Properties of Ingredients

Below is a comprehensive listing of all ingredients we use in crafting our soaps. The list is intended to supplement the user's own knowledge. The user is encouraged to research beyond the below listings to further their understanding of any specific ingredient's properties. FDA Regulations mandate that soap-makers cannot claim medicinal benefits attributed to their soap. Soap is a wash-off product and properties noted below may or may not carry through the saponification process. The skin is the largest human body organ. What you put on it is absorbed quickly. Skin patches are utilized because they absorb so well - i.e. morphine as a pain reliever, nicotine patches to quit smoking and birth control patches. Lotions, salves, creams, etc., are applied and absorbed through the skin. Makes sense, then, that you also want good stuff to wash with. As everyone's skin is the same and yet uniquely that person's own, what works for one may not work for another. Soap should be a part of one's overall skin-care routine. If you have a soap which provides you benefit for any particular skin issue, we encourage you to supplement your soap use with topical application of lotions, toners, masks, etc., to further amplify the effects of any particular ingredient. Of course, healthy eating and hydration remain a huge part of healthy skin!

A

Activated Charcoal • Detoxifies • Exoliates • Aids to remove impurities on the skin • Aids to absorb excess oil • Aids in the reduction of blackheads, acne, and pores • Aids to brighten skin Almond Oil • Rich in fatty acids • Moisturizing • Anti-inflammatory to aid in reducing eczema, psoriasis, improve acne • Aids to reduce sun damage • Aids to promote skin regeneration Aloe • Penetrates the outer skin layer faster than water, aiding to alleviate dryness and inflammation by softening the skin. Amla

(Phyllanthus Emblica)

(Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry)

(For hair care): • Several essential fatty acids to nourish and moisturize , penetrating the scalp to eliminate dryness and successfully address issues such as dandruff and itchy scalp • Rich in proteins, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, aiding to provide hair fibers with adequate nutrition which aids to prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth • Antioxidant properties effectively strengthen the roots of hair fibers and aid to repair damaged hair cells and protect cells from further oxidative stress which aids to stimulate growth • Strengthens hair roots and moisturizes them thoroughly aiding to make hair soft and smooth, giving it a natural shine and bounce Annatto • Antimicrobial • Antioxidants • Provides a natural colorant Apricot Kernel • Packed with oleic and linoleic acids which deeply moisturize, promote softness and suppleness • Suitable for all skin types • Rich in Vitamins A E C which help nourish and revitalize skin and combat the signs of age • Emollient properties help soothe, excellent for dry and sensitive skins • Anti-inflammatory and soothing – eczema, psoriasis • Gentle and mild for sensitive skins • Creamy lather and stable bubbles in soap Argan Oil • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-drying • Anti-aging Ashwagandha

(Indian Ginseng, winter cherry)

(Pronounced Ash-wah-gone-duh) • Antioxidants fight free radical damage • Anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain and redness of acne breakouts • Antimicrobial aids to control acne • Aids to regulates and calm skin • Hydrating adaptogens aid to firm skin • Aids to fight hyperpigmentation by managing melanin levels • Soothing Astragalus

(Pronounced uh·stra·guh·luhs) • Rich in amino acids and trace elements • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-oxidant • Stimulates collagen production to aid to increase skin elasticity and regeneration. Avocado Oil • Contains Vitamin E, potassium, lecithin and other skin nourishing nutrients • Anti-inflammatory • Aids to prevent and treat acne, calm itchy skin • Anti-oxidants • Hydrating and moisturizing

