Ingredients - Learn More

• Aqua
• Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
• Pentylene Glycol
• Glyceryl Behenate
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Glycerin
• Purified vs. Filtered Water
• Polysorbate 20
• Eucalyptus Citriodora Leaf Oil
• Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• 1,2- Hexanediol
• Chrysanthemum Flower Extract
• Disodium EDTA
• Glyceryl Caprylate
• Nepeta Cataria Leaf Oil
• Caprylhydroxamic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Polyglyceryl-6 Diisostearate

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a surfactant that gently cleanses the skin and hair while making a luxurious foam. It is often found in haircare as it is also conditioning.

Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a surfactant, a compound with a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head. This means it attracts oil and water, helping the different ingredients of a formula to blend, and sebum and impurities to be lifted from the skin and washed off with water. It is considered milder than sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and is, therefore, a good alternative to those who want to avoid it.

Not only cleansing but sodium cocoamphoacetate is also appreciated for many other properties. As a foam stabiliser, it increases the surface tension of the liquid that surrounds individual bubbles, resulting in a rich foam that doesn't just disappear. It is also conditioning the hair and helps creams and shower gels to glide smoothly on the skin.

Pentylene Glycol

Pentylenesome plants (such as sugar beets)

• Binds well to water, making it a good hydrating ingredient
• Has mild preservative properties
• Has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics

Pentylene glycol is an ingredient which is found naturally in some plants (such as sugar beets and corn cobs) but is most frequently lab-derived when used in cosmetics. It is a humectant, meaning it binds well to water, making it a good hydrating agent and solvent to aid penetration of other ingredients. It also helps improve the texture of skin care formulas and has mild preservative properties when used in amounts between 1-5%.

Glyceryl Behenate

Glyceryl Behenate is a plant-derived ester derived from glycerin and behenic acid.

It is used in food, pharmacy and cosmetics for its capacity to improve viscosity in emulsions. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, which does not provide greasy sensation nor obstructs the pores of the skin.

Nepeta Cataria

Commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole.

The names catnip and catmint are derived from the intense attraction about two-thirds of cats have toward it (alternative plants exist). In addition to its uses with cats, catnip is an ingredient in some herbal teas (or tisanes), and is valued for its sedative and relaxant properties.

Nepeta cataria is a short-lived perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to be      50–100 cm (20–40 in) tall and wide, and that blooms from late spring to autumn. In appearance, N. cataria resembles a typical member of the mint family of plants, featuring brown-green foliage with the characteristic square stem of the plant family Lamiaceae. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to elliptical in shape. The small, bilabiate flowers of N. cataria are fragrant and are either pink in colour or white with fine spots of pale purple.
Taxonomy.

Nepeta cataria was one of the many species described by Linnaeus in 1753 in his landmark work Species Plantarum. He had previously described it in 1738 as Nepeta floribus interrupte spicatis pedunculatis (meaning 'Nepeta with flowers in a stalked, interrupted spike'), before the commencement of Linnaean taxonomy.
Uses,
 
The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria. Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam distillation.

Cultivation

Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.
The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It can be a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Catnip is best grown in full sunlight and grows as a loosely branching, low perennial.

Varieties include Nepeta cataria var. citriodora (or N. cataria subsp. citriodora), or "lemon catnip",named after its lemon-scented leaves.

Biological Control

The iridoid that is deposited on cats who have rubbed themselves against the plants and scratched the surfaces of catnip and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) leaves repels mosquitoes. The compound iridodial, an iridoid extracted from catnip oil, has been found to attract lacewings that eat aphids and mites.

As an insect repellent

Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Oil isolated from catnip by steam distillation is a repellent against insects, in particular mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites. Research suggests that, while a more effective spatial repellant than DEET, when compared with SS220 or DEET.

Effect of ingestion on humans.

Catnip has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as stomach cramps, indigestion, fevers, hives, and nervous conditions. The plant has been consumed as a tisane, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice, and has also been smoked. However, its medicinal use has fallen out of favor with the development of modern medicine.

1,2-Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol

Acts as a moisturizing and broad spectrum anti-microbial active. Does not affect the stability of emulsions like longer chain alkanediols. Compatible with most cosmetic systems – anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric, liposome, etc. Stable at high & low pH and high temperature. It is highly pure – free of oxiranes and peroxides. Helps reduce or eliminate preservatives like parabens, formaldehyde-donors or phenoxyethanol. Used in skin care and various cosmetics formulations.

Glyceryl Caprylate

Glyceryl caprylate is a natural emollient derived from glycerin and plant fatty acids, usually appearing as a white waxy solid. This ingredient is used in many skincare products for its emollient and moisturising properties, to help maintain the balance of moisture in the skin. It also has emulsifying properties, assisting with the mixing of oil and water in formulations, and may in some instances help reduce the amount of preservatives required due to some antimicrobial activity.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Caprylhydroxamic acid is a synthetic chelating agent that helps protect cosmetic formulas from destabilizing metal ions. It also works as a preservative, having the ability to prevent mold growth in water-based formulas. This ingredient has great flexibility since it works in all types of cosmetic formulas, including waterless (anhydrous) and its efficacy is not pH-dependent. It is sometimes combined with humectants such as glycerin or propanediol to support aesthetics or a more conventional, broad-spectrum preservative system.

