The Skincare Ingredient Library: Oils, Butters & Botanicals Explained

New to butters? Start with Which Butter Should I Use?

When you understand your ingredients, you understand your skin.

As an esthetician and skincare formulator, I created this Ingredient Library to help you learn—not guess—what each ingredient does, how it works, and which skin types benefit most. Whether you're a DIY skincare lover, a new beautypreneur, or someone who simply wants healthier, glowing skin, this library is your foundation.

Every ingredient here is explained in clear, esthetician-level language so you can make confident choices for your routine and your formulations.

How to Use This Ingredient Library

Inside this library, you’ll find:

  • Oils for skincare
  • Butters for skincare
  • Botanical extracts
  • Active ingredients
  • Fragrances (skin-safe only)
  • Aromatherapy profiles
  • Benefits, usage tips & safety notes

Each ingredient includes:

  • What it is
  • Why it works
  • Skin type compatibility
  • Barrier repair benefits
  • Formulation usage
  • Product recommendations
  • Safety guidelines

Ingredients by Category

Oils (Carrier Oils & Luxury Oils)

These oils nourish the skin, support the barrier, and deliver essential fatty acids.

Click each ingredient to learn more:

  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil
  • Rice Bran Oil
  • Cranberry Seed Oil
  • Raspberry Seed Oil
  • Squalane Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Neem Oil
  • Pumpkin Seed Oil (future page)
  • Buriti Oil (future page)

Ready to use these ingredients correctly?

If you want to see how these ingredients actually come together in real formulas, start with a structured kit.

Barrier Repair Formula Kit

Butters (Soft, Ultra-Nourishing Emollients)

These butters lock in moisture and protect the lipid barrier.

  • Mango Butter
  • Cupuacu Butter
  • Macadamia Butter
  • Tacumu Butter
  • Cupuacu Butter
  • Kokum Butter
  • Bacuri Butter
  • Buriti Butter

Learn how to choose the right butter for winter dryness: Winter Body Butter for Dry Skin.

Botanical Extracts

Targeted ingredients for skin health, radiance + antioxidant support.

  • Kakadu Plum Extract
  • Raspberry Extract
  • Repair Oil Complex
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Essential Oils (Skincare-Friendly Only)

(Not all essential oils belong on the face; your library keeps it accurate and safe.)

  • Blue Tansy
  • Peppermint (body-only safety notes)*
  • Cinnamon (strict dilution)*
  • Petitgrain (excellent for face balms)

Fragrance Oils (Skin-Safe, Body-Care Use)

Mango & Emerald uses, phthalate-free, cruelty-free fragrance oils.

  • Shy No More (Don’t Be Shy M&E Version)
  • Warm Vanilla Sugar
  • Cashmere Glow
  • Cocoa Butter Cashmere
  • Gold & Cashmere
  • Vanilla Butter
  • Cashmere 

Want step-by-step barrier repair formulas? Explore the Barrier Repair Formula Kit.

Ingredient Quick Filters

Find Ingredients For:

  • Dry skin
  • Aging skin
  • Barrier repair
  • Glow & brightening
  • Body care
  • Sensitive skin

Featured Ingredients for Dry Skin & Barrier Repair

  • Mango Butter
  • Cupuacu Butter
  • Squalane
  • Meadowfoam Oil
  • Rice Bran Oil
  • Cranberry Seed Oil
  • Repair Complex Oil
  • Macadamia Butter

Plain Jane Barrier Balm

Fragrance-free, ultra-soothing, packed with barrier-support oils.

OG Botanical Balm

Rich oils + butters for deep moisture.

Why Understanding Ingredients Matters

  • You choose better skincare.
  • You avoid using the wrong oils for dry skin.
  • You learn safety limits (like maximum dermal %).
  • You become a smarter formulator or product user.
  • You build confidence in choosing what your skin actually needs.

Understanding ingredients is step one — here’s how skincare is made from home.

More Resources in This Library

  • Skincare for Dry Skin
  • Best Oils for Dry Skin
  • Barrier Repair 101
  • Dry Skin Routine
  • YouTube: 30 Days, 30 Ingredients
  • Blog: Ingredient Deep Dives