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PROFESSIONAL GLOSSARY

Strengthen your skills and competence for Authentic Beauty Concept with our technical glossary! Enjoy the benefits of this comprehensive package of background information on Authentic Beauty Concept, specially created to enhance expertise in the area of ingredients, technical data and performance benefits. 

A

Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Panax Ginseng Root
Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
PLANT EXTRACTS

Botanical blend of kombucha, ginseng and ginger extracts. 

Known to be able to help adapt to changing stress situations and strains.

C9-12 Alkane; C15-23 Alkane
EMOLLIENT

100% plant-based ingredients. In contrast to all common sources, our material is not from mineral oil.

Silicone alternative, it supports the intense caring performance.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

The cactus-like plant contains, among other things, enzymes and amino acids and polysaccharides.

Known for different benefits, for example moisturising hair and skin and wound healing process support.

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot)
Seed Powder
EXFOLIANT

Natural, upcycled particles that gently exfoliate scalp and skin.

Apricot Kernels remove excess oils, impurities, product build-up and dry flakes without irritation for a refreshed and softened feeling.

B

Cellulose
TEXTURIZING AGENT

Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world. Bamboo fiber is widely used in food industries and is much appreciated as an ingredient because of its texturizing properties.

Helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.

Bakuchiol 
PLANT EXTRACT

Natural alternative to Retinol, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

Calms and soothes skin.

Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaf extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant based ingredient. Basil is known for its soothing and purifying properties.

Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Behenoyl PG-trimonium chloride
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A quaternary ammonium compound. This caring agent supports the anti-static and conditioning effect.

Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.

Benzophenone-4
PHOTOSTABILIZER AND SUNSCREEN AGENT

Its used for its ability to absorb UV rays. It helps to protect the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients from deteriorating due to UV-light exposure. It covers UVB and short UVA (UVA-2) range rays.

Helps to protect against UV- rays.

Bisabolol
SKIN CONDITIONING AGENT

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Bisabolol has a calming effect and helps to soothe feelings of discomfort on delicate skin and scalp. Because of this it's often included as a key ingredient in after sun care and products developed specifically for sensitive skin.

Butylene Glycol
SOLVENT

Organic, colourless alcohol used in cosmetics.

Helps to solubilise ingredients in the formula.

C

Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire De Carnauba)
STYLE SUPPORTING AGENT

A vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree (Copernica cerifera) known as the “Tree of Life.” Carnauba wax is the hardest natural wax available. It is widely used in the cosmetic, body care, food and pharmaceutical industries. It is extremely durable, and dries to a glossy finish. It is a great alternative to beeswax, and a crucial ingredient in the vegan cosmetics industry. 

Creates hold and texture.

Chondrus Crispus Powder
STABILIZER

Obtained from ground, red algae, rich in nutrients and antioxidants. 

Significant for product texture.

Ceteareth-25
EMULSIFYING AGENT

A non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols. 

Provides medium hold and a moldable texture.

Cichorium Intybus (Chicory)
Seed Oil
NATURAL OIL

An upcycled, COSMOS-certified plant oil, derived from surplus seeds as agriculture co-product.

High in linoleic acid and omega 6, providing essential moisture. 

It effectively smoothens raised cuticles, revitalises dull or damaged hair and boosts shine.

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A natural based ingredient. Cinnamon is known for its firming benefits & for hair anti-oxidant properties.

Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CLEANSING AND FOAMING AGENT

A partly plant based ingredient;  sulfate free cleansing surfactant used instead of traditional sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Cleanses well the hair. Removes impurities and greasiness and acts as a foaming agent.

Coco-caprylate
EMOLLIENT

Ingredient found naturally in coconut and palm kernel oil.

Supports softening of the skin.

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A non-greasy and rapidly absorbed ingredient, giving deep hydration and conditioning to skin, scalp and hair.

Supports manageability and lasting care effects.

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
NATURAL OIL

A plant based, clear, light oil from Africa with social enhancement benefit. 

Known as care ingredient, improves shine & hair feel.

