Ingredient Glossary

OUR TRANSPARENCY

COILBAR Ingredient Glossary

The Lowdown On Our Juice: INGREDIENTS 101

ACRYLATES CROSSPOLYMER-3

What it is: Acrylates crosspolymer-3 is a liquid latex emulsion polymer that combines with carbopol rheology modifiers to produce products with hold strength that can be tailored from normal to ultra-high stiffness.

How you benefit: This ingredient helps to increase the styling capabilities of hair by helping it stay in place by inhibiting the hair's ability to absorb moisture. It dries to form a thin coating, which prevents moisture entering.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice / aloe vera / aloe vera gel / aloe barbadensis leaf juice

What it is: Aloe vera's key contents include:

vitamins: vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, choline
minerals: calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc
fatty acids: cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol, lupeol
sugars: monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), polysaccharides (glucomannans/polymannose)
protein: lectin, lectin-like substance
various organic molecules: enzymes, amino acids, anthroquinones
polysaccharides: mannan, acetylated mannan, pectic substance, cellulose, galactan, arabinogalactan, xylan

How you benefit:

CALMS AN ITCHY SCALP: The fatty acids found in aloe vera have inflammatory properties, which help resolve the scalp inflammation and flaking skin that dandruff causes.
STRENGTHENS HAIR STRANDS: Vitamins A, C and E - all of them found in aloe vera - contribute to cell turnover, which promotes strong, shiny hair and healthy cell growth. Also found in aloe vera are folic acid and vitamin B12, which may prevent hair fall. The vitamin content in aloe vera might work to repair sun damage to the hair too.
CONDITIONS HAIR: The gel-like substance of the Aloe barbadensis leaf is similar in chemical composition to keratin, which is already present in the hair. This makes it easy for aloe vera to absorb into the hair shaft, resulting in deeper conditioning.
PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: Aloe vera has proteolytic enzymes that contribute directly to healthy hair growth. These proteolytic enzymes are able to get rid of dead skin cells on that scalp that may be clogging the hair follicle and thus not allowing nutrients to properly penetrate into the hair.
BALANCES PH: The alkalizing properties of aloe vera can help bring the hair and scalp's pH to a more agreeable level, which also contributes to promoting hair growth, and helps the hair strands retain water and moisture.

Amodimethicone

What it is: Amodimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that functions as a hair conditioning agent.

How you benefit:

prevents excessive buildup
it doesn’t weigh hair down
increases softness and smoothness of hair
improves texture and shine
reduces frizziness
increases color preservation
selectively binds to hair that’s more damaged
reduces friction between the hair shafts, preventing direct damage to the hair

Aqua / Distilled Water / eau / water

What it is: Distilled water is a type of purified water that has had both contaminants and minerals removed. The distillation process removes fluoride and natural minerals found in drinking water. Distilled water also acts as a solvent and can dissolve all the active ingredients in the products. It also may boost product absorption when used.

How you benefit: Distilled water acts as a solvent as it helps to dissolve the active ingredients in the formula, so as to impart its beneficial properties to the hair follicles and hair shaft. Distilled water also forms emulsions so as to allow the oil and water molecules to combine together, thereby enhancing the texture, appearance and performance of your hair care products.

Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil / Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

What it is: Argan oil is an amber-coloured oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), used for its composition of unsaturated fatty acids to nourish and protect hair follicles. Pure argan oil has been used for centuries for cooking and as a home remedy for health and beauty, including hair loss.

How you benefit: Argan oil can moisturize your hair and scalp and protect your hair from everyday damage. By reducing breakage and split ends and keeping your scalp healthy, argan oil may help prevent hair loss for thicker, fuller hair.

Behentrimonium Chloride

What it is: A type of trimonium that makes cationic chains attract to anionic charges in the protein structure of skin and hair, creating a conditioning effect.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES SMOOTHNESS AND SOFTNESS: Behentrimonium chloride helps in conditioning hair, which, in turn, helps to detangle and reduce roughness.
REDUCES FRIZZ: As an antistatic, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing the electrical charge on the hair surface. This helps to prevent frizz.
IMPROVES MOISTURE: As an emulsifying agent, it helps to improve the moisture content of the hair.

Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

What it is: Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) that grow on bergamot orange trees.

How you benefit: Treats dandruff and any inflammations on the scalp as it strengthens hair, stimulates hair growth, and creates luster and softness.

Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter)

What it is: Shea butter is a byproduct of shea nuts that are harvested from the Vitellaria paradoxa tree in West Africa. Shea butter is produced through an arduous process of harvesting, washing and preparing the shea nuts from which oil is then extracted.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HYDRATION: Shea butter can be used as a sealant to keep moisture in the hair and increase softness. The high content of fatty acids in shea butter also help add moisture to the hair.
PROMOTES SHINE: Fatty acids in shea butter help increase shine and reduce split ends and frizz.
PREVENTS SCALP IRRITATION: Shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and scalp irritation by providing healing effects without clogging pores.

Cannabis sativa (Organic Hemp) Seed Oil

CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

What it is: Functions in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient moisturizing, emulsion stabilizing ingredient. Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters is the product obtained by the transesterification of Glycereth-8 and Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil.

How you benefit:

Carbomer 940

What it is: Carbomer 940 is a polyvinyl carboxy polymer used as a viscosity enhancer, gelling agent, or suspension agent.

How you benefit: It creates jelly that defines curls, smoothes edges, and eases styling hair.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil

What it is: Safflower oil comes from the seeds of the safflower plant.

How you benefit:

Maintains the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
Stimulates the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
Eliminates dandruff and support hair growth
Moisturizes hair and promote its growth
Promotes moisture retention in skin and hair
Softens hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
Has cleansing properties that eliminate dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
Conditions and protect hair from damage without diminishing
Promotes the growth of shiny hair

Cetearyl Alcohol / cetostearyl alcohol

What it is: Cetearyl alcohol helps to stabilize oil-water mixes (emulsions). It’s a fatty alcohol and a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohol (other emollient fatty alcohols). Fatty alcohols have a long oil-soluble (and thus emollient) tail part that makes them absolutely non-drying and non-irritating, hence they are totally ok for the skin.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS DRYNESS: As an emollient, cetearyl alcohol is considered an effective ingredient for soothing and healing dry skin. It's great at hydrating and moisturizing, too which helps to soften the hair.
PREVENTS TANGLES: As it's hydrating, it provides slip to help detangle hair better.

