Eco Cosmetic Ingredients

 

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE: Synthetic ingredient that is known to assist in inhibiting facial tightening and the release of adrenalin, which contributes to wrinkles and fine lines. Also see Argireline. INCI NAME: Acetyl Hexapeptide.

AGAR-AGAR GUM: Extracted from red seaweed. It is primarily used as a gelling agent, but is also utilized for its emulsifying and stabilizing properties. INCI NAME: Cymopsia Tetrogonoblbus.

ALMOND OIL: Obtained from pressing almonds and is known to be high in moisturizing fatty acids. Excellent emollient high in oleic, linoleic and other fatty acids, ideal in the treatment of dry skin. Soothes and moisturizes and is known to penetrate the skin easily. INCI NAME: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis.

ALOE VERA: A concentration derived from one of the oldest medicinal plants known. Helps to provide remarkable healing properties that can draw and hold oxygen to the skin. It is known to soothe and protect the skin and has known anti-inflammatory properties. INCI NAME: Aloe Barbadensis.

ALPHA HYDROXY MULTI-FRUIT COMPLEX: There are many varieties of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in plants, vegetables and fruits, but five in particular have been scientifically proven to be the most beneficial and they are glycolic, lactic, citric, malic and tartaric acids. Glycolic acid from sugar has the smallest molecular structure, allowing for the deepest penetration. Next comes lactic from milk, followed by citric from citrus fruit, malic, found abundantly in apples, and tartaric from fruit fermentation, similar to that found in wine sediment. The combination of acids help speed exfoliation, stimulate cellular renewal, improve tone and texture, and increase skin’s thickness, while softening, moisturizing and hydrating. INCI NAME: Various, depends on formula.

ALUMINUM OXIDE CRYSTALS: Provides aggressive/strong mechanical exfoliation. The crystals are available in a wide degree of sizes. INCI NAME: Aluminum Oxide Crystals

APPLE JUICE: When added to a topical skin tonic formulation it acts as an “acid rinse” to adjust the skin’s own pH.

APPLE EXTRACT: See Apple Juice. INCI NAME: Pyrus Malus.

APRICOT: Contains L-Amygdalin (an anti-inflammatory). INCI NAME: Prunus Armeniaca.

ARGIRELINE: Synthetic ingredient that is known to assist in inhibiting facial tightening and the release of adrenalin, which contributes to wrinkles and fine lines. Also see Argireline. INCI NAME: Acetyle Hexapeptide.

AVOCADO OIL/BUTTER: Known for healing properties. Avocado oil is a highly therapeutic oil rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. Skin problems, especially eczema, are reported to respond well to its high vitamin content. INCI NAME: Persea Americana.

BAKING SODA: Oil Absorbing. Also known as sodium bicarbonate. A mineral derived pH adjuster and viscosity stabilizer. An aid in cleansing oily skin. INCI Name: Sodium Bicarbonate.

BANANA/BANANA EXTRACT: Helps to moisturize and soften skin. Great for mature or dry skin. INCI NAME: Musa Sapientum.

BEESWAX: Made from flowers by honeybees to create their honeycomb. Used as an emulsifier, thickener, and formula stabilizer that protects the skin and helps prevent moisture loss. It is all-natural, with a delicate honey-sweet aroma. INCI NAME: Cera Alba.

BENZYL ALCOHOL: Produced naturally by many plants and is commonly found in fruits and teas. It is also found in a variety of essential oils including jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang. It is a clear colorless liquid with antiseptic properties listed in the alcohol family that is used as a preservative. Source: The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 11th Ed., Merck, 1989.

BETA GLUCANS: Consists of oat extracts & oat proteins or sometimes sugar. Together these extracts and proteins form an invisible layer over the skin to help retain moisture while promoting the repair of skin cells. This blend contains high levels of naturally occurring anti-oxidants to help protect against cellular damage, reduce damage from UVA/UVB rays. They are also known for increasing cellular renewal, increase in collagen production, which results in reduced wrinkles. INCI NAME: Depends on source.

