Ingredient Glossary
Our products are formulated with evidence based scientific research. We like to list the entire ingredient list on the back of our packaging for full transparency - did you know that's NOT a legal requirement?! Saying that, ingredient names can get a little science-y and confusing. Thanks to this handy ingredient glossary, you can understand what makes each ingredient so great!

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is extracted from Jojoba seeds and is one of our all-time favourite oils to use. While it is a liquid wax, it is non-comedogenic (meaning it does not clog the pores), extremely moisturising, light and sinks into the skin easily. We also use it in our hair care products as it conditions the hair and helps keep the hair shaft smooth and soft. We use this instead of silicone-based ingredients that coat the hair.

Coconut Oil
A natural oil extracted from the meat of the Coconut fruit. Coconut Oil has the distinction of being rich in fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids which give raw Coconut Oil its soothing properties. Coconut Oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and is an excellent nourishing moisturiser that can also penetrate skin and hair better than other oils. Coconut Oil on its own is a bit greasy and uncomfortable, but in a cream, it is perfect!

Panthenol/ Vitamin B5
Once converted to Pantothenic Acid, Panthenol plays a role in maintaining skin barrier function, promoting moisture retention, and supporting skin health. It can help improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss.

Marshmallow Root Extract
This ingredient creates a protective film over the skin helping to hydrate and soften, while its anti-inflammatory effects can reduce redness and inflammation. The extract also possesses antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative damage.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid’s ability to provide hydration, improve skin texture, support the skin barrier, and contribute to a more youthful appearance has made it a staple ingredient in the skincare industry. It addresses a range of skincare concerns, making it suitable for individuals of various ages and skin types.

Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is valued for its ability to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, stimulate collagen production, and hydrate the skin. It works to address concerns like fine lines, uneven skin texture and dullness. It also balances the PH and can enhance the penetration of other products.

Allantoin
A concentrated extract from the root of the Comfrey Plant, it is a soothing, non-irritating ingredient that helps heal the skin by cleaning away dead cells and stimulating the growth of healthy tissue. It helps to soften and protect while actively soothing skin, speeding up the healing process. So in other words it helps the skin to help itself.

Carnauba Wax
We use Carnauba Was as an alternative to Beeswax. It is used as a thickening agent and emollient and provides a glossy finish. It helps to improve the texture and stability of products, enhancing their spreadability, and creating a protective barrier on the skin.

Japanese Knotweed
Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties stem from its ability to modulate signalling pathways and gene expression related to inflammation. This can contribute to reducing inflammation and potential skin irritation.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is used for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties. Salicylic Acid is classified as a keratolytic agent, this property makes it effective in exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting the shedding of the outermost skin layer. When applied to the skin, Salicylic Acid penetrates the oil-filled pores and works to dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds together dead skin cells. This action helps to clear out congested pores and prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate the oil glands and help regulate excessive oil production.

Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral. It has many healing benefits to the skin, as well as being a natural form of sun protection. Zinc Oxide is effective in sun protection because it doesn’t break down on the skin or dissolve in water. Instead, it sits on the surface of the skin and reflects UVA and UVB radiation like a mirror. It rubs in clear as the Zinc contains holes that make it see-through. This ingredient can make a cream a bit thicker, but once it warms up to body temperature, it rubs in quickly.

Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract
Chlorella Extract is renowned in hair care for its rich nutrient profile and numerous benefits. Notably, it’s one of the few plant sources of Vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for hair health. This extract is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which collectively nourish and rejuvenate the scalp and hair follicles. The Vitamin B12 content in Chlorella Extract plays a crucial role in maintaining scalp health and promoting hair growth. It helps to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, thus supporting healthy hair growth.

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a flowering succulent plant that stores water in their enlarged fleshy leaves, stems and roots. The leaf juice contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body’s systems, and is particularly known for its healing and soothing benefits. We loved it before we made skin care, and we love it in our creams, serums and hair care!

Guar Gum
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (GHPC) is derived from guar gum and is extensively utilised in conditioners due to its excellent conditioning properties. Upon topical application, GHPC, owing to its positive charge, readily adheres to the negatively charged hair and scalp surfaces. This adhesion provides prolonged conditioning effects even after rinsing. GHPC enhances the deposition of beneficial ingredients onto the hair shaft and scalp, improving the overall efficacy of the conditioner. It helps to hydrate the hair and prevent dryness and brittleness.