Cetrimonium Bromide

What it is: Cetrimonium bromide is an emulsifier.

How you benefit:

Prevents static buildup that causes flyaway hair.
Small enough to be absorbed into the damaged areas of the hair.

Cetrimonium Chloride

What it is: Cetrimonium chloride is a cationic surfactant. A great component for conditioners and conditioning products as they are not easily rinsed out. Products containing cetrimonium chloride have a good consistency and form a gentle cleansing foam.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS STATIC AND FRIZZ: This positive charge of cetrimonium chloride is attracted to the negative charge of the damaged hair. Cetrimonium chloride attaches itself to the hair, coating the damaged bits, which results in reduced frizz and fly aways.
GETS RID OF BUILDUP AND ELIMINATES ODOR: Centrimonium chloride prevents the growth of microorganisms. It enables water to mix with dirt and rinse away, hence getting rid of any buildup
CONDITIONS AND SOFTENS HAIR: Centrimonium chloride has anti-static, anti-frizz & detangling properties, and is especially effective for softening coarse hair.

Cetyl Alcohol / palmityl alcohol

What it is: A fatty (the good, non-drying kind of) alcohol that does all kinds of things in a hair care product: it makes the skin and hair feel smooth and nice (emollient), helps to thicken up products, and also helps water and oil to blend (emulsifier). It can be derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES SMOOTHNESS: Cetyl alcohol helps to smoothen the hair due to it being an emollient.
PREVENTS DRYNESS: As an emollient, cetyl alcohol is considered an effective ingredient for soothing and healing dry skin. It's great at hydrating and moisturizing, too which helps to soften the hair.
PREVENTS TANGLES: As it's hydrating, it provides good slip to help detangle hair.

Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) Extract

What it is: Chamomilla recutita flower extract is the Latin name for the flower extract of a type of chamomile. It has soothing and antioxidant properties.

How you benefit: It enriches hair color and radiance; is a natural anti-dandruff agent; and it retains the moisture level and strengthens the hair from within.

Citric Acid

What it is: It is commonly used as a pH regulator. Citric Acid is often used in hair product formulations to bring the pH levels down, which helps reduce frizz. The pH of a product can affect how some preservatives work, so citric acid ensures optimal stability for a product.

How you benefit: When massaged into the scalp, citric acid may help absorb excess oils that lead to dandruff and other scalp conditions.

Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil

What it is: Neroli oil is an essential oil, extracted from the flowers of bitter orange trees (Citrus aurantium var. amara). It’s also known as orange blossom oil. The oil is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation.

How you benefit: The anti-oxidant properties of neroli oil encourage healthy cell growth allowing neroli to boost and revitalize dull looking hair. It's helpful in treating many types of dermatitis and scalp irritation.

Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil

What it is: Grapefruit Seed Extract (also known as GSE) is a naturally potent antioxidant derived from the seeds and vibrant pulp of the grapefruit.

How you benefit: Delivers a deep clean, Balances the scalp microbiome, Boosts hair growth, Treats dandruff, and is antibacterial.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

What it is: Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is used as a thickening and foaming agent in products. It is also known to control the viscosity of products and acts as an emulsifying agent. It shows both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties which allow it to easily bind with grime and dirt, thereby acting as a cleansing agent in hair care products. Since Cocamidopropyl betaine is derived from coconut oil, it exhibits mild moisturizing properties.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HYDRATION: Exhibiting mild moisturizing properties, CAPB helps to make dry and brittle hair soft and more manageable.
PROMOTES SMOOTHNESS: CAPB, as an emulsifying agent, helps to soften and smoothen hair.
PREVENTS FRIZZ: CAPB is an anti-static agent which helps to reduce static charge build-up and flyaways.

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

What it is: Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut and retains many beneficial ingredients. It has a 100% fat content, with 80% to 90% of that content being saturated fat. Lauric acid makes up 47% of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

How you benefit:

The barrier created by coconut oil blocks bacteria and irritants from causing more damage to your scalp and hair.
Coconut oil absorbs into your hair quickly, providing moisture to tame frizz and heal breakage.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract / CUCUMBER FRUIT EXTRACT

What it is: Cucumber is a nice, non-irritating plant extract that’s known for it’s soothing and emollient properties. It contains amino acids and organic acids that are helpful for the skin’s acid mantle. There is also an enzyme (called shikimate dehydrigenase) in the pulp that’s shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: The rich sulfur and potassium content present in cucumber extract reduces hair fall and stimulates hair growth. Cucumber juice provides silicon, sodium, calcium, sulphur, etc., all of which are nutrients that are needed for hair growth and hair strengthening. The vitamin A, C and silica content of cucumber juice repairs and reduces thinning of hair.
PROMOTES HYDRATION: As an emollient, cucumis sativus fruit extract helps to moisturize the hair.
PROMOTES SOFTNESS AND HELPS DETANGLE: Due to its hydrating properties, this ingredient also helps to soften the hair and add shine, thereby making it easier to detangle.
PREVENTS SPLIT ENDS: This ingredient helps to replenish your hair moisture and thus avoid split ends and breakages, especially in hot and dry weather.

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin Seed) Oil

What it is: Pumpkin seed oil mainly consists of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

How you benefit: Aids in the increase of hair growth anecdotally.

Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil

What it is: Lemongrass essential oil comes from the lemongrass plant, which grows in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The oil can be bright or pale yellow with a thin consistency and a lemony scent. The compounds that make up lemongrass essential oil are known to have antifungal, insecticidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

How you benefit: When used in shampoos and other hair products, lemongrass oil is believed to prevent hair loss, to help combat excessively oily hair and scalp, and aid in reducing the production of excess oil on the hair and scalp as it adds a healthy luster and shine.

Decyl Glucoside

What it is: Decyl Glucoside is used as a primary surfactant in many hair care products because of its gentle cleansing and foaming properties. Decyl glucoside is a surfactant that is gentle and biodegradable. It is derived from plant-based fatty alcohols, such as coconut c8-16 and glucose.

How you benefit:

Safe for all hair types, including curly, dry, and color-treated hair.
It can create a lather, but it has a low risk of causing skin irritation.
You are using a product with a sulfate that is sourced from coconuts rather than petroleum.
it is gentle on your scalp, and it doesn’t contain any toxins. It still allows you to get a foamy lather, but it is plant derived and not a carcinogen.
It won’t irritate your scalp, and it actually is easily absorbed by your skin and moisturizes your scalp.
It is also biodegradable and comes from renewable resources.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a dry and irritated scalp.

