Acai
Acai is packed with antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals, and assist in repairing the damage they cause. They can also help fight off cancer and strengthen your immune system.
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Allantoin
Superior anti-irritant and soothing botanical agent derived from the root of the comfrey plant. Specially appropriate for sensitive, irritated or stressed skin. Can be found in many sun, acne and sensitive skin products, and also used in toothpastes, mouthwashes and shampoos due to its astringent properties. Used in small concentrations due to active properties.
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Aloe Vera Extract (Aloe barbadensis)
Obtained from the aloe vera plant, a stemless, spiky-leaved plant well-recognized for its moisturizing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in formulations for sensitive or stressed skin. Has been credited with treating burns, cuts, inflamed skin and dry skin conditions. The clear gel-like sap of the aloe plant has also been used internally as a laxative. There are over 400 species of aloe in the world today.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
Family of naturally occurring acids used professionally for exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. (See Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Malic Acid).
Alpha Lipoic Acid
An ultra-powerful antioxidant that is both water and oil soluble, meaning it can penetrate all areas of the cell to protect against damage caused by free radicals. Works with other antioxidants to boost their levels of effectiveness.
Used in: Age Control
Antioxidants
Powerful substances critical to the body's maintenance because they help block the damaging effects of free radicals through oxidation. Oxidation is a naturally occurring process where cells are constantly created and destroyed in the body. Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation. When free radicals react with certain body chemicals, they can interfere with normal cell function and seriously damage cells. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals before damage can be done. Vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc are powerful antioxidants available in fruit, leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, green and black teas and red wine. Antioxidants can also be used externally on the skin's surface to improve its appearance.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
See Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Avocado Extract
A flower well-renowned for its powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory features. Refreshes and revives delicate skin, especially the area surrounding eyes.
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Benzoyl Peroxide
An antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. Benzoyl Peroxide absorbs into the skin and clears acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) on the surface. It also acts as a drying agent to absorb excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Because of these properties, Benzoyl Peroxide may in some cases cause irritation, dryness or peeling during the first days of usage before a tolerance is built up. It is recommended that sun protection be worn when using Benzoyl Peroxide and exposed to the sun's rays.
Bentonite and Kaolin Clays
Bentonite and Kaolin are natural purified clays extracted from natural deposits from volcanic and geological origin. They have been used in medicine and skincare for their unique abilities to absorb large amounts of proteins, oily residues and natural sebum, thus removing skin impurities and pore-clogging residues.
Used in: Face Mask
Beta Glucan
Beta-glucans are a diverse group of molecules from cellulose plants, bran, cereal grains, and certain fungi. They help protect the skin from aging, aid in skin hydration, significantly improve skin firmness, tone, and elasticity while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Used in: Age Control
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
See Salicylic Acid.
Borage
Contains the essential fatty acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid, which relieves dryness, inflammation, scaliness, and itchiness. Penetrates the surface of the skin and delivers GLA to its cells. As a result, the skin cells retain more moisture It also relieves the pain and swelling of joints.
Used in: Facial Cleanser
Camphor
Natural ingredient credited with anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and skin-cooling properties. Ideal for chapped, rough or damaged skin. Derived from the Asian Evergreen tree. Has a fresh, clean scent similar to eucalyptus. The scent has aromatheraputic properties, as camphor has been known to calm headaches and eye strain.
Used in: Face Mask
Chamomile
A flower well-renowned for its powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory features. Refreshes and revives delicate skin, especially the area surrounding eyes.
Used in: Facial Cleanser, Under Eye Renewal
Chrysin (Passion Flower)
The passion flower is native to the Amazon and other tropical regions of North and South America. The passion flower has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, and its benefits are scientifically documented. It is most widely known for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It is a superior emollient rich in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus.
Used in: Under Eye Renewal
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
Also known as Ubiquinone. First discovered in 1957 at the University of Wisconsin Enzyme Institute. Present in human mitochondria. Essential nutrient produced by the body, the levels of which diminish with age and exposure to sun. Acts as a natural antioxidant to help defend cells against aging and free-radical damage. Is being studied for use in prevention of Parkinson's Disease, metabolic disorders, heart conditions and migraine headaches.
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Cucumber
Non-irritating plant extract that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. The lutein component of cucumber can have an effect on suppressing melanogenesis, or the process that leads to skin discolorations.
Used in: Facial Cleanser
Glycerin
A clear, thick liquid derived from vegetable oils that appears as a byproduct of the soap making process. Humectant with impressive capability to continually absorb water from the environment and bind it to the skin. Increases the skin's softness, suppleness and elasticity. Its lubricating properties make it superior to foaming ingredients for shaving preparations.
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Glycolic Acid
Also known as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Naturally derived from sugar cane, as well as synthetically produced. Used by dermatologists and men's skin care professionals to gently shed upper layers of the skin, leading to smoother, softer skin, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, dry patches and dark spots. Works by dissolving bonds between skin cells for easier and more effective exfoliation. Encourages the production of new skin cells for a fresh, healthy complexion.
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Grapeseed
Produced from the leaves and stem of the tea plant. Powerful antioxidant with high content of catechin and phenolic acids. Plays an important role defending against free radicals, and soothing and calming stressed skin. Has been attributed with having cleansing and healing properties for over 1000 years. Recent studies have proposed use of green tea extracts in prevention and treatment of cancers, arthritis and heart disease, but claims have not been fully proven yet.
Used in: Body Cream
Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis)
Produced from the leaves and stem of the tea plant. Powerful antioxidant with high content of catechin and phenolic acids. Plays an important role defending against free radicals, and soothing and calming stressed skin. Has been attributed with having cleansing and healing properties for over 1000 years. Recent studies have proposed use of green tea extracts in prevention and treatment of cancers, arthritis and heart disease, but claims have not been fully proven yet.
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