Ingredients Library
Preservatives
The reason given to add preservatives to a product is to stop the development of invisible bacteria that can cause disease.
A group of organic compounds that have a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics. In some benign forms they are glycols used as humectants that help deliver ingredients into skin. When fats and oils (See fatty acid) , they become a group of less-dense alcohols called fatty alcohols that can have emollient properties or can become detergent cleansing agents.
A seaweed extract. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that occur in most habitats. In cosmetics are used as emollients, for restoring the moisture content to skin; it is claimed they also have antioxidant properties.
Allantoin is present in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant. Comfrey is an important herb, having many medicinal and fertilizer uses. Allantoin as an active ingredient in cosmetics: a moisturizing effect, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promotion of cell proliferation and wound healing; a soothing, anti-irritant, skin protect and effect by forming complexes with irritant and sensitizing agents.
A compound obtaned from the leaves of the aloe plant, which is a native to East and South Africa; it is also known as ’lily of the desert’, the ’plant of immortality’, and the ’medicine plant’. A moisture storehouse for enzymes, vitamins, proteins, and minerals that support skin functions. Aloe Vera helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance and stimulates blood circulation. Tightens and rejuvenates the skin, leaving it with a silky feeling. Aloe Vera gel is also alleged to be useful for dry skin conditions and sensitive facial skin.
Any ingredient that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria, particularly in the case of bacteria that cause blemishes.
Herbal extract from the dried flowers of Arnica Montana. It has reviving and firming qualities.
It is known also as fragrance oil. It is a mixture of synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils.
Artemisia absinthium extract is obtained from absinthe, a plant with many curative properties. In cosmetics, it is used as an antiseptic.
Ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C. In conjunction with protein, vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen - the glue that holds us and our skin together and circumvents sags or wrinkles. It regulates sebaceous glands to keep skin from drying out; helps prevent facial lines, wrinkles and spider veins. Vitamin C is essential for the health of hair, eyes and teeth, resistance to infection, wound healing and firm skin tissues. Vitamin C is very useful for the treatment of various skin problems like acne etc.
An ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, creating a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. It acts synergetically with vitamin E, helping to regenerate the vitamin E radical on a constant basis.
Avocado Oil, derived from the fruit of a tropical American tree, is a rich, fatty acid emollient. It is a rich heavy oil, that rich in vitamins A and D, lecithin, potassium as well as vitamin E. It is recommended for dry or mature skins, and is very useful when treating sun or climate damaged skin that is dehydrated and undernourished, as it is said to help with regenerating the skin and softening the tissue.
An essential oil derived from chamomile. It can have anti-inflammatory properties. Extremely calming and soothing for the skin.
Basil oil is obtained from the fresh plant of Ocimum Basillicum. It is a very beneficial oil and is helpful for headaches and migraines. It also has an uplifting effectţ on depression. It is also used for acne and skin infections.
Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. Beeswax soothes and protects the skin from dryness without inhibiting its ability to breathe. It also serves as an emulsifier.
Beta carotene is known also as vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair and eyes. It is also important in the prevention and clearing of skin infections. Vitamin A counteracts dry skin, dandruff and wrinkle formation. Tipically, beta-carotene is a potentially good antioxidant and can reduce the effects of sun damage.
Calendula is a well-known garden plant and is probably one of the most useful of all herbs. This gentle and nourishing plant possesses powerful healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a soothing and softening effect on skin.
Camellia sinensis is the tea plant species whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce white tea, green tea, oolong and black tea. Anti-carcinogenic. Contains polyphenolic antioxidants, which play an important role in the prevention of cell damage. It has a soothing and moisturizing effect.
An oil liquid made by the oxidation of octanol for use in perfumery. Occurs naturally in palm and coconut oil.
Used in many cosmetics as a thickener.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean. Acts as a humectant, with a soothing and emollient effect.
This alcohol derivative is an emollient and emulsion stabilizer. It is non- irritating nor drying. It is used as a moisturizer.
This palm kernel or coconut oil derivative has an emollient effect.
An emollient, waxy solid. Can be derived naturally, as in coconut fatty alcohol, or synthetically.
Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor". The flowers of this plant possess gentle, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile is used for moisturizing, as an antiseptic, and for its refreshing benefits.
Obtained from fruit juice. This plant acid serves as a natural preservative and astringent, and it balances the pH of the skin.
