Lush

Front 1

Acrylates / Lauryl Acrylate / Stearyl Acrylate / Ethylamine Oxide Methacrylate Copolymer

Back 1

Acrylates are chemical compounds proven to be safe for cosmetic use. They have slightly different functions depending on their composition, but they are predominately used in gel-based products.

Copolymer compounds create a water-repellent base for products with waterproof qualities. They act by creating a thin flexible film that prevents water washing the product away.

Ethylene oxide is a key raw material in the production of surfactants and detergents adding to their foaming and skin-conditioning qualities.

We use this as a base in The Big Tease styling gel. It conditions the hair by coating it with a thin film.

Front 2

Aduki Beans (Phaseolus)

Back 2

Aduki beans (Phaseolus angularis) are known as azuki, adsuki and asuki. They have been grown and eaten in both China and Japan for millennia, and they are known as ‘King of Beans.’

The English name – aduki – comes from the Japanese, ‘azuki,’ meaning good health.

The beans are dark red with a thin white line down the ridge. They have a nutty flavour, and can be prepared fresh, dried or mashed into a candied paste.

Ground aduki beans remove dead skin cells when used on the skin as an exfoliating powder. They polish the skin, leaving it healthy and renewed.

We use aduki beans dried, whole, or ground.

Ground aduki beans absorb excess dirt and oils from the skin in our Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask.

In our Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar, the aduki beans are like firm fingertips working to relieve muscle pain and tension. They help to stimulate areas where circulation is slow and work well with the warming effects of the other ingredients.

Front 3

African Marigold Oil (Tagetes erecta)

Back 3

Our African marigold oil is made from the tagetes plant (Tagetes erecta). It is from the species also known as American or Aztec marigold.

Native to Mexico, North America and South America, it produces beautiful yellow or orange flowers.

The Aztecs held Tagetes erecta and other varieties of the Tagetes plant in high esteem. Erecta was used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes and Tagetes lucida was used to flavour the original, spicy hot chocolate drink chocolatl.

Mexicans use erecta, and other types of marigolds, in their ‘Dia de los Muertos’ celebrations.

It comes from the same genus as the dahlia and the daisy (Asteraceae). It should not be confused with Calendula officinalis, the common marigold.

The oil is distilled from the flowers and used in cosmetics, medicines and fragrances.

It has an herbaceous scent and helps to keep products fresh, acting as a natural preservative.

According to modern research, the African marigold possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It is said to reduce skin blemishes and inflammations.

We use African marigold oil in our Ambrosia shaving cream to help keep skin free of blemishes caused by shaving.

Front 4

Agar Agar Gel

Back 4

Agar Agar (Gelidium cartilagineum) comes from a species of seaweeds classed as ‘agarophytes.’ These are found in the seas of Japan, the Mediterranean, Europe, America and Africa.

They possess fine-fronds, giving them a tufted appearance, which also branch into solid segments. Their colors vary from pinks to deep reds and purples. These colors camouflage their chlorophyll.

When the seaweeds are collected, they are then laid out on a beach, bleached and dried. To obtain the gel like solution, the seaweed is boiled in water and filtered. This is then dried in the sunlight and prepared into bars, flakes or fine granules.

Japanese innkeeper, Minoya Tarozaemon, first encountered Agar in 1660. These types of ‘agarophyte' seaweeds have been cultivated in Japan since 1769.

Agar has been used as a culture medium for bacteria since the 1880s, when Robert Koch discovered its usefulness. It is used in the food industry, medicine, dentistry and forensics.

A teaspoon of agar powder will create a jelly from a cup of liquid. This gel is softening and moisturizing for both skin and hair.

We use agar agar gel in our Retread triple-strength hair conditioner, which holds together the other ingredients to revitalize damaged, colored, frizzy and thick curly hair.

Seaweeds contain up to twenty times the elements of land plants.

We suspend clays and exfoliating granules in the gel-like structure of agar for our Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask. The gel softens the skin, balancing the cleansing action of the other ingredients.

In the creamy Veganese conditioner, we use the gel for its softening action on the hair follicles. It also acts as a thickening agent in the product.

Front 5

Alkanett Extract (Alkanna tinctoria)

Back 5

Alkanna tinctoria is known as orchanet, dyer’s bugloss and Spanish bugloss.

It is considered a weed and grows in similar sorts of places or wastelands.

A red dye (extracted from the root) was used in Central and Southern Europe as a dye to stain wood, and for colouring medicines.

Alkanet is said to be both an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory.

It is a beautiful pink in color.

We soak alkanet in almond oil or castor oil to extract the color. This extract is then used in skin or haircare products.

The extract is used in the Imperialis skin cream to help create a rich, soothing treatment for the skin.

We use the extract to add a pink color to our Helping Hands hand cream.

Front 6

Allspice Oil

Back 6

Allspice also known as pimento Clove pepper and Jamaican pepper. In Jamaica Pimenta officinalis is an important crop; when the trees are in bloom, their scent fills the air and the plantations are referred to as “ pimento walks”.

The Pimenta officinalis tree is part of the Myrtle family, in summer it produces purplish black round sweet berries (these are not related to the capsicum garden peppers pimientos). The leaves of this tree are infused for tea.

These berries were first introduced to Europe in 16th Century, when an English botanist John Ray considered their flavour to be a mixture of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The allspice berries are full of fragrant oil that is distilled from the dried unripe fruits. This oil is pale yellow, smells sweet, warm and spicy and has antiseptic and antioxidant qualities.

Allspice oil is used in perfumery, and as a fruit flavour. Externally it is used medicinally to treat chest infections and muscular aches and pains. Ground allspice berries are used to make medicines more palatable, in liniments and plasters.

Whole dried unripe berries are used in pickling spice blends, marinades, and mulled wine. Powdered berries are used to flavour cakes, biscuits, puddings, and chutneys.

Folk medicine uses allspice berries as a digestive aid, antiseptic and for nervous exhaustion.

We use allspice oil in our spicy Chai shower gel for both its antiseptic quality and for its warm spicy aroma that blends well with the ginger and cinnamon leaf oils.

Front 7

Almond Butter (Prunus dulcis)

Back 7

There are two types of almond (sweet and bitter), but we use the sweet one (Prunus dulcis). The almond is a fruit and a part of the plum family. The almond tree is a medium-sized tree, native to the Middle East and North Africa. Its white blossom is captivating and beautiful, inspiring many legends.

Ancient Egyptians valued the almond for cosmetic purposes.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used to eat almonds to counter the effect of alcohol.

Almond butter is made from raw or toasted almonds.

Our almonds originate in the warmth of California, one of the largest almond growing areas in the world.

The almonds themselves have to undergo several different processes before they are finally made into almond butter. They are shelled and sorted into groups of those suitable enough to become butter.

Almond crops are very susceptible to weather, achieving larger quantities in sunny climates. The trees themselves don't produce almonds for the first three or four years of their lives and will be productive until around twenty-five years. To produce the almonds, the flowers need to be pollinated and many of the producers keep beehives to encourage this.

Almond butter is a very rich blend. It exfoliates gently and is incredibly softening.

In our Aqua Mirabilis body butter, the almond butter softens and polishes skin.

Front 8

Almond Milk (Prunus dulcis)

Back 8

There are two types of almond (sweet and bitter), but we use the sweet one. The almond is a fruit and a part of the plum family. The almond tree is a medium-sized tree, native to the Middle East and North Africa. Its white blossom is captivating and beautiful, inspiring many legends.

Ancient Egyptians valued the almond for cosmetic purposes. The ancient Greeks and Romans used to eat almonds to counter the effect of alcohol.

When crushed and infused in water, almonds yield lovely milk, which is created as the almond oil combines with the water. Traditionally, almond milk was used as a drink to treat inflammation of the skin from the inside out.

Our almonds originate in the warmth of California, one of the largest almond growing areas in the world.

The almonds themselves have to undergo several different processes. They are shelled and sorted into groups of those suitable enough to become oil. They are processed into crude oil and different grades of refined oil are then produced.

Almond crops are very susceptible to weather, achieving larger quantities in sunny climates. The trees themselves don't produce almonds for the first three or four years of their lives and will be productive until around twenty-five years. To produce the almonds, the flowers need to be pollinated and many of the producers keep beehives to encourage this.

Almond milk is excellent when used to soften and moisturize. We use almond milk in our Celestial skin cream for just this purpose; it makes the skin feel beautifully soft and nourished.

Front 9

Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)

Back 9

There are two types of almond, sweet and bitter. We use sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis) to make sweet almond oil, and bitter almonds to make almond essential oil. The almond is part of the plum family. Botanically, they are a drupe and an ancient ancestor of large-stoned fruits, such as apricots, peaches and plums.

The bitter almond tree is a medium-sized tree with pink blossoms. It is native to the Middle East and North Africa, but now grown in the Mediterranean and California.

Almond essential oil is also known as natural benzaldehyde because the finished perfume material is made up of around 99% of it; bitter almond oil is distilled from the kernels of apricots and bitter almonds.

Sweet almonds and bitter almonds are related, but the key difference between the two is the absence of amygdalin from the former. Amygdalin is used to make cyanide. The final essential oil is not dangerous, but the distillation of it is very involved, as cyanide gas is released during the process. This is neutralized during the process and no trace of it is left in the oil.

