Natural Ingredient Glossary

Reputed properties of Ingredients

Aloe Vera Powder, Juice, Gel

Helps to tone, soothe, cool the Skin and Scalp, useful in facial masks, bath salts and also hair products as it also has good moisturising properties

Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel

Relieves, cools, soothes and revitalises tired, puffy, itchy, sore or sunburned skin.  Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Amla Herbal Powder

Helps to control hair loss, it stimulates roots and promotes hair growth. Also prevents scalp infection and is said to control premature greying of hair.

Avocado Butter/Oil

Vitamins A, D and E, hydrating & regenerating, useful for dry, mature, irritated and damaged skin or hair. It also has some natural sunscreen properties (although should not be used as a sunscreen alone).

Babassu Oil

Babassu is a superior emollient beneficial for both dry and oily complexions, gently moisturising the skin without contributing to an oily sheen. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil and so is also a useful ingredient for hair products.

Balsam

Conditioning agent for moisturising hair products - (Cetrimonium Chloride)

Behentrimonium Methosulphate

A conditioning emulsifier derived from Colza Oil, used to bind oils, butters and waters when making creams, conditioners, moisturisers etc.  Also has detangling properties.

Bhringaraj/Maka

Aids the treatment of scalp and hair problems, helps remove build up or incrustations that may have formed on the scalp. Also helps to control hair loss

Bioenergiser Seaweed Extract

Derived from 2 types of brown algae. Studies show that when used twice per day, it increases the number of hairs by 10% and hair growth by 27%

Brahmi

Helpful for hair loss, hair thinning, premature greying, strengthens the root and clears dandruff.

Brazil Nut Oil

An oil rich in proteins and vitamins E and A, this precious gift from the South American rainforest comes from the fruit (nut) of a tree that can grow for a thousand years. Brazil nut oil contains mainly alpha, linoleic, and oleic acids and small amounts of myristic and stearic acids and phytosterols. It helps lubricate and moisturize the hair and skin, providing antioxidant benefits, helps prevents dryness and leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

Calendula

Valuable for treating wounds, scars, burns, and other injuries as it aids in tissue regeneration; also helps to relieve itchy, inflamed skin conditions

Camellia Oil

Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, which provide antioxidant, disinfectant and germicidal properties.  Light, easily absorbed oil suitable for skin and hair care.

Cardamom Floral Water

Antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial aphrodisiac , soothing and uplifting in times of stress and anxiety

Carrot Seed

Beneficial for dry, mature, congested skins, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, fluid retention, irregular periods, period pain, PMT, indigestion, liver congestion.

Castille Soap, Liquid and Organic

A gentle cleanser for the hair and skin, will not strip natural oils due to its mildness.

Castor Oil

Soothing and protecting, excellent for inflammation, rashes and general skin irritations. Useful Hair Oil, reputed to assist in growth, will also help seal in moisture.  Used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for lumbago, sciatica and rheumatism.

Cedarwood

Reputed to be useful for hair growth, helps clear dandruff, helps sedate the nervous system, good expectorant for coughs and colds, useful for arthritis and rheumatism

Celery Seed

Useful for arthritis, toxic build up, cellulite, rheumatism, liver congestion, irregular periods, neuralgia, sciatica

Cetyl Alcohol

A vegetable based thickener for oil in water products such as lotions, creams, moisturisers, conditioners

Chamomile

Anti inflammatory, relieves and soothes itchy, sore and inflamed skin or scalp; as an essential oil it is extremely relaxing to the nervous system

Cocoa Butter

Moisturises, soothes, protects and retains the elasticity of the skin and hair. Useful for dry, mature, cracked, irritated, sensitive and sore skin/scalp, stretch marks (prevention and to reduce appearance of), eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, skin damage caused by sun and extreme weather, scar tissue.

Coconut Oil

Moisturising with powerful antioxidant properties, Useful for dry, congested, itchy, flaky, mature/ageing and sensitive skin.  Absorbs readily into the skin and is able to penetrate the hair shaft. Provides protection from the damaging effects of the sun (although should not be used as a sunscreen alone). Has the ability to destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses

Coltsfoot

Contains a high level of silica, is soothing to the scalp, clears build up and dandruff and is softening, adds elasticity and sheen to the hair shaft

Comfrey

Scalp and Hair conditioner, is soothing and anti-irritant, adds strength (through protein content), shine and softness to the hair shaft

Emulsifying Wax

Another type of emulsifier, to bind oil, butter and water together when making creams, moisturisers, lotions and conditioners.

