Why We Use It

Acacia Decurrens (Mimosa) Flower Wax contains phytosterols, monoesters, and hydrocarbon chains that give it film-forming and protective properties. This also helps to provide a soft and smooth skin feel.

How It's Sourced

Acacia Decurrens (Mimosa) Flower Wax is made via alcoholysis between mimosa wax and polyglycerin-3 in high temperatures.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Red Maple bark extract contains active molecules such as glycosylated phenol, flavonoids, and catechins. Its active molecules are strong antioxidants that work to neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation

How It's Sourced

This bark extract is made from red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine that is leftover from wood processing. The bark then goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process to obtain the final extract.

Sustainability Story

Our Bark Extract is upcycled from the biomass by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bioactive molecules in the tree’s bark are obtained through a circular economy cycle, where leftover bark is recycled into compost and returned to the forest as fertilizer.

Why We Use It

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which increase the rate of cell renewal to promote smoother and plumper skin. The ingredient also helps improve skin texture by shedding the outer layer of the skin, which decreases the appearance of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract is derived from the Sugar Maple tree, which gives us maple syrup and is the tree of the leaf represented on the Canadian flag. Acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract is processed through an extraction process, which reduces color and odor, while concentrating the active properties of the ingredient. Once extracted and composited, the fruit extract is concentrated by vacuum distillation until a specified concentration of actives is achieved. The product is then filtered to eliminate any particulate matter.

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Why We Use It

Alanine is hydrating amino acid that works as a humectant to draw in water from its surroundings.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

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Why We Use It

You may notice in our ingredient list that Fresh Start contains alcohol, but don’t be worried! The concentration of alcohol in Fresh Start is only 0.001%, and it’s not added to be harsh on your skin. The alcohol in this formula comes from something called headspace preservation. “Headspace” is the area between a liquid and the top of a sealed container (where the air or gas is above it). Alcohol is used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in the headspace of the container of some ingredients before they are adding to the formula.

How It's Sourced

Ethanol is made via fermentation of different products such as grapes, corn or sugar cane.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Allantoin is a skin-conditioning ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties, and supports soothing, cleansing, and healing actions of the skin.

How It's Sourced

Allantoin is extracted from the comfrey plant, which is found in native climates. It is also created naturally by many plants, and most mammals.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Aloe vera is a succulent that is mostly made up of water but also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugars that hydrate and soothe the skin. The enzymes help to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically. The vitamins act as antioxidants that help to neutralize reactive species. The minerals help support the enzymes, as they are essential for the proper functioning of the enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways. The sugar molecules are humectants which are molecules that like to attract water that help to hydrate and plump the skin. There are several sugar molecules in aloe that have anti-inflammatory properties.

How It's Sourced

The aloe vera powder is made from organically grown aloe leaves that are hand filleted, pasteurized, and concentrated to be spray dried on a maltodextrin powder.

Sustainability Story

Our Aloe Vera is sourced from 40 independent, locally operated farms in El Progreso, Guatemala. All suppliers participate in a fair-financing lending hub to ensure economic security and follow sustainable harvesting practices to preserve biodiversity.

Why We Use It

Argan oil is an emollient rich in oleic and palmitic acid that helps to smooth skin texture and support the skin's native lipid barrier. It also contains unsaponifiable matter like vitamin A, and E that help to improve the skin's elasticity and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity.

How It's Sourced

Nuts of the argan tree are picked from the trees and cleaned. The kernels are then peeled and ground before being cold pressed, filtered, and deodorized.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Arginine is an amino acid with antioxidant capabilities. It works to neutralize free radicals, and hydrates the skin. Arginine is also known to potentially support collagen production.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Aspartic acid is a amino acid that is an important building block of collagen and elastin necessary for smoothness and elasticity

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter is extracted and refined from the fruit seeds. This seed butter is rich in lauric, myristic and oleic acids. It has moisturizing and restoration properties for hair due to the high concentration of low molecular weight fatty acids. It also enables the recovery of moisture and natural elasticity to the skin by strengthening the skin barrier, especially in dry and mistreated skins. Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter is lighter in sensory feel than cocoa and shea butter which attributes to the light-weight feel for our Dream Night Cream.

How It's Sourced

The Astrocaryum Murumuru seeds are harvested and cleaned before they get mechanically processed to separate the fats from the solids. This stage of the Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter is in crude form, and through further processing such as filtration and deodorization, the Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter becomes more pure and refined.

Sustainability Story

Our Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter is a COSMOS and ECOCERT certified ingredient. This certification ensures that production processes are sustainable for the environment and humans while following the criteria of “green chemistry”.

Why We Use It

Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinoids. Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol does not result in undesirable and irritating side effects. Much like retinoids, however, bakuchiol triggers the expression of genes involved in the production of the extracellular matrix of the skin. Hence, bakuchiol boosts the production of collagen which helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How It's Sourced

Bakuchiol is derived from Bakuchi, a plant used in Indian and Chinese medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Bakuchi plants produce Babchi seeds which are pulverized then undergo percolation. Methanol is used to separate the organic layer then purified Bakuchiol is extracted.

Sustainability Story

Bakuchiol is extracted and manufactured in compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, a treaty established in India to ensure the sustainable use of components of biological diversity.

Why We Use It

Behenyl Alcohol is made from natural sources and is used in formulations to soften and soothe the skin by forming a protective layer on the skin to retain moisture. It also serves as an emulsifier, which reduces the surface tension of ingredients that are hard to mix, such as oil and water emulsions.

How It's Sourced

Behenyl Alcohol is made from transesterification of rapeseed oil (triglyceride) to give esters, which are then hydrogenated to produce fatty alcohols. Distillation then takes place to extract a pure Behenyl Alcohol.

Sustainability Story

Our Behenyl Alcohol supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Behenyl Behenate is a skin conditioning agent emollient that helps to soften the skin and prevent ingredients from separating. It also has occlusive properties which prevents water from evaporating from the skin into the atmosphere when the humidity is low. Behenyl Behenate is a wax-like ester of behenyl alcohol and behenic acid. Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that has different physical properties than denatured alcohol. It has an oily texture that moisturizes the skin. Behenic acid, similar to squalene, is a constituent that is also found and produced by our sebaceous gland. Due to this property, it is biocompatible with our skin, and there is low risk of allergy to this ingredient.

How It's Sourced

Behenyl Behenate is produced from the esterification of behenyl alcohol and behenic acid. Typically esterification is used to make fragrances and flavourings, however in this case, it creates a product that can help emulsify polar and nonpolar ingredients due to its chemical nature.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Betaine is a natural amino acid derived from sugar beets. It is also a hygroscopic compound that functions as an osmo-protectant. It ensures that the skin's moisture reservoir does not deplete too quickly, and works to limit trans-epidermal water loss. Betaine shows strong water binding capacity and reduces skin dryness.

How It's Sourced

Being soluble in water, betaine is extracted from sugar beets, along with the sugar and other compounds, in the process of producing sugar. The betaine extracted is not eliminated during the purification of the beet juice therefore it accumulates in the final molasses. In further recovery of sugar from final molasses, by the Steffen or barium process, the betaine remains in solution in the final mother liquor also known as waste water. The solution then goes through an alcohol extraction process to concentrate the betaine, by treatment with an excess of acid to form an acid salt, it then goes through a crystallization process to further separate and recover the betaine.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Beet root extract increases the concentration of NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) in the skin. It contains hygroscopic molecules that immediately raise the hydration level in the stratum corneum providing long lasting hydration.

How It's Sourced

Sugar beets are cut into thin strips called cosettes which are extracted in hot water. Then, the raw extract is carbonated and filtrated before being concentrated by evaporation and filtration.

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Why We Use It

Yellow Birch bark extract contains active molecules such as lupenone, lupeol, betulinol, betulin. Its active molecules are reported to calm redness on the skin and have a soothing effect

How It's Sourced

This bark extract is made from red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine that is leftover from wood processing. The bark then goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process to obtain the final extract.

Sustainability Story

Our Bark Extract is upcycled from the biomass by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bioactive molecules in the tree’s bark are obtained through a circular economy cycle, where leftover bark is recycled into compost and returned to the forest as fertilizer.

Why We Use It

The phytochemical composition of Bidens pilosa is diversified, characterized primarily by the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, phenylpropanoids compounds, lipids and benzenoids. One of the main chemical constituents described to Bidens pilosa is phytol, a diterpern present as part of the chlorophyll pigment. Phytol stands out because some studies show that when metabolized, it is oxidized to phytanic acid (also present in Bidens pilosa) that is able to mimic the mechanisms of traditional retinoids. Bidens Pilosa extract is a retinoid alternative that is great for all skin types, without the side effects of traditional retinoids.

How It's Sourced

The Bidens Pilosa flower is harvested and cleaned before it is processed. The Bidens Pilosa Extract is made using supercritical carbon-dioxide extraction for the phytol and its derivatives concentration. The extraction of supercritical fluids provides advantages over the conventional process for obtaining active ingredients from plant cells, because it promotes the collection and separation of more purified compounds in higher concentrations.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Bisabolol is a colourless, viscous emollient used as a fragrance that also exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, and brightening properties. It works as a natural fragrance additive and as a skin defense agent that protects from free radicals, and unwanted bacteria. As a fragrance, it helps to mask undesirable scents, which makes the product experience for the consumer more desirable. It also contains alpha-bisabolol which is a compound that helps to reduce inflammation, and neutralizes free radicals created by external factors.

