These ingredients are found within the items
we have. At times, we may put definitions with a
specific product and will not include them in this
list.
There may be ingredients not listed in what we have
but felt
it was good to mention them for reference.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Sea Extract
-
Moisturizing
complex from sea algae and phytoplankton. Comprised
of vital
skin nutrient proteins with key minerals, amino
acids and
vitamins.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol is derived through the fermentation of
starch, sugar and other carbohydrates. It can be
used to
extract and preserve botanicals. * Weleda uses
organic grain
alcohol cultivated in Italy. The alcohol is heated
and
distilled, which kills the wheat protein, known as
gluten.
Therefore, our alcohol is gluten-free.
Algin
- Derived from the sodium carbonate extracts of
brown
seaweed and natural acids, this gelatinous substance
serves
as a natural gel base and thickener for
formulations. Due to
its rich consistency and makeup, it also has a
moisture-preserving effect on the skin
Almond Meal
- The ground extract
of the
almond kernel, used in face masks.
Almond Oil or Sweet Almond Oil
-
Excellent
emollient high in oleic linoleic and other fatty
acids.
Ideal in the treatment of very dry, chapped skin.
Healing
and moisturizing, with a sweet, pleasant fragrance.
Almond
Oil is a classic oil of ancient Roman times. It was
used to
beautify the skin and treat injuries. Cultivated in
Southern
Europe, the Mediterranean countries and in
California, it is
known for having excellent penetrating properties,
nourishing and pampering skin. It is particularly
good for
dry, sensitive skin and remains beneficial
regardless of
skin type or age. Almond Oil is considered a high
priced oil
with each kernel containing up to 60 percent oleic
acid,
essential unsaturated fatty acids (about 25%),
sterolins
(from 0.5 to 1.0%) and Vitamin E (about 10
International
Units [IU] per ounce). Almond Oil was highly valued
by the
Egyptians for cosmetic purposes. It is known for its
mildness, has excellent shelf life and imparts a
soft feel
to creams and lotions. It is nearly odorless. It has
a
similar make-up to our skin's natural sebum (which
is the
oil produced by the skin to protect it) and it is
easily
absorbed. Sweet Almond Oil contains glucosides,
minerals,
and vitamins and is rich in protein.
Aloe
-
An extraordinary desert plant
containing hundreds of enzymes, minerals and
vitamins,
soothing and cool on the skin. Used to stabilize
Living
Nature flax extract.
A
rich
emollient known to promote healing to damaged or dry
hair
and skin. A natural sunscreen, soothing and
moisturizing.
Use for cuts, scratches, bruises sore or irritated
skin, for
burns, sunburns, X-ray burns.
Aloe Butter & Aloe Oil ( Oil /
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract) - Aloe butter is a
proprietary cosmetic "butter" developed exclusively
for
cosmetic purposes. Aloe butter is an extract of aloe
vera,
aloe barbadensis, and is wonderful in the fact that
you can
have all the benefits of aloe, without having the
preservatives that the FDA requires all liquid aloe
to
contain. Aloe oil is very similar, but it is blended
with
pure sweet almond oil so that it remains fluid at
room
temperature.
Ammonium Cocoyl
Isethionate -
The actual definition, from "Beauty To Die For" by
Judi
Vance, is: "Surfactant and cleaning agent, Extra
Gentle."
Treating the coconut oils with ammonium (NOT
ammonia) is an
expensive way to remove the nastiest, as opposed to
the
Sodium.
Annatto Extract
- From a tropical tree; imparts a natural
yellow-to-pink
color.
Ascorbyl Palmitate -
A salt of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Used as a
preservative
and antioxidant.
Apricot Kernel Oil
-
The fine persic oil
from the
fruit is very rich in Vitamin A, and helps improve
elasticity. Natural oil from apricot pits. An
emollient
similar in composition to almond oil, it has a
softening
effect on the skin. Helps to erase stretch marks and
wrinkles. Used in some of the creams and lipsticks.
Apricot
Oil
belongs to the so-called oleic-linoleic acid
(triglycerides)
group, all of vegetable origin, consisting mainly of
unsaturated fatty acid components. These groups of
oils are
probably the most widely used and the most adaptable
of all
fats and oils. They are premium edible oils and
because most
contain only relatively low levels of linoleic
(triunsatuated)
and the other highly unsaturated acids, they have
excellent
odor and color stability properties. Typical
examples:
Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, Avocado Oil, Corn Oil,
Cottonseed
Oil, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame
Oil, and
Sunflower Oil. Due to their emollient nature and
rapid
absorption into the skin, many of these Oils have
found
applications in cosmetic and toiletry formulations.
Consumer
interest in "natural" ingredients has successfully
promoted
the use of naturally occurring oils such as Apricot
Oil. All
the vegetable oils in the oleic-linoleic category
are
liquids. There are key differences between
oleic-linoleic
oils (vegetable oils), which affect their
properties, and
applications. Apricot Kernel Oil, for instance, is
lower in
saturated fatty acids than other vegetable oils, an
important consideration for cold temperature
stability of
clear solutions, such as bath oils. Apricot Kernel
Oil
offers numerous potential applications for skin
products due
to its occlusive properties and moisturizing by
preventing
excessive moisture loss through the epidermis. Its
smooth
feel, lubricity and emollient action makes it a
useful
addition to many cosmetic formulations. Apricot
Kernel Oil
also possesses a relatively dry non-greasy feel
making this
oil a "plus" for use in "natural" products.
Arnica
- One of the
most
widely used plants for its effect on the skins
surface
capillaries for bruising. It contains the same
constituents
as the New Zealand plant KOPATA.
