from hot, dry landscomes rich, preciousfrankincense oil
earthy, woody, fabulous patchouli oil
specific gravity;the weight of the matter
summer edition 2014
summersummer edition 2014this issue
summer cover:BeeswaxBeeswaxThe by-product of honey production, Beeswax is a popular cosmetic ingredient as it offers protective and humectants properties. It can help soothe and soften the effects of dry skin and is perfect in balms, creams or rich body butters. Available inCertified Organic (solid), Natural (pellets) or Refined (pellets) and in a fragrant Absolute that is ideal for perfumery. Visit www.seoc.com.au for more information.
04 Harvest: Certified Organic Frankincense From SEOCs eco-friendly distribution partner, Lubanchem Ltd.
12 SME Forum: Understanding Specific Gravity
and why it is important in cosmetic manufacturing
16 Up Close:
SEOCs Patchouli oil range Everything you need to know about these earthy, woody, fabulous oils
20 News: One Health Organisation International health care project update
22 Product Specification: Frankincense Olibanum oil (Somalia) Certified Organic
Specification for manufacturers
23 Formulation: Rejuvenating Face Serum
Featuring Frankincense oil (Somalia) Certified Organic
Summer comes with bright sunshine and warm rays, it offers us longer days and treasured time with family and friends. It is definitely my favourite season and I hope you are looking forward to the end of year celebrations as much as I am. But before we say goodbye to 2014 there is one final Oily to enjoy. In this issue we highlight the fantastic achievements of One Health Organisation in Myanmar, read page 20, to find out more. Plus we travel to other exotic locations with Harvest in Somalia where rich Certified Organic Frankincense oil is produced in the harsh, dry climate. And in Up Close we learn about Patchouli oil and its South East Asian origins. A truly international issue is ready for you to start reading, so just turn the page Lucille Wilson, editor
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Certified Organic Frankincense Olibanum a rich warm aroma with an ancient history
the Frankincense tree is a hardy plant that can withstand soaring temperatures and dry conditions. Trees grow wild and are not harvested until they reach at least seven years old to ensure they are mature enough to produce quality sap resin.
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In the North Eastern corner of the African continent, Frankincense trees are scattered across the harsh, dry land. From Puntland and Somaliland in Somalia, across the Ogaden Region of Ethiopia and up into Eritrea, the Boswellia carterii species has been able to withstand the challenging climatic conditions for thousands of years.
Certified Organic Frankincense Olibanum oil is produced by Sydney Essential Oil Co.s supply partner, Lubanchem Ltd. Its warm, slightly spicy aroma is unequalled in its quality. It holds an important position in our portfolio, due to it being an excellent product for cosmetic, aromatherapy and perfumery applications.
Frankincense throughout HistoryFor over 5,000 years, Frankincense has been traded from Northern Africa across the Middle East and around the globe. Ancient Assyrians and Babylonians are believed to have used it in religious ceremonies whilst Ancient Egyptians sought the resin for perfumes, incense and for treating skin conditions. It was also a key ingredient in their mummification process, for which they are so famous.
There are many biblical references to Frankincense and it is a traditional incense commonly used by many Christian churches especially Orthodox and Catholic denominations. Its prominence in the story of the baby Jesus maintains a deeply spiritual connection to many different faiths.
In its native continent, Africa, Frankincense is utilised as a traditional medicine to alleviate digestive complaints and to support skin health. Whilst in India, it is employed in Ayurverdic treatments for wound healing, and even reducing arthritic symptoms. Today, Frankincense continues to have a strong relationship with the church and the Vatican is one of the largest global buyers for Somali producers. >
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a tapped Frankincense tree will slowly secrete sap which hardens and forms a resin. This solid sap is manually harvested in a three weekly cycle to allow optimal resin buildup.
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The oil is a precious commodity that is also undergoing many research studies for potential medical applications, as the constituents offer exciting possibilities.