How It's Sourced

Bisabolol is made from the Candeia Tree. The Candeia wood is pricked in shavings first and then distilled in autoclaves made of stainless steel.

Sustainability Story

Our Bisabolol is obtained by distillation from the Candeia Tree, a tree that is native to the southeast area of Brazil. This process is regulated by the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resource, and they have implicated the re-planting of new seedlings throughout the distillation process.

Why We Use It

Butylene Glycol is a fatty alcohol that prevents formulas from separating. It is typically used as a solvent to help dissolve ingredients that typically would not mix well in water, like essential oils and fatty acids. Its molecular structure is a carbon chain, with alcohol groups attached to it that make it able to emulsify ingredients that are hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Butylene glycol also has moisturizing properties that condition the skin and supports the skin's health.

How It's Sourced

This ingredient is made from the fermentation of plant based sugars.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) is known for its emollient and moisturizing properties that have been used to treat dry, cracked skin. It is enriched with fatty acids like oleic, and stearic acid which are stable against oxidation. There have been studies to show that oleic acid enhances the penetration of certain ingredients into the epidermis. This helps to better deliver certain ingredients that have poor absorption through the skin. These fatty acids help to maintain the softness, and elasticity of the skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Other constituents found in shea butter are triterpenes, which have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

How It's Sourced

The shea tree nuts are harvested and cleaned before they get mechanically processed to separate the fats from the solids. This stage of the shea butter is in crude form, and through further processing such as filtration and deodorization, the shea butter becomes more pure and refined.

Sustainability Story

Our Shea Butter is ECOCERT Certified from Ghana. Our supplier is a member of the Global Shea Alliance and supports rural African women’s empowerment, fair working conditions, and the development of local communities. This program promotes an inclusive value chain and drives a sustainable industry while maintaining confidentiality.

Why We Use It

This ingredient is a solid at room temperature but has a melting point close to that of the skin. This allows it to provide a unique sensorial effect of melting on the skin during application. These triglycerides are extremely stable and resistant to oxidation.

How It's Sourced

C10-18 Triglycerides is produced by an interesterification between palm kernel oil and hydrogenated palm oil.

Sustainability Story

Our C10-18 Triglycerides supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

C12-16 Alcohols are not your typical alcohol. It is a fatty alcohol that resembles an emollient - and actually helps to hydrate the skin. Fatty alcohols are sometimes used as a solvent to help dissolve ingredients that typically do not like to dissolve in water such as essential oils.

How It's Sourced

C12-16 Alcohols are made alongside the hydrogenated lecithin. This ingredient is the byproduct of hydrogenating lecithin and exists alongside it as it provides extra moisturizing benefits.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Our alkanes are plant-based polymers used to thicken the oil phase of a product. It also helps to leave the skin feeling luxurious after application.

How It's Sourced

C15-23 alkanes are a by-product of the production of hydrogenated soybean polyglycerides.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Caesalpinia Spinosa (Tara) Fruit Extract contains tannins which are phenolic compounds that have antioxidant capabilities. Tannins work to scavenge free radicals caused by external factors, such as pollution and UV rays from the sun that can cause loss of elasticity in the skin. They are also vasoconstrictors that tighten our blood capillaries that run directly underneath our skin. By constricting those blood vessels, the tannins in Caesalpinia Spinosa fruit extract can help reduce redness and puffiness. When tannins are hydrolyzed they can form complexes with reactive metals, avoiding free radical generation which results in oxidative damage of cellular membranes and DNA. Tara pods are a good source of not only tannins, gallotannic and gallic acid, which help support the extract with its antioxidant properties.

How It's Sourced

Caesalpinia Spinosa (Tara) Fruit pods are dried and macerated into small grains. The grains are soaked into a solvent for a period of time before the solid constituents are removed. The solution is refined and then dried to isolate the extract.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Calcium lactate is used to help gently remove dead skin cells, and induces a tightening feeling of the skin.

How It's Sourced

Calcium lactate is derived from calcium hydroxide (purified lime).

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Calendula extract is a naturally occurring antioxidant. It protects the skin from stresses by neutralizing free radicals. Calendula extract has high concentrations of fatty acids which are abundant in the skin (e.g. linoleic acid). By supplementing the body with these fatty acids, calendula extract keeps the skin hydrated and helps stimulate collagen production.

How It's Sourced

Calendula is a flower extract derived from Calendula officinalis L., a plant native to Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The plant's flower oil is extracted and filtered, and the oil contains many actives that result in its regenerative properties.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Camellia Japonica (Camellia) Seed Oil is a golden-yellow emollient. Camellia Japonica has antioxidant potential and is abundant in nutrients like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, D, C, and E. Oleic and linoleic acid are also known as omega 9 and omega 6 fatty acids, respectively. The essential fatty acids contribute to the skin by supporting the skin's native lipid barrier, have antioxidant potential, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties. The vitamins work as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals caused by external factors. They help to prevent the loss of skin elasticity and soften the look of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

The camellia japonica seeds are harvested and dried. The seeds are then cold pressed to separate the solids from the oil. That oil is then further refined to create high purity camellia oil.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil is a golden-yellow aromatic emollient that has antioxidant potential and is abundant in nutrients like oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, vitamin A, and squalene. Oleic and linoleic acid are also known as omega 9 and omega 6 fatty acids, respectively. The essential fatty acids and squalene contribute to the skin by supporting the skin's native lipid barrier, have antioxidant potential, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties. Vitamin A, and E work as antioxidants and neutralize free radicals caused by external factors. They help to prevent loss of elasticity in the skin and soften the look of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

The Camellia Oleifera seeds are harvested and dried. The seeds are then cold pressed to separate the solids from the oil. That oil is then further refined to create high purity camellia oil.

Sustainability Story

Our Camellia Seed Oil is organic and sourced from flower plantations that are native to China. Our suppliers work with local farmers and communities to ensure fair harvesting practices and offer financial support if needed.

Why We Use It

Green tea extract contains antioxidants, phytonutrients and limited amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate, that has been proven to help reduce inflammation, and even treat diseases like cancer. However in skincare, the polyphenols have low stability, and need to be formulated with a stabilizer ingredient to prevent oxidation.

How It's Sourced

The green tea leaves are cut and removed from the tea shrub. It is cut into smaller grains to increase surface area for hydro-alcoholic extraction. The solution is filtered, concentrated, and sprayed dried on an inert powder. The powder is further refined through sifting before being sent for packaging.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a natural chelating agent sourced from coconuts. It is a white to tan crystalline solid that forms strong complexes with oxidized transition metal ions almost instantaneously to prevent them from degrading the formula overtime.

How It's Sourced

Caprylhydroxamic acid is synthesized by the transamidation of methyl caprylate (derived from coconut oil sourced from Southeast Asia) with hydroxylamine (synthesized from the oxidation of ammonia derived from atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen).

Sustainability Story

Our Caprylhydroxamic Acid supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride at room temperature is an oily liquid that has an excellent shelf life due to its great stability and resistance to oxidation. This property makes caprylic/capric triglyceride desirable to blend active ingredients to prevent degradation. The three main functions that caprylic/capric triglyceride is used for are, dispersing agent, solvent and emollient. When applied topically to the skin it absorbs quickly without leaving the skin oily or greasy. When products are formulated with triglycerides, it helps the product to spread more easily, and keep ingredients suspended evenly such as vitamins and pigments. Caprylic/capric triglyceride have antioxidant properties on the skin and boost antioxidants in skin products.

How It's Sourced

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from the esterfication of palm kernel and glycerin. It is created through a process that uses steam and pressure hydrolysis to break down the oil into free fatty acids and glycerol. This is then further refined to remove residual fatty acids leaving only the medium-chain fatty acids. In short, the oil is processed to remove the long-chain fatty acids.

Sustainability Story

Our Capryic/Capric Triglyceride supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Diheptyl Succinate is a skin-conditioning agent also known as a emollient that is derived from natural oils such as coconut oil and sebacic acid that is derived from castor oil, which both help to hydrate the skin. Emollients work to make the skin feel soft and supple, by improving the texture of the skin.

How It's Sourced

Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer is manufactured from the pyrolysis of castor oil that has been fermented. The exact process on how capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer is manufactured is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

Our Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer is a ECOCERT certified and 100% renewable and biodegradable product. The extraction process is highly efficient and water is the only reaction by-product, there is no waste or release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Therefore, the ingredient provides the benefits of silicones without yielding harmful health and environmental risks.

Why We Use It

Papaya is a rich source of vitamins that work as powerful antioxidants on the skin, and also contain papain, an enzyme that gently exfoliates the skin. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E work as antioxidants in papaya work to neutralize free radicals on the skin. It also contains enzymes that help to brighten the skin by gently sloughing off dead skin cells and has antimicrobial properties.

How It's Sourced

The papaya fruit is turned into a pulp and then put through a cad mill. After, it is mixed with maltodextrin for micro-encapsulation, then homogenized, and pasteurized before it is spray dried.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Used as a binder and emulsifier to stabilize a formula with ingredients that typically do not mix well together.

How It's Sourced

Chicory roots are soaked in hot water to extract the water-soluble ingredients. The solution then undergoes bacterial fermentation of glucose. A natural reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The final product is blended and spray dried onto a powder.

Sustainability Story

Our blend of sugars is upcycled from the root of the chicory plant. This part of the plant is often discarded once the leaves are removed. Chicory fields surround the factory to reduce carbon emissions, and the waste from the factory is used as natural fertilizer or animal feed to fulfill the circular economy cycle.