Almond oil is unscented and excellent for the skin. It is emollient, demulcent and nutritious with a high vitamin E content. It is smooth to apply and leaves a silky feel to the skin. When applied to hair, it adds shine and softens the entire hair shaft.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used almonds to counter the effects of alcohol; Egyptians used almonds for cosmetic purposes.

We use almond oil in our Charity Pot to protect your skin and leave it silky smooth.

For its emollient and moisturizing properties, we use almond oil across our entire range, including: You’ve Been Mangoed, Prince Triple Blossom, Love Lettuce, Celestial and our Fair Trade Foot Lotion.

Bitter almond oil smells nutty, characteristic of almonds, and can be used to create almond, fruity and cherry notes in a perfume.

This oil adds to the sweet strawberry scent of our Mrs Whippy Bath Bomb.

Front 10

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Back 10

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate.

A polymer is a large molecule made of repeating units (monomers).

It stabilizes emulsions and creates a produce with light cream-gel texture, which isn’t tacky to touch.

Our super strength The Big Tease hair gel contains this material; it allows the hair to be styled to the extreme and stay there.

It is a popular ingredient in sun creams and ‘anti-aging’ lotions.

This crosspolymer has very good adhesion to the hair and skin.

Front 11

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

Back 11

Ammonium laureth sulphate is a surface-active agent or surfactant. Surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. This allows oil and water to mix.

Above a minimum concentration, a surfactant organizes into a structure that can trap the oil-based dirt from the hair, allowing it to be rinsed away. The foam allows the hands to work the shampoo through the hair more easily.

Sulphates became widely used in the 1930s and they started the development of the modern shampoo industry.

They are obtained by means of catalytic reduction of fatty acids, such as those in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Ammonium laureth sulphate cleanses the hair, leaving it clean with beautiful shine.

In our Curly Wurly shampoo, it creates a rich lather and works with the other ingredients to gently cleanse the hair.

Front 12

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

Back 12

Ammonium lauryl sulphate is a surface-active agent or surfactant. Surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. This allows oil and water to mix.

Above a minimum concentration, a surfactant organizes into a structure that can trap the oil-based dirt from the hair, allowing it to be rinsed away.

The foam allows the hands to work the shampoo through the hair more easily.

Sulphates became widely used in the 1930s, and they started the development of the modern shampoo industry.

Sulphates are obtained by means of catalytic reduction of fatty acids, such as those in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.

Ammonium lauryl sulphate is an excellent cleanser for hair, replacing soap as the traditional cleanser.

Soap used to leave the hair feeling dry and rough, where ammonium lauryl sulphate cleanses the hair thoroughly, leaving it conditioned and softer.

We use ammonium lauryl sulphate in our I Love Juicy, Rehab and Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoos to clean the hair.

Our Ultimate Shine solid shampoo bar uses this surfactant to cleanse the hair.

Front 13

Aloe Vera

Back 13

Aloe Vera is a desert plant that belongs to the lily family. It grows well in dry soils and is native to East and South Africa. The fleshy leaves are sharp and serrated with white spikes; they contain a clear gel harvested for its healing properties.

Aloe is thought to be one of the oldest remedies, noted for its beneficial qualities in Egyptian, Roman, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Algerian, Moroccan, Arabian, Indian and Christian history. Cleopatra is known to have massaged it into her skin and it appears in Anglo Saxon medical texts, having been brought to Europe in the 10th century.

In modern times, aloe was found to be more effective than any other method in the treatment of radiation burns.

Aloe soothes itching and reduces redness; it is excellent in calming sunburn or redness caused by the cold. It softens the skin and helps to protect it.

We use the gel from the aloe leaf dried, and then add it to water to obtain its original strength. This is a very effective ingredient for cooling and soothing the skin. It is particularly good in after sun products. The skin is cooled and redness fades away.

Aloe gel is excellent for all skin types, soothing and re-hydrating dry skin, and it is used in our Aqua Marina cleanser.

Our Breath Of Fresh Air toner contains aloe vera gel. It is a soothing, gentle spray, which both cools and cares for the skin.

In bath products, aloe soothes the skin as the warm water bathes the body, making our Honey Bee Bath Bomb, a gentle calmative for troubled skin.

We use the dried ground aloe leaf to make the extract. The dried aloe leaf is warmed with water and put straight into a whole range of skin-softening products from moisturizers to soaps. We use aloe extract in Honey I Washed the Kids soap to calm and soothe the skin.

Front 14

Angelica

Back 14

Chinese angelica is a herb from the Apiaceae family.

It was used medicinally as an antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.

We infuse angelica in boiled water; we then strain the mixture and use it in our Flying Fox shower gel for its antibacterial and antiseptic action.

Front 15

Apple Juice

Back 15

Apple (Pyrus malus) is the most popular and widely cultivated temperate-zone fruit tree. It belongs in the Rosaceae family and is thought to have originated in Western Asia and Asia Minor, where carbonized apples dating from 6500 B.C. have been found. Apples have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years and thousands of varieties now grow around the world.

The trees produce white or pink flowers and their fruits vary from bright red to yellowish green. The fruits of most varieties are edible. Their textures can be crisp, tender or floury and flavours range from tart to sweet.

The Romans introduced apples to Europe and spread knowledge of their use to local people. During the Roman conquest of Britain, officers planted apple orchards inside their walled gardens. Eventually, apple trees spread to native villages and became well established.

John Chapman, a preacher and nurseryman, was responsible for greatly influencing the spread of apple cultivation in America. Within his lifetime, he became the legendary ‘Johnny Appleseed’ due to the volume of nurseries he planted and the seeds he gave away. Apples are now inseparably linked with American culture, giving rise to the famous adage, “as American as apple pie.”

Today, the largest exporters are France, Italy, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and the United States.

From Adam and Eve to Greek mythology, apples have featured in the legends of many countries, both as a delicious fruit and a symbolic representation of temptation.

Apple juice is squeezed from fresh fruit and added to our products immediately. In combination with cleansing ingredients, the juice de-greases the skin with its gently astringent, acidic properties.

Skin softening ingredients in the product ensure the skin is left soft, clean and refreshed. We use cartons of apple juice when making some of our soaps.

We use apple juice in Temptation soap from our Retro Range, and we use the organic variety in Demon in the Dark soap, too.

Front 16

Apricot Oil

Back 16

The apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) is widely cultivated in the Northern Hemisphere. Thought to have originated In China and South East Asia, it then spread to Armenia and Europe.

The tree came to England during the reign of King Henry VIII.

The apricot tree’s fruit is delicious and full of nutrients.

It is difficult to obtain fresh apricots all year round, so it is prudent to use its dried form.

The kernels inside the stone yield a rich, nutritious oil.

The velvety oil is cold-pressed from the stones of apricots. They can yield 45% of their weight in this oil.

Apricot oil is rich in vitamin A and assorted minerals.

In our Lip Service lip balm, it softens, seals in moisture and is an effective emollient.

Front 17

Arame Seaweed (Eisenia arborea)

Back 17

Arame seaweed (Eisenia arborea) is a type of kelp. It is harvested and sundried in Japan, Peru and the North Pacific Coast.

Seaweeds contain up to twenty times the levels of elements found in land plants. Their mineral content can include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. They are also rich in vitamins.

They are highly nutritious; containing beta-carotene (a potent antioxidant) and arame contains particularly high levels of iodine.

In herbalism, they are considered one of the best adaptogens, meaning that seaweeds may help to correct disorders in the body.

We use seaweeds in different ways; we simmer fresh or dried whole seaweeds, and we reconstitute extracted seaweed to obtain the softening gel.

We use arame seaweed in our Sea Vegetable soap for its unusual texture; the surface softens and releases its nutrients.

Front 18

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

Back 18

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), endemic to Morocco, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties. It is also known in cosmetic use as moroccan oil.
argan oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, against juvenile acne and flaking of the skin as well as for nourishing the hair. This oil has also medicinal uses against rheumatism and the healing of burns ... Externally, argan oil is used ... for hair as brilliantine, to fortify and ... in the treatment of wrinkled or scaly dry skin.

Front 19

Armoise Oil

Back 19

Armoise oil is distilled from dried Artemisia vulgaris herb, which is also known as mugwort. The plant has a reddish stem, clusters of small white flowers and hairy green leaves. There are around 300 species in the Artemisia genus.

They grow wild around northern temperate regions, South Africa and South America. Artemisias are also popular as ornamental plants and some species are favoured in flower arrangements for their freshly fragrant leaves.
Armoise essential oil is very efficient in treatment of intestinal worms.
It invigorates digestive system of the body.
Armoise essential oil also works well as a local anesthetic for rheumatism, neuralgia, and arthritis.
It also has the anesthetic and insomnia properties
Has great healing capacity
It has anesthetic and insomnia properties that make it effective for the treatment of the aforementioned problems.

Front 20

Arnica Montana Infusion (Arnica montana)

Back 20

Arnica (Arnica montana) is also known as Leopard’s leopard’s bane and mountain tobacco.

Its name likely comes from the Greek, ‘arnakis,’ meaning ‘lamb skin,’ a reference to its soft leaves.