BILBERRY/BEARBERRY: Used in natural skincare to assist in fading sun spots and lightening the complexion. INCI NAME: Vaccinium Myrtillus.

BLUE LOTUS: Has been shown to have similar affects as Ginkgo. Stimulating to the skin. INCI NAME: Nymphaea Cerulean

BORON NITRIDE: Soft, silky white mineral that helps mineral makeup adhere to the skin. It also affects how smooth the products applies and has oil absorbing properties, it is hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial properties making it an ideal ingredient for problematic skin.

BROMELAIN: An enzyme derived from pineapple. Digests dead protein (surface skin cells). INCI NAME: Bromelain.

BROWN SUGAR: Derived from Sugar Cane. INCI NAME: Sucrose.

CALENDULA: An astringent, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing, softening botanical. One of the most useful and versatile herbs used in skin care to cleanse, soften, and soothe the skin. It also aids in the healing of inflammation, bruising, and burns. INCI NAME: Calendula Officinalis.

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE: A mixture of glycerin, caprylic acid, and capric acid. An emollient ester derived from fractionated coconut oil with good lubricating and spreading properties. Helps products to glide on the skin. INCI NAME: Capric Triglyceride.

CARRAGEENAN: A gel-forming polysaccharide found in the “red algae” seaweed known as “Irish moss”. It is a very soothing natural emulsifier, high in sulfur and extremely nourishing to the skin. INCI NAME: Chrondrus Crispus

CARROT SEED OIL: An essential oil used in formulations to help quiet dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. Its high content of vitamins A, B, B2, & C relieves dryness in mature skin. INCI NAME: Daucus Carota Sativa.

CASTOR OIL/CASTOR BEAN WAX: Castor Oil provides incredible slip and is derived from the castor bean. INCI NAME: Ricinus Communis.

CHAMOMILE/CAMOMILE: Healing, extremely soothing, moisturizing, and toning to the skin, especially dry skin conditions. Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic. It has the ability to neutralize skin irritants. Excellent for soothing red, irritated skin. INCI NAME: Chamomilla Recutita.

CHERRY: Provides a rich source for anti-oxidants. We use cherries or the cherry extract harvested from the wild. INCI NAME: Prunus Serotina.

CHOCOLATE/DARK CHOCOLATE: Rich in anti-oxidants. A decadent natural cocoa that makes our treatments simply irresistible while providing strong stimulation. INCI NAME: Theobroma Cacao.

CHROMIUM OXIDE GREEN: Used to add green hue to powdered foundations. We do not to use this in our foundations, but offer a couple of green based multi-use powders that have a small amount. INCI NAME: Chromium Oxide Green.

CITRIC ACID: Found in plants and citrus fruits. This natural acid is a pH adjuster and acts as a natural preservative and anti-oxidant. INCI NAME: Citric Acid.

COCOA BUTTER: Natural emollient. Used in natural lips balms to help firm the product and adds a nice chocolate scent. INCI NAME: Theobroma Cacao.

COCONUT OIL: Derived from the coconut fruit it is used as an emollient to smooth and lubricate the skin and is excellent as a skin moisturizer. Rich in saponins, it is excellent for soap making because it produces a rich, creamy lather. INCI NAME: Cocos Nucifera.

CO-ENZYME Q10: A natural substance found in every cell of the human body. In our mid twenties its activity decreases. Naturally occurring in the tissue of plants, Co-Enzyme Q10 is a vitamin like anti-oxidant that helps to boosts cellular activity. It helps to fortify the skin’s defenses against UV damage, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, strengthening cell membranes, and providing the skin with new energy. INCI NAME: Ubiquinone.

COFFEE: Known as a natural anti-oxidant. A strong stimulant that makes a great wake-up for the skin. INCI Name: Coffee Arabica.

COLTSFOOT: Coltsfoot extract is a soothing, healing, conditioning herb. It contains silica and cystine which are important amino acids to encourage healthy skin and hair. INCI NAME: Tussilago Farfara.