Cocamide DEA, or cocamide diethanolamine, is a diethanolamide made by reacting fatty acids in coconut oils with diethanolamine. It is a viscous liquid and is used as a foaming agent in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent.
A solid flakes. It can be made from fatty acids in coconut oils. Cocamide is used as a foaming agent and cationic surfactant in shampoos and bath products, and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a derivate of cocamide and betaine. Used as a surfactant in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener, and to reduce irritation purely ionic surfactants would cause.
Cocoa butter is the pale-yellow, edible natural vegetable fat of the cacao bean. During processing of the cacao bean, cocoa powder and cocoa butter are separated out at an early stage. Cocoa butter has been called the ultimate moisturizer, and has been used to keep skin soft and supple for centuries. Cocoa butter is often recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Pregnant women have long used cocoa butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks. Lotions and oils containing cocoa butter are often used in aromatherapy massages to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is a tropical oil with many applications. It is a natural lathering and cleansing ingredient. Excellent as a skin moisturizer.
70% of the body’s connective tissue in the dermis is made of collagen. As the skin ages, and is exposed to sunlight and chemicals (like makeup, coal tar dyes, etc., and various foods), the soluble collagen becomes "cross-linked," so the molecules are no longer displaced in relation to each other. The collagen is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging.
Cornstarch, or corn flour, commonly known as corn. Known for its ability to soften skin, leaving it more supple. A natural antiseptic.
Form of silicone; Gives products a smooth texture without blocking pores.
The salts are pure and unprocessed and they are imported from the Dead Sea in Israel. The salts contain over 26 essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium and others. These salts provide health and proper moisture balance for the skin. The salts are effective in relieving muscular pain and stress-induced tension, when used in a bath.
A form of silicone. Moisturizes the skin. It may also have other uses, such as treating or preventing dry, itchy skin or minor skin irritations.
It helps to build a stable cosmetic product and it is also used as a viscosity adjuster in cosmetic products. Prevents unwanted changes that could influence the texture, consistency or even the smell of a product.
DMDM hydantoin is used in shampoos and cosmetics to prevent molds, mildews, and bacterial spoilage.
A stable combination of oil and water, accomplished with the use of surfactants
Aromatic liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, herbs, and seeds. The term essential indicates that the oil carries the distinctive scent (essence) of the plant. They are also called volatile oils, ethereal oils, essences, or absolutes. Fragrance Oil is a a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell.
Anti-microbial substance used as preservative in cosmetic products
Eucalyptus is known as one of the most powerful antiseptics. A calming, soothing oil is suitable for irritated or sensitive skin restoring calm and balance. The oil is useful as a warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains.
Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is important to the body, as it affects many of the enzyme functions in the body. Useful in treating eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or scaly because of allergies or other irritation) and dry skin.
A majority of natural essences are obtained by extracting the essential oil from the blossoms, fruit, roots, etc. Diluted oils usually contain about 20% pure oils; the rest are additives. Alcohol is frequently used as an additive.
FD&C means Food Color and it indicates that the FDA has approved the colorant for use in Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics. They do not have any hazardous effects.
Mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell.
Borage seed oil is one of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and it also contains important vitamins and minerals. Borage seed oil is typically used in high-end cosmetic formulations to nourish and hydrate the skin. Use Borage oil in facial blends for maturing skin or in blends for damaged skin where regeneration of new skin cells is needed.
It is mostly used to balance the skin and to create a balance between oily and dry skin, making it invaluable for those with combination, dry, dehydrated, or oily skin. Due to this balancing action, it helps to boost and improve the elasticity of the skin. For people suffering with acne, who are burdened with an overly-oily, as well as congested and sluggish skin, geranium is God-sent, as it not only helps to reduce sebum production and return it to normal levels, it also helps clear skin congestion. An effective anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent derived from the aromatic plant.
Glyceril Stearate (a normal byproduct of digestion) can be obtained from plant oils including soya bean, palm kernel and corn oil. It is used as an emollient, emulsifier and moisturizer.
A natural, sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid. Glycerin is a humectants, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin.
Large group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. These multitudinous fats and oils are used in cosmetics as emollients and thickening agents.
Glyceryl Stearate is made from hardened vegetable oil (coconut or palm oil ) and vegetable glycerin mixed with stearic acid. This is a popular emulsifier and emollient used in cosmetic preparations such as creams and lotions.