Astaxanthin
-
Function: Astaxanthin, which is famous for making
wild
salmon look pink or red, traps more types of free
radical
molecules that are destructive to cells than
any other antioxidant. Astaxanthin is a strong
weapon in
the battle against free radicals and the many
age-related
diseases associated with them. Thus, it is used in
the most
effective anti-aging skin care creams and
supplements.
Characteristics: Astaxanthin is a red pigment
occurring
naturally in a wide variety of living organisms.
Most
crustaceans, including shrimp, crawfish, crabs and
lobster, are tinted red by accumulated astaxanthin;
the pink
flesh of healthy wild salmon is a clear
example. Benefits: Astaxanthin is a powerful biological antioxidant,
especially effective at preventing lipid
peroxidation, with
up to 500 higher efficacy than vitamin E, and up to
10 times
stronger than beta-carotene. Like other products of
wild
salmon such as DMAE, it is a common ingredient in
effective
anti-aging creams and supplements.
Avocado Oil
-
This oil is extracted directly
from
the dehydrated flesh of the avocado fruit, used for
its
lovely texture and softness on the skin. Easily
absorbed by
the skin, it is a good source of vitamins A D &
E, amino
acids and sterols. Known to accelerate healing,
recommended
for chronic eczema and other skin disorders.
Restorative.
Azulene Oil -
It is a part of the chamomile
essential oil
which is specifically produced by distillation.
Azulene is
particularly good for inflamed skin.
Babassu Oil - Is a very
rich oil pressed from the nut of Babassu Palm,
native to
South America. It is very skin-nourishing oil, that
softens
skin and makes it supple.
Benzoin Gum -
From the
plant
Styrax Benzoin, the gum has been used for centuries
as an
antiseptic and bacteriacide. A natural antioxidant
and it
has preservative properties. Promotes healing.
Beta Glucan - A free radical
scavenger agent, which protects and stimulates
specific skin
metabolism. Vegetable based ferment extract. Not
all B-Glucans
are alike either. The OE plant-based polysaccharide
is a
superior Poly B-1-3 Glucopyranose. Studies confirm
that it
makes skin more resilient; decreases the effects of
inflammation; has been compared to hydrocortisone;
helps
improve collagen synthesis dramatically; and
inhibits UV
damage and the appearance of skin aging.
Beeswax
-
Natural beeswax has been used for centuries in the
formulation of creams; a natural emulsifier, used in
our
creams and for its softness in our lipsticks.
Beeswax is the oldest
and
purest wax in the world. Beeswax is deep in color
consisting
of a rich, sweet, floral, honey aroma. At honey
harvest time
the honeycombs are carefully opened to allow for
honey to
drain from the comb. The bees seal the honey into
the combs
with wax "capping" placed over every cell filled
with honey.
This "capping" is removed at harvest and is used in
the
production of beeswax. It is typically uses as a
perfumery
base in a variety of products.
Bentonite
- See Stearalkonium Bentonite
Borage Oil
- An
anti-inflammatory,
soothing oil high in gamma-linolenic acid, highly
beneficial
to the skin. Increases the protecting function of
skin cells
and reinforces the skin as a protecting membrane.
Recommended in face oils for its rejuvenate power.
Keep
refrigerated.
Brassica Campetris/Aleurites
Fordi Plant Oil Copolymer - A conditioning agent
derived
from a vegetable oil; improves hair "comb through"
and
reduces static. A combination of two Chinese
botanicals
which are related to the mustard family.
Cajeput -
Reduces inflammations, good for sore muscles and
rheumatic
pains. Antispasmodic. Good for insect bites, oily
skin and
spots. Held in high regard in the East.
Calendula
- Known for its healing and analgesic properties.
Use for
burns, cuts, eczema, greasy skin, inflammations,
insect
bites, rashes and wounds, varicose veins. Otherwise
known as
Pot Marigold. Pot Marigold is an annual herbaceous
plant
approximately 10 to 20 inches in height. Pot
Marigold,
belonging to the Asteraceae family, has rough, hairy
and
ramous stem bearing alternate, whole or slightly
dentate
leaves. The flower heads are singular in dimension
with
yellow-orange flowers. The fruits are bristles with
thorns
on their dorsal side. The chemical composition of
the Pot
Marigold is fairly well known because it is a
well-studied
plant. Pot Marigold was very famous in folk medical
field
because of its sudorific and depurative properties,
used to
cure skin diseases, scrofulous affections, uterus
and the
congestion of abdominal viscera. It was also used
against
hysteria and various nervous illnesses due to its
antispasmodic virtues, including its stimulating and
antiscorbutic properties. Pot Marigold flowers are
sought
for a variety of medicinal values. As folk remedies,
it was
used as menstrual pain relief, especially when pain
was
accompanied by or the result of anemia. It is a very
efficient anti-infection product, which clean ups
and heals
skin diseases. Further, it is used in eye baths
against
ophtalmia as well as to dress burns and infected
wounds and
against various skin diseases such as acne,
impetigo,
ulcers, eczema, including corns and warts. Even in
pharmaceutical medicines of today, Pot Marigold is
used for
similar remedies. Pot Marigold permits faster
healing of
sores. It is used to clean small wounds (after soap
and
water cleaning), treatment of dermatological
disorders and
as protective treatment of cracks, scratches,
chapped skin
and insect bites, including sun burns, superficial
and not
extensive burns and rashes. Further, it is also used
for
temporary relief of sore throat and/or transient
huskiness.
Calophyllum
- An emollient derived from a tropical hardwood tree
in New
Zealand. This oil is known for its moisturizing,
therapeutic
and fragrant properties.
Camellia Oil or Virgin Camellia
Oil - Camellia is a Tea Tree from the mountains
in
South-East Asia. It is cultivated in western Japan
where
winters are cold and dry, blossoming all through
winter even
under the snow.
