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Leaders in Natural & Botanical Skin Care.

Glossary of NATURAL INGREDIENTS

The following listing is the natural ingredients used in the Grace Cosmetics Skin Care, Hair Care, Body Care, Sun Care and Therapeutic Range.

Albumen
Source Whites of eggs
Purpose A protein and skin tightener
Allantoin
Source Comfrey root herb.
Purpose Cell growth stimulant. Healing and soothing properties.
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Aloe in Oil Concentrate
Source 20 parts Aloe to 1 part vegetable oil.
Purpose Enables higher concentration of Aloe in creams, lotions, and soaps. The only way to put Aloe in all oil formulas.
Aloe vera
Source Gel from fresh Aloe vera leaves (Aloe Barbadensis Miller).
Purpose Cold-processed to retain total properties. An humectant, providing moisture replacement. Contains enzymes and minerals; healing and stimulating properties.
Aloe vera Powder
Source 200% concentrate of dried Aloe gel.
Purpose Enables properties of Aloe to be added to powder formulas.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Source Natural fruit acids (Apple, Berries etc.)
Purpose A mild peeling of the epiderm resulting in a softer skin, a more radiant complexion and smoother texture.
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate
Source Derived from natural fatty alcohols.
Purpose Primary surfactant.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate
Source Derived from natural fatty alcohols.
Purpose Primary surfactant.
Apricot Oil
Source Apricot kernel.
Purpose Rich emollient, softening to the skin.
Aqueous Herbal Blend for AHAs
Source Meadowsweet, Hibiscus, Calendula, Juniper, Goldenseal, Chamomile, Pansy.
Purpose Softens and moisturises. Increases skin elasticity. Aids in the normalisation of dry skin.
Aqueous Herbal Extracts
Source Alfalfa, Borage, Burdock, Chamomile, Chickweed, Comfrey, Dandelion, Elder flower, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Parsley, Peppermint, Plantain, Rosehips, Witch Hazel, Yarrow, Yellowdock.
Purpose Steeping of herbs to extract desirable properties of each herb. Listed by herbalists as the most effective for wrinkled skin, skin eruptions, bites, stings, stimulant, pain, swellings, bruises, carbuncles, abscesses, wounds, burns, astringent, antiseptic, itches and sores. See herbal books for more information.
Ascorbic Acid
Source Vitamin C
Purpose Anti-oxidant, a preservative.
Avocado Oil
Source Avocado
Purpose High in essential polyunsaturated oil. Moisturises and helps the skin retain its elasticity.
Calamine
Source Natural mineral.
Purpose An astringent and skin protectant that soothes the skin.
Camphor
Source Camphor tree
Purpose Cooling and stimulating. A preservative.
Candelilla
Source Reed-like candelilla plant.
Purpose Adds viscosity to cleanser and creams. Moisturises skin.
Carotene
Source Carrots
Purpose Rich in natural Vitamin A. An emollient that keeps the skin soft and supple.
Carrot Root Oil
Source Carrot extract in soybean oil.
Purpose Vitamin A, rich emollient, helps balance skin oils. Good pore cleanser.
Castor Oil
Source Castor Bean (Palma Christi Oil)
Purpose Soothing to skin, rich emollient, good cleanser, healing properties.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Source Based on Alkyl Polysaccharides derived from Coconut Oil and Glucose.
Purpose Emulsifier. Gives creams and lotions a unique dry feel. Excellent in roll-on deodorants and anti-perspirants.
Ceteth - 20
Source Derived from natural fatty alcohols.
Purpose Emulsifier, helps foundation colour spread evenly.
Cetyl Alcohol
Source Fatty acid from coconut oil.
Purpose Emulsifier and thickener.
Chamomile Essence
Source Aromatic herb chamomile.
Purpose Used as a natural fragrance. Soothes the skin.
Chlorophyll
Source Green of plants..
Purpose Colouring agent. Inhibits bacteria growth, healing properties..
Cholecalciferol
Source Part of the Vitamin D group.
Purpose Vitamin D3. Helps retain even skin colour. Used in conjunction with Vitamin A.
Citric Acid
Source Fermentation of citrus fiuits.
Purpose Anti-oxidant. Used to adjust pH. A preservative.
Clove Oil
Source Dried flower of tropical tree.
