rose essence is extracted using steam distillation and the yields are very low. Three tonnes of petals are needed to produce one litre of rose oil. For this reason, rose essential oil (or rose absolute) is one of the most expensive scented oils in the world, which is valued not only for its entrancing fragrance, but also for its healing powers.

Sage oil is produced from the leaves of true sage. They contain the essential oil, which is extracted using steam distillation. Sage oil is a versatile remedy. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and also causes the mucous membranes in the mouth to tighten.

Cinnamon oil comes from the smaller branches and leaves of the cinnamon tree. The scent of cinnamon essential oil is said to warm the soul and lift the spirits. Cinnamon bark oil is highly antiseptic. It warms the entire body and boosts circulation.

The fresh juice of the aloe vera plant contains a high proportion of acemannan and other vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids and secondary plant compounds. It is highly nutritional and has been used for skin regeneration for centuries. Aloe vera is an essential source of moisture and active ingredients for any skin type.

Many of the herbs in our products come from a certified organic Demeter project in Italy. They are used in some cases in the form of extracts in organic ethyl alcohol (alcohol extracts). Despite their alcohol content, our skin care products do not cause any skin irritation. On the contrary, the quality and the type of processing ensure that the skin is gently stimulated. Alcohol extracts are also natural preservatives.

Azulene is extracted from chamomile. It is a natural colouring and helps to reduce inflammation.

Made from organic cereals, 96 per cent alcohol. Organic, undenatured alcohol is one of the natural preservatives used in bioemsan organic cosmetics. When applied to the skin, it has a stimulating effect, but it evaporates quickly and is not absorbed. This ensures that the skin is not irritated.

Bisabolol is a component of chamomile. It is a valuable active ingredient, which has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and helps wounds to heal.

This is extracted from stinging nettles and used as a natural colouring with a positive effect on the skin.

Yellow clay contains a variety of trace elements and minerals. It is used as a natural abrasive in bioemsan toothpaste and is alkaline. This means that as well as cleaning the teeth effectively, the abrasives in bioemsan toothpaste also protect the tooth enamel.

Hyaluronic acid occurs in many types of human tissue and can attract and retain fluid in the tissue. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced by our bodies reduces, which is why we need to use creams that contain it. Hyaluronic acid is a natural anti-ageing ingredient and a valuable raw material for our organic cosmetics.

In nature, the salt of sorbic acid is found in the unripe berries of the rowan tree. Salt that is identical to the natural version can be extracted from sorbic acid and is an approved preservative for natural and organic cosmetics. It is also used in foods.

This contains important minerals and trace elements. It strengthens the skin and also has positive effects on the mucous membranes in the mouth.

We use finely ground calcium carbonate, which occurs naturally in the form of chalk or marble, as the basic ingredient of our toothpaste. In its precipitated form, chalk has low abrasiveness (the average particle size of our chalk is 3 µm) and does not harm tooth enamel. However, it cleans teeth effectively and has the benefit of an alkaline pH, which promotes healthy oral bacteria. This means that the abrasives in bioemsan toothpaste protect the tooth enamel.

The ocean is home to many treasures. All life on the planet originally came from the sea. Coral can be found all over the world, but the corals in the waters that surround Okinawa are unique in terms of their quality and purity. Subtropical water, gentle sunshine and microorganisms that supply the corals with a variety of nutrients create the perfect conditions for a high-quality product. Coral calcium is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

This natural acid is produced with naturally occurring bacteria using a biotechnological process. Lactic acid stabilises the pH value of our products and reduces any tendency to microbiological deterioration.

The use of fats and oils with alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide or ash to make soap is a traditional process that dates back to Roman times. In contrast to conventional soap-making processes, we use only high-quality plant oils at temperatures that are as low as possible (cold soap-making). This is the only way of ensuring that the valuable unsaturated fatty acids in the oils are retained.

Vitamin E counteracts the premature ageing of the skin by protecting it against free radicals. It is found in varying quantities in natural plant oils and fats. In bioemsan creams, vitamin E not only protects skin cells, but also acts as a natural preservative. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, which improves moisture retention in the epidermis and delays skin ageing. In combination with vitamin C, it helps to protect the skin from sunburn and therefore plays an important role in mineral sunscreens.