Dimethicone

What it is: Dimethicone is a type of silicone that's used as a smoothing agent in skin, makeup, and hair products.

How you benefit: Dimethicone creates a silicone coating on the hair cuticle, making a smoother hair shaft, creating a barrier that seals in moisture and creates a more smooth and silky feel. Dimethicone also makes the texture of products more “slippy,” allowing for easier application.

Caution: Dimenthicone can build up easily in the hair and block water and nourishment from getting past the protective outer cuticle. This eventually can make the hair dry and brittle, and it may even weigh the hair down and make it appear flat.

Distilled Water

dL Panthenol / Vitamin B5 / Panthenol

What it is: It’s a humectant, meaning that it can help to attract water and then hold onto it. It can also help our skin to produce more lipids that are important for a strong and healthy skin barrier. It has anti-inflammatory and skin protecting abilities and it can also reduce irritation.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HYDRATION: Panthenol encourages moisture retention and hydration. This make the hair softer and easier to detangle.
PROMOTES SMOOTHNESS AND VOLUME: Panthenol coats each strand of hair with a nourishing layer of film to create a smooth, shiny finish with a noticeable boost to hair volume.
PREVENTS HAIR THINNING: Panthenol can reduce the appearance of thinning hair and this, along with boosting the volume of hair, results in the hair looking more healthy.

Ethylhexylglycerin

What it is: Ethylhexylglycerin can boost the effectiveness of phenoxyethanol (and other preservatives), therefore they're great ingredients to use together. As an added bonus, it results in the product feeling nice on the hair. It's also an effective deodorant, an emollient, and it has antimicrobial properties as well.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HYDRATION AND SMOOTHNESS: Ethylhexylglycerin, as an emollient, helps in hydrating the hair as it can provide and lock in moisture. This results in the hair looking and feeling both softer and smoother.
PROMOTES GENTLE CLEANSING OF SCALP: As a surfactant, ethylhexylglycerin will attract oil and grime from the scalp so that it can be washed away. It provides a gentle cleansing that removes impurities without stripping the hair and skin of moisture.
PROMOTES SCALP HEALTH: An imbalanced scalp can lead to many issues for the scalp and hair. Overly-stripping cleansers can actually promote more oil production, and dry, flaky scalps can cause itching and hair loss. The combination of cleansing and moisture provided by ethylhexylglycerin promotes a balanced scalp environment.

Flaxseed Oil / LINSEED OIL

What it is: Linseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help improve irritation, redness, and inflammation of the scalp. Linseed can also help keep hair dense and shiny, and maximize volume and elasticity.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: The Vitamin E in linseed oil helps to treat hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Lignans act as strong antioxidants which can help in the regrowth of healthier and stronger hair.
PREVENTS DANDRUFF: Topical application of linseed oil prevents flaking and nourishes the scalp from within, providing relief from dandruff.

Fragrance

What it is: Fragrance is a collective term that refers to a blend of different substances that gives a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. Fragrance ingredients can be naturally sourced such as essential oils or synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum. Fragrances can be found in most hair care products.

Glycerin / glycerol

What it is: It is a humectant and it has the ability to deposit or remove moisture from the hair depending on the dew point. It is a very beneficial ingredient when the level of moisture in the air is at an optimal range, when the temperatures range between 40 and 60 degrees.

How you benefit:

CONDITIONS HAIR, REDUCES FRIZZ & BREAKAGE: Glycerin is one of the best natural conditioners for curly hair, given the right temperature and humidity conditions. It is one of the best-known humectants alongside honey. Curly hair tends to get dry and frizzy very fast and glycerin helps counter that by returning moisture to dry hair. It conditions the hair, reducing dryness, frizziness, and breakage.
PREVENTS DANDRUFF: Glycerin is one of the best-known humectants alongside honey. It helps return moisture to dry hair and improves the scalp layer by hydrating it, thereby preventing dandruff.
REDUCES SPLIT ENDS: Split ends occur when the ends of your hair become brittle, dry, and frayed. Using glycerin moisturizes and strengthens the hair from within, which helps in treating and preventing split ends.
PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: Glycerin naturally nourishes the hair and reduces dryness and breakage. As a result, your hair growth is optimized.
REDUCES SCALP ITCHING: Generally, the scalp gets dry in the winter. Glycerin has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can protect your scalp from dryness-related issues like an itchy scalp.

Glycine soja (Non-GMO Soybean) Oil

What it is: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil is a good oil for skin and hair care products.

How you benefit: It functions as hair conditioner and can also be used also as solvent for lipids. It has moisturizing properties as well.

Glycol Distearate

What it is: Glycol Distearate is mainly used as opacifier. It basically gives a pearlescent effect to the product to enhance increase the visual appearance of the products. It is also used to increase the viscosity in cream and lotion products.

How you benefit:

Acts as a thickening agent: It makes the product thicker and gives it a better, smoother and softer gel like consistency. This makes it's application easier to apply.
Acts as a conditioning agent: It is used cognition the skin and hair. It makes the skin and hair smoother, softer and younger.

Helianthus annuus (Organic Sunflower) Oil

What it is: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil is known to provide softness, moisturization and shine to hair.

How you benefit:

May help with flaky scalp.
Acts as an emollient.
Eliminates frizzy hair.
Enhances softness and shine.
Stimulates hair growth.

Hydrolyzed Flax Seed

What it is: Hydrolyzed Flax Seed is derived from Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), and imparts benefits to both skin and hair care products.

How you benefit: Useful for hair repair and split ends. Additionally, helps in soothing skin.

Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein

What it is: Hydrolyzed keratin protein helps fill the minor gaps throughout the hair shaft, including its three layers - the medulla, cortex and cuticle. When it fills these microscopic gaps, hair gets the strength to minimize damage from chemical treatments, heat styling, mechanical manipulation and the sun.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS FRIZZ AND BREAKAGE: Hydrolyzed keratin increases smoothness and elasticity with its moisture-binding abilities, thereby also reducing frizz, breakage, and static.
PROMOTES THICKNESS: Hydrolyzed keratin helps rebuild the hair’s natural protective layer from the inside by increasing the diameter of each strand. This gives a fuller appearance and replaces lost protein. It also increases volume, strengthens your hair, and restores luster.
PROMOTES SHINE: It creates a protective barrier on the hair, simultaneously imparts shine.

Hydrolyzed Silk

What it is: Hydrolyzed Silk is a hair conditioning ingredient.