It is an aromatic perennial, producing golden flowers in summer. It grows in European mountains.

When fully opened, the flowers are picked and used in various products.

To make our infusion, we take the dried flowers and add boiling water; this is strained and allowed to cool, ready for use in our products.

Arnica has been used as a popular remedy for bruises and sprains for hundreds of years.

This aromatic, bitter, astringent herb stimulates the immune system and relieves pain. It can also alleviate inflammation and clear fungal and bacterial infections.

We use arnica infusion in our Fair Trade Foot Lotion to improve the condition of every part of the foot, and to ease weary feet after exercise.

Front 21

Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima)

Back 21

Fruit of a subtropical tree, native to Mexico and South America.
The tree is a member of the Laurel (Lauraceae) family .

Avocado butter is produced from the rich flesh of the fruit. It melts with ease, making it effective for skin and hair care products.

The fruit contains unsaturated oil that rehydrates skin. The oil soothes the upper layers of skin and is very good for dry, cracked, aging and peeling skin.

Avocado oil is reputed to be beneficial in reducing age spots and the appearance of scars. It is recommended for fine lines and wrinkles, and said to help protect skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Unruly or dry hair will benefit from avocado butter, as it is rich, nourishing, and softening.
Add strength, shine and condition to the hair. It rehydrates at the same time, giving you a unique bath-time experience.
Its drenching qualities provide a unique sensation when massaged onto the skin.

Front 22

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)

Back 22

The Aztecs believed the avocado had aphrodisiac qualities because of its shape.

The name avocado is derived from the Mexican name ‘ahuacatl,’ a shortening of the Aztec name ‘ahuacacuahatl.’

Cold Cold-pressing the flesh of the avocado makes avocado oil. It takes ten fruits to produce one teaspoon of the rich and thick oil. This oil absorbs easily and it is full of beneficial fatty acids and vitamins.

Avocado contains more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C and E, proteins, lecithin and potassium (the latter of which is sometimes called the ‘youth mineral’).

In the US, avocado oil is patented as a treatment for some forms of dermatitis and arthritis. It is reported that long-term treatment with avocado oil can help to relieve eczema.

Avocado oil is reputed to be beneficial in reducing age spots and the appearance of scars because it has a high content of unsaponifiables (sterolins) that soften and moisturize skin’s upper layer.

It is also recommended for fine lines and wrinkles and is said to help protect skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Unruly or dry hair will benefit from avocado; rich and nourishing, it helps to add strength and shine and conditions the hair, too.

Front 23

Balsamic Vinegar

Back 23

Vinegars formed an important part of ancient hair rinses and skin treatments. We've used various types of vinegars across a range of our products. Balsamic vinegar is usually found in our hair care.

Balsamic vinegar is a staple of Italian cooking and it's used in ways we might recognize (in salad dressings; to marinade fish and meat dishes) and in ways we might not - such as drizzled on ice cream or on fresh strawberries to enhance their flavour!

Vinegars are highly acidic and help to preserve natural cosmetics.

Balsamic vinegar is white grapes and wine vinegar placed in wooden barrels and aged for up to 25 years. Each variety gains some flavour from the type of wood used for barrels.

gives hair a glossy shine and a soft texture. This is due to the acid nature of vinegar, which smoothes down the cuticles on the hair shaft allowing light to be reflected evenly. Balsamic vinegar has a resinous, syrupy quality that conditions hair even more than other vinegars.

Front 24

Bamboo Leaf infusion (Bambusa arundinacea)

Back 24

Bamboo is a tall, tree-like, hollow grass native to Asia, islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. It grows rapidly, sometimes up to 10 centimetres per day.

The shoots are edible and are popular in Asian cuisine. They taste a little bit like sweet corn, but take on the flavour of whatever else is in the dish.

We take fresh bamboo stems, crush them and infuse them in water. The resulting mixture is then added to our fresh, handmade cosmetics.

Bamboo is the richest plant source of silica, containing significantly more of this material than horsetail. Silica is a silicon and oxygen compound that makes up most of the earth’s crust. They have a wide array of industrial and cosmetic applications.

The skin, hair, nails and connective tissues all contain trace amounts of silica. Bamboo silica is soothing and helpful for damaged, itchy or irritated skins.

Bamboo also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, B and C, adding to the infusion’s skin care properties.

Front 25

Basil Oil

Back 25

Basil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the plant.

The plant belongs to the Labiatae family and originates from tropical Asia, although it is now cultivated all over Europe and the USA.

The leaves are green and the flowers can be pink or white, depending on the species of the plant.

Basil is used in cooking in pasta sauces, soups, stuffing, and raw in salads.

Whole plants are cut as flowering begins and distilled for oil. Leaves are picked during the growing season and used fresh, juiced, or dried for infusions.

Medicinally, it is used externally to treat acne, insect stings, and skin infections.

The oil obtained from the flowering tops is a green-yellow colour and has a sweet, peppery and almost liquorice-like aroma.

The main constituents are linalool and eugenol, which give the oil antiseptic and antiviral properties.

Aromatherapists believe basil oil is antidepressant. It is also used to help spot-prone skin.

Front 26

Bay Leaf Infusion (Pimenta Acris)

Back 26

Bay (Pimenta acris) is a little evergreen tree. It grows approximately 30 feet in height. It originated in Southern Europe, Morocco and Spain.

Its leaves were used to crown the victors at the Olympic games. It is a symbol of wisdom, protection and peace.

Bay is said to bring pleasant dreams if left under your pillow.

Romans used bay to scent their bath water, as it is sweet and spicy.

Ancient cultures believed it could bring happiness, stimulate clairvoyance and bring artistic inspiration.

Bay is revered for its ability to open the heart and mind, to engender love and devotion and to strengthen faith, compassion and clarity

Bay is antiseptic, astringent, stimulant and a tonic. We use it to stimulate and tone the scalp. Helps to clear dandruff and clean greasy hair.

An infusion is prepared by soaking the leaves in boiling water for approximately thirty minutes. This liquid is then filtered and added to the product.

Front 27

Bay Oil (Laurus nobilis)

Back 27

Belongs to the Myrtaceae plant family. It is obtained from large evergreen trees that grow up to 8 metres high and produce large leaves and small fruits. It is indigenous to the West Indies, particularly to Dominica.

Leaves are collected in summer and dried whole, or as branches, for infusions, powders, and oil distillation.

Bay leaves are used in cooking as part of bouquet garni and are added to sauces, soups, vegetable stews and desserts.

Medicinally, bay is used to treat dandruff, sprains, bruises, and atonic ulcers.

It is extracted from the leaves of the tree by steam distillation.

Bay oil is dark yellow in colour and has a spicy and sweet aroma. The main constituent in bay oil is eugenol.

It is known to be antiseptic and warming.

Aromatherapists have traditionally used bay oil as a scalp conditioner and to promote hair growth.

We use bay oil in our New Shampoo Bar to condition the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Front 28

Bee Pollen

Back 28

Bee pollen is the food of the young bee.

Gathering six grams of bee pollen would take one bee eight hours a day for one month.

A single pellet of pollen contains two million grains of flower pollen. A teaspoonful contains 2.5 billion grains of flower pollen.

Researchers have found it impossible to recreate bee pollen in the laboratory; it is therefore concluded that the bees add their own special magic ingredient.

Bee pollen is a perfect food source, containing nearly all the nutrients that humans require.

Bee pollen is antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial, calmative, and tonic.

It is mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Chinese and Egyptian texts as a precious, valuable food.

Bee pollen is full of vital elements for the skin. Its nutritional composition gives it the ability to keep the skin healthy.

In The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask, it works with other beneficial ingredients to refresh the skin.

Front 29

Beeswax (Cera alba)

Back 29

Beeswax (Cera alba) is the substance that forms the structure of a honeycomb. Bees convert nectar into wax, building honeycomb to store their honey. Ten pounds of honey produces one pound of wax. It has a honey-like aroma and can be distilled into a fragrance.
It is said to be particularly effective in healing bruises, inflammation and burns.

Beeswax gives a rich emollient quality to creams, which is very useful for dry skin. Deeply moisturizing, it also creates a waterproof barrier on the skin.

It was part of the first cosmetic cream, created by Greek physician, Galen, in 150AD. The cream was beeswax, olive oil with water (or rose water) beaten into it. Because it cooled the skin, it was dubbed ‘cold cream,’ but it also softened and moisturized, too.
The moisturizing properties of the wax works in combination with essential oils and water to remove excess dirt and dead skin cells to thoroughly and gently deep cleanse the skin.

Front 30

Bentonite Gel

Back 30

Bentonite is a type of clay derived from volcanic ash deposits found in the United States of America, though it does occur around the world.

Bentonite holds up to fifteen times its own weight of water due to its platelet-like structure.

Bentonite gel has soothing qualities.

We use this clay gel as a base for face masks. It gives a wonderful slip and feel to the product, which makes it easy to apply.

These clays have healing qualities and have been traditionally used as poultices.

Bentonite gel absorbs grease and dirt from the skin, while tightening at the same time, smoothing out fine lines.

We use bentonite gel in many of our Fresh Face Masks, BB Seaweed, Sacred Truth, Ayesha, and Brazened Honey both as a gel base for the product, ease of application, plus the cleansing and soothing qualities.