Why We Use It

Cellulose gum is used to increase the viscosity (i.e. thickness) of aqueous products to reach a desired consistency. It also enhances the feeling of the cosmetic between your fingers.

How It's Sourced

Cellulose is made by mixing cellulose from the cell wall of plants into an alkali (basic) solution such as sodium hydroxide, then etherifying it (connecting the molecules together with an ether group) to create the polymer gum.

Sustainability Story

Our wood-based cellulose is derived from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- and Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)-certified suppliers with zero deforestation practices. Our cotton-based cellulose is sourced from recycled cotton and our suppliers have third party certifications that the cotton is composed of recycled content.

Why We Use It

Gotu Kola has been used in many traditional medicines as well as in food and drinks. Gotu Kola contains dicaffeoylquinic acid-derived polyphenols which are an important group of antioxidants. It also helps to repair and stabilize the capillaries in the skin which decreases inflammation and redness.

How It's Sourced

Centella asiatica is a perennial herb that grows primarily in Asia. The flowers were extracted with methanol by cold maceration process then concentrated to get a thick paste.

Sustainability Story

Our Gotu Kola is extracted and manufactured in compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, a treaty established in India to ensure the sustainable use of components of biological diversity.

Why We Use It

Ceramide NP is a compound that is structurally identical to the ceramides produced in your skin. Ceramides are an integral part of the extracellular (lipid) matrix of your skin. The stratum corneum (upper layer of your skin) is structured in a brick and mortar format, where the lipid matrix that includes ceramides acts as the mortar for the cells around it. A healthy stratum corneum lipid composition is imperative for having hydrated, soft skin. It prevents trans-epidermal water loss and prevents inflammation from external stressors.

How It's Sourced

Ceramides are produced by the fermentation of corn and rapeseed with yeast.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum thickens when mixed with water. As a result, this helps to enhance the product's viscosity and ensure a creamy consistency.

How It's Sourced

Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum is flour made from the endosperm of the locust bean seed harvested from carob trees "Ceratonia siliqua".

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that prevents formulas from separating into oil and water. It is typically used as a solvent to help dissolve ingredients that typically would not mix well in water, like essential oils and fatty acids. Its molecular structure is a carbon chain, with alcohol groups attached to it that make it able to emulsify ingredients that are hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

How It's Sourced

Cetearyl alcohol is made from cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Stearyl alcohol is made by transesterification and distillation of coconut or palm kernel using a methanol and zinc catalyst, followed by hydrogenating the resulting methyl esters using a copper catalyst. The catalysts are removed during the fractional distillation phases, so there are little or no metals in the final product. Cetyl alcohol is manufactured by reducing ethyl palmitate (the waxy ester of palmitic acid) with metallic sodium and alcohol or under acidic conditions with lithium aluminum hydride as a catalyst.

Sustainability Story

Our Cetearyl Alcohol supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Cetearyl Olivate is an oily, waxy ester that is mainly used in formulas as a emulsifier. An emulsifier is a type of surfactant, that helps to combine ingredients like oil and water to mix in a stable solution without separating.

How It's Sourced

Cetearyl Olivate is made from the esterification of reacting an acid constituent with an alcohol. Typically esterification is used to make fragrances and flavourings, however in this case, it creates a product that can help emulsify polar and nonpolar ingredients due to its chemical nature.

Sustainability Story

Our Cetearyl Olivate supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener in the formula. It increases the viscosity of the product and provides mild moisturizing benefits. It also can help co-emulsify the product meaning it helps to mix the oil and water ingredients together.

How It's Sourced

Cetyl alcohol is prepared via a reaction called catalytic hydrogenation, in which two hydrogen atoms are added to the triglycerides from palm kernel oil. This is followed by an oxidation step producing the final material.

Sustainability Story

Our Cetyl Alcohol supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Cetyl Lactate, a multipurpose emollient, is a performance-enhancing ester that can be used in a wide variety of personal care products. It has non greasy properties but of high smoothness and emolliency to creams and emulsions. It allows the production of creamy and emollient formulations for creams and other forms. This highly versatile emollient reduces tackiness and greasiness that other ingredients may cause in the formulation and provides a non-oily lubricity in hydro-alcoholic products.

How It's Sourced

Cetyl Lactate is made from reacting lactic acid and cetyl alcohol in a Fischer esterification reaction to combine the two products. Typically esterification is used to make fragrances and flavourings, however in this case, it creates a product that can help emulsify polar and nonpolar ingredients due to its chemical nature.

Sustainability Story

Our Cetyl Lactate is 100% natural and biodegradable and our supplier is involved in the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit. The processes are related to the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code following the four pillars, Labor, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics.

Why We Use It

Chamomilla flower extract main active constituents are chamazulene, bisabolol, and terpenes. Chamazulene and bisbolol have anti-inflammatory potential, and terpenes are responsible for the mild floral scent that it gives. Chamomilla flower extract also contains some essential oils and can be sensitizing to some people.

How It's Sourced

The Chamomilla Recutita flowers are cut into smaller grains to increase surface area for hydro-alcoholic extraction. The solution is filtered, concentrated, and sprayed dried on an inert powder. The powder is further refined through sifting before being sent for packaging.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Chondrus Crispus Extract (Red Algae) is a type of seaweed that is composed of amino acids that help keep the skin hydrated. The ingredient is also rich in antioxidants which help protect the skin from pollutants and environmental stressors.

How It's Sourced

Chondrus Crispus Extract is made of a seaweed extract (Eucheuma cottonii). It is often referred to as "Irish Moss" as the seaweed grows on the coastline of the Atlantic.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) that works as a chemical exfoliant that can help with acne. It has been shown to plump, brighten, and smooth out the skin by promoting cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. Due to its low pH, it works to adjust the pH of the formula in order to make the overall product potentially less irritating on the skin.

How It's Sourced

Citric acid is made from fermented corn maize. A bacteria strain ferments the corn and then the liquid is further concentrated then dried to create citric acid.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. While making product formulas smell better, bitter orange also has antibacterial properties and is anti-inflammatory.

How It's Sourced

Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil is derived from the peel of orange bitter. The fruit is cold-pressed, without heat, to extract the essential oil.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It is used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contain compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes.

How It's Sourced

The peels are mechanically removed and soaked in a solvent to create an emulsion that is channeled into centrifuges. The centrifuges use a spinning force to separate the oil from the solid components and then the water is removed from the solution. The oil is collected and then packaged.

Sustainability Story

Our bergamot oil is sourced from bergamia trees that are native to Sicily, Italy. This process uses little water and fertilizer, allowing the plant to thrive in harsh conditions. Our suppliers work with local farmers and communities to ensure fair harvesting practices and offer financial support if needed.

Why We Use It

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which increase the rate of cell renewal to promote smoother and plumper skin. The ingredient also helps improve skin texture by shedding the outer layer of the skin, which decreases the appearance of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract is derived from the peel of the orange Citrus Aurantium. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract is processed through an extraction process, which reduces color and odor, while concentrating the active properties of the ingredient. Once extracted and composited, the fruit extract is concentrated by vacuum distillation until a specified concentration of actives is achieved. The product is then filtered to eliminate any particulate matter.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Peel Oil is a natural antioxidant, which helps brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Antioxidants help prevent the formation of free radicals and protect tissue against cellular damage by stabilizing free oxygen molecules.

How It's Sourced

Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Peel Oil is obtained from the peel of Yuzu, a citrus fruit of East Asian origin. The peel oil is cold pressed meaning that it is extracted without involving high heat levels. This method of extraction ensures that ingredients remain active and potent allowing for the natural antioxidants to be better preserved.

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Why We Use It

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which increase the rate of cell renewal to promote smoother and plumper skin. The ingredient is also helps improve skin texture by shedding the outer layer of the skin, which decreases the appearance of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of the lemon Citrus Limon. Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract is processed through an extraction process, which reduces color and odor, while concentrating the active properties of the ingredient. Once extracted and composited, the fruit extract is concentrated by vacuum distillation until a specified concentration of actives is achieved. The product is then filtered to eliminate any particulate matter.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil is a natural antioxidant, which helps brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Antioxidants help prevent the formation of free radicals and protect tissue against cellular damage by stabilizing free oxygen molecules.

How It's Sourced

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil is obtained from the rind of the lemon, which lemonade is also made from. The peel oil is cold pressed meaning that it is extracted without involving high heat levels. This method of extraction ensures that ingredients remain active and potent allowing for the natural antioxidants to be better preserved.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Extract is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. The citrus peel oil is composed of limonene, a natural fragrance ingredient in the citrus fruit rind. Although limonene may cause irritations for people with sensitive skin, at low concentrations, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes. Mandarin Orange extract also has antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.

How It's Sourced

Mandarin Orange Peel Extract is obtained from the rind of the orange. The peel extract is cold pressed meaning that it is extracted without involving high heat levels. This method of extraction ensures that ingredients remain active and potent.

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Why We Use It

Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) peel oil is an essential oil. While essential oils can be sensitizing to some people, in low concentrations it is unlikely to do so and it helps to mask unpleasant scents from ingredients added to formulas.

How It's Sourced

The peels are mechanically removed and soaked in a solvent to create an emulsion that is channeled into centrifuges. The centrifuges use a spinning force to separate the oil from the solid components and then the water is removed from the solution. The oil is collected and then packaged.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It is used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contain compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes. Orange oil is also used to aid in the maintenance of smooth skin and balances oil production as well as having anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

How It's Sourced

Sweet Orange Peel Oil is obtained from the rind of the orange. The peel oil is cold pressed meaning that it is extracted without involving high heat levels. This method of extraction ensures that ingredients remain active and potent.