How you benefit:

helps to increase the softness or smoothness of hair
helps to reduce tangles
helps to reduce surface roughness
improves the shine of the hair
adds to the elasticity of the hair to prevent breakage
helps the hair retain moisture for longer periods of time

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

What it is: Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is mainly used as hair conditioner.

How you benefit:

helps to increase the softness or smoothness of hair
helps to reduce tangles
helps reduce surface roughness

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

What it is: Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a chemically chopped up version of wheat protein consisting mainly of amino acids (the building blocks), peptides (a couple of amino acids together), and proteins (lots of amino acids together). It can pass through the hair cuticle, helping to hydrate and strengthen the hair by locking in moisture.

How you benefit:

REPAIRS DAMAGE TO HAIR: Naturally, hair has a high concentration of disulfide bonds which get damaged by sunlight, bleaches, straighteners and hair dyes, causing these bonds to break. Wheat protein has the ability to connect these broken bonds, effectively repairing damaged hair.
PROMOTES HYDRATION: Hydrolyzed wheat protein hydrates the hair shaft by locking in moisture, improving the smoothness and shine of hair while simultaneously reducing frizz and static.
PROMOTES CURL FORMATION: Protein absorption has been found to increase the strength and elasticity of hair fibers, which means better curl formation.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey / Honeyquat PF

What it is: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey is made from honey, which is made by bees as food for themselves. It is used in some cosmetics as an anti-static agent and hair conditioner.

How you benefit:

Gives the feel of enduring moisture and deep conditioning, leaving hair with a sleek, glossy shine. Boosted lubricity and increased static control helps reduce friction and pull when combing hair wet, and frizzy fly-aways from dry brushing.
Adds a smooth and rich, thick feel to formula emulsions
Delivers lasting, deep hydration to skin and body care products.

Caution: This ingredient is not vegan.

Kosher Vegetable Glycerin

What it is: Vegetable glycerin is a natural emollient that adds a cooling effect on the skin and has become a predominant ingredient in most skin care products and soaps. Glycerin is kosher if it is made from kosher vegetable oil or petroleum and processed on kosher equipment. Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut or palm oils.

How you benefit: It moisturizes and is known to prevent breakage, especially on hair that isn't chemically treated. Since it helps draw moisture from the air onto your hair and is easily soluble in water, glycerin can serve as a great deep conditioner.

Lavandula Agustifolia (Lavender) Oil / lavender oil

What it is: Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities can be explained its several anti-microbial compounds, such as eucalyptol, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: Lavender essential oil can stimulate hair growth and help with issues like pattern baldness and alopecia.
PREVENTS ITCHY SCALP AND DANDRUFF: Lavender has many antimicrobial components and properties. When applied to the scalp, it may prevent itchy scalp, dandruff, and infections. It helps prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
PREVENTS SCALP INFLAMMATION: Lavender oil can reduce inflammation and heal up speeding. Lavender is sometimes used as a home remedy for skin inflammation and burns. Using it in essential oil form may be good for scalp inflammation and dryness.

Lecithin

What it is: Lecithins are emulsifiers that are surface-active and water-loving. These fatty substances are often found in hair and skin products because of their main nutrients: choline and insotil. Lecithin can be obtained from soybean, corn, and egg yolks. Although Lecithin includes diglycerides of stearic, palmitic and oleic acids, the exact fatty acid composition of Lecithin varies depending on the source from which it was obtained. It helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. In general emulsifiers are molecules that have at least 2 distinct sides, (typically) one side that is compatible with water, and one side that is compatible with oils. They are added to cosmetic products to enable the mix of non-mixable liquids to make them compatible and keep them stable over time.

How you benefit: Especially dry hair benefits from the presence of lecithin because it improves the structural qualities of hair. Together with other hair care ingredients it keeps hair properly moisturized and helps to restore the natural protective coating of hair. Specifically, the oily lecithin in hair care products can be particularly beneficial for thin, dry, and brittle hair.

Mango Butter / mango seed oil / mangifera indica seed oil

What it is: Mango seed oil is a soft solid, off-white/ivory butter or oil coming from the kernel (the seed inside of the seed) of the mango. Similar to many other plant oils, it's a great moisturizing and nourishing emollient oil. It has medium spreadability and gives skin a creamy-dry feel.

It's loaded with a bunch of things that are good for skin and hair: it contains almost all of the essential amino acids, has several antioxidant phenolic compounds (including famous antioxidant ferulic acid) and is a rich source of nourishing fatty acids (like stearic and oleic acid).

How you benefit: Rich in vitamins A and E, mango butter has a deep moisturizing and regenerative effect on both strands and scalp. It fortifies strands from the inside out, softens dry hair, reduces breakage, and smooths split ends.

The vitamins A and E are also amazing when it comes to locking in moisture and helping to prevent scalp irritation and flaking—without leaving the hair greasy or limp.

MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) OIL

What it is: Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to Australia.

How you benefit: It is known to offer antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits. As an antifungal agent, tea tree oil may help effectively manage itchiness and dandruff. Tea tree oil may also help sooth inflammation caused by scratching and psoriasis.

Melia azadirachta Seed (Neem) Oil

What it is: An oil expressed from the neem tree with regenerative properties and immune enhancing compounds.

How you benefit: Improves the scalp health and helps maintain the PH level of the scalp. Leaves hair untangled and strong. It strengthens the roots and accelerates growth.

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil / peppermint oil / mentha piperita oil

What it is: Peppermint essential oil comes from steam distillation of freshly harvested, flowering peppermint sprigs. Its major component is menthol that gives the oil its well-known refreshing and cooling properties. Peppermint oil is traditionally used as an inhalant for cold and coughs and there is also some clinical data validating its use against headaches by rubbing a peppermint oil cream on the forehead.

How you benefit:

KEEPS SCALP CLEAN: Peppermint oil adds a cleansing and energizing boost to your regular haircare routine. The antiseptic properties of peppermint oil make it ideal for maintaining clean and healthy roots.
BALANCES SEBUM PRODUCTION IN OILY HAIR: Peppermint oil is incredible if your hair is on the greasier side—it clarifies, cleans, and invigorates the hair without stripping it of its natural oils. In doing so, peppermint oil balances your scalp's production of sebum, leaving your hair nourished and hydrated without weighing it down, while getting rid of any product buildup or residue in the process.
SOOTHING EFFECT: Peppermint has a pleasant and cooling sensation when applied topically, and that sensation can help to reduce skin and scalp inflammation.