We use bentonite gel in our Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask; it is deeply cleansing and gently tones the skin.

Front 31

Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax benzoin)

Back 31

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) is a Styraceae plant family (in Sumatra, Thailand and Java). The resin is collected from the bark. The hardened gum is refined through solvent extraction, to produce a resinoid or gum.

The two main chemical constituents of benzoin are coniferyl cinnamate, an ester, and sumaresinolic acid. Esters are said to have powerful relaxing properties on the skin, and benzoin is commonly used to calm irritation in cracked, sore, and very dry skin conditions; to soothe the scalp.

Benzoin is best known for its sweet, balsamic, vanilla and ice cream-like essence. Used for its warming qualities, believed to stimulate blood flow and ease aching muscles. Said to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

It has been used for many years as an ingredient of incense, to help reduce stress and for its antibacterial, natural preservative, and an antiseptic. Provides a protective film on the skin and hair, which prevents it from losing moisture and gives hair shine.

Front 32

Benzyl Salicylate

Back 32

Benzyl salicylate is a white, crystalline powder and has a faint balsamic note.

It is a naturally occurring constituent of essential oils, including cananga and ylang ylang oils.

As a fragrance material itself, it gives a lasting quality to perfumes, as well as a faint balsamic odor.

Front 33

Benzyl Alcohol

Back 33

Benzyl alcohol has a sweet odor.

It is a natural constituent of several essential oils, including ylang ylang, jasmine and styrax.

It is a preservative approved by The Soil Association for use in organic cosmetics.

We often use it as a fragrance element.

It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

It occurs naturally in our Flying Fox shower gel as a natural constituent of jasmine absolute and ylang ylang oil.

We use benzyl alcohol in our Daddy-O shampoo as a natural preservative.

Front 34

Benzyl Benzoate

Back 34

Benzyl benzoate is clear, colourless and has a faint balsamic odor.

It occurs naturally in essential oils, and is found in Ylang ylang, Rosewood, Cinnamon and Benzoin.

By law, we are required to display which fragrance materials we use in products. Benzyl benzoate, for example, must be listed whether it is a naturally occurring constituent of an essential oil, or added as an ingredient itself. This allows people with allergies to make informed choices with our products.

The Founders of LUSH use Benzyl benzoate, among others, as a fragrance material.

Benzyl benzoate has excellent solvent properties, and can be used to dissolve other perfume materials.

A constituent of Cinnamon leaf oil.

Front 35

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)

Back 35

Bergamot is citrus oil obtained from the peel by cold expression. The fruit looks similar to a small orange. The predominant ingredient in Earl Grey tea.

Derives its name from a small town in Northern Italy called Bergamo.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, ladies using bergamot fragrances were unfortunately left with a permanent ‘pearl-necklace.’We use bergaptene-free bergamot oil; bergaptene is phototoxic and can permanently discolor the skin when exposed to sunlight.

Its uplifting properties are widely known; it can be very refreshing and has very relaxing properties. It has a light, fruity and floral fragrance. Its fresh and light fragrance makes it a natural anti-depressant. It is thought to clear the mind of anxious thoughts and help to give mental clarity.

Its antibacterial qualities can help in the treatment of acne and other skin infections. As bergamot is a fruit, it is slightly acidic; this acidity encourages the hair to lie flat, giving great shine and gloss to the hair.

Front 36

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Back 36

Native to Asia, this woody plant climbs as high as 20 feet in the wild, with spikes containing up to sixty berries. These are harvested, unripe, at full size, and dried in the sun to develop both flavour and colour. The blackening occurs due to enzymes in the berries and the outer surface becomes wrinkled.

Historically, pepper was valued to aid digestion and cause sneezing. Clinical trials have shown that the main constituent, piperine, acts as an anti-inflammatory, inhibits parasites and can protect the liver.

The oil is extracted from the berries of this plant by the method of steam distillation. It is usually colourless to pale green and has a spicy and sharp peppercorn smell. It is warming with stimulant properties. It can be an irritant in large quantities, so our inventors use it with great care.

Aromatherapists recommend black pepper oil for headaches, poor circulation, aching muscles, as a natural pain reliever and to combat mental fatigue.

Front 37

Black Treacle

Back 37

Sugar cane is a tropical and subtropical grass. Its long stems grow tall and produce blade-like leaves and clusters of white flowers. Treacle is thick, dark syrup. It is the by-product of refining from the second or third extraction process.

Black treacle is also known as molasses or black strap molasses.

Sugar cane was used medicinally in ancient China and India for the treatment of excessive alcohol consumption. It has also featured in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Many other types of sugar exist - for example, fructose (fruit sugar) and lactose (milk sugar), but we usually commonly use the word ‘sugar’ to refer to sucrose.

Folk medicine recommends black treacle as a mineral supplement.

We use black treacle in Double Choc tinted lip balm. It adds sweetness to the overall lickable flavour.

Front 38

Blue Cornflower Petals (Centaurea cyanus)

Back 38

Blue cornflower petals (Centaurea cyanus) are also known as Bluebottle, part of the knapweed family.

They are normally bright blue but occasionally they can be white, pink, or purple.

Cornflowers grow in cornfields and waste areas of land in Europe and western Asia.

Centaurea is named after the legendary centaur, Chiron, famed for his knowledge of herbs.

The flowers are cut as they open and are dried whole or as florets.

The florets can be used for potpourri.

Herbalists use cornflowers as an astringent herb, which is said to reduce inflammation, treat eye conditions, minor wounds and mouth ulcers.

Extracts of cornflowers are used in hair shampoos and rinses.

In our T’eo deodorant bar, we use the pretty blue petals to complement the wax base color and as a decorative finish.

Front 39

Blue Mallow Flowers (Malva sylvestris)

Back 39

The blue mallow (Malva sylvestris) grows between 18 to 36 inches in height.

It is a strong, hardy plant, often found growing on wasteland.

It has been used as a medicinal plant since Roman times. In the 16th century, it was known as a 'cure-all' or omnimorbia. The flowers were used fresh in compresses or dried for infusions and extracts.

You can eat its leaves and shoots in salads or vegetable dishes.

Blue mallow flowers are said to be gently astringent. They can reduce inflammation, red skin and they have a mucilaginous quality.

We use the dried flowers and mix them into products.

Front 40

Boronia Absolute (Boronia megastigma)

Back 40

This bushy evergreen shrub can grow up to six feet high all over western and south western Australia.

It belongs to the Rutaceae plant family and there are fifteen different species. Only Boronia megastigma is used for its perfume.

Its dark flowers are brown on the outside and yellow in the middle; it was once described by a botanist as an ideal graveyard plant.

The absolute is a dark green liquid with a fresh, rich and fruity aroma.

Front 41

Brandy

Back 41

Brandy is typically a distilled grape alcohol, made by fermenting grapes (wine). It can be made from other fruits, such as cherries and apples.

The name comes from Dutch brandewijn (burnt wine).

It was one of the first bases for cure-all tonics and colognes, thought to have originally been made by monks who perfected the art of distillation. The famous Queen of Hungary Water was made to a brandy base.

Commercial manufacturing of brandy started around the 16th century. Although brandy is made worldwide, only the Cognac region in France can call theirs by the same name. Brandy is typically aged in wooden barrels and its colour ranges from pale to caramel brown, depending on the production method.

As a cooking ingredient, brandy is an essential part of many cakes and puddings, and it’s a popular after dinner drink.

Front 42

Brazil Oil (Bertholletia excelsa)

Back 42

Brazil nuts are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, squalene and phytosterols, which are beneficial both internally and externally.

These nuts are so rich in oil that they will burn like a candle if lit.

Brazil nut oil has a high affinity with the natural oils produced by our skin and scalp and it will absorb with ease.

It is moisturizing and conditioning for skin and hair.

The oil is a popular cosmetic material and used in soaps, skincare and hair care.

They are the edible seeds of a South American tree, which grows in the Amazonian rain forest.

Brazil nuts are of great commercial importance to the local people there, and a vital part of the forest’s ecosystem.

We’ve used Brazil nut oil in our Jasmine and Henna Fluff-ease hair treatment to moisturize the scalp and add weight and shine to the hair.

Front 43

Brunello Lily infusion (Lilium Asiatic)

Back 43

Brunello lily (Lilium asiatic - 'brunello') True lilies belong to the same family (Liliaceae) as onion, leek, garlic, and chives.
The taste is reportedly akin to a parsnip or a potato.

We take the brunello lily flowers, chop them and add to hot boiled water to make our Brunello lily infusion.

Lilies have astringent properties (they shrink or constrict tissue or blood vessels) and some species are said to have analgesic (pain relieving) properties.

Treatments made from the plant have been used internally for menstrual pains, haemorrhoids and bronchial diseases; externally, they are traditionally used for hair loss, wounds, warts and broken capillaries.

Lilies have several traditional medicinal uses. Herbalists use lily to aid irritated or inflamed skin.

Lily is said to have skin tightening properties and some old beauty recipes suggest blending it with honey, or other softening ingredients, into a face mask.

Front 44

Buchu Oil (Barosma betulina)

Back 44

Buchu is a small evergreen shrub, belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is native to South Africa. The shrub gives off a very strong blackcurrant aroma.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from its small, 1cm-long leaves.

