Glossary
The general rule of thumb used to be – if you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it in your hair. Well, we are here to tell you not all hard to pronounce ingredients are made the same
Useful Terminology
Emollient
Ingredients in skin care products that soothe dryness or irritation.
Emulsifier
Any ingredient that helps keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in an emulsion
Humectant
A substance that draws water into the skin, hair, or nails. In the skin, this may come from the deeper layers, or from the air if it is humid enough. Humectants are useful for adding hydration without feeling heavy or oily.
Surfactant
Any ingredients that cleanses, foams, thickens, emulsifies, solubilizes, and penetrates the skin’s surface. The key property of surfactant molecules that makes them useful in cosmetic ingredients is that they are compatible with both water and oil.
[ a ]
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used in various personal care applications, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid, a universal, exceptionally easy-to-disperse polymer that offers formulation flexibility of a wide range of performance properties.
Additionally, it influences a product's texture in other ways by having a thickening/viscosity-controlling effect.
Allantoin
In the cosmetics industry, allantoin is used to reduce irritation and sensitivity. An added benefit from allantoin is it aids wound healing by actively hydrating and epithelizing. This means it helps to grow new skin cells quicker.
Allantoin is naturally-occurring.
Aqua (Water)
Pure, filtered water without impurities such as chlorine, metals, limescale and pesticides.
[ b ]
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Nope - not a sulfate!
Derived from the oil that comes from rapeseed, behentrimonium methosulfate is an effective conditioner and detangler, as it soaks easily into the hair shaft and doesn't leave buildup at the roots. It particularly works well with curly hair types.
[ c ]
Carbomer
In the cosmetics industry, carbomer is an inactive polymer that helps active ingredients to work effectively. Additionally, it is used as a thickening agent and works as an emulsifier to prevent oil and water from separating.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Derived from coconut, palm or soy, cetearyl alcohol is made from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol and is used in hair care formulations to soften the hair fiber and provide slip and sheen.
Cetyl Alcohol
Derived from coconut, palm or soy, cetyl alcohol is used in hair care formulations to soften the hair fiber and provide slip and sheen.
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (Cetrimonium Chloride)
Used in our conditioners to improve both wet and dry combing and reduce static electricity, cetrimonium chloride is used as a preservative as well as high quality surfactant and can be derived from vegetable oils.
Citric Acid
In the cosmetics industry, citric acid is used to optimize the pH level in various formulations to ensure healthy skin and hair.
CI 60730 (violet no.2)
Synthetic purple colorant free of sulfates & PEGs, this violet pigment is needed to tone blonde hair by offsetting unwanted yellow or brassy tones; there is no plant-based alternative to achieve these results.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Derived from coconut, cocamidopropyl betaine is a mild, non-irritating foaming agent used to thicken hand wash and reduce irritation.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)
With excellent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) such as capric acid, caprylic acid, and the powerful lauric acid. The human body converts lauric acid to combat viruses and bacteria, making the antiviral activity of coconut oil unparalleled. A luxuriously rich moisturizer, it is ideal for both dry, damaged skin, and oily, acne-prone skin, and is particularly high in Vitamin E.
Cyclopentasiloxane
This clever ingredient is a type of silicone that’s regularly used in the cosmetics industry. Cyclopentasiloxane is used to evenly coat the hair strands with other active ingredients without leaving a heavy, sticky, or tacky residue after application. It leaves the active ingredients to work from the hair’s surface into the cuticle.
[ d ]
Decyl Glucoside
a gentle surfactant that's enjoyable sensory feel is gentle on the skin, decyl glucoside is naturally-derived from plant-based sources of fats, alcohols and sugar.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a type of silicone, which comes from heating sand with carbon at high temperatures. It is a popular ingredient in many cosmetics, such as skin and hair care products, as it smooths over rough surfaces and has a velvety texture. Additionally it is used as a protective barrier on hair strands, decreasing the loss of moisture and providing some protection from irritants or allergens.
[ e ]
Ethylhexylglycerin
A safer and more sustainable ingredient to create and use than parabens, ethylhexylglycerin is used as both a skin-softening agent and a biodegradable preservative. It is derived from vegetable glycerin (coconut).
