ALL BODY CREAM INGREDIENTS
Panthenol
Panthenol is a provitamin of B5 which means that the body will convert it into vitamin B5. Panthenol is a great ingredient for moisturizers shampoos and conditions as it binds and holds water in the skin. Hydrated skin helps to improve the plumpness and visible elasticity of the skin. Panthenol is a humectant, which refers to the ability to hold and bind to water. The benefits that panthenol provides to the skin barrier may also help to support wound healing. Contrary to popular belief the skin heals better when it is soft and hydrated.
Hydrolysed Silk/Oat Proteins
Silk Peptides, also known as silk protein or Hydrolysed Silk, are jelly-like proteins that bind the tiny fibers in silk. They are used to help prevent dehydration of the skin and help strengthen hair. These acids have a low molecular weight, which allows them to be easily absorbed deep into the layers of skin and hair creating a defense against dryness and moisture loss. Some studies have shown that these SAAs have antioxidant effects and have been shown to combat wrinkles. Is a naturally hygroscopic material. (Adj. of a substance; tending to absorb moisture from the air.) it provides excellent moisturizing and conditioning qualities. SAAs can give the skin a very soft, smooth velvety feel when used in things like lotions and hand creams.
Hyaluronic Acid
By getting into the skin, Hyaluronic Acid binds water together with the cells of your skin by keeping it hydrated. It is also known for its antibacterial properties, and assists in reduced symptoms in eczema sufferers. If you apply it to wounds, you reduce the risk of infection. When you have a skin injury, natural hyaluronic acid contained in your body will also increase in concentration to help repair the injured skin, like stretch marks.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera contains more than 75 potentially active components, including vitamins, minerals, saccharides, amino acids, and enzymes. It is these components that give aloe its therapeutic potential. The plant is commonly used for burns, wounds, digestive concerns, skin and hair health, and inflammatory issues. When aloe vera is used on burns, it prevents UV-induced suppression so the area can heal at a faster rate.
Vegetable Glycerin
It is well known that Glycerin can form a defensive layer between your skin and the environment, making it good for conditions like eczema or acne. These issues often result in extreme itchiness, so glycerin can reduce the sensation of itchiness and thus prevent additional inflammation, Due to its humectant properties, any topical substance that contains glycerin will help to keep the skin hydrated, as it attracts moisture, and is used to lessen the appearance of scars.
Sodium Lactate
Sodium lactate is a natural constituent of the uppermost layer of skin as a part of the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). In cosmetics and personal care products, sodium lactate functions as a preservative enhancer, buffering agent, and humectant moisturizer. This means that it stops bacteria from reproducing, it will help establish and hold the pH of a product and as a humectant, it helps keep the skin hydrated.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone improves the texture of skincare and cosmetic products, helps to improve the appearance of the skin, giving it that plump, hydrated look, and can help to prevent moisture loss. There has been a lot of controversy over this ingredient, as well as silicones as a broader skincare ingredient. Research into dimethicone’s safety has produced evidence that not only indicates dimethicone’s safety but also suggests that dimethicone is beneficial for the skin in many ways. It helps to prevent breakouts & helps to improve the appearance of dry skin and flakiness.
Allantoin
Allantoin is a skincare ingredient that helps to moisturize and gently remove dead skin cells. In its organic form, it’s found in several plants, such as sugar beet, comfrey, chamomile, tobacco seed, and wheat sprouts but predominantly extracted from the Comfrey Plant. Allantoin is non-allergenic, non-toxic, odourless, and completely safe for use. It helps temporarily prevent and protect chafed, chapped, and cracked skin speeding up the natural processes and increasing water content. Some skin benefits are:
Moisturises & hydrates
Exfoliates
Soothes
Heals scars and generally speeds up healing
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a low molecular weight ester of benzoic acid and long-chain alcohols. Benzoic Acid is a natural ingredient that can be obtained from several types of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples. The ‘C12-15’ in the ingredient name indicates that the alcohols have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15. It’s mainly used to improve the stability, texture, and scent of products.
Propanediol 1,3
Propanediol is a natural emollient that moisturizes the skin when applied topically. It works to reduce water loss, leaving your skin feeling softer. It works as a natural preservative in skincare and body products. It can increase the shelf life of products and promote lasting freshness. The chemical works as a penetration enhancer by altering the skin’s structure. This allows for other ingredients in the skincare product to get deeper into the skin.
Plantaserv E
Plantaserv E is a cosmetic preservative offering you broad-based protection against bacteria, yeasts, and mold fungi. It is a unique formulation with multi-functional actions, offering many beneficial uses in cosmetic products. It is made up of a combination of phenoxyethanol; paraben-free ether alcohol that is naturally derived from green tea but synthesized in a lab, and ethylhexylglycerin; a natural preservative obtained from glycerine. Its purpose is to act as a surfactant, a deodorizing agent, and a skin-conditioning agent.