Purpose Anaesthetic
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Source Fatty acids derived from Coconut oil.
Purpose A mild secondary surfactant. Excellent in shampoos. Combined with a primary surfactant, produces a product with a low irritancy profile.
Cocoa Butter
Source Obtained from the seeds of Theobroma Cacao.
Purpose Emollient. Moisturiser.
Coconut Butter
Source Coconut tree.
Purpose Lubricant to soften skin.
Coconut Fatty Acid and Derivatives
Source Coconut Palm and various fractions, sometimes mixed with other vegetable oils.
Purpose Emulsifier and humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
Comfrey
Source Comfrey leaves and roots.
Purpose Healthy cellular growth, soothing to skin, anti-inflammatory, healing properties.
Corn Oil
Source Expressed from corn.
Purpose Skin conditioner and toner.
Corn Starch
Source Corn powder.
Purpose Soothing, absorbs excess moisture and is a thickening agent.
Cyclometh icone
Source Mineral.
Purpose Help repair split ends and conditions the hair.
Decyl Polyglucose
Source Regrowable raw materials - Corn , Coconut and Palm Kernal Oils.
Purpose A mild, primary surfactant.
di-a-Tocopheryl
Source Naturally derived Vitamin E - vegetable oils e.g. soya bean.
Purpose Anti-oxidant for essential oils, helps all body tissue.
Dihydroxy Acetone (DHA)
Source Natural carbohydrate e.g. fiuit sugars.
Purpose Reacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a natural tan without sun exposure.
Enzyme & Herbal Combination
Source A secret blend of naturally derived enzymes and herbs.
Purpose Refer to Aqueous Herbal Extracts.
Eucalyptus Oil
Source Eucalyptus Tree.
Purpose Antiseptic action on skin surface.
Evening Primrose Oil
Source Evening Primrose (Oenothera).
Purpose Rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Exceptional moisturising properties.
Fagus Silvatica (Gatuline RC)
Source Beech Tree Buds.
Purpose Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves skin moisturisation.
Fatty Acid Esters & Derivatives
Source Coconut, cottonseed, castor, olive, safflower and other vegetable oils.
Purpose Humectants, emollients, thickening agents, emulsion stabilisers, soothes and adds silken feeling to formulations.
Ginseng
Source Liquid or powder from ginseng root.
Purpose Contains anti-wrinkle properties, extremely good skin conditioner, cleanser and rejuvenator.
Glutamic Acid
Source Vegetable amino acid.
Purpose Protein-cell stimulant for healthy tissue.
Glycerin (Glycerol) Vegetable
Source Obtained from coconut and palm oils.
Purpose An excellent moisturiser and humectant for hair and skin care products. Glycerin has replaced Propelene Glycol in all Grace products.
Hazelnut Oil
Source Hazelnuts.
Purpose Emollient. In creams and lotions it is both soothing to the skin and non-greasy.
Honey
Source Honey (liquid or powder).
Purpose Healing and stimulating, humectant, very soothing to skin. Helps hydrate the skin.
Iron Oxides
Source Naturally occurring minerals.
Purpose Colouring agents in foundations and glamour products.
Japan Wax
Source Rhus tree fruit.
Purpose Botanical substitute for beeswax, thickening agent.
Jojoba Oil
Source Jojoba bean.
Purpose Softens hardened oil and wax build-up under skin, emollient.
Keratin
Source Natural protein.
Purpose Adds gloss and body to the hair.
Keratoplast
Source Natural ingredient found in plants e.g. sweet birch.
Purpose Anti-reddening agent and skin decongestant.
Laureth-3
Source Vegetable - fatty alcohol.
Purpose Dispersant and emulsiaer.
Lavender Oil
Source Lavender Flowers.
Purpose Deep cleansing. The fragrance has a soothing, calming effect.
Lecithin
Source Derived from soybean.
Purpose Emulsifying, dispersing, anti-oxidant, penetrating agent. Essential to cells. Great conditioner of skin.
Lemon or Orange Oil
Source Peppermint leaves.
Purpose Fragrance and stimulation.
Macadamia Nut Oil
Source Macadamia nuts.
Purpose Moisturiser. Helps keep skin smooth and supple.
Papain
Source Derived from papaya (paw paw) fruit.
Purpose Skin softener, helps skin utilise protein better, helps remove dead skin cells.
