Ingredient Database

Natural silicone alternative; best heat-protectant carrier for natural hair; very lightweight and non-greasy

Deep-pore detox, draws out excess sebum, oil, and impurities. Mild physical exfoliant when used with grit.

Lightweight, fast-absorbing — excellent in lip balms and facial balms when nut allergens are not a concern.

Hydration, healing, soothes hyperpigmentation and razor burn.

Tyrosinase inhibitor — reduces hyperpigmentation gradually.

Limonoids give natural insect-repellent properties; anti-inflammatory; traditional Amazonian medicine; sustainable sourcing critical

Stone fruit kernel — lower tree nut risk but cross-reactivity with almonds possible. Patch test for allergy-aware lines.

Tree nut source — often debated. Patch test recommended for nut-allergic clients. One of best all-around hair oils.

Soft, buttery feel ideal for mature melanin-rich skin and deep-conditioning hair masks.

Rich and heavy — excellent in hair masks; high sterolins help repair damaged skin barrier; great for deep conditioning treatments

Palm family — NOT a tree nut but patch test for severe nut-allergic clients. Often used as a coconut oil alternative. Melts at skin temp.

Rare Amazonian dark butter — therapeutic anti-inflammatory action for hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory marks on brown skin.

Exfoliation.

Plant retinol alternative — collagen, tone, fine lines without photosensitivity.

Excellent for melanin-rich skin — supports skin elasticity and even tone. Vitamins A, D, E, F rich. African heritage ingredient.

Heritage Afro-Indigenous hair butter — premium hair growth and scalp restoration ingredient.

Indigenous Miskito women of Honduras have used this for generations — hair growth and restoration properties are legendary. Dr. Sebi popularized in Western natural health spaces. Distinct from African palm (Elaeis guineensis). Dark brown color, rich earthy-nutty scent. Viral repeatedly in Black natural hair community. Ethical sourcing supports indigenous Miskito communities — verify supplier. Excellent BST brand story ingredient. Use 5-20% in hair masks, sealers, and growth treatments.

Vanilla-balsamic; benzyl benzoate allergen.

Use FCF (furocoumarin-free) for leave-on; otherwise phototoxic.

Bright citrus scent.

Detox + physical exfoliation in one. Striking visual for 'black' body scrub lines.

Strong peppery scent — blend with EOs. Thymoquinone content gives powerful anti-inflammatory action. Excellent for scalp conditions.

Extremely high antioxidant content; balanced omega-3/6 ratio; luxury ingredient; excellent for anti-aging and brightening formulas

Highest GLA content of any common carrier oil. Refrigerate and use quickly — very short shelf life. Powerful for eczema/psoriasis formulas.

Natural silicone alternative — mimics cyclopentasiloxane texture in hair. Excellent for serums, shine sprays, leave-in conditioners.

Scalp circulation, traction alopecia support, antibacterial.

Highest plant source of beta-carotene. Natural SPF properties. Particularly excellent for melanin-rich skin. Orange-red tint — use at 5-10%.

Constricts surface vessels — firms saggy areas, temporarily reduces dark under-eye circles.

Wound healing, eczema, post-inflammatory repair.

Traditional Japanese Tsubaki beauty oil. Lightweight and non-greasy. Used for centuries on hair and skin. One of the most versatile carriers.

Humectant properties. Very thick — always blend with lighter oil (3:7 ratio). Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) preferred for hair growth.

Dry, pencil-shaving warmth.

Anti-inflammatory, soothes eczema and reactive skin.

Omega-3 powerhouse — barrier repair for compromised and inflamed melanin-rich skin.

Highest plant omega-3 content. Absorbs quickly without residue. Anti-inflammatory properties benefit sensitive skin and scalp.

Warming scent.

Avoid in pregnancy.

Longest shelf life of all 4 butters (up to 5 years). High stearic acid creates firm, long-lasting barrier — excellent for body butters and hair sealants. Natural chocolate scent is a brand story asset.

