FAQs

You'll notice me talking about the "Comedogenic Rating" that all oils have. Comedogenic simply means the ability for the oil to clog your pores. Ratings start at 0 and go through 5. The higher the number, the higher chance you have of the oil clogging your pores. Using a non-comedogenic oil means that oil will not clog your pores. Acne and oily prone skin types should be using oils that have a 0-1 rating, anything higher and you may run the risk of clogged pores and more breakouts. Normal/combo skin types should be able to use oils with ratings of 2-3 and dry/mature skin type should be able to use oils with ratings up to a 3. When discussing products for your face and neck, these ratings seem to matter a bit more, however listen to your skin, it's your largest organ...feed it what it loves! ​ **Keep in mind, these are ratings, not hard and fast laws! Everyone's skin will react differently. Some people can use ingredients with 4's and not have an issue at all (my faves have always been 4's and 5's!). Whatever you do, don't just use products because they're popular or because they were free...stick to what it loves! :)

First things first—you might be wondering why we’re talking about “sweet” almond oil. That’s because there’s bitter almond oil, too. Bitter almond oil is commonly used to provide scent and flavor, while sweet almond oil is skin’s BFF. Sweet almond oil is full of vitamin E and A, monosaturated fatty acids, protein, potassium, and zinc. Oxidative stress (aka, when your body doesn’t have enough antioxidants to fight free radicals) is a major cause of the deterioration of your skin’s collagen layer. Since collagen keeps your skin looking supple and wrinkle-free, you want to stave off oxidative stress with antioxidants. That’s where sweet almond oil comes in. It helps to keep your skin cells healthy, helps to protect your skin from UV radiation damage, and helps your skin look smooth, soft, and free of fine lines. Plus, the vitamin A can help reduce acne. Because the oil easily penetrates skin, it’s great for cleaning out the dirt and oil that accumulates in your pores and may help to prevent blackheads and acne from developing.

A favorite oil among those with combination to dry skin types. It absorbs into the skin well, is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial, which makes it a valuable ally against acne causing bacteria.

The Holy Grail oil for many and for good reason! It boasts some pretty amazing skin reparative benefits along with the very low chance of clogging pores. Another reason to reach for this oil is for its ability in some to treat acne and acne scars. Argan oil contains over 80% unsaturated fatty acids, of which around 33% are omega-6, and also contains a high concentration of tocopherols (Vitamin E), which is an excellent antioxidant, and aids overall skin health.

Suitable for drier acne prone skin types but may still clog pores. However, if your skin tolerates this oil, it is amazing for hydration and skin tone renewal. Since it is a heavier oil, it may be best suited for use at night. Avocado oil is said to diminish pore size and remove impurities from the skin over time. It’s also good for repairing the skin’s outer most barrier, reversing the signs of aging, and for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

High in Ricinoleic Acid, carrot oil is made from a mixture of crushed carrot roots immersed in a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. It is used to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and has strong antiaging properties due to its rich content of vitamins A, C, and E. If you are looking for an oil to brighten and tone the skin, using carrot oil for the face can boost dull, lackluster skin to radiant and glowing.

Is obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant and is one of the most important seed oils produced globally, with over 3000 claimed uses. Castor oil is a very stable, pure, triglyceride that contains over 90% *ricinoleic acid, in fact, it's full of fatty acids including omega-3s. It is known to have strong detox and purging properties as well as the increase in cell turnover, which is why it's used in some acne treatments. It's full of fatty acids, specifically omega-3s, which hydrate the skin while stimulating the growth of healthy tissue.

Often used when the solidifying properties of pure coconut oil are not desired. It's a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all of the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides and making it a great MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil. It has very little greasy feeling, does not stain and easily washes out of clothing and sheets. Does not become solid like regular coconut oil but keeps all the great properties. It also has very long shelf life. Using the principle “like dissolves like,” the basic concept is this: The natural oil you massage into your skin dissolves the oil that has hardened on your skin with impurities and/or clogged your pores. When you apply steam from a warm washcloth to your face, the pores open and the natural oil lifts any dirt or makeup out of pours, which can then be easily wiped away. Liquid coconut oil differs from unrefined and refined coconut oil in that the naturally occurring Lauric Acid is removed. What’s left is two medium-chain fatty acids with lower melting points.