This shrub can grow up to 6 ft high and bears small white, star-like flowers.

The oil is dark yellow to brown in colour and has a strong blackcurrant and minty odor.

Buchu has been used as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oil by aromatherapists and is known as a traditional insect repellent due to its sharp scent.

We use buchu in our Summer Pudding soap for its fruity blackcurrant fragrance.

Front 45

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Back 45

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane is a white or pale yellow synthetic compound. It is used as a UVA absorber in sunscreen products. It has been safely and extensively used in cosmetics and sunscreens for decades.

We include it with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, a UVB screening compound. Combined, these compounds are highly effective in protecting from the damaging effects of the sun.

We use butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane sunscreen in our Ultralight lotion to help protect the skin from the effects of the sun in the bright outdoors.

Front 46

Cade Oil (Juniperus oxycedrus)

Back 46

Cade is a species of Juniper that grows in rocky areas and is native to many parts of the world, including Morocco, France and Portugal.

Cade oil is known as juniper tar.

It is obtained through distillation of the wood of the small shrubs. The distillate is stands for 15-20 days, during which it separates into three layers. The lowest layer is formed of tar, the middle is aqueous, and the top one is an oily layer, which is known as the oil of cade. The oil is reddish-brown or blackish in colour and has a strong, smoky aroma.

Cade oil is a highly effective fungicidal and antiseptic. It is sometimes referred to as 'nature’s coal tar.

We use it in our Soak and Float solid shampoo bar for its antimicrobial effect. Soak and Float can help alleviate the symptoms associated with itchy scalp conditions and dandruff. Cade oil deals with the microbes at the root of the problem.

Cade oil is said to soothe irritated eczema and may help to treat eczema on the scalp.

Front 47

Calamine Powder

Back 47

The name calamine is rooted in Latin, ‘calamina,’ which stems from the Greek, ‘kadmeia,’ meaning ‘Cadmean earth.’ This is a reference to Cadmus, the legendary founder of Thebes.

Calamine powder is mainly zinc oxide (ZnO), a white powder, with a dash of iron oxide, combining to produce a pretty, light pink powder.

Zinc oxide is also known as zinc white (or Chinese white,) and is used in medicinal ointments as an antiseptic. It comes from the mineral zincite, which is transformed into zinc oxide when exposed to high temperatures.

Calamine powder is one of the main constituents of the traditional calamine lotion that is used extensively to relieve redness, stinging and irritation of the skin.

Historically, it has been mixed with rose water to create a soothing face mask.

Calamine powder has also traditionally been used in face powders, dusting powders and toothpastes.

Calamine powder treats the skin with a gentle toning and antiseptic action.

Front 48

Camelia Oil (Camelia sinensis)

Back 48

Our Camellia oil comes from the seeds of the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) native to Japan, Korea and China. When the flower petals begin to wither, the whole flower head falls off.

The oil is one of the oldest known cooking oils used to make a range of dishes, such as Japanese tempura. It is rich in ‘good fats’ and beneficial antioxidants.

Camellia oil has high vitamin E oleic acid (omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acid) content. Camellia oil has a higher oleic acid content (80-88%) than olive oil (70-77%). Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and considered important for both cell protection and for the maintenance of our immune system and healthy skin. Since vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant, it is well suited for use in a topical cosmetic formula.

We use camellia oil for its ability to protect, nourish and add shine. Camellia oil also helps to counteract the effects of hard water and we have found this oil to be very effective in our solid conditioners.

Front 49

Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera)

Back 49

Candelilla wax is a hard and brittle wax extracted from the wax-coated stems of Candelilla shrubs (usually from the plant Euphorbia cerifera, syn. Euphorbia antisyphilitica). The plant grows wild in North-eastern Mexico and the plains and foothills of the Chihuahua desert. The plant has traditionally been harvested from the wild to extract the thick wax coating, originally used to make candles, giving candelilla its name ‘little candle.’
Can substitute beeswax, helping us to make our products conform to vegan requirements.
. It can act as an agent preventing moisture loss, as a barrier, to give substance and to enhance the texture of a formula.

Rowena, LUSH founder and product inventor, recently invented a new way of using candelilla wax; she combined it with jojoba oil to create Ultrabalm; a petroleum jelly-like occlusive substance, ideal for use in any circumstance where a barrier cream or a protective, cushioning texture is required.

Front 50

Cardamom Oil (Elettaria cardamomum)

Back 50

Cardamom is part of the ginger family, native to Ceylon and India. The seeds are used whole or ground. An essential oil is distilled from them, which can be colourless or yellow. The scent of the oil is sweet, spicy and almost balsamic.

It is the world's third most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla. Cardamom was first mentioned as a medicinal plant in China around AD720.

Cardamom is warming, aromatic, tonic and stimulant. In aromatherapy, it can be used to relax tired muscles and its reviving aroma refreshes the spirits. It can be warming and relaxing on tired joints.

Cardamom is antiseptic and astringent and can therefore have a tightening and toning effect on the skin.

Cardamom essential oil is effective in products for stimulating, aromatic massage and to flavour lip balm. It is lovely combined with other spicy or aromatic essential oils, such as ginger.

Front 51

Carnation Absolute (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Back 51

Carnation absolute is extracted from the flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus by solvent extraction.

The carnation flower is well known as an ornamental, garden border plant, and as a popular cut flower.

Carnation absolute originates from France and is known there as ‘absolute d’oeillet.’

Carnation absolute is a very thick, almost solid, dark green brownish liquid. It has a very strong herbal and floral aroma.

We use carnation absolute in our product perfumes and fine fragrances.

In our Christmas range, we have use the beautiful scent of carnation absolute in our Ruby Red Slippers Bubble Bar.

Our Potion hand and body lotion brought back in our Retro range has carnation absolute in its stunning perfume.

Ibiza Party shampoo has returned through the Retro selection to perfume your hair all night long.

Front 52

Carnauba Wax (Copernicia Cerifera)

Back 52

Carnauba wax (Copernicia cerifera) is native to Brazil.

Carnauba wax is an important vegetable wax. It is an exudation on the leaves of the tree.

Waxes from vegetable sources are often found on the leaves, preventing water loss.

The wax is obtained by drying selected leaves in the sun for days. The wax is turned to dust, which is removed by threshing. It is melted, strained and cooled.

Soap, paints, paper, batteries, gramophone records, candles, wax varnishes, insulation materials - as well as salves, ointments and cosmetics - utilize this wax.

Carnauba wax is very versatile, hard and brittle with an earthy note. Waxes are harder than fats, have a much higher melting point and do not become rancid.

We use it in blends with other waxes, such as cocoa butter, to add hardness to the texture of the product. It is useful in lipsticks and solid fragrances.

We use it in both our Honey Trap and Whipstick lip balms to create a stronger and firmer balm for the lips

Front 53

Carrageenan Extract

Back 53

Carrageenan extract is mucilage extracted from Irish moss seaweed. It is dried and powdered.

When it is rehydrated, the extract is versatile. It can act as a thickening agent, and durable films can be made from it.

Carrageenan extract can be found in many of the things we eat, desserts, puddings, yoghurt and other dairy products.

In gel form, carrageenan extract is an excellent moisturizing agent.

Copolymers are used in hair products to make gels transparent. Carrageenan extract is an excellent natural alternative.

In our shower jellies, the extract forms a solid base to carry fruit juices, infusions and shampoo bases

Front 54

Carrot Oil (Daucus carota)

Back 54

Carrot seed oil is a pale yellow liquid obtained by steam distillation.

The wild carrot is found in Asia, North Africa and Europe. It shares its Latin name with the commercially cultivated carrot, but it is actually its wild ancestor.

It is sometimes called Queen Anne’s lace in North America. The clusters of tiny white flowers look like lace and the red dots represent the blood where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle.

It has a slightly sweet and earthy aroma.

Can be used to condition hair, skin and gums.

Carrot seed oil contains carotene and vitamin A.

Carrot seed oil has traditionally been used by aromatherapists to help dry and itchy skin conditions and to help heal burns.

It has also been widely used as moisturizing oil for mature skins.

Front 55

Cassie Absolute

Back 55

Cassie is called sweet acacia or prickly Moses.

Cassie is a member of a fascinating acacia-genus of trees and shrubs which belongs to the pea (Fabaceae) family of plants.



The bark and pods yield a black dye; the seeds are pressed for cooking oil.


Aromatherapists use it for treating depression, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions where its beautiful, sunny note uplifts the spirits. Cassie absolute is a popular aphrodisiac.


Other types of Acacia:

Acacia catechu produces a dark brown, sticky substance known as ‘cutch,’ an important trade material between India and China in the 17th century.

Acacia senegal produces a resin which is known as gum arabic. Sudan produces 85% of the world's crop, which is uncultivated and collected in the wild. Gum arabic is used in chewing gum and confectionery. It is important in the food industry as a stabilizer, fixative, emulsifier and retardant for sugar crystallization. It is listed as E414.

Front 56

Cassis Absolute (Ribes nigrum)

Back 56

Blackcurrant belongs to the Grossulariaceae plant family and is native to Europe and Northern Asia. It is a small shrub that grows up to approximately 2m tall.