The Camellia Tea Tree or shrub grows to a height of
approximately 8m in the wild, but can be less than
2m high
when cultivated. Its evergreen leaves are silky and
soft
when very young and become tough and glabrous with
age. It
produces 1.5 to 2cm in diameter white flowers with 7
to 8
petals. The fruit is a capsule, which contains a big
oleaginous seed. The Japanese have always used
Camellia Oil
for skin care and essentially for hair and scalp
care. Women
from the island of Oshima where Camellias have
always been
very abundant are reputed to have the most beautiful
hair.
Camellia Oil can also be applied on the face, on the
neck
and on the hands, thus causing western women to be
jealous
of the "peach skin, the long and curved nails" of
Japanese
women. Camellia oil is also used in medicine where
it is an
excipient and in food, as a good dressing for salads
and as
fat for frying. With other oils, it makes the famous
Japanese fried dish called tempura. As a compound of
the
oily phase, Camellia Oil has excellent skin and hair
conditioning properties. It moreover presents skin
restructuring and moisturizing virtues and is also
used for
its nail strengthening property. Given these
properties, it
is a good active ingredient in:
- Nourishing
shampoos and lotions for dry, damaged and delicate
hair
and after-sun products for thin and normal hair
- Body
moisturizing after-sun milks
- Emollient
gels for around the eyes
- Softening
hand creams
- Nail
strengtheners
-
Restructuring creams for damaged skin
-
Moisturizing creams for dry skin
- Products
for normal and mature skin
Camellia
Oil
can be used in any cosmetic product as an active
principle
or as a carrier in the oily phase, without any
proportion
limit.
Candelilla Wax -
An
extract from the candelilla plant, used in our
lipsticks to
add body and for its low melting point.
Candida Bombicola
Extract -
Micro-plant that feeds and stimulates the skin's
natural
defense.
Canola - Very light and
odorless, and penetrates easily, a good massage oil
base.
Its high linoleic acid content prevents rancidity.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride -
Oily fatty acid made by combining glycerin with
caprylic and
capric acid. Derived from coconut oil. Used as a
vehicle to
disperse pigment.
Carnauba Wax -
Derived
from the
leaves of the Brazilian wax palm tree. Used as a
texturizer.
Used in our lipsticks to add body and for its low
melting
point.
Carrageenan
- Natural thickening agent.
Carrot Oleoresin -
An oil derived from
the seed
head, it is very rich in Vitamin A, and has a
wonderful warm
orange color. One of the richest oils available.
Rich in
beta carotene and vitamins A & E, highly
beneficial to hair
and skin. Topical application of this oil promotes
the
formation of new cells and stimulates the production
of
sebum in dry, scaly scalps and skin.
Carrot Oleoresin is an extraction of
cultivated
carrots into vegetable oil. Carrot is a member of
the
Umbelliferae family (also called the Parsley family)
of
chiefly biennial or perennial herbs of north
temperate
regions. Most umbelliferaes are characterized by
aromatic
foliage, a dry fruit that splits when mature, and an
umbellate inflorescence (a type of flattened flower
cluster
in which the stems of the small florets arise from
the same
point, like an umbrella). The seeds or leaves of
many of
these herbs have been used for centuries for
seasoning or as
greens. The common garden Carrot (Daucus carota
sativa) is a
root crop, probably derived from some variety of the
wild
Carrot. In antiquity several types of Carrot were
grown as
medicinals, and in Europe Carrots have long been
grown for
use in soups and stews. The custom of eating Carrots
raw as
a salad has become widespread in the 20th cent.
Carrots are
a rich source of Carotene (Vitamin A), especially
when they
are cooked. Several types of Carrot have also been
cultivated since ancient times as aromatic plants.
Some are
still planted as fragrant garden ornamentals, such
as the
button snakeroot and sweet cicely. Carrots are rich
in
B-Carotene (A pro-vitamin), a vitamin essential for
the
skin. The application of the A Pro-Vitamin in an
oily
solution, provides great penetration into skin
tissue.
Although, B-Carotene is essential for regular
treatment of
normal skins, it is also great for restoring
metabolic
disorders associated with dried skin. In both the
food and
cosmetic industries, the natural source of A
Pro-Vitamin or
as natural coloring.
Castor Oil -
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor
plant.
Castor oil is commonly used commercially in 50% of
lipsticks
in the United States. This is due to the fact that
it
creates a protective barrier on the skin and is very
soothing. Castor oil is part alcohol and part oil.
It is
mainly composed of ricinoleic acid (87%), a fatty
acid with
a unusual molecular structure. Also known as Palm
Christi
Oil.
Cedarwood, Red - Mild, sweet
and woody aroma. Antiseptic, eases respiratory
ailments. Use
for acne, dandruff, eczema, greasy hair, insect
repellent,
oily skin and psoriasis. Also good for arthritis,
rheumatism. Harmonizing and calming. Avoid during
pregnancy.
Cellulose Gums -
Used in the glucose derived polymers, but many
synthetic
versions are available. The long chains of molecules
form
gums and hold products together.
Centella
Asiatica
- also known in Western Culture as Gotu Cola
is acknowledged to have value in strengthening the
blood
vessels and thereby improving
circulation
Cetearyl Alcohol
- A mixture of fatty alcohols derived from
coconut oil
consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl
alcohols. Used
as emollients, thickeners and emulsion stabilizers.
Cetyl Alcohol
- A natural fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil
widely
used as an emollient and stabilizing agent in
conditioning
and moisturizing treatments (emulsions). Thickener
naturally
derived from waxy and crystalline solids. (This is
not an
ethyl or denatured alcohol solvent that penetrates
and
potentially damages the skin.)
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
- Derived from chlorophyl, this complex is a natural
colorant with a deodorizing effect.