Wild Growth in an Unforgiving EnvironmentThe semi-arid state of Puntland in Somalia, experiences average daily temperatures in the mid 30Cs with little annual rainfall. It can have long periods of drought and during July through to September the temperatures regularly reach 40C.
The difficult conditions make it hard to imagine how any plant could survive, but the Boswellia carterii tree is a resilient species that has made a home amongst the Somali hills. Preferring steep slopes of limestone soil, the Frankincense tree thrives in the hot climate and grows wild throughout the region.
There is no identifiable farm infrastructure and the Frankincense is wild harvested by family clans that retain traditional collection rights. In Somalia, specific land areas have been handed down through generations and this determines where each clan can harvest. These areas and the trees they contain are inherited by the men in the family and are sustainably maintained as an important source of income.
Harvest takes places from September through to December and during this time the men will leave the village to spend months in the hills. The trees are methodically tapped and as the sap flows from the resulting hole, it solidifies on the trunk. This solid sap resin is collected by hand on a three weekly cycle ensuring the trees are not over harvested.
Once harvesting is completed, the women in the village clean and sort the resin into grades. Many factors impact the grade of the resin such as health and age of the tree, geographical location and time of harvest, but all grades are sold into different industries so there is zero wastage. >
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Clockwise from top: Resin is graded by colour as the different hues indicate the quality. Darker resin is a lower grade. Frankincense oil is steam distilled from the resin and is tested to ensure the highest quality is achieved. Family clans only harvest within their inherited land areas. The villagers sort and clean the resin in preparation for sale.Hand harvesting of Frankincense resin takes place from September to December.
Approximately 100 kilograms of raw material is required to produce 1 kilogram of Frankincense essential oil.
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Lubanchem Ltd. has a long standing relationship with many of the Frankincense collectors and they are deeply committed to supporting the industry well into the future. Certified Organic through Ceres, the company produces organic essential oil via steam distillation of the graded resin. Approximately 100 kilograms of raw material is required to produce 1 kilogram of essential oil.
Certified Organic Frankincense Essential OilThe haunting aroma of Frankincense has the ability to connect on a spiritual level for many of its users. With warm, spicy, slighty balsamic notes, it has a truly distinctive scent profile that resonates in essential oil blends and perfumes.
As it helps to regulate breathing patterns, it offers a calming effect on the mind and body and is the perfect accompaniment to a meditation session. It is an ideal choice for people who suffer from nervous or anxious tendencies as it comforts the soul with a peaceful mood.
Aromatherapuetically, Frankincense is renowned for supporting the respiratory system. It can help clear the lungs and alleviate coughs, whilst also soothing inflammatory mucous conditions. For women, it is a useful uterine tonic and can even assist new mothers through bouts of post-baby blues.
When incorporated in skincare products, the oil imparts a rejuvenating quality and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a celebrated anti-ageing ingredient making it great for serums, creams and target area treatments. Its astringent effect is also helpful for oily skin complexions and it can even minimise breakouts and redness. 1
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Why not introduce Certified Organic Frankincense Olibanum oil to your collection today?
For a bulk quote or more information contact our sales team on 02 9565 2828 or [email protected].
Keep your youthful complexion by incorporating Frankincense essential oil into serums, creams and specialised treatments. You will be impressed with its rejuvenating qualities.
Weighing up the facts how specific gravity can impact your cosmetic manufacturing.
sme Forum
every essential oil and carrier oil has a different specific gravity value, and this value can change from batch to batch. It is important to always check the Certificate of Analysis we supply with your order for the most up to date information.
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Accurate measurement of ingredients is essential when striving to manufacture consistent products batch after batch. To ensure your formulations are correctly calculated it is best to use the most common method of measurement which is by weight. It is not recommended to combine measurements of weight and volume in the same formulation, as this can become particularly problematic when scaling batch size up or down, and also when combining liquid and solid ingredients.
Liquid ingredients can
