Shea butter is fat that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. 

Shea butter has high concentrations of vitamins and fatty acids, combined with its easy-to-spread consistency, make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning skin.

Shea butter acts as a “refatting” agent, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture. This restores the barrier between skin and the outside environment, holding moisture in and reducing the risk of dryness.

Shea tree products have been established as powerful ingredients to fight skin infections caused by fungi. Shea kills spores of fungi that causes ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals

Hemp oil provides a host of other beneficial nutrients including antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and carotene. Antioxidants are beneficial  because they neutralize destructive free radicals. Hemp oil also includes minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorous, iron and zinc. Chlorophyll is also present in hemp oil, which gives it a light green color. Chlorophyll has been shown to have potent antioxidant and antimutagenic activities.

Polyunsaturated Fats

Hemp oil is very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically gamma-linole
ic acid and stearidonic acid. Polyunsaturated fats are beneficial because they help lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease and reduce the risk for Type 2 diabetes. Consuming polyunsaturated fats is also associated with a reduction in the onset of dementia as well as a reduced risk for developing memory difficulties and subsequent dementia.

Calendula has long been popular in herbal medicine for its alleged healing properties. The Calendula officinalis plant is often applied externally to wounds and burns, or taken internally to heal tissues of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Calendula's antifungal and antimicrobial properties help prevent infection and heal injuries. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, which might help to protect against paw abrasions. 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Application of vitamin E has been used in a wide variety of forms throughout history, including the topical application of Vitamin E oil.

Vitamin E has been considered an anti-inflammatory agent in the skin and prevents inflammatory damage after UV exposure.

Vitamin E containing tocopherols or tocotrienols have moisturizing properties. Topical application of vitamin E can improve the skins' water-binding capacity after only two to four weeks of use.

Argan oil is made from the kernels that grow on the argan trees native to Morocco. Argan oil has traditionally been used both topically and orally to improve the health of skin, hair, and nails. It contains a number of different beneficial properties and vitamins that form a powerful combination to boost skin health.

Argan oil contains a large number of healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help reduce symptoms for a number of different inflammatory skin conditions.

Argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This gives it the capability to help treat and prevent both bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Zinc is a mineral and a potential antioxidant which helps in reducing the production of free radicals.

Zinc is known to support wound healing. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it enhances skin repair function and reduces redness and inflammation. It helps to relieve eczema, irritation, and itchy and dry skin.

As pets age, the skin’s natural ability to regulate moisture decreases. Zinc is known to prevent and decrease transepidermal water loss. It also improves the barrier function of skin, and helps to keep it hydrated and moisturized. 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an evergreen plant native to the mediterranean. Its flower and oil have a popular scent and are also used as a medicine.

Lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, pain reliever, and anti-bacterial. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, fungal infections, minor cuts, bug bites, soothe joint and abdominal pain, and repels fleas and ticks.

In our research animals do not favour the smell of lavender making it perfect for our anti-lick Paw Balm formula, leaving all the good stuff to benefit their paws!