Cholecaliciferol -
Natural Vitamin D3. An effective vitamin for
treating skin
disorders.
Chamomile
- Used to treat
problem skin
since ancient times for its sedative and emollient
properties. A softening agent for rough or irritated
skin.
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. Good for acne,
allergies,
boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, earache, eczema,
hair care,
inflammations, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin,
wounds.
Roman Camomile is used therapeutically and is golden
in
color. German Camomile has higher anti-inflammatory
properties due to its higher percentage of azulene,
giving
the oil an inky blue color. Pronounced calming
effect on the
mind and nervous system.
Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract
- Extraordinary herb that reduces signs of
inflammation and
is powerful against free radicals.
Cinnamon Bark, Cassia
- Strong,
spicy-warm
resinous aroma. Stimulant, antiseptic and an
aphrodisiac.
Best not used on skin, but as an aromatic.
Citric Acid -
Derived
from citrus fruit, it is used for balancing the pH
and for
preserving the product.
Citronella
- Fresh, powerful
lemon odor.
Antiseptic, deodorant, insect repellant.
Clary Sage
- Sweet & musky, ideal for
blending. Relieves
and heals most skin irritations; eases respiratory
ailments,
relieves aches and pains. Euphoric; relaxing &
regulating. A
special emphasis on women's diseases.
Clay Hallosite - The
exfoliating process is one of
the most essential parts of any skincare regime. The
removal
of dead cells and debris enables nutrients to be
absorbed
more readily into the skin. Hallosite clay is a
unique
ingredient that Suzanne Hall, maker of Living
Nature,
researched while running the laboratory at New
Zealand China
Clays. Situated at Matauri Bay in the Bay of Islands
New
Zealand, the clay is of the whitest in the world. It
has a
specific structure which forms a molecular sieve,
specifically absorbing toxins and heavy metals and
in fact
makes an excellent water filter. It attracts
ionically
(magnetically on a molecular level) and gently draws
the
toxins out of the upper layers of the skin, while
also
acting like a poultice and drawing fresh lymph and
blood to
the area. In a similar way to how the skin goes red
in toxic
areas during a massage, often the skin will also
respond
with red patches where the blood has brought fresh
oxygen to
the cells and removed waste and the lymph has
brought fresh
white blood cells to fight infection particularly
noted in
acne skin types.
Clove Oil - Analgesic,
antiseptic and anti-irritant, this oil is known to
reduce
the pain of toothaches, arthritis and rheumatism.
Good for
acne, athlete's foot, bruises, burns and an insect
repellent.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Chelates with oxygen and produces bubbles. The
"propyl" in
the name refers to the three-carbon chain, which
holds the
unit together.
Cocoa Butter
- A super emollient that softens and
protects
chapped, dry skin. It softens pregnant skin and
helps to
erase stretch marks, aids in the treatment of skin
irritations, and is used to soften and erase
wrinkles on
neck, around eyes and at the corners of the mouth.
An
acnegenic substance to some. Cocoa Butter is the
solid fat
expressed from the roasted seed of the cocoa seed
AKA
beans. However, is extensively cultivated in almost
all
tropical countries. Cocoa Butter is mainly used as a
thickening agent in cosmetics and is a by-product
from the
manufacturing of cocoa and chocolate. It is solid at
room
temperature and contains about 5 IU of Vitamin E per
ounce.
It is well absorbed by the skin and can be used with
all
natural oils. Cocoa Butter leaves a sheen on the
skin and is
commonly used for night creams and lotions. Cocoa
Butter can
promote acne and is not recommended for oily skin.
Cocoa
Butter is highly protective and acts as a water
repellant.
It contains about 5 IU of vitamin E per ounce.
Coco Glucoside -
Anionic surfactant, very mild and skin-friendly,
derived
from coconut oil and fruit sugar. In hair care
products it
smoothes hair structure to improve manageability.
Coconut Oil - (Cocos
nucifera) Coconut oil is
expressed from coconut kernels. Coconut is solid at
temperatures below 76 degrees. This highly saturated
fat
contains twice the heavy fats as lard. Coconut oil
has a
great sapponification ability, meaning that it
produces a
lot of foaming/lather action when used in soaps.
Wonderfully
emollient for the skin and has cooling properties.
Coffee Extract or Green
Coffee Extract - Coffee
Extract is the product obtained when extracted,
purified and
crystallized out of green Coffee. It is a natural
phenolic
acid found in many vegetables. As a natural molecule
extracted of vegetables, it is an appealing
alternative or
complementary to synthetic UV-B sunscreens because
of its
solubility, its outstanding tolerance on skin and
its very
large absorption spectrum.
It works well on skin
because
it forms weak bonds with the membranary proteins. It
has the
non-negligible property of being partially oil
soluble which
increases its sunscreen activities. Therefore, it
may be
added to sunscreen formulations in order to increase
the Sun
Protecting Factor (SPF).
Comfrey - An anti-inflammatory
known for its healing and emollient properties. It
is also a
source of mucopolysaccharides and allantoin, used in
skin
treatments. A cell proliferant that regenerates
aging
tissues with continued use.
Corn Extracts -
Used in various extracts from corn to emulsify the
products
and as humectants.
Coenzyme
Q-10
- Also known as Ubiquinone. Made naturally in the
body
Cypress
- Used for menopausal
problems, excessive perspiration, circulatory
conditions,
rheumatism, nervous tension. Astringent. Good for
hemorrhoids and varicose veins. An insect repellent.
Cyclomethicon - It is a form of silica. It helps
as an
emolliant, and to "stay put" sort of ingredient on
the skin.
No known toxicity.
Decyl Glucoside
- Mildest and most effective cleansing agent,
derived from
corn and vegetable glycerin.
