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
aloe barbadensis miller
Amazing for skin hydration, promotes new cell growth and helps soothe sunburn and windburn.
apricot kernel oil
prunis armeniaca
Rich in oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it is absorbent and nourishing for soothing and moisturising skin.
argan oil
argania apinosa
Helps to boost the skin's barrier function and works to control sebum in skincare. Often used on hair for its ability to gloss, strengthen and lock in moisture.
avocado virgin oil
persea americana
An extremely soft, hydrating moisturiser for the skin packed with vitamins, proteins and antioxidants. Touted for its ability to increase collagen levels.
B
benzoin resin
styrax benzoin
Astringent and antiseptic, this sticky resinous gum is secreted from the Styrax Benzoin tree and is known for its healing properties.
bergamot oil
citrus bergamia
A natural cleanser perfect for oily skin types due to its ability to balance sebum and unclog pores. Has an uplifting sweet citrus scent.
black pepper oil
piper nigrum
Used in anti-aging skincare, black pepper oil is high in antioxidants, meaning it fights free radicals while boosting the skin's circulation and metabolism. Fresh and spicy smelling.
blood orange oil
citrus sinensis
High in Vitamin C with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Helps maintain healthy looking skin.
borage seed oil
borago officinalis
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.
broccoli seed oil
brassica oleracea italica
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.
C
calendula oil
calendula officinialis
A soothing, healing and antiseptic ingredient perfect for irritated, dry skin.
caprylyl glycol
A humectant that assists the skin with hydration and creating a protective moisture barrier to prevent future damage.
carrot oil
daucus carota linn
High in anti-oxidants, carrot oil maintains skin elasticity, aids with dry skin problems and rejuvenates the base layer of the skin.
cassia oil and ground cassia
cinnamomum cassia
A close relative to cinnamon, cassia is an invigorating ingredient that boosts circulation and prevents microbial growth.
castor oil
ricinus
A bacteria-fighting natural humectant that helps protect the skin against harsh environmental conditions.
cetearyl alcohol
An emollient used in skin and hair care to soften, stabilise and heal.
chamomile oil
matricaria chamomille
An anti-inflammatory ingredient high in antioxidants, that stimulates skin growth and repair, soothes sensitive skin and heals irritation.
cinnamon bark oil
cinnamomum zeylanicum
A natural astringent with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, cinnamon bark oil cleans the skin and encourages circulation. A warm and spicy aroma.
cinnamon oil
cinnamomum zeylanicum
A natural astringent that works to boost circulation and keep the skin clean. A warm and spicy aroma.
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
theobroma cacao
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.
cocoamidopropyl betaine (vegetable base)
Fatty acid naturally derived from coconut oil. It gently cleanses while washing away oil and dirt.
coconut oil
cocos nucifera
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.
ground cinnamon
cinnamomum zeylanicum
An exfoliant with cleansing properties and rich concentration of antioxidants. Can also boost circulation and has a warm and spicy aroma.
german chamomile oil
matricaria chamomilla
An anti-inflammatory ingredient high in antioxidants, that stimulates skin growth and repair, soothes sensitive skin and heals irritation.
D
desert lime extract
citrus glauca
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.
distearate (vegetable base)
A creamy, waxy skin conditioning agent that 'pearlises' the skin with lustre and shimmer.
E
australian extra virgin olive oil
olea europaea
High in anti-oxidants, offers intense hydration and quick absorption into the skin.
emulsifying wax
PEG-20 stearate
Imparts emollience and adds creamy look and feel to our creams & lotions.
evening primrose oil
oenothera biennis
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.
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
zingiber officinale
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.
grapefruit oil
citrus paradisi
An exfoliant high in Vitamin C that helps cleanse the skin and improve appearance of dull, ageing or inflamed skin.
golden hemp oil
cannabis sativa seed oil
A light oil perfect for all skin types - including oily - golden hemp oil moisturises without clogging pores and balances sebum production.
H
horsetail herb
equisetum
An anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory natural cleanser that balances and tightens skin while boosting collagen production and protecting against free radicals. A natural source of silica that can improve hair growth and strength.
hyaluronic acid
hyaluronate
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.
I
J
jojoba oil
simmondsia chinensis
High in anti-oxidants, jojoba maintains skin elasticity, aids with dry skin and rejuvenates the base layer of your skin.
K
green kaolin clay
A powerful clay that draws toxins from the skin and removes excess oil without causing irritation.
kakadu plum extract
terminalia ferdinandiana
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.
kukui nut oil
aleurites triloba
Containing essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, kukui nut oil help soothe dry skin and moisturise dry, damaged hair.