COMFREY: One of the most famed healing plants; it contains allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of connective tissue and is easily absorbed through the skin. INCI NAME: Symphtum Officinale.

CONEFLOWER: (Purple Coneflower) An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that is very soothing and healing. Nourishes, moisturizes, smoothes and helps to firm the skin. INCI NAME: Echinacea Purpurea.

CRANBERRY: Anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, contains naturally occurring tocopherol. Free radical scavenger. INCI NAME: Vaccinium Macrocarpon.

CREAM BASE: We see this term listed on the label of a brand name and we believe it is not defined properly. If you are purchasing a product that states cream base on the label email that company and ask them to tell you exactly what it is. A term like “cream base” may be hiding unnecessary chemicals.

CUCUMBER: An anti-inflammatory that helps reduce heat and inflammation. Naturally contains chlorophyll. It is cooling, and cleansing, and has an extremely soothing effect on the skin. Also contains amino acids and minerals that help firm and regenerate. INCI NAME: Cucumis Sativus

DANDELION: Known for its stimulating tendencies. INCI NAME: Taraxacum Officinale.

DECYL POLYGLUCOSIDE: Vegetable/sugar based mild surfactant that gently but thoroughly cleanses. INCI NAME: Decyl Glucoside.

DENTRIC SALT: A natural salt. INCI NAME: Sodium Chloride.

ECHINACEA: (see Coneflower) An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that is very soothing and healing. Nourishes, moisturizes, smoothes and helps to firm the skin. INCI NAME: Echinacea Purpurea.

EMULSIFYING WAX: Helps blend oil and water together and assist in improving consistency and texture of a final product. After further research with our supplier the emulsifying wax we now use (derived from plant fats) cannot be classified as completely natural because it has residues after production which include (but may not be limited to) alcohol and polysorbates. INCI NAME: Emulsifying Wax NF.

EPSOM SALT: Used to cleanse, mineralize skin. INCI NAME: Magnesium Sulfate.

ESSENTIAL OILS: The oily liquid obtained from plants through a variety of processes. It usually has the taste and smell of the original plant. Called essential oils, because down through history, the theory is they were essential to life and they were the “essence” of the plant. The use of essential oils as preservatives is ancient. We use many citrus type essential oils in our products because of their natural high vitamin c content.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL: Calming, cleansing, and moisturizing herb. A superb emollient and skin nutrient, high in essential fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid. INCI NAME: Oenothers Biennis.

EYEBRIGHT: An herb with astringent, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory properties. INCI NAME: Euphrasia Officinalis.

FATTY ACIDS: Oils found in vegetable and animal fats. Saturated fatty acids are palmitic and stearic. Some unsaturated fatty acids are oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids (excellent emollients for the skin). Fatty acids are necessary for regulating healthy skin and pre-mature aging.

FRUIT JUICES: Blend of juice derived from all different types of fruits. Depending on the product they can be from lemons, oranges, apples, berries, etc. These fruits contain natural aha acids that have been scientifically proven to help stimulate and speed skin cell renewal.

GINKGO: An herb that helps increase blood flow and oxygenation to energize the skin. Has anti-oxidant properties making it an excellent anti-aging ingredient. INCI NAME: Ginkgo Biloba.

GLYCINE DERIVATIVE: We have seen this ingredient listed on the label of skin care products under several brand names that claim they do not preserve their products. We believe it is actually sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. If you see this term on any labels you need to email that company and ask them to tell you exactly what it is.

GLYCOSAMINO GLYCANS/MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES: Found in all plants. Sodium hyaluronate and other glycosamino glucans are vital moisturizers and lubricants present in the interstitial spaces between epidermal cells. The absence of these lubricating moisturizers can accelerate the deterioration of the skin’s collagen, resulting in the loss of elasticity, flexibility and tonicity. They are conditioning, moisturizing, and promote suppleness & firmness.

GOTU KOLA: Very soothing and healing herb that assists in reducing inflammation and redness of skin irritations, blemishes and burns. INCI NAME: Centella Asiatica.