Dexapanthenol - simply the chemical name for
Vitamin B-5
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) -
DMAE is a nutrient found in high concentrations in
fish,
such as wild salmon. It has been demonstrated that
DMAE
causes some degree of skin firming
or tightening which is why it is often found in
anti-aging
skin care products. In a number of studies, DMAE
has been
shown to reduce age-related
decline in cognitive ability and memory, and hence
has been
referred to as brain food by those who study it. It
was also
found to modestly increase life span
of laboratory animals. Characteristics:
DMAE inhibits and reverses the cross-linking of
proteins and
removes lipofuscin from the skin, which allows for
skin
firming. DMAE - like other products of wild salmon
such as
Astaxanthin - in conjunction with the antioxidants
Vitamin C
Ester and alpha lipoic acid can have a profound
effect on
skin health and vitality, including delaying aging
and liver
spots. Benefits:
Skin firming is as important for facial rejuvenation
as any
other facet of skin care, and the brain-beauty
connection (DMAE
is often called brain food) is an important reason
to
consider using DMAE.
Emu Oil
- A natural essential
oil,
emu oil replenishes and moisturizes the skin with a
deep
penetration. Its ultimate therapeutic properties
help soothe
muscles and joints.
Emulsifying Wax (T-Wax) - is used to make stable
blends of oil and water. It is usually obtained from
plant-based fatty acids found in fixed oils.
Esculin
-
This natural component of the Horse Chestnut tree
can be
found in the bark and leaves. It acts as a superb
tanning-agent and used in oral care to prevent
against
cavities and tooth decay.
Essence - An Essential Oil extract
that has the fundamental properties of a substance
in
concentrated form; a perfume or scent.
Eucalyptus
- Antiseptic and
antibacterial, this fragrant oil is used in
cleansers,
massage formulations and bath oils for its
antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory properties and its cooling,
soothing
effect on the skin and scalp. Antispasmodic. Used
for
respiratory diseases. Eucalyptus is an evergreen
tree native
to Australia and Tasmania. However, the tree is
cultivated
worldwide in Europe, North America and South
America. Mr.
Ramel first introduced the Eucalyptus tree in Europe
in
1860, as a method of drying up the swampland in the
south of
France. The underground water was soaked up quickly,
due to
the long roots of the Eucalyptus tree. Today,
Eucalyptus
Oil is used for its medicinal benefits. The
Eucalyptus
leaves are used for the essential oils contained and
are
responsible for the balsamic and bacteriostatic
properties.
The essential oil has antiseptic and expectorant
properties
(Eucalyptol). The leaves are hypoglycemic and
contain a
substance known as Tannin, which has detoxifying
activity as
far as the diphteric and tetanic toxins are
concerned. The
old leaves are used primarily as they contain more
of the
active principles than the young ones. Both
Eucalyptus Oil
and Eucalyptol are extensively used as expectorants
and/or
flavoring agents in cold and cough medicines,
traditionally
for acute bronchial disorders and in nasal
congestion. The
dried and crushed leaves are recommended to treat
asthma.
Eucalyptus can also be used against intestinal
parasites and
to disinfect wounds and burns.
Evening Primrose Oil
- High in essential fatty acids, a source of
gamma-linolenic
acid . Astringent and sedative, it is an excellent
treatment
for dry, flaky skin and skin prone to eczema. Keep
refrigerated.
Fennel -
An antibacterial with a slight "tightening" action
on the
skin. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, essential
fatty
acids highly beneficial to the skin. Good for
bruises, dull,
oily, mature complexions, cellulite and rheumatism.
Ferric
Ferrocyanide - is it a mineral? It's really
neither, but
closer to iron oxide than mica. The chemical formula
is
Fe7(CN)18(H2O)x where 14 ≤ x ≤ 16. Another name for
it
is Prussian Blue or Berlin Blue. It is a blue
pigment.
Despite the cyanide ion, it is non toxic because the
cyanide
groups are tightly bound. It is impermeable to the
plasma
membrane.
Flax
(Harakeke) - Living
Nature
uses several varieties of the native New Zealand
flax. The
gel, which exudes from the leaves, contains many of
the same
enzymes as Aloe Vera, and D-glucronic acid and
D-xylose,
both great for burns. The extract is also
antiseptic. Flax
was an extremely useful plant to the Maori in the
olden
days. It was used to provide clothing, ropes and
cords,
fishing nets and lines, baskets, mats, wall hangings
and
panels. The flax sap has antiseptic, mild
anaesthetic and
blood clotting qualities. The base of the leaves was
applied
to broken boils, tumours or abscesses to bring them
to a
head. The boiled liquid was taken by the Maori to
relieve
constipation while the boiled roots were used as a
poultice
for abscesses and varicose ulcers. The juice from
the
pounded root was a purgative and used to destroy and
expel
parasitic worms. Applied externally the flax gel
cured
ringworm and skin irritations. The red jelly
substance found
at the leaf base was used to treat burns, scalds and
areas
of rheumatic or associated pains.
- 1848
The
gum is invaluable as an application to burns,
wounds and
old sores. (Taylor)
- 1857
Flax
gum (pia harakeke) was extensively used. A
European who
came to Otago in 1857 told me that following Maori
example
he used flax gum for cuts, binding it round with
whitau
(dresses flax) and that he found it very
efficacious.
(Roberts)
- 1873
The
gum of the Phormium is invaluable for severe
burns, scalds
and wounds. (Reed/Brett)
- 1885
A
simple remedy for ringworm on calves is flax gum
plastered
on with the finger. (New Zealander)
- 1899
The
gum in its chemical characters and physical
properties
resembles gum arabic. It has a distinct alkaline
reaction.
