Our ingredient archive is a list of common ingredients found in skin care and cosmetic products. Here, we highlight skin care and makeup ingredients, their uses, properties, history and folklore.

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Alanine
This skin conditioning amino acid is frequently combined with other beneficial amino acids in lotions and creams.  
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Allantoin
Usually derived from the comfrey root, allantoin is thought to be an excellent temporary anti-irritant. It is also believed to be soothing to irritated skin.
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Alfalfa extract
A botanical extract derived from the leaves of the alfalfa plant reputed to help strengthen the skin.
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Algae extract
A member of the seaweed family, algae is high in amino acids and iodine content which are known to be revitalizing and nourishing for the skin. Like all seaweed algae has a high silicon content, which helps protect against moisture loss.
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Almond extract
Skin soothing  
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Aloe vera extract
A time honored natural ingredient derived from the succulent, spear-shaped leaves of the tropical Aloe Vera plant. Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a traditional soothing remedy for skin irritations.
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Aluminum chlorhydrate
This aluminum salt is most frequently used in antiperspirants because it has been shown to be non-irritating and gentle on the skin
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Amino Acids
These forms of protein are valuable in skin creams because they help with water retention and moisturization. Amino acids have a low molecular weight that allows them to penetrate deeper into the top cell layers of the skin than most ingredients – including collagen.
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Apple amino acids
Helps re-moisturize the skin.
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Apricot Kernel Oil
The emollient oil expressed from the heart of the apricot kernel is rich in skin conditioning vitamin E. It is also rapidly absorbed into the skin, making it one of the best of the natural oils for moisturizing and softening.
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Apricot Seed powder
Exfoliating  
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Avobenzone
Active sunscreen ingredient.
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Avocado oil
This natural oil from the stone of the avocado is rich in proteins as well as skin nourishing vitamins A & E. It is a superior moisturizer and more easily absorbed by the skin than most other natural oils. To preserve all of its beneficial nutrients, avocado oil should be made using a cold pressing method of extraction. ........................................

Babassu oil
Emollient, moisturising  
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Balm Mint Extract
Long revered for its distinctive fragrance, balm mint (Balm of Gilead) is soothing and refreshing. This herbal ingredient is traditionally recommended for use in preparations for sensitive skin.
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Bamboo powder
Exfoliating  
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Basil extract
Soothes skin, invigorating  
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Bee pollen
Rich in amino acids, proteins and vitamins, bee pollen is traditionally used as a skin conditioning ingredient.
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Beeswax
Among the most time-honored natural ingredients, beeswax is well documented for use in beauty preparations over the centuries. Natural beeswax is valued as a skin softening emollient. Unlike mineral oil, which protects by forming a greasy film, beeswax leaves a protective ‘network’ on the skin’s surface. Beeswax is also thought to be mildly antioxidant.
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Beet root extract
Used most often as a coloring agent in place of synthetic dyes. ........................................

Bilberry
This natural extract is traditionally used in skin treatment formulas to help even out skin tones and to help reduce the appearance of dark circles beneath the eyes.
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BioMineral Complex
Individual blends of efficacious botanical extracts combined with a proprietary skin strengthening Mineral Complex of copper, zinc and magnesium.  
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Birch extract
Rejuvenating
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Bisabolol
This concentrated extract derived from chamomile is used in skin creams and balms for its soothing properties
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Bitter Orange Oil (Neroli)
Derived from the blossoms (not the fruit) of the bitter orange tree, Neroli is among the most costly natural ingredients. Prized by perfumers, it is frequently used in skin care preparations as it has a wonderful fragrance in addition to excellent skin soothing properties. Neroli oil is widely used in the practice of aromatherapy to promote relaxation and sleep.
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Black Tea extract
Antioxidant
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Bladderwrack
One of the many forms of seaweed found to be revitalizing and nourishing to the skin. The amino acid content of seaweed is high compared to other plants. Bladderwrack is used in skin care preparations for its ability to help reduce moisture loss and protect the skin against irritation. Its high silicon content makes it beneficial for excessively dry or mature skin
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Borage oil
Derived from the seeds of the blue borage flower, this rich, yet light weight oil is a very good and effective natural moisturizer that is ideal for use in skin creams.
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Brown Sugar
Exfoliating. Helps refine skin texture.
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Burdock
This is an ancient healing herb traditionally used by herbalists to treat a wide variety of skin problems. It seems to have some anti-bacterial properties along with the ability to control oil production in the skin. Folk remedies recommend compresses of burdock leaves be applied externally to relieve bruises and inflammation.
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Cardamom Seed extract
Antioxidant, toning
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Carrot Oil
Traditionally used to treat skin conditions, carrot (root) oil is thought to have cleansing and anti-irritant properties. It also is also thought to be ‘anti-aging’ – by helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
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Ceramides
Naturally present in the skin, ceramides are an essential part of the intercellular membrane network. They are valuable in skin care preparations to help strengthen and firm the skin, and to help protect it from moisture loss.
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Chamomile
A well-respected traditional herb, chamomile is known for its soothing and calming properties. In facial skin care, chamomile is most often used to help reduce redness and to calm skin that has been irritated.
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Chicory leaf extract
Derived from the chicory plant - known for its somewhat bitter leaves and beautiful pale blue flowers – chicory extract is reputed to have anti-irritant, soothing properties.
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Citronella
A natural antiseptic widely used in soaps and deodorizers, citronella is also reputed to have insect repellent properties.
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Clementine extract
Rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, energizing, astringent
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Clover
The blossoms of the clover plant are used to make herbal oils and extracts that are believed to have astringent properties.
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Cocoa Butter oil
From cocoa beans; rich in calcium and potassium with superb emollient and antioxidant properties; perfect for softening skin, treating stretch marks, increasing elasticity, soothing windburn and moisturising the skin after sun exposure.
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Coconut oil
Moisturising
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Cold Cream
Originally developed by the ancient Greek physician (Galen), ‘cold cream’ got its name because it felt cool when applied to the skin. Galen’s original formula consisted of blending olive oil, beeswax, water and rose petals to form semi solid waxy cream. In the 1920’s Cold Cream was re-introduced to the modern world in a formula made with mineral oil and other synthetic oils.
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Colloidal Oatmeal
Known for its anti-itching and soothing properties, colloidal oatmeal is consistently recommended for use in bath, lotion and poultices for both infants and adults with skin conditions.
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Comfrey extract
A natural herb used for centuries as a soothing treatment for itching skin, eczema and sunburn. Comfrey contains between 6% and 8% allantoin and is reputed to have emollient properties.
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Copper mineral
Ingredient in skin-strengthening Mineral Complex
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Corn Oil
A natural emollient oil that obtained from the wet milling of corn.
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Cranberry Fruit extract
Stimulating, antioxidant, rich in Vitamin C
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Cucumber extract
Purifying, oil regulating, astringent
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Cucumber fruit extract
Among Cleopatra’s many purported beauty secrets, cucumber is rich in minerals and amino acids. It is reputed to help tighten, refresh and help tone the skin, and is frequently used in under eye-care products.

The function and efficacy of any ingredient in a particular product varies depending upon amount, concentration and interaction with other ingredients.