GRAPE SEED: Contains the powerful anti-oxidant proanthocyanidin, which supports the actions of vitamin E and beta-carotene, and increases the action of Vitamin C. Encourages wound healing, regenerates damaged blood vessels, and helps clear potentially pathogenic bacteria from wounds. Also enhances the formation of epidermal tissue, and has anti-inflammatory properties. INCI NAME: Vitis Vinifera.

GRAPE SEED OIL: Ultra fine oil pressed from grape seeds with especially non-allergenic properties. Moisturizing and nourishing due to its high linoleic acid content. May be a free-radical scavenger. INCI NAME: Vitis Vinifera.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED: Grapeseed is extracted from grapefruit seeds and is thought to be a natural preservative, bactericide, and stabilizer. INCI NAME: Citrus Grandis.

GREEN TEA: Potent anti-oxidant that offers 20 times the free radical scavenging effects of Vitamin E. It increases the effect of sunscreens and studies have found that it may help prevent skin cancer from UV rays as well. Green tea also helps reduce irritation caused by glycolic acid, and also has anti-cellulite properties. Many of our skin care formulas contain this potent ingredient. INCI NAME: Camellia Sinesis.

GUAR GUM: A natural resin from the seeds of an Asian tree. Thickener, plasticizer and emulsifier. INCI NAME: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba.

GUAVA FRUIT: Contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. INCI NAME: Psidium Guajava.

GUM ARABIC: Harvested from the stem or trunk of the acacia tree. It’s also known as acacia gum. INCI NAME: Acacia Gum

HAMAMELIS WATER: (Witch Hazel) An astringent herb that possesses the ability to soothe the skin. It is derived from of the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis Virginiana plant and helps heal blemishes, reduce oiliness, and soothe bruises and sprains. INCI NAME: Hamamelis Virginiana. HEMP SEED OIL: High in essential omega fatty acids. Has a mild nutty odor and is naturally dark in color. Absorbs well. INCI NAME: Cannabis Saliva

HONEY: A natural skin softener used in formulation as an emollient, and humectant. Honey is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, suggesting that it contains anti-microbial ingredients. It offers high levels of hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide stimulates white blood cells that initiate the body’s immune response to infection. Honey contains other significant amounts of vitamins, including vitamin c and trace amounts of iron, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium, all possibly adding to honey’s wound healing effect. INCI NAME: Honey.

HORSE TAIL: A natural astringent, it is very high in silica, which helps to soften, heal and smooth the skin. It helps strengthen vein and capillary walls and is rich in a variety of minerals. INCI NAME: Equisetum Arvense.

HYALURONIC ACID: Collagen and elastin supporter. A protein occurring in the skin that appears to bind water in the interstitial spaces between skin cells while it forms a gel-like substance to hold these cells together. INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate or Sodium Hyaluronic Acid.

HYDROLIZED WHEAT PROTEIN: A conditioning and moisturizing ingredient. Naturally derived from wheat gluten. INCI NAME: Hydrolized Wheat Protein.

IRON OXIDE: A naturally occurring compound of iron and oxygen. Used as a natural colorant. INCI NAME: Iron Oxide.

JOJOBA OIL/ JOJOBA WAX BEADS: The “wax” is a semi-solid fraction of jojoba oil in the form of tiny, smooth “beads”. Used in facial and body scrubs for their gentle polishing action, they slowly melt on the skin, releasing their moisturizing properties. The oil is expressed from the vanilla shaped beans found on shrubs in the arid deserts of southwest America. The structure of Jojoba Oil resembles that of your own skin’s oils; therefore making it an excellent moisturizer and is ideal for all skin types. Jojoba Oils contains myristic acid, which has anti-inflammatory qualities. Jojoba Oil is a good choice for use on mature, aging skin, and wrinkles. In addition, Jojoba is extremely stable and naturally resists rancidity. INCI NAME: Simmondsia Chinensis.

KOJIC ACID: Derived from sugar mold. It is a tyrosinase inhibitor that helps slow the production of melanin. It lightens discoloration, inhibits UV caused irritation, and promotes healing. INCI NAME: Kojic Acid.