Here at Gritz n Glitz, we only use USDA Certified Virgin Organic, cold -pressed Coconut Oil. The USDA certification indicates that the coconuts used for the oil were grown without the use of pesticides and has not been genetically modified, leaving the final product with more purity. With this purity, our organic coconut oil provides all the beauty and health benefits that non-organic oils cannot. Rich in vitamins A, D & E, as well as the natural antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, our organic coconut oil will help you to retain the moisture content of your skin, enhancing your natural glow.

Refined coconut oil is oil that has been extracted from previously dried coconut meat with chemical solvents or through physical extraction methods. Coconut oil produced this way must be purified through refining, which means some of the beneficial nutrients in coconut oil are lost.

Unrefined coconut oil is oil that has been extracted from fresh coconut meat, using methods such as wet-milling or quick drying. This process keeps all the naturally occurring phytonutrients and polyphenols intact. ​

Well suited for most skin types and has a low chance of clogging pores. Grape seed oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps tighten and moisturize the skin. It reduces inflammation, redness, and accelerates the healing of acne. This is a very light oil that absorbs easily without a greasy residue.

Also known as the “Pore Reducing Oil,” hazelnut oil is amazing for fighting acne and all the skin issues that come along with it. When you apply it to the skin, it feels dry and astringent because it tightens and smooths the skin’s texture. It's known to kill bacteria and help reduce blackheads and whiteheads while also being very moisturizing and rejuvenating for the skin. It also said that it provides some UV protection due to its high anti-oxidant content. This oil is perfect for most skin types, especially those with sensitive acne prone skin.

Has amazing skin softening and moisturizing properties that are perfect for those with oily sensitive skin types. It also reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts and is a great treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and dry, itchy skin. Well tolerated by all skin types but a 'must have' for people with naturally oily skin. This oil should be kept in the fridge.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil aka jojoba seed oil, has been used by Native Americans for centuries to help heal wounds, burns and sunburns. Considered a Holy Grail acne treatment for many because it mimics the consistency of our own sebum*. It has a light moisturizing feel and absorbs well into the skin. Most skin types tolerate jojoba oil well but will often experience a “purge” of toxins when they begin using it. Typically, this purge will end in a few weeks, revealing clear pores and revitalized skin. This oil is more suitable for oily skin types as it helps balance the production of excess oil. It encourages the skin to retain moisture and replenish elasticity. Acting as a deep cleanser, Jojoba oil penetrates skin follicles to cleanse blocked pores. Its antibacterial properties help control bacterial growth in the hair follicle and anti-inflammatory properties sooth irritated skin.

Easily absorbs into the skin and is known to protects it from free radical damage. Its moisturizing benefits keep skin soft and nourished, especially when other active ingredients are added. This is because macadamia nut oil acts as a vehicle to carry ingredients like essential oils deep into the dermal layer. This oil is best suited for dry skin types.

A mild oil that has a consistency similar to jojoba oil. It has the ability to break down blackheads and detox the skin but with a slightly lower chance of causing a purge. If you have sensitive, oily, acne prone skin, you should give this oil a try! If you have very dry skin, you may want to try macadamia nut oil, which has a similar eicosanoid acid profile.

Applying this oil topically has been shown in some to improve cellular structure in the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote elasticity. This oil is excellent for oily acne prone skin types but may not work well for those with dry skin. ​

An amazing oil to use for acne prone skin due to its potent anti-bacterial properties. It may reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation while protecting and moisturizing the skin. This oil is better suited for drier skin types but can still be used for oily skin when mixed with other oils. Neem oil has a strange pungent odor like “boiled peanuts” so keep that in mind before going on a date with it on your face!

Has high concentrations of tocopherol and tocotrienol, two forms of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E! This Oil is great for face care products! When applied directly to the skin, many see the difference in skin appearance. Absorbs quickly. ​

One of my favorite oils to use for cleansing and moisturizing acne prone skin. Its amazing properties have been known to reverse hyperpigmentation, the signs of aging, sun damage, stretch marks, and scars. Its high anti-oxidant content improves texture and revitalizes the skin. Suitable for oily skin types.

