African Potato
Emulsifying wax | Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60
Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60, known as Emulsifying Wax NF, is a non-ionic, vegetable-derived emulsifier blend that creates stable oil-in-water emulsions in skincare products like lotions, creams, and serums.
In short: It reliably mixes oil and water phases to prevent separation, thickens formulations for a creamy texture, provides a smooth and silky feel on the skin, and offers excellent long-term stability with easy use—even at low concentrations (typically 3–10%). It’s mild, non-irritating for most skin types, and enhances overall product consistency without needing extra stabilizers. This makes it a go-to for DIY or professional creams, especially when turning watery bases into richer moisturizers.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera | Aloe Barbadensis
Aloe Vera is a skincare staple celebrated for its exceptional soothing and hydrating properties.
- Deep Hydration: Its high water content delivers moisture without a greasy feel, perfect for all skin types.
- Soothing Relief: It contains compounds that calm inflammation, redness, and sunburn.
- Accelerated Healing: Stimulates collagen production to speed up the repair of scars and minor wounds.
- Antimicrobial: Naturally fights bacteria, making it effective for treating acne-prone skin.
Amphisol CG
Amphisol CG | Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, commonly found in cleansers and shampoos.
- Gentle Cleansing: It effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Foam Booster: It creates a rich, luxurious lather that enhances the washing experience.
- Conditioning: Unlike harsher sulfates, it leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated.
- pH Balancing: It helps maintain the skin’s natural acidic balance, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Aniseed Extract
Aniseed extract | Pimpinella anisum
Aniseed extract, derived from Pimpinella anisum, is a potent botanical known for its “natural botox” effect.
- Smoothing: High concentrations of anethole help relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Antimicrobial: Its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties help keep skin clear and prevent breakouts.
- Detoxifying: It promotes a clearer complexion by drawing out impurities from the pores.
- Antioxidant: Rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, it protects skin from environmental stressors and oxidative damage.
Camphor
Camphor | Cinnamomum camphora
Camphor is a natural compound traditionally extracted from the wood of the camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora), though it is often synthetically produced today. Known for its distinct, medicinal aroma and cooling sensation, it is a powerhouse ingredient for soothing distressed skin.
Key Benefits
Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing: It provides an immediate cooling effect that helps calm redness, itching, and irritation associated with insect bites or rashes.
Antimicrobial Properties: Its natural antifungal and antibacterial qualities make it effective in treating acne and minor skin infections.
Pain Relief: Acting as a mild local anesthetic, it helps numb nerve endings to relieve discomfort from skin sensitivity or muscle aches.
Increased Circulation: When applied topically, it acts as a rubefacient, stimulating blood flow to the skin’s surface, which can aid in healing and impart a healthy glow.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon Leaf Oil | Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil is an essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of the “true” cinnamon tree. Unlike the more aggressive bark oil, leaf oil has a high concentration of eugenol, giving it a warm, spicy aroma and several therapeutic benefits for the skin.
Key Benefits
Antimicrobial & Purifying: It possesses potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective ingredient for addressing acne and preventing skin infections.
Stimulates Circulation: When applied topically, it promotes blood flow to the skin’s surface. This “warming” effect can revitalize dull complexions and help soothe sore muscles.
Antioxidant Protection: Rich in polyphenols, it helps neutralize free radicals, potentially slowing the visible signs of aging like fine lines and loss of elasticity.
Astringent Properties: It helps to tone the skin and tighten pores, leading to a more refined skin texture.
Clove Oil
Petroleum jelly | Petrolatum Alba
White petroleum jelly (also known as white petrolatum) is a highly refined, semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It is considered the “gold standard” of occlusives, meaning it doesn’t just add moisture but physically blocks it from escaping.
Key Benefits
Prevents Water Loss: It creates an impermeable barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by over 98%, keeping skin deeply hydrated.
Accelerates Healing: By maintaining a moist environment, it helps minor cuts, scrapes, and burns heal up to twice as fast with less scarring.
Skin Protection: It shields compromised skin from harsh weather, windburn, and friction (chafing), making it ideal for lips, heels, and diaper areas.
Hypoallergenic & Inert: Since it is chemically inactive and contains no fragrances, it is safe for the most sensitive skin, including newborns and those with eczema.