Mica

What it is: Mica is a naturally occurring group of silicate minerals. Mica is used in cosmetic products as it imparts a sparkly white appearance.

How you benefit: It creates a natural shimmery finish, since it can be milled to a fine powder.

Olea europaea (Olive) Oil / OLEA EUROPAEA(OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT

What it is: Olive oil’s primary chemical elements are oleic acid, palmitic acid and squalene. These are all emollients, which means they have softening qualities. Olive oil also helps control the thickness of the formula, leading to a smoother application process.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES SOFTNESS AND SHINE: Olive oil can add softness and strengthen hair by penetrating the hair shaft and preserving moisture.
PREVENTS SPLIT ENDS: Olive oil can help smooth the broken or burned ends of the hair, thus helping to prevent split ends.
PREVENTS OR KILLS HEAD LICE: Olive oil can prevent and kill head lice the same way other oils do: by suffocating the lice.

Oryza sativa (Ricebran) Oil

What it is: Rice bran oil is rich in protein and vitamin-rich rice bran oil is obtained from the fat and protein extracted from the dehulling of the natural brown rice. This oil is very light and only slightly greasy.

How you benefit: Has antioxidant properties because it contains UVA and UVB-absorbing materials. Provides the best care for sensitive, irritated and damaged skin. It absorbs easily and soothes the skin. It has moisturizing and intense conditioning properties to increase the smoothness of hair and to reduce tangles and surface roughness.

Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5)

How you benefit:

PROMOTES HYDRATION: Panthenol encourages moisture retention and hydration. This make the hair softer and easier to detangle.
PROMOTES SMOOTHNESS AND VOLUME: Panthenol coats each strand of hair with a nourishing layer of film to create a smooth, shiny finish with a noticeable boost to hair volume.
PREVENTS HAIR THINNING: Panthenol can reduce the appearance of thinning hair and this, along with boosting the volume of hair, results in the hair looking more healthy.

PEG-6 / Polyethylene glycol

What it is: PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a polyethylene glycol derived from a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides of caprylic and capric acids. It is used as an emollient/conditioning agent for shampoos, skin cleansers, creams and lotions.

How you benefit: A highly effective humectant, propylene glycol helps the skin and hair absorb and retain moisture. It also absorbs excess water in a formula, reducing bacteria growth to help your products last longer. In haircare products, it softens the hair and makes it easy to comb through.

PEG-150 / Polyethylene glycol

What it is: PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate functions as a viscosity-increasing aqueous agent.

How you benefit: As an emulsifying agent, this ingredient helps to thicken and stabilize products, making the application process smoother and easier. A highly effective humectant, propylene glycol helps the skin and hair absorb and retain moisture. It also absorbs excess water in a formula, reducing bacteria growth to help your products last longer. In haircare products, it softens the hair and makes it easy to comb through.

Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil

What it is: Geranium essential oil is derived by steam distillation of the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant species native to South Africa.

How you benefit: Can regulate dryness, excess oil, and the production of sebum. Can be an effective agent for hair growth because it balances secretions around the hair follicles.

Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil

What it is: Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of Persea americana fruits. In the fruit, the oil is stored as a single oil droplet in the idioblast cells, which are dispersed in the mesocarp (pulp). It’s the oily substance pressed directly from the flesh of avocado fruit.

How you benefit: Avocado Oil is known for giving a rich conditioned feel to skin and hair, and it is a good moisturizer. It has nourishing, moisturizing and regenerative properties.

Phenoxyethanol

What it is: Phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetic and hair products to limit the growth of bacteria. It is also known to be a stabilizer, a solvent and an antimicrobial ingredient. It has an oily, slightly sticky liquid consistency, with a faint rose-like scent.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS CONTAMINATION OF PRODUCTS: It has antimicrobial properties so it is very effective in preventing the growth of various kinds of bacteria, fungi and yeast in hair care products.
ACTS AS A STABILIZER: Phenoxyethanol does not react with other ingredients in the formula and adds stability to the formula.

Polyquarterinum-10

What it is: Polyquaternium 10 is a water soluble, white granulated powder that is a widely used ingredient in hair care products.

How you benefit: Reduces static electricity. It enhances the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing hair body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment.

Polyquaternium-37

What it is: Polyquaternium-37 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt. It is used in hair care products as an anti-static agent, film former and fixative.

How you benefit: This man-made ingredient provides softness to hair strands, and is also used as a thickening agent.

Polysorbate 20

What it is: It is a thickener as well as a viscosity modifier, thus helping prevent changes to a product’s viscosity when it is subjected to varying room temperatures, such as extreme cold or heat.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS STATIC: As an anti-static agent, polysorbate 20 helps to reduce and prevent buildup of static charge. It also helps reduce frizz.
PROMOTES SCALP HEALTH: This ingredient helps to gently cleanse and soothe the hair and scalp.

Potassium Sorbate / potassium salt of sorbic acid

What it is: Potassium sorbate is a preservative and chemical additive widely used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and personal care products. It is an odorless and tasteless salt synthetically produced from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide.

How you benefit: it help your cosmetics last longer.

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / sweet almond oil / prunus amygdalus dulcis oil

What it is: Almond oil comes from the seeds of the almond tree (almond nuts). Ripe almonds are pressed to extract the oil within. Almonds have high levels of protein, omega-9 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

Almond oil is an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. It is rich with antioxidants and so has free radical fighting abilities. It also boosts immunity and is anti-inflammatory. The oil is rich in vitamin B-7 (or biotin) and has a natural SPF 5. Because of its antibacterial and fungicidal properties, it is effective at balancing the yeast that causes dandruff in the hair.

How you benefit:

SOFTENS HAIR: As an emollient, almond oil can make the hair feel soft and smooth to the touch. With regular use, it gives the hair a soft texture over time. This makes it easier to detangle curly hair.
STRENGTHENS AND REPAIRS HAIR: Almond oil makes the hair less prone to breakage and split ends. Its lubricating properties reduce friction during hair styling.
ADDS SHINE TO HAIR: Almond oil has lots of vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant. It combats the environmental stress around the hair, making it look younger, shinier and healthier.
TREATS SCALP CONDITIONS: Almond oil is often used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. While there are no studies that show how almond oil treats these conditions, it has been used to treat dry scalp conditions in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
INTRODUCES ANTIOXIDANTS TO THE SCALP: Massaging a small amount of almond oil on your scalp increases blood flow and introduces powerful antioxidants to the scalp.

