INCI Explained.
We Love It When You Learn.
What Is INCI?
International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients
The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, (INCI), is a system of names for waxes, oils, pigments, chemicals, and other ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, and the like, based on scientific names and other Latin and English words. INCI names often differ significantly from systematic chemical nomenclature or more common trivial names.
Ingredient names must comply by law with EU requirements by using INCI names.
The cosmetic regulation laws are enforceable to ensure consumer safety. For example, the ingredients listed on the ingredient declaration ensure that the purchaser can assess the risk of an allergic reaction to an ingredient. INCI names are mandated on the ingredient statement of every consumer personal care product.
Here is a list of all the raw materials that we use in our products, along with explanations provided.
The underlined names include more detailed explanations in the “ACTIVES“ linked pages.
INCI NAME:
DESCRIPTION:
Belinal® is a Silver fir branch extract extracted from trees in the biggest unspoiled European forest formation. The unique combination of different polyphenols, with a small molecular mass and very high absorption rate, are scientifically proven in cell activity (36 different polyphenols identified so far) and have potent antioxidant activity. Applied topically it has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging activity.
Spray dried juice from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant yield a water-soluble powder concentrate that can be rehydrated to add to numerous products. It is an amazing moisturizer and has a strong anti-inflammatory action because it contains salicylates, polysaccharides, magnesium lactate and C-glucosyl chromone. 100% organic.
ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL & BEHENYL ALCOHOL & ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE
Arachidyl Alcohol & Behenyl Alcohol & Arachidyl Glucoside is a new generation of natural O/W emulsifier approved by all major certification organizations such as Ecocert, BDHI, SOIL association, Natrue, and others. It has a long-lasting moisturizing effect on the skin.
BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID
Wide-spectrum natural preservative. As permitted in BIO organic and natural cosmetics, it is supported by all major certification organizations such as Ecocert, BDHI, SOIL association, Natrue, and others. It consists of approximately 10% dehydroacetic acid and 90% benzyl alcohol.
Bakuchiol works effectively like retinol against skin ageing and acne, however, without the side-effects of retinol. Bakuchiol is a natural retinol analog. Despite having no structural resemblance to retinol, Bakuchiol was found to have retinol functionality through retinol-like regulation of gene expression. Bakuchiol target several cellular pathways similar to those targeted by retinoids, including the modulation of retinoic acid receptors genes and upregulation of collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis enzymes. Bakuchiol, like retinol, helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles while also enhancing the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Bisabolol is the primary component in chamomile essential oil.
Owing to its high panthenol content, it stimulates and promotes the skin's healing process. It also works as a gentle, natural skin penetration enhancer for other ingredients, especially antioxidants.
Green tea extract acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin against UV damage. It contains caffeine, Vitamin C and many polyphenolic compounds (tannins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids) - up to 30%. It is also a good source of minerals like zinc, magnesium, selenium and chromium. It contains polyphenols quercetin and rutin.
CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is an excellent emollient, quickly penetrates the surface of the skin and provides a lightweight and non-greasy barrier. It has a silky, oil-free texture and is a stable oxidative. It primarily contains Caprylic Acid and Capric Acid, medium chain triglycerides.
Centella Asiatica also known as Gotu kola has been known to heal skin lesions, promoting a rapid thickening of the dermis and increasing blood flow. Centella Asiatica stimulates Collagen I. and III. biosynthesis and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis, which leads to improved skin firmness, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction.
Ceramide NP is an exceptionally pure ceramide containing a stereochemical structure identical to those found in the human skin. Not only does it reinforce the natural lipid barrier of dry and aging skin, it also shows an outstanding ability to maintain the moisture balance of the skin surface.
CITRUS AURANTIUM FLOWER WATER+
Orange blossom flower water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the flowers of the orange, Citrus aurantium.
Scientists found Ectoin® in most extremophile organisms, which can grow in the most extreme conditions on Earth, like salt lakes, hot springs and deep ocean. The molecule helps them handle extreme changes of temperature and other environmental stressors.
Ectoin® supports the regeneration process of the skin, protects against damage, reduces erythema and smooths out the skin. It also reduces the itchiness that is associated with inflammatory skin diseases. Ectoin® is used for the symptomatic treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as e.g. eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, contact dermatitis and radio dermatitis.
Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants (rice, oats, apple and orange seeds) where it plays a central role in the plants' self-protection from UV radiation.
Gamma oryzanol is a powder of ferulic acid esterified phytosterols (including triterpenes, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol) from the germination and bran oil of Oryza sativa L. (rice germ oil). The plant uses gamma oryzanol as self-protection against UV light and heat-induced oxidation.
Gingko helps to boost collagen formation and the creation of fibroblasts. A 2003 study suggested that ginkgo may effectively halt de-pigmentation and aid in re-pigmentation as well. Contained in skin creams and ingested in moderate amounts, Ginkgo provides amazing benefits and is considered extremely safe.
GLYCERIN+
We use organic glycerin, otherwise known as glycerol. It is a very good humectant and can draw water from air and deposit it in upper layers of the skin, keeping the surface moist and flexible. It helps maintain the skin's protective barrier. We use organic-grade, Ecocert certified, palm oil-free, coconut derived glycerin.
GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE
Glyceryl Caprylate is a monoester of glycerin and caprylic acid. It works as an emollient and emulsifier. Allowed by all eco-certificates.
People have been using Licorice root for centuries in many different cultures. The herb’s root contains plant sterols, which improve skin elasticity and fight inflammation and wrinkle formation. Licorice extract also contains glycyrrhizin, an acid with an important role in increasing steroid hormones in the skin. Glycyrrhizin combats several skin disorders that respond to topically applied hydrocortisone. Licorice extract can also help soothe irritation caused by external factors.
HELIANTHUS ANUUS SEED OIL
Sunflower oil comes as carrier oil for vitamin E. There is very little of this contained in the product.
LACTIC ACID
Lactic acid is a product of the fermentation of vegetable-sourced carbohydrates. It serves as a pH-adjuster and a skin emollient.
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA FLOWER WATER+
Lavender flower water is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to make lavender essential oil. Hydrosol consists of the liquid leftover of the distillation process. Hydrosol is made up of water, water-soluble plant actives.
Macadamia nut oil chemical composition is very similar to human sebum. It is a very stable oil, resistant to oxidation. Its palmitoleic and oleic acid content make it the perfect choice for aged and dry skin.
Magnolia bark contains two anti-inflammatory substances, magnolol and honokiol, which reportedly inhibit the activation of NF-KB, a key mediator in both inflammatory and aging processes. With age, the immune system becomes less effective, which can lead to chronic inflammation. This leads to the continuous production of free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging skin.
MALTODEXTRIN
Maltodextrin is a saccharide material obtained by starch hydrolysis. Our products contain only a miniscule amount of this. It is used as a granulating agent in Belinal® extract.
Mango seed butter is full of essential fatty acids that are ideal for dry, mature skin. Mango is rich in oleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid that seals in moisture and soothes irritated skin.
Olive leaf extract has many bioactive ingredients (polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins) The synergistic action of these active ingredients protects very efficiently against free radicals and oxidative stress.
The extract also has a calming, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.
Panax Ginseng extract increases skin cell renewal and collagen production.
Passion fruit or maracuja oil is a lightweight oil pressed from the seeds of the Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). An excellent source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants (such as vitamin E and carotenoids), passionfruit oil also locks in moisture and acts as an exceptional emollient.
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound; used as a preservative.
Rosehip seed oil provides incredible benefits to the skin. The high nutritive content of rosehip seed oil and its natural corrective and cell regeneration properties make rosehip oil a must for cosmetology and dermatology treatments.
ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER+
Rose hydrosol is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to make rose essential oil. Hydrosol consists of the liquid leftover of the distillation process. Hydrosol is made up of water and water-soluble plant actives.
Sandalwood Mysore is the only essential oil we use. It contains no known allergens and is one of the few essential oils that are safe to use in skin care. We use Mysore sandalwood, the rarest and most expensive Sandalwood essential oil. It is selected from a government-controlled, sustainable source.
Vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) is a more stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative which easily penetrates the deeper skin layers. There, the skin's enzymes release the actual active ingredient - the vitamin C itself - from the sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It is far less irritable to the skin than pure vitamin C. Unlike pure ascorbic acid, it does not irritate the skin. On the contrary, it reduces inflammation and is used as an acne treatment.
SODIUM BENZOATE
Sodium benzoate is a preservative that occurs naturally, along with benzoic acid and its esters, in many foods. Fruits and vegetables can be rich sources, particularly berries such as cranberries and bilberries.
SODIUM HYALURONATE
We use natural hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate in both low and high molecular masses. High molecular HA stays on the top layers of the skin and retains moisture in the stratum corneum, whereas low molecular HA penetrates in the deeper skin layers and helps not only keep the skin supple and moist but also protects the collagen-elastin matrix.
SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE
Sodium stearoyl glutamate is a new generation natural emulsifier and emollient. It is a hypo-allergenic amino acid.
Squalane is a more stabilized version of squalene, a molecule found in the skin's sebum. Skin care companies mainly use synthetic squalene or squalane extracted from shark's liver. Neither is a sustainable source, and has been a key reason for the dramatic fall in the world's shark population.
We use squalene extracted from olive oil, which is a sustainable source and free from contaminants.
TOCOPHEROL
Our plant sourced vitamin E complex comes in a special blend of Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-, and Delta-Tocopherol Concentrate.
Each of them plays different role in skin protection. Alpha Tocopherol works best inside cells, Delta is the most potent antioxidant outside the cell, and so they cover a broad spectrum of free radicals.
XANTHAN GUM & LECITHIN & SCLEROTIUM GUM & PULLULAN
Siligel™ is a natural gelling agent that leaves a soothing silicone-like feeling on the skin. It works as a gelling agent, stabilizer, co-emulsifier, suspending agent, skin feel enhancer as a substitute of silicones and even has moisturizing properties. It is of natural origin and produced in accordance with sustainable green manufacturing.
ZINC OXIDE & CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE &
POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
Zinc oxide act as a physical barrier against UVA and UVB light. It is a main sunscreen ingredient in our UV SHIELD cream. The other two ingredients are plant-based carriers for zinc oxide.
ECOCERT, ORGANIC+