Skincare Ingredients Glossary

Know what you're putting on your skin!

At Vasse Virgin we only use high-quality natural ingredients to make our skincare products. Find out exactly why each of the ingredients we use are used and how they benefit your skin.

 

A

almond glycerides (almond base)

High quality emollient and skin conditioner made from almond oil

aloe vera

Amazing for skin hydration, promotes new cell growth and helps soothe sunburn and windburn.

aloe barbadensis miller

apricot kernel oil

Rich in oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it is absorbent and nourishing for soothing and moisturising skin.

prunis armeniaca

B

bergamot oil

A natural cleanser perfect for oily skin types due to its ability to balance sebum and unclog pores. Has an uplifting sweet citrus scent.

citrus bergamia

borage seed oil

A calming and nourishing oil ideal to treat skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis psoriasis and rosacea. Also great for use on mature or sunburned skin.

borago officinalis

broccoli seed oil

High in skin-soothing fatty acids, broccoli seed oil calms and soothes irritated skin while delivering intense hydration. It's light and non-greasy, meaning it doesn't clog pores.\r\n

brassica oleracea italica

C

calendula oil

A soothing, healing and antiseptic ingredient perfect for irritated, dry skin.

calendula officinialis

caprylyl glycol

A humectant that assists the skin with hydration and creating a protective moisture barrier to prevent future damage.

carrot oil

High in anti-oxidants, carrot oil maintains skin elasticity, aids with dry skin problems and rejuvenates the base layer of the skin.

daucus carota linn

cassia oil and ground cassia

A close relative to cinnamon, cassia is an invigorating ingredient that boosts circulation and prevents microbial growth.

cinnamomum cassia

castor oil

A bacteria-fighting natural humectant that helps protect the skin against harsh environmental conditions.

ricinus

cetearyl alcohol

An emollient used in skin and hair care to soften, stabilise and heal.

chamomile oil

An anti-inflammatory ingredient high in antioxidants, that stimulates skin growth and repair, soothes sensitive skin and heals irritation.

matricaria chamomille

cinnamon bark oil

A natural astringent with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, cinnamon bark oil cleans the skin and encourages circulation. A warm and spicy aroma.

cinnamomum zeylanicum

cinnamon oil

A natural astringent that works to boost circulation and keep the skin clean. A warm and spicy aroma.

cinnamomum zeylanicum

citric acid

A natural chemical exfoliant, derived through the fermentation of corn. Packed with antioxidants to soothe and protect the skin's barrier, citric acid exfoliates away dead skin cells to clean, smooth and even out texture.

coco glucoside (vegetable base)

A natural plant-based surfactant that gently cleanses the skin.

cocoa butter

Packed with natural antioxidants to prevent rancidity, cocoa butter has an extremely long shelf life. An excellent moisturising agent for the skin. Has a soft, sweet cocoa aroma.

theobroma cacao

cocoamidopropyl betaine (vegetable base)

Fatty acid naturally derived from coconut oil. It gently cleanses while washing away oil and dirt.

coconut oil

Coconut oil is used to lubricate the skin and condition the hair, and creates an oily, protective barrier on the skin great for natural sun protection.

cocos nucifera

D

desert lime extract

Contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, desert lime encourages collagen production and damage repair. Helps to even out tone and texture to rejuvenate dull, tired skin.

citrus glauca

distearate (vegetable base)

A creamy, waxy skin conditioning agent that 'pearlises' the skin with lustre and shimmer.

E

emulsifying wax

Imparts emollience and adds creamy look and feel to our creams & lotions.

PEG-20 stearate

evening primrose oil

Renowned for its high fatty acid content and, in particular, a high quantity of Gamma Linoleic Acid, Omega-6 and Linoleic Acid. Anti-inflammatory and soothing, evening primrose oil is popular for use on dry or irritated skin.

oenothera biennis

F

flaxseed oil

An anti-inflammatory natural oil used to help prevent and relieve problematic or irritated skin. Rich in vitamin E, flaxseed oil is renowned in haircare for its ability to treat hair loss and stimulate growth.

