Ingredient Glossary
WE DON'T DO TOXIC
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NO PLASTIC MICROBEADS
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NO SLS/SLES
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NO FRAGRANCE
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NO PHTHALATES
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NO ARTIFICIAL SCENTS OR FLAVORS
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NO PARABENS
Bb
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Ingredient Type
Emollient
Shea oil is a pale yellow to light amber oil with a faint nutty smell. It is smooth and slightly thick but spreads easily and melts into the skin. It feels moisturizing without leaving a heavy, oily residue for most skin types and absorbs slower than light oils like jojoba. It has a stable, non-volatile texture and a neutral tactile profile suitable for creams, balms, and hair products
Source
Ghana
How It's Sourced
“In the vast northern Ghana, fourth largest shea kernel producing country in the world, shea is an economic opportunity for 470,000 women farmers.”
Each harvest season women and girls walk parkland groves gathering ripe shea fruit that fall like small apricots. The fruit pulp is removed, kernels are sun-dried, sorted, and parboiled or roasted before being cracked open by hand. Kernels are then milled or roasted and pressed; the oil and butter are collected, cooled, and traditionally filtered by gravity or cloth. Community cooperatives and responsible sourcing programs now add training, improved drying racks, and better transport so kernels reach buyers without quality loss, and so raising incomes while protecting the shea parklands that sustain both ecosystem and culture.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Dry skin
rough texture
compromised skin barrier
flaking
irritation
eczema-prone skin
inflammation
fine lines from dehydration
stretch marks
chapped lips
post-sun dryness
Why We Use It
Shea oil has been a household and ceremonial staple across West African communities for centuries: families use it for skin care, wound soothing, hair conditioning, and even cooking. That lived, intergenerational knowledge speaks to its broad safety, versatility, and nutritional profile. In modern organic and clean-beauty formulations we use shea oil because it supplies a concentrated blend of nourishing fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic), natural vitamins A and E, and minor phytosterols that support barrier repair and long-term skin resilience. Choosing ethically sourced shea ties product efficacy to social impact: by purchasing shea that’s traceable and responsibly supplied, brands support local economies and the female harvesters whose traditional knowledge preserves both the trees and the technique.
Cc
Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil
Ingredient Type
Regenerative Emollient (Plant Oil)
Tamanu oil is a deep green to olive-brown oil with a fairly thick, slightly viscous texture. Its aroma is nutty and wood-like rather than floral or fresh. On application it spreads more slowly than lightweight oils, giving a noticeable protective film which afterwards absorbs into skin leaving a soft, slightly weighty (not sticky) finish.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
“Ripe fruits of Calophyllum inophyllum are first sun dried for one to two months … Dried nuts are deshelled and submitted to a mechanical cold pressure to yield a viscous virgin ‘tamanu oil’ (40-60 % by weight).”
In coastal groves the tamanu tree’s round fruits fall when ripe; harvesters collect them from the ground under wild stands, then sun-dry the husked kernels. Once fully dried they’re cracked open, the kernels pressed (cold-press method) to extract the thick, dark oil. The result is filtered and packed as virgin tamanu oil, preserving the bio-active compounds.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Scarring
rough texture
uneven tone
compromised barrier
skin redness/inflammation
adult acne marks
wound-healed areas
post-sun damage.
Why We Use It
Traditional communities have used tamanu oil for generations to support skin healing after cuts, insect bites, sun exposure, burns. Basically for regenerating skin. Modern clean-beauty formulations adopt it because of its combination of fatty acids, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds (such as calophyllolide and inophyllums) which make it particularly suited for skin recovery and renewal rather than just basic hydration.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Linoleate
Safflower seed oil is a light-yellow to pale gold oil with almost no smell. It feels thin to medium in viscosity, spreads easily, and absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a heavy residue. High-linoleic safflower oil in particular gives a non-greasy, soft finish and works well under serums and moisturizers.
Source
Ghana
How It's Sourced
“Extracted through a Kolhu (wooden press) using the Kachi Ghani (cold-press) technique, this safflower oil retains all its essential nutrients.”