Peppermint Oil
Source Peppermint leaves.
Purpose Preservative and anaesthetic to skin. Fragrance.
Phenytrimethicone
Source Natural Mineral.
Purpose Conditions and leaves the hair with a silky gloss.
Polyphenyl Methylsiloxane
Source Natural Mineral.
Purpose Natural Mineral Purpose - Makes the hair shine and easy to comb.
Polysorbate 20 & 80
Source Sorbitol and fatty acid esters.
Purpose Surfactant, emulsifier, and dispersing agent.
Potassium Alum
Source Natural mineral.
Purpose Astringent, very soothing to skin, refines enlarged pores.
Retinyl Palmitate
Source Naturally derived Vitamin A.
Purpose Alleged skin-healing properties. Helps retain small pores.
Oat Flour
Source Oat grain.
Purpose Soothing protection for skin. Replaces talc in powders.
Palm Oil
Source Seed of the palm tree nut.
Purpose Used in making botanical soap.
Panthenol
Source Part of the Vitamin B group. Vegetable derived. Other name - Pro-vitamin B5.
Purpose Of particular value in hair care products. It is readily absorbed into the hair shaft giving excellent moisture control and imparts gloss and sheen.
Rice Bran Oil
Source Rice bran extract.
Purpose Soothing protection for skin, replaces talc in powders.
RNA
Source Ribonucleic Acid - obtained through a natural fermentation process.
Purpose In all living cells, is believed to prevent ageing.
Safflower
Source Safftower seed.
Purpose Softening agent, high in linoleic acids and sterols of Vitamin F. Moisturiser.
Sesame Oil
Source Sesame seed.
Purpose Emollient, softener.
Shea Butter
Source Fruit of Karite tree.
Purpose Softens and moisturises the skin.
Silica
Source Naturally white powder or mineral.
Purpose Skin protectant, absorbent and soothing to skin. Thickening agent.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Source Common baking soda.
Purpose Deodoriser, absorbent and extremely soothing to skin.
Sodium Chloride
Source Common sea salt.
Purpose Used to harden and stabilise soap.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate
Source Fatty alcohol.
Purpose Primary surfactant.
Sodium Pidolate
Source Natural amino acids from vegetables.
Purpose Natural hair moisturiser. Part of the Natural Moisturising Factor, other name Sodium P.C.A.
Sorbitol
Source Hydrogenation of fruits and berries.
Purpose Emulsifier and stabiliser, moisture-conditioning humectant.
Soybean Oil
Source Soybean.
Purpose Softening agent, moisturiser.
Spearmint Oil
Source Spearmint leaves.
Purpose Fragrance, stimulant, cooling to skin.
Stabilising Buffer
Source Secret combination of natural digestive enzymes and minerals.
Purpose Used in aloe vera Gel as a digestant and preserving compound which prevents oxidation and deterioration of fresh gel.
Stearic Acid
Source Coconut or vegetable.
Purpose Lubricant, builds body, thickens.
Tea Tree OiI
Source Melaleuca Alternifolia Free.
Purpose An antiseptic and healing agent.
Thymol
Source Melaleuca Alternifolia Free.
Purpose An antiseptic and healing agent.
Thyme camphor
Source Melaleuca Alternifolia Free.
Purpose Anti-oxidant, anti-mould, anti-fungal, preservative.
Tincture of Benzoin
Source Balsamic tree derivative.
Purpose Healing agent, soothing, and preservative.
Titanium Dioxide
Source Natural mineral.
Purpose Colouring agent. Radioactive decontaminate to skin. Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Vanilla
Source Vanilla bean.
Purpose Natural fragrance.
Wheat Germ Oil
Source Vegetable oil.
Purpose Emollient.
Wintergreen Oil (Methyl Salicylate)
Source From the bark of Betula Lenta (Betulaceae).
Purpose Pain relief in rheumatic conditions.
Witch Hazel
Source Hammamelis vergeniana herb.
Purpose Skin freshener, cleanser, deodorant, healing and soothing to skin, local anaesthetic.
Xanthan Gum
Source Polysaccharide gum.
Purpose Used as a thickener in gels and lotions.
Zinc Oxide
Source Natural Mineral.
Purpose Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Also has a mild astringent antiseptic and protective properties.