What Is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colorless, odorless sugar alcohol. It is a primary component of triglycerides, naturally-occurring fats present in most lipid-rich substances. Glycerin was first identified in 1779 by a Swedish scientist who inadvertently isolated the compound while making soap from olive oil. Though glycerin was historically derived from plant and animal fats, it can also be chemically synthesized. It’s non-toxic and has a thick, viscous texture, making it a popular ingredient in a wide range of products, including food, medications, and skincare. Here, we’ll just be focusing on the latter use.

What Is Glycerin Used For?

In skincare, glycerin’s most popular use is as a humectant. Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that work by drawing water from the atmosphere to hydrate and soften the skin (other well-known humectants include hyaluronic acid and d-panthenol). Studies show that glycerin can penetrate the skin barrier and remain within the skin for continuous hydration for several days.I It’s also been shown to be the most effective humectant ingredient commonly used in skincare formulations.

Purified vs. Filtered Water

If you’re thinking about drinking purified water, you should first know about the difference between filtered water and purified water. These two terms are typically used interchangeably but are somewhat different. Even though both types of water are filtered, purified water goes through additional purification processes, which can include everything from distillation to reverse osmosis.

Because of the additional processes for purified water, it comes in at a much higher purity than filtered water. When going through the purification process, at least 99.5% of all contaminants will be removed from the water, which is true regardless of the exact water source. With filtered water, the source of water dictates how much contaminants can be removed.

Chrysanthemum Extract

Chrysanthemum extract is a natural ingredient derived from the chrysanthemum flower, which is commonly known as the mum or chrysanth. The extract is obtained through the process of steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water to extract its active compounds. Chrysanthemum extract is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. It is commonly used to improve the skin's overall health, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothe irritated skin.

Chrysanthemum extract also has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving eye health, and boosting the immune system. Additionally, it is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels. Chrysanthemum tea, made from the extract, is a popular drink in many Asian cultures and is consumed for its medicinal properties.

In cosmetics and skincare products, chrysanthemum extract is often used in toners, masks, serums, and moisturizers. It is gentle and safe for all skin types, and is suitable for people with sensitive skin. It is also commonly used in shampoos and conditioners to improve the health of the hair and scalp.

Overall, chrysanthemum extract is a versatile ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin, hair, and overall health. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a popular choice for those looking for a natural way to improve their well-being.

Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil

The essential oil derived from the leaves of this species is known in aromatherapy as both lemon eucalyptus as well as by its botanical name of Eucalyptus citriodora. Although this essential oil is not as popular in aromatherapy as the ubiquitous Eucalyptus globulus, it is fast growing in reputation due to its powerful bactericidal properties.

Uses

Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil is powerful fungicidal and bactericidal, and a valuable asset when treating athletes foot. It is also effective against a wide range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, phlegm, coughs and colds, as well easing sore throats and laryngitis. Vaporized, lemon eucalyptus oil has a reviving and refreshing action that uplifts, yet is also calming to the mind.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is an extract derived from citrus fruits and is used primarily in small amounts to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from being too alkaline or basic.

Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and as such, in the right formula and concentration, it can exfoliate skin.

What is POLYSORBATE used for?

Polysorbate offers many benefits to the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is useful for skin and hair formulations in many different ways.

• Skin care:It acts as a great surfactant that reduces the surface tension of other ingredients to result in a stable product. It also produces foam in cleansing products and attracts oil and dirt to wash them away
• Hair care:Apart from its surfactant traits, it doubles up as a fragrance ingredient as Polysorbate 20 is derived from sorbitol which comes from certain sweet smelling fruits. Hence, it enhances the scent of the products that it is added to
• Cosmetic products:It is a good emulsifier that prevents the water based and oil based ingredients from separating in a formulation. This results in a better textured product that is easy to spread and apply.

Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil

Clove flower oil is a clear or pale yellow liquid produced from the flowers of the clove (Syzygium aromaticum, formerly Eugenia caryophyllus) tree. Cloves are evergreens in the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, native to Indonesia and cultivated in other tropical regions, where they thrive.

Trees can grow to around 20 meters tall, with large leaves and clusters of bright red flowers. The aromatic flower buds are harvested when they are still maturing and dried to make the well-known spice clove, which is used to season many cuisines around the world and as part of spice blends.

The buds, leaves and stems of the clove tree can be harvested and steam distilled to produce clove essential oil.

The main component of clove oil is eugenol, which is known to have natural antiseptic and analgesic properties. Clove oil is also used for its potent spicy aroma in the creation of fragrances and flavours.

Tocopheryl Acetate Explained

Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) is a form of vitamin E, an antioxidant, which helps 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.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin E can help to prevent damage to skin caused by free radicals from UV exposure. Vitamin E may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

Disodium EDTA description

Disodium EDTA is a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (commonly known as EDTA). In cosmetics, it functions primarily as a chelating agent, meaning it prevents ingredients in a formula from binding with trace elements (mainly minerals) that can be present in water or other ingredients.

This action enhances the stability of cosmetics formulas and helps makes the job of preservatives easier since EDTA ingredients bond with mineral ions that microorganisms need to remain intact. In addition to being used in makeup, skin care, and hair care products, disodium EDTA is also used as a food additive.