Smallholder farmers harvest safflower heads when the seed heads are dry, thresh and clean the seeds, then sell them to local processors or community presses. At village presses the cleaned seeds are cold pressed using traditional wooden or mechanical presses; the oil is decanted, filtered and bottled locally, while the seed cake is returned to farms as compost or livestock feed. This simple local processing keeps value in the region and preserves the oil’s linoleic profile because no high-heat extraction is used.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Clogged pores from sebum imbalance
redness and mild inflammation
post-acne marks
Why We Use It
Safflower seed oil is used because its high linoleic acid content helps restore the skin’s lipid balance, which is especially useful for skin types that become clogged by heavier oleic oils. Locally produced, cold-pressed safflower ties into small-scale Ghanaian processing methods where seeds are pressed with simple equipment and value is retained in the community. Using Ghana-sourced safflower lets brands talk about barrier support and regional farming practices, linking product performance to local agriculture and rural income generation. The oil’s neutral scent and light texture also make it formulation-friendly across cleansers, serums, and lotions.
Gg
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Ingredient Type
Brightener (Root Extract)
Licorice root extract is a dark-brown to reddish powdered or liquid extract derived from the root of the licorice plant. It has a mildly sweet, earthy smell and a slightly viscous texture when in liquid form. On the skin it feels lightweight, absorbs quickly and leaves a calm finish without a heavy film.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
“Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) is grown in well-drained soil in South Africa, harvested after three to four years when root quality is high.”
In certain regions of South Africa small farms plant licorice roots into deep, loose soil, then allow the plants to mature over several seasons. When the roots are fully developed the underground parts are dug up, gently washed, chopped, and then extracted using low-heat methods to preserve active flavonoids. The extract is filtered, standardized and packed. Local processors ensure that value remains in the region rather than simply importing raw bulk.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Uneven skin tone
dark spots (hyperpigmentation)sensitivity/eczema prone skin
dull skin
oil-imbalance
Why We Use It
Licorice root extract is used because it combines strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds (such as glabridin, liquiritin and licochalcone A) that help calm irritation and visibly even skin tone. By sourcing from South Africa growers, the ingredient links to local cultivation in well-drained soils and supports regional agriculture. In clean beauty it fits a “multi-benefit plant extract” story: effective skin results plus support of sustainable local farming and value-added processing.
Mm
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Seed Oil
Moringa seed oil is a light golden to pale amber oil with a very mild, neutral scent. The texture is medium viscosity: it spreads easily but gives a slightly fuller feel compared to ultralight carrier oils. On skin it absorbs reasonably fast, leaving a soft, non‑slick finish and a faint silky sheen that indicates nourishment without heaviness.
Source
Ghana
How It's Sourced
“After a year, the tree will begin to produce seeds of its own. Harvest. When the seeds are mature, the farmers will collect their moringa seeds and sell them back to the Agricultural Extension Agent at a fair price… In Accra, Ghana’s capital city. There they are cold‑pressed for oil, and the shells are recycled and remain in Ghana for further agricultural use.”
Smallholder farmers in Ghana plant moringa trees on lands that require little input. Once the trees mature and produce seed pods, the seeds are collected, sun‑dried and delivered to a processing facility near Accra. At the facility the seeds are cold‑pressed without chemicals, the oil is filtered and bottled locally. The leftover seed shell and cake is returned to farms or used for compost. Because all processing happens in‑country, value remains in the region and supports local farmers and youth employment.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Loss of elasticity
fine lines
uneven texture
post‑sun skin stress
Why We Use It
Moringa seed oil is used because its profile is rich in nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, which supports skin renewal and resilience rather than just surface hydration. In Ghana the moringa tree is valued by smallholder farmers for both nutrition (leaves) and seed oil income, linking its use to community well‑being and sustainable agriculture. In modern clean beauty it allows a brand to offer a functional oil that carries a story of ethical sourcing, farmer empowerment and low‑impact farming. It appeals to consumers who want more than basic hydration, they want ingredients that deliver renewal, support barrier health and connect to the region where they are grown.
