We originally started this glossary of skin care and cosmetic ingredients to provide our customers and site visitors with a listing and description of all the ingredients used in our natural source skin care products. That information can now be found in our store on each product and also on our hair, body and skin care products list.

In the course of our research on natural ingredients for cosmetics products and skin care, particularly herbs and botanicals, it was clear there was not a lot of information available in one location on the web regarding their use in natural skin care. We decided to expand our listing to include herbs, essential oils and other natural skin care ingredients whether or not we use them in our products. The desire is to have a resource for anyone that may need general information about herbs and other natural ingredients and most importantly their application in skin care. We continually add new ingredients on a monthly basis so if you don't find something here today check back with us often.
 
Allantoin (Ureidohydantoin – Comfrey):
A non-toxic crystal created by the oxidation of uric acid. Has the ability to help heal wounds, sores and stimulates the growth of healthy tissue. Allantoin is a skin softener and an anti-irritant, which inhibits allergic type responses. Allantoin is healing, moisturizing, soothing and anti-irritating. It is a valuable cell-proliferating healing agent which stimulates healthy tissue formation.

Aloe Vera Gel/Juice (Aloe barbadensis juice):
Expressed from the Aloe Vera plant which are found mainly in sunny climates. The leaves store large amounts of water. Aloe Vera improves hydration, is soothing and healing to all skin types. Chemical analysis has shown the presence of mucopolysacharides, a natural moisturizing factor. Aloe Vera is composed of water, the enzymes catalase and cellulose, minerals, calcium, aluminum, iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, 20 amino acids and carbohydrates. Aloe Vera also contains the “youth mineral” potassium. Has renowned healing properties, anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin and help heal cuts, grazes, burns and insect bites. Its active constituents actually speed healing by accelerating tissue repair and encouraging normal cell growth. These properties make it ideal for use in skin care and cosmetic preparations on sunburns, acne, dermatitis, and otherwise sensitive and irritated skin. Aloe Vera has also recently been hailed for its anti-aging effect on skin.
 
Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thiocitic Acid):
Alpha Lipoic Acid is often called the universal antioxidant. It is both fat and water soluble and can cross any membrane in the body, including blood-brain matter. Consequently, Alpha Lipoic Acid can protect the integrity of the cell membrane as well as offset cell stress. Alpha Lipoic Acid also promotes mitochondrial activity to help keep your body and tissues young. It is proven to shrink pores, reduce under eye puffiness, and erase fine lines and wrinkles, while improving circulation and brightening your overall complexion. We use it in some of our skin rejuvenation formulas.
 
Alkanet Root – Infused Oil (Anchusa officinalis):
Used as a natural skin care colorant in some of our creams and lotions but the herb is also an emollient that is soothing and softening to the skin.

Amino Acids:
Are the building blocks of protein. Your body is primarily made of protein. And protein in turn, is made up of chains of amino acids. What distinguishes all amino acids is that they all have a group, (amine group), made of 1 atom of nitrogen & 2 atoms of hydrogen (NH2). The 20 amino acids are alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.
 
Annatto Seed- Infused Oil (Bixa orelana):
Used as a natural skin care colorant in some of our lotions and creams. The oil is made by infusing Annatto seeds in Olive oil.

Antioxidant:
Substances that neutralize the effects of free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can attack human cells and their DNA.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic:
This is an organic un-pasteurized, all natural vinegar, made from fermented apples. Fermented vinegars have been used in body care for over 5,000 years, and with good reason. We use Apple Cider Vinegar in some of our facial tonic recipes to restore the skin’s natural ph balance, and to cleanse and disinfect acne-prone skin. Unlike the alcohol used in most commercial skin care skin toners, Apple Cider Vinegar will not irritate sensitive skin, or over strip skin of beneficial oils.
 
Apricot Kernel Amino Acids:
All natural plant based moisturizer. Hygroscopic and substantive to skin and hair and is able to penetrate cuticle. Moisturizes and softens hair and improves hair manageability. Increases skin moisture.
 
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca):
Cold pressed from the kernel of the apricot fruit, this is a nice light but rich oil high in oleic and linoleic acids. It’s especially good for mature skin, sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed or dry.

Arbutin (Hydroquinone-beta-D-glucopyranoside):
A naturally occurring beta-D-glucopyranoside derivative of HQ (hydroquinone) bound to glucose. Arbutin can inhibit melanogenesis by affecting the activity of tyrosinase rather than killing melanocytes and decreasing the synthesis of melanin. Arbutin executes its activity by mimicking the amino acid tyrosine, the usual substrate of tyrosinase. Arbutin exist naturally in many plants.

Arginine:
A non essential amino acid that is extremely useful in enhancing the immune system. It is involved in the skin and connective tissue making it important in the healing and repair of tissue as well as the formation of collagen and the building of new bone and tendons.

Arnica (Arnica montana/flowers) also called Leopards bane:
The plant contains many chemical compounds, including oils and fatty acids. Arnica, which has some immunostimulatory activity, contains a group of polysaccharides that can modify the immune response. Poultices and ointments have been used topically to treat skin inflammation, acne, bruises, sprains, blunt injuries, and rheumatic muscle and joint problems.

Astragalus Root Powder, Extract and Herb, Organic (A. membranaeceus):
Astragalus is an antioxidant and has been shown to promote cell proliferation and survival. It inhibits free radical production, increases superoxide dismutase and decreases lipid peroxidation making it an excellent ingredient for anti-aging and antioxidant support products. Astragalus is an adaptagen and is usually used in conjunction with other herbs such as ginseng and echinacea.

Avocado Oil - unrefined (Persea Americana):
This highly therapeutic oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 Panthothenic acid, vitamin D and E, protein, lecithin and fatty acids. It’s a very good nutrient for dry skin and eczema. Highly compatible with human skin, this oil also offers some natural UV ray protection.

Azelaic Acid:
A natural material produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin, Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale). Azelaic acid has many uses in skin care, it is used as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne and is useful for both comedonal and inflammatory acne. It is antibacterial - reduces the growth of bacteria in the follicle (p acne and staphylococcus epidermis). It is a scavenger of free radicals and helps to reduce pigmentation. It is particularly useful for darker skinned individuals that may have acne dark spots or melasma who may be sensitive to other skin lightening ingredients such as HQ. Azelaic acid is non-toxic and is well tolerated by most individuals. However, those with very sensitive skin or who suffer from eczema, may find it irritating to apply.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases of any kind.