Any of a class of organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family; See more Glycol Distearate/ Stearate.
This glycerin derivative is widely used to make cosmetics opaque.
The monoester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid. An emollient and an emulsifier used in lotions and shampoos to achieve a pearling effect.
Grape seed oil is a preferred ingredient for damaged and stressed tissues, possessing regenerative and restructuring qualities, which allow a better control of skin moisture. Used as an all-over skin moisturizer. It is known to reduce the look of stretch marks. Usable as a lubricant for face shaving.
Herbs are seed-bearing plants without woody stems, which die down to the ground after flowering. Herbs have a variety of uses, such as culinary, medicinal, or in some cases even spiritual.
Used as a moisturizing and softening agent.
Hop comes from the flowers of Humulus lupulus, originally named by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalize. Hop has antibacterial qualities.
Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the way your skin looks, feels, and functions. By its nature, hyaluronic acid retains water like a sponge. This helps to hydrate your skin and to increase its volume and density. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes skin from the inside out, smoothing out wrinkles in the process.
A hydrolysate of natural elastin, it works synergetically with hydrolyzed collagen, and has been documented to prevent and counteract premature loss of elasticity to restore a young and smooth appearance to the skin.
Vehicle with antibacterial properites; drying to the skin especially in higher concentrations.
Used as an emollient and lubricant in preshaves, aftershaves, shampoos, bath oils, antiperspirants, deodorants, and various creams and lotions.
Jojoba oil is the liquid wax produced in the seed of the Jojoba plant. Because it so resemblant to the skin’s own sebum, this oil is extraordinarily compatible and and effective moisturizer, rich in vitamins E & A.
Naturally occurs in products made from bacterial fermentation. Produces pH levels like those of the hair and skin. It also helps moisturize the skin naturally.
Lanolin is highly regarded for its moisturizing and protective properties. This grade of lanolin can also be used to treat dry skin, itchy skin, rough feet and skin abrasions.
Used in soaps to increase foam and in cosmetics as a thickener, this lauric acid mixture is derived from coconut oil fatty acids.
A highly effective essential oil, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in baths to relax, revive and soothe. For use on all skin types.
An essential fatty acid found in linseed oil and in most seed fats. Alpha-linolenic acid – an omega 3 fatty acid found in many vegetable oils. The unmodified term of linolenic acid most commonly refers to this substance. Gamma-linolenic acid – an omega 6 fatty acid.
This rare floral Lotus scent comes from India. Used in skincare, it slows the signs of aging and is cooling and soothing to problem skin. Excellent for aromatherapy uses.
A naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used to emulsify, thicken, and color cosmetics.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a species of mint. The oil is obtained from the fresh spearmint plant. Known for its healing, soothing properties.
An organic sulphur which is an excellent detoxifier and anti-inflammatory. It has proven to be good for the skin, joints and anti-ageing.
Clear, odorless petroleum-based oil, it is the most commonly used oil in cosmetics.
It is also known as Wild Wormwood or Artemisia vulgaris. Used for centuries as an alternative medicine, it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
Myrrh got its name from the Arabic word murr. Myrrh oil’s healing characteristics are that it is an antiseptic, stimulant, and a fungicidal agent and tonic. Myrrh is an excellent ingredient to use on older more mature skin, as well as very stressed, traumatized, dehydrated and dry skin and deeply chapped heels.
Carbomer - This family of acidic powders work as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics.
Sunscreen agent. Its primary use in cosmetics is to absorb sun’s UV-B rays, protecting the skin from damage. Derived from cinnamon or cassia oil.
Olea Europaea is also known as olive. See Olive oil.
It contains antioxidants and vitamin E, therefore it helps to protect the skin from the harmful action of free radicals, delaying skin aging. It is also used as a moisturizer, to maintain the skin elastic, hydrated and smooth.
Replenishing for dry and sun damaged or mature skin types, Orange Oil also relieves the irritation of eczema. Orange oil is an uplifting, refreshing oil. It relieves flatulence and nausea, stress and anxiety.
Palm oil is a form of edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the palm tree. The ingredient is a useful alternative to treat a host of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or acne that can often permanently scar or damage the skin.
It is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in plants. As its name indicates, it is a major component of the palm tree oils (palm oil and palm kernel oil). The word palmitic comes from the French "palmitique", the pith of the palm tree. See also Palm oil.
This wax-like ingredient is commonly used to adjust consistency in oils, creams, depilatories, and cosmetics.