D

Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Fruit Sinensis Leaf Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant based ingredient. Date is known for its conditioning benefits & for hair anti-oxidant properties.

Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
FERMENT

A ferment containing multifunctional and stable enzymes.

Improves moisture content, reinforces the hair fibre and contains nourishing and conditioning agents.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EMOLLIENT

A partly plant derived ingredient.

Fast spreading emollient. Known as silicone alternative.

Dicaprylyl Ether
EMOLLIENT & SOLVENT

An ether of coconut oil (or other plant based oil) derived caprylic acid. It gives a non-greasy residue on the skin and hair and has been used as an alternative to silicones.

Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.

Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

Partly plant based hair conditioning agent which can neutralize charges at the hair surface and therefore smoothen it.

Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.

E

Alcohol denat
SOLVENT

Biodegradable alcohol derived from different natural sources (example: potato). 

Protects the integrity and the performance of the formula and dissolves other substances. Stops hair drying out.

G

Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)
Root Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A popular and effective ingredient in Ayurveda, ginger is often referred to as a root, an underground stem known as rhizome. Protective effects. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Helps to stimulate blood circulation. 

Panax Ginseng Root Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

Also called “life flower”, Ginseng finds its origin in Asiatic medicine where it's been used for thousands of years. 

The older the root, the richer it is in properties and active principles. 

It helps to bring the scalp to a balanced state.

Glycerin
EMOLLIENT & HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

Derived from palm, coconut, soy or other vegetable fats. It has the ability to draw moisture to the skin and hair.

Acts as a humectant hair softener.

Glyceryl Stearate
EMULSIFYING AGENT

Esterification product of glycerin and stearic acid.

Improves stability of the formula.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant based ingredient. Green Tea is also well known for its anti-oxidant & energizing properties

Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A polymer naturally derived from guar seeds. Sustainable Guar is cultivated by the farmers of the Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI).

Improves combability and hair feel.

H

Sodium Hyaluronate 
HUMECTANT

Non greasy, lightweight ingredient. 

Helps skin to retain moisture.

Hydrated Silica
BULKING AGENT

Hydrated Silica is a naturally derived from silica, an abundant compound that forms about 12% of the earth's surface. It is found in nature, as opal (which has been mined as a gemstone for centuries), and in the cell walls of diatoms.

Supports volume and grip.

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EMULSIFIER

Can be used to bind oil and water.

Helps to solubilize ingredients in the formula. It is originated from Coconut Oil, Corn and/or Soy Bean.

Hydrolyzed Soybean Extract
CONDITIONING AGENT

Contains antioxidants.

Helps to reduce visual effects of skin aging. Known to help strengthening the hair.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A plant-based ingredient, produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of soya flour.

The formula with Hydrolyzed soy Protein helps to smoothen the hair structure.

Hydroxyacetophenone 
PRESERVATIVE BOOSTER

Anti-oxidant and soothing agent. 

Helps improve the efficacy of preservatives.

Hydroxyethylcellulose
THICKENING AGENT

A plant-derived thickener in beauty products which is biodegradable.

Supports a creamy and rich consistancy of the formulas.

I

Isopropyl Alcohol
SOLVENT

An isomer of propanol. It was the first commercial synthetic alcohol. It is used as an antiseptic and also found in all kinds of products, from hand lotions to make-up to aftershave. 

Adjusts product texture.

Isopropyl Myristate
EMOLLIENT AGENT

A partly naturally derived emollient and spreading agent, composed of Isopropyl Alcohol (a propane derivative) and Myristic Acid (a naturally-occurring fatty acid). It is a popular cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient.

Creates a smooth hair surface and supports shine, condition and combability.

J

Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax
TEXTURIZING AGENT

Japan Wax, also known as Sumac Wax. It's a vegetable wax obtained from the peel of the berries of the Sumac tree. Sumac (Lacquer tree) is one of the oldest native tree species in China. The peels of the berry will be collected each year before the winter time and the tree itself will be taken good care for the reproduction of berries for next coming year. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions. 

Supports a mouldable product consistency and creates hold.

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

Derived by hydrogenation of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil. It has skin healing properties. Well known for its moisturizing, but it also antibacterial and immune boosting properties to help heal wounds.