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Why We Use It

Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It is used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contain compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes.

How It's Sourced

The tangerine peels are collected, washed and dried. They are then soaked in a solvent and go through a process of steam distillation. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Coco Caprylate Caprate is an ester of natural fatty alcohol, caprylic acid and capric acid. It has unique chemical composition and chain length distribution, making it much lighter than traditional grades of coco caprylate/caprate esters. Fast spreading, low-greasiness emollient that provides very light skin feel similar to silicone oils. Coco Caprylate Caprate is an excellent alternative to dimethicone and other silicones or other synthetic emollients esters. It leaves a pleasant, invisible film on the skin that contributes to long-term hydration after application.

How It's Sourced

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is made from the esterification of coconut alcohol and caprylic acid. Typically esterification is used to make fragrances and flavourings, however in this case, it creates a product that can help emulsify polar and nonpolar ingredients due to its chemical nature.

Sustainability Story

Our Coco-Caprylate/Caprate supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice is an effective moisturization agent that supports hydration by reducing trans-epidermal water loss. Coconut fruit juice contains sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones that allow it to promote healthy skin cell growth.

How It's Sourced

Tender coconuts are opened and the water is collected then filtered through a membrane. Finally, the clear coconut water is freeze-dried and stored.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil contains many essential fatty acids that can improve the skin’s elasticity and moisture. Coconut oil works to help the skin’s barrier function, by replenishing and supporting the native lipids on our skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that make it a natural preservative. Coconut oil is an emollient type of moisturizer which helps skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling leading to the overall improvement in skin texture and appearance.

How It's Sourced

The kernels of the coconut are cleaned and prepared. The white flesh of the coconut is cold pressed to separate the oil from the rest of the coconut, and then filtered to remove any impurities.

Sustainability Story

Our Coconut Oil is certified Fair Trade and Organic from the Philippines, allowing better trading conditions for farmers in developing countries. This ingredient is sourced in an environment where locals are guaranteed better prices for their crops to better support their communities and families. Farmers follow sustainable harvesting practices and receive improved working conditions.

Why We Use It

Coffee Seed Oil contains high concentrations of fatty acids such as palmitic acid and linoleic acid that help support skin hydration. It also is rich in tocopherols which are a strong antioxidant and help to fight signs of aging.

How It's Sourced

Coffee Seed Oil is made via a CO2 supercritical extraction using no residual solvent.

Sustainability Story

Our Coffee Seed Oil is upcycled! Spent ground coffee is converted to the oil which would otherwise go to waste after being used to make coffee. The coffee is also ascertained to originate from sustainable sources that are verified in sustainability programs.

Why We Use It

Cucumber peel extract contains many phenolic compounds and also some lactic acid. Lactic acid exhibits antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from free radicals and also help exfoliate the skin. Since lactic acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, it is gentler on the skin and less likely to be irritating.

How It's Sourced

The cucumber peels are cut and removed from the cucumber. It is cut into smaller grains to increase surface area for hydro-alcoholic extraction. The solution is filtered, concentrated, and sprayed dried on an inert powder. The powder is further refined through sifting before being sent for packaging.

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Why We Use It

Decyl glucoside is a naturally derived surfactant from corn and coconut oil. The surfactant is non-ionic meaning that it is neutrally charged and helps lower the surface tension of water, which helps to enhance the spreading and penetrating of a liquid.

How It's Sourced

Decyl glucoside is formed by acetalizing fatty alcohol (obtained from coconut) and glucose (obtained from corn starch). The oil is split, and the fatty acids are separated through dissolution to form Decyl glucoside, a fatty alcohol.

Sustainability Story

Our Decyl Glucoside supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Dicaprylyl Ether is a skin-conditioning agent also known as an emollient that is derived from caprylic acid, which is a fatty acid found in coconuts and palm oil. Emollients work to make the skin feel soft and supple, by improving the texture of the skin. This ingredient is used as a natural alternative to silicones.

How It's Sourced

Dicaprylyl Ether is derived from coconut and palm oil. The fatty acids from the oil are esterified and then distilled to separate the capryl alcohol. Etherification is then done to the capryl alcohol to form the Dicaprylyl Ether and water.

Sustainability Story

Our Dicaprylyl Ether is a 100% renewable-based, readily biodegradable COSMOS approved ingredient. This is a natural silicone-alternative and our supplier is committed to a CO2 management program and developed water management in their production facilities.

Why We Use It

Diheptyl Succinate is a skin-conditioning agent also known as an emollient that is derived from natural oils, which help to hydrate the skin. Emollients work to make the skin feel soft and supple, by improving the texture of the skin. This ingredient is used as a natural alternative to silicones.

How It's Sourced

Diheptyl Succinate is manufactured from the pyrolysis of castor oil that has been fermented. The exact process on how diheptyl succinate is manufactured is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

Our Diheptyl Succinate is a ECOCERT certified and 100% renewable and biodegradable product. The extraction process is highly efficient and water is the only reaction by-product, there is no waste or release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Therefore, the ingredient provides the benefits of silicones without yielding harmful health and environmental risks.

Why We Use It

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a conditioning agent that can reduce flakiness and restore moisture in the skin. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate serves as a hydrating agent and is able to preserve the skin's hyaluronic acid. It also functions as an emulsifier and mixes the oil and water, improving the consistency of the formula.

How It's Sourced

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a potassium salt that is the dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is derived from licorice root extract. Glycyrrhizin is a key component of the licorice root extract and is extracted from the root of the Glycyrrhizin glabra plant.

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Why We Use It

Disodium cocoyl glutamate gentle surfactant use in cleansers and shampoos to create a foam, activated with water and friction for even application of product. Surfactants are made from lipids or proteins that are hydrophilic on one end and hydrophobic on the other. It helps to create a stable emulsion between oil and water since they typically do not like to mix. It is a mild alternative to sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl ether sulfate that allows the product to lather.

How It's Sourced

Disodium cocoyl glutamate is made from coconut acid and glutamic acid. Coconut acid is derived from hydrolysis of palm oil, and glutamic acid is derived from fermentation of grain.

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Why We Use It

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is made from a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid to create an emollient ingredient that is great for softening skin texture and moisturizing the skin. At room temperature, it is a clear colourless liquid with a slight yellow colour. It is also a solvent alternative to water, which is used to mix ingredients that typically do not mix well together like essential oils in water. When volatile fragrances dissolve in Ethylhexyl Palmitate, it slowly releases the scent, which ultimately prolongs the longevity of the scent.

How It's Sourced

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is made through the esterification of ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid made from palm oil to create Ethylhexyl Palmitate and water.

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Why We Use It

Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It can eliminate harmful bacteria, and help soothe the skin if the person does not have an allergy to essential oils. Eucalyptus oil is mainly used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contains compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes.

How It's Sourced

The bark and leaves of the Eucalyptus tree is collected, washed and dried. They are then soaked in a solvent and go through a process of steam distillation. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container.

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Why We Use It

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax functions as a thickener and emollient that has occlusive properties to prevent skin from losing its moisture. It is made from a small flowering shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It also works well as a binding agent that easily fuses ingredients together and has a mild aromatic scent. The emulsifying property helps to combine other water and oil constituents in a stable solution which is very important for products that incorporate both oils and water.

How It's Sourced

The crude wax is sourced and loaded into a charged tank with carbon and clay mixed in. This is done to help draw out any impurities that are in the crude wax as the initial stage of refinement. The wax is then melted and agitated before it goes through a filter press. The liquid from the filter press is loaded into a bleach tank to remove the undesirable colour, and bleached with hydrogen peroxide. Once the liquid is done the bleach cycle it then goes through microfiltration before its packaged and sold.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Fructose is a disaccharide humectant that draws water from its surroundings to plump up.

How It's Sourced

Chicory roots are soaked in hot water to extract the water-soluble ingredients. The solution then undergoes bacterial fermentation of glucose. A natural reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The final product is blended and spray dried onto a powder.

Sustainability Story

Our blend of sugars is upcycled from the root of the chicory plant. This part of the plant is often discarded once the leaves are removed. Chicory fields surround the factory to reduce carbon emissions, and the waste from the factory is used as natural fertilizer or animal feed to fulfill the circular economy cycle.

Why We Use It

Glucose is a monosaccharide humectant that draws water from its surroundings to plump up.

How It's Sourced

Chicory roots are soaked in hot water to extract the water-soluble ingredients. The solution then undergoes bacterial fermentation of glucose. A natural reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The final product is blended and spray dried onto a powder.

Sustainability Story

Our blend of sugars is upcycled from the root of the chicory plant. This part of the plant is often discarded once the leaves are removed. Chicory fields surround the factory to reduce carbon emissions, and the waste from the factory is used as natural fertilizer or animal feed to fulfill the circular economy cycle.

Why We Use It

Glycerin is a colourless, odourless, syrupy liquid used in formulations because it is a great base for a moisturizer. Glycerin is such a small molecule it can penetrate through the skin barrier into the dermis and stay there, plumping the skin from within. It is a humectant that slows down water loss from the skin with an excellent balance of skin penetration and retention characteristics in the dermis, even in situations where there is low water activity in the environment which otherwise would have dehydrated the skin.