B-C

Babassu Oil • Rich in anti-inflammatory agents • Rich in anti-oxidant agents • Aids in skin regeneration • Moisturizing • Aids to reduce skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea • Non-comedogenic • Suitable for both dry and oily skins Beer • Rich in zinc and selenium which aid elasticity • Rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and nutrients • High in chromium • Contain B vitamins • Aids to assist in reduction of eczema, dermatitis, skin infections • Hydrating • Exfoliating • Aids in maintaining healthy PH balance Beeswax • Rich in Vitamin A • Highly moisturizing • Rejuvenating, improves blood circulation • Aids to reduce skin inflammation • Aids to relieve dry, itching skin • Aids to remove toxins from the skin • Contributes to a hard, long-lasting soap bar Buttermilk • Aids to cleanse impurities on skin surface and pores • Lactic acid promotes skin cell turnover • Exfoliating • Aids to prevent premature aging • Anti-inflammatory aids to reduce acne and blackheads • Hydrating Calamine • A blend of powders – primary ingredients being zinc oxide and iron oxide (which gives it the pink color) and also contains Kaolin clay • Antiseptic properties • Moisturizing • Anti-inflammatory to aid in reducing redness and swelling, relieves itching, aids acne Calendula • Antibacterial • Anti-inflammatory to aid skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis • Rich in carotenoids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, which may aid in eliminating free radicals, combat oxidative stress,, stimulate growth of new skin cells, and increase collagen to improve elasticity. • Gentle Canola Oil • Richly nourishing • High in essential fatty acids which may aid to form a barrier between skin and environment, helping retain moisture • High in Vitamin E • High in Vitamin K • May aid in promoting soft, healthy skin Castor Oil • Rich and emollient • 90% ricinoleic acid which is used to treat skin rashes and infections • Contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties • Aids to lock in moisture • Adds a sumptuous silkiness to soap lather Chaga Mushroom • One of the world’s most potent antioxidants • High levels of polysaccharides to moisturize Chamomile • Rich in antioxidants • Hypoallergenic • Antifungal • Antibacterial Chlorella • Rich in Vitamins A and C • Magnesium to nourish skin • Zinc to nourish skin • Provides a natural colorant to soap Clay properties vary depending on the type of clay: • Can be potent purifiers yet gentle cleansers • Detoxifying • Absorb excess oil Cocoa Butter • High in anti-oxidants Vitamin E and others which fight the harmful effects of free radicals responsible for aging skin • Aids skin’s moisture retention • Adds a stable lather to soap • Aids to reduce rashes, eczema, psoriasis • Rich emollient which moisturizes and rejuvenates skin • Conditioning Cocoa Powder • Color Coconut Oil • Gentle • Aids to reduce redness and provide hydration • Adds bubbles to soap lather Coffee • Anti-aging • Vitamin B-3 • Anti-inflammatory • Aids in reduction of acne • Exfolliant • Rich in antioxidants (caffeic acid) • Antimicrobial (caffeic acid)

D-L

Dandelion • Antibacterial • Enhances skin hydration • Aids collagen production • Anti-oxidant • Anti-inflammatory Fireweed • Antibacterial • Antii-inflammatory Goat Milk • High in Caprylic Acid which aids in cleansing ability • High fat content • Aids in moisturizing • Contains cholesterol (lack of cholesterol can lead to dry, irritated skin) • Contains selenium which may improve psoriasis and acne symptoms • Contains Vitamin A which aids in anti-aging • Supports microbiome (the healthy bacteria that live on our skin) Grapeseed Oil • Antimicrobial • Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant • High amounts of omega chain fatty acids and Vitamin E • Antiseptic properties aid to reduce acne • Aids to improve skin’s moisture, softness, elasticity Hibiscus

(Rose Mallow) • Used prominently in Ayurvedic medicine • Antioxidants • Alpha-hydoxy acids improve and even skin tone by exfoliating and promoting cell regeneration • Hydrating • Cleansing • Anti-inflammatory properties • Aids to reduce blemishes • Aids to fight aging • Vitamin C • Viscous (mucilage) properties aids hydration/moisturizing Himalayan Rhubarb Root • Anti-inflammatory • Antibacterial • Detoxifying • Natural colorant Honey • Rich in antioxidants • Aids to lock in moisture • Opens pores (which is why synergistically works with ingredients such as oatmeal to aid to prevent and reduce acne) Japanese mugwort

