Spa Essentials Ingredient Glossary

Ever wonder what all the ingredients in our aromatherapy-based skin care products are supposed to do? We've put them in glossary form so you can see each of their properties and what the can do for your skin.

Algae Extract: Rich in the same vital nutrients, trace elements, and amino acids present in human blood plasma, allowing it to penetrate the skin more thoroughly than most other ingredients. It speeds the elimination of toxins from cells and is a natural cellular renewal ingredient. It also helps to nourish and remineralize the skin. A wonderfully versatile ingredient. Found to be stimulating, revitalizing, and nourishing to the skin, with anti-inflammatory and disinfectant abilities. Seems to be effective in treating acne based on its presumed antibiotic properties, which offer the skin protection against infection. Highly moisturizing and moisture balancing.

Algin: Also know as potassium or sodium alginate, this derivative of brown seaweed is used as a gelling and thickening agent.

Allantoin: A compound that occurs naturally in wheat sprouts, tobacco seed, comfrey, and sugar beets. It is an effective healing agent that helps to promote cellular renewal, and it has a soothing and softening effect.

Almond Oil: Serves as an emollient and a carrier, providing an elegant skin feel and promoting product spreadability. Very similar in composition to olive oil.

Aloe Vera: Derived from the aloe vera (true aloe) plant, one of the oldest medicinal plants known. Widely revered and used by the ancient Egyptians and Native Americans, it has remarkable healing abilities because it is a natural oxygenator (drawing and holding oxygen to the skin). For this same reason, it is one of the most effective cellular renewal ingredients available for use in cosmetics. It has a composition similar to that of human blood plasma and sea water, and because its pH is the same as human skin, it is extremely soothing and protective, and very effective in replenishing lost moisture. It is also a natural astringent.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: A powerful, water- and fat- soluble universal antioxidant and excellent anti-inflammatory. Speeds cellular metabolism and skin's own ability to heal, improves texture and tone.

Apricot Kernel Oil: An emollient with a non-greasy feel; excellent moisturizing and softening abilities. Rapidly absorbed by skin, has a high vitamin E content that can help skin retain elasticity, clarity and suppleness.

Arnica Extract: A botanical extract credited with a wide variety of properties including anti-inflammatory, circulation stimulating, healing, anti-microbial and anti irritant. Promotes the removal of wastes from the skin and aids in the promotion of new tissue growth. It is effective in creams designed to treat damaged, reddened or tired skin.

Asafetida Extract: A botanical extract with powerful tyrosinase inhibiting properties, making this an excellent ingredient in formulations to treat hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown this ingredient to be less sensitizing or irritating, yet as or more effective than other tyrosinase inhibitors.

Ascophyllum Nodosum: Algae extract with high concentrations of beta carotene, chlorophyll and other oligo elements. See Algae Extract.

Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C. A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is also used as a pH adjuster and as a preservative in cosmetics. Ascorbic glycosamine is another form.

Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide: A highly stable and effective form of Vitamin C. Also known as Vitazyme C, The ascorbic acid attaches to an enzyme, which allows for rapid absorption into the skin.

Ascorbyl Palmitate: An ester of ascorbic acid. An antioxidant for oils and fats; keeps products fresh and prevents color change.

Aveena Sativa (Oat Kernel) Extract: A soothing, calming extract rich in proteins, lipids and beta glucan.

Avocado Oil: Natural oil from avocados that is rich in vitamins, minerals and linoleic/oleic acids. An excellent skin conditioner and moisturizer that readily penetrates the skin; nonocclusive.

Azulene: A deep blue essential oil distilled from flowers of Matricaria chamomilla, or German chamomile. One of its major components, chamazulene, is an effective anti-inflammatory that encourages healing. Another component, bisabolol, is a powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial. This oil also contains flavonoids, plant acids, fatty acids, amino acids, polysaccharides, salicylate derivatives, choline, and tannin. Azulene is extremely soothing to the skin and has a distinctive smell, much like fresh hay. Only tiny amounts of this powerful essential oil need to be used for product effectiveness. Aromatherapists use it as an anti-inflammmory, analgesic, antidepressant, antifungal and disinfectant. Excellent for the treatment of dry, reddened, burned, or sensitive skin.