Has a silky feel on the skin and is highly moisturizing. Its high linoleic acid content makes it a perfect oil for OCM (oil cleansing method) as it will help break up blackheads and other impurities in the skin. It absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Full of essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which can help maintain your skin's barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss. It contains several compounds that have benefits for skin, including oleic acid, vitamin E, sesamol and linoleic acid. Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic carrier oil that is highly absorbent, and won’t clog pores. It’s non-irritating for most people, and can be used on all types of skin, including dry, normal, oily, and acne-prone.

Vitamin E is full of antioxidants and protects the skin from things like air pollution and sun exposure (although you should always use sunscreen), so it basically serves as a barrier for your skin against the elements. When you’re looking for protection, Vitamin E should be in the front of line!

Eating vitamin A-rich foods can promote better skin health from the inside out, while topical formulas may target acne directly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), retinol (retinoid), a topical form of vitamin A, can help treat and prevent inflammatory acne lesions. It also may help to support the skin's immune system and promote natural moisturizing - which means it may help to hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. ​

One of the most effective cleansing oils. This is primarily due to its ability to remove sebum and seal in moisture. This oil is extremely viscous and has a high rating so this oil is best used as a spot treatment on your face...though it's great in body products as it leaves behind super soft skin!

Gritz n Glitz uses Organic Unrefined Olive Oil. It contains potent anti-oxidants and squalene; a lipid that is also found in our skin cells. This squalene is what makes olive oil so well received by most skin types as a nourishing and a moisturizing addition to their beauty routine. Using it in your daily regimen has been shown to reduce the signs of aging, smooth skin texture, and hydrate dry skin conditions. It reduces inflammation and brings down redness making it perfect for acne sufferers who lean more on the drier side.

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Unrefined with an odor of chocolate and natural color, our pure cocoa butter is extracted from the seed kernels or the cocoa plant. This is a relatively hard butter that’s all natural, expeller pressed and obtained from whole cocoa beans, which are fermented, roasted, and then separated from their hulls. About 54–58% of the residue is cocoa butter; a semi-solid to solid oil that is extremely moisturizing for dry, chapped skin. It’s high **stearic (~34-36%), *palmitic (~24-29%) and oleic acid (~30-40%) content makes it a comedogenic oil more suitable for use on the body as a deep moisturizer. Some use it sparingly around the eyes as an effective anti-aging eye balm or on rough patches of the skin. Not typically suitable for acne prone skin. **See "Other Ingredients" to learn more about these naturally occurring materials

An excellent moisturizer for the skin. It's known to combat dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other dry, inflamed skin conditions. It has also been reported that Mango Butter reduces fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and soothes rashes, insect bites, and sunburns. If you have dry skin, this decadent butter may work well for you as it has a lower chance of clogging pores compared to cocoa butter.

When it comes to your skin health, Shea Butter is an 'all-star' known to restore skin's elasticity. Native to Africa, shea butter is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the Karite Tree that coincidentally translates to ‘Tree of Life.’ Shea is considered one of the best anti-aging agents out there, mainly because it's known to help to stimulate the production of collagen, which can slow down as we get older, leading to fine lines, dryness and slack skin. If used regularly, shea butter can help to reduce wrinkles, firm skin and maintain a healthy glow. Naturally rich in skin-optimizing Vitamin A, E and F, it’s your vitamin-packed skin savior. Its high fat content means it is an excellent natural emollient and humectant, locking in moisture and keeping skin hydrated.

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I would like to start this section off with a blurb about "ACID" So many of the ingredient decks we read include items that begin or end with the word "acid," which to me was pretty chilling, until I educated myself on what that really meant. When scientists work with acids, they wear gloves, laboratory coats, safety goggles and other protective equipment, as these substances can cause significant harm if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. However, the acids inside the human body are essential for human life. Acids are necessary for digestion, protein and hormone production, genetic coding and some forms of energy production. Now, when you see that a product has, for example, Stearic Acid in it, maybe it won't sound so alarming because you'll know that it's just a long chain saturated fatty acid that attracts dirt and oils and allows them to be rinsed from the skin....annnnnd has been shown to protect the skin's natural barrier against water loss.... annnnnd it helps to support the skin's protective barrier....I could go on and on but I think you get the point. NOW...on to the "OTHER INGREDIENTS"

An omega-3 fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 3-4. Found in high quantities in flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil, and soybean oil. Helps protect the outer most barrier of the skin if your skin can tolerate it.