TREE NUT — fractionation removes most proteins, reducing (but NOT eliminating) allergen risk. Stays liquid. Very long shelf life.

TREE NUT — significant allergy risk. Widely cross-reactive. Avoid in allergy-aware lines OR clearly label. Solid below 76°F.

Caffeine-rich firming butter — eye balms, cellulite creams, scalp stimulators.

Unique 1:1 omega-3 to omega-6 ratio — rare in nature. Excellent antioxidant profile. Good for anti-aging and brightening formulations.

High water + silica content. Chills the skin, flushes under-eye puffiness, and tightens pores.

Humectant butter — only butter that behaves like hyaluronic acid. Premium for plump, dewy melanin-rich skin.

High-magnesium profile draws out pore impurities, relieves scaling skin and scalp.

Stabilizes solid bars and lotion bars — natural alternative to beeswax-heavy formulas.

Pure magnesium sulfate — flushes skin fluid retention, lifts limp hair.

Avoid on children <6.

High GLA content — anti-inflammatory. Very short shelf life — refrigerate. Ideal for mature/dry skin and hormonal acne blends.

Very short shelf life — refrigerate, use in small batches. High comedogenic rating limits facial use. Excellent in hair gel/cream formulations.

Meditative; bridges floral & wood.

Cell regeneration, scar healing, anti-inflammatory.

Mineral optimizer — dramatically boosts how deeply other actives penetrate the skin matrix.

Rosy, herbaceous.

Stimulates skin microcirculation — wakes dull complexions, feeds hair follicles.

Stimulates collagen, repairs scars, calms inflammation.

Very lightweight and non-greasy. High linoleic acid ideal for oily/acne-prone skin. Budget-friendly versatile carrier for all formulation types.

Gentlest AHA — dissolves dead-cell glue without abrasive scrubbing.

Potent antioxidant (EGCG), reduces UV damage and PIH.

TREE NUT — HIGH allergy risk. Hazelnuts are among the top tree nut allergens. Do NOT use in allergy-aware BST formulations.

Bruise healing, PIH reduction, regenerative.

Zero comedogenic — face-safe butter ideal for acne-prone melanin-rich skin.

Ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio mirrors skin's needs. Zero comedogenic rating. No THC/CBD effects. Excellent for all skin/hair types.

Natural AHA-like action, stimulates hair growth, rich in anthocyanins.

Dozens of trace minerals — physically exfoliates rough patches while balancing skin pH.

Silica-rich, strengthens hair shaft and nails.

Binds up to 1000× its weight in water. LMW penetrates; HMW films and plumps surface.

Aggressive lightening.

Cocoa butter alternative with even longer skin-melt time — premium barrier butter for ashy/dehydrated melanin-rich skin.

Indolic, sensual; benzyl benzoate allergen.

Technically a liquid wax, not an oil. Closest structure to human sebum. Extremely stable (5-year shelf life). Best all-purpose base for any formulation.

Distinct from commercial watermelon seed oil. Sustainably sourced; dry-feel profile; excellent African heritage ingredient for BST brand story.

Hidden gem — zero comedogenic rating is exceptional for a butter. The only butter safe for acne-prone and oily skin. Garcinol content gives powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action ideal for melanin-rich skin prone to hyperpigmentation.

Therapeutic Afro-heritage butter — premium for muscle balms, joint salves, and pain-relief formulas.

Shea cousin from Benin — heritage African butter with smoother texture and richer vitamin E.

TREE NUT — moderate-to-high allergy risk. Cross-reactivity possible with other tree nuts. Avoid in allergy-aware lines.

Probiotic skin- and scalp-microbiome support. Calms eczema, dandruff, barrier damage.

Universally tolerated.

Phototoxic; cap 2% leave-on.

Brightening scent.

DIY brightening.