Oat Protein
A naturally derived soluble form of oat protein, it’s a clever element that has been utilized since Roman times for its glorious ability to soothe and heal irritated skin. Collagen stimulation properties within the protein help to plump up the skin and improve its overall elasticity, as well as promote hydration by locking in moisture.
Emulsifying Wax C20
INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol & Ceteareth 20.
Ceteareth-20 is a ‘fatty alcohol’. Ceteareths are made from Cetearyl alcohol, a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are natural fatty acids from coconut oil. It is used in cosmetics as a stabilizer to thicken an oil and water emulsion and keep it from separating, and as a foaming agent. These fatty alcohols, are absolutely non-irritating and can be exceptionally beneficial for skin, helping to soften and soothe.
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is an organic compound that is classified as a fatty alcohol. Fatty alcohols are a hybrid between alcohols and fatty acids or oils. There is often a misconception that because it has alcohol in its name that cetyl alcohol is drying to the skin. The reality is actually the opposite. Cetyl alcohol helps to protect the skin from allergens, bacteria, and moisture loss and improves the texture of products.
Rice Bran Oil
Phytosterols are naturally present in many oils but Rice Bran Oil has them in high concentrations when compared to other oils. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe and heal your skin and can help with skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Rice bran oil is a wonderful natural moisturizer for your skin. It’s easily absorbed by the skin due to a combination of high concentrations of vitamin E and fatty acids which penetrate deep into your skin and help keep it hydrated.
Shea Butter
The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea Butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. One compound, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne. Shea aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long-term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening.
Tridecane
Tridecane is a light, fresh, fast-spreading emollient derived from 100% renewable and natural-based hydrocarbon. This volatile hydrocarbon is an Ecocert-approved, sustainably sourced alternative to silicones and helps products apply easily, absorb quickly and leave a smooth, dry skin feeling.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a potent essential oil used for treating dry and sun-damaged skin and hair. It is also sometimes used for lightening the skin, acting as a gentle cleanser, preventing acne, strengthening the nails, and helping with hair loss. It’s extracted through an oil distillation process, or can also be extracted with an almond kernel press. This concentrated oil is packed with saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, the latter two in notably higher levels than the former. This oil also contains high levels of fatty acids and has been used for centuries to treat skin diseases, namely, eczema and psoriasis. High in vitamin E, vitamin K, and essential B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and folate.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound mainly found in certain plant oils and also in the leaves of green vegetables. Wheat germ oil is one plant oil that is especially high in vitamin E. Vitamin E is both a nutrient as well as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it is known for protecting the body from free radicals that can wreak havoc on our health, both internally and externally. Vitamin E, also sometimes called the “skin vitamin,” has excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin healing properties, which make it a great natural remedy for various skin and hair concerns. It helps relieve skin conditions such as; eczema, Psoriasis and may prevent or minimize the appearance of scars. Because vitamin E oil can moisturize and soothe dry, flaky skin, it may help to relieve the burning and itching that result from sunburn.
Glyceryl Stearate
Glyceryl stearate is a naturally derived fatty acid that is used as a thickener and emollient in various cosmetics and skincare products. While the main function of glyceryl stearate is to improve the texture and sensory feel of skincare products it also helps to hydrate and protect the skin, giving your skin that dewy glow. When glyceryl stearate is applied to the skin, it acts as a lubricant and gives the skin a soft, smooth appearance while adding hydration to the skin. These benefits are all thanks to the glycerol component of glyceryl stearate.
Coconut Oil
The medium-chain fatty acids in Coconut Oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections include acne, cellulitis & folliculitis. Virgin Coconut Oil speeds up wound healing, improves antioxidant status, and increases levels of collagen, an important protein that aids in wound healing.
Sepimax Zen
INCI: Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6
Sepimax™ ZEN thickens formulations. It assists lotions to achieve an end result of a rich, elegant touch lending to a velvety sensation & creates transparent gels and gel creams. It’s an associative polymer with excellent resistance to electrolytes.
Germall Plus
Germall Plus is a preservative. This family of preservatives delivers efficient anti-microbial power to a wide variety of personal care products. Balanced, synergistic, and boasting broad-spectrum protection. Sadly, there are no “natural” alternatives to synthetic preservatives. The ingredients undergo chemical alterations & extensive manipulation in order to extract and harvest those preserving benefits (Click HERE for more on this). When water is present in any product used for topical application, broad-spectrum preservation is very important! The alternative is for the product to be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days. Germall Plus is a paraben-free preservative and provides for complete, broad-spectrum preservation against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, mold, and fungi and it is effective in very low amounts. While active ingredients in skin care bring benefits and health to your skin, preservatives do the same for the lotions themselves.
I have done extensive research into what is regarded as safe for our skin and what is considered harmful. The ingredients that makeup Germall Plus, although synthetic have been tested and have passed international standards including European ones (The cosmetic industry is highly regulated over there and ingredients are “approved” based on their safety profile).