The leaves are quite large and green, and the flowers are coloured dark red to brown. The blackcurrant fruit itself is a small, dark purple berry.

Leaves are gathered during the growing season and used fresh, or dried for use in infusions.

The berries are picked when ripe; oil is extracted from ripe seeds.

Fruits and fruit extracts are used in desserts, jams, jellies, drinks, cordials, and liqueurs.

Cassis, or blackcurrant absolute is extracted by solvent extraction from the buds of the blackcurrant bush.

It is a thick, greenish paste that has a very strong blackcurrant aroma.

Front 57

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

Back 57

Castor oil is derived from the seed of the Ricinus communis plant. It is well tolerated by the skin and used as carrier oil, skin conditioning agent and an emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics.

It is mainly made up of ricinoleic acid; the oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds. The seeds contain ricin, which is poisonous, but it does not absorb into the expressed oil.

The oil also contains undecylenic acid, which is a powerful answer to dermal fungus. Antimicrobial properties of the two main derivatives of castor oil: ricinoleic and oleic acids.

Traditional uses of castor oil include the treatment of skin problems, burns, sunburns, skin disorders, skin cuts, and abrasions. Draws out sties in the eye. Used to cure headaches, muscle pains, and skin complaints.
Castor oil has better high temperature lubrication than most vegetable oils, making it ideal for use in cosmetics.

Front 58

Cedar Leaf Oil (Thuja Occidentalis)

Back 58

Thuja is a coniferous tree, native to North America. It grows up to 65 feet high with scale-like leaves and green seeds.

The tree reaches 15 years old before it is ready for oil extraction.

The oil, mainly produced in the USA and Canada, is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, twigs and bark.

This oil is also known commercially as thuja oil.

Cedar leaf oil is often used in room sprays, disinfectants, insecticides, paints, household and industrial cleansers.

In perfumery, it is used as a piquant top note. We use Cedar leaf oil for its camphoraceous, minty aroma.

Cedar leaf oil is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, fresh and woody aroma.

Cedar leaf oil is largely made up of thujone.

Aromatherapists use the oil for its astringent, diuretic and expectorant properties.

Front 59

Celery Seed Oil (Apium graveolens)

Back 59

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a small plant with a fleshy stalk and long leaves. It is part of the Umbelliferae family.

A native of southern Europe, it is grown throughout as a vegetable.

The oil is extracted from the seeds using steam distillation in India, Netherlands, China and the USA.
Its main constituent is limonene.

Aromatherapists use celery seed as antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative oil.

Front 60

Cetearyl Alcohol

Back 60

Cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy, solid material in the form of flakes. It is oil soluble, but it is not water-soluble. It is a mixture of fatty alcohols.

An alcohol in this sense is not a fermented mixture; it is a chemical compound of a certain molecular structure based on carbon and oxygen.

Fatty alcohols were originally prepared from fats and oils by hydrolysis, which produces fatty acids. These were then hydrogenated to form fatty alcohols. More efficient forms of hydrogenation enable fatty alcohols to be formed directly from triglycerides (vegetable oils).

Cetearyl alcohol is a wonderful emulsifier. In creams and lotions, it supports the main emulsion system and gives texture to the product. In conditioners, it creates a thickening effect. We use it about 1%.

Cetearyl alcohol in combination with other ingredients in the formula (such as triethanolamine and stearic acid) forms an emulsion. This stops the oil and water from separating.

Emulsifying quality enables effective fresh ingredients to be emulsified with softening cocoa butter and soya lecithin. The result is an effective product, which detangles the hair, leaving it with shine and excellent condition.

Front 61

Cetrimonium Bromide

Back 61

Cetrimonium bromide is an ammonium salt used in hair and skincare products.

It prevents static build-up that causes flyaway hair.

Cetrimonium bromide acts as a preservative.

It is also an emulsifier and a surface-active agent (surfactant).

All surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. It is this quality that allows oil and water to mix.

When used at above minimum concentration, the surfactant molecules become organized in a structure that can trap oil-based dirt. This allows the oil and dirt trapped in it to be rinsed away cleaning the hair.

We use cetrimonium bromide in our American Cream, Retread, Jungle, Veganese and Coolaulin hair conditioners; it allows the hair to lie flat and gives it a silky shine.

Front 62

Chamomile Blue Oil (Matricaria Chamomilla)

Back 62

The most commonly used varieties of chamomile are Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, syn. M. recutita). Though we do use both, we favour the German variety, known as chamomile blue and scented mayweed.

It is a sweetly scented.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation. It is strikingly blue. This blue colour is due to chamazulene, its main constituent.

Chamomile is one of the gentlest essential oils, making it suitable for children. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and sedative.
It is helpful for sensitive skins. It is used in aromatherapy to help hormone fluctuations and to ease period pains.

Chamomile can be used as an alternative to lavender, but works well with it in blends.

Chamomile oil is also used to soothe, irritated scalp conditions in our shampoos and hair products. We use chamomile oil in our Marilyn hair treatment for blonde hair to calm the scalp and to cleanse and brighten the hair.

Front 63

Chamomile Oil (Anthemis nobilis)

Back 63

The most commonly used varieties of chamomile are Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, syn. M. recutita).

Roman chamomile is an evergreen perennial with aromatic, finely- divided leaves. In summer, long stalked, solitary flowers are produced, with creamy white or yellow discs.

Chamomile flowers are collected when they are in full bloom and used fresh, frozen, or dried. The oil is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation.

Chamomile is one of the gentlest essential oils you can use, making it suitable for children. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and sedative.

Aromatherapists have used it for bruises, allergies, stress and depression. It is helpful for even the most sensitive of skins. It is used in aromatherapy to help hormone fluctuations and to ease period pains.

Front 64

Charcoal

Back 64

Charcoal is carbonised wood. Making charcoal is an ancient industry, not much practiced today. A variety of trees (oak, ash, hazel and chestnut) are grown in coppices. Their lower branches are cut off to encourage a higher canopy, encouraging a straight habit. These are used to make charcoal.

While young, the trees are cut, stacked and seasoned for a year. It is then stacked in kilns and burned for up to sixteen hours, until the wood is carbonised. This is then ground into a fine, black powder.

Our charcoal is bought from sustainable sources in Dorset. While slightly more expensive, it is of a high quality and has less environmental impact. We feel very proud of encouraging local industries.

Charcoal absorbs excess oils from our skin with its dry, soft texture, leaving it comfortable and balanced.

Our Coalface and Dark Angels cleansers contain powdered charcoal, allowing it to absorb excess oils and cleanse deeply.

Front 65

Cherry Infusion (Prunus cerasus)

Back 65

The cherry tree (Prunus cerasus) has grown in Europe and Asia since 600 BC. It is known for its fragrant, white blossoms, which are followed by small, bright red fruits, sour cherries.

Ripe sour cherries are harvested by vigorously shaking the trees.

The cherries can be eaten raw, juiced, dried, frozen or tinned, cooked for use in pies, and jams and are also used for wine and liqueurs.

The cherry stone yields edible oil that, once refined, can be used in a salad dressing. The leaves can be used as a tea. A gum can be obtained from the trunk.

Traditionally, herbalists infused cherry fruit stalks to make a diuretic, astringent tonic for cystitis, oedema and diarrhoea.

Cherries are used medicinally for laxative and stimulant qualities and as a well-known remedy for rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

Studies suggest that sour cherries contain high levels of anthracyclines, are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

We make our infusion by adding dried cherries to hot boiled water.

Front 66

Chick Pea Flour (Cicer arietinum)

Back 66

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) are legumes and are roughly the size of hazelnuts.

The plant bearing them produces short, hairy pods containing the seeds.

They originated in ancient Mesopotamia and have been cultivated since around 5000 B.C. From there, they spread to the Mediterranean, India and Asia.

They were eventually introduced to Europe through Spain, where they are called garbanzos.

Chickpeas are a favourite of Asian, Middle Eastern and vegetarian cuisine, found in hummus and falafel.

Chickpeas can be ground to a fine powder, which is known as gram flour. It is full of protein and is used to thicken soups or mixed with water to form a batter for dosai.

Chickpeas are a rich source of minerals and vitamins.

Gram flour’s absorbency helps to control moisture, making it ideal in dusting powders.

In Karma dusting powder, the flour helps to keep skin dry and free from perspiration, ensuring silky smooth skin.

Front 67

Chickweed Extract (Stellaria media)

Back 67

Chickweed’s Latin name, ‘Stellariastellaria,’ refers to the star-like shape of its delicate, white flowers. Chickweed is found in most gardens in the U.K. It is prolific in fields, wastelands, cultivated ground and woods in the U.S.A.

It was an edible, green food source, providing nutrition through the colder months, and provided food for birds. Chickweed was used by physicians in the 1600s and is well documented by Culpepper in ‘The English Physician Enlarged.’

For centuries, herbalists have used chickweed for its soothing and cooling qualities reduce itching associated with dry skin conditions such as eczema.

Front 68

Cinnamon Powder (Cinnamomum cassia)

Back 68

The ancient spice, cinnamomum cassia, comes from the inner bark of a tropical, evergreen species of the Laurel family. It is native to India and Sri Lanka.