(Yomogi) • Anti-oxidants • Anti-inflammatory • Soothing • Moisturizing Karanja Oil • Rich in flavonoids – antioxidants and UV blocking • Astringent properties protect the hydrolipid film of the scalp so aids in scalp issues • Antibacterial and anti-fungal making it excellent for eczema, psoriasis, acne • Similar properties as Neem Oil but without the objectionable smell Lard • Cellular makeup is incredibly close to human skin cellular makeup, similar PH • High moisturizing • Promotes hydration • Incredibly gentle on skin (cellular makeup) • Aids to reduce fine lines and wrinkles • High in Vitamin D (minimize dark spots, lines, acne, promote collagen production) • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E and Vitamin A • Tones and firms • Evens out redness associated with conditions such as eczema, drying winter weather • Aids to reduce acne and reduce pores • Adds a creamy silkiness to soap lather Lavender • Evens out skin tone • Aids in acne reduction • Calming • Aids to improve appearance of eczema/psoriasis skin conditions Lemongrass • Aids to detoxify skin • Aids to removes impurities on skin

M-Z

Macadamia Nut Oil • Aids to build and strengthen skin barrier giving smoother skin, promoting elasticity • Closely resembles human sebum, making it a natural moisturizer • Soothing • Antioxidant rich • Rich in Vitamin E • Contains squalene Madder Root • Colorant in soap • Anti-inflammatory • Aids to reduce skin issues such as acne, rashes • Astringent Mango Butter • High in Vitamin A • High in Vitamin C • Contains antioxidants which fight the harmful effects of free radicals responsible for aging skin • Highly moisturizing • Enhances skin elasticity • Adds creaminess to soap lather Micas • Micas are silicate minerals mined from the earth and in their unadulterated form are “natural”. For soaps (and other cosmetics), colorants are added to the mica. Micas as used in soap are not “natural” as they have been thus treated. While colored Micas are not “natural”, if used in soaps (and other cosmetics) the Mica must be approved for cosmetic use and certified non-toxic. ASC does use Micas, however botanicals, herbs and/or clays color the majority of ASC's soaps that are not left the natural color produced by the oils themselves. Moringa Oil • Hydrating • Aids to firm skin • Aids to reduce blemishes • High in antioxidants to aid to fight free radicals • High in Vitamins A, B, C, manganese, magnesium, protein, potassium Multani (Multi) Mitti Clay

(Fuller's Earth) • Antiseptic • Rrich in magnesium chloride and calcium bentonite • Reduces oil • Aids to fights acne by opening pores and absorbing excess sebum • Balances and brightens skin tone • Reduces pigmentation • Aids to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads and shrink pores • Skin soothing • Hydrating

Mushrooms

While each mushroom has its own unique makeup and properties, those utilized in ASC's soaps include Wood Ear, Oyster, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Shitake, Chaga, Mesima, Maitake, and Reishi. Together these combine to provide properties including:

• Vitamins and minerals

• Antioxidants

• Antimicrobial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Hydrating and moisture-retention

• Skin repair

• Skin soothing (dry, itchy skin, eczema, acne, rosacea)

• Collagen formation, promoting elasticity

• Promote reduction of wrinkles and fine lines

Nigella Sativa

(Black Seed)

and

Nigella Damascena

(Love in a Mist) • Antibacterial • Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant • Antifungal Oats • Natural moisturizer • Natural emollient • Contains saponins to aid in removal of dirt and oil from skin • Soothing and gentle for eczema, psoriasis, dry and sensitive skin Olive Oil • Contains antioxidants which fight the harmful effects of free radicals responsible for aging skin • Richly moisturizing • Aids in restoring and protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier Osage Orange • Antiseptic • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-fungal • Anti-oxidant (high levels of isoflavones a type of antioxidant similar to Vits C and E) Palm Oil • Moisturizing • Anti-oxidants • Vitamin E Patchouli Oil • Aids to reduce skin conditions such as dry skin, acne, eczema • Aids to tighten pores • Calming • Anti-inflammatory • Analgesic • Anti-fungal Peppermint Oil • Antibacterial properties aid in reducing skin irritants which lead to acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema • Antiseptic properties aid in reducing skin irritants which lead to acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema Reetha

