Ingredients & Science Glossary

A scientific, transparent guide to every ingredient we use — and why it matters for your skin.

 

How This Glossary Works

Each ingredient includes:

What it is

Function in the formula

Evidence-based skin benefits


📘 A – Z INGREDIENT GLOSSARY

Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil


What it is: African botanical oil rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and omegas.

Function: Deeply nourishing emollient.

Benefits: Supports elasticity, strengthens the barrier, boosts suppleness, and protects from oxidative damage.



Allantoin


What it is: Skin-soothing, keratolytic compound.

Function: Calms irritation and softens rough, dry skin.

Benefits: Reduces itchiness, supports skin repair, and improves moisture retention — ideal for eczema and sensitive skin.



Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera)


What it is: Hydrating and soothing botanical extract.

Function: Humectant that cools and hydrates.

Benefits: Reduces redness, supports healing, and increases the skin’s water content.



Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil


What it is: Gentle, anti-inflammatory essential oil.

Function: Calms irritation in sensitive and baby-focused formulations.

Benefits: Rich in bisabolol and chamazulene to reduce redness and soothe reactive skin.



Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract


What it is: Antioxidant-rich South African plant extract.

Function: Protects skin from oxidative stress.

Benefits: High in quercetin and aspalathin, supporting brightness, calmness, and environmental protection.



Bakuchiol (Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Oil)


What it is: A clinically validated botanical alternative to retinol.

Function: Anti-ageing, brightening, and collagen-supportive active.

Benefits: Improves fine lines, firmness, and pigmentation with excellent tolerability — ideal for sensitive skin and pregnancy-safe routines.



Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil


What it is: Resin-derived aromatic oil.

Function: Calming and anti-inflammatory ingredient.

Benefits: Helps refine texture, soothe irritation, and support skin rejuvenation.



Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract


What it is: Antioxidant powerhouse.

Function: Protects, calms, and brightens skin.

Benefits: EGCG reduces oxidative damage, redness, and supports collagen preservation.



Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride


What it is: Lightweight coconut-derived emollient.

Function: Improves spreadability and reduces moisture loss.

Benefits: Softens skin without clogging pores — ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and baby skin.



Ceramides


What it is: Essential lipids naturally found in the skin barrier.

Function: Restores and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

Benefits: Reduces moisture loss (TEWL), improves elasticity, soothes dryness, and supports eczema-prone skin.



Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor)


What it is: Cooling botanical active.

Function: Provides soothing relief for cracked, dry, or irritated skin.

Benefits: Reduces itch and irritation through sensory nerve modulation.



Citrullus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon) Seed Oil


What it is: Lightweight desert oil rich in linoleic acid.

Function: Barrier-supportive emollient.

Benefits: Restores lipids, improves moisture balance, and smooths texture without heaviness.



Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil


What it is: Aromatic citrus essential oil.

Function: Provides a fresh scent and mild antioxidant activity.

Benefits: Supports mood uplift and protects against environmental stressors.



Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil


What it is: Clean, refreshing essential oil.

Function: Mild astringent and aromatic active.

Benefits: Offers antioxidant and balancing benefits when used at safe dilutions.



Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Extract


What it is: Luxurious botanical extract rich in crocin and crocetin.

Function: Brightening and antioxidant active.

Benefits: Supports radiance, helps even out dark marks, calms inflammation, and protects from oxidative stress.



Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Oil / Extract


What it is: Brightening, antioxidant botanical.

Function: Targets dullness and uneven tone.

Benefits: Curcumin reduces redness, pigmentation, and oxidative damage.



Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil


What it is: Potent aromatic extract.

Function: Clarifying and circulation-boosting in minimal concentrations.

Benefits: Strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties support clarity and radiance.



Glycerin (Vegetable-Derived)


What it is: Gold-standard humectant.

Function: Draws and retains water in the skin.

Benefits: Strengthens the barrier, improves elasticity, and reduces dryness — essential for eczema, baby, and sensitive-skin products.



Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water


What it is: Botanical distillate with natural tannins.

Function: Mild astringent and calming toner base.

Benefits: Reduces oiliness, minimises visible pores, and soothes irritation.



Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil


What it is: Linoleic-acid-rich emollient.

Function: Restores barrier lipids.

Benefits: Boosts ceramide production, reduces moisture loss, and is excellent for dry, baby, and eczema-prone skin.



Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil


What it is: Calming aromatic essential oil.

Function: Soothes skin and enhances sensory relaxation.

Benefits: Linalool and linalyl acetate reduce perceived stress and irritation.



Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract


What it is: Brightening and anti-inflammatory botanical.

Function: Targets hyperpigmentation and dark marks.

Benefits: Contains glabridin, a potent melanin-inhibiting compound, making it ideal for uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks.



Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil


What it is: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial essential oil.

Function: Purifies and soothes acne- or irritation-prone skin.

Benefits: Helps reduce redness and supports clearer skin.



Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)


What it is: Multi-benefit vitamin active.

Function: Brightens, strengthens the barrier, reduces inflammation.

Benefits: Improves tone, refines texture, reduces redness, and enhances elasticity.



Non-Nano Zinc Oxide


What it is: Mineral sunscreen filter and skin protectant.

Function: Creates a safe, physical UV barrier.

Benefits:

Broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection

Anti-inflammatory

Safe for babies and sensitive skin

Supports rash-prone and eczema-prone areas



Panthenol (Provitamin B5)


What it is: Hydrating and soothing humectant.

Function: Strengthens the barrier and increases water retention.

Benefits: Reduces redness, itch, and irritation—excellent for eczema, shaving, and baby care.



Resurrection Plant Extract (Myrothamnus Flabellifolia)


What it is: Desert plant that revives after extreme dehydration.

Function: Exceptional hydrator and cellular protection active.

Benefits:

Restores moisture rapidly

Protects proteins from dehydration stress

Supports elasticity and resilience

Ideal for anti-ageing and barrier-repair formulas



Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil


What it is: Premium aromatic oil.

Function: Calming and anti-inflammatory.

Benefits: Soothes irritation and helps maintain smoother, clearer-feeling skin.



Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil


What it is: Rich African emollient oil.

Function: Deep nourishment and softness.

Benefits: High in antioxidants and omegas, improving suppleness and radiance.



Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil


What it is: Biomimetic liquid wax ester.

Function: Balances moisture and supports skin texture.

Benefits: Mimics natural sebum, hydrates without clogging pores.



Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)


What it is: Water-binding polymer humectant.

Function: Deep hydration and plumping.

Benefits: Increases moisture, improves elasticity, and softens fine lines.



Squalane (Plant-Derived)


What it is: Lightweight, stable emollient.

Function: Mimics natural skin lipids.

Benefits: Enhances softness, prevents moisture loss, and strengthens the barrier.



Titanium Dioxide


What it is: Mineral UV filter and natural pigment.

Function: Provides UV protection and adds opacity to creams.

Benefits: Photostable, gentle, and suitable for baby and sensitive skin.



Tocopherol (Vitamin E)


What it is: Lipid-phase antioxidant.

Function: Protects oils from oxidation and supports skin resilience.

Benefits: Neutralises free radicals and enhances barrier stability.



Zinc Ricinoleate


What it is: Odour-binding active derived from castor oil.

Function: Neutralises odour molecules.

Benefits: Non-irritating, microbiome-friendly, and ideal for baby and sensitive-skin formulations.