LACTIC ACID: One of the five most beneficial AHAs, it is naturally occurring in milk fermentation. A mild exfoliant that helps reduce wrinkles and improve the skin’s texture. Very softening and moisturizing. INCI Name: Lactic Acid.

LANOLIN: Natural ingredient commonly used in natural lip stick, and balms, etc. INCI NAME: Lanolin Anhydrous.

LAVENDER: Known for its calming effects. Very aromatic.

LECITHIN: Present in all living cells, it is a waxy oil derived from soybeans and eggs that has great water binding abilities, and acts as an anti-oxidant, and emulsifier. INCI NAME: Lecithin.

LEMON PEEL/EXTRACT: Very astringent and has a wonderful clean, fresh scent. INCI NAME: Citrus Medica Limonum.

LICORICE ROOT: Rebalances dermal cells & helps reduce the formation of melanin, (pigment that gives skin color). Offers significant healing effects, plus firming, soothing, emollient and anti-bacterial benefits. INCI NAME: Glycyrrhiza Glabra.

MACADAMIA NUT OIL: Has a wonderful nutty natural scent and may be a beneficial anti-oxidant. INCI NAME: Macadamia Integrifolia.

MANGO BUTTER: A great alternative to shea butter. INCI NAME: Mangifera Indica.

MARINE MINERAL COMPLEX: Our unique combination of numerous varieties of Seaweed, Algae, Spirulina, and Kelp, which contain the same vital nutrients, trace elements, minerals, and amino acids present in human blood plasma. Because of this, they can penetrate the skin more readily than most other ingredients. Minerals from algae are rich in amino acids, sea protein, anti-oxidants, and vitamins. They can hydrate and soften the skin. Did you know that there are more than 20,000 different known species of algae? Certain forms of kelp are rich in iodine and co-enzymes which make them valuable as a skin supplement for helping to normalize cellular functions. INCI NAME: Various, depends on formula.

MARSH MALLOW: A soothing and healing herb that benefits chapped, dry, and irritated skin. It may also beneficial in the treatment of wounds, burns, skin inflammation, insect bites, and bruises. INCI NAME: Althaea Officinalis.

MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL: Meadowfoam seed oil is derived from the seeds of Alba plants grown in Oregon. The seeds are harvested within their first year of growth and at that immature age they have 97% fatty acid content and a very small molecular structure. This structure makes this oil one of the most penetrating oils available in the skin care industry and it is one of the most stable lipids known. INCI NAME: Limnanthis Alba.

MEADOWSWEET: An anti-oxidant that helps heal inflammatory skin conditions. Contains a high percentage of natural salicylic acid to help smooth, re-texurize and reduce inflammation in congested tissue. It also has toning and healing properties due to its astringent action. INCI NAME: Filipendula Ulmaria.

METHYL/PROPYL PARABENS: Preservative combination with anti-microbial abilities that prevent the formation of bacteria. Due to the latest research on potenial estrogen increases and potential breast cancer risks we no longer add parabens to our products.

MICA: A natural mineral found on the earth’s surface used to add color to skincare and makeup. INCI NAME: Mica.

MULTI-FRUIT ACID COMPLEX: There are many varieties of multi-fruit acids found in plants, vegetables, and fruits but five in particular have been scientifically proven to be the most beneficial. These five include glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids. Glycolic acid, from the heart of the raw cane sugar plant has the smallest molecular structure, allowing for the deepest penetration. Next comes lactic from milk, followed by citric from citrus fruit, malic, found abundantly in apples, and tartaric from fruit fermentation, similar to that found in wine sediment. The combination of acids help speed exfoliation and stimulate cellular renewal, increasing skin’s thickness. By speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, tone and texture is improved, while pores remain clear. This acid complex also helps boost the production of new collagen in the skin where the dermis and epidermis meet, which improves skin firmness and elasticity. INCI NAME: Various, depends on formula.

MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES/GLYCOSAMINO GLYCANS: Found in all plants. Sodium hyaluronate and other glycosamino glucans are vital moisturizers and lubricants present in the interstitial spaces between epidermal cells. The absence of these lubricating moisturizers can accelerate the deterioration of the skin’s collagen, resulting in the loss of elasticity, flexibility and tonicity. They are conditioning, moisturizing, and promote suppleness & firmness.

OAT EXTRACT: Soothing, healing properties. INCI: Avena Sativa.

OAT BRAN PROTEIN: An amino acid with soothing properties. Stimulating, cleansing. INCI NAME: Avena Sativa.

OLIVE OIL: An ingredient nutrient rich oil for the skin known for its moisturizing, softening, and regenerating properties. Contains skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals including calcium, Vitamin A, B1, B2, and PP. INCI NAME: Olea Europaea.

ORANGE PEEL: Very refreshing and acts as an astringent. INCI NAME: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis.

PANTHENOL/PRO VITAMIN B5: In the skin it aids moisture retention (ability to both hold and attract water) and increases elasticity. It helps heal skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and diaper rash and soothes burns. In hair care it increases the water content of the hair shaft, which leads to increased elasticity. It is an excellent scalp nutrient and hydrator, which creates more manageability, better shine, less static electricity, and improved softness. INCI NAME: d-Calcium Pantothenate.

PAPAIN/PAPAYA: This fruit is used in our formulations when it contains the highest content of “papain”. As the fruit matures this powerful enzyme decreases. To protect this “active” enzyme a low heat extraction must be maintained. It is an excellent free-radical scavenger and cellular renewal ingredient with the ability to digest protein (exfoliates), selecting only dead cells without harming the living ones. INCI NAME: Carica Papaya.

PASSIONFRUIT: Known for healing, anti-itch properties. INCI NAME: Passiflora Incarnata

PECTIN: An enzyme extracted from citrus fruits and apples. Used as a thickener, and gelling agent that is very soothing to the skin.

PHENOXYETHANOL: Paraben free preservative used to protect against bacteria.

PHYTOSISTOL®: Our proprietary blend of antioxidants and proteins established at our manufacturing facility. Please contact our company for more information about this specialized ingredient.

PINEAPPLE: Contains the enzyme bromelin, which is very effective in exfoliating the skin. INCI NAME: Ananas Sativus.

POLYGLUCOSE/DECYL POLYGLUCOSIDE: Vegetable/sugar based mild surfactant that gently but thoroughly cleanses. INCI NAME: Decyl Glucoside.

POLYSORBATE 20: A salt or ester of oleic acid (from olive oil). Helps to blend oil and water together. INCI NAME: Polysorbate-20

POMEGRANATE: Known as a very powerful anti-oxidant. Punica Granatum. We also use Pomegranate Oil, which is high in flavonoids and also rich in anti-oxidants. INCI NAME: Punica Granatum.

POTASSIUM SORBATE: Food grade preservative used to protect against bacteria.

POWDERED MILK: Like liquid milk it contains “natural” lactic acid. Lactic acid is one of the five most beneficial AHAs. A mild exfoliant that helps reduce wrinkles and improve the skin’s texture. Very softening and moisturizing. INCI NAME: Dry Milk.

PUMPKIN: Enzymes in the whole “pumpkin”, including the seeds, exfoliate dead skin cells while promoting skin repair. It cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes while helping to firm the skin. Pumpkin is an excellent source of anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential elements the skin needs. INCI NAME: Cucurbita Pepo.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL: Soothing, moisturizing, and healing, high in sterols and vitamin E. INCI NAME: Cucurbita Pepo.

RED RASPBERRY: Rich in minerals, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), flavonoids, tannins, and ellagic acid. A super anti-oxidant that is soothing, astringent and exfoliating. INCI NAME: Rubus Idaeus.

RESVERATROL: A substance found in grapes, red wine, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries. It has a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies are showing that it could fight free radicals linked to cancer. For the skin, it helps protect against harmful UVA/UVB exposure, and reduces irritation, puffiness, and fine lines, and wrinkles.

