Apricot Kernel Oil

Hey Y'all!

I hope this post finds you doing well. Apricot Kernel Oil is found in several Cactus & Ivy products because it happens to be one of my favorite ingredients.


Apricot Kernel Oil - Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil - Originating from Asia, the apricot kernel is a transitory tree that can grow to 30 feet tall, withstands colder climates and the oil pressed from the kernels can be used in cooking.

An emollient oil high in oleic and linoleic acids, is light, penetrates the skin easily and is highly sought after for its skin softening properties. Apricot kernel oil prevents water evaporating from the skin, helps retain the elasticity of the skin, contains a high amount of vitamin E and provides great slip to massage oils. Flat out, it's a fabulous oil to incorporate into any skin care regiment for mature, dry, sensitive or troubled skin.

You can find Apricot Kernel Oil in Butter Me Up Body Balm, Citrus Mint Acai Body Glow, Lemonmint Body Bath & Massage Elixir, Blah Blah Lip Balm, Perk Up Lip Balm and Peppermint Tree Foot Balm.

Thanks for stopping by y'all and I hope you have a fabulous day!


Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy

Fabulous Cocoa Butter

Hey Y'all!!

I hope this post finds you doing well and my apologies for not having a post with words in a few days.

Working with ingredients for Cactus & Ivy creations, Cocoa butter has to be one of my favorites! It is a natural, edible vegetable fat, pale yellow in color, and is extracted from the cacao bean to make a variety of products, such as cosmetics, ointments and oh yes....chocolate.


Theobroma Cacao, the botanical name of Cocoa Butter, is from the Mexican word "cacauati" meaning cacao and the Greek word "Theobroma" meaning food of the Gods.

Cocoa trees generally grow in Central and South America and produce a brown fruit with about three dozen long seeds or cocoa beans. The seeds are ground into chocolate liquor and then pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids, which is also referred to as cocoa powder.

Cocoa butter has a low melting point of 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, is solid form at room temperature but melts easily at body temperature. It contains natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and has a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, which makes it a highly popular ingredient in skin care products and cosmetics.


You can find Cocoa butter in our Body Scrubs, Butter Me Up Body Balm, Shea & Soy Body Melt and Lip Balms. Cocoa butter protects and softens dry skin, helps to reduce stretch marks, is a super emollient and aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines around eyes, mouth and neck. Cocoa butter is just plain fabulous and smells heavenly!

Thanks for stopping by y'all and have a wonderful day!

Lisa M. Rodgers
Creator Extraordinaire
Cactus & Ivy