Basil Oil: Belongs to the labiate botanical family, which contains the largest number of medicinal plants. This essential oil contains linalol, thymol, tannins, pinene, and camphor, making it excellent for healing and soothing the skin. It has a stimulating effect on the skin's circulation and the oil glands, and is also balancing. Excellent for use on muscular aches and pains.

Bee Pollen: Extract rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Antioxidant, soothing and healing.

Beeswax: Natural wax produced by bees. Used as a naturally non-comedogenic and oil-absorbing ingredient and emulsifier in a wide variety of cosmetics.

Bentonite Clay: Naturally occurring white clay from volcanic ash. Absorbs oil and is excellent for refining appearance of large pores.

Benzoin: A euphoric essential oil, used to ease nervous tension and stress-related complaints.

Bergamot: Citrus essential oil excellent for use when anxiety, depression or stress-related conditions are present; a refreshing, uplifting essential oil.

Beta-Carotene: Present in quantity in a variety of orange/ yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, cantaloupe, and papaya. Carotene has an orange color that oxidizes (fades) when exposed to sunlight. It is converted into vitamin A by the body, and is used for its cellular renewal and healing abilities.

Bilberry Extract: A natural flavanoid with anti-oxidant properties. Improves microcirculation and protects cells and membranes from free radical damage.

Bioflavonoids: Naturally found in a number of fruits and plants, particularly citrus fruits. Help reduce inflammation, strengthen capillaries and stimulate healthy circulation.

Birch Extract: Antiseptic, softening and circulation stimulating. Helps to heal skin irritations.

Black Pepper Extract: Stimulates circulation, promotes good muscle tone, has detoxifying and diuretic benefits.

Black Spruce: Essential oil known for its ability to help relieve muscular aches and pains, alleviate anxiety and product a grounding effect.

Bois de Rose Oil: Used for a variety of skin conditions such as dryness, irritation, and puffiness.

Borage Oil: Anti-inflammatory, beneficial for sensitive skins; rich in vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Emollient and soothing to sore eyes. Very high in gamma linoleic acid, said to help slow the skin's aging process.

Boswellia Serrata: An extract well known in Ayurvedic medicine for its calming, anti-redness, anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces irritant effects of extreme pH. An ideal ingredient in products designed for sensitive skin.

Bromelain: An proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stem. Digests dead protein, as in surface skin cells.

Burdock: A purifying extract credited with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and an ability to help regulate/normalize oil production. Excellent for refining, clearing and soothing skin.

Butcher's Broom Extract: Root extract; known to protect capillaries, decrease redness and sensitivity.

Calendula: Extract of Marigold. An emollient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, antiseptic properties. Commonly used to treat acne and .problem skin as well as delicate skin, strengthens capillaries.

Camphor: Distilled from the wood of the camphor tree (cinnamomum camphora). It is a natural cooling antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic that helps to calm the skin and reduce redness.

Canadian Willow Extract: Also known as epilobium angustifolium. Antiseptic and skin clearing, reduces redness. Contains salicylic acid.

Capsacin: a natural chemical found in the common chili pepper. Warms, increases blood flow and encourages the release of substances in the body which assist in relieving pain.

Cardamom: Naturally aromatic oil, used as a remedy for mental fatigue or nervous strain. Also traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.

Carrageenan: Sometimes called "red algae," it is derived from the type of seaweed known as "Irish moss." It is a natural emulsifier and thickening agent and has a soothing effect on the skin.

Carrot Tissue Oil: Natural extract of carrot. Beta carotene; healing and soothing to the skin.

Cedar Oil: Stimulating, antiseptic and revitalizing essential oil.

Chamomile Oil: Distilled from the small yellow flowers of several varieties of chamomile, including German (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman (Anthemis nobilis). German chamomile contains a high percentage of azulene, a powerful healer that is extremely soothing to the skin.

Cinnamon Extract: Excellent; for promoting circulation; stimulating.

Citric Acid: A naturally occurring acid in citrus fruits; used to adjust pH in cosmetic products. Has both astringent and antioxidant properties.

Clary Sage: Beneficial for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Promotes cellular regeneration. Soothes muscular aches and pains, premenstrual symptoms.

Collagen (Hydrolyzed): The protein that makes up the fibrous support system from which skin is mode. An excellent ingredient for its great hydration potential and its ability to bind and retain many times its weight in water. Aids in reducing natural moisture loss. Also considered an anti-irritant.