RETINYL PALMITATE: Form of Vitamin A that combines retinol (pure Vitamin A) and palmitic acid. A primary anti-oxidant, free radical scavenger and cell renewal ingredient. Acts as a skin normalizer with the ability to either moisturize dry skin, or reduce excess oil in oily skin.

RICE BRAN: Contains high percentage of oleic acid and penetrates very well. INCI NAME: Oryza Sativa.

ROSE/ROSE WATER: Rose water is one of the most ancient and revered beauty treatments used today. It “enlivens” dry, mature and wrinkled complexions, and also to soothes sensitive skin at any age. INCI NAME: Rosa damascena.

ROSEHIPS: The fruit of the rose bush, high in Vitamin C, soothing, moisturizing, and hydrating to the skin. May help protect against capillary damage and firm the tissues. INCI NAME: Rosa Canina.

ROSEHIP SEED OIL: Very high in fatty acids and perfect for dry, dehydrated skin. INCI NAME: Rosa Rubiginosa.

ROSEMARY: An herb with anti-oxidant, cleansing, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. May cause irritation when used on large amounts. This is present in only one product; our wash and in a small amount only. INCI NAME: Romarinus Officinalis.

SAFFLOWER OIL: An incredible choice for hydrating skin. INCI NAME: Carthamus Tinctorius.

SAGE/CLARY SAGE: Antiseptic, astringent, clarifying, softening, and cell regenerating. Good for oily, congested complexions. It also helps preserve moisture and is slightly astringent. It is used to control greasy hair and dandruff, and is also stimulating the scalp, which encourages healthy hair growth. INCI NAME: Salvia Officinalis.

SALICYLIC ACID: Occurs naturally in wintergreen leaves, sweet birch and other plants. Topically it is an anesthetic, a sunscreen and a fungicide with a mild peeling effect. INCI NAME: Salicylic Acid.

SEA BUCKTHORN: Grows on the sand dunes by the sea and produces a yellow berry. The liquid wax from the berry is very compatible with the lipid structure of the skin and provides a strong water retentive and skin moisturizing quality. INCI NAME: Hippophae Rhamnoides.

SEA MINERAL COMPLEX: See Marine Mineral Complex. INCI NAME: Various, depends on formula.

SEA SALT: Natural salt. INCI Name: Sodium Chloride.

Sericite Mica: A white, silky, shiny pigment derived from clay. It provides medium coverage and helps make mineral cosmetics a smooth texture and provides easy application.

SHEA BUTTER: A skin protector, emollient. From the nut of the karate nut tree; a cellular renewal ingredient that has excellent nourishing and moisturizing benefits for the skin. It is known as a natural “sun block”. .INCI NAME: Butyrospermum Parkii.

SODIUM HYALURONATE: Collagen and elastin supporter. A protein occurring in the skin that appears to bind water in the interstitial spaces between skin cells while it forms a gel-like substance to hold these cells together. INCI NAME: Sodium Hyaluronate.

SODIUMHYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE: See glycine derivative listed above.

SORBITOL: Derived from apples, cherries, berries, plums, pears, algae, wheat and/or seaweed. Feels velvet smooth when applied on the skin. Used as a humectant, emulsifier and thickener in formulations. INCI NAME: Sorbitol.

SOY PEPTIDES: Improves skin texture, circulation and tone. Also helps to reduce darks circles. INCI NAME: Soy Peptides.

SOY PROTEIN: Amino acid and lipid rich to help aid cellular regeneration. Helps increase elasticity and soften lines and wrinkles. INCI NAME: Soy Protein.

SOYBEAN OIL: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A & E; readily absorbs into the skin. INCI NAME: GLYCINE SOJA.

SQUALANE: Nutrient rich oil derived from olives. It is a natural bactericide and healer. INCI NAME: Squalane.

ST. JOHNS WORT: Known for its firming and anti-biotic properties. INCI NAME: Hypericum Perforatum.