Caution

PVP / poly vinyl pyrollidone / poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone

What it is: PVP is used as a fixative to hold hair together. This is what keeps curls in place and defines curl pattern. It will most commonly be found in gels, mousses, hairsprays, and holding products.

PVP attaches itself to surfaces such as the hair and the skin and forms a nice, thin, even film there. The film is useful for holding a hairstyle or extending the wear of color cosmetics and sunscreens. The disadvantage of PVP is that the film is a bit brittle and that PVP loves water (hygroscopic) that tends to destroy the film. This is the reason why hair styled with a PVP based product may lose its style in high humidity.

How you benefit: When a product with PVP is applied after using moisturizing and styling products, the PVP will form a thin film around the hair strands, holding the curls in place and keeping the definition.

Recutita Matricaria Flower (Chamomile) Extract

What it is: Chamomilla recutita flower extract is the Latin name for the flower extract of a type of chamomile. It has soothing and antioxidant properties. It contains substances that restore shine to dull-looking natural locks.

How you benefit: Brightens sun-faded tresses, helps promote hair strength, prevents split ends, restores vibrancy.

ricinus communis seed oil / castor oil

What it is: Castor Oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and is high in Vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and omega -6 and -9 beneficial fatty acids. It has a total of 18 fatty acids. The benefit to your coils is its unusually high levels of ricinoleic acid, which is 90% of its nutritional content.

Unlike other fatty acids, ricinoleic acid has an extra water-loving part (-OH group) on its fatty chain that gives Castor Oil several unique properties. First, it is thicker than other oils. Also, its solubility is different (e.g. dissolves in alcohol but not in mineral oil), and it allows all kinds of chemical modifications other oils do not, hence there are a lot of castor-oil derived ingredients.

How you benefit:

NOURISHES & INCREASES CIRCULATION TO SCALP: Ricinoleic acid, found in castor oil, helps increase circulation to the scalp and improves hair growth. The proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants in castor oil also help nourish the scalp. Castor oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is good for scalp maintenance and balance.
SHINY HAIR: The protective layer deposited by the fatty acids not only protects from sun damage and color fading, but they make hair strands more light-reflective, so they look glossy and shiny.
MOISTURIZES HAIR: Castor oil is an excellent emollient and humectant for hair.

Rosa Damascena (Rose) Oil / damask rose flower water / rose hydrosol / rosa damascena flower water

What it is: An antimicrobial/antibacterial, fragrance

How you benefit:

COUNTERS AN OILY SCALP: As the pH of rose water is similar to that of the hair, it nourishes the scalp and reduces the generation of oil.
REDUCES DRYNESS AND DAMAGE : Rose water moisturizes and soothes the scalp. When massaged into the scalp, it increases blood circulation, which rejuvenates follicles of the scalp.
SOFTENS HAIR AND REDUCES FRIZZ: Rose water is known to soften the hair, reduce frizz and add shine to curly, dry hair.
ANTI-BACTERIAL: Rose water is antibacterial and is ideal for killing bacteria on the hair and scalp without being too drying.
PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: Rose water contains vitamin A, C, D, E, and B3, all of which strengthen the hair. It’s also has with flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants which combat aging of the scalp and follicle cells.

Rosa Rubiginosa (Rose Hip Seed) Oil

What it is: An extract made from pressed seeds and fruit. Rose hip oil is different from rose oil extracts, which are made from rose flower petals.

Rose hip oil's key contents include vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids, antioxidants, such as lycopene , and anti-inflammatories, such as polyphenols.

How you benefit: It has moisturizing properties, which means it may be able to counter a dry scalp. It may be able to improve inflammatory skin conditions, like dermatitis and psoriasis. It has properties that help strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. It also has emollient properties that softens the hair and reduces frizz.

Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil / rosemary leaf oil / rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil / Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

What it is: Rosemary is a culinary and healing herb. This woody perennial is native to the Mediterranean region, where it’s been used as food and medicine for centuries. Rosemary is frequently found in essential oil form. Essential oils are highly concentrated and distilled extracts of volatile plant compounds. These are used for cooking, cleaning, beauty, health, and other purposes.

Rosemary essential oil’s health uses range from antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammation to memory enhancement and more.

How you benefit: As an antioxidant, rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial for scalp health. It can help with dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp.

Rosemary essential oil strengthens circulation to the scalp, which encourages hair growth. It could also prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood supply and leading to hair loss.

Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil

What it is: Santalum spicatum wood oil is a pale yellow essential oil with a dry woody-spice aroma, derived from the wood of the Western Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum).

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit (Saw Palmetto) Extract

What it is: Serenoa Serrulata fruit extract is a highly purified (>90%) lipophilic extract of Saw Palmetto berries rich in fatty acids. It is decolorized up to yield light yellow color. Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract is known to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands whereby the skin doesn't get greasy so quickly. Therefore it is used in skin care as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract is considered to be an aphrodisiac and has digestive and diuretic effects it is commonly used in herbal medicine.

How you benefit: Said to help slow or reduce the type of hereditary hair loss known as androgenic alopecia (a common form of hair loss also known as male- or female-pattern baldness).

Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil / sesamum indicum seed oil

What it is: Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. It is derived from the seeds of the flowering sesame plant, also known as Sesamum indicum. These plants are native to East Africa and India, but they’re currently grown in many countries around the world. Sesame oil is full of antioxidants. Along with vitamin E and phytosterols, it contains lignans, sesamol, and sesaminol. It also has fatty acids such as palmitic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid.

How you benefit:

PREVENTS HAIR THINNING AND LOSS:Sesame oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are considered essential fats that your body needs to get from your diet.
SOFTENS DRY HAIR: Sesame oil is an emollient, meaning it can help to soften your hair and make the strands look smoother. Those same fatty acids in sesame oil that make it good with foods, also make it good for topically combating dry hair and scalp.
MAINTAINS SCALP HEALTH: The fatty acids in sesame oil help it deeply penetrate the skin. Inflammation and irritation on the scalp and around the hair roots can cause hair to fall out or thin in patches. Fatty acids help to soothe and heal the scalp and roots. Sesame oil may improve small, bald patches, or areas of thinning hair.
PREVENTS DANDRUFF AND ITCHY SCALP: Sesame seeds and sesame oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may help prevent or reduce common skin infections on the scalp. Using sesame oil on your scalp and hair may help reduce dandruff, which is often caused by a fungus or bacteria. Sesame oil has some occlusive properties, so if applied to a clean scalp, might help the skin stay moisturized. This can help to prevent and treat scalp dryness, flaking, and itching.

Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Jojoba Seed) Oil / simmondsia chinensis seed oil

What it is: Jojoba oil is the liquid produced in the seed of the simmondsia chinensis plant, a shrub, which is native to southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico.

While it is called an oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax, also called a wax ester. Its molecular structure is extremely comparable to human skin oil. Unrefined jojoba oil appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid with a slight, nutty aroma. Jojoba oil is also ideal for those with allergy sensitivities. Refined Jojoba is usually completely clear and has no odor at all.

Jojoba oil is the most similar oil to human sebum (both being wax esters), and the two are completely miscible. Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands in the skin. It is the skin's way to retain moisture.

How you benefit:

CONDITIONS DRY HAIR: Jojoba oil is an excellent natural emollient and so is a great conditioning agent. Jojoba does not interrupt the scalp's natural balance because of its similarities to the oil naturally produced by skin.
PREVENTS DANDRUFF AND DRY SCALP: Jojoba oil naturally eases the effects of dandruff and dry scalp. Jojoba oil is antifungal, helping to kill of bacterial and fungal infections caused by dirty hair tools, product build-up, etc.
REDUCES FRIZZ: Being an emollient, jojoba oil smoothes frizz, which results in shinier and more manageable hair.
PROMOTES CURL ELASTICITY: Jojoba hydrates hair deep in the shaft, which help the curl to bounce back from hydral fatigue or over processing of chemicals (relaxers and bleach).
ENCOURAGES HAIR GROWTH: As the properties of jojoba oil may help clear the scalp of dandruff and support scalp moisture without disrupting its natural oil creation, there is a chance it can also aid in hair growth. All of the fatty acids and natural alcohols found in jojoba provide much-needed nutrition to hair. The plant contains high concentrations of vitamins B and E, as well as minerals like zinc. These are said to stimulate hair growth while providing antioxidant protection.
CAN REPAIR DAMAGE FROM HEAT AND STYLING: Studies have concluded that the heat generated from styling tools like curling irons and blow dryers cause the outer cuticle of the hair to crack. These fractures are the source of split ends and result in hair that is prone to breakage. Jojoba oil does not penetrate as deeply as other oils, so it will sit on the outer cuticle of each strand and help fill in the cracks. Furthermore, the oil possesses calming properties that condition and soften strands, leaving you with a smooth and silky finish.
ADDS VOLUME TO THIN HAIR: For curlies with fine or thin hair, jojoba oil can be applied to add volume to the hair strand and make it appear thick. This is only a temporary fix to add volume and thickness to your twist out or braid out styles.
MAINTAINS SEBUM PRODUCTION ON THE SCALP: The scalp produces sebum to hydrate the hair and keep it healthy. And when it doesn't produce enough sebum, it can lead to dry, brittle hair. In instances when the scalp doesn't produce enough sebum, massaging a few drops of jojoba oil on the scalp regularly will help keep the scalp moisturized.
KEEPS HAIR SOFT AND SHINY: Jojoba oil is a lightweight oil with moisturizing properties which can add shine to your hair and make it softer and easier to manage.

Caution: If you're allergic to nuts, however, you should avoid almond oil.

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

What it is: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate cleanses the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that these substances can be rinsed away. It also increases foaming capacity or stabilize foams.

How you benefit: This ingredient enhances the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing hair body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment.

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

What it is: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a natural surfactant (foaming ingredient), derived from coconut oil, corn and fruit sugars. This ingredient is known to be safe and natural for shampoos.

How you benefit: It offers superior cleansing and soft and shiny feel to the hair. Mild surfactants such as sodium cocoyl glutamate help reduce skin damage and premature hair loss. Sulfate-free hair conditioners such as sodium cocoyl glutamate are designed to get rid of extra oil by keeping the moisture in the scalp.

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

What it is: Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na⁺ and hydroxide anions OH⁻.

How you benefit: It serves to adjust the pH of the formula. In a commercial hair product its concentration is very low, as it is used with the purpose of balancing the pH of the formula and not to modify the structure of the hair.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate / SHMG

What it is: Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is an antimicrobial preservative that works by forming formaldehyde in cosmetic products. It is a chemical preservative commonly found in cosmetics that helps prevent bacterial or fungal growth.

How you benefit: The Cosmetics Database has found Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate to be a low hazard ingredient, and non-irritating, nonsensitizing, non-toxic by skin absorption and non-mutagenic.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

What it is: A mild, biodegradable cleansing agent that is also a very good team-player next to other cleansing agents. It is known for its good foam-boosting abilities while improving the mildness of the formula. Its performance is similar to Isethionates, another group of cleansing agents known for their gentleness.

How you benefit:

ENHANCES HAIR APPEARANCE: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate has the ability to enhance the appearance and feel of hair by improving body, suppleness and sheen, especially in hair that is chemically damaged.
CLEANS HAIR THOROUGHLY: This ingredient also serves to clean skin and hair by mixing with oil and dirt and enabling them to be rinsed away.
REDUCES IRRITATION FROM TRADITIONAL CHEMICALS: It can reduce the irritation caused by the residue of traditional surfactants on the skin with its good compatibility properties.

Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate and Lauryl Glucoside

What it is: Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, a natural replacement for the ingredient known as sodium laureth sulfate or SLES, is a sugar based surfactant used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in creams and lotions. It allows water, oil and dirt to mix, allowing things to become clean. It is also a foam booster and conditioning agent.

Lauryl glucoside is a surfactant derived from natural sources. It is a foaming agent which not only gives a good lather, but is an effective cleanser too.

How you benefit: Lauryl glucoside is gentle on the skin and hair and is biodegradable. This means that it is easily decomposed in nature and does not cause pollution.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)

What it is: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant that acts as an effective cleansing and foaming agent. It is a chemical ingredient commonly found in personal care products from shampoos to toothpaste.

How you benefit: Its foaming properties contributes to a robust lather and removes dirt and oils from the scalp. SLS is not at risk of contamination and hasn’t been found to contain 1,4-dioxane.

Caution: Formulas that contain SLS could irritate both a sensitive scalp and eyes.

Soybean Oil

What it is: Soybean oil is oil produced from the seeds of the soybean plant.

