Key Ingredients Used in Brazilian Tropic^® Skincare Products:

• * Aloe Vera
• * Apricot Kernel Oil
• * Babassu Oil
• * Brazil Nut
• * Carrot Root Extract
• * Grape Seed Oil
• * Green Tea
• * Green Tea Extract
• * Kukui Nut Oil
• * Macadamia Nut Oil
• * Olive Fruit Oil
• * Papaya Fruit Extract
• * Pineapple Fruit Extract
• * Rice Bran Oil
• * Safflower Seed Oil
• * Sesame Seed
• * Spearmint
• * Squalane
• * Sweet Almond Oil
• * Vitamin A
• * Vitamin C
• * Vitamin E
• * Zinc Oxide

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf): The sap of the Aloe Vera leaf contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals that moisturize and promote skin rejuvenation, as well as relieves the pain and itching of sunburn.

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca): While the apricot tree is known to have been cultivated for centuries in Armenia, hence the name armeniaca, it had its original roots in the temperate climates of Asia. Prunus Armeniaca oil is extracted from the apricot fruit kernel and has been used for centuries as a natural emollient and moisturizer, and has a unique softening effect on the skin.

Babassu Oil (Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil): The Babassu tree is a palm tree that is native to Brazil. Babassu oil is extracted from the kernels of the Babassu palm, and contains a high amount of essential lipids which aid in cell regeneration. Apart from forming a protective, soothing barrier to the skin when applied, it also produces a cooling effect on the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Babassu is effective for both dry and oily complexions and gently moisturizers the skin without leaving an oily sheen.

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia Excelsa): The Brazil nut tree is enormous and is found throughout the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. The Brazil nut provides one of the highest natural sources of selenium and other proteins that contain essential amino acids which help lubricate and moisturize the skin. With its high selenium content and antioxidant benefits, it helps prevent dryness, leaving skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

Carrot Root Extract (Daucus Carota Sativa): Carrot Oil is rich in beta carotene, Vitamins A and E and provitamin A, all of which help to heal dry, chapped and cracked skin. The carrot oil, which is extracted by infusing the root in soybean oil, helps to balance the moisture in the skin.

Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera): Vitis Vinifera extracted from the seeds of the grape is a powerful antioxidant that counteracts the destructive effects of free radicals in the skin. High in polyphenols, these water-soluble bioflavonoids are beneficial to skin cell damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. The extract also contains resveratrol, which is another powerful antioxidant that may help retard the aging process in the skin, and is known to reduce the look of stretch marks, as well as help to repair delicate skin.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis): Green tea, unlike black tea, is not fermented, so the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb. Green tea has a very high content of anti-oxidants and is widely considered to have anti-cancer support properties. It also contains many oils, vitamins and minerals, as well as the naturally-occurring properties known as polyphenols that protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract): Camellia Oleifera leaf extract, which is produced from the leaves of the Tea Tree, is a naturally-occurring botanical antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and aids in the reduction of skin irritation and helps cell regeneration. Its unique properties are also known to inhibit collagen break down, resulting in more firm and elastic skin.

Kukui Nut Oil (Euphorbiaceae): Kukui oil is extracted from the nut of the large Kukui tree. Also known as the Candlenut tree, it is grown in the tropics, including Brazil. This highly penetrating oil is known for its healing and soothing properties. An outstanding emollient that is absorbed quickly and thoroughly, it leaves no greasy after-feel on the skin.

Macadamia Nut Oil(Macadamia Ternif Seed Oil): Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is derived from the many species of the Macadamia tree. The tree does not produce nuts until it is about 7-10 years old but can then continue bearing for over 100 years. Brazil is one of the largest commercial producers of Macadamia. The oil contains palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids. Palmitoleic acid is found in human sebum among the young, but the level dramatically drops in mature skin. Therefore, inclusion of Macadamia Nut Oil in skin lotions softens, as well as tones aged and dry skin. It absorbs quickly into the skin and the omega fatty acids help maintain the skin’s critical water barrier functions.