Comfrey Extract: Contains allantoin and is credited with healing, astringent and emollient properties. Very soothing to tender, inflamed skin.

Cornflower Extract: Extracted from the common flower, Bachelor's Button (Centaurea Cyanus). It contains allantoin, potassium, calcium, and vitamins C and K. Has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cornmeal: Milled powder from corn cobs, used as a mechanical exfoliant to facilitate cell debris removal.

Cornsilk: Extracted from the dried silky tassel within the cornhusk. Has diuretic and soothing properties; excellent for decreasing puffiness in the skin.

Cucumber Extract: Cucumber is a natural anti-inflammatory and has on extremely soothing and decongesting effect on the skin. Moisture binding and regulating, tightening, lightening, cooling and refreshing for tired, stressed skin.

Cypress Oil: Possibly the most sacred, ancient essential oil, it was widely used in religious ceremonies for its spiritually "opening" effect. Distilled from the bark of the cypress tree, it is a natural astringent and restorative. As a vasoconstrictor, it also helps to shrink capillaries and calm couperose skin.

DMAE: Dimethvlaminoethanol. An antioxidant membrane stabilizer, provides free radical protection and clinically proven skin firmer.

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a principal element of the dermis and epidermis. Reduces irritation, tightens pilosebaceous follicles, refines and tightens the skin. Stays anchored to the skin's surface, where it serves to maintain skin moisture.

Echinacea Leaf Extract: Has antiseptic and antibacterial properties helpful in the treatment of skin lesions and in shortening healing time. Very soothing to the skin.

Elastin: Enhances flexibility, softness and smoothness of skin and hair.

Eucalyptus Oil: Antiseptic, disinfectant and blood circulating properties; a powerful and versatile herbal remedy.

Evening Primrose Oil: A source of vitamin E and gamma linoleic acid, which is one of the essential fatty acids vital for maintenance of normal functioning of the epithelial barrier membrane. Helps to regenerate skin cells and maintain normal skin functioning.

Eye Bright Extract: An herb credited with tonic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

Fennel Seed Extract: Cleansing and detoxifying, especially useful for oily skin conditions.

Fenugreek: A soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing botanical extract.

Feverfew: A member of the chamomile family; applied externally, Feverfew has cooling, analgesic and relaxant properties.

Frankincense: An essential oil very conducive to meditation, it is credited with the ability to slow and deepen the breathing and release nervous tension and anxiety.

Fucus Vesiculosus: A succulent giant brown kelp with high concentrations of trace minerals and vitamin C. Revitalizing and nourishing with anti-inflammatory properties. Also creates a protective gel on skin's surface to help retain moisture.

Fumaria: From a small annual plant, a highly purifying herbal extract. Skin clarifying with anti-oxidant properties.

Gamma Linoleic Acids (GLA): Essential fatty acids from plant oils with emollient properties. Vital for maintenance of normal functioning of the epithelial barrier membrane. Prevents dryness and roughness; also shown to inhibit melanin production.

Geranium Oil: Also known as Rose Geranium. Distilled from the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens. It is a natural antiseptic and astringent that also promotes healing. Geranium has the unusual ability to balance sebum production (because it is an adrenal cortex stimulant), making it valuable for those with combination, dry, dehydrated, or oily skin.

Ginger Extract: Warming, inhibits prostoglandins and therefore reduces inflammation. Promotes circulation.

Gingko Extract: Increases moisture retention in skin, soothes, rich in bioflavonoids.

Glycerin: A humectant with water-attracting/binding properties that allows it to draw and absorb water from the air and helps the skin retain moisture. Derived from vegetable oil.

Glycolic Acid: Found in sugar cane, glycolic acid acts by dissolving the intercellular cement responsible for abnormal cell build-up. Improves skin hydration by enhanced moisture uptake as well as increased binding of water to the stratum corneum. Effective in helping clear the pores of acne-prone skin; smoothing fine lines in older, photo-aged skin; and diminishing age spots.

Glycosaminoglycans: One of the newest available cosmetic ingredients, it is a complex of proteins that increases depth of hydration in cosmetics and with this, the elasticity and pliability of the skin. Moisturizing and firming.

Goldenseal Exctract: Credited with effectiveness in soothing and healing; anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.

