Dietary Supplement Ingredient Glossary A

Glossary

Wondering what's in your soap? Or baffled by long, unpronounceable names? Our herb and ingredient glossary gives you the full A-Z on every ingredient we use. A complete guide to the benefits, properties and sources of our 100% vegetarian, cruelty-free ingredients.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Açaí
Has a highly concentrated and diverse range of antioxidants. Studies show that Açaí (ah-sigh-EE) has 10x more antioxidants than red grapes. Antioxidants decrease cell destruction, which in turn combats the aging process and helps keep the body free from disease. Açaí is proving to be an excellent source of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9.

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) extract
Derived from the flowering plant; contains beta-carotene and flavonoids; anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing.

Acrylates copolymer
Ingredient used in styling products to add body, provide hold and protect hair from humidity.

Acrylates/C1-2 succinates/hydroxyacrylates copolymer
Used in styling products to add body, provide hold and protect hair from humidity.

Agave americana extract
Derived from the leaves of the Century plant; tonic and antiseptic properties.

Alkyl benzoate
Derived from vegetable fats and corn sugars; water dispersant that helps release vegetable oils from fabric and linens.

Allantoin
Derived from comfrey root; promotes healing, protects, softens and conditions, anti-inflammatory.

Almond meal
Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Derived from almonds; gently exfoliates for deep pore cleansing.

Almond oil
Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Derived from almonds; smoothes, softens, and protects skin and hair.

Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice
Derived from the leaf; rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins, humectants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Aloe barbadensis (leaf) extract
Derived from the aloe leaf; rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins, humectants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Alpha beta hydroxy acid complex
Derived from citric acid (citrus fruit), lactic acid (fermented vegetables), malic acid (apples and cherries); exfoliates, refines and clears skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids
Derived from fruit; aids in the regeneration of surface cells, making skin radiant and fresh.

Alpha lipoic acid
Derived from vegetables; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, smoothes and tones.

Alpine lichen
Usnea barbata
Derived from tree moss; beneficial for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties.

Althea (althea officinalis) extract
Derived from marshmallow root; soothes, calms and softens.

Althea officinalis (marshmallow) leaf/root extract
Derived from marshmallow leaf and root; calms and softens; natural humectant that attracts and holds moisture.

Aminomethyl propanol
Mild ingredient in styling products; emulsifying, provides pH balance, and neutralizes alkaline in acid-function hair fixatives.

Ammonium glycyrrhizate (licorice root) extract
Derived from white licorice root; helps form and stabilize gels; also soothing, calming, and helps to control oil.

Amodimethicone
Dimethicone (derived from silica) with amino acid (lysine); provides a soft, silky feel.

Anacyclus pyrethrum root extract
Derived from the Mount Atlas daisy root; astringent, tonic, stimulates circulation.

Ananas sativus (pineapple) fruit extract
Derived from fruit; vitamin-rich, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Andiroba Oil
Helps soothe and heal skin. Myristic acid contributes to the acceleration of healing of damaged skin. Like many other rainforest ingredients Andiroba oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids including oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids. FSC Certified.

Angelica extract
Angelica archangelica
Derived from angelica root; soothing, anti-inflammatory and provides natural fragrance.

Annatto
Bixa orellana
Derived from the seeds; provides natural coloring.

Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) extract
Derived from Roman chamomile flowers; antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, soothes and calms.

Antioxidant
Any of a series of substances (such as vitamins C & E) capable of bonding with and thus neutralizing hazardous free-radicals within the body.

Apricot kernel oil
Prunus armeniaca
Derived from apricot seeds; smoothes, softens, and protects skin and hair.

Aqua
Purified or filtered water.

Aqueous extract
Concentrated botanical constituents that are extracted or infused in water.

Arginine
amino acid
Derived from nuts and soybeans; a skin and hair conditioner.

Arnica extract
Arnica montana
Derived from Arnica flowers; calms skin inflammations, promotes circulation, soothes sore muscles and joints.

Arnica montana flower extract
Derived from arnica flowers; calms skin inflammations, promotes circulation, soothes sore muscles and joints.

Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C
Derived from citrus fruit; anti-oxidant and natural preservative.

Astrocaryum murumuru butter
Derived from Brazilian murumuru fruit; vitamin A rich emollient; helps protect moisture balance for soft skin and lustrous hair.

Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour
Derived from oats; thickener that soothes and calms irritation.

Avobenzone
Parsol 1789
Skin friendly sunscreen that protects skin against UVA and UVB sun rays.

Avocado oil
Persea gratissima
Derived from avocado kernels; nourishes, smoothes, and softens.

Awapuhi extract
Zingiber zerumbet
Derived from Hawaiian wild ginger; promotes healing as well as soothes, softens, and adds shine to hair.

Azulene
Derived from chamomile; anti-inflammatory, detoxifies, provides natural color.