The reputable Aloe Vera or Aloe barbadensis has been scientifically proven for all forms of burn, be it radiation, thermal, or solar1. It has also been demonstrated that it has a prophylactic effect if used before, during, and after these skin-damaging events1. Aloe Vera is a uniquely effective moisturizer and healing agent for the skin. It’s one of the most classic skincare ingredients and it’s been used for centuries. It’s commonly known that aloe can be used to help soothe sunburns, but that’s not the only thing! Aloesin, which is found in aloe, can be effective in treating the dark spots from hyperpigmentation. It doesn’t matter whether the dark spots come from acne, aging, or those pesky sunburns mentioned above - Aloe Vera has been known to help! 1Korać R, Khambholja K. Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(10):164-173. [PubMed]

A saturated fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 1. Extremely moisturizing and protective for the skin. Found in capuacu butter, perilla oil, peanut oil, and cocoa butter.

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.

Has a comedogenic rating of 0-2. As a fatty acid, behenic acid is important to help provide a protective barrier against the environment in order to maintain good skin quality. In skincare, behenic acid has lubricant, emollient, and soothing properties, which help to restore the skin's natural oils and improve overall levels of hydration. Very protective, moisturizing, and restorative for the skin.

Naturally rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), a compound that penetrates the skin promoting cell regeneration and rejuvenation. The gentle exfoliant encourages cell turnover for younger-looking skin.

This ingredient sounds a bit daunting...it did for me in the beginning too! A few of our ingredients have those 10 syllable chemical sounding words that sound pretty scary. One such ingredient is Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and Cetearyl Alcohol), or for short BTMS. Behentrimonium Methosulfate in layman terms is simply a type of emulsifying wax...as a matter of a fact, it is the MOST conditioning emulsifier you can get your hands on! When making our products that require creaminess (ummmm, all of them!), emulsification is vital. When mixing oils with other materials, BTMS allows the ingredients to mix or emulsify without separating. Despite the way the name looks, BTMS is actually derived from a plant. It is a plant-based emulsifying wax that is naturally derived from Colza oil. 50 refers to it's level of potency. BTMS-50 contains 50% of the active ingredient Behentrimonium Methosulfate (derived from Colza plant). Gritz n Glitz uses this ingredient in Body Soufflé Butter.

Candelilla wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla plant grown in the semi-arid regions. Known as a relative to a species of flowering plants, it is sometimes called Euphorbia antisyphilitica. Sometimes labeled as Euphorbia Cerifera wax, it is detectable by its yellowish-brown color, brittle shell, aromatic nature and opaque appearance. Candelilla is a suitable vegan alternative to beeswax.

Organic cane sugar is unrefined sugar minus the cancer-causing and environmentally damaging pesticides present in conventionally grown sugarcane. Compared to white sugar, organic cane sugar has the full-bodied taste of sugarcane and is much less processed, retaining a lot of the nutrients present in cane juice.

A saturated fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 2. Known to be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory for the skin. Found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

A saturated fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 2. It exhibits strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-infection properties. Found in coconut oil.

Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and surfactant in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products. Cetyl alcohol is an organic compound that is classified as a fatty alcohol. Fatty alcohols are a hybrid between alcohols and fatty acids or oils. There is often a misconception that because it has alcohol in its name that cetyl alcohol is drying to the skin. The reality is actually the opposite. Cetyl alcohol is known to help to protect the skin from allergens, bacteria and moisture loss and improves the texture of products.

A vasodilator that encourages blood flow. The blood flowing will decrease puffiness in your face (GREAT for under-eye bags!) and anywhere on your body (goodbye cellulite!) Coffee grounds also serve as a gentle, natural exfoliant. GnG uses coffee in Sugar Scrubs & Face Scrubs.

An omega-9 fatty acid and has a comedogenic rating of 2. Enhances the absorption of other skincare ingredients, is very soothing for the skin, and emollient in nature. Found in jojoba oil and meadowfoam oil.

Binds together oil and water, and does it so effectively that it is the most widely used ingredient in cosmetics, today. Making smooth and stable emulsions can be a tricky endeavor so to achieve consistent results makes this ingredient a must-have in my lab.