How It's Sourced

Vegan glycerin is made from plant-based, non-animal derived sources. The production method is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Glyceryl Behenate is made from a fatty alcohol and behenic acid to create an emollient ingredient that is great for softening skin texture and moisturizing the skin. At room temperature, it is a clear colourless liquid with a slight yellow colour. It is also a solvent alternative to water, which is used to mix ingredients that typically do not mix well together like essential oils in water.

How It's Sourced

Glyceryl Behenate is made through the esterification of glycerin and behenic acid to create glyceryl behenate and water.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Glyceryl Caprylate is made from a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid to create an emollient ingredient that is great for softening skin texture and moisturizing the skin. At room temperature, it is a clear colourless liquid with a slight yellow colour. It is also a solvent alternative to water, which is used to mix ingredients that typically do not mix well together like essential oils in water.

How It's Sourced

Glyceryl Caprylate is derived from the esterification of caprylic acid with glycerin which are both derived from either coconut oil or palm kernel oil sourced from Southeast Asia.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Glyceryl Stearate is a waxy ingredient that is great for softening skin texture and smoothing the skin. At room temperature, it is a white or cream coloured wax-like solid. It is used to give a cream structure and also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin's surface.

How It's Sourced

Glyceryl Stearate is made from reacting glycerin and stearic acid together to create a wax-like substance. The glycerin is sourced from soy oil and the stearic acid is made from palm kernels or coconut that has been processed to isolate for the stearic acid.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Glyceryl Stearate SE is a waxy ingredient that is great for softening skin texture and smoothing the skin. At room temperature, it is a white or cream coloured wax-like solid. It is used to give a cream structure and also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin's surface. Mechanically, Glyceryl Stearate SE helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

How It's Sourced

Glyceryl Stearate SE is made from reacting glycerin and stearic acid together to create a wax-like substance. The glycerin is sourced from soy oil and the stearic acid is made from palm kernels or coconut that has been processed to isolate for the stearic acid.

Sustainability Story

Our glyceryl stearate SE supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Glycine is an amino acid that can play a role in the promotion of collagen production, moisture retention, and regeneration of the skin. Due to its molecular size, glycine is able to penetrate the skin deeper and is one of the smallest amino acids. Glycine is one of the three amino acids that collagen is composed of.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Licorice extract has a variety of compounds that are beneficial to the skin. It inhibits the production of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation in the skin resulting in a brightening effect. It also contains liquiritin, that helps with melanin dispersion and smooth out dark spots caused by inflammation. Licorice extract also has positive anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm the skin down by the compound licochalcone A.

How It's Sourced

The licorice plants are harvested and the roots are cut into small pieces. They then undergo a hydro-alcoholic extraction and the extract is filtered out. The extract solution is concentrated, dried, and sifted.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Cotton Seed Oil is a yellow transparent liquid refined oil obtained by cold pressing of the seeds from cotton plants. The high content of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, makes this product useful for cosmetic applications. It has a regenerative effect on the coetaneous tissues, and therefore enhances local circulation in the area treated to bring about revitalization of the dermis. Topical application of triacylglycerols rich in linoleic acid has been shown to restore the lipid barrier in humans suffering from fatty acids deficiency and impaired stratum corneum functions. It is also applied in facial creams and body products due to its emollient properties.

How It's Sourced

Cotton Seed Oil is made by harvesting and drying the seeds. Once the moisture content of the seeds is low, they then are mechanically processed through either crushing or pressing then pressed through a filter to remove any unwanted solids. After the seeds have been mechanically processed, they are submerged into a solvent that helps to separate anything that the physical filter was not able to remove. After a period of time the solvent is then removed to leave behind the cottonseed oil.

Sustainability Story

Our Cotton Seed Oil is sourced from a supplier that has implemented an Environmental Management System. Its Waste Management Program reduces the consumption of natural resources while ensuring the proper disposal of waste products. Our supplier is involved in the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit which follows the four pillars, Labor, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics.

Why We Use It

Witch hazel is a clear liquid astringent that is derived from a shrub, used in skincare products. It is popularly used in toners to degrease the skin because it's an alcohol distillate. Extended use and highly concentrated witch hazel can dry out the skin. Witch hazel distillate is rich in antioxidants, in particular, tannins. Tannins work to scavenge free radicals caused by external factors, such as pollution and UV rays from the sun that can cause loss of elasticity in the skin. They are also vasoconstrictors that tighten our blood capillaries which run directly underneath our skin. By constricting those blood vessels, the tannins in witch hazel can help reduce redness and puffiness.

How It's Sourced

Witch hazel constituents are cut and cleaned before they are put through steam distillation to create an astringent. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container.

Sustainability Story

Our Witch Hazel Water is certified organic and harvested from wild crops in New England. The remaining plant material is processed into biodegradable mulch fulfilling the circular economy. All plants are harvested in accordance with State Forestry Regulations to protect the regeneration of witch hazel plants.

Why We Use It

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract is rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. The benefits of sunflower extract go beyond topical skin application and can be used to moisturize and soften the hair. Linoleic and oleic acid are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce, so we obtain them through our diet or topical delivery. All four chemical constituents are known to help facilitate wound-healing, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, promote moisture retention in skin and hair, and help sustain skin elasticity and softness. It also contains high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to protect the skin against UV-photo damage, demonstrated in-vivo on human skin cells.

How It's Sourced

Sunflower Seed Extract is extracted from the seed with a specific eluent under appropriate temperature conditions to create a concentrated extract. The extract is then blended and diluted.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. The benefits of sunflower oil go beyond topical skin application and can be used to moisturize and soften the hair. Linoleic and oleic acid are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce, so we obtain them through our diet or topical delivery. All four chemical constituents are known to help facilitate wound-healing, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, promote moisture retention in skin and hair, and help sustain skin elasticity and softness. It also contains high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to protect the skin against UV-photo damage, demonstrated in-vivo on human skin cells.

How It's Sourced

The sunflower seeds are crushed up and cold pressed for their oils. The oil is then put through a series of purification processes to produce commercial sunflower oil suitable for skincare formulations.

Sustainability Story

Our Sunflower Oil is sustainably sourced from Spain, and agricultural work is regulated by both national and European laws, with fair wages and benefits for periods of inactivity. The process is completely automated and utilizes innovative technological systems that protect the environment and health of farmers.

Why We Use It

Sunflower seed wax is a great gelling agent that performs better than other popular waxes such as Carnauba wax. It helps build the viscosity of formulas to the desired thickness.

How It's Sourced

Sunflower seed wax is produced as a co-product of sunflower seed oil production. The refinement of sunflower seed oil involves a dewaxing step in which the oil is cooled. From there, the wax components will crystallize and are able to be refined.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Histidine is an amino acid that helps to improve skin texture and has the potential to neutralize free radicals. In vivo, it produces the compound histamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is essential for digestion, immune response, and sleep function.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which increase the rate of cell renewal to promote smoother and plumper skin. The ingredient also helps improve skin texture by shedding the outer layer of the skin, which decreases the appearance of fine lines.

How It's Sourced

Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract is derived from barley seeds. Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract is processed through an extraction process, which reduces color and odor, while concentrating the active properties of the ingredient. Once extracted and composited, the fruit extract is concentrated by vacuum distillation until a specified concentration of actives is achieved. The product is then filtered to eliminate any particulate matter.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hydrogenated lecithin is made from adding hydrogen atoms to the lecithin through saturation. The lecithin itself is made from hydrating soy oil that has been dried, pressed, and then extracted with hexane before it was filtered and heated to remove the hexane.

How It's Sourced

Hydrogenated Lecithin is made from adding a hydrogen atoms to the lecithin through saturation. The lecithin itself is made from hydrating soy oil that has been dried, pressed, and then extracted with hexane before it was filtered and heated to remove the hexane.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil is a semi-solid, multi-functional emollient. It has high stability against oxidation, and occlusive properties that help to reduce trans-epidermal water loss. It improves the texture of the formula giving it a more silky smooth sensory feel.

How It's Sourced

Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil is made from 100% vegetable origins from a blend of natural triglycerides that are extracted from their source. The triglycerides are processed and refined through various methods to reach high purity and quality

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hydrogenated Soy Polyglycerides is a semi-occlusive ingredient made from soybean oil that conditions the skin providing moisture and emolliency. The semi-occlusive properties make this oil a great base for products to heal cracked skin and prevent trans-epidermal water loss when the environmental humidity is low.

How It's Sourced

Hydrogenated Soy Polyglycerides is made from the catalytic metathesis of soybean oil with subsequent hydrogenation.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hydrolyzed Corn Starch acts as a humectant, drawing water molecules to itself and hydrating the skin.

How It's Sourced

A slurry of corn starch is made in water, creating a liquid which is then hydrolyzed. The product obtained is then concentrated by evaporation and filtered by ultrafiltration.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Hydrolyzed jojoba esters are an emollient that help to soften skin texture and moisturize the skin. It is jojoba oil that has been hydrogenated and then broken down into smaller molecules by water. Since it is made from jojoba oil, hydrolyzed jojoba esters have great oxidative stability, and due to its smaller molecular size, it can penetrate the surface layer of our skin deeper. In formulation, it can help thicken the formula if the product is too runny, extend the moisturizing benefits, increase shelf life, and adjust pH of the product.

How It's Sourced

Hydrolyzed jojoba esters are made when the jojoba oil is partly saponified. The jojoba oil and alcohol undergo a reaction called esterification, and then broken down by water into smaller molecules to create hydrolyzed jojoba ester.