It is used in diarrhoea, and as a dressing for
wounds and
burns. (Goldie)
- 1929
Cuts
and cracked skin. Apply gum from flax to affected
area. (Ahuriri)
- 1952
The
gum is an excellent cure for minor cuts, scratches
and
cracked hands. When smeared over the wound it
formed an
impervious covering, thus protecting the wound
from
bacterial attack. It was extensively used by the
old Maori
for burns. (Mead)
Frankincense
- An oil derived from the frankincense tree; used
for its
frangrance as well as its clarifying properties
Geranium Oil
- An antifungal and antibacterial, sometimes also
used as a
fragrance. Used for acne, bruises, broken
capillaries,
burns, congested skin, cuts, dermatitis, eczema,
oily and
mature skin, mosquito repellent. An immunostimulant.
Good
for depression, nervous tension.
Ginger - A stimulant and
anti-irritant, its warming, soothing properties are
very
beneficial to the skin. Sometimes used as a
fragrance. An
excellent ingredient for bath oils and other
cosmetics.
Analgesic.
Glucosamine HCI - It
is an important building block needed by the body to
manufacture specialized molecules called
glycosaminoglycans,
found in cartilage. It can come from the shells of
shrimp, lobster, and crab, or may be synthesized
(not in the
product we offer however).
Glucose Oxidase
- Sugar enzyme used as a natural preservative.
Glycerin - Colorless,
odorless, sweet-tasting, syrupy liquid. It absorbs
water
from the air; this property makes it valuable as a
moistener
in cosmetics. Glycerol is present in the form of its
esters
(glycerides) in all animal and vegetable fats and
oils.
Glyceryl Dioleate
- An oil fraction of soy and palm oils. It regulates
the
texture and consistency of the product, and tends to
soften
and smoothen the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
- Emulsifier derived from vegetable glycerin;
contains
sodium and potassium. Used to assist in emulsifying
natural
oils in a water base.
Glycolipids -
Vegetable derived from glycerin and
plant oils to moisturize skin.
Golden Seal
- Recommended for eczema. It is
astringent
and a tonic, reduces toxins. Do not use internally
if you
are pregnant.
Grapefruit
- A tonic for depression and an aid
in drug
withdrawal. Good for acne, congested and oily skin,
tones
the skin and tissues. Good for cellulite.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Grapefruit Extract(GSE)
is made
by first converting grapefruit seeds and pulp into a
very
acidic liquid. A natural preservative. It was
discovered by Jacob Harich while eating a grapefruit
for
breakfast one morning in France and savoring its
taste.
The extremely bitter taste of the seed interrupted
his
enjoyment of breakfast but also prompted him to
wonder,
'What makes it so bitter?' Today it is becoming the
disinfectant and sanitizing agent of choice for many
hospitals and clinics throughout the United States.
In the
laundry, GSE ensures that the linen is fungi and
bacteria
free. As little as 10 - 15 drops of GSE added to the
final
rinse does the trick. Hospitals have also added GSE
to their
carpet shampooers. It is reported that, ten to
fifteen drops
in the reservoir per gallon is effective in killing
Staph,
Strep, Aspergillus, Salmonella and many other
pathogenic
organisms which are present in hospital carpets.
Grapefruit Seed Extract at higher concentrations is
used for
sterilizing and disinfecting operating rooms and
other
areas. Ordinary concentrations used equate to around
300 ppm,
while operating rooms and similiar applications
frequently
use grapefruit seed extract at concentrations as
high as 1%.
Recent News:
wkyc.com news /
Grapeseed
extract seen as powerful antioxidant. According to
new
studies, it also helps prevent dementia, keeps the
heart
healthy and cures some infections. It works because
it’s a powerful antioxidant.
Grapeseed Oil
- Very light and odorless, it absorbs
easily
through the skin. Grapeseed oil is rich in
vitamins,
minerals, linoleic acid and other essential fatty
acids
which help strengthen tissue cells and help preserve
the
natural moisture of the skin. It is a good, light,
slightly
astringent, penetrating oil for massage and
aromatherapy
uses. Use in lotions, creams, lip balms, eye creams,
soaps
and special formulations intended for dry, damaged
or aging
skin. If you are looking for cold pressed grapeseed
oil,
please see our Skin Oils Page.
Gum
Benzoin - Benzoin gum is a balsamic resin
obtained
from the tropical Sumatran and Thailand trees genus
of
Styrax Benzoin. The trees do not normally produce
the resin
or any substance comparable to it until infliction
of a
sufficient wound. The trunk of the tree is hacked
with an
axe and the liquid Benzoin is left to accumulate and
harden
at the base until gathered. The gum is used to
prevent
fungal growth and is well accepted by the Food and
Drug
Administration (FDA) as a food grade anti-fungal.
Benzoin is
effective under both acidic and alkaline conditions
where
parabens are known to lose their effectiveness. Used
externally as a tincture, Benzoin is an antiseptic
and mild
stimulant for irritable skin. Internally taken as a
diuretic
and carminative as it rapidly absorbs into the
system. The
gum has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and
bactericide.
Halloysite Clay -
A
beautiful fine white clay from Matauri Bay in New
Zealand. A
fine cell structure, which acts as a molecular
sieve.
Hazelnut Oil
- Moisturizing and
nourishing. Hazelnut Oil, when refined, is clear and
bright,
with virtually no odor or flavor, obtained by the
refining
of crude Hazelnut Oil. Hazelnut Oil, a stable oil,
is known
for its remarkable diffusion and penetration powers.
It is
highly recommended for products, such as natural
cosmetics
and perfumes that need to contain active agents that
will
penetrate and does not have a "greasy feel".
Hazelnut Oil,
slightly astringent, is easily absorbed by the skin
and is
ideal for oily or combination skins and acne. It
helps tone,
tighten and maintain firmness and elasticity of the
skin. It
also helps to strengthen capillaries and encourages
cell
regeneration and aids to stimulate circulation.
