Bee Propolis
Propolis is a highly-effective antimicrobial substance generally recognized as being a rich source of bioflavonoids. It's produced by bees to help keep their hives sterile and free from disease. Beekeepers harvest excess propolis harmlessly from hive frames during honey extraction. Our propolis is all traced to source and comes from a central region of Canada within a defined zone. This means the chemical composition is totally unique and highly consistent.
All Dr Sosnowski’s propolis is purified in our own specialist Propolis Refinery located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Camphor
Camphor is a natural compound which comes from the bark of the camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora). It helps speed the healing process and provides temporary but rapid pain relief.
Thyme Leaf Oil
Extracted from leaves of the thyme plant (genus Thymus) and known to be a rich source of antioxidants. It contains a number of widely-used compounds, including thymol, and is known for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Eucalyptus Leaf Oil
Distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree (family Myrtaceae) and known for its highly potent antioxidant and antiseptic properties, as well as its preservative attributes. It's also useful for soothing skin sores.
Almond Oil
Extracted from the seeds of Prunus amygdalus trees, this vitamin E-rich oil has emollient and moisturizing qualities. Its noncomedogenic properties (it doesn't clog pores) make it a perfect carrier and enables other ingredients to penetrate the uppermost dermal layer (the papillary).
Olive Oil
From the fruit of the Oleaceae tree and containing high concentrations of polyphenols (powerful antioxidants), vitamins E and K, and other nutrients known for their health benefits, olive fruit extracts help to moisturize and keep skin soft and supple.
Natural Yellow Beeswax
A natural by-product of apiculture and the honey making process, beeswax (Latin name cera alba) is widely used for its humectant properties (it retains moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin), and its ability to rejuvenate and soothe.
Menthol
Found in peppermint and other plants of the mint family (genus Mentha), the topical application of menthol helps relieve minor aches and pains and accelerates wound healing.
Mineral Oil: White Petrolatum
A highly refined mineral oil which acts as an emollient and barrier. Our high-grade petrolatum (Snow White T5) provides a protective (occlusive) layer over open sores creating a moist environment perfect for wound healing. Helps prevent scabbing by keeping skin supple and soft.
Mineral Oil: Cosmetic Liquid Paraffin
A highly refined ingredient used widely as an effective emollient. It's stable, colorless, odorless, non-toxic and chemically inert, and has been used in skin treatments since 400BC. It helps keep ointments semi-solid and spreadable.
Castor Seed Oil
A vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Rich in ricinoleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), castor seed oil is a humectant that helps to moisturize the skin and promote wound hydration.
Wool Lanolin
A natural waxy substance which protects sheep's wool. Refined lanolin, used in topical products, acts as an occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss from skin. Certain of our ointment formulations contain small amounts to also assist in the homogenous dispersion of our purified propolis extracts.
Glyceryl Oleate
A substance made by combining glycerin (a simple triol compound) and oleic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable fats and oils). In our Herstat formulations it helps to keep the ointment stable and makes it soft, emollient, gentle and moisturizing.
Glyceryl rosinate
An organic compound of rosin (resin obtained from some pines and conifers) and glycerin, and widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and for nutraceuticals. It helps to emulsify the ingredients in our ointment and improve stability of the product.
Grain Alcohol
Used during our propolis extraction process, most of the alcohol evaporates during purification. However, a tiny amount (less than 1%) combines with other ingredients in certain formulations to assist in the homogeneous dispersion of propolis, and thyme and eucalyptus oils.