Sustainability Story

Our Jojoba Esters are derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, and the finished product is manufactured in British Columbia, Canada. The jojoba seeds are a renewable botanical and native to deserts where harvest requires little water and uses no genetically modified organisms.

Why We Use It

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a gelling agent that helps to give product structural integrity. It thickens, emulsifies, and stabilizes skincare formulations, and allows for the product to melt onto the skin which further improves the sensory feel of the product.

How It's Sourced

The exact process on how Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is manufactured is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Clay minerals have a wide variety of applications in many industries and are particularly important in the development of pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic formulations for several reasons. The unique properties of French green clay makes it an attractive ingredient for natural cosmetics and skincare. Its absorption capabilities and ion-exchange capacity allow it to be great at attracting oils and debris to enhance or even change certain properties needed for specific applications such as clay masks, shampoos, and makeup.

How It's Sourced

The French Green Clay is mined for the raw material first. Once the mineral is secured, it is washed with water and then dried in the sun. The final product gets powderized and prepared for packaging.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Clay minerals have a wide variety of applications in many industries and are particularly important in the development of pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic formulations for several reasons. The unique properties of French pink clay makes it an attractive ingredient for natural cosmetics and skincare. Its absorption capabilities and ion-exchange capacity allow it to be great at attracting oils and debris to enhance or even change certain properties needed for specific applications such as clay masks, shampoos, and makeup. French pink clay absorptive powers are more mild than its green clay counterpart.

How It's Sourced

The French Pink Clay is mined for the raw material first. Once the mineral is secured, it is washed with water and then dried in the sun. The final product gets powderized and prepared for packaging.

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Why We Use It

A plant-derived humectant from chicory roots, that draws water from its surroundings to plump up. Inulin is a natural skin conditioner that works to moisturize the skin.

How It's Sourced

Chicory roots are soaked in hot water to extract the water-soluble ingredients. The solution then undergoes bacterial fermentation of glucose. A natural reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The final product is blended and spray dried onto a powder.

Sustainability Story

Our blend of sugars is upcycled from the root of the chicory plant. This part of the plant is often discarded once the leaves are removed. Chicory fields surround the factory to reduce carbon emissions, and the waste from the factory is used as natural fertilizer or animal feed to fulfill the circular economy cycle.

Why We Use It

Isoleucine is an amino acid that supports the skin's ability to regenerate and stimulates cell turnover. In vivo, it helps to regulate blood sugar, and is essential for hemoglobin production and formation.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Isomalt is a mixture of polysaccharides which acts both as a humectant and as a vehicle for other ingredients to be manufactured with.

How It's Sourced

Isomalt is extracted when sugar beets are converted to isomaltulose, which is then hydrogenated into isomalt.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Jojoba esters are an excellent moisturizer and emollient. They help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss and impart a soft and supple feeling to the skin.

How It's Sourced

Jojoba wax is obtained from a drought-resistant shrub found in the desert. The seeds contain 45-60% oil. The wax is extracted by cold-pressure, then separated from the stems and leaves of the plant.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Kaolin clay is a gentle and mild clay that is a great base for a mineral mask for people that do not want a stripping mask. The absorptive properties of kaolin clay are not as strong as French green or pink clay, however it still helps to slough off oils and debris while gently exfoliating the skin. Clay works to attract dirt from the skin, and help draw impurities from the pores to reduce pimples caused by acne.

How It's Sourced

The white Kaolin Clay is mined for the raw material first. Once the mineral is secured, it is washed with water and then dried in the sun. The final product gets powderized and prepared for packaging.

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Why We Use It

A hydrating ingredient that is chockful of galactomannans, to help maintain the skin's natural hydration. This extract is rich in polysaccharides which clings to water molecules to hydrate and plump the skin. This extract is part of a blend with Tara Spinosa fruit extract to help create a protective and even film across the face. The biopolymers made from the polysaccharides not only attract water, but also interlock with each other.

How It's Sourced

The red algae is harvested and then processed to make the extract. The exact method on how the red algae is processed is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant and a type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). AHAs help increase cell turnover and eliminate accumulated dead skin cells on the epidermis. Lactic acid is also a humectant. The ingredient draws moisture in and is great for dry skin.

How It's Sourced

Lactic acid is manufactured by the natural process of fermentation of glucose syrup. The glucose is broken down to produce lactic acid. The broth is filtered to separate the buffered lactic acid from biomass and concentrated by evaporation of water. The lactic acid is purified by adsorption and decolourized with activated carbon. Following the evaporation of water, the lactic acid is further purified through distillation. The final pure concentrated lactic acid solution is then diluted with water to the targeted concentrations.

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Why We Use It

Lactobacillus ferment is used to create a water kefir when mixed with Prickly Pear Fruit Extract. This enhances the skin-benefiting properties of Prickly Pear Extract such as promoting collagen synthesis.

How It's Sourced

Lactobacillus Ferment is the fermentation product derived from Lactobacillus bacteria.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Lavender distillate is used in many skin regimes for its benefits. It helps maintain the skin's pH balance and control excess oil while hydrating and rejuvenating the skin. The skin's pH is important for maintenance of the acid mantle which contributes to the skin's protective barrier. Lavender distillate has the potential to be effective in the reduction of redness in irritated skin and for skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema.

How It's Sourced

Lavender flowers are cut and cleaned before they are put through steam distillation to create essential oils. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container. The by-product of making the lavender essential oil is the lavender floral water.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It can eliminate harmful bacteria, and help soothe the skin if the person does not have an allergy to essential oils. Lavender oil is mainly used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contains compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes.

How It's Sourced

The lavender plant is collected, washed and dried. They are then soaked in a solvent and go through a process of steam distillation. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container, which holds the lavender essential oils.

Sustainability Story

Our Lavender Oil is natively sourced from Bulgaria, and our supplier is Sedex Certified. Sedex works closely with businesses to ensure sustainable and ethical harvesting practices. The extraction process uses little water and fertilizer, allowing the plant to thrive with basic resources.

Why We Use It

Lecithin can be used in a product for many reasons. It acts as both an emollient to improve the feel of your skin and increase hydration, as well as an emulsifier to help combine water and oil phases.

How It's Sourced

Lecithin is derived from many plants including soybeans, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Edelweiss, also known as "The Queen of the Mountain", grows in high altitude mountains such as the Alps. Edelweiss plants can grow at altitudes of 1800 to 3000 m and thus are exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Edelweiss extract is well known for its ability to lift the skin, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.

How It's Sourced

Edelweiss culture extract is created by taking a cell culture of the edelweiss plant and mixing with other natural ingredients to increase its concentration of leontopodic acid.

Sustainability Story

Edelweiss is a rare and protected plant, so our supplier uses special technology to grow the plant without harvesting it from the natural environment. After originally sourcing the plant from a botanical garden, this technique allows them to grow with less space, less water, less pollution, and no pesticides.

Why We Use It

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil is a stable plant oil composed of long chain fatty acids. The seed oil contains two compounds (3-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate and 3-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile), which inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes. The seed oil is also lipophilic meaning it can enhance the penetration of other oil-based ingredients into the skin. functions as an emollient and softening agent in skin care and hair care products.

How It's Sourced

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil is derived from the seeds of the Limnanthes alba, a non-fragrant flowering plant. The seeds are cold processed and extracted without involving high heat levels. The extracted seeds are winterized by removing unwanted waxes, lipids, and fats from the crude extract. Filtration of the extract takes place followed by deodorization, which is a physical refining process to help prolong the shelf life of the ingredient.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Linoleic acid is also know a Omega-6 fatty acid. It is an emollient that helps smooth texture, and also thicken product. It possesses anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin brightening, and moisture retention properties. Linoleic acid helps support the skin's native lipid barrier, and topical application of it helps to replenish its lipid reservoir. Our skin cannot produce linoleic acid on its own, and therefore our bodies obtain it through food, and topical application. By supporting the lipid barrier, the essential lipids help to prevent allergens, bacteria, and other unwanted constituents from entering the body, and irritating the skin.

How It's Sourced

Linoleic acid can be made from multiple sources such as sunflower, soybean, corn, or nuts and seeds. The linoleic acid source is cold pressed into an oil, and then winterization. The winterization of oil is a process that uses a solvent and cold temperatures to separate lipids and other desired oil compounds from waxes. After the oil is filtered to isolate the desired compounds and then deodorized before it is packaged and sold. Deodorization is a steam stripping process wherein steam is injected into old to eliminate or prevent odor.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Linolenic acid is also know a Omega-3 fatty acid. Similar to linoleic acid, it is an emollient that helps smooth texture, and also thicken product. It possesses anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin brightening, and moisture retention properties. Linolenic acid helps support the skin's native lipid barrier, and topical application of it helps to replenish its lipid reservoir. Our skin cannot produce linolenic acid on its own, and therefore our bodies obtain it through food, and topical application. By supporting the lipid barrier, the essential lipids help to prevent allergens, bacteria, and other unwanted constituents from entering the body, and irritating the skin.

How It's Sourced

Linolenic acid can be made from multiple sources such as sunflower, soybean, corn, or nuts and seeds. The linolenic acid source is cold pressed into an oil, and then winterization. The winterization of oil is a process that uses a solvent and cold temperatures to separate lipids and other desired oil compounds from waxes. After the oil is filtered to isolate the desired compounds and then deodorized before it is packaged and sold. Deodorization is a steam stripping process wherein steam is injected into old to eliminate or prevent odor

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Linseed Seed Oil has been recognized as an important skin care ingredient, as it is highly therapeutic, with both soothing and restorative properties on the skin, and it provides excellent skin feel and solvent properties. This light feeling oil helps nourish skin membranes, enhancing moisture uptake to restore skin softness and elasticity and soothe sensitive, dry skin. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids in Linseed Seed Oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent against cytokines and TNF-alpha expression to calm compromised skin.