L
lauryl glucoside (vegetable base)
A plant-based, gentle surfactant naturally derived from coconut oil that improves cleansing abilities.
lavender oil
lavandula angustifolia
Calms irritated or stressed skin with strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
lemon myrtle oil
backhousia citriodora
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.
lemon oil
citrus limon
Astringent properties which can counter act overproduction of sebum in the skin. Fresh, citrus-y and uplifting.
lemongrass oil
cymbopogon flexuosus
Lemongrass oil tightens is an antiseptic astringent that removes impurities and detoxifies the skin. Has a strong herbaceous and citrusy aroma,
lime oil
citrus aurantifolia
Antibacterial properties help clear congestion and balance oily skin while tightening pores. Has a fresh, sweet, citrusy smell.
lye
sodium hydroxide
A very-alkaline substance used for soap saponification.
Licorice root
Glycyrrhiza glabra
An anti-inflammatory skin brightener that works to inhibit melanin production and soothe irritation.
M
ground mustard
brassica alba
An anti-fungal and anti-bacterial natural exfoliant that is gentle on skin with acne and rashes.
mandarin oil
citrus reticulata
An antibacterial astringent that works to balance oily or dry skin back to normal. Has a sweet, fresh and cheerful scent.
Manuka honey
Antibacterial Manuka honey balances skin's pH levels, sloughs away debris and treats inflammation.
meadowfoam seed oil
Limnanthes alba
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.
N
ground nutmeg
myristica fragrans
A natural exfoliant that balances oil and tightens pores, ground nutmeg can also help with evening out hyperpigmentation and restoring the skin's moisture barrier.
O
orange oil
citrus sinesis
High in Vitamin C, orange oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to fight against free radicals and promotes even skin texture, clarity and radiance.
organic apple fruit extract
pyrus malus
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.
P
ground paprika
capsicum annuum
Not just used for its bright, natural colour, ground paprika is packed with beta-coretene and iron to help prevent sun spots and pigmentation.
ground pumice
pumicite
A natural exfoliant known for its ability to remove calluses, dry skin and dead skin cells from the entire body.
patchouli oil
pogostemon cablin
Anti-fungal and antiseptic properties soothes inflamed skin and improves vibrancy. Has a relaxing, hypnotic, sensual scent.
peru balsam oil
myroxylon pereirae
Great for dry, chapped skin, this anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient has regenerative properties. Has a delicate powdery, fruity and woody scent.
petitgrain oil
citrus aurantium
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.
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
citrus x paradisi
A natural exfoliant used to rid the skin of dirt and grime and to 'wake up' dull, sallow skin.
pomelo oil
citrus grandis
Pomelo is known to help with cell regeneration and cell repair while combatting pigmentation and decreasing sebum production.
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.
Papaya fruit extract
Carica papaya
Perfect for acne-prone and blemished skin, papaya fruit extract smoothes, soothes and brightens while removing dead skin cells.
Q
quinoa seed extract
Chenopodium quinoa
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.
R
red clay
A natural soap colourant that draws out impurities while conditioning and nourishing skin.
rose geranium oil
pelargonium graveolens
This skincare ingredient perfect for combination skin and is known to balance oil production.
rose geranium oil
pelargonium x asperum
An astringent that tightens pores, brightens dull skin and removes dead skin cells.
rose geranium oil
pelargonium capitatum
An astringent that tightens pores, brightens dull skin and removes dead skin cells.
rose hip oil
rosa rubiginosa
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.
rosemary extract
rosmarinus officinalis
Jam-packed with antioxidants, rosemary extract is used in skincare for its protective, healing properties. It has a fresh, herbaceous, earthy scent.
S
sage oil
salvia lavandulaefolia
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.
sandalwood oil
santalum spicatum
An anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredient used to nourish, increase elasticity and even out pigmentation and texture. Has a deep woody and balsamic aroma.
seaweed extract
ascophyllum nodosum
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, seaweed extract improves texture and gives rich hydration to leave skin soothe and supple.
shea butter
butyrospermum parkii
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.
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
soja hispida
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.
spearmint oil
mentha spicata
An anti-fungal ingredient used to reduce skin rashes and stop itching. Has a strong minty, invigorating and deodorising effect.
sweet almond oil
prunis dulcis
A popular emollient and 'carrier oil' known for its ability to soften and recondition the skin after damage.
T
ground turmeric
curcuma longa
A powerful antioxidant and natural colouring ingredient that can reduce dark spots, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
tangerine oil
citrus reticulata var tangerine
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.
U
unrefined honey
honey
Rich with antioxidants and packed with other vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation, heal damaged skin and even out skin tone.
V
vanilla extract
vanilla planifolia
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.
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
tocopheryl acetate
An antioxidant-rich active ingredient, Vitamin E helps nourish and protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.
W
ground walnut shell
juglans regia
A gentle, natural ingredient, great for physical exfoliation without irritation.
wattleseed extract
acacia victoriae
Promoting hydration, fighting wrinkles and inflammation, this 'super-seed' is used most commonly toto soothe and calm irritated skin.
wheatgerm
triticum vulgare
A nourishing ingredient that prevents moisture loss and helps soothe red, irritated or sunburnt skin.
witch hazel extract
hamamelis virginiana bark/twig
One of nature's best astringents, witch hazel is particularly beneficial in balancing oil and clearing dirty pores.
X
Y
ylang ylang oil
cananga odorata
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.