Cosmetic
Uses:
- Beauty
creams and milks
- Creams
for
the hands
- Cleansing
products
- Sun
oils
and creams
- Massage
oils
- Lipsticks
- Foaming
bath
Hectorite -
Magnesium-aluminum-silicate clay compound that forms
gel
texture which stabilizes and thickens product
emulsions.
Traditional surfactant-free cleanser for hair and
skin.
Henna - see our
Hair Color page for
information
Honey Manuka -
This honey is gaining
international recognition for its natural
antibiotics,
minerals, enzymes and vitamins. Its healing
properties are
phenomenal, especially with eczema. See Manuka.
Hops
- Antimicrobial and sedative, it calms, tones and
softens
the skin.
Hyaluronic
Acid (HA) -
Some want to refer to it as the Fountain of Youth
for our
millennium. I'll just say it has a very good effect
on the
skin. Hyaluronic acid is normally found in great
quantities in youthful skin under 30. Over time,
free
radicals destroy hyaluronic acid in our skin and by
50-years-old we possess half of the Hyaluronic Acid
than in
our youth. Unlike
collagen, hyaluronic acid is extremely hydrophilic
(loves
water) and can absorb… 1000 times its weight in H2O
!
Normally used in concentrations of
0.001%-0.05% in preparations for visible
effectiveness.
Devita Natural Skin Care uses no less than 1.00%
Hyaluronic
Acid in its products! Traditionally, the source of
Hyaluronic Acid for many companies is an animal
source… A
Scandinavian company has created a “Probiotic,”
non-animal-based hyaluronic acid through a process
of
bacterial fermentation, extraction, and
purification. This
product is the only source of Hyaluronic Acid in
Devita
Natural Skin Care Products. This same process is
used for
our elastin and collagen ingredients. Hyaluronic
Acid
then, works as a water 'reservoir' for skin cells,
making it
a great ingredient to use under your favorite creams
to help
them work better, and will even work for people in
the
driest atmosphere as it adds moisture in any
climate.
Hyaluronic Acid was originally used in hospitals as
part of
delicate eye surgery. When the eye is left open for
prolonged periods (as in surgery), it rapidly loses
moisture. One drop of a diluted Hyaluronic Acid
applied to the eye before surgery solved the lack of
moisture problem. It has also been used for wound
healing to
prevent scar tissue from adhering to bandages, for
injection
into arthritic joints to relieve stiffness and other
symptoms, and even in developing a new
contraceptive.
Hydrogenated Palm
Glyceride - Obtained from
the
fruit or seed of the palm tree.
Hydrolyzed Sweet
Almond Protein - From
whole
almonds; sugars, proteins, lipids, for a synergistic
effect.
Hydroxymethylcellulose
- a form of
the
familiar polysacharide cellulose, treated with heat
to make
it more soluble in water. Cellulose <http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/sugars.html>
is a long chain made of the sugar glucose. Source:
Fruit
Irish
Moss (chondrus crispus) - Irish Moss is a
reddish-brown perennial thallophyte or seaweed (a
source of
Carragheen or Carrageen) common at low tide on all
the
shores of the North Atlantic, especially Ireland,
all year
round. It is remarkable for its extreme variability,
the
difference being mainly due to the great diversity
in the
width of the segments. The mucilage present in this
plant
is used in large quantities by the food industry to
make
jellies, or aspic and to be used as a smooth binder.
This
very property is the basis of its use in digestive
conditions where a Demulcent is called for, such as
gastritis and ulcers, including kidney and bladder
affections. However, its main use is in respiratory
problems
such as coughs or bronchitis. For cosmetics it is
used as
an emulsifier and/or thickening additive and a skin
softener.
Iron Oxides -
Iron oxide's are iron combined with oxygen, and can
be found
in nature or produced synthetically. It varies in
color from
red to brown, black to orange or yellow depending on
the
degree of water and the purity. In more detail:
Known
commonly as rust, derives naturally from hermatite, a
reddish brown iron oxide mineral. Natural iron
oxides
include a combination of one or more ferrous or
ferric
oxides, and impurities such as manganese and clay.
Used in
our cosmetics to naturally colour, the pigments of
iron
oxide are also used in plastic surgery by implanting
pigments in the middle layer of the skin or dermis.
Japanese Honeysuckle
- Lonicera Japonica; natural preservative, from
Malaysia and
the Far East. Has been part of the Chinese
pharmacopeia and
has been used for asthma and candida infections
among other
things.
Japan Wax - A fat squeezed
from the fruit of a tree grown in Japan and China.
Used as a
substitute for beeswax.
Jojoba Ester -
Oir-free, non-comedogenic, non-toxic,
non-irritating;
improves skin texture and creates a barrier to
reduce
moisture loss. See Jojoba Oil.
Jojoba Oil
- This rich extract helps the jojoba
desert
plant retain water during the long summer drought.
It acts
as a humectant and creates a protective film over
the skin
and hair shaft that helps keep moisture in. Does not
go
rancid, so it is a good base oil for aromatherapy
blends.
Jojoba Oil is cold pressed from the nuts of the
jojoba tree.
The jojoba tree is cultivated in California,
Arizona, Mexico
and Israel. Jojoba is pronounced Ho Ho Ba. Native
Americans
have been using jojoba for centuries. The first
record of
jojoba is from 1701, used to treat sores, cuts,
burns, as a
conditioner and for all over skin and hair
treatments.
Jojoba is technically not an oil, but a liquid wax
ester
with a long unsaturated carbon chains. Chemically it
resembles sperm whale oil or spermaceti oil. It was a
popular ingredient in creams. In the 1970's the
United
States (gratefully) banned all sperm whale products
because
they were contributing to the extinction of sperm
whales. In
1977 domestic commercial jojoba oil cultivation
began
because it is the natural substitute for spermaceti,
which
in other cases has been replaced by synthetic
products.