How It's Sourced

Linseed Seed Oil is made by harvesting and drying the seeds. Once the moisture content of the seeds is low, they then are mechanically processed through either crushing or pressing then pressed through a filter to remove any unwanted solids. After the seeds have been mechanically processed, they are submerged into a solvent that helps to separate anything that the physical filter was not able to remove. After a period of time the solvent is then removed to leave behind the linseed seed oil.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Goji stem cell cultures are rich in mesenchymal cells that secrete exosomes. Exosomes increase collagen production which helps to improve elasticity and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How It's Sourced

Lycium Barbarum Callus Culture is cultivated, then the stem cell walls are disrupted by a solution of water and ethanol. Next, the oil and water soluble components are encapsulated and stabilized before being packaged.

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Why We Use It

Acerola is a natural source of Vitamin C that has been used for many years for its health benefits. Acerola Extract helps to brighten the skin by inhibiting the enzymes involved in melanin production. It also has beneficial antioxidant activity that protects the skin from oxidative damage.

How It's Sourced

Acerola fruits are harvested and extracted with water. Then the solids and liquids are separated in a centrifuge and filtered. Solvent is added to the mixture and then it is filtered again before being packaged and shipped.

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Why We Use It

Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Herb Oil is a natural antioxidant which helps brighten the skin and protect against cellular damage. The herb oil is also composed of menthol, which has a fresh and minty scent and gives a cooling effect.

How It's Sourced

Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Herb Oil is obtained from spearmint. Through steam distillation of the flowering tops of the spearmint plant, the oil is extracted. Dry steam is passed through the plant, volatilized, condensed, then the herb oil is collected in receivers.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Caviar lime extract contains fruit AHAs which stimulates skin exfoliation, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin without irritation.

How It's Sourced

The whole caviar lime fruit is extracted through a gentle water-based process which preserves the quality of the components.

Sustainability Story

Caviar limes are harvested during January to March. They are cultivated by local farmers in New South Wales according to sustainable practices and preservation of natural resources.

Why We Use It

Microcrystalline wax is used to prevent separation of ingredients and gives formulas structural integrity by thickening the products. At room temperature it is a malleable solid wax that has a yellow to dark brown colour depending on its purity. It also has occlusive properties that sit on top of the skin to prevent water from evaporating into the atmosphere in low humidity environments.

How It's Sourced

Microcrystalline wax is made from residuum of different waxes to create a blend with very minute crystals that allow for easier flexibility and greater affinity for oil. The waxes are put through a series of refinement steps to remove any impurities, undesirable scents and odours.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Microcrystalline cellulose is used to thicken and stabilize emulsions.

How It's Sourced

Microcrystallline cellulose is derived from refined wood pulp. Cellulose occurs naturally in the cell wall of plants.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Prickly pear fruit extract contains PHAs which are a gentle alternative to AHAs and BHAs. It provides exfoliating benefits and increases collagen synthesis.

How It's Sourced

Prickly pear fruits are macerated then fermented to create a polyhydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation.

Sustainability Story

Our prickly pear suppliers rely solely on rain water supply to water their cacti farms. They also utilize farm land that is too agriculturally poor for other crops, which helps to maximize the available land and use resources as appropriately as possible.

Why We Use It

Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants such as tocopherols, with high content of linoleic acid, and is relatively stable against oxidation. Antioxidants inhibit UV induced extracellular matrix degradation by neutralizing the free radicals on this skin. Linoleic acid is also know a Omega-6 fatty acid. It possesses anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin brightening, and moisture retention properties. Linoleic acid helps support the skin's native lipid barrier, and topical application of it helps to replenish its lipid reservoir. By supporting the lipid barrier, the essential lipids help to prevent allergens, bacteria, and other unwanted constituents from entering the body, and irritating the skin. The oxidative stability prolongs the shelf life of the formula.

How It's Sourced

Prickly pears are picked and cleaned from the cactus. The seeds are removed from the fruit and dried in the sun. The seeds are cold pressed into a crude oil then refined to a high purity and then packaged and shipped.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder is a natural exfoliating agent that has powerful antioxidant and conditioning properties. It helps prevent the formation of free radicals by stabilizing free oxygen molecules, and helps to slough dead skin cells on the surface that have accumulated on the surface of the skin.

How It's Sourced

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder is extracted from the dehulling (removal of the seeds) of natural brown rice. The vitamin-rich powder is formed and extracted.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Ozokerite is used to prevent separation of ingredients and also gives formulas structural integrity by thickening the products. At room temperature it is a malleable solid wax that has a yellow to dark brown colour depending on its purity. It also has occlusive properties that sit on top of the skin to prevent water from evaporating into the atmosphere in low humidity environments.

How It's Sourced

Crude Ozokerite is sourced from the fractures and cracks of rocks in mountainous regions. The wax is then collected, and put through a series of filtration steps and bleaching to remove any impurities, undesirable odours and colours.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that is used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Palmitic acid is mainly used to improve the texture of products and help trap moisture in the skin. It is also a native to our skin's lipid barrier therefore it poses a low risk of causing irritation to the skin. Replenishing the skin's barrier is important because it protects the skin from bacteria and allergens. Palmitic acid acts as an emollient, surfactant, emulsifier, and opacifying agent to help improve the sensory feel of a formulation.

How It's Sourced

Palmitic acid is derived from palm oil that has been extracted and treated to isolate the ingredient. Palmitic acid source is cold pressed into an oil, and then winterized. The winterization of oil is a process that uses a solvent and cold temperatures to separate lipids and other desired oil compounds from waxes. After the oil is filtered to isolate the desired compounds and then deodorized before it is packaged and sold. Deodorization is a steam stripping process wherein steam is injected into old to eliminate or prevent odor.

Sustainability Story

Our Palmitic Acid is a RSPO and USDA Certified biobased product. This ingredient contributes to a circular economy as the biomass remains are used as fuel to sustain its own energy consumption. As a part of the BioPreferred Program, our supplier supports economic development for farm commodities.

Why We Use It

Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil is an essential oil used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It can eliminate harmful bacteria, be an astringent, and help soothe the skin if the person does not have an allergy to essential oils. Geranium oil is mainly used to make product formulas smell better while using natural ingredients. For people with sensitive skin, essential oils can be sensitizing because they contain compounds such as Limonene, however in small amounts, it is unlikely to do so, and it is used for product scent purposes.

How It's Sourced

The geranium plant is collected, washed and dried. They are then soaked in a solvent and go through a process of steam distillation. Steam distillation is the separation process that uses two liquids that have different boiling points, and using heat to boil the liquid mixture in so that one liquid remains and the other liquid boils off into steam. The steam is then recollected and condensed in a separate container, which holds the geranium essential oils.

Sustainability Story

Our Geranium Flower Oil is manufactured in Egypt, and our suppliers follow a sustainable corporate social responsibility program. This program includes supporting charities, providing educational support, and offering financial aid to farmers leading to decreased poverty and illiteracy.

Why We Use It

Pentylene glycol is a hydrophilic chemical constituent that binds well with water molecules, which makes it an efficacious skin conditioning agent. A clear, viscous, odourless liquid that has a mild sweet taste. It is also an all-natural preservative that is effective at fighting bacteria and fungal agents once the product has been exposed to air. It can reduce irritation and sensitivity and has a wide broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect.

How It's Sourced

It is sustainably sourced from sugar cane bagasse which is the dry, fibrous material leftover after crushing sugar cane. The sugar cane fibers are processed for furfural compound, a chemical precursor to pentylene glycol, and it goes through a series of reactive and purification steps to create cosmetic grade pentylene glycol.

Sustainability Story

Our Pentylene Glycol supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry. This ingredient is also USDA-certified biobased product and the biomass remains are used as fuel to sustain its own energy, meaning that this process uses 100% renewable carbon.

Why We Use It

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract is a plant-derived fatty acid, which is skin conditioning. It softens and smooths the skin, and also acts as an emollient, making the external layers of the skin softer and improves the skin's hydration by reducing evaporation.

How It's Sourced

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract is derived from the oil of avocado fruits. The avocado oil is collected by pressing dried and sliced avocado. The amount of oil derived is dependent on the ripeness of avocado.

Sustainability Story

Avocados used in this ingredient are upcycled from damaged fruits that cannot be sold for eating, which would otherwise go to waste. The avocado's are also sourced from remote areas which boosts local economies.

Why We Use It

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil is a clear, yellow liquid made from cold press extraction of the whole avocado fruit. It is rich in nutrient waxes, proteins, minerals and vitamins A, D, and E. It is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged, or chapped skin. Avocado oil application acts as a protective barrier to the skin by an occlusive effect. This results in the decrease in trans-epidermal water loss. Previous research on avocado oil has shown that avocado oils, when applied topically, mostly remain at the surface of skin, without deep penetration in the skin. The lipids in avocado oils contribute to the skin's hydration and smoothness by treating cracked skin and softening texture. Avocado oil is high in oleic acid which is a fatty acid that acts as permeability enhancers.

