Mineral Oil vs. Arbonne Oil?

Recently an Arbonne Consultant asked, “What’s the difference between mineral oil and the oil Arbonne uses?” This question is a very good one. Let’s define the difference between several types of oils used in the cosmetics industry and then define the Arbonne difference.

What is an oil?

Simply defined, an oil is any substance that remains in a liquid state at room temperature and that is insoluble in water — in other words … it floats on top. Oils can function as moisturizers or cleansers, depending on the formula into which they are added. As a cleanser, they can help surround and lift dirt off the skin and out of the pores which can be washed away. As a moisturizer, they help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) because they are able to deliver hydrating lipids to the skin’s surface. In fact, the primary benefit of including oils in cosmetic formulations is specifically for their hydrating ability. Some oils, because of their traditional medicinal uses, are able to help soothe, calm and comfort surface irritations and sun damage.

The most popular oils used in cosmetic formulas are the following:

Mineral Oil
Vegetal Oil
Essential Oil

Let’s look at each of these …

Mineral Oil is liquid petrolatum. It is a by-product of the petroleum industry in their production of gasoline. Mineral oil is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. There are two grades — industrial (as in machine lubricant) and cosmetic (as in beauty products). Cosmetic grade mineral oil is used by many skin care companies. Mineral oil is used in their formulas as an occlusive ingredient, coating the skin’s surface to inhibit TEWL and to give an emollient effect that is suitable for treating dry skin. Cosmetic mineral oil is generally USP (U.S. Pharmacopia) and BP (British Pharmacopia) grade, is highly refined and purified, and is not an industrial grade containing benzene, a known toxin and carcinogen. One of the common concerns regarding the use of cosmetic mineral oil is its presence on several lists of comedogenic substances (ingredients that clog the pores). These comedogenic lists were developed many years ago yet remain frequently quoted in some dermatologic literature.

Vegetal Oils are derived from … you guessed it … plants! Vegetal oils are used as fixed oils, base oils or carrier oils (as in aromatherapy) in cosmetic formulas. Vegetal oils are usually obtained from the fatty oils in seeds, kernels or nuts. Some vegetal oils are odorless, others may be sweet and nutty in aroma. Vegetal oils also have film-forming properties, are less occlusive than mineral oil, yet still help retard transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In addition, vegetal oils may naturally contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and essential fatty acids (EFAs). For example, vegetal oils that naturally contain Vitamin E act as antioxidants. Safflower Oil contains oleic and lineolic acids that are beneficial to the skin. Olive Oil is effective in hydrating and soothing the skin. Other vegetal oils such as Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil and Sweet Almond Oil help prevent evaporation and provide lubrication to the surface of skin, making dry skin look and feel better.

Essential Oils are derived from leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of the plant. Essential oils are the fragrant oils found in plants. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and chemically complex, containing many substances and compounds. Some essential oils contain more than 200 identified chemical substances, and have been called by some botanical scientists the “lifeblood of a plant” because they contain compounds that the plant uses to fight infections, disease and parasites. Essential oils carry a distinct scent or essence of the plant. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, massage therapy and ayurvedic medicine. They are also used in fragrances and lotions and incense. Essential oils with their volatile aromas can be used to enhance moods, help promote relaxation, help awaken energy levels, help calm the feelings of stress and help promote well-being. Essential oils should not be used by themselves directly on the skin. Because they are very concentrated, essential oils are always blended with vegetal oils, as in a massage oil; or blended with vegetal oils and other moisturizing ingredients as in a body lotion. Examples of essential oils include: Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Peppermint Oil, Bergamot Oil, Lemon Oil, Ylang-Ylang, etc.

The Arbonne Difference
Arbonne does not use petroleum-based oil ingredients. This includes mineral oil. It is Arbonne’s preference to use vegetal oils and essential oils in its formulations because of our botanical-based heritage and because of the many additional healthy benefits plant oils can also bring to the skin. There are no known skin nutritive, massage and aromatherapeutic benefits from mineral oil. So why go this route when we have all the abundance plant oils can deliver.

Arbonne Oils (FC5 Skin Conditioning Oil, Sea Source 5-in-1 Essential Massage Oil, ABC Baby Body Oil, Aromassentials Unwind Massage Oil) are a blend of both vegetal and essential oils, formulated as beneficial skin care products and for massage. These oils are lightweight and can also be used on the face, as a supplemental AM/PM product or for a pampering facial massage.

SO-O-O-O … here’s an analogy you can use at a Presentation: You can ask your guests to close their eyes for this, as you add the drama …

Imagine … it’s cold and pouring rain outside ….
Would you rather be standing under an umbrella in that rain?
Or sitting at home, in your favorite chair, watching your favorite movie, eating your favorite ice cream?
In each scenario you are sheltered from the rain. That’s good!
Now … Do you want to just be protected … or …
Protected, Comfortable and Nourished all at the same time?
Which one do you think is analogous to the mineral oil?
Which one do you think is analogous to the Arbonne Oil?
Now… if you had YOUR choice, which one would YOU chose -— mineral oil? Or the Arbonne Oil?

Algae Extract: From Sea to Skin

Algae. The fish in your aquarium love it — and so should you.

On the surface, it may not seem appealing. Algae is the name given to a variety of simple, photosynthetic organisms, the largest form being seaweed. Algae is dispersed via spores. That’s why it sometimes propagates in your fish tank until you no longer have an unfettered view your fine finned friends.

However, algae serves a very important role in the marine ecosystem, which in turn benefits all living things. Microscopic forms provide the base for most marine food chains, thanks to algae’s rich concentration of botanical nutrients. It’s essential to the health of aquatic vegetation and animals.