The familiar cinnamon quills are prepared from bark, stripped from the tree’s shoots. The outer bark is stripped away, leaving the inner bark to dry out and curl.

Cinnamon quills, according to legends, were used to make the nest of the mythical phoenix.

Cinnamon has a fragrant, spicy, intensely warming and slightly sweet flavor.A good cleansing herb, it also has powerful antiseptic properties. I

Essential oils are distilled from the leaves and bark of the cinnamon tree. We use cinnamon leaf essential oil in fragrances to warm the body and soothe the senses. Its stimulating effect tightens the skin and increases the circulation. It is excellent for exhaustion as its warming scent relaxes the body and lifts the spirit.

Essential oils from cinnamon have very powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial effects.

Front 69

Citric Acid

Back 69

Citric acid is a naturally occurring fruit acid.In lemons and limes, it can account for up to 8% of the dry weight.

We source citric acid from Europe.

Our citric acid is produced from non-genetically modified sugar beet or molasses. The molasses are crushed, mixed with lime and stacked in trays; the mix is then sprayed with a natural mould spore, allowing the fermenting mix to turn grey and fuzzy, eventually becoming citric acid.

It is a white crystalline powder, which is odorless and tastes very acidic.

Alchemists were aware of the acid as early as 700AD. It was first isolated in 1784 (from crystallized lemon juice) by Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele.

It was first mass-produced on an industrial scale in 1860 as a by-product of the Italian citrus fruit industry. In 1893, it was discovered that penicilium mould could be used to help produce the acid by means of fermenting carbohydrates. In 1917, aspergillus niger was used, thereby leading to today’s commonly used process.

Front 70

Citronellol

Back 70

Citronellol is a colorless liquid with a sweet, rose-like odor.

It is a constituent of essential oils. These include rose, geranium, neroli, chamomile, tagetes, lemongrass, basil and lavender.

Perfumes give our products a rare and unique identity, and we use only the finest. As such, we use citronellol as a fragrance material, as it sweetens fragrances, particularly floral types.

Citronellol features broadly across our product ranges, occurring naturally in essential oils, meaning its sweet fragrance is found in many of our favourite products; from our Cacas No Sh*t hair colours to our Karma range of products; our famous Charity Pot, to our T for Toes dusting powder and luxurious You’ve Been Mangoed bath melt.

Front 71

Clary Sage Oil (Salvia sclarea)

Back 71

The sage genus belongs to the mint (Lamiaceae) family of plants. Native to southern Europe, clary sage now grows worldwide, especially in warmer temperate regions.

Clary sage is a biennial herb, which grows to a height of about two feet. Its flowers are lilac and cream colored, appearing in spring, and it has large, wrinkled leaves.

We use clary sage oil distilled in Russia. Its aroma is strong and heavy, smelling herbal and green.

Clary sage essential oil is warming and relaxing.

It is used in aromatherapy for calming the nerves, encouraging feelings of well-being and helping to see life in perspective.

We also use it for the reputedly strong aphrodisiac qualities. It is most potent in bath products.

Aromatherapists believe it is stimulating, sensuous and evocative. Clary sage is thought to be soothing, good for aiding fantasy, and helping to bring out deeper responses.

Front 72

Cleavers Infusion (Galium aparine)

Back 72

Cleavers herb (Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass, stickyweed, sticky Willy, is a climbing weed. Because of the tenacious hooks on its leaves, stem, fruit and seed pods, it sticks to anything it touches.

Its greenish-white flowers bloom in June and July, followed by two-lobed bristly fruits.

It is found in Europe and Asia.

Cleavers belongs to the same family as the coffee plant (Rubiacea), making it an excellent substitute for coffee.

The plants are cut when flowering, use fresh for juice or put in oil and dried for infusions, liquid extracts,and tablets.
It is edible when cooked and used as a vegetable in China.

We produce an infusion by adding the dried herb to boiled water.

Cleavers has traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat all skin disorders, and was considered beneficial in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and rashes.

Cleavers are used by herbalists for ulcers, skin inflammations, minor injuries and psoriasis.

Front 73

Clove Bud Oil (Eugenia caryophyllus)

Back 73

The clove is a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family. The tree can grow to be 90 years old and may yield 800lbs to 1,000lbs of cloves per year.

The familiar clove buds are the dried, aromatic flowers of the tree. They are picked before the blossoms open and dried for 48 hours in the sun, becoming brown in the process.

The essential oil is extracted from the flower buds by steam distillation;

The main constituent of the oil is eugenol. Clove bud oil possesses analgesic (pain relieving) properties and it is still used to fight toothache, mouth ulcers and infections today. It is antiseptic, stimulating and boosts circulation.

We use the spicy essential oil distilled from clove leaf and clove bud oil in warming perfume blends.

We use clove bud oil in all of our Les Cacas hair colours to improve the smell, and for its stimulant properties on the scalp.

Front 74

Clove Leaf Oil (Eugenia caryophyllus)

Back 74

The clove is a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family. The cultivation of clove trees has existed for at least 2000 years. The tree can grow to be 90 years old and may yield 800lbs to 1,000lbs of cloves per year.

The familiar clove buds are the dried, aromatic flowers of the tree. They are picked before the pink blossoms open and dried for 48 hours in the sun, becoming brown in the process.

Clove leaf oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs, which are harvested once a year by distillation. This produces a yellow to brown oil with a woody, warm and spicy sweet aroma.

Our clove leaf oil is from Madagascar and is antiseptic, stimulating and boosts circulation.

The main constituent of the oil is eugenol. Clove leaf oil possesses analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Isolate sugenol is used in pharmaceutical and dental preparations and is used today to fight toothache, mouth ulcers and infections.

Front 75

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

Back 75

The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao – ‘the food of the gods’) is native to tropical America and can grow up to approximately thirty feet tall. The tree yields fruit; To make cocoa butter, these seeds are fermented, which removes their bitterness. They are then cleaned, roasted and cracked to remove their hard shells. These 'cocoa nibs' are ground to a thick, oily paste called chocolate liquor.

The fat removed from the liquor goes through high pressure to separate the cocoa butter and cocoa powder. The butter is more than 50 % of the cocoa bean. It is rendered into pale yellow cocoa butter. Unlike most fats, the butter is not greasy. It has a hard consistency and smells like chocolate.

The butter is a natural emulsifier and softening for the skin. It is said to effectively relieve itchy, dry skin when applied topically. We use it across our entire range of products for its softening, moisturizing and conditioning properties.

Cocoa butter is a stable and dry butter.

Front 76

Coconut Cream (Cocos nucifera)

Back 76

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is thought to be native to the warm climates of Polynesia, Malaysia and southern Asia. The trees bloom and bear fruit throughout the year, growing a new flower spike nearly every month. This then becomes a cluster of six to twelve nuts. The nuts are the largest seed known to the world, and can take up to a year to fully mature.

Desiccated coconut is ground into a thick paste and pressed into bars to make creamed coconut.

We utilize creamed coconut in different ways; we grate it and also make it into an infusion.

We grate the creamed coconut bar to use it in our Coconut deodorant powder. Its soft texture makes it an ideal ingredient to keep your skin dry, comfortable and moisturized.

In our Trichomania solid shampoo, we melt the creamed coconut into the product as it is being made. It gives a beautiful shine to the hair and nourishes the scalp, too.

Front 77

Coconut Milk Powder (Cocos nucifera)

Back 77

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is thought to be native to the warm climates of Polynesia, Malaysia and southern Asia.

The trees bloom and bear fruit throughout the year, growing a new flower spike nearly every month. This then becomes a cluster of six to twelve nuts. The nuts are the largest seed known to the world, and can take up to a year to fully mature.

One tree can yield up to two hundred coconuts.

‘Kalpa vrishka,’ the Sanskrit name for the coconut, means ‘tree which gives all that is necessary for living.’


The white flesh (harvested from inside the nut) is washed, shredded and dried

To make coconut milk, the fresh coconut kernel is grated, and mixed with water. It is squeezed, filtered and spray dried to form a white powder.

Coconut milk powder is used in our Coconut deodorant powder. Adding coconut in its ground form is ideal for a powder product. It is soothing on the skin and protects it by locking in moisture.

Front 78

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

Back 78

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is thought to be native to the warm climates of Polynesia, Malaysia and southern Asia. The trees bloom and bear fruit throughout the year, growing a new flower spike nearly every month. This then becomes a cluster of six to twelve nuts. The nuts are the largest seed known to the world, and can take up to a year to fully mature.

The tree can yield two hundred coconuts.

‘Kalpa vrishka,’ the Sanskrit name for the coconut, means ‘tree which gives all that is necessary for living.’
The white flesh (harvested from inside the nut) is washed, shredded and dried.

When applied topically, coconut oil can reduce the symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema as it gives a natural balance to the skin.

We use extra virgin coconut oil in our Coconut deodorant powder as a binding agent, keeping all our ingredients together when applied.

Extra virgin coconut oil is the best grade to use in skincare.

Front 79

Coffee (Coffea arabica)

Back 79

The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is an evergreen shrub that grows up to five metres high. It grows fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers, which are then followed by deep red beans. The plant forms wild forests in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia.

Arabica is the most widely grown species, particularly in South America, and produces the best quality coffee.