Inhibits tyrosinase — brightens PIH, melasma, and dark spots safely.

Distilled = non-phototoxic.

TREE NUT — high cross-reactivity with other tree nuts. High palmitoleic acid is unique among plant oils. Avoid in allergy-aware lines.

African heritage scalp butter — antimicrobial action ideal for scalp protocols for type 4 hair.

Ideal nut-free shea alternative — very similar fatty acid profile. Can substitute 1:1 for shea in most formulations. Lighter skin feel makes it excellent for face moisturizers.

Mucilaginous slip — incredible for detangling 4C hair and soothing scalp.

Stone fruit kernel — low nut cross-reactivity but patch test advised. Excellent for brown skin — supports elasticity and luminosity. African heritage.

Natural fixative — extends shelf life of blends it's added to. Outstanding for hair products requiring long-lasting moisture and shine.

Traditional Southern African beauty oil. Unique eleostearic acid with antioxidant properties. Sustainably sourced. Powerful BST brand story ingredient.

High behenic acid makes it exceptional for hair. Cleansing properties. Very stable shelf life. Used in Ayurvedic and African beauty traditions.

Anti-aging Indian heritage butter — softens fine lines on mature melanin-rich skin.

Premium curl-definition butter — heritage Amazonian ingredient for type 3/4 hair.

Balsamic; avoid in pregnancy.

Strong sulfur odor — always blend at 2-5% with other oils and EOs. Powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Best scalp treatment carrier.

Bridges citrus to florals.

Mineral-dense scalp tonic, reduces excess sebum, strengthens hair.

Barrier support, sebum control, reduces PIH and redness.

Mediterranean heritage emollient — heavy sealing for severely dry/ashy melanin-rich skin.

One of the most widely used and culturally significant oils in the world — Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern beauty traditions all rely on it. Squalene content is identical to skin's own lipids and repairs the skin barrier. Heavy feel makes it better for hair and body than face. Affordable and widely accessible. Pairs beautifully with shea butter and castor oil for deep conditioning hair masks. Use extra virgin for maximum polyphenol content. Excellent pre-poo oil for 4A–4C natural hair to prevent hygral fatigue.

Heavy — better for hair and body than face. Squalene content repairs skin barrier. Rich in polyphenols. Affordable and widely accessible.

Luxury oil. High linoleic content ideal for oily/acne-prone skin. Light tropical scent. Excellent for brightening formulas targeting hyperpigmentation.

Improves with age.

Stone fruit kernel — lower nut allergy risk than tree nuts but cross-reactivity with apricot/almond possible. Similar to apricot kernel oil.

Cooling; dilute heavily.

Exceptionally high omega-3 (ALA) content — highest of commonly used culinary oils. Short shelf life. Anti-inflammatory for sensitive conditions.

Cold-weather Himalayan barrier butter — premium winter formulations for melanin-rich skin.

Bright opening; oxidises fast.

Stone fruit kernel — lower allergy risk than tree nuts. Similar profile to apricot kernel but lighter. Elegant luxury feel in formulations.

Only plant source of punicic acid. Powerful antioxidant and skin regenerating properties. Excellent for hyperpigmentation — ideal for BST formulations.

Highest Vitamin E and K content of any carrier oil. Excellent for dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone — particularly ideal for BST. Luxury price point.

Most expensive luxury anti-aging butter — premium tier face formulations for mature melanin-rich skin.

Research supports DHT-blocking properties beneficial for hair thinning prevention. Rich in zinc for scalp health. Dark green color — use at 10% in blends.

Estimated natural SPF 28-50 (UV filter only — not a standalone sunscreen). Zero comedogenic rating. High antioxidant content. Excellent in day creams.

Natural antibacterial humectant. Clarifies acne-prone skin and uses native enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

Cell turnover, anti-aging, deep PIH reversal.

Contains gamma-oryzanol and ferulic acid — anti-aging and brightening for melanin-rich skin. Popular in Japanese beauty. Excellent, affordable all-rounder.