Evening Primrose Oil

Excellent for all round skincare: assists in wound and scar healing, eczema, psoriasis, irritated, chapped & dry skin. The high level of essential fatty acids inhibits bacterial growth and allows our systems to defend and protect against infection and inflammation.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed is very high in the natural anti-oxidant Vitamin E, anti-inflammatory high in essential fatty acids, B vitamins, protein and minerals... It is also a good oil for preventing scarring and stretch marks

Frankincense

Normal, combination, dry and mature skin types, stretch marks, scars, mastitis, labour pain, heavy periods, PMT, rheumatism, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and stress related symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds and flu.

Geranium Water & Geranium

Acne, broken capillaries, congested skin, dermatitis, eczema, oily skin, regulates sebum (oil) production, mature skin, burns and wounds, cellulite, poor circulation, PMT and menopausal symptoms, stress and nervous tension

Ginger

Arthritis, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, sprains, strains, coughs, sinusitis, indigestion, nausea, colds, flu, fever, fatigue, nervous exhaustion.

Glycerine

Moisturising humectant (draws moisture to the skin and hair), leaves skin and hair feeling silky and smooth

Grapefruit Essential Oil and Floral Water

Acne, congested and oily skin, anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, nervous tension and stress related symptoms, headaches, toxic build up, fluid retention, cellulite, poor muscle tone, muscle fatigue, digestive, liver and gall bladder conditions

Grapeseed Oil and Butter

Moisturizing and nourishing properties, easily absorbed, leaves your skin or hair soft and smooth without feeling greasy. A good oil for acne and oily skin as it has astringent properties.  Is also useful for dry, damaged or aging skin. Contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and protein.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus extract visibly promotes even tone and texture to skin affected by cellulite. Hibiscus extract is used throughout Polynesia, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America for creating an infusion to cleanse, soften, and soothe hair and scalp, it will also help to create good sheen to the hair.

Honeyquat

Derived from Honey, is moisturising, humectant (draws moisture to the hair and skin – four times more than glycerine), soothing, antiseptic and anti-bacterial

Horsetail

Nutrient-rich herb, high in silica, often used in conjunction with coltsfoot in hair care products as it strengthens and conditions the hair shaft and adds sheen and elasticity.  It also helps to clear build up and dandruff from the scalp.

Jasmine

Beneficial for all skin types especially dry, mature; anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, frigidity, impotence, nervous tension, stress related symptoms, coughs,  PMT, heavy or painful periods, labour pain, menopausal symptoms.

Jojoba Oil

It is highly penetrating and closely resembles the natural sebum within our skin and scalp, contains natural collagen. Jojoba is actually a liquid wax. It is highly penetrating. It is balancing for the skin, particularly oily skin. It contains Myristic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory and is beneficial to problem skin. Jojoba also has natural anti-oxidant properties. Used in facial products can help to remove excess oils, unblock and cleanse the pores and to help balance the skin's natural oil.  Actually creates a protective film over the skin and hair shaft that helps seal in moisture.

Kapoor Kachli

Regular use promotes hair growth by stimulating the roots. It may also help to make your hair thick and lovely

Kukui Nut Oil

Rich in the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids, important for cellular metabolism in healthy skin.  It easily penetrates the skin and scalp, helps to soothe itching and irritations such as sunburn. 

Lavender

Suitable for all skin types, eczema, psoriasis, inflamed skin, itching, scars, sunburn, stretch marks, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress related symptoms, asthma, coughs, colds, flu, cellulite, high blood pressure, varicose veins, labour pain, PMT, period pains

Lemon

Suitable for oily & congested skin chilblains, insect bites, varicose veins, arthritis, cellulite, high blood pressure, poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu and infections.  Helps to tone the Scalp and Skin.

Lime

Suitable for oily & congested skin chilblains, insect bites, varicose veins, arthritis, cellulite, high blood pressure, poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu and infections.  Helps to tone the Scalp and Skin

Macadamia Butter & Oil

Moisturising, light, non-greasy, easily absorbed, and useful for all skin types. Particularly suitable for mature and dry skin and also provides a protective barrier from damage caused by harsh weather.  Closely mimics the natural sebum of the Scalp and Skin, so also a useful Hair Oil.