[ f ]
Fragrance (Parfum)
Our fragrance [fragrance is a term required by North American regulations] is made from 100% essential oil blends sourced from a leading supplier in Canada. We have curated three distinct scent blends that have an alive, rich and spirited aroma. Learn more
[ g ]
Glycerin
Derived from plant oils, glycerin is a humectant designed to moisturize the hair and skin by drawing moisture from the air. It forms a protective layer to ensure this moisture is then effectively locked in.
[ h ]
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil)
High in vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that help reduce free radical damage and protect the body’s cells, sunflower seed oil is lightweight that smooths frizz, adds shine, balances oil production and overall supports a healthy scalp. An added benefit to sunflower seed oil is its anti-inflammatory properties which can help calm dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Naturally derived thickening agent that comes from cellulose, a sugar found in the cell walls of plants.
[ i ]
Isopropyl Myristate
In the cosmetics industry, Isopropyl myristate is used to increase the penetration of other ingredients for better effectiveness. Subsequently, it reduces the greasy feel of other ingredients, like shea butter because it ameliorates the skin absorption.
Isopropyl is derived from plant-based sources.
[ l ]
Lactic Acid
Can be made naturally by the fermentation of sugarcane, corn or beets, lactic acid multitasks to increase cell turnover by exfoliating, hydrating and moisturizing your skin.
[ p ]
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Hair: Keeps hair and scalp hydrated and moist by entering the hair shaft and penetrating the cuticle or by being absorbed by the skin.
Skin: The body converts panthenol into vitamin B5 in the skin. Panthenol helps to control water loss and captivate moisture. This speeds up wound healing, skin regeneration and helps reduce skin irritation
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax)
Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emollient, derived from castor beans (Ricinus communis). It creates a protective hydrating layer on the skin's surface, acting as a barrier against the loss of natural moisture. Castor oil additionally contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that fight free radicals in your body and promote overall skin health.
Phenoxyethanol
Favorable alternative to using parabens, phenoxyethanol acts as a great stabilizer and is gentle on the skin. It can also be found in nature - green tea - but the version used in cosmetics is synthetic.
Polysorbate 60
Derived from plant-based sources, and is used primarily in medicines, food and cosmetics as an emulsifier to bind ingredients together, or as a surfactant or solubilizer. Especially enhances the spreadability of oils.
Polysorbate 80
Derived from natural sources, polysorbate 80 acts as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier and stabilizer. By reducing the surface tension of hair care products, it creates a smooth texture, helps lock in moisture and ensures proper dispersion of ingredients and nutrient absorption.
Propylene Glycol
In the cosmetics industry, propylene glycol (a dihydric alcohol), is used as a humectant, to draw water to the skin for hydration.
Propylene Glycol Alginate (Sea Kelp Extract)
Extracted from brown seaweed, kelp extract possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the scalp and skin and reduce irritation. Regular use of kelp extract-infused products can significantly reduce breakage and split ends, leading to longer and healthier hair.
[ s ]
Shea Butter
Shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, is highly beneficial in our products due to its rich composition of vitamins and fatty acids. Some benefits of shea butter include moisturizing and conditioning, safe for all skin types, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and anti-aging benefits. Overall shea butter is a strong and effective ingredient that helps maintain healthy, hydrated, and youthful skin and hair.
Sodium Chloride (Pacific Sea Salt)
Pacific sea salt sourced from the Pacific Ocean
Sodium Citrate
In the cosmetics industry, sodium citrate is used to optimize the pH level in various formulations to ensure healthy skin and hair, as well as a natural preservative.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Derived from coconut and is regarded as compatible with sensitive skin, sodium cocoyl isethionate is an anionic surfactant, meaning a cleansing agent with a negative instead of a positive charge. This gently lifts away dirt and grime, without drying out your hair and skin.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
The name may be misleading, but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a sulfate.
It is a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts derived from coconut and produces a copious foam to help remove product buildup, impurities, and pollutants.
Sodium Hydroxide
In the cosmetics industry, sodium hydroxide is used to optimize the pH level in various formulations to ensure healthy skin and hair.
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Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Also known as vitamin e, Tocopheryl Acetate is known for its antioxidant properties which help fight free radical damage and promote skin healing to diminish signs of aging. It also provides moisture and strengthens skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
[ x ]
Xanthan Gum
Naturally derived, xanthan gum is used as an emulsifier and formulation stabilizer
While all our products are created to be safe for use, there’s always the possibility of an allergic reaction. If you apply anything to your scalp or skin and notice signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it and call your doctor immediately.