Supports moisturized hair feel, manageability and lasting care effects.

K

Kaolin
STYLE SUPPORTING AGENT

A natural mineral. Originally discovered in China, it was used as an essential ingredient in making porcelain. Today it's used in hair products because of its styling properties and its ability to absorb excess oil or dirt.

Creates grittiness, strong hold, long lasting style control and supports shapes and separation.

L

Lactic Acid
SPH OPTIMISER

Moisturising ingredient (most often produced biotechnologically today). 

Helps smoothen the skin.

Lecithin
EMULSIFIER

Ingredient that attracts both water and fatty substances. In the food industry it's used to bind oil and water.

Helps with product emulsification and supports softening of the skin.

Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant based ingredient. Lime is known for it's energizing properties.

Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract
NATURAL OIL

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids present helping to enhance moisture content and strengthening the hair.

It’s a source of vitamin E, B1, B2, B6, and biotin, well known for their hair benefitting properties to enhance hair elasticity.

Linseed farmers are supported by providing them with growing techniques, specialized seeds and ways to reduce their cost and labor.

M

Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract
FRUIT EXTRACT

A natural based ingredient. Mango is also known for its nourishing & revitalizing properties.

Carries a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Hydroxypropyl Starch
STYLING AGENT

A lightweight, plant-based starch ingredient that functions as a style enhancer in cosmetics. It belongs to the chemical class carbohydrates and is used in various types of personal care products, including hairstyling products. 

Gives a smooth hair feel.

Murumuru Butter
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

It’s an excellent emollient known for its moisturising properties. 

Naturally protects against sun damage heat, and other harmful compounds. 

It’s an Amazonian butter – exotic, functional ingredient; natural and 100% pure.

Manually collected by local gatherers. 

The organisation Beraca supports these local gatherers and adds an important source of income, promoting empowerment.

N

Kaolin
MINERAL

The millennia-old natural product (also named white clay) is known for the ability of absorbing excess sebum.

Used for deep cleansing as it attracts impurities without drying out.

O

Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
STYLING POLYMER

Known for its film forming and antistatic benefits. 

Helps to give hair fixation.

Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiales
EMOLLIENT

An oil obtained from Olives. An unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty acids are refined for use in cosmetic products. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.

Supports a mouldable product consistency.

P

Panthenol
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

Vitamin B-5 derivative. In shampoos and conditioners, it is often used as humectant, to keep hair moisturized and smooth.

Helps to improve the moisture level of the hair and helps to protect the hair structure.

Carya Illinoensis (Pecan) Shell Extract
PECAN SHELL EXTRACT

A natural based ingredient. Pecan Nuts are well known for its nourishing properties.

Spends a pampering woody scent. Helps to condition the hair.

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EMULSIFYING AGENT

A naturally derived emollient, based on PEG (polyethylene glycol) and fatty acids derived from coconut oil.

Provides shine and a moldable texture.

Phenoxyethanol
PRESERVATIVE

A glycol ether that is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetics and beauty products.

Protects the integrity and the performance of the formula.

Hydrolysed Soy Protein
PLANT EXTRACT

Plant-based hair conditioning agent. A plant-based ingredient, produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of soya flour. 

The formula with Hydrolysed Soy Protein helps to smoothen the hair structure.

Polyquaternium-16
HAIR CONDITIONING & BODYFYING AGENT

Copolymer = Quaternary ammonium center in the polymer. Known for its antistatic and filmforming benefits.

Improves hair combability, softness and body.

Pvp
STYLING POLYMER

Synthetic filmformer which is found in most mainstream hair care products that provides the hold factor. So it is very common in most hair gel’s, wax’s, pomades and styling creams. 

Provides the hold factor.

R

Nephelium Lappaceum
Peel Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

Known for moisturisation, vitalisation and the energising of the skin. 

Helps to condition the hair.

