The Skin Conditioning Oil is a simple blend of commonly found triglycerides (oils) and Vitamin E. Though common, when used in the right proportions these oils can have a synergistic effect and provide a myriad of beneficial effects on the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Mixed Tocopherols:
The mixed tocopherols used in the Skin Conditioning Oil are simply a blend of tocopherols isolated from vegetables oils and concentrated to contain naturally occurring d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols.
Some studies suggest that Vitamin E is the predominant physiological barrier antioxidant in human skin (source). And it’s presence can play an integral role in inhibition of epidermal lipid peroxidation (source). Additionally, these tocopherols guard against oxidation of the oils themselves and help extend the product’s shelf life.
Caprylic Acid:
Caprylic triglycerides are most commonly extracted from coconut and palm fruit. It’s presence in the formulation comes from two places, a purified extract and from the MCT base of the formulation.
Caprylic acid is well known for it’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties (source) and ability to act as a humectant. It also has the unique ability to provide a moisture barrier with minimal effect on the skin’s TEWL (transepidermal water loss) (source).
Decanoic Acid:
The decanoic acid (also known as capric acid) is a component of the MCT base oil (which is also the second source of caprylic acid) used in the formulation.
Similar to caprylic acid, they have been shown to have significant anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, while also having excellent moisturization effects on the skin.
Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil:
The sea buckthorn seed oil is extracted from the small dark seeds of the sea buckthorn plant
It is documented to be a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids and flavonoids, and are known to have significant anti-atherogenic activity (source).