Encyclopedia Of Ingredients


Ingredients Dictionary

A - C

Activated Charcoal

  • Background & Origin: Derived from natural sources like coconut shells or hardwood, activated charcoal is processed to increase its surface area, making it highly absorbent.
  • Benefits: Deep-cleansing, detoxifying, and helps remove impurities from the skin.
  • Uses: Found in facial masks, acne treatments, purifying soaps, and deodorants.

Arrowroot Powder

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from the root of the arrowroot plant, this fine powder has been used for centuries in food and cosmetic applications.
  • Benefits: Absorbs excess oil, gives a silky finish, and soothes the skin.
  • Uses: Used in body powders, natural deodorants, and as a thickening agent in creams and lotions.

BTMS-50 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate)

  • Background & Origin: A conditioning emulsifier derived from the Colza plant (rapeseed), BTMS-50 is a mild ingredient used to emulsify and soften hair and skin products.
  • Benefits: Provides excellent conditioning properties, reduces frizz, and improves product spreadability.
  • Uses: Used in hair conditioners, leave-in treatments, and creamy lotions.

Cedarwood Oil (Cedrus atlantica)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from the wood of cedar trees, cedarwood oil has been used since ancient times in perfumery and medicine.
  • Benefits: Antibacterial, grounding, and helps balance oily skin.
  • Uses: Common in men’s grooming products, scalp treatments, and calming skincare.

Cetyl Alcohol

  • Background & Origin: Derived from coconut or palm oil, cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that helps stabilize emulsions.
  • Benefits: Adds slip and softness, stabilizes emulsions, and improves product texture.
  • Uses: Found in creams, lotions, hair masks, and conditioning bars.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from cacao beans, cocoa butter is a deeply nourishing solid fat used in both food and skincare.
  • Benefits: High in fatty acids, improves skin elasticity, and prevents dryness.
  • Uses: Used in stretch mark creams, lip balms, and body butters.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

  • Background & Origin: Derived from the meat of coconuts, this oil is known for its hydrating and antimicrobial properties.
  • Benefits: Hydrates deeply, protects the skin barrier, and has antibacterial properties.
  • Uses: Common in soaps, hair conditioners, and moisturizers.

E - J

Emulsifying Wax (E-Wax)

  • Background & Origin: A blend of plant-based fatty acids and synthetic emulsifiers, E-Wax helps water and oils mix.
  • Benefits: Ensures stability in emulsions, prevents separation, and improves product feel.
  • Uses: Found in lotions, creams, and conditioners.

Eucalyptus Lemon Oil (Eucalyptus citriodora)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, this oil is widely used in natural insect repellents and skincare.
  • Benefits: Refreshing, anti-inflammatory, and effective at repelling insects.
  • Uses: Used in invigorating bath products, muscle balms, and insect-repelling formulas.

Germall Plus

  • Background & Origin: A broad-spectrum preservative that protects against bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic formulations.
  • Benefits: Extends shelf life and prevents microbial growth.
  • Uses: Used in water-based products such as lotions, body washes, and creams.

Ginger Oil (Zingiber officinale)

  • Background & Origin: Steam-distilled from the rhizome of the ginger plant, this oil has been used in traditional medicine for its warming properties.
  • Benefits: Increases circulation, provides a warming effect, and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Uses: Ideal for muscle rubs, cellulite treatments, and energizing skincare.

Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

  • Background & Origin: Pressed from the seeds of grapes, this oil is a byproduct of winemaking.
  • Benefits: High in linoleic acid, helps tighten pores, and reduces inflammation.
  • Uses: Great for oily skin formulations, serums, and hair care.

J - M

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, this liquid wax closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum.
  • Benefits: Balances oil production, non-comedogenic, and highly moisturizing.
  • Uses: Used in facial serums, hair treatments, and lightweight lotions.

Kaolin Clay

  • Background & Origin: A naturally occurring clay, kaolin is one of the gentlest clays used in skincare.
  • Benefits: Absorbs excess oil without drying, provides gentle exfoliation.
  • Uses: Found in face masks, soaps, and facial cleansers.

Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Background & Origin: Steam-distilled from lavender flowers, this oil has been used for centuries in aromatherapy and skincare.
  • Benefits: Calming, anti-inflammatory, and promotes skin healing.
  • Uses: Perfect for sensitive skin, bath soaks, and nighttime skincare.

Leucidal Liquid SF

  • Background & Origin: A natural, probiotic-based preservative derived from fermented radish root.
  • Benefits: Protects against bacterial growth while being gentle on the skin.
  • Uses: Common in organic and natural skincare formulations.

Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus)

  • Background & Origin: Distilled from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, widely used in traditional medicine and skincare.
  • Benefits: Antiseptic, astringent, and toning for the skin.
  • Uses: Used in deodorants, soaps, and clarifying skincare.

Mango Butter (Mangifera indica)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from mango seeds, this butter is lightweight and deeply hydrating.
  • Benefits: Softens skin, rich in antioxidants, and lightweight.
  • Uses: Used in lotions, hair masks, and whipped body butters.

O - Z

Optiphen

  • Background & Origin: A paraben- and formaldehyde-free broad-spectrum preservative.
  • Benefits: Prevents mold and bacterial growth while being gentle on the skin.
  • Uses: Suitable for lotions, creams, and emulsions.

Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin)

  • Background & Origin: Derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, this oil is known for its deep, earthy scent.
  • Benefits: Helps soothe dry, cracked skin and promotes relaxation.
  • Uses: Used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita)

  • Background & Origin: Distilled from peppermint leaves, known for its cooling effect.
  • Benefits: Refreshes, soothes muscle tension, and helps with acne.
  • Uses: Found in lip balms, foot creams, and pain relief salves.

Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • Background & Origin: Extracted from rosemary leaves, used historically for its medicinal properties.
  • Benefits: Stimulates circulation, promotes hair growth, and has antibacterial properties.
  • Uses: Used in hair and scalp treatments, massage oils, and toning skincare.

Stearic Acid

  • Background & Origin: A fatty acid derived from vegetable oils, commonly used as a thickener.
  • Benefits: Thickens and hardens formulations.
  • Uses: Found in body butters, lotions, and soap.

Xanthan Gum

  • Background & Origin: A natural thickener derived from fermented sugars.
  • Benefits: Provides smooth consistency, stabilizes emulsions.
  • Uses: Found in gels, creams, and serums.