Packed as it is with the good stuff, algae serves a wide range of purposes outside of the water tap. It’s very useful as fertilizer, soil conditioner and livestock feed. It holds potential as an energy source.  And don’t forget that algae is an important food source for humans, too! You probably enjoy the tang of seaweed in your favorite sushi — but algae in different forms is popular in cultures all around the globe, thanks to being rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C, as well as niacin, iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium.

Sounds great, right? But if you’re still not convinced that it belongs on your face, read on. Algae extract is a concentration of various species of algae, chock-full of the great nutrients that nourish so many living things. In Arbonne RE9, algae extract supports collagen through moisturization, helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your skin’s outer layer. It normalizes your skin’s moisture content and makes it smooth and supple. Best of all, algae extract is non-irritating and non-comedogenic, so when you use our RE9 formulas, they smooth on as wonderfully as they work.

The next time you notice it’s time to do some housecleaning for your favorite fish, remember what you’ve learned about algae and the benefits of algae extract in your favorite Arbonne RE9 products. Thanks to algae extract, your skin looks firmer and lovelier than ever before. And come to think of it, have you ever seen a fish with wrinkles?

Keep the spirit of NTC alive …

The 2010 Be!ieve People Video is now available to view on YouTube and iTunes. It was an incredible, life-changing event.

Re-live the magic!

View it on YouTube at: http://bit.ly/9GmmQl

And get it through iTunes at: http://bit.ly/brtJRn

Are you ready to show off your “Arbonne Bling?”

Limited-edition Arbonne 30th Anniversary Rings are still available … but they’re going fast! Hurry up and get yours today!

Anniversary Rings are perfect gifts for team-building incentives, birthdays, and even as a thoughtful last-minute present for this upcoming Mother’s Day!

Exclusive, graphite Arbonne 30th Anniversary Ring carries the Satin Lipstick and features a mirror inside. This chic accessory is a stylish way to take Arbonne with you, wherever you go!

http://bit.ly/bEBdG8

Why spamming your company’s online press is a bad idea.

In the direct selling world, promotion is a good thing. It creates awareness and can build brand recognition. Especially when the product reviews and insights come from credible sources.

But, self-promotion on the Web in response to press, blogs or reviews can damage a company’s image in the online community. In her latest blog post, industry expert Jennifer Fong provides an interesting perspective and important guidelines for direct sellers to avoid these pitfalls and learn to promote the brand by creating positive feedback for the organization.

http://bit.ly/atpTlz

Beautiful Science. Beautiful You. And a Beautiful Way to experience it all!

Arbonne Cosmetics — more than just a collection of lightweight, beneficial formulas for gorgeous skin, eyes and lips … there’s a video, too!

Take a look at (and share with others!) the new Arbonne Cosmetics launch video: http://bit.ly/9bpBGk

Ever wonder why staying away from online auctions as a direct seller is a big deal?

Check out this article featuring Arbonne’s own General Counsel, Ashley Good — http://bit.ly/3mvg9

Direct Selling Association Video Shoot Needs an Arbonne Independent Consultant

Talk about Arbonne on video for the DSA — this Monday! If you are a District Manager living in the Southern California area and want to talk about your Arbonne business and how it has enhanced your life, we need you.

The taping takes place on Monday, April 26, in Los Angeles. In order to be selected, you must be a District Manager and must submit your name, CID, photo and a few sentences about how your Arbonne business has enhanced your life to communications@arbonne.com. We will be selecting a District Manager to represent Arbonne in the DSA video by tomorrow morning, 9 a.m. Pacific time, so be sure to submit your information right away.

Our chosen DM will be featured in a video by the DSA to be used at the upcoming Direct Selling Day in Sacramento, CA to show our legislators the positive impact direct selling businesses have on the lives of individual Californians, and how any proposed income tax withholding obligation on direct sellers would be detrimental to those Californians operating direct selling businesses. This is your chance to express your passion, belief and determination for Arbonne.

Be the one to let the Californians hear more about Arbonne!

The Idea of a Home-based Business — Latino Perspectives Magazine

Check out this profile on successful ideas for home-based businesses—Arbonne Independent Consultant featured in Latino Perspectives Magazine


“Tobacco, alcohol, and skincare products sell more in a down market,” claims Cirina Palacio-Culberson. When she decided to start selling Arbonne products from home in the late 1990s, her incentive was to get the skincare products at a discount and make a little extra money to supplement her income as an operating-room nurse and physician assistant.

Although her 20-year career was fiscally successful, she was working what felt like 24/7. When the job starting to physically wear her down, Cirina realized she had to make a change. Not only that, the physician she was working for embezzled her entire retirement account. Twelve years later, she’s a regional vice president for Arbonne International and driving a Mercedes.

Arbonne iTunes

Arbonne is on iTunes! Now you can totally download feature-length Arbonne videos for all kinds of viewing on your very own personal computer, smart phone or other digital devices. Join now—it’s totally free!

  1. If you’re not already on iTunes, use these 5 quick, easy steps:
  2. Go online to http://www.apple.com/itunes/
  3. Click the blue “Download iTunes” button and follow the instructions to install it
  4. Once iTunes is installed, Open it and click Sign In
  5. Click “Create Account,” and follow the steps—it’s free!
  6. Then click here: http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=362502286 for the Official Arbonne channel

Click “Subscribe Now” to get all the current podcasts, with future videos automatically updating.

That’s all it takes to get you all the Arbonne videos, totally free and downloaded for your on-demand use and viewing. Check out our feature-length Director’s Cut of the NTC 2010 RE9 Advanced™ and Arbonne Cosmetics Product Launch, available now, only through Arbonne iTunes!

iArbonne, all for you!