Niacinamide
This water-soluble vitamin derivative excels at regulating sebum production, making it suitable for various skin types, from oily to dry, for a more balanced complexion. It helps to increase ceramide production helping to lock in moisture and safeguard against external aggressors. Redness and irritation are soothed by its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide helps to manage hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots, culminating in a radiant visage. Its contribution to improving skin elasticity and smoothness enhances the overall skin texture, rendering it more refined and youthful.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from Coconut Oil. It is commonly used in personal care products and cosmetics as a mild cleansing ingredient glossary and foaming agent. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is often used in formulations with other surfactants to reduce irritation caused by harsher cleansing agents. It helps to improve the overall sensory attributes of the product, such as its texture and foam stability.

Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed Oil works as a highly efficient conditioning agent widely used in conditioners. It is particularly valued for its gentle nature, making it suitable for sensitive scalps and all hair types. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle, improving texture and shine. Additionally, it enhances the hair’s moisture retention by preventing transepidermal water loss, keeping the hair hydrated and reducing dryness and brittleness.

Olive Oil
Olive Oil is derived from the ripe olive fruit. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a balanced fatty acid composition, which restores moisture and nourishment to compromised skin. Olive Oil is a great additive to natural and edible skincare.

Kaolin
Kaolin is a clay mineral utilised for its absorbent and soothing qualities. It works to draw out impurities and refresh the skin. While it’s exfoliating properties helps to gently remove dead cells and unclog pores. It absorbs oils and impurities to help cleanse the skin and minimises blemishes by targeting excess oil, especially in shiny areas.

Milk of Magnesia
Magnesium Hydroxide, known as “Milk of Magnesia,” plays a crucial role in natural deodorants. It adjusts the pH of the underarm skin to create a less favourable environment for odour-causing bacteria. These bacteria thrive in an acidic area, and Milk of Magnesia’s alkaline influence discourages their growth. Additionally, it offers a mild absorbent property, helping to keep the underarm area dry and comfortable.

Liquorice Root Extract
Liquorice Root Extract is valued for its potential skin-soothing, antioxidant, and brightening properties. Glycyrrhizin, a major compound in Liquorice Root, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe skin and even reduce redness and irritation. The flavonoids and other constituents in Liquorice Root have antioxidant effects, which can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.

Starflower Seed Oil
Starflower Seed Oil, is a cold-pressed oil derived from the seeds of the Borago Officinalis plant. It is rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. This oil is known for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps improve skin hydration, soothe irritation, and protect against environmental damage.

Betaine
Betaine is a compound derived from plant sources like sugar beets. Betaine is used for its hydrating, moisturising, antioxidant, and soothing properties. Betaine is a humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain water. In turn, it helps to keep the skin hydrated and reduce moisture loss. Proper skin hydration is crucial for achieving an even and long-lasting tan. In addition to this, Betaine can improve the skin’s barrier function. This is important as a healthy skin barrier is important in ensuring the efficacy of self-tan.

Shea Butter
Shea Butter is derived from the natural complex fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea Tree. Shea Butter is one of the most intense moisturising ingredients available. The traditional use of the butter is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and stretch marks, and to ease a variety of skin irritations. The soothing qualities of Shea Butter are due to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols. Shea Butter is a very rich and hydrating butter which, in our opinion, is a great alternative to so many chemically derived ingredients.

Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and several antioxidants. These components contribute to the oils anti-aging properties, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip has a high essential fatty acid content which aids in maintaining healthy skin, as it plays a crucial role in the skin’s barrier function and hydration.

Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that slows the rate of free radical damage. Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production as well as toning and brightening the skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment), thereby promoting a more even skin tone.

Vitamin E
Natural Vitamin E can be sourced from a variety of plants and seeds. Vitamin E has antioxidant action as well as free radical scavenger properties.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl Alcohol is a blend of long-chain alcohols derived from natural sources. Cetearyl Alcohol is commonly used as a thickening agent, emollient, and stabiliser.

Humulus Lupulus
An extract derived from the flowers of the Humulus Lupulus plant, commonly known as hops. Hops holds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe irritation. Further, it works as a natural preservative by managing a products anti-microbial activity.

Zinc PCA
Zinc is often used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties. It is a naturally occurring humectant, meaning it helps the skin retain moisture. Zinc PCA is known for its potential to regulate sebum (skin oil) production. This makes it beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, as it may help control excess oil and reduce the likelihood of acne breakouts.