Walnut Extract - Juglans nigra . Tonic and astringent, very beneficial to the skin and scalp. Also used as a temporary brown hair color, often in combination with henna.

Walnut Shells - Juglans nigra . Natural exfoliants used in facial masks. The mild scrubbing action of ground walnut shells helps break up oil deposits and clear away dead skin cells and debris.

Watercress - Nasturtium officinale . Good source of vitamins A, B-complex and C. Soothing and conditioning, very beneficial to the skin. Also shown to strengthen and thicken hair.

Wattle Seed (Acacia vitoriae) - Wattle seeds: extracted to make syrup containing anti-inflammatory properties.

Wheat Germ Oil - Triticum vulgare . Extracted from the embryo of the wheat kernel. An antiinflammatory and skin nourisher that also acts as a natural preservative because of its high vitamin E content.

Wheat Grass - Triticum vulgare . Antiinflammatory used in the treatment of eczema and dermatitis. An ingredient in many preparations for problem skin, and in shampoos and hair conditioners. Contains plant sterols.

Wheat Protein - Triticum vulgare . Water-soluble protein naturally derived from wheat. Applied topically, it helps attract and retain moisture and is clinically proven to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. In hair care formulas, it coats porous and damaged areas to strengthen and mend hair fiber.

White Birch Extract - Betula alba . Powdered extract from the bark of the birch tree, rich in betulin and known for its soothing and purifying effect on the skin. Herbalists use it in the treatment of many skin disorders. An excellent addition to sun care products and face creams.

White Camellia Oil - Camellia japonica . Rich oil extracted from the white camellia flower, cultivated in the villages of China and Japan and used in hair and skin care formulations for thousands of years. A superb moisturizer and nutrient for hair and skin, it has antioxidant properties.

White Pine Bark - Pinus strobus . American Indians used this soothing extract in preparations for dry scalp and skin conditions long before coal tar and other petrochemicals were ever used.

Wild Ginger Root - (Nigerian Root) Asarum canadense . Added to bath products and massage lotions for its warming and soothing effect on sore muscles. Also used in small amounts as a fragrance.

Wintergreen Oil - Gaultheria procumbens . A tonic, stimulant and freshener, this aromatic oil has a "heating" or "warming" action on the muscles and skin. Excellent in body rubs and bath oils, as well as mouthwash and toothpaste formulations. Is very high in salicylic acid.

Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana . A byproduct of the distillation of the leaves and stems of the plant, this hydrosol or floral water is a natural astringent and tonic. An anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory, it is an excellent ingredient in facial cleansers, toners and lotions.