Patchouli’s essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from its leaves. It is used for its antidepressive, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and sedative properties. It can be used for inflamed and itching skin.
PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty acids and fatty alcohols to create a variety of substances that have diverse functions in cosmetics, such as surfactants, binding agents (to keep ingredients blended), stabilizers, and emollients. The number after “PEG” refers to its molecular weight, which influences its features.
Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). An excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Because it has a calming effect, it has been used to treat for skin irritations.
Most commonly known for its use in Vaseline; softens and soothes skin. Forms a film to prevent moisture loss.
This is a preservative used in many cosmetics due to its ability to kill bacteria. It can also be used as an antiseptic or an insect repellant.
A phenyl substituted silicone fluid for use in cosmetics, used as emulsifier and to improve SPF to sunscreens. Provides non-oily emolliency and allows natural skin transpiration.
Polyethylene, when it is not combined with glycol, is the most common form of plastic used in the world. It is flexible and has a smooth, waxy feel. When ground up, the small particles are used in scrubs as a gentle abrasive substances. When mixed with glycol, it becomes a viscous liquid. In the minuscule amounts used in cosmetics, it helps keep products stable and performs functions similar to glycerin.
The formulas in this family of ammonium compounds are frequently used in hair products for several reasons: They reduce static, texturize, increase volume, detangle, and add elasticity.
Fatty acid esters. Used in many cosmetics as emulsifiers. Polysorbates are assigned different numerical values according to their formulas and whether they’re intended to be used in foods or cosmetics.
The reason given to add preservatives to a product is to stop the development of invisible bacteria that can cause disease.
Propylene glycol is a derivative of natural gas. It helps form the base for our deodorants. Sodium stearate (soap) is the ingredient that causes these products to “gel”, or take on a form that is more viscous or solid. Once suspended in a gel, the other ingredients in these products can be properly added according to customer’s demands.
Propylparaben it is manufactured synthetically for use in cosmetics and foods. It is a preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products.
American plum. it protects skin from free radical damage to maintain healthy skin.
Also known as Canola, it is a bright yellow flowering. Canola oil (or rapeseed oil) contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Canola oil is a light oil with a high content in linoleic acid, which definitely promotes skin health. It penetrates the skin quickly and resists rancidity.
A form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is useful in cosmetics to moisturize dry skin and to reduce excess oil. It has been used to treat aging skin and acne. Prevents sun damage.
Resurrection plants have a unique ability to survive extreme drought.
When deprived of water, the Rose of Jericho does not die, instead it enters a dormant state and can remain this way for many years. In order to protect its seeds, it retracts its roots and is carried across the desert sands by strong winds, until it finds a fresh source of water.
After appearing dead for years, it will “awaken” from its dormant state, open and disperse its seeds. If there is enough water in the new location, the seeds will germinate within a few hours.
MOISTURIZING EFFECT: A complex system of sugars contained within the heart of Rose of Jericho has the ability to retain moisture and increase cell metabolism causing it to spring back into life.
Oligo and polysaccharides are sugars and therefore very hygroscopic molecules that capture surrounding water particles and bind them to the skin.
The oil has a woody, exotic smell, subtle and lingering. This relaxing oil has a harmonizing and calming effect which reduces tension and is ideal for use in hectic daily lifestyles and stress. On the skin, sandalwood oil relieves itching and inflammation, and is most effective in relieving dehydrated skin - making it great for anti-ageing skincare.
Natural fat extracted from the fruit of the Shea tree through crushing and boiling. 100 % PURE SHEA BUTTER is a superior moisturizer, containing remarkable healing properties for various skin ailments. Shea Butter contains several natural anti-inflammatory agents . It can be effective at treating the following conditions: eczema, burns, acne, severely dry skin, chapped lips, stretch marks and wrinkles. Shea butter provides natural UV sun protection.
The shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia. It has moisturizing poperties.
Shortening is a vegetable-based product that is just barely solid at room temperature.
Mineral based, these are a family of ingredients that are emollient and leave a protective film on the surface of the skin, helping to protect the skin from dehydration. They also allow a product to spread easily.
Silt is soil or rock derived granular material of a specific grain size. Silt may occur as a soil or alternatively as suspended sediment in a water column of any surface water body. It may also exist as deposition soil at the bottom of a water body.