Grapefruit Essential Oil: An active oil with anti-irritant properties. Also antiseptic. Grapefruit oil is believed to help control the body's liquid process and as such is indicated for work with the lymphatic system.

Grapeseed Extract: A counterirritant with soothing, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Grapeseed Oil: Ultrafine oil expressed from grape seeds commonly used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy products and as a base for moisturizers.

Green Tea Extract: Rich in potent anti-oxidants called catechins, and xanthines, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant. Reduces irritation when used in glycolic acid formulations.

Guar Gum: A polysaccharide which provides an excellent moisture retention ability.

Hay Absolute: A light, sweet essential oil reported to activate the circulatory system.

Helichrysum Extract: Rich in flavanoids, this extract is soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Henna Extract: Antisepiic and astringent skin conditioner.

Hibiscus Extract: Refreshing, iightening without stripping the skin of natural oils.

Holly Oil: A combination of pure Jojoba oil and holly extract; has wonderful "slip:, making it a superb component of massage cremes and skin care products.

Horse Chestnut Extract: A tonic, natural astringent. Contains escin, widely used in Europe as an anti-inflammatory ingredient and diuretic.

Horsetail Extract: A mineral and amino acid-rich extract with stimulating, healing and firming properties. Helps to regulate skin and strengthen connective tissue, high in organic silicone.

Hyacinth Oil: Commonly used aromatherapeutically for stress related conditions, to refresh and invigorate a tired mind. Hypnotic and sedative, inspires creativity.

Hydrocotyl Extract: Also known as gotu kola extract. Traditionally used for couperose conditions, known for its soothing, anti-itch and healing properties.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil: A highly emollient soothing oil with excellent penetrability; leaves skin smooth and supple.

Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein: Protein derived from yeast, used to produce a good non-occlusive film on the skin thus helping to reduce moisture loss.

Ivy Extract: Anti-bactericidal and soothing; prevents water accumulation in skin tissue. Tightens and tones, reduces puffiness, promotes healthy circulation.

Jasmine Oil: Credited with moisturizing, soothing and healing properties, excellent for dry and sensitive skins. Produces a feeling of optimism, confidence and euphoria.

Jojoba Oil: Simonasia chinensis is a thick, waxy oil extracted from the large, vanilla-shaped beans of a bush that grows in the arid climates of Southern US. Strikingly similar to human sebum and is able to effectively penetrate the skin. It is a natural cellular renewal ingredient as well as an excellent moisturizer.

Juniper Extract: Credited with good penetration capabilities; a mild skin stimulant, helps to stimulate fibroblast growth, resulting in increased epidermal cell turnover.

Kathon CG: An effective fungicide, useful against bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

Kaolin Clay: A white Chinese clay used to give color and 'slip" to powders. It also helps to gently absorb oil on the surface of the skin, help clear breakouts.

Keratin: A surface protective agent with film forming and moisturizing properties; helps protect skin and retain moisture.

Klamath Blue-Green Algae: A nutrient dense substance, containing glyco-proteins, vitamins, minerals, simple carbohydrates, lipids and biologically active enzymes. Due to the algae's nutritious soft cell wall, these nutrients are readily available to the body.

Kojic Acid: A skin-lightening agent derived from aspergilus fungi; studies find it to be a tyrosinase innibitor. Used to lighten brown patches associated with pregnancy or oral contraceptives.

Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk with a larger molecular size than glycolic acid. Increases skin's pliability and flexibility.

Laminaria Digitata Extract: A red algae containing high concentrations of vitamins, mineral salts and proteins. Highly detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, nourishes and remineralizes the skin.

Lavandin: Essential oil of a hybrid related to lavender. Antiseptic, analgesic and soothing properties.

Lavender Oil: The most versatile of all essential oils. Lavender oil is excellent for promoting healing and for balancing the skin. It is an antiseptic, analgesic, antibiotic, antidepressant, bactericide, decongestant, and sedative. It helps to reduce scarring and also stimulates the growth of new cells.

Lecithin: A natural emollient and anti-oxidant with excellent penetration; obtained from soybeans. A vital element of all living cells.

