Locally made Bien Ella body butters work wonders on sensitive skin

After an exhaustive search to locate skin care for a son born with multiple skin conditions and sensitivities, Shoreline mom Lynnel Jones took the "if I can't find it, I'll make it," approach.

Her first product, Bien Ella Eczema Butter ($33 for four ounces), which contains no mineral oil, petroleum, wax, glycerin or what she describes as "impossible-to-pronounce ingredients," not only produced good results for her son, it led to a full line of creamy body butters, scrubs, treatments and facial serums.

Earlier this spring, I developed an intense facial rash that refused to respond to over-the-counter medications. I consulted with DeAne Price at Fremont's Sweet Spot and, without hesitation, she thrust a hefty jar of the Eczema Butter into my hands and promised it would work. (The lotion contains emu, calendula and neem oils, all considered to have healing, anti-inflammatory properties.)

Price proved right, because the next morning, I awoke to an almost rash-free face, and the rash faded completely over the next few days.

Though "eczema" is in the name, the butter is a fine addition to your skin care shelf even if you don't have skin sensitivities. One ingredient, kokum butter, is supposed to be good for skin cracks, so I use the product on my hands, elbows and feet at the end of the day. It's also a nice once-a-week, after-shower body moisturizer.

The texture, which at first "scoop" is solid, quickly liquefies and dissolves without leaving an oily sheen. As with all Bien Ella products, a little dab will do you.

I've scooped my way through most of the body butters -- and butter is the operative word here. Amore Body Butter ($25 for four ounces) feels like you're taking a dollop of sweet, freshly churned butter and treating your body like a piece of toast. Treated skin takes on a silky, powdery feel.

The Satin Crème Body Butter ($28.50 for four ounces) has a somewhat chunkier texture but is rich and creamy and absorbs immediately. You can purchase the butter unscented, or try my personal favorite, Pink Grapefruit, Bergamot and Jasmine.

View the complete catalog online. Select products can also be purchased at local stores and farmers markets.

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