Olive Fruit Oil (Olea Europaea): Olive oil is a natural source of antioxidant and, without a doubt, nature’s moisturizer. Maintaining adequate moisture in the skin helps protect it from dryness and cracking, and can even reduce scaling and inflammation. Use of olive oil in skin care actually locks the water into the skin and prevents it from losing essential moisture.

Papaya Fruit Extract (Carica Papaya): The Papaya tree is native to central and South America and can be found extensively throughout Brazil. Its fruit is high in Vitamin A, and is a natural antioxidant and moisturizer. This beneficial fruit extract is effective as a mild exfoliant, and helps promote a soft and youthful complexion.

Pineapple Fruit Extract (Ananas Sativus): Pineapple fruit extract contains an enzyme called bromelain which cleanses the skin by dissolving dead cells from the skin’s surface, thereby acting as a mild exfoliant. A natural source of Vitamin C, it is an important antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.

Rice Bran Oil (Oryza Sativa): Rice bran oil is obtained in the milling process and, when the oil is expelled, it is full of antioxidants such as Vitamin E, ferulic acid, linolic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and oryzanol. The oil acts as an emollient and helps in the anti-aging process where softening and moisturizing is needed in mature, delicate or sensitive skin. It also contains some natural sunscreen properties.

Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius): High in oleic acids and Vitamin E, it helps to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Sesame Seed (Sesamum Indicum): Sesame Seed (or Benne Seed as it is also known) is derived from a plant grown in Africa known as the Sim Sim. The oil from the seeds contains a high percentage of natural anti-oxidants.

Spearmint (Mentha Viridis): Originally native to the Mediterranean area, spearmint contains antiseptic healing properties that sooth and refresh the skin. It is also a natural emollient that helps prevent dryness to reduce itching and leaves the skin soft and supple.

Squalane : Squalane oil is one of the most effective moisturizers available. Beneficial effects on the skin include smoothing wrinkles and a decrease in dryness. Squalane is found in olive oil and has a molecular structure similar to Vitamin A, thereby providing a natural antioxidant to the skin.

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis): An excellent emollient which helps the skin balance its loss and absorption of moisture, while softening and smoothing. Sweet Almond Oil contains naturally-occurring antioxidants and amino and fatty acids that are very beneficial to the skin. Its properties promote reduction of inflammation and relieves irritation and itching. It’s a wonderful moisturizer, yet does not leave the skin oily or greasy.

Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate): Vitamin A is a naturally occurring antioxidant and moisturizer which promotes a softer, smoother skin. It accelerates cell renewal and stimulates the fibroblast and collagen in the skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Retinyl Palmitate must not be confused with Retinoic Acid (which is also part of the Vitamin A family) which is used as a prescription ingredient to exfoliate the skin.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that helps to neutralize free-radical damage caused by cell metabolism and UV exposure. The connective tissue in the skin, known as collagen, is dependant on Vitamin C for proper function and therefore an essintial part of any skin care.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): Vitamin E is one of the best lipid based antioxidants around. Oxidative stress causes free radicals, and if they are not neutralized, they cause deterioration of the cells, and resultant aging. Vitamin E protects the cells and cell membranes from this oxidative stress and in particular noticeably helps protect the skin against UVB radiation. Sunlight has been shown to deplete this extremely important antioxidant, so topical application to the skin is essential. This is even more important in mature skin, as the level of Vitamin E seems to decrease with age. It helps fight the ravages of free radicals and in doing so, aids in the battle against aging. Apart from the essential antioxidant properties, Vitamin E also helps to moisturize the skin and helps with tissue repair.

Zinc Oxide: Zinc Oxide occurs in nature as the mineral Zincite. The micronized crystals are used in ointments, creams and lotions to protect against sunburn, with its innate soothing and healing qualities. When used as a sunscreen, Zinc Oxide provides protection from both harmful UVA and UVB rays. Brazilian Tropic^® Sun SPF-30 and Face SPF-18 products are uniquely formulated with ZinClear™ that goes on clear and absorbs quickly into the skin with no harsh chemicals.