Mandarin

Beneficial for congested and oily skin, scars, stretch marks, insomnia, nervous tension, anxiety and depression, cellulite, fluid retention, cramps, PMT

Mango Butter

Moisturising & regenerative properties.  Protects against the sun (although should not be used as a sunscreen alone). Reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores elasticity, useful for dry and mature skin or damaged hair.

Marjoram

Useful for stress and stress related conditions e.g. insomnia, headaches, migraines also PMT, rheumatic pain, muscle spasms, swollen joints and painful muscles

Methi/Fenugreek

Has powerful conditioning properties, stimulates hair growth and clears dandruff

Microkill

European Union approved synthetic preservative, used as 1% of the final product weight. Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Chlorphenesin

Mustard Seed Oil

Often used as part of Ayurvedic (Indian) Treatments, it is used for hair care and for skin care products where the body needs warming e.g. aches, pains, rheumatism, and arthritis.  Mustard seed oil contains high levels of selenium and zinc (lack of which has been linked to hair loss). It is also rich in beta-carotene, which stimulates the production of vitamin A, and is also a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as iron, calcium, zinc, manganese and niacin

Marshmallow Root

Creates a good slip and so is very useful in detangling and conditioning products

Neroli

(Orange Blossom)

Acne, eczema, scars, stretch marks, thread veins, tones all skin types, especially dry, mature or sensitive skin; depression, anxiety, low libido, insomnia, irritability, nervous tension, shock, stress, indigestion, spasm, PMT and menopausal symptoms.

Nettle

Stimulates the scalp, promotes hair growth, tones and nourishes the scalp, adds shine and softness to the hair shaft

Neem

Neem oil is used widely in India and Africa as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-parasitic agent in toiletries, soap, toothpaste and skin/hair care products. Neem oil can be used to get rid of lice and control dandruff and also to treat scabies and dandruff

Nutmeg

Helpful for arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, indigestion, sluggish digestion, nausea, low libido, neuralgia, nervous fatigue.

Oat Extract

Soothing and moisturising, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory to the skin and scalp, also used to help treat problem skin e.g. acne, pimples etc

Oatstraw

Soothing and anti inflammatory, useful for dry and itchy, sensitive skin or scalps.  Also conditions and revitalises the hair and can help with hair loss

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) and Butter

It is a good oil for skin care, especially dry skin.  It makes an excellent conditioner for hair and nails. Rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins and essential fatty acids

Olive Wax

Olive wax is an excellent moisturiser and also creates a protective barrier for the skin during harsh weather conditions

Orange

Acne, congested and oily skin, water retention, cellulite nervous tension & stress related symptoms, depression, insomnia, bronchitis, coughs and folds, indigestion, spasmodic pain

Palmarosa

Acne, dermatitis, scars, ageing skin, stimulates cellular regeneration, regulates sebum (oil) production of the skin, digestive complaints, nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions

Panthenol

Vitamin B-5) Natural hair thickener that helps give hair body and hold. An excellent hydrator, it helps nourish and strengthen the scalp and promote hair health. Also used as a natural skin hydrator, it is sometimes known as Pantothenic Acid.

Patchouli

Acne, athletes foot & other fungal infections, cracked and chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema (weeping), oily skin, open pores, mature skin and wrinkles, fluid retention, PMT, low libido, nervous and mental exhaustion, anger/frustration and stress related symptoms.

Phytokeratin

Wheat and Corn Protein which is able to penetrate all layers of the skin and hair due to its small molecular structure.  Will help to soften and smoothe the skin, add shine and strength to the hair, particularly useful for damaged, weak and fragile hair.

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifier for oil in water products such as spritzes

Roman Chamomile

Acne, sensitive, inflamed or irritated skin, chilblains, dermatitis, arthritis, inflamed joints, muscular pain, rheumatism, indigestion, scanty periods, menopausal symptoms, headaches, insomnia, nervous tension and stress related symptoms.

Rose

Dry, inflamed, sensitive, mature and ageing skin, eczema, broken capillaries, thread veins, scars,  asthma, anger, anxiety, depression, stress & nervous tension, grief, shock, headaches, pmt, heavy or painful periods, labour pain, menopausal symptoms.

Rose Geranium

Helpful for acne, broken capillaries, congested skin, dermatitis, eczema, oily skin, regulates sebum (oil) production, mature skin, burns and wounds, cellulite, poor circulation, PMT and menopausal symptoms, stress and nervous tension

Rose Powder

The powder is an essential ingredient in many face packs, hair packs, hair oils and perfumes because of its cooling properties and soothing fragrance. For centuries rose has been used in perfumes and as a coolant for eyes and body. It is also effective in curing skin infections, inflammation, swellings and prickly heat

Rose Water & Rose

Dry, inflamed, sensitive, mature and ageing skin, eczema, broken capillaries, thread veins, scars,  asthma, anger, anxiety, depression, stress & nervous tension, grief, shock, headaches, PMT, heavy or painful periods, labour pain, menopausal symptoms.