(Sapindus Mukorossi)

(Soapnut, or Soapberry) • Effective hair-cleansing agent which aids a healthy scalp by removing infection-causing microorganisms. • Rich in saponin - a natural cleanser. • Non-irritating to scalp • Anti-microbial • Active antioxidants, which nourish and aid to keep the hair healthy and smooth. • Aids to restore shine to hair and volumize texture • Aids to eliminate dandruff • Is an effective, natural laundry soap

Rodiola Root

• Rhodiola contains antioxidants, like flavonoids, phenols, and rosavin, which combat free radicals caused by environmental stressors, potentially preventing premature skin aging and promoting a youthful appearance

• Rhodiola possesses natural anti-inflammatory qualities, potentially soothing irritated skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea, and promoting a calmer complexion.

• Rhodiola can help strengthen the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention, reducing water loss, and protecting against external aggressors, resulting in more hydrated and smoother skin.

• Rhodiola promotes skin hydration and moisture retention, crucial for healthy-looking skin.

• Rhodiola has been shown to support collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin's firmness, suppleness, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• By enhancing blood circulation and oxygenation to the skin, rhodiola may contribute to a healthy glow and brighter skin tone.

• Rhodiola's adaptogenic qualities can help reduce skin sensitivity to environmental stressors and calm reactive skin, promoting a more balanced complexion.

Rice Bran • Rice Bran is wonderful for mature and/or sensitive skin • Contains anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties which work synergistically to combat the harmful effects of free radicals • Rich in fatty acids which nourish and plump skin contributing to cell membranes and assisting to retain moisture • Moisturizing • Soothing • Gentle • Aids to promote skin microcirculation, replenishing and revitalizing dry skin • Aids to reduce skin irritation, redness, inflammation Rosehips • One of the most nutritionally packed fruit of any plant • Rich in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C • Contains many minerals • Anti-aging as aids in skin elasticity • Astringent • Aids to heal skin Rosemary • Anti-inflammatory • Antimicrobial • Anti-oxidants • Stimulating properties promote circulation and cell renewal • Astringent • Gentle, soothing, calming • Unclogs blocked pores • Tightens and tones skin • Aids to fight acne, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions • Moisturizing Safflower Oil • Natural moisturizer • Anti-inflammatory • Aids to promote skin elasticity • Aids to repair skin barrier due to its linoleic acid content • Aids to reduce/treat acne and eczema, skin issues • Non-comedogenic Sea Buckthorn • Contains over 190 biologically active compounds, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, -6, and -9 • Rich in vitamins • Rich in antioxidants • Rich in Essential fatty acids which aid to rebuild cells, delay cell aging, improve skin elasticity and structure • Hydrating • Aids to relieve eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne and other skin issues • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-aging • Moisturizing properties benefits dry and aging skin.

Sea Kelp

Kelp is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants , all of which can contribute to healthy skin

• Antioxidants

• Anti-Inflammatory and soothing properties to aid to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation associated with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne

• Humectant - Kelp's properties draw moisture into the skin, helping to hydrate and soften dry, flaky skin

• Natural Exfoliation can act as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal

• Detoxifying properties to aid to draw out impurities and toxins thus contributing to a healthier complexion

• Enhanced Skin Elasticity

Sea Moss

• High sulfur content which benefits oily skin

• Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties

• Vitamins A, C, and E soothe irritation, combat oxidative stress and promote a more even skin tone

• Anti-inflammatory properties render sea moss a gentle, effective for sensitive skin

• Potential for encouraging collagen production

Sea Salt • Exfoliates gently • Balances the natural skin oils • Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties • Assists to aid reduction of skin redness and inflammation • Non-drying as aids skin’s natural barrier which results to keep locked-in moisture • High in minerals beneficial to skin such as magnesium, calcium and potassium • Removes toxins • Assists to aid symptoms from acne, eczema, psoriasis

