Ingredients Dictionary
Isohexadecane
Commonly used as a solvent and emollient in cosmetic and personal care products due to its ability to provide a smooth, silky feel to the skin. It can also help to reduce the greasiness of other ingredients.
Plant based?
No, Isohexadecane is a synthetic ingredient derived from petroleum.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a lubricant and emollient, helping to moisturize and soften the skin. It also helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations.
Side Effects
Some potential side effects may include skin irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions. However, these side effects are relatively rare and are more likely to occur in individuals with sensitive skin.
Jania Rubens Extract
Known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in skin care products for reducing redness, soothing irritated skin, and improving overall skin health.
Plant based?
Yes, a plant-based ingredient derived from a red algae species.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains natural compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids that help protect the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation. It can also help to improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Side Effects
No known side effects are associated with use in skincare products.
Jojoba Esters
Have moisturizing properties and can help improve skin texture.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the jojoba plant.
Concentration
Functional Process
Forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and improve skin texture.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe and non-irritating, but excessive use may cause clogged pores or acne.
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Commonly used in cosmetics as a moisturizing and skin conditioning agent due to its high content of carrageenan, a natural polysaccharide that can help improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from a type of red seaweed, making it a plant-based ingredient.
Concentration
Functional Process
Delivers carrageenan to the skin, which can help improve moisture retention and provide a smoothing and softening effect. Carrageenan has antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Side Effects
Some potential side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to seaweed-derived products.
Lactic Acid
Can help improve athletic performance and has been used in skincare products for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties.
Plant based?
Can be produced by both animals and plants, but the lactic acid used in commercial products is typically derived from milk.
Concentration
Functional Process
Lactic acid works by lowering the pH of the surrounding environment, which can have various effects depending on the application.
Side Effects
Side effects of lactic acid use can include skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
LaNolin Alcohol
Commonly used in skincare products as an emollient to moisturize and soften the skin. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Plant based?
No. It is derived from sheep’s wool.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as an emollient by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. Also has humectant properties, which means it can attract moisture from the environment and help to keep the skin hydrated.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe for use in skincare products. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or rash.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Has several benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, aiding in sleep, and soothing skin irritations.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the Lavandula angustifolia plant.
Concentration
Functional Process
Interacts with the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions and physiological responses.
Side Effects
Side effects may include skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Lavandula Stoechas Extract
Commonly used in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also have calming and soothing effects on the skin.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the flowers of the Lavandula Stoechas plant.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, which can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Side Effects
Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using products containing this extract.
LeucoNostoc Ferment Filtrate
A probiotic ingredient that can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin by promoting hydration and protecting against environmental stressors.
Plant based?
No. It is derived from bacteria, specifically the LeucoNostoc mesenteroides strain.
Concentration
Functional Process
Provides a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental damage. It also helps to balance the skin’s microbiome and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can improve overall skin health.
Side Effects
No known side effects associated with use in skincare products.
Lime Tea
Rich in antioxidants, helps improve digestion and the immune system, and may aid in weight loss.
Plant based?
Yes, plant-based and made from lime fruit and tea leaves.
Concentration
Functional Process
Lime tea’s antioxidants and vitamin C content may help fight free radicals and boost the immune system, while tea leaves may aid digestion and provide caffeine for energy.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include heartburn and upset stomach.
Limonene
Found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It is also used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and mood-enhancing effects.
Plant based?
Yes, a natural organic compound commonly found in the peels of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.
Concentration
Functional Process
Inhibits certain enzymes and pathways in the body involved in inflammation and cancer growth.
Side Effects
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Ingesting high doses can also cause gastrointestinal distress and liver toxicity.
Linalool
Known for its relaxing and calming properties. It can help reduce anxiety and stress, as well as promote sleep.
Plant based?
Yes, a naturally occurring terpene commonly found in many plants, including lavender, basil, and mint.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically GABA and glutamate, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues if inhaled in high concentrations.
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in brain function, growth and development, and overall health.
Plant based?
Yes, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in plant-based sources such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Concentration
Functional Process
Used by the body to make other essential compounds, such as arachidonic acid, which is involved in inflammation and immune function.
Side Effects
While generally safe when consumed in appropriate amounts, high doses may increase the risk of bleeding, lower immune function, and lead to inflammation.
Linolenic Acid
An essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain function and heart health and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Plant based?
Yes, primarily found in plant-based sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
Concentration
Functional Process
Converted by the body into other omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for various bodily functions, including reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
Side Effects
Taking high doses of linolenic acid supplements can potentially cause side effects such as gastrointestinal distress and an increased risk of bleeding.
Magnesium Gluconate
A dietary supplement that may help support healthy bones, muscles, and nervous system function.
Plant based?
Can be made from both plant and animal sources, but the exact source may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Concentration
Functional Process
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate many biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium Gluconate provides a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Side Effects
Possible side effects may include diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea, but these are generally rare and mild.
Magnesium Stearate
A common additive in pharmaceuticals and supplements, it acts as a lubricant and anti-adherent, making it easier to handle and swallow pills and capsules.
Plant based?
Can be derived from plant or animal sources, but it is typically sourced from stearic acid, which can be found in both plant and animal fats.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a lubricant and anti-adherent, preventing ingredients in pills and capsules from sticking to each other and to manufacturing equipment.
Side Effects
While generally considered safe, possible side effects can include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and potential interactions with certain medications.
Magnesium Sulfate
Commonly used as a laxative, anticonvulsant, and to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in the blood).
Plant based?
No, it is a chemical compound of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.
Concentration
Functional Process
Increases the amount of water in the intestines, which helps to produce a bowel movement. It also acts as a central nervous system depressant, which can help prevent seizures and decrease muscle contractions.
Side Effects
Some common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flushing, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, or anaphylaxis.
MagNolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders due to its potential anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the bark of the magnolia officinalis tree, a plant native to China and other parts of Asia.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains compounds called honokiol and magnolol, which are believed to have anxiolytic, sedative, and neuroprotective effects by acting on the GABA and glutamate systems in the brain.
Side Effects
Some common side effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as liver toxicity, respiratory depression, or allergic reactions.
Maltodextrin
Commonly used as a food additive to improve texture, increase shelf life, and enhance flavor in processed foods and beverages.
Plant based?
Yes, typically made from plant-based sources such as corn, rice, or potato starch.
Concentration
Functional Process
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that is easily digestible and can be rapidly absorbed by the body, providing a quick source of energy.
Side Effects
Some common side effects include bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to corn or other plant-based sources used to make maltodextrin.
Mandarin Orange Peel Oil
Commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It may also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the peel of mandarin oranges, a citrus fruit.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains compounds such as limonene and linalool, believed to have sedative and anxiolytic effects when inhaled through aromatherapy. It may also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically.
Side Effects
Some common side effects include skin irritation, photosensitivity, and allergic reactions. Inhaling large amounts of the oil may also cause headache, nausea, and dizziness.