Phytosterols are innovative ingredients that counteract skin dryness and ageing. These are plant-based substances that balance the moisture content of the skin, alleviate itching and reduce inflammation. They are particularly helpful in treating neurodermatitis, very dry skin and ageing skin (they have an anti-ageing effect). Phytosterols are natural constituents of fats and oils from a variety of plants. Their chemical structure is similar to that of cholesterol and they are the precursors of vitamins and hormones. Phytosterols are also found in human skin. They are absorbed from food and transported to the skin cells by the blood plasma. The concentration of phytosterols in the hydrolipidic film of the skin that is created in this way can be “topped up” from outside by creams.

Bees gather the resin from damaged trees and use it to plug the cracks and gaps in the beehive. This resin is known as propolis. In toothpaste, propolis has a healing, antibacterial effect.

Beetroot comes originally from North Africa, but is now widely grown throughout Europe. It is a very useful vegetable because of its high nutrient content and antioxidative properties. Its striking red colour is also important for cosmetic products. This is the result of the high betanin content of beetroot, which makes an excellent colouring. Beetroot also provides protection against premature skin ageing, reduces pigment spots and has a long-term moisturising effect for dry skin.

Clays are a mixture of minerals and trace elements that were deposited thousands of years ago. They are extracted in opencast mines, dried in the sun and then ground into a very fine powder. They naturally contain iron and other coloured metals, which give them an individual colour, depending on the region that they come from. The addition of clay gives the bioemsan SPF 30 sun cream a slight tint.

Sorbic acid is found in rowan berries, but in such small quantities that it is not worth extracting it. Sorbic acid that is identical to the natural version is an approved, non-irritant preservative for use in natural and organic cosmetics. It is also used in foods. It has antimicrobial properties, helps to preserve our products and therefore makes an important contribution to product safety. Depending on the formulation of the cosmetic, either sorbic acid itself is used or its water-soluble salt, potassium sorbate. When potassium sorbate dissolves, it produces sorbic acid. The two raw materials are the same.

Sorbitol is found in pears, plums, apples, apricots, peaches, raisins and all other dried fruit. Sorbitol is the sugar alcohol produced from glucose. It is hygroscopic and is therefore used to retain moisture in bioemsan toothpaste. Sorbitol does not cause tooth decay like normal sugar. In skin creams, sorbitol is an effective stabiliser. It prevents the cream from drying out and feels pleasant on the skin.

Salt retains moisture in the skin and increases its elasticity. The natural rock salt that is used in our shower salts and bath salts is mined in Germany. It is not bleached, refined, boiled or leached and contains no additives. The pieces of salt are crushed mechanically and milled to the required particle size. Our rock salt has a high mineral content. These minerals include calcium, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, iron, cobalt, iodine, zinc and manganese among others. Salt also has an antibacterial effect in high concentrations. This allows us to produce peeling masks, for example, that contain no additional preservatives.

The leaves of the stevia plant are used to produce a healthy sweetener. The “honey leaf” from Brazil is also cultivated in Austria. Stevia is prized in South America for its antibacterial properties.

Thyme has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin. As an ingredient in natural cosmetics, thyme can be used to treat wounds, blemishes and skin problems.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It supports the formation of collagen in connective tissue and, when added to mineral sun cream, provides additional protection for the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Vitamin C also helps to counteract pigment spots.

Wheat protein is an active ingredient of bioemsan hair care products. Our low-molecular-weight wheat protein not only envelops and protects the hair, but can also penetrate deep inside each strand to increase its nourishing effect.

Xanthan is produced in a fermentation process using natural microorganisms and is a gelling and binding agent. It swells when it comes into contact with water. We use it as a natural thickener in toothpaste and skin cream.

Zinc oxide is a mineral pigment that ranges from transparent to white in colour. It provides coverage and indirect protection for the skin. It absorbs light in the UV range, whilst remaining transparent for visible light. Zinc oxide is chemically inert and does not react in any way with the skin. Therefore, it is used in creams to protect the skin. Our products do not contain any nano zinc oxide, only the classic zinc oxide pigment that has been in use for decades. Zinc oxide is the mineral light protection filter in our bioemsan sun cream. We use no nano zinc oxide.

This is used to adjust the pH value of bioemsan shampoos.