Sea Water

• Mineral Rich: Seawater contains a wealth of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are beneficial for skin health

• Hardening Agent: The salt in seawater helps create a harder, more durable soap bar. This hardness can make the soap easier to handle and it can also help the soap last longer

• Healing Properties: Seawater's mineral content is believed to have healing qualities and may help clear up skin issues like acne, eczema, and dermatitis

• Moisturizing: The minerals in seawater can help moisturize the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy

• Natural Exfoliating: The salt in seawater can also act as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, brighter skin

• Toxin Removal: Some believe the salt in seawater can help draw out toxins from the skin, which can further benefit skin health

Shea Butter

• High in Vitamin A • High in Vitamin E • Rich in fatty acids and minerals that can form a barrier between skin and environment, helping retain moisture. • Aids to rebuild skin cells • Nourishing to skin • Deeply hydrating • Assists to reduce skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and soothe burns • Adds silkiness to soap lather Shikakai (Acacia Concinna)

(Pronounced Sha-cawk-eye) Ayurvedic medicinal plant has been used in hair care across the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times. • Mild with a naturally low pH value, which retains the hair’s natural oils while cleansing it gently. • Rich in antioxidant Vitamin C and many essential phytonutrients which nourish hair follicles and encourage hair growth. • Moisturizing - aids to combat dryness and itchiness • Powerful anti-dandruff agent • Protects the scalp from infection • Strengthening • Conditioning • Aids to increase hair volume and overall health Soy • Moisturizing • Non-greasy • Anti-aging properties • Vitamin E, K, Isoflavones, antioxidants • Rich in lecithin • Rich in linoleic acid • Rich in micronutrients, minerals Spinach Oil • High vitamin and mineral content • Vitamin A aids to improve skin elasticity and tone • Vitamin C aids to reduce fine lines and wrinkles • Vitamin K and folates aid to reduce acne, dry or irritated skin • Aids to protect from UV damage Sunflower Oil • Moisturizing • All skin types • Gentle • Similar to human sebum; non-comedogenic; won’t clog pores, allows skin to breathe • Has barrier forming properties • Rich in Vitamin E, anti-oxidants • Rich in linoleic acid • AVOID if allergic to Asteraceae family of plants (i.e. daisies, marigolds, ragweed) Tea Tree Oil • Anti-inflammatory • Antifungal • Antiseptic • Antimicrobial • Assists to aid reduction of symptoms of acne, psoriasis, eczema Tumeric • Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidants • Antibacterial • Soothing • Aids to reduce dry, oily, problem skin • Aids to reduce psoriasis, acne, rosacea and other skin conditions Tussah Silk

Ascent Soap Co. sources only cruelty-free Tussah Silk, gathered from empty cocoons, where no moths or larvae are harmed at any stage of production. • Adds a luxurious, silky feel in soap • Hypoallergenic • Aids in moisture retention Ucuuba Oil/Butter

(Pronounced 'U-cue-u-bah') • Abundant in fatty acids and phytosterols (naturally occurring steroids) • Deeply moisturizing • Anti-inflammatory • Antiviral • Antifungal • Antibacterial • Aids to synthesize collagen • Promotes skin elasticity Usnea

(Beard Lichen, Lungs of the Forest, Old Man’s Beard)

(I-seen-yah or Oh-seen-yah) • Antimicrobial powerhouse aids to relieve eczema, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions and manage fungal and bacterial skin infections • Anti-inflammatory • Soothing • Analgesic • Antiseptic • Antiviral • Antifungal • Antioxidant • Contains usnic acid which promotes vascular regeneration and skin keratinization, aiding in forming collagen Whiskey/Bourbon • Antiseptic to calm inflammation • Antiseptic to cleanse bacteria • Antioxidants • Exfoliating • Rich in polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. These compounds can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and potentially prevent skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Vitamin E • Powerful antioxidant which deflects the harmful effects of free radicals responsible for aging skin