Other components

Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol is a preservative used to prevent the development of micro-organisms in cosmetic products and preserve their initial qualities.

It can also be used in the composition of perfumes.

Benzyl salicylate

Benzyl Salicylate is a safe odoriferous* substance found in many cosmetic products, often in association with linalool or limonene.

(*Who spreads a pleasant smell)

Coumarins

The smell of freshly cut hay tinged with vanillin of coumarin is regularly used in the composition of juices* in perfumery. A natural aromatic substance found in various plants such as cinnamon, celery, tonka bean and true lavender, coumarin also has mild antiseptic properties.

(*a term used in perfumery to designate perfumes)

Ethylhexylglycerin

Used in cosmetics as a light emollient and humectant, ethylhexylglycerin improves the "feel" of cosmetic formulas. A skin care agent and used as an antimicrobial stabilizer, it slows down the proliferation of bacteria on the skin.

Flavonoids

Powerful antioxidants, flavonoids are substances naturally present in plants (cocoa, tea, grapes, pomegranate, blackcurrant, blueberry ...) at the origin of the brown, red and blue colors of flowers and fruits.

Also known as bioflavonoids, polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, catechins or flavanols, they protect plants against microorganisms, sunlight and extreme weather conditions.

In cosmetics, they have anti-aging virtues and preserve the color and beauty of hair.

Vegetable glycerin

The vegetable glycerin is a humectant agent which protects the skin and reduces the speed of evaporation of its water.

Moisturizing, it softens the skin and hair, making them more supple and extensible.

Mineral oil

Widely used in cosmetics, mineral oil is a hydrophobic and occlusive (waterproofing) fat derived from hydrocarbons. It is appreciated for its major emollient properties (it prevents drying out by stopping the evaporation of water).

Also known as liquid kerosene, mineral oil is found in make-up products (lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows) and other body and hair care products for dry skin and hair lacking in moisture.

Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

A substance derived from guar, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride has antistatic and film-forming properties (it forms a protective film on the skin or hair).

Texture agent, it also allows to work the consistency of an emulsion.

Limonene

A colorless liquid with a fresh orange scent, limonene is regularly used in perfumery.

Taking its name from the lemon, it is very present in citrus fruits and has antiseptic and antiviral properties.

Linalool

Present in a majority of essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, rosewood or mint, linalool is an odoriferous substance* that also has preservative properties.

(*Who spreads a pleasant smell)

Mucilage

Coming from the protective envelope of seeds or pips (flax seeds for example), mucilages have thickening and gelling properties.

In cosmetics, they are used for their softening, anti-oxidant, emollient and soothing actions.

Paraben

Parabens (Paraoxybenzoates) are a family of preservatives very frequently used in the cosmetic and food industries.

Main replacements for formaldehydes (harmful to health), parabens are antimicrobial and stabilize formulas for increased preservation of active ingredients over time.

The most common parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.

Phenoxyethanol

A glycol ether frequently used as a preservative in cosmetic and dermatological formulations, phenoxyethanol is also used as a fixative in perfumes.

Also called phenoxythol, it is naturally present in green tea or chicory but it is of chemical origin in cosmetic compositions.

Phytosterols

Naturally present in plants, phytosterols are plant lipids whose main action is to reduce the absorption of cholesterol.

In cosmetics, phytosterols are used for their healing and repairing action. They also reduce inflammation, improve the skin's barrier function and microcirculation, slow down skin aging, and protect against UV rays.

Propylene Glycol

Totally soluble in water, propylene glycol is a material known for its moisturizing and humectant properties. Moreover, it facilitates the percutaneous absorption of active ingredients, making the formulas more effective.

In hair care, it softens the hair and facilitates detangling.

Silicones

Texturizing agents used in cosmetics to make products smoother and easier to "spread", silicones are known to provide a shiny, smooth finish to hair.

They also help detangle and form a sheath around the hair fiber that protects it from humidity and gives it body and volume. Their controversial nature has more to do with an ecological problem (they are not biodegradable) than a cosmetic one.

There are many families of silicones but the most frequently used are dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane.

Squalene

Very present in shark liver oil, from which they take their name (squale), and in lesser quantities in olive oil, squalenes are also naturally present in the epidermis and contribute to the quality of the skin and to the exceptional barrier properties of the cutaneous hydrolipidic film.

Sulfate

Present in shower gels and shampoos, the role of sulfate is to dilute fatty substances in water. It is essential for cleaning, foaming and emulsifying.

There are many varieties of sulfates, but the best known are sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), commonly used in personal care products.

Sulfate is controversial, but it is essential for removing the fatty substances that make the skin and hair dirty. However, it can be irritating and/or drying when used too frequently, which is why it is advisable to alternate between gentle shampoos without sulfates and sulfated shampoos to respect the pH of the dermis and the hair fiber.

Tannins

Known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent and protective properties, tannins are substances of organic origin found in almost all parts of plants (bark, roots, leaves, etc.).

There are two categories of tannins: hydrolyzable tannins, composed of sugar and acid-phenol, and condensed tannins, also called catechic tannins or proanthocyanidols, based on phenols, mixtures of esters, glucose or other sugars.