How you benefit: Soybean oil seals moisture into your hair and leaves your hair glossy and shiny. The Vitamin E properties of soybean oil make it essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. These antioxidant properties help reduce inflammation, remove dandruff and itchy scalp.

Stearyl Alcohol

What it is: Stearyl Alcohol is a handy multi-tasker. It is a white to light yellowish oil-loving wax that works very well in oil-in-water emulsions. It makes the hair feel nice and smooth (emollient), stabilizes oil-water mixes and gives body (volume) to them.

It's a so-called fatty alcohol - the good, emollient type of alcohol that is non-drying and non-irritating. It is often mixed with another fatty alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and the mixture is called Cetearyl Alcohol.

How you benefit: Stearyl Alcohol is opacifying, meaning it makes the formula more opaque, thus protecting hair from sunlight.

This ingredient, as an emollient, provides moisture to the hair and makes it softer and smoother.

As it is hydrating, Stearyl Alcohol helps to make the hair easier to detangle and reduces frizz.

Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Extract

What it is: Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Extract has active constituents like allantoin, rosmarinic acid, tannin, mucilage, vitamin B-12, protein, and zinc.

How you benefit: It has healing properties and is filled with minerals, vitamin A, B-12, and antioxidants. It has gamma linoleic acid, a omega-6 fatty acid, that helps stimulate skin and hair growth. Has lots of slip.

Caution: Creams and ointments that contain comfrey should be used for a short period of time as it toxic substances can be absorbed by the skin.

Tangerine Butter

What it is: Made of tangerine oil and glycerin.

How you benefit:

Stimulates cell generation and growth.
Helps maintain oil and moisture balance in skin.
Promotes hair growth and delays hair graying.

Tetrasodium EDTA

What it is: Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelant and it is used in cosmetics to bind metal ions to prevent unwanted metal-reactions within the formulation which could have negative effects on stability, preservation and product performance.

How you benefit:

Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) Extract

What it is: Thymus vulgaris (thyme) as a traditional medicinal plant has been reported to exert antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thyme essential oil is imbued with anti-inflammatory properties perfect for slowing down hair loss and promoting hair growth.

How you benefit: Thyme delivers powerful nutrients to hair follicles that are necessary for healthy hair growth. Thyme also improves blood circulation to the scalp which encourages growth. Rub a mixture of thyme oil and coconut oil on the scalp to lock in moisture and deliver nutrients.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

What it is: Titanium dioxide is a mineral composed of titanium and oxygen in the form of a white powder. It can be found in cosmetic products like sunscreen. Titanium Dioxide is used as an opacifier to help both the tint and the mass to appear slightly more light reflective. It is an aesthetic modifier. Most Opacifiers absorb and refract (scatter) light and by this way make the product in which they are dispersed appear less translucent.

How you benefit:

Tocopherol (d'Alpha Vitamin E) Oil / TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E)

What it is: Tocopheryl acetate is a stable ingredient with a long shelf life. As an antioxidant, it helps to protect the hair from damaging compounds called free radicals, which cause hair follicles to break down.

How you benefit:

PROMOTES SHINE: Tocopheryl acetate can help replenish shine that the hair loses as a result of damage caused by chemicals, heat and other styling products.
PROMOTES HYDRATION: Vitamin E is important for creating a protective barrier on the surface of the skin or hair. This barrier helps lock in moisture and prevents dry, irritated skin/hair.

Triethanolamine / TEA / TEOA

What it is: Triethanolamine is an oily, viscous organic chemical compound that is a tertiary amine and a triol (a molecule with three alcohol groups). Triethanolamine is used to adjust the pH of a formulation to ensure that the pH of the product is at a desired level for product stability, consumer safety and product performance.

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) Extract

What it is: Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract contains many nutrients and a lot of them act as antioxidants and hence help to defend damages of skin and hair caused by free radicals. It has capability to reduce inflammation and its wound and burn healing, antibacterial, cleansing, detoxification, anti-dandruff and sebum regulation properties.

How you benefit: It helps with greasy hair and irritated scalp. It improves hair feel and makes the hair looking health and shiny. Another benefit is its ability to counter alopecia or hair loss. It has the potential to stimulate hair growth and promote healthier, thicker hair strands.

Virginia Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood) Essential Oil

What it is: Eastern red cedar oil, also known as Virginia cedarwood oil, is a pale yellow essential oil with a potent woody-cedar aroma derived from the wood of the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

How you benefit: It helps in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss by balancing the oil glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties and helps control dandruff. It helps fight hair loss and thickens hair. Cedarwood essential oil also facilitates good scalp health.

Vitis vinifera Seed Oil / Grapeseed Oil

What it is: A plant oil coming from the polyphenol-rich seeds of the grape. Grapessed oil (aka vitis vinifera seed oil) is a lightweight, fragrance-free oil that's made from the organic byproduct of the winemaking process

How you benefit:

Helps your hair and scalp retain moisture by adding vitamin E and fatty acids.
Adds shine to hair without weighing it down.
Reduces frizz by potentially helping your scalp regulate its oil production.
Helps with overall scalp health by mitigating dry scalp and loosening up dandruff
Reduces breakage with antioxidants and can reduce breakage and possibly prevent hair loss and graying hair.

VP/VA Copolymer

What it is: VP/VA Copolymer is a film former and is mostly used in Hair styling products.

How you benefit: It forms a thin coating on the hair upon drying and helps hair hold its shape by inhibiting the hair's ability to absorb moisture.

Xanthan Gum

What it is: Xanthan gum is one of the most commonly used thickeners and emulsion stabilizers. If a product is too runny, xanthan gum will make it more gel-like. Used alone, it can make the formula sticky, but works great with other ingredients so it is usually combined with other thickeners and so-called rheology modifiers (helper ingredients that adjust the flow and thus the feel of the formula).

Xanthan gum is all natural, a chain of sugar molecules (polysaccharide) produced from individual sugar molecules (glucose and sucrose) via fermentation.

How you benefit: This ingredient moisturizes the skin and hair by keeping moisture locked in, helping with a dry scalp. As a result, hair becomes softer.

As a conditioning ingredient, xanthan gum helps to soften the hair, which helps in decreasing tangles and reducing frizz.

Zingiber officinale (Ginger Root) Extract

What it is: Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract is mainly used as hair conditioner.

How you benefit: It helps to increase the softness or smoothness of hair, reduce tangles and surface roughness.

COILBAR recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with naturally derived ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.

COILBAR Ingredient Glossary

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