How It's Sourced

Avocado oil is made through the cold pressed method. Oil recovery is only obtained from the pulp of the avocado fruit. First the avocado fruit is grinded into a pulp. The pulp in the cold pressed method goes through an expeller where the oils are extracted, and then filtered to get rid of any unwanted solids left over from the expeller. While this results in a lower yield of oil, it maintains the integrity of vitamins and other plant compounds compared to the heated method.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that works to improve and maintain the health of our skin.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Black Spruce bark extract contains active molecules such as stilbenes, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, lignins, hydroxycinnamic acids. Its active molecules are reported to work similarly to antioxidants and can calm redness on the skin

How It's Sourced

This bark extract is made from red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine that is leftover from wood processing. The bark then goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process to obtain the final extract.

Sustainability Story

Our Bark Extract is upcycled from the biomass by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bioactive molecules in the tree’s bark are obtained through a circular economy cycle, where leftover bark is recycled into compost and returned to the forest as fertilizer.

Why We Use It

Jack Pine bark is high in polyphenols that provide the skin with long-lasting protection and hydration to promote skin elasticity. Polyphenols are known to be able to provide substantial skin photoprotective effects, and terpenoids have excellent efficacy as a biostatic and fungistatic agent in product formulation.

How It's Sourced

This bark extract is made from red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine that is leftover from wood processing. The bark then goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process to obtain the final extract.

Sustainability Story

Our Bark Extract is upcycled from the biomass by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bioactive molecules in the tree’s bark are obtained through a circular economy cycle, where leftover bark is recycled into compost and returned to the forest as fertilizer.

Why We Use It

Polybutene is used as a mineral oil alternative that is not a by-product of petroleum. It is a lightly coloured, sticky liquid used as a binder to help thicken formulas to a desirable texture. The molecular size of polybutene is too large to penetrate past the epidermis, so it sits on top of the skin and has an occlusive effect. Due to the chemical structure it does not easily evaporate to the atmosphere, and in doing so it decreases transepidermal water loss from the skin.

How It's Sourced

Polybutenes are made by the cationic polymerization of butylene. Cationic polymerization is when a monomer needs to be longer, so another positively charged constituent charges the monomer to give it a charge, and that charged monomer reacts with another similarly structured monomer to produce a polymer.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Polyglycerin-3 is a polymer made of three glycerin molecules attached together. It is a humectant and moisturizing ingredient which allows it to attract water and retain it.

How It's Sourced

Polyglycerin-3 is made by the polymerization of glycerin.

Sustainability Story

Our Polyglycerin-3 supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate is made from natural sources and is used in formulations to help stabilize emulsions with ingredients that typically don't like to mix such as oil and water. This prevents the ingredients from separating in the bottle and maintains the products sensory feel.

How It's Sourced

Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate is made from palm and rapeseed oil. The general process is the conversion of polyglycerol with fatty acids and citric acid. The exact process on how Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate is manufactured is proprietary information.

Sustainability Story

Our Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Polyglyceryl-4 caprate works as an emollient meaning it helps increase the skin's hydration by reducing evaporation. The ingredient is also a surfactant, which enhances the spreading and penetrating ability of the ingredient.

How It's Sourced

Polyglyceryl-4 caprate is a plant-derived polymer of glycerin (Polyglycerin-4) and lauric acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oils).

Sustainability Story

Our Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate is an emollient and has skin conditioning properties. The natural ingredient helps smooth and soften the skin by making the external layers more pliable and helps increase the skin's hydration by reducing evaporations.

How It's Sourced

Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate is a natural ingredient derived from a component of vegetable oil (polyglycerin-6). By mixing vegetable oil with fatty acids from coconut (caprylic acids), the glyceryl ester is formed.

Sustainability Story

Our Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate supplier is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning they have been audited and proven that all palm-based raw materials are sourced from sustainable palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil is critical for protecting the environment and wildlife, reducing poverty, supporting affordable food prices, and protecting the interests of communities and workers in the palm industry.

Why We Use It

Polyhydroxystearic Acid functions as a thickener and emollient that has occlusive properties to prevent skin from losing its moisture. It also works well as a binding agent that easily fuses ingredients together. The emulsifying property helps to combine other water and oil constituents in a stable solution which is very important for products that incorporate both oils and water.

How It's Sourced

Polyhydroxystearic acid is made by hydrogenating ricinoleic acid or by fractional distillation of hydrolyzed hydrogenated castor oil. Hydrolyzed hydrogenated castor oil is when the oil is broken down into smaller molecules with water through hydrolysis, and hydrogenation is done when more hydrogen protons are added to the carbon chain of the fatty acids. Fractional distillation is when a liquid mixture is separated into fractions through boiling it off at different temperatures.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Salicylic acid is also known as a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is an anti-acne compound that is popular in skincare meant for people with acne. Salicylic acid is a compound that is lipophilic and wants to dissolve and attracts other oil compounds. Due to its lipophilic properties, it also concentrates within our pore, where the sebaceous gland produces sebum, and an excessive amount of sebum can clog pores. Salicylic acid helps to unstick those clogged pores caused by acne pathogenesis.

How It's Sourced

The Aspen bark is submerged into a solvent to undergo aqueous extraction since salicylate is water-soluble. The solvent then gets filtered to get rid of any undesirable plant matter. To ensure quality control, the filtered solution gets analyzed to see if the aqueous batch is up to standard and then it is spray-dried on powder.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Potassium chloride is an inorganic salt used to increase the thickness of a product. Potassium chloride is water soluble and increases the liquid phase viscosity ensuring a homogenous final product.

How It's Sourced

Potassium chloride is derived from underground salt deposits of geological origin. Specifically, it is produced from crude salts in German potash mines.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Proline is an amino acid that plays a role in the promotion of collagen production, moisture retention, and regeneration of the skin.

How It's Sourced

The amino acids are made from a process that ferments molasses, and then further separated to isolate the amino acids.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Propanediol is a natural, skin-friendly, preservative-boosting alternative to petroleum-based glycols for formulators who desire versatile and innovative cosmetic ingredients. With its skin-friendly performance, enhanced moisturization and excellent aesthetics, propanediol is ideal for skin care, hair care, deodorants, fragrances, and other cosmetic and personal care products. It can be used as a humectant, preservative booster, emollient, natural solvent, viscosity enhancer, hand-feel modifier and for botanical extraction and dilution.

How It's Sourced

Propanediol is naturally derived from corn glucose, or corn sugar. The process on how to make this ingredient is proprietary information

Sustainability Story

Our Propanediol is a 100% bio-based that is approved by the USDA BioPreferred program. The ingredient is sustainably sourced, petroleum-free, and generates up to 40% less greenhouse gas emission than other alternatives.

Why We Use It

Pomegranate pericarp is rich in a molecule called punicalagin which provides strong antioxidant activity. The pericarp also contains phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic flavonols and ellagitannins, which includes ellagic acid. Its polyphenols help it to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species in the skin, and it helps to reduce inflammation.

How It's Sourced

Plants are selected by a local farmer in France and shipped only a short distance to the manufacturing plant. Here, the plants are macerated and the unused residues are composted. The decanted macerate is then filtered and concentrated with ethanol that is made from beetroot and water. The ethanol used for this step is recycled after each evaporation. Next, the actives are decontaminated and undergo a drying process called zeodration which requires less energy than conventional methods.

Sustainability Story

Our pomegranate extract is upcycled! Pomegranate pericarp is the unused portion of the pomegranate that is wasted from the juicing industry. It is sourced from a family-run business that is within the same country as the manufacturer which allows for less emissions in shipping the raw fruit material. Moreover, the manufacturing process has many steps of recycling byproducts and uses the low-energy zeodration drying method.

Why We Use It

Rosehips are made from the fruit of roses once their petals fall off, usually harvested in early fall. Rosehip oil can range from a deep orange-red hue to a light yellow depending on the formulation/processing of the rosehips. The main bioactive constituents of rosehip oil are vitamin A, C, and E, as well as being high in essential fatty acids. This oil packs a powerful punch, it has been known to lighten dark spots, and support the skin’s lipid barrier.

How It's Sourced

The rosehip plants are sourced and cut into small pieces. They then undergo a hydro-alcoholic extraction and the extract is filtered out. The extract solution is concentrated, dried, sifted, and packaged into a powder form.

Sustainability Story

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Why We Use It

Rosehip oil is plentiful in fatty acids and Vitamin C which help to relieve dry and irritated skin. It is also known to help promote healthy, glowing skin.

How It's Sourced

Rosa Canina Seed oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Rose, Rosa Canina L., Rosaceae. The benefits of the cold press method are that it maintains the integrity of the oil and minimizes the oxidation of the bioactive constituents such as vitamin A, C, and E.

Sustainability Story

Our Rosehip Oil is organic and sourced from Ukraine free of GMOs and pesticides. This process uses little water and fertilizer, allowing the plant to thrive in harsh conditions. Our suppliers work with local farmers and cooperative producers to ensure fair harvesting practices and offer financial support if needed.

Why We Use It

Rose distillate is used in many skin regimes for its benefits. It helps maintain the skin's pH balance and control excess oil while hydrating and rejuvenating the skin. The skin's pH is important for maintenance of the acid mantle which contributes to the skin's protective barrier. Rose distillate has the potential to be effective in the reduction of redness in irritated skin and for skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema.

How It's Sourced

Rose Damascena Flower Water is an aqueous solution of the steam of the distillate obtained from the flowers of the Damask Rose, Rosa damascena.

Sustainability Story

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