Jojoba esters are composed of straight chain
alcohols. The
acid and the alcohol portions have 20 or 22 carbon
atoms and
one unsaturated bond. It resembles human sebum; the
natural
coating our body produces to protect the skin and
keep it
supple. Jojoba is pure skin and hair therapy - our
skin
loses sebum with age, sun, wind, cold, and the
environment
and jojoba adds a protective conditioner to make up
for
these depleting factors. It contains protein,
minerals and a
waxy substance that mimics collagen. Jojoba is
perfect for
any skin type it has a large molecular structure.
Jojoba can
help dry or oily skin. If your skin has an over
production
of sebum, jojoba oil will dissolve clogged pores and
restore
the skin to its natural pH balance. The reason
jojoba oil
works so well is that it actually penetrates the
skin
because it is accepted as sebum. Although jojoba
oil is
very expensive it does have a long shelf life; it
will never
break down or go rancid, which makes it a much
healthier
choice for you, the consumer, to use. Jojoba is
expensive
because it can take up to1200 trees to get one pound
of
jojoba nuts, which have a 50% yield of oil. Because
jojoba
has very little scent it works as a wonderful
natural
perfume base. Jojoba is not greasy and absorbs right
into
the skin. JMC Technologies has conducted scientific
research
proving that jojoba can increase skin softness by up
to 37%,
it reduces superficial lines and wrinkles up to 25%
upon
application and up to 11% after 8 hours. Jojoba oil
is
hypoallergenic and pure!
Juniper - Good for acne, oily
complexions, hair loss, dermatitis, eczema, general
weariness and nervous fatigue. Antispasmodic.
Fortifies the
memory, calming.
Kaolin - China Clay. A
hydrated aluminum silicate used for its covering
ability.
Generally, these clays are used in facial masks to
absorb
excess facial oil.
Kelp
- A seaweed high in iodine
and
vitamins A B-complex, C and E. A skin nutrient,
soothing and
toning.
Kopata -
A wild weed that
grows in
coastal areas of New Zealand. Works on the skin
surface
capillaries for bruising. Almost the same structure
as
Arnica.
Kukui Nut Oil (Kukui Oil) -
Kukui Oil comes from the nuts of the Kukui Tree in
Hawaii.
People are just recently discovering the amazing
dermal
healing properties of the Kukui Nut Oil, known by
the native
Hawaiians for generations. Kukui Nut Oil contains
vitamins
A, E, F. These nutrients help to revitalize and
restore the
skin's normal activity. Because of the high content
of
linoleic and linolenic acids, it is rapidly absorbed
into
the skin and leaves no grease-like feel. Regular use
helps
to rejuvenate and soften deteriorated, dry, lifeless
skin.
It can also be used topically for hemorrhoids and
many skin
disorders such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. For
people
with active life styles with regular exposure to the
sun,
Kukui Nut Oil can help to counteract the sun's
harmful
effects. Kukui Oil is found to have remarkably low
toxicity
as indicated from acute studies performed according
to FDA
and EPA protocols. Like the Hawaiians, the rest of
the world
may soon experience the natural skin nourishing
benefits of
Kukui Nut Oil.
Kumerahou -
Known as gum diggers
soup, it
is a versatile plant that is used extensively
internally for
asthma. Contains flavonols, quercetin, kaempferol
and
ellagic acids.
Lactoperoxidase
- Milk enzyme used as a natural preservative.
See also Glucose & Glucose Oxidase.
Lanolin - The oils obtained
from the wool of sheep, used as an absorption base
in
moisturizers and hair products. See Wool Wax. Let
me
be clear. This is not all Lanolin. This is for
the lanolin that is called Wool Wax. There is a
difference. In Europe, wool wax has the reputation
of
purity. It means that there is no herbicides,
pesticides or de-worming agents present. So unless
the
company verifies with you the purity of the lanolin,
pass it
up.
Lauryl Glucoside
- Environmentally friendly, cleansing agent made
from
natural coconut oil and corn.
Lauryl Lactate
-
emollient. Any salt derived from lactic acid
Lavender Oil
- Has sedative and antiseptic
properties.
Penetrating, herbaceous, clean fragrance that blends
well.
Relieves and heals skin irritations (abscess, acne,
dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis). Good for burns,
sunburns,
wounds and insect bites. Reduces inflammation in
arthritis
and rheumatism. Calming; antidepressant, promotes
clarity,
enhances intuition, soothing, balancing. Helps
normalize all
skin conditions. Good for headaches and sinuses. An
insect
repellent.
Lecithin - A vegetable extract
high in natural fatty acids.
Lemon Oil - Has antioxidant
and antibacterial, antiseptic properties. Used in
cosmetics
for its clean, pleasant fragrance. Stimulating
tonic,
alleviates oily skin. Astringent, checks excessive
perspiration. A tissue toner, good for cellulite.
Energizing; clears mind; depression reliever,
refreshing,
strengthening. Possible dermal irritation in some
individuals - use with care.
Lemon Grass
- An antimicrobial and analgesic with
antioxidant properties. Improves circulation and
digestion.
Uplifting. An insect repellent. Good for cellulite.
Lime
- Used
as an
astringent, tonic and for anxiety and depression.
Pronounced
fragrance. Expressed peel oil is phototoxic, but
whole fruit
oil is not. See lemon oil.
Linalool and
Limonene
- these are natural occurring compounds within the
essential
oils we use, by law we now have to list these on the
label.
In pure form some people can have an allergic
reaction to
them. We are not adding these to the product they
occur in
things like the Lavender oil or citrus oils and have
always
been in our products. (please note that Living
Nature does
not add additional linalool and limonene).
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