STEARIC ACID: (Vegetable) A white, waxy fatty acid derived from cascarilla bark, and palm lipids, and used as an emulsifying agent. It gives a soft waxy, pearly & cool feeling on the skin, and will impart a soft feel to lotions and creams. It is a widely used ingredient in personal care products. INCI NAME: Stearic Acid.

STEARYL ALCOHOL: An emulsifier and thickener found in a variety of vegetable fats. Also acts as an emulsion stabilizer, emollient, anti-foam agent and lubricant. INCI NAME: Stearyl Alcohol.

SUGAR CANE/SUGAR: Rich in natural glycolic acids, it has cellular renewal properties. INCI NAME: Saccarum Officinarum.

SUNFLOWER OIL: Obtained from the seeds of the sunflower. Rich in vitamin E, it aids healing, and has a high linoleic acid and fatty acid content, which allows for better absorption into the lipid layer of the skin. INCI NAME: Helianthus Annuus.

TAMANU OIL: Derived from the nut of the Tamanu tree assists with damaged dehydrated skin. INCI NAME: Calophyllum Tacamaltaca.

TAPIOCA POWDER: Skin soother and natural thickener. INCI NAME: Tapioca Starch.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL: From the leaves of the Australian tea tree this oil is used to treat acne, insect bites, fungus and other skin and scalp disorders. It is a strong disinfectant and has fungicidal and anti-microbial properties. INCI NAME: Melaleuca Alternifolia.

THYME: Extract known for its anti-inflammatory properties. INCI NAME: Thymus Vulgaris.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE: : A natural white powder mineral in powdered form with the distinction of being a “class one”, “full spectrum” sunscreen, astringent, and antiseptic that can sooth and heal irritated skin. In cosmetic use it has the greatest concealing power of all white pigment. Available in a large variety of course to fine grades. INCI NAME: Titanium Dioxide.

TOCOPHEROL: See Vitamin E.

TURBINADO SUGAR: See sugar cane.

ULTRAMARINES: Usually seen as Ultramarine Blue, this is a clay discovered by the Egyptians to balance pigments in mineral foundations. INCI NAME: Ultramarines.

VANILLA BEAN: Derived from the vanilla bean and has a wonderful aroma. INCI NAME: Planifolia Extract

VEGETABLE GLYCERINE/GLYCERIN: A humectant (water-attracting/binding ingredient), emulsifier, and emollient naturally produced from a combination of vegetable fat and water. INCI NAME: Glycerin.

VITAMIN A: A powerful free-radical scavenger used as an anti-aging and healing ingredient. Topically applied vitamin A is one of only three vitamins able to be absorbed by the skin. The other two are vitamins D & E. INCI NAME: Retinyl Pamitate.

VITAMIN C: A potent anti-oxidant that may play an essential role in building collagen, the connective tissue that holds us together. Found in citrus fruits. Because of its acidic nature, it also helps improve tone and texture by removing dead skin cells and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. INCI NAME: Ascorbic Acid.

VITAMIN E: An anti-oxidant and cellular renewal ingredient that when combined with vitamins A and C acts as a preservative in the oil phase of cosmetic formulations. INCI NAME: Tocopheryl Acetate.

WHEAT GERM OIL: A natural source of vitamins E, A, D, proteins and squalane. This oil is emollient and can act as a natural preservative and anti-oxidant. INCI NAME: Triticum Vulgare.

WILLOW BARK: A natural form of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid widely used as an exfoliant and to keep pores clean of debris. INCI NAME: Salix Alba.

WITCH HAZEL: See Hamamalis Water. INCI NAME: Hamamelis Virginiana.

XANTHAN GUM: A natural carbohydrate gum used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer. Also known as polysaccharide gum. INCI NAME: Xanthan Gum.

YUCCA: Rich in saponins this is a naturally foaming herb and is used as a traditional soap plant in the American southwest. It is very cleansing and soothing. INCI NAME: Yucca Schidigera.

ZINC OXIDE: A natural, mineral derived “skin protecting” sunscreen agent; antiseptic, astringent, and soothing. Offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. INCI NAME: Zinc Oxide.