Rosehip Oil

Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It has natural anti-oxidant properties and is slightly astringent. Rosehip oil helps improve skin elasticity, regenerate skin cells, slow down premature aging, reduce the formation of wrinkles, stretch marks and reduces scarring. Rosehip oil is a suitable choice for maturing or damaged skin where the regeneration of new skin cells is needed.

Rosemary

Reputed to be useful for hair growth, clears dandruff, improves hair shine, helps relieve muscle and skeletal pain, increases circulation, stimulates physical energy levels, improves mental clarity

Safflower Oil

It has an exceptionally high linoleic acid content and is an excellent choice for the replenishment of moisture in skin creams and lotions. It is believed that safflower oil applied to the scalp works as a vasolidator which can dilate the blood vessels. It results in more nutrients supply to the hair follicles through blood circulation and creates the environment for hair regrowth

Sage Essential Oil and Herb

Reputed to be useful for hair growth, also for oily/congested skin, regenerating scar tissue through cuts or burns, reduces pain in muscles and joints, tonic to the digestive system, cleanses toxins, helps bring about greater mental clarity

Sandalwood Powder

Traditionally used in India for Facial Masks, helps to soothe and cool inflamed or irritated skin and so useful for sunburned skin and also for headaches which are due to a build of up of pressure and tension, where soothing and cooling is required.  Also helps to clear acne, spots and pimples, help with the signs of ageing skin.

Sea Salt

Stimulates circulation, hydrates & detoxifies the skin, increases moisture retention, promotes cellular regeneration and helps heal dry, irritated skin. Reduces inflammation of the muscles and joints, relaxes muscles and relieves pain and soreness when we bathe in sea salt.

Sea Silk

Hydrolysed Sea Vegetable Protein, which soothes the Scalp, adds strength, shine and suppleness to the hair.

Shea Butter

Moisturises, soothes, protects and retains the elasticity of the skin. Useful for dry, mature, cracked, irritated, sensitive and sore skin, stretch marks (prevention and to reduce appearance of), eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, skin damage caused by sun and extreme weather, scar tissue

Silk, Protein

(Hydrolysed)

Hydrolysed silk proteins are of low molecular weight, allowing them to penetrate deep into the skin and hair shaft. They have excellent water-binding properties and thus maintain moisture levels in the skin and hair. They help retain elasticity in the hair, improve strength and impart a soft and smooth feel to the skin and hair.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Ingredient which is derived from coconut oil and is used as a mild cleansing agent in shampoo’s, body washes etc, it also has slightly conditioning, moisturising properties

Soya bean Oil

Soybean oil contains approximately 60% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is also a good source of vitamin E. Can be used as an alternative to Grapeseed and sweet almond oil. Soya Bean is extremely high in Lecithin, Sterolins, and Vitamin E. has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils

Sunflower Oil

A moisturising & softening oil containing vitamins A, B, D & E, calcium, zinc, potassium, iron & linoleic acid. Aids cell regeneration and is highly recommended for mature or damaged skin

Sweet Almond Oil/Butter

Excellent for all skin and hair types, nourishing & protecting contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 & E it is well suited for eczema, psoriasis and itchy, dry and inflamed skin. Sweet almond oil is light and easily absorbed into the skin.

Tangerine

Acne, congested and oily skin, water retention, cellulite, nervous tension & stress related symptoms, depression, insomnia, bronchitis, coughs and colds, indigestion, spasmodic pain

Vitamin E

Highly moisturising, helps with acne, promotes wound healing and prevents scarring, useful for eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, reduces UV induced damage, protects against weather damage, also helpful to treat burns secondary to radiation therapy. Often used to prevent stretch marks on the abdomen.

White Kaolin

Gentle, cleansing clay which can be used for Facial or Hair Masks.  Contains a variety of essential minerals: potassium, iron, magnesium etc

Ylang Ylang Water & Essential Oil

Helps to regulate sebum (oil) production in both dry and oily skin, tones all skin types, high blood pressure, rapid breathing & palpitations, PMT, anger, frustration, depression and anxiety.