Emulsifying Wax
Emulsifying Wax | NF
Emulsifying wax is a cosmetic ingredient—usually derived from plant-based fatty acids—that acts as the “glue” holding oil and water together. Because oil and water naturally repel each other, they require an emulsifier to create a stable, homogenous mixture.
Key Benefits in Skincare
Stability: It prevents products like lotions and creams from separating into layers, ensuring a consistent texture and shelf life.
Improved Texture: It lends a smooth, velvety feel to products, allowing them to spread easily across the skin without feeling overly greasy.
Moisture Retention: By facilitating the blend of oils and water, it helps deliver hydration (water) while locking it in with a protective barrier (oil).
Enhanced Absorption: It helps active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively by maintaining an even distribution throughout the formula.
In short, emulsifying wax is the essential bridge that transforms raw liquids into the creamy, luxurious textures we associate with modern skincare
Menthol
Menthol| Crystals
Menthol crystals are a solid, concentrated form of natural menthol derived from the steam distillation and freezing of peppermint or other mint oils. These translucent, needle-like crystals are prized for their intense cooling and refreshing properties in skincare.
Key Benefits
Immediate Cooling Sensation: They activate the skin’s cold-sensitive receptors without physically lowering the temperature, providing instant relief for overheated or sunburned skin.
Anti-Itch & Soothing: Menthol is an effective antipruritic, significantly reducing the sensation of itching and irritation from insect bites, rashes, or dry skin.
Natural Pain Relief: Its mild analgesic properties help desensitize nerve endings, making it a popular addition to foot creams and muscle rubs to soothe soreness.
Penetration Enhancer: Menthol can temporarily alter the skin barrier, helping other active ingredients in a formula penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.
Scalp Stimulation: In hair care, it invigorates the scalp and stimulates blood flow, which can help support a healthy environment for hair growth.
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl Salicylate | Gaultheria procumbens
Methyl salicylate is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). In the skincare and topical analgesic industry, it is widely utilized for its warming sensation and potent pain-relieving properties.
Key Benefits
Topical Analgesic: It acts as a counter-irritant, creating a cooling then warming sensation that distracts the brain from deeper muscle or joint pain.
Anti-Inflammatory: As a derivative of salicylic acid, it helps reduce localized inflammation and swelling when applied to the skin.
Increased Blood Flow: It serves as a rubefacient, stimulating microcirculation at the application site, which can assist in the recovery of tired or strained tissues.
Aromatic Profile: It provides the characteristic “medicinal” or “minty” scent common in athletic balms and therapeutic ointments.
Vaseline
Petroleum jelly | Petrolatum Alba
White petroleum jelly (also known as white petrolatum) is a highly refined, semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It is considered the “gold standard” of occlusives, meaning it doesn’t just add moisture but physically blocks it from escaping.
Key Benefits
Prevents Water Loss: It creates an impermeable barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by over 98%, keeping skin deeply hydrated.
Accelerates Healing: By maintaining a moist environment, it helps minor cuts, scrapes, and burns heal up to twice as fast with less scarring.
Skin Protection: It shields compromised skin from harsh weather, windburn, and friction (chafing), making it ideal for lips, heels, and diaper areas.
Hypoallergenic & Inert: Since it is chemically inactive and contains no fragrances, it is safe for the most sensitive skin, including newborns and those with eczema.
Vaseline
Petroleum jelly | Petrolatum Alba
White petroleum jelly (also known as white petrolatum) is a highly refined, semi-solid mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It is considered the “gold standard” of occlusives, meaning it doesn’t just add moisture but physically blocks it from escaping.
Key Benefits
Prevents Water Loss: It creates an impermeable barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by over 98%, keeping skin deeply hydrated.
Accelerates Healing: By maintaining a moist environment, it helps minor cuts, scrapes, and burns heal up to twice as fast with less scarring.
Skin Protection: It shields compromised skin from harsh weather, windburn, and friction (chafing), making it ideal for lips, heels, and diaper areas.
Hypoallergenic & Inert: Since it is chemically inactive and contains no fragrances, it is safe for the most sensitive skin, including newborns and those with eczema.