Oriza Sative (Rice) Starch
ABSORBING AND TEXTURIZING AGENT

All starches absorb fats/sebum. The shape, size and appearance of rice starch is much finer than corn, potato or tapioca derived starch and as a result rice starch is the perfect cleansing ingredient for dry shampoo sprays allowing hair cleansing without conventional hair wash leaving a clean powdery touch to the hair. The rice starch we source for our products is made from “broken rice”. 

Absorbs sebum and helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Often used as an emollient, moisturizer and skin conditioning agent. 

 Enhances smoothness and softness.

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant-based ingredient, ethnically sourced in South-East Asia. 

The formula with Violet Rice Extract helps to absorb grease and impurities from the hair and scalp.

Dunaliella Salina Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

It’s a unique combination of red algae extracts. 

Protects hair against pollution and has a conditioning and sheathing effect while repairing and smoothening damaged hair cuticles.

S

Shorea Robusta Resin
LIPID

Sal is a multi-purpose, evergreen tree with a high resin content. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.

Supports a mouldable product consistency.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

A skin and hair superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the hair and skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.

Improves the feel and look of hair.

Silica
HAIR CONDITIONING AGENT

Silica is the name given to a group of minerals composed of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. It is better known as quartz, which is the most common component of sand.

Supports volume and grip.

Sodium Benzoate
PRESERVATIVE

It is most widely used in acidic foods, carbonated drinks and in medicines and cosmetics.

Protects the integrity and the performance of the formula.

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CLEANSING AND FOAMING AGENT

A synthetic, sulfate free surfactant mixture of long chain sulfonate salts.

Rather strong cleansing agent. Removes well impurities and greasiness.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CLEANSING AND FOAMING AGENT

Sulafte free cleansing surfactant.

Cleanses the hair. Removes impurities and greasiness.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
SURFACTANT

Improves texture and feel of the formula. 

Helps other ingredients to absorb into the skin.

Spirulina Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

The blue-green Spirulina algae is known for being rich in amino acids. Helps to condition the hair.

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
CLEANSING & FOAMING AGENT

Used as a conditioning and antistatic agent with a good affinity to hair. Builds a protective layer around the hair surface.

Rather strong cleansing agent. 

Improves combability, softness and shine. Supports the antistatic effect.

Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
SUGAR MAPLE EXTRACT

A natural-based ingredient. Maple is also known for its antioxidant properties. 

Has a pampering woody scent.

Helps to condition the hair.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Cera
CO-EMOLLIENT

A wax obtained from the seed of the Sunflower. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.

Supports a mouldable product consistency.

T

Tapioca Starch
TEXTURIZING AGENT

Tapioca is a starch extracted from the storage roots of the cassava plant. This species is native to the north region and central-west region of Brazil, but its use spread throughout South America.For our products we are using certified fairtrade material.

Helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.

Tocopherol 
ANTIOXIDANT

Essential fat-soluble nutrient, also referred to as a form of Vitamin E. 

Helps support the skin health.

Triethyl Citrate
FRAGRANCE INGREDIENT / FILM SOFTENER

An ester of citric acid; often used as a perfume fixer and as spreading agent for hairsprays and as an active agent in deodorants.

Creates a smooth hair surface and supports shine, condition and combability.

V

Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hydrolysed Cicer Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
PLANT EXTRACT

A plant-based, gluten-free keratin replacement that mimics the composition of keratin by hydrolysing chickpea, lentil and quinoa proteins.

A Vegan Superfood Keratin Alternative can penetrate into the hair fibre and repair hair from inside, helping to improve strength and resilience.

Ascorbic Acid
SYNTHETIC

White powder essential for medicine purposes and good health. 

Known to contain antioxidants to prevent skin aging. Protects against harmful environmental influences as it is a potent reducing agent and scavenger of oxidising free radicals in biological systems.

W

Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder
EXFOLIANT

Natural, upcycled particles that gently exfoliate scalp and skin. 

They remove excess oils, impurities, product build-up and dry flakes without irritation for a refreshed and softened feeling.

Salix Alba
ASTRINGENT

Natural ingredient known for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and skin conditioning.

X

Xanthan Gum
THICKENER

Natural ingredient mainly used for formulation purposes. 

Significant for product texture.

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