G

ginger oil

Known for its stimulating and healing properties, ginger oil is a powerful cleanser that soothes redness and gets rid of bacteria. Has a warm, spicy, woody scent.

zingiber officinale

golden hemp oil

A light oil perfect for all skin types - including oily - golden hemp oil moisturises without clogging pores and balances sebum production.

cannabis sativa seed oil

grapefruit oil

An exfoliant high in Vitamin C that helps cleanse the skin and improve appearance of dull, ageing or inflamed skin.

citrus paradisi

H

hyaluronic acid

A powerful humectant that helps skin retain moisture, boosting complexion and radiance. Our material is from bacterial fermentation using glucose that is corn derived to create the hyaluronic acid in a biofermentation process. The product is classified as natural and used in natural and organic cosmetic manufacturing.

hyaluronate

I

J

jojoba oil

High in anti-oxidants, jojoba maintains skin elasticity, aids with dry skin and rejuvenates the base layer of your skin.

simmondsia chinensis

K

kakadu plum extract

A rich source of Vitamin C, kakadu plum isan excellent antioxidant for the skin. It has the highest-known concentration of natural Vitamin C of any single natural food source in the world.

terminalia ferdinandiana

kukui nut oil

Containing essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, kukui nut oil help soothe dry skin and moisturise dry, damaged hair.

aleurites triloba

L

lauryl glucoside (vegetable base)

A plant-based, gentle surfactant naturally derived from coconut oil that improves cleansing abilities.

lavender oil

Calms irritated or stressed skin with strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

lavandula angustifolia

lemon myrtle oil

An Australian native plant, lemon myrtle is a natural astringent rich in anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial properties to keep skin clean and clear. Intense, uplifting citrus smell.

backhousia citriodora

lemon oil

Astringent properties which can counter act overproduction of sebum in the skin. Fresh, citrus-y and uplifting.

citrus limon

lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil tightens is an antiseptic astringent that removes impurities and detoxifies the skin. Has a strong herbaceous and citrusy aroma,

cymbopogon flexuosus

Licorice root

An anti-inflammatory skin brightener that works to inhibit melanin production and soothe irritation.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

lime oil

Antibacterial properties help clear congestion and balance oily skin while tightening pores. Has a fresh, sweet, citrusy smell.

citrus aurantifolia

lye

A very-alkaline substance used for soap saponification.

sodium hydroxide

M

Manuka honey

Antibacterial Manuka honey balances skin's pH levels, sloughs away debris and treats inflammation.

meadowfoam seed oil

A light, plant-based oil and natural emollient suitable for all skin types, meadowfoam seed oil seals in moisture and softens skin. In haircare it deeply hydrates, detangles and de-frizzes, leaving a health and non-greasy shine.

Limnanthes alba

N

O

orange oil

High in Vitamin C, orange oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to fight against free radicals and promotes even skin texture, clarity and radiance.

citrus sinesis

organic apple fruit extract

Rich in Vitamin C, apple fruit extract brightens dullness and smoothes roughness. In haircare, apple fruit extract prevents hair loss and deeply moisturises the scalp.

pyrus malus

P

Papaya fruit extract

Perfect for acne-prone and blemished skin, papaya fruit extract smoothes, soothes and brightens while removing dead skin cells.

Carica papaya

patchouli oil

Anti-fungal and antiseptic properties soothes inflamed skin and improves vibrancy. Has a relaxing, hypnotic, sensual scent.

pogostemon cablin

peru balsam oil

Great for dry, chapped skin, this anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient has regenerative properties. Has a delicate powdery, fruity and woody scent.

myroxylon pereirae

petitgrain oil

An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient used to calm and heal irritated, problematic skin. Has a sweet and fresh aroma similar to orange flowers, but with woody undertones.

citrus aurantium

phenoxyethanol

Used as a slow-acting preservative in skincare, and a stabiliser in soaps and perfumes.

phenoxyethanol caprylyl glycol

A preservative that inhibits the growth of yeast, moulds and bacteria in products, while boosting its efficacy.

pink clay

A natural soap colourant rich in Silica to smooth skin and lock in moisture.

pink grapefruit oil

A natural exfoliant used to rid the skin of dirt and grime and to 'wake up' dull, sallow skin.

citrus x paradisi

pomelo oil

Pomelo is known to help with cell regeneration and cell repair while combatting pigmentation and decreasing sebum production.

citrus grandis

potassium sorbate (preservative)

A preservative that inhibits the growth of yeast, moulds and bacteria in products.

purified water

Water pure of chemicals, minerals and other harmful elements that could otherwise damage the skin.