An omega-9 fatty acid. Has an unknown comedogenic rating but is well known for its exceptional “slip” and smooth feel on the skin. Found in Abyssinian oil, broccoli seed oil, radish seed oil, jojoba oil, and meadowfoam oil.

An omega-6 fatty acid. Unknown comedogenic rating. Very restorative for the skin, reduces inflammation and helps restore the skin’s protective barrier. Found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and hemp oil.

A natural humectant, hydrating skin by pulling in moisture from the environment and sealing it in.

Comprises about half the fatty acid content of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Has a comedogenic rating of 3-4. Has antibacterial properties, which is why some people with acneic skin tolerate it well.

A polyunsaturated fatty acid. It's an essential building block for ceramides, one of skin's main moisturizing elements. Our bodies can't make this essential fatty acid, so we need get it from our food or put it on our skin. Linoleic acid helps makes the skin's barrier stronger so it can effectively keep water in and irritants out. WAIT...hydrated and healthy! That’s a combo that everyone can get on board with!! Also, topical use of linoleic acid has been known to help reduce acne breakouts. Plant oils used in skincare that are rich in linoleic acid include safflower, sunflower, rosehip and evening primrose.

Micas are an extremely fine powder colorant that usually contain a slight to intense shimmer. In geology, mica refers to a group of metamorphic minerals. Metamorphic rocks and minerals are formed from pre-existing rocks by exposure to extreme heat and pressures. Micas come in many different forms due to the wide array of ways in which they can form within the earth.

A saturated fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 3. Known to be cleansing for the skin. Found in coconut oil, babassu oil, and palm kernel oil.

A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It's an odorless, colorless oil.

A liquid preservative formulation featuring an innovative blend of phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid and an emollient base that is ideal for personal care products requiring broad spectrum protection. This preservative is approved for use in all major markets, compatible with a variety of formulations and is free of Formaldehyde Donor, Halogen, Isothiazolinones and Parabens. Effective against a broad-spectrum activity of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast and mold.

A straight, long-chain fatty acid that’s found naturally in palm oil and palm kernel oil, as well as in butter, cheese, milk and meat. According to VRG's (Vegetarian Resource Group) ingredient guide, palmitic acid, which is used to produce vitamin A palmitate, can be derived from soy oil although it also can be animal-derived.

A long chain saturated fatty acid with a comedogenic rating of 2. As a surfactant, stearic acid attracts dirt and oils, and allows them to be rinsed from the skin. It has been shown to protect the skin's natural barrier against water loss and help support the skin's protective barrier. Found in cocoa butter, coconut oil, mango butter, mowrah butter, shea butter, neem oil, and tamanu oil.

Witch Hazel has some magical powers when it comes to your skin. It can help reduce the appearance of pores, which will help decrease breakouts and give your skin a smoother complexion. It can also fight inflammation and decrease oil on your face like a natural astringent.

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Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

A blend of coconut oil and Aloe Vera extract which leaves the skin feeling soothed and moisturized. CHAMOMMILE BUTTER, Chamaemelum Nobile (comedogenic rating of the extract is 0) Chamomile Butter is an extract of whole Chamaemelum Nobile (Chamomile) flowers into an exotic butter base; this process produces a smooth, velvety "butter" at room temperature that has a wonderful aroma and an elegant skin feel.

Every lotion and crème is an emulsion. An emulsion is a super-fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid into another in which it is not soluble or miscible.

A humectant is a common moisturizing agent found in lotions, shampoos, and other beauty products used for your hair and skin. They're known for their ability to retain moisture while also preserving the overall properties of the product at hand.

In humans, the sebaceous glands secrete the oily, waxy substance called sebum (Latin: fat, tallow). The sebum is comprised of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and metabolites of fat-producing cells.

Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 0 and is a natural substance produced by our own bodies, however its concentrations may go down as we get older, meaning it’s important to find ways to add Squalane into our daily lives, through foods and topical application. In fact, about 12% of our skin surface is made of squalene at birth, but in our mid-to-late twenties, its production begins to rapidly decline and this is why a topical application is so important. Squalane is Squalene that's been naturally hydrogenated. Squalane fights off skin-damaging free radicals that contribute to the signs of aging. It balances oil production, providing just enough moisture to keep the skin clear and healthy. Squalane also has powerful anti-aging properties and will help the skin age gracefully as well as anti-inflammatory benefits to help with skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid.