Vegetable Glycerin in Skincare

Hello gorgeous!!

I can't believe it's Spring already!! Although Spring season is barely here in the south of Mississippi, I'm still excited to know that daylight is longer now! I've never liked the winter season because it's always dark at 5 pm (like hello? It's already nighttime?). What about you guys? Also, don't you think it's now time to wear flattering shirts, tanks, skirts and shorts, and sundresses! Oh, I bet some of you will think of beach and relaxing while soaking in the sun (ugh, definitely not me 'cause UV gets me headache and burnt skin!

Today I'd like to discuss about vegetable glycerin or mostly known as glycerin/glycerine/glycerol. 

Glycerin and glycerol has same chemical formula (C3H8O3) although some people say one is by-product of the other or vice versa. But what are they? According to Paula's choice, glycerin "is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable. It can be derived from natural substances by hydrolysis of fats. It is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it is a substance found naturally in skin" Most websites describe it as "odorless, syrupy liquid, sweet, humectant." Vegetable glycerin is usually derived from coconut, soy, and other palm types.

Glycerin is also a popular ingredients to make cosmetics/skincare, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste candles, and even food. Its humectant substance keeps the food moist (for example its often used in cakes, pies) while for skin most likely attracts the moisture from the air keeping the skin from drying out.

Interesting facts: it was founded in 1779 by Karl Scheele but not until second world war did it become popular. It has sweet taste but not causes tooth decay. It is soluble in water and alcohol but not oil.

Now that we know about it, would I consider it safe or good for skin? I would say yes it is both safe and good for our skin. Additionally, having the right emollients in the skincare product will make glycerin works its best to keep our skin moistured without tacky feeling or any cloggings. Some botanical and natural oil would enhance its humectant properties and it won't even cause any bad things whatsoever (clogging, tacky, drying from the inside out, scaling). Don't forget that it is also edible.

Ki Ki from Qi Qi Naturals also uses vegetable glycerin as one ingredients in her green products such as mascara, Lavender hand lotion and toothpaste (sorry this product is currently sold only at a local farmers market-not on Etsy).

I found an interesting formula of liquid foaming hand soap which using glycerin, any soap (castille, liquid or melted from regular soap), essential oils, water and foaming pump bottle. Not only it costs a lot cheaper than regular hand soap, it's moisturizing while providing same benefit as any soap. You can be creative by adding Tea Tree Oil as anti-bacterial agent.
So, next time you see vegetable glycerin in your products, you can be confident that it provides its purpose as a good moisturizer for your skin.

Keep our natural beauty! Enjoy the weather, folks!


- dora -

Carmine, the non Vegan yet Natural Colorant used in Cosmetics & Food

Hello everyone,

First I want to apologize for being absent in a very long time. It's a long story. So, how are doing ya'll?

I'd like to talk about carmine today. What is it? and why?

Let 's get started!

Carmine (noun), according to dictionary.com is
1. a crimson or purplish-red color.
2. a crimson pigment obtained from cochineal.

From these two explanations, we get the idea that carmine is crimson or purplish-red color which obtained from cochineal. Wait...what??!

Cochineal? Also known as Dactylopius coccus is "a scale insect that manufactures a deep maroon pigment and stores this pigment in body fluids and tissues. The pigmentation is a bitter, astringent chemical called carminic acid (10% total dry weight), which is extremely effective in repelling potential predators, such as ants; ants find this anthraquinone to be unpalatable."*

These are some pictures I got when I type "cochineal" using search engine.

Honestly, at first when I found out about this colorant, I felt uncomfortable almost disturbed. I bought a lipstick by "TheBalm" a long time ago and this brand claims to use natural ingredients. By all means, I didn't expect the products have to use carmine as their colorant. So, I started to do some research about that out of my curiosity. Not surprisingly, this type of dye has been used since hundreds of years ago even in the fifteenth century. Europeans, Australians, Native Americans had used them for textile industry to gain many recpectable red colors. And ever since, they've also used carminic acid as food and cosmetic colorant.

Interestingly, I found out that carminic acid is used by Starbucks co., one of my favorite coffee shop. I did check FDA regulations about this type of colorant and they approve the usage of cochineal as long as it is mentioned in the list of ingredients as carmine or cochineal extract. Hm, we might never knew we have been "eating some bugs" while drinking our beverage. Many foods are using cochineal extract, ice cream, yogurt, drinks, etc.

Compared to other cosmetic colorant which probably contains lead/minion, cadmium, manganese, chromium, carmine is more safe. It's been proven for many years that people have been using it over centuries for food and cosmetics. On the other hand, lead could become toxin when ingested. We (our body) can't even be exposed to lead AT ALL. Imagine putting on as your lipstick/lipgloss? Hell no!

Now these facts lead me to a different perpective. I am not worried too much about having carmine in my lipstick anymore. It's natural, indeed. If I have to choose between any kind of colorant (for example and I made these up: #23 pink petal or #213 red brick) and carmine or carminic acid or cochineal extract, I rather to go with carmine than those nasty unknown colorants. I think bugs are more edible than metals.

So, if you are against this non-Vegan colorant, you should carefully read all the ingredients on the product label information, where usually carmine also written as crimson lake, natural red 4, cochineal extract. FDA requires to put 'carmine' or 'cochineal extract' on the list.

Some of Qi Qi Naturals products use carmine as their colorant: Rose Lipbalm and Shimmer Peach Lipstick. However, owner Ki Ki offers to replace carmine to other ingredient as consideration for vegan customers. Again, I myself don't mind with cochineal extract in my products. It's natural after all which supposedly much less harms than chemical or synthetic colorants.

Keep our natural beauty!

-dora-

source: *http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Cochineal/

The No Poo Method? How does it work?

What is the No Poo method? No Poo meaning No ShamPOO. So how does it work to wash your hair without shampoo? You might wonder....

I have been using the No poo method for more than a year now and my hair is shiny, healthy and manageable. The reasons why i picked this method for my hair because i want to avoid the toxicity of conventional shampoos. Do you know that most of the store-brought shampoos contain alcohol, silicone, toxic ingredients and some might be carcinogenic. That alcohol dries out your hair, causing you to produce more oils. Which is why you have to wash your hair more often. Which is why your hair will get very greasy while you transition. No poo does not dry out your hair.

Basically, washing your hair without any shampoo can call "No poo method". Most people practice this method by using handmade shampoo bar (All-natural ingredients), Baking soda, and clay...etc.

For now, i only use Shampoo bar to wash my hair which i make it my own. When i wash my hair , i use the shampoo bar work from the end of my hair towards the scalp. The bar leathers so well and i massage my scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing it. If my hair is greasy, i wash it twice. After i'm done with shampooing. I mix a small amount of  AVC (Apple cider vinegar) with about a cup of water to rinse through the hair (work like a conditioner). ACV detangles the hair follicles, seals the cuticle and balances the hair's pH levels. Don't worry about your hair will smell vinegary, I DIY hair oil with some lavender and tea tree essential oil and i use it daily.  (I will post a DIY Argan hair oil recipe soon). You will have to remember, there will be an adjustment period which can last a few weeks to a few months. (i gave up the no-poo method about a few weeks until i found a suitable shampoo bar.) Your hair will be reacting to the surplus in oils, due to the lack of shampoo (which are full of alcohol and toxic ingredients.)  Play around you will find the best method (either Shampoo bar, Baking soda or Clay) for your hair. 

Have you tried the no-poo method? Please let me know how it all works out for you. 

Kiki x 

NEW !!! Natural Bar Soaps on Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy Store

Hi All,


I hope all of you are doing well ! It's Columbus Day, so some of you are perhaps having an extra day off ! How great!!! Happy Shopping for those who are getting discount stuff!!
First, I apologize for being absent for a while. Really really sorry from the bottom of my heart.
Now it's time to reveal the good news: Qi Qi Naturals now has bar soaps !!!
OMG! Yes, This is so exciting ! There are 4 kinds of them that gotten the names from its scents.

1. Peppermint and Mocha
2. Grapefruit and Calendula
3. Green tea and Silk
4. All-in-One (Body, Hair, Shaving)


Here some pictures I copied from Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy page:
and the link is https://www.etsy.com/listing/204025127/all-natural-handmade-body-soap-4?ref=shop_home_active_7

This the packaging. It is a nice vintage looking packaging, simple yet elegant and informative.

Can't wait to try? If you guys are interested in getting those and if you don't have an Etsy account yet, Kiki provides you a link that gives you a $5 gift card for FIRST ORDER ON ETSY ONLY.
https://www.etsy.com/invites/buy/?iid=ITFL5wA8XJmalFmb66b-xasrxVde2Upnp885u4sxU0w.

Have any of you tried this or does any of you want to try this or have some comments? We'd like to know what your opinions are. Thank you!

Enjoy your day !!! Adios !!!


-dora-

Today's Pick: All Natural Mascara

- with Australian Black Clay

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is All Natural Mascara. Derived its color from Australian Black Clay and Australian Red Reef Clay, this mascara provides a nice dark brown color on your lashes. It doesn't clump and cause irritation while giving a bold look for your eyes. If you have sensitive eyes (especially from chemical ingredients) then this mascara would be a must-have item for your vanity. Why not? It is made of natural ingredients and the color looks very natural. It's a win-win solution!


Here's the link from the Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy store:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/199989337/all-natural-mascara-with-australian?ref=shop_home_active_6


All Natural Mascara

Because your lashes makes your eyes more beautiful; makes your eyes look more bright and lively; therefore, you need to be as close as All Natural Mascara by Qi Qi Naturals. Currently, featured in Dark Brown which darker on lashes than showed on pictures. It is dark so your lashes will look bold and longer, only with NO clumps. The color is derived from natural clays as I never use chemical colorants. This mascara is not waterproof but it stays on all day and doesn't flake off.
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Key Ingredients:

***Vegetable Glycerin***
It is believed to be skin-identical meaning that easily absorbed and prevents dryness. As for lashes, it softens but prevents them from breakage. It is also known as natural hair growth treatment.

***Australian Red Reef Clay***
It’s high iron content and essential minerals help to replenish and regenerate the epidermis of the skin to create soft and healthy glowing skin. The rich color from the Australian Reef Red Clay can also be used in organic hair coloring, giving a natural red color that is impermanent.

***Australian Black Clay***
It contains great iron and oxygen properties. It is a non-toxic mineral with cleansing and conditioning agents, which make it particularly for nourishing the skin.
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In a 8ml Mascara tube.

To use: Apply 1 coat for a natural look or use eye lash curler and 2 coats for dramatic eyes! This mascara can be taken off by warm water or any face cleanser.

Ingredients: Purified Oregon Rainwater, Australian Black Clay, Red Reef Clay, Guar Gum, Vegetable Glycerin & Optiphen Plus (Paraben-Free preservative)

For International customers, please contact me for the shipping fee!

Shelf life is 6-9 months
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Today's Pick: Pink Clay Blush & Rosy Clay Blush

- All natural blush made with clay & minerals

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is Pink Clay Blush and Rosy Clay Blush. The blush are made with all natural clay and minerals. Both colors are infused with jojoba oil which is rich in Vitamin E and promotes radiant looking for the skin.
The color is derived from natural clay either Australian Pink Clay or Australian Red Reef Clay. The blush are very pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Available on Etsy for $6.

The look on my face: (my skin tone is light to medium). I am wearing Qi Qi Naturals' Pink Clay Blush, Bronzer, Coral Lipstick and Clay Eyeliner.

Xoxo, Dora.

Here's the link :

https://www.etsy.com/listing/187666981/pink-clay-blush-rosy-clay-blush-all?ref=shop_home_active_5

The product's description as from Etsy:

Pink Clay Blush & Rosy Clay Blush

Get yourself a natural-looking color with Pink Clay Blush/ Rosy Clay Blush that enhances your beauty by providing healthy youthful look on your cheeks. 

Our Clay Blushes contains Australian Pink Clay/Australian Red Reef Clay, Organic Jojoba Oil and Mineral powders that have antioxidant benefits for protecting the skin from free radicals. 

Pink or Rosy color, please choose the color you like! 

Direction: Apply on cheek using a blush until desired color popped. A little goes a long way!

*****Pink Clay Blush*****
Color: Coral with a slightly copper shimmer. It is bright and vivid! Ingredients: Australian pink clay, *Jojoba oil, Micas, Titanium dioxide, Sericite mica & Magnesium stearate (*Organic)

*****Rosy Clay Blush*****
Color: Matte Rosy color. It has slightly cool undertone. Great for night look! Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Sericite mica, Silk powder, Magnesium stearate, Australian Red Reef Clay, *Jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil, Mica (*Organic)

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Key Ingredients:(*Organic)

Australian Pink Clay is perfect for balancing the most stressed and sensitive of skins, it’s hydrating properties help to refine delicate lines, moisturize, and improve the overall texture of the skin.

Australian Red Reef Rich in essential minerals, and with a high iron content, Australian Red Reef Clay helps to replenish your skin, creating a soft and healthy glow.

*Jojoba OilOrganic Jojoba oil golden closely resembles the sebum of the skin, and is rich in vitamin E. This oil promotes a glowing complexion. 
------------------------------Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

In a 10g plastic jar with a sifter (pre-sealed with a clear label) 

Larger size is available on request.

Please choose the color you like!

Today's Pick: Coral Lipstick

- With Organic Raw Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is Coral Lipstick, a beautiful coral color lipstick infused with raw Shea butter and Cocoa butter, meaning the lipstick makes lips feel soft and moist along with its benefit of antioxidant and Vitamin A. However, the most important is that it's made of all natural ingredients so that if you accidentally eat it when you eat/drink, there is no chemical ingredients that go into your digest system.
The color is derived from natural clay and is very pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Available on Etsy for $6.

The look on my lips: (my skin tone is light to medium). I applied less than one swatch, using my ring finger to distribute the whole lips area.

Here's the link :

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189878780/coral-lipstick-with-organic-raw-shea?ref=shop_home_active_8

The product's description as from Etsy:

Coral Lipstick

Mineral Lipstick in pretty Coral colour. Zero worriness to harsh chemical ingredients.
Benefits: Vitamin A and C, antioxidants, rehydrating and soften dry lips. 

For limited time only, I am offering shipping and handling fee at $1 for all lip products.
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Ingredients: (*Organic)
*Beeswax
Beeswax contains vitamin A and helps rehydrating dry and rough skin. 

*Shea butter
Well-known to assist cutaneous dryness. It soothes our skin by re-oxygenation. It contains vitamin A.

*Cocoa butter
Known as moisturizer and skin softener. It helps repairing damaged skin and as scar treatment. It contains antioxidants to protect our skin. 

Peppermint essential oil
Contains Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C. It nourishes dull skin.

Other Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium dioxide & Mica
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Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Don't put it in a car, it melts under the sun. 

Each tube is .15 oz