Lemon Oil: An essential oil that is pressed from the outer rind of lemons. It is a mild bleach, which enables it to brighten dull skin color and calm redness. It is also a natural astringent, antiseptic, and bactericide with the ability to stimulate the white corpuscles that defend the body. The essential oil is used to regulate and control fluid accumulation and to bring balance to fluids in skin cells. Lemon also balances the pH of the skin by counteracting acidity on its surface. It has an uplifting and refreshing effect when inhaled.

Lemongrass Oil: An essential oil distilled from the grassy herb of the same name. It is purifying, refreshing, and hydrating.

Licorice Extract: Studies show that this extract boosts the capability of skin’s natural steroid hormones to combat irritation and inflammation. Inhibits melanin biosynthesis.

Linden Blossom: An extract with soothing, sedative, hydrating properties. Used effectively in creams and emulsions for irritated skin.

Linoleic Acid: emulsifier that prevents dryness and roughness; also found to inhibit melanin production.

Magnesium: Occurs naturally and in great quantity in the sea salts from the Dead See, some of the most beneficial salts known. Magnesium helps to remineralize and soothe the skin.

Mandarin Oil: Botanical properties very close to those of orange, but more pronounced. Sedative, antispasmodic.

Marjoram Oil: Warming, stimulating oil, increases blood flow. Believed to penetrate the skin easily and produce systemic effects.

Marshmallow Root Extract: Soothes and helps heal inflammation-prone skin; emollient, smoothes rough, dry skin.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: One of the most stable oils known; extraordinarily mild and soothing. Has a silky smooth feel and creates a nice barrier film that prevents moisture loss.

Melissa Officinalis Extract: Also known as Lemon Balm or Balm Mint. A soothing, cooling extract with antiseptic and sedative properties. Good for depression and tension, restorative to the nervous system, antispasmodic.

Mineral Oil: An emollient cleanser and demulsifier. Contrary to popular belief, high grade mineral oil is not comedogenic. An excellent ingredient for use in cleansers or masks.

Moor Peat: A natural compound, primarily sourced in Austria and Quebec. Extremely rich in minerals, trace elements, phytohormones, amino acids, enzymes vitamins and essential oils. Detoxifying and revitalizing, deeply soothing.

MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane. A natural organic sulfur that as excellent analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties. Helps maintain healthy joints, muscles and ligaments.

Multifruit BSC Extract: Combined natural alpha-hydroxy acids from bilberry, sugar maple and sugar cane.

Myrrh Oil: Disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, anti-itch. Excellent for chapped, cracked skin, wounds, wrinkles, mature complexions.

NAB Mushroom Extract: A mixed naturally active botanical aqueous extract from shiitake and mannentake mushrooms with similar properties to AHA's anti-aging effects. Studies show that this extract has the capability to increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis, improve firmness and hydration, and reduce appearance of fine lines.

NaPCA: The sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. Commonly referred to as the "natural moisturizing factor," it is found in all living cells. Its function is to help maintain the water balance in cells, which maintains the natural moisturization of the skin. The body's production of NaPCA decreases as we age.

Narcissus: A soothing essential oil.

Neroli: Essential oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Used in aromatherapy to ease nervous tension and induce calm. Sedative and soothing on dry or delicate skins.

Octvl Methoxycinnamate: Also called Cinnamate. Sunscreen, UVB blocker. Derived from cinnamon or cassia oil. Less irritating than PABA.

Olive Oil: Carrier oil with excellent lubricity, rich in vitamins, nourishing calming and soothing. Considered an especially good carrier for essential oils.

Orange Oil: Antispasmodic and sedative, excellent for congested or dull skin; rich in vitamin C.

Palmarosa Oil: Soothing, moisturizing and cell-regenerating properties; excellent for irritated or dry skin, has a fresh rose-like scent.

Panthenol: Part of the water-soluble vitamin B complex, also known as pro-vitamin B5; acts as a penetrating non-comedogenic moisturizer. Appears to stimulate cellular proliferation and aid in tissue repair.

Papain: Proteolytic enzyme made from raw, green papayas. It is an excellent free-radical scavenger and cellular renewal ingredient. Papain has the ability to digest protein, and selectively digests only dead skin cells without harming the living ones.

Patchouli Oil: Sweet, rich herbaceous essential oil, credited with aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, stress-relieving qualities.

Peppermint Oil: An essential oil containing menthol that has a refreshing, cooling effect on the skin. Credited with bactericidal and anti-irritant properties.