Q

quinoa seed extract

Quinoa seed extract is a nutritious natural ingredient known for hydrating and brightening skin and boosting collagen production. Similarly, in haircare quinoa seed extract strengthens, protects and repels scalp damage.

Chenopodium quinoa

R

red clay

A natural soap colourant that draws out impurities while conditioning and nourishing skin.

rose geranium oil

An astringent that tightens pores, brightens dull skin and removes dead skin cells.

pelargonium x asperum, pelargonium capitatum

rose geranium oil

This skincare ingredient perfect for combination skin and is known to balance oil production.

pelargonium graveolens

rose hip oil

Known as the 'healing oil', rose hip is packed with antioxidants, skin-friendly vitamins and essential fatty acids to lock in moisture regenerate dead skin cells.

rosa rubiginosa

rosemary extract

Jam-packed with antioxidants, rosemary extract is used in skincare for its protective, healing properties. It has a fresh, herbaceous, earthy scent.

rosmarinus officinalis

S

sage oil

Anti-fungal and antibacterial, sage oil is known for its deeply regenerative properties, deeply cleans and hydrates irritated skin. Has a sharp, fresh and very herbaceous scent.

salvia lavandulaefolia

sandalwood oil

An anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredient used to nourish, increase elasticity and even out pigmentation and texture. Has a deep woody and balsamic aroma.

santalum spicatum

seaweed extract

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, seaweed extract improves texture and gives rich hydration to leave skin soothe and supple.

ascophyllum nodosum

shea butter

Hailed for its protective and healing emollient properties, shea butter also boasts anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial for treating dry, ageing or problematic skin.

butyrospermum parkii

sodium benzoate (preservative)

A preservative that inhibits the growth of yeast, moulds and bacteria in products.

sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (sugar base)

A surfactant with foam-boosting properties that helps mildly cleanse the skin.

sorbic acid (preservative)

A preservative that inhibits the growth of yeast, moulds and bacteria in products.

soy bean oil

With a high concentration of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, soy bean oil strengthens and protects the skin's moisture barrier while restoring collagen production.

soja hispida

spearmint oil

An anti-fungal ingredient used to reduce skin rashes and stop itching. Has a strong minty, invigorating and deodorising effect.

mentha spicata

sweet almond oil

A popular emollient and 'carrier oil' known for its ability to soften and recondition the skin after damage.

prunis dulcis

T

tangerine oil

Best known for its calming properties, tangerine oil treats irritation and reduces the appearance of acne and scars. Has a light, fresh and fruity aroma.

citrus reticulata var tangerine

U

unrefined honey

Rich with antioxidants and packed with other vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation, heal damaged skin and even out skin tone.

honey

V

vanilla extract

Acting as a neutraliser to free radicals on the skin, vanilla extract is an antibacterial natural exfoliant that works to relax and reduce inflammation. It has a sweet, syrupy and cosy aroma.

vanilla planifolia

vegetable glycerine

Vegetable glycerine works to soften, smooth and soothe rough, textured and inflamed skin. It can be used on excessively dry or cracked skin to even out gaps and provide a smooth, even complexion.

vitamin E

An antioxidant-rich active ingredient, Vitamin E helps nourish and protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.

tocopheryl acetate

W

wattleseed extract

Promoting hydration, fighting wrinkles and inflammation, this 'super-seed' is used most commonly toto soothe and calm irritated skin.

acacia victoriae

wheatgerm

A nourishing ingredient that prevents moisture loss and helps soothe red, irritated or sunburnt skin.

triticum vulgare

witch hazel extract

One of nature's best astringents, witch hazel is particularly beneficial in balancing oil and clearing dirty pores.

hamamelis virginiana bark/twig

X

Y

ylang ylang oil

Effective for fighting anti-ageing and open pores, ylang-ylang works well on blemishes due to its antibacterial properties. It has mood-enhancing properties that stimulate the senses with an exotic floral and custardy scent.

cananga odorata

Z