Rr
Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Regenerative oil
Rose hip seed oil is a bronze‑to‑deep golden oil with a faint earthy‑nut scent and a slightly oily texture that feels medium light. It spreads easily, absorbs reasonably well but leaves a little sheen on the skin rather than a matte finish. The feel is more “rich but manageable” rather than ultra‑dry, making it suitable for evening skin care rather than super‑light daytime.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
In South Africa in mountainous or wild‑rose habitats farmers or harvesters collect rosehip fruits when ripe, remove the pulp to access seeds, then the seeds are cleaned, sun‑dried and sent to a cold‑press facility in country. At the facility the seeds are mechanically pressed (without chemical solvents) and the resulting oil is filtered and bottled locally. Because the harvest happens from wild or semi‑wild stands rather than large monoculture farms, the livelihood of local harvesters and small processing plants remains embedded in the region’s economy.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Scars
Aging
Hyperpigmentation
Why We Use It
Rose hip seed oil is used because it supports skin renewal and regeneration rather than just basic hydration. Local processing in South Africa enables wild or semi‑wild rosehip seeds to be cold‑pressed in country, anchoring value in local farming/processing. In modern clean‑beauty this ingredient appeals because it offers active fatty acids and phyto‑nutrients linked to skin repair, and its sourcing shows commitment to local agriculture and ethical extraction rather than large‑industrial import.
Ss
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Sebum‑mimetic
Jojoba seed oil is a clear to pale golden liquid with a very faint nutty aroma. It has a thin, silky texture that spreads easily across skin and hair, and absorbs relatively quickly without leaving a heavy residue. Because it behaves more like a light fluid wax than a traditional thick oil, it feels clean and non‑sticky, leaving skin soft, smooth and slightly satin‑like.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
“Though it is not indigenous to South Africa, the jojoba cultivated by Camphill Village West Coast is well suited to the soils and rainfall pattern of South Africa’s Western Cape. The plantation is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides.”
In the Western Cape region of South Africa a dedicated farm grows jojoba bushes adapted to semi‑arid conditions. When the seed pods mature the seeds are harvested, cleaned and cold‑pressed in a nearby small processing facility. The resulting oil is filtered, packed and shipped, while the residual seed cake often returns to the land or is used as compost or livestock feed, hence keeping value in the region and supporting sustainable agriculture and local labour.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Imbalanced sebum (oily or dry skin)clogged pores
post‑shave irritation
loss of moisture
non‑comedogenic hydration
Why We Use It
Jojoba seed oil is used because its chemical composition closely matches human skin sebum, making it highly compatible and effective for both skin and hair care. Locally in South Africa small farms and processor‑communities cultivate jojoba in arid lands, using low‑input methods and linking farming with social enterprises. In modern clean beauty this ingredient offers a blend of performance (absorption, non‑comedogenic, resilience) and story (regional cultivation, ethical sourcing, sustainable crop) which appeals to consumers who care about both efficacy and impact.
Squalane (derived from whole non-GMO Olives)
Ingredient Type
Skin‑identical Emollient
Squalane is a clear to very pale golden lightweight oil‑like liquid with virtually no scent. It has low viscosity, spreads easily across skin, and absorbs quickly into the surface lipids without leaving a heavy film. The feel is smooth, non‑sticky, and leaves skin with a soft satin finish rather than a thick oily look.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
Our squalane is derived from sugarcane grown in South Africa’s Mpumalanga region. Local farmers cultivate the cane with sustainable practices. The squalene is extracted and hydrogenated into squalane at nearby processing facilities. This approach ensures traceable, eco-conscious production that supports regional livelihoods while delivering a lightweight, highly skin-compatible emollient.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Dryness
Aging
Dullness
Why We Use It
Squalane is used because it mimics a lipid component naturally found in human skin (squalene) and therefore integrates well into the skin’s barrier, supporting hydration and reducing water loss. Many African‑regional processing initiatives in South Africa use plant‑based squalane derived from renewable crops, aligning with clean‑beauty values of sustainability and ethical sourcing. For brands, using squalane tied to regional agriculture offers a performance benefit (lightweight hydration, barrier support) and a sourcing story (regional crop, responsible production) that speaks to both efficacy and impact.
Tt
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Ingredient Type
Vitamin Antioxidant
Vitamin E is a clear to pale yellow oil that is slightly viscous but very light. It has almost no odor and blends easily into skin or hair products. Its feel is smooth, slightly tacky at higher concentrations, and it leaves skin soft, hydrated, and protected against moisture loss without greasiness.