Traditional Asian beauty staple — ferulic acid creates a smooth, reflective 'glass skin' sheen.

Ultra-gentle aromatic — eases skin stress and reactive skin, comforting scent.

Hero floral; geraniol allergen.

Tones, calms inflammation, supports barrier — gentle on PIH-prone skin.

Trans-retinoic acid (natural Vitamin A) content. Excellent for dark spots, scars, uneven tone — HIGHLY recommended for BST. Refrigerate. Short shelf life.

Sometimes classified as nut/seed — patch test advised. Exceptionally high omega-3 content. Zero comedogenic. Emerging ingredient in natural beauty.

Zero comedogenic rating. High-linoleic version best for acne-prone skin. Very light and affordable. Excellent blending oil for all formulation types.

Matte-finish face butter for oily/acne-prone melanin-rich skin — pairs with Kokum for clarifying formulas.

Creamy fixative; Australian = sustainable.

Ayurvedic astringent — mops excess sebum, cools active pimples.

Intense orange — use at 1-3% in blends. Unique omega-7 content. Among highest natural vitamin C sources. Powerful anti-aging and brightening.

Different fatty acid profile from berry oil. Lighter color and feel. High omega-3/6 balance. Less intense than berry oil — easier to blend at higher %.

Sesame is a top-9 allergen — treat with same caution as tree nuts. Natural sesamol/sesamin antioxidants give extended shelf life. Traditional Ayurvedic oil.

BST hero ingredient — deeply nourishing for melanin-rich skin, reduces ashy appearance, evens tone over time

Premium soft shea — luxe face moisturizers and lightweight whipped butters where West African shea is too heavy.

Stable hydrogenated form of squalene. Excellent lightweight emollient. Mirrors natural skin sebum. Verify plant-based (olive/sugarcane) vs shark-derived source.

Zero comedogenic. High Vitamin E content. Non-greasy and versatile. Excellent affordable base/carrier for all formulation types. Universal starting point.

TREE NUT — one of the most common nut allergens. HIGH allergy risk. DO NOT use in allergy-aware BST formulations. Must be clearly labeled if used.

Calophyllolide and calophyllic acid have documented wound-healing properties. Powerful — use at 5-25% in blends. Strong nutty scent. Excellent scar treatment.

Wound healing, scar reduction, photoprotective.

Antibacterial, antifungal.

Coumarin; strict IFRA cap.

Adaptogenic fungus whose polysaccharides hold many times their weight in water — a plant-based partner to hyaluronic acid.

Natural silicone alternative — premium frizz-control hair butter and retinol-precursor face butter.

Solid at room temp (butter/oil hybrid). Amazonian coconut alternative. Excellent for hair mask formulations. Rich BST brand story ingredient.

Anti-inflammatory, brightening, reduces acne and PIH.

Premium Amazonian anti-aging butter — top-tier mature melanin-rich skin formulations alongside Mowrah and Prickly Pear.

Sweet, comforting warm aroma — well tolerated by sensitive skin when heavily diluted.

Sweet fixative; may discolour.

Universal humectant — pulls ambient moisture into skin and hair. Plumps cells and softens hair.

Smoky, earthy fixative.

Use at 0.5-1% as natural preservative/antioxidant in blends. Extends shelf life of other oils. Check source (wheat germ vs soy vs mixed tocopherols).

Dry-oil profile — excellent for oily scalp and fine hair. Zero comedogenic. Non-greasy. Growing popularity in natural hair care. African heritage ingredient.

Highest natural Vitamin E source of any oil. Highly comedogenic (5) — use in hair treatments ONLY or as 3-10% additive. Contains gluten proteins.

Botanical salicylic acid — cleans inside oily pores, prevents acne breakouts.

Astringent, tightens pores, reduces oiliness.

Tropical; isoeugenol allergen.