Petitgrain Essential Oil: Widely used for therapeutic and toning effect. Soothing and stress relieving.

Phyto-Hyaluronate: Cellular renewal ingredient and healing agent, capable of binding 1800 times its own weight in water. Derived from a yeast fermentation process of intracellular yeast fractions. One of the most active glycosaminoglycans.

Phytosterols: Natural plant lipids that enhance skin's luster. Combats collagen depletion, prevents evaporation of skin’s moisture and provides a velvety feel to skin.

Pine Extract: Pinus Sylvestris. Antiseptic, stimulates blood circulation.

Plant Cellulose: A thickener and emulsifier made from vegetable fibers.

Plant Pseudocollagen: A true moisturizing glycoprotein extracted from living plant cells, an excellent moisture binder. Studies show that plant pseudocollagen outperforms animal collagen in moisturization and forms a smooth moisturizing film on the skin.

Pumpkin Pulp Extract: Nutrient-rich extract with high concentrations of proteolytic enzyme, anti-oxidant beta carotene, and over 100 other essential vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and fatty acids.

Ravensara Essential Oil: Obtained from the cinnamonum camphora tree; vapors open sinuses and breathing passages; improves mental clarity, relieves aches and pains.

Retinyl Palmitate: An ester of Vitamin A. A primary antioxidant vitamin, free-radical scavenger, and cellular renewal ingredient (healer). Considered a skin revitalizer.

Riboflavin: Vitamin B2; a skin conditioner.

RNA: Ribonucleic Acid. A moisturizing surface film-forming agent.

Rosa Canina: Extract from the wild rose. A soothing skin conditioner.

Rose Hip Oil: Described as a healing oil due to its antiseptic properties; also helps regulate oil gland secretion. Rich in vitamin C.

Rose Oil: Credited with soothing, antiseptic properties, and moisture retention abilities. It is found helpful in cases of skin redness or inflammation and where moisturization and regeneration is needed. Particularly beneficial for mature, dry or sensitive skins.

Rosemary Oil Extract: An essential oil invigorating to the circulation, enhancing cellular regeneration and a natural diuretic. Contains anti-oxidant properties; promotes wound healing.

Sage Oil: This essential oil, like lavender, has the distinction of being either invigorating or calming, depending on what is needed at the time. Very balancing.

Salicylic Acid: From benzoic acid. This beta hydroxy acid helps dissolve the top layer of corneum cells and improves the look and feel of the skin, helps keep pores clear. Salicylic acid is also antiseptic.

Sandalwood Oil: Distilled from the heartwood of the Santalum album tree that grows in India. Extremely soothing to the skin, antibiotic and antiseptic. It also helps the skin hold water. Believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

Shea Butter: Karite nut burrer. Obtained from the nut of the karite nut tree. A natural cellular renewal ingredient, it has excellent moisturizing and nourishing abilities as well as being a natural sunblock.

Siberian Ginseng: Elutherococcus senticosus. Consists primarily of complex polysaccharides and glycoproteins from the root of the plant. Forms an elegant film on the skin that will tighten and smooth immediately, without flaking or leaving the skin overly tight.

Silica: A white powder used in masks for toning properties.

Sodium Chloride: An astringent and antiseptic, used to treat inflammation.

Sodium Hyaluronate: Hyaluronic acid. A cellular renewal ingredient and healing agent that is found in all human cells.

Sorbin Acid: Made from berries of the mountain ash tree. A mold inhibitor and fungicidal agent. Also acts as a humectant in cosmetic creams and lotions.

Soy Flavonoids: Anti-oxidant compound derived from soybeans; smoothes skin texture, improves radiance, diminishes dryness. Stabilizes fibroblasts, evens skin tone; has estrogenic effects, making this an excellent ingredient in preparations for peri-menopausal or menopausal skin.

Soybean Oil: A light, readily absorbed oil derived from soybeans. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and has a small molecule, which allows it to easily penetrate the skin.

Spanish Marjoram: Excellent for use with muscle stiffness, arthritis, and muscular aches; has warming, soothing effect.

Squalane: A nutrient-rich oil present in human sebum (the skin's own moisturizer) and involved in the process of cell growth. Squalane is also a natural bactericide and healer. 