Globally sourced (most commonly from plant oils like sunflower, wheat germ, or soy;
Source
How It's Sourced
“Vitamin E is extracted from vegetable oils such as wheat germ, sunflower, and soybean oils. The oil is refined to isolate tocopherols, which are then concentrated and stabilized for cosmetic use.”
Globally, farmers cultivate sunflower, wheat, or soybean crops. The seeds are pressed to yield vegetable oils rich in tocopherols. These oils are then refined to extract and concentrate Vitamin E, which is stabilized for use in skincare. This method preserves antioxidant activity while providing a traceable, plant-based ingredient. Brands can highlight the renewable nature of the source, the antioxidant benefits, and the sustainable production practices behind the ingredient.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Free Radicals
Aging
Sun Damage
Why We Use It
Vitamin E is a potent lipid‑soluble antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative damage and strengthens the skin barrier. It is used globally for its scientifically proven effects on reducing free radical damage and supporting overall skin health. For clean‑beauty, plant-derived Vitamin E from sunflower or wheat germ offers a sustainable story because it is renewable, biodegradable, and can be traced to farms that practice responsible agriculture.
Vv
Vaccinium Corymbosum (Blueberry) Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Polyunsaturated emollient
Blueberry seed oil is a pale gold to clear oil with almost no discernible scent. It has a lightweight texture that spreads easily across the skin and absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth, soft finish without a heavy film. Its feel is more delicate than heavier seed oils, making it comfortable for both face and body applications.
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
In the Western Cape and neighbouring provinces of South Africa commercial blueberry farms harvest fruit for fresh export. Rather than discarding the seeds, processors in the region or adjacent agribusinesses collect cleaned seed kernels from the berry packing process. These seeds are sun‑dried or gently dried, then cold‑pressed in local or regional extraction facilities to yield blueberry seed oil. The resulting oil is filtered and packaged with minimal refining to preserve its active profile. This sourcing model keeps value within the region and supports the expanding blueberry farming infrastructure in South Africa.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Aging
Dullness
Free Radicals
Why We Use It
Blueberry seed oil offers a high concentration of essential fatty acids (notably linoleic and alpha‑linolenic acids) and antioxidants (tocopherols, phytosterols, anthocyanins) which support skin barrier repair, hydration, and protection from environmental stressors. The connection to South Africa’s growing blueberry industry allows a brand story of regional agriculture, novel processing, and supporting local‑scale farms rather than just importing generic oil. For a clean‑beauty context this means offering a premium oil with a dual benefit: performance plus sourcing integrity.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Ingredient Type
Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is a light gold to pale yellow oil with minimal scent. The texture is medium light: it spreads easily and absorbs moderately, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth without slick heaviness. It has a clean finish, typically used for skin or hair when you want a lightweight carrier or support oil rather than heavy occlusion
Source
South Africa
How It's Sourced
“South Africa’s grape vines are of the healthiest in the world … we extract the oil from the grape seed using cold pressing rather than chemical extraction, the oil is not pre‑heated and the natural goodness is preserved.”
In the Western Cape region and other viticulture zones of South Africa, grape bunches are harvested for wine or table consumption. After the grapes are processed, the seeds that remain are collected and sorted. These seeds are then cleaned, dried if needed, and sent to a cold‑press facility where oil is mechanically pressed from the seeds without heat or solvent. The extracted oil is filtered and bottled locally. The remaining seed cake is often used for compost, animal feed or energy logs, thereby keeping value within the local agricultural ecosystem.
Verified
Certified Organic IngredientAppears in Products Like:
Target
Oily Skin
Acne
Aging
Why We Use It
Grape seed oil is used because it contains a high proportion of linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) and antioxidants such as vitamin E and phytosterols, which help support the integrity of the skin barrier, improve skin texture, and provide lightweight hydration without heavy occlusion. In South Africa the grape‑growing industry produces large volumes of seed as a by‑product of wine and table grape production; extracting oil from these seeds adds value locally, reducing waste and supporting regional agriculture. For modern clean‑beauty brands this allows you to offer an oil that is both functional and ethically sourced with a regional story of up‑cycling agricultural by‑products.