Ingredients Dictionary
Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate can be used as a food additive to preserve or enhance the flavor of foods, as well as to prevent spoilage. It can also be used as an anticoagulant in medical settings.
Plant based?
Xan be derived from plant sources, such as citrus fruits, but it can also be synthesized from other sources.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a pH regulator and an emulsifier in food products. It can also act as an anticoagulant by binding with calcium ions in the blood.
Side Effects
Some potential side effects of consuming sodium citrate include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In medical settings, it may cause electrolyte imbalances or allergic reactions.
Sodium Gluconate
Commonly used as a chelating agent, a sequestrant, a food additive, and a cleaning agent in various industries. It can also be used as a mineral supplement in some applications.
Plant based?
Not exclusively plant-based. It can be produced through the fermentation of glucose derived from plants, but it can also be derived from other sources, such as animal byproducts.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a chelating agent by forming stable complexes with metal ions, reducing their reactivity and preventing their harmful effects. It also works as a sequestrant by binding to metal ions and preventing them from reacting with other compounds.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe for use in food and personal care products. However, large doses of sodium gluconate may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it may also cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Can help moisturize and hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote wound healing.
Plant based?
Can be derived from animal or plant sources, but it is most commonly produced from bacterial fermentation.
Concentration
Functional Process
Attracts and retains moisture in the skin, which can help improve skin texture and appearance.
Side Effects
Side effects may include redness, swelling, and itching at the application site, although these side effects are rare.
Sodium Hydroxide
Commonly used in the production of various products, such as soap, paper, and textiles.
Plant based?
Not plant-based. It is a synthetic compound.
Concentration
Functional Process
A strong alkali that reacts with acids to form salts and water. In skincare, it is used to adjust the pH of products.
Side Effects
Can be a skin irritant and can cause chemical burns if not handled properly.
Sodium Levulinate
Used as a natural preservative in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Plant based?
Can be derived from plant-based sources such as corn.
Concentration
Functional Process
Inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, helping to extend the shelf life of products.
Side Effects
No known side effects of using in cosmetic and personal care products.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A natural and safe ingredient commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products to improve texture and provide moisturizing benefits.
Plant based?
Yes, can be plant-based as it is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm oil.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a surfactant and emulsifier, helping to mix and stabilize the various ingredients in a product to create a consistent texture and improve performance.
Side Effects
No known side effects associated with use in personal care and cosmetic products.
Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Extract*
Can have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
Plant based?
Yes, plant-based, derived from the Meadowsweet plant.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, compounds in the body that cause inflammation and pain.
Side Effects
Side effects can include stomach upset, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.
Squalane
Helps to moisturize and hydrate the skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Plant based?
Can be both plant-based (derived from olives) and animal-based (derived from shark liver).
Concentration
Functional Process
Forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and helping to keep the skin hydrated and soft.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe, but some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
T-Butyl Alcohol
Used as a solvent in producing perfumes, flavors, and pharmaceuticals.
Plant based?
Not plant-based. It is a synthetic compound.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a solvent, dissolving other substances to create a solution.
Side Effects
Side effects can include irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Tocopherol
A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Plant based?
Yes, a naturally occurring compound found in many plant-based foods.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage in cells.
Side Effects
Some possible side effects of taking high doses include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of vitamin E with antioxidant properties and is commonly used in skincare products to Nourish and protect the skin.
Plant based?
Can be derived from both plant and synthetic sources.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis.
Tocopheryl Succinate
A form of vitamin E commonly used in cosmetic products due to its antioxidant properties.
Plant based?
Can be derived from both synthetic and natural sources, including plant-based sources such as soybeans and sunflowers.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of tocopheryl succinate include skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Totarol
A natural antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties that make it beneficial for skin care and oral health.
Plant based?
Yes, a plant-based ingredient derived from the heartwood of the Totara tree.
Concentration
Functional Process
Inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces oxidative stress in the skin.
Side Effects
No known side effects are associated with the use of Totarol.
Vital-Synthesis™ Technology
Revitalizes the look of tired skin.
Plant based?
It is not specified whether Vital-Synthesis™ Technology is plant-based.
Concentration
Functional Process
Provides natural energy to the skin, helping to revitalize and rejuvenate it.
Side Effects
No specific side effects are mentioned for Vital-Synthesis™ Technology.
Vitamin C
Boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in iron absorption.
Plant based?
Found in many plant-based foods, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli.
Concentration
Functional Process
Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is important for the health of skin, bones, and other tissues.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare but can include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Water
Helps to regulate body temperature, aids digestion, and transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
Plant based?
Water is a naturally occurring compound and is not derived from plants.
Concentration
Functional Process
Water is a solvent that dissolves many substances and allows them to mix together. Water can help dissolve and distribute the active ingredients evenly in products, making them more effective.
Side Effects
Water is generally considered safe and does not have any known side effects.
Xanthan Gum*
Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Plant based?
Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates, making it a plant-based ingredient.
Concentration
Functional Process
Absorbs water and creates a gel-like substance that helps to thicken and stabilize products.
Side Effects
Some potential side effects include bloating, gas, and diarrhea, but these are generally rare and occur only in individuals who are highly sensitive to the ingredient.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help nourish and protect the skin.
Plant based?
Yes, a plant-based ingredient derived from corn.
Concentration
Functional Process
Acts as a moisturizer and emollient, helping to soften and hydrate the skin.
Side Effects
Potential side effects include allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Zinc Gluconate
A dietary supplement that may support the immune system, promote wound healing, and help with acne.
Plant based?
Not plant-based; it is typically derived from zinc metal and gluconic acid.
Concentration
Functional Process
Provides the body with zinc, an essential mineral that is involved in various physiological processes, such as immune function, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of Zinc Gluconate include
Zinc Pca
Helps regulate oil production, soothes irritated skin, and has anti-aging benefits.
Plant based?
Not plant-based; it is a synthetic compound made by combining zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid.
Concentration
Functional Process
Regulates sebum production, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Side Effects
Generally safe to use but some people may experience mild irritation or dryness as side effects.