Benefits of Squalane

• Squalane has such fine molecules, it is able to deeply penetrate skin without leaving an oily residue
• Helps discourage bacterial growth that can interfere with new cell development
• Wonderful for use on sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and soothes the irritation of psoriasis and eczema
• Softens fine lines
• Maximizes the benefits of your moisturizer
• Enhances skin’s appearance, making it more radiant and supple

Spearmint: Essential oil known for its reviving, stimulating and refreshing properties.

St. John's Wort Extract: Considered anti-inflammatory; beneficial for sensitive and/or rough, chapped skin; also considered effective for improving capillary circulation.

Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple Extract: Alpha-hydroxy acids.

Sunflower Oil: A commonly used carrier oil. It has smoothing properties and is considered a non-comedogenic raw material. Has a high linoleic acid and essential fatty acid content.

Sweet Almond Oil: An emollient with soothing properties, provides and elegant feel and excellent spreadability.

Tangerine Oil: Essential oil excellent for relieving nervous tension, and restlessness.

Taurine: Amino acid found in almost every tissue in the human body. Antioxidant; soothes overstimulated membranes.

Teatree Oil: From the Australian tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. Has soothing and anti-microbial properties, promotes healing. This oil is particularly beneficial for treating acne, problem and/or congested skins.

Thyme Oil: Antiseptic oil.

Titanium Dioxide: A natural white pigment that occurs in several varieties of crystal forms. It remains on the surface of the skin, scattering UV light; therefore, has a natural sun-blocking ability and is used both to deflect ultraviolet rays and to cover flaws on the skin.

TRF Lysates: Tissue respiratory factor. This yeast-derived glyconucleopeptide is shown to increase cell respiration, promote increase in collagen and elastin synthesis, provide powerful anti-oxidant protection and reduce damage from UV radiation. It has superb moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities.

Viola Tricolor: Also known as Wild Pansy Extract. Botanical extract with soothing healing and cleansing properties; contains salicylic acid.

Vitamin A: "The skin vitamin"; one of three vitamins able to be absorbed by the skin (vitamins E and D are the others). It is a potent antioxidant, making it an extremely effective free-radical scavenger. It is used widely for healing and as an anti-aging ingredient because of its ability to stimulate new cell production.

Vitamin C: Highly effective water soluble antioxidant. Acts as a collagen biosynthesis regulator, helping to trigger skin's collagen production. Also helps to prevent breakdown of cells due to environmental exposure. Anti-inflammatory properties soothe damaged skin.

Vitamin D: One of three vitamins able to be absorbed by the skin and the only one that the body is able to manufacture (when exposed to ultraviolet light). This vitamin is necessary for the building of new skin cells, as well as bones, teeth, and hair.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate): A natural cellular renewal (healing) ingredient and antioxidant that improves the water barrier of the skin. In its pure form, the oil is too heavy for daily use on the face; however, it makes an excellent ingredient in moisturizers, eye treatment preparations and facial masks. In its pure form, it may be used for healing cuts, abrasions, and burns.

Walnut Oil: Extracted from the ripe nut. fungistatic and astringent properties.

Wheat Germ Oil: An emollient oil with antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Natural source of vitamins A, E, and D and squalane.

Willowbark Extract: Salix Alba; has excellent penetration of the dermis. Provides time-released salicylic acid and natural exfoliation of cells.

Willowherb Extract: From the evening primrose family; enhances moisture retention by creating a protective film on the skin; also may have some ability to inhibit tyrosinase and therefore lighten pigmented areas of skin.

Witch Hazel: Natural extract of the Hamamelis olani. Used as an astringent in cosmetics. Soothing to irritated skin; non-drying, has wound-healing properties. Also shown to be effective against free radicals.

Yarrow Extract: Tones the skin, soothes inflammation, healing and calming. Rich in flavanoids and amino acids.

Ylang Ylang Oil: Extracted from the flower of the exotic ylang ylang tree, which grows in the Far East and in the tropics. This oil is a natural antiseptic and is used in aromatheropy as a sedative, antidepressant and aphrodisiac. It is used in cosmetics for its softening, smoothing rejuvenating properties. It is excellent for balancing and soothing inflamed or irritated skin and for helping to control acne.

Zinc Oxide: Widely used in powders and creams to help cosmetics adhere to the skin. A natural, physical UVA/UVB-blocking ingredient. Encourages healing, soothes and protects skin.