This inorganic alkaline salt, also known as baking soda, is often used as a skin smoothing ingredient and acid neutralizer in bath products and antiseptics.
Also known as table salt. it is used as a natural cleanser, tonifier, refreshner, antiseptic and for moisturizing.
Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid. Soap made with sodium lactate is easier to cut, crumbles less and lasts longer in use.
Used in most cleansers and soaps; acts as a surfactant, offers good foaming qualities.
Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring humectant in the skin, partly responsible for the skin’s moisture-binding capacity. It is derived from amino acids and is highly water absorbing. Due to its moisture-binding ability, it is a high performance humectant, which increases the skin’s softness when added to products.
A natural emulsifier derived from fruits and natural stearic acid. It helps blend water and oil based ingredients; in particular it solubilises essential oils in water.
Used as Emulsifier & Stabilizer.
Soya bean is a dry fruit native to East Asia. The oil extracted from the seeds has a multitude of benefits for the skin. Not only is it a superb moisturizer, but it is also valuable in promoting good skin care. Phytosterols contained in the oil may therefore be used in specific treatments for aged skin, thanks to their revitalizing and emollient properties. Their incorporation is also advisable in sun screen products due to their anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory action, in attenuating erythemas and peeling at the same time. The antioxidant effect of the oil also helps in preventing premature aging. The presence of sugars and amino acids cooperate in moisturizing the skin and in giving it back the elasticity and flexibility of normal skin.
Squalene is a remarkable extract found in Olive Oil. Squalane Oil is unsaturated oil having a molecular structure similar to Vitamin A. Squalene Oil boosts skin’s ability to naturally regenerate, nourish and hydrate the tissue. Beneficial effects on the skin include a decrease in dryness, smoothing of wrinkles and scaly skin.
Waxy, crystalline fatty acid. Found in cocoa butter and other vegetable fats. Used for its emollient properties and as a moisturizing ingredient.
Sugar is extracted from the juice of the cane plant, leaving behind a strong tasting black syrup (known as molasses). It is used as a preservative.
Extracted from sunflower (Helianthus annulus) seeds. Sunflower oil, like other oils, can retain moisture in the skin.
Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree. It is an excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin), and also helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture. It is further a great moisturizer suitable for all skin types, helps relieve irritation, inflammation and itching. The almond oil help protect the surface of the skin and has great value to act as an emollient, skin soother and softener while conditioning the skin and promoting a clear young looking complexion. It also helps to relieve muscular aches and pains. Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils, since it is non-greasy, spreads easily and also is great for nourishing the skin. Almond oil is suitable for all skin types but is especially good for dry or irritated skin.
A full-spectrum sunscreen, which means that it protects the skin from both UVA, and UVB rays.
Tocopherol, known as vitamin E. Vitamin E is usually produced from wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut, peanut oil, soybean oil, and olive oil. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Vitamin E is able to prevent skin damages brought by free radicals and pollution. The commonest form of skin damages are visible lines, wrinkles etc.
Also known as vitamin E acetate. It is the ester of acetic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E). Used in skincare products. See Tocopherol.
This ingredient is used as a pH balancer in cosmetic preparations in a variety of different products - ranging from skin lotion, eye gels, moisturizers, shampoos, shaving foams etc.
Vegetable oil is derived from plants like soybean, palm, sunflower seed, rapeseed and so on. Used for its softening properties.
The most widely used cosmetic ingredient; skin care products.
All wheat germ oil is made from the "germ" of wheat - the heart of it. It helps promote the formation of new cells, improve circulation, and it helps to repair sun damage to the skin. It has a high vitamin E content as well as essential fatty acids; it is used as part of a base oil, as it helps promote a smoother, younger looking skin, assisting in healing scar tissue as well as stretch marks.
White tea is made from the immature tea leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. The tea takes its name from the silver fuzz that still covers the buds, which turns white when the tea is dried. A natural antioxidant. Well known as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
Witch-hazel (Hamamelis) is a genus of flowering plants. Witch hazel lotion can be used to cleanse the skin and remove makeup, to soothe sunburn and shaving irritations; helps with acne; anti-inflammatory effects.
A small flower of the cananga tree. It has an exotic, sweet smell and is slightly yellow in color. Ylang-ylang oil has a soothing effect and its balancing action sorts out overly-dry as well as overly-oily skin by balancing the secretion of sebum; it has a stimulating effect on the scalp, promoting more luxurious hair growth.