Coffee is deeply aromatic and this makes it perfect for shower and bath products. Coffee beans were traditionally used to soothe the skin.

We infuse fresh, ground coffee in hot water, filter it and mix this delicious liquid in to the product. We also soak ground coffee beans with essential oils as an extract and use additional ground beans in a Bubble Bar mix. When added to a hot bath, the aroma and effect of the coffee is released.

Coffee contains up to 0.32% caffeine when it is fresh. Its caffeine content is used to increase the effect of aspirin and paracetamol. The powdered seeds have been used for reducing heat and inflammation.

Front 80

Cognac Oil (Vitis Vinifera)

Back 80

Cognac oil is native to France and is part of the Vitaceae family.

It is extracted by steam distillation from dried, fermented grapes. It is distilled to produce brandy, where it is separated from the residues created during the manufacture of the alcohol.

Cognac oil is also known as wine lees oil.

Cognac oil is pale yellow to green with a very strong, alcoholic and fruity aroma. In the past, green cognac oil was the result of using copper stills to distil the liquid. Now, companies add the green in artificially in order to fit their customer’s expectations!

The main constituent in cognac oil is ethyl pelargonate. It is used mostly in flavours and perfumes to give a subtle fruity note.

Cynthia Slyvia Stout shampoo boasts two references to alcohol, both the cognac oil and its stout. Blended together, they form the base of the products perfume.

Front 81

Cold Pressed Organic Starflower Oil (Borago officinalis)

Back 81

Starflower (Borage officinalis), or borage, is an old medicinal and culinary herb. While borage is a native of the Mediterranean, West Asia and Northern Africa, it is now naturalized in most temperate zones.

It is used in herbal medicine to soothe damaged or irritated skin. It is thought to have mild sedative and anti-depressant effects.

The oil is obtained from the tiny seeds of the borage plant. These are ready for harvest in the autumn when the flowers have been replaced by hairy seedpods. The seeds from the borage plant have been grown organically and cold-pressed to obtain the starflower oil.

Starflower oil shares properties of evening primrose oil, as they both contain gamma linolenic acid or GLA. Though evening primrose is probably the best-known source, Starflower oil contains the highest amount of gamma-linolenic acid in nature. GLA can help to regulate hormone levels, vital bodily functions, and bring many benefits to the skin.

Front 82

Coriander Oil (Coriandrum sativum)

Back 82

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is also known as Chinese parsley, Mexican parsley and cilantro in Spanish and Dhanyaka in India. It is native to the Middle East, but now grows all over the world. It is a member of the carrot family (Umbelliferae).

Coriander grows up to three feet in height. Its leaves are feathery and it bears purple-tinged or white flowers and small green seeds. The pale-coloured oil is steam distilled from these seeds.

The seeds have been found in Bronze Age ruins on the Aegean islands and in tombs of the Pharaohs. It was grown in the hanging gardens of Babylon. The Romans used coriander to flavour wine and brought it to Britain.

Coriander seed oil has a sweet, spicy, strong and woody aroma. Its main constituents are linalool and geraniol. It is deodorizing and stimulating.

The ancient Egyptians called coriander the spice of happiness and they used it as an aphrodisiac. It was also referred to as an aphrodisiac in the Arabian fantasy One Thousand and One Nights.

Front 83

Corn Silk Infusion (Zea mays)

Back 83

Corn (Zea mays) is also known as maize starch and cornstarch. It is native to Central America and the Native Americans called it mahiz.

Zea comes from the Greek ‘zeia,’ meaning grain or cereal, and ‘mays’ from the Native American.

It is a fine, silken powder milled from the dried seed cobs of corn.

There are five varieties of corn: dent, flint, flour, popcorn and sweet corn. It is an annual grass and tolerates most climates very well. It is now grown in most parts of the world.

The plant itself has a long stem, growing up to five feet and flowering in early summer. The cobs are harvested immature or ripe for culinary use, but always ripe for use as cereals, flour, oil or syrup.

Corn silk is the female flower of the corn plant. We infuse corn silk in boiled water and strain the mixture. This is added to our Okra conditioner for its softening, conditioning action on the hair.

Front 84

Cornflower Petals (Centaurea cyanus)

Back 84

Cornflower petals (Centaurea cyanus) are also known as bluebottle, part of the knapweed family.

It is a tall, slender, annual plant with long, fine, grey-green leaves. In the summer, it grows bright blue flowers. It is found in both cornfields and waste ground in Europe and western Asia.

Centaurea is named after the legendary centaur, Chiron, famed for his knowledge of herbs. Herbalists use cornflowers as an astringent herb, which is said to reduce inflammation and treat eye conditions, minor wounds and mouth ulcers.

We use cornflower petals in our Hard shampoo bar. When used on wet hair, the petals infuse with the water and care for the scalp.

In our T’eo deodorant bar, we use the blue petals to complement the wax base colour, and as a decorative finish.

Front 85

Cornstarch (Zea mays)

Back 85

Cornstarch (Zea mays) is also known as maize starch and cornflour. It is native to Central America and the Native Americans called it mahiz. Zea comes from the Greek ‘zeia,’ meaning grain or cereal, and ‘mays’ from the Native American.

It is a fine, silken powder milled from the dried seed cobs of corn.

There are five varieties of corn: dent, flint, flour, popcorn and sweet corn. It is an annual grass and tolerates most climates very well. It is now grown in most parts of the world.

The plant itself has a long stem, growing up to five feet and flowering in early summer. The cobs are harvested immature or ripe for culinary use, but always ripe for use as cereals, flour, oil or syrup.

Cornstarch can be used for culinary purposes, particularly as a thickener.

It is highly absorbent, making it ideal for use in body powders to mop up moisture. Its fine texture makes skin feel silky and smooth.

Front 86

Coumarin

Back 86

Coumarin is a chemical compound, occurring naturally in some essential oils and absolutes, such as tonka bean and lavender.

It has a very sweet, vanilla-like aroma, which is often described as similar to freshly mown hay.

We use this perfume raw material as part of our perfume blends in our Big Blue Bath Bomb, Daddy-O shampoo, and our American Cream hair conditioner.

Front 87

Cowslips (Primula veris)

Back 87

Cowslips (Primula veris) are perennials with oblong leaves. In spring, they grow small, yellow flowers in clusters at the top of long stalks.

Our cowslips originate from Europe and Western Asia.

The flowers are handpicked in spring and used fresh, or dried, for use in infusions, ointments, and tinctures.

They can be eaten in salads, candies and used in beverages.

Medicinally, they are used internally for coughs, arthritis, insomnia and headaches.

Externally, herbalists use them for facial neuralgia, arthritic pain, skin blemishes, sunburn and migraine.

In a bath melt, the dried cowslips can mix with the water, creating a weak infusion and a wonderfully relaxing bath.

We use dried cowslips in our Ceridwen’s Cauldron luxury bath melt as one of the ingredients in this extremely relaxing bath experience.

Front 88

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Back 88

Vaccinium is the Latin name for the blue berry family. Vacca means cow, and cows are attracted to this plant. Macrocarpon relates to large fruits or seed pods.

The cranberry is a small evergreen shrub native to bogs and swamps across America. The berries are green when they first appear and turn red as they ripen.

We buy our dried cranberries from USA.

Cranberries contain benzoic acid, which acts as a natural preservative. They also contain tannic acid (proanthocyanidins) and oxalic acids.

Fresh cranberries are used for sauces, jellies and are juiced.

Dried cranberries can be used like raisins.

Internally, cranberries and cranberry juice have been used in folk medicine to treat infections of the urinary tract.

We use dried cranberries in our Sultana of soap, for mild exfoliation, and decoration.

Front 89

Cream of Tartar (Tartaric acid)

Back 89

Cream of tartar is a byproduct of the winemaking industry. During fermentation, a sediment forms on the inside of the barrels, containing tartaric acid. These are crystals of argolis. These are ground, purified, dried, and reground to produce cream of tartar.

Cream of tartar in our Bubble Bars helps to give those fantastically frothy, Hollywood-style bubbles.

We use cream of tartar, sodium bicarbonate in combination with a shampoo base to form a versatile paste.

This paste can be used to make an endless variety of different shapes.

Front 90

Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum)

Back 90

The cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) is a tropical tree native to Amazon rainforest. It is related to cacao – the tree from which cocoa beans are obtained. The trees can grow to heights of 20 metres, producing large and heavy oval fruits. These contain sweet and sour edible pulp and rows of nutritious seeds.

Cupuaçu butter is obtained by cold-pressing.

Cupuaçu butter is a soft and nourishing emollient and easily absorbs water. It stabilizes emulsions and moisturizes skin. The butter is consists of various beneficial fatty acids (including palmitic, stearic and oleic acids), plant polyphenols and sterols.

Similar in ways to cocoa butter, it is particularly useful as a vegan alternative to animal derived lanolin.

Front 91

Currant

Back 91

Black corinth is a small, dark purple seedless grape, which is very sweet.

These grapes are also known as Zante currant, which refers to the Greek island where they first grew.

Black corinth are mainly dried for confectionery and baking.

These small grapes are grown in Greece and Australia;
Grape is the generic name given to the berry of a grape vine plant.

One of the most praised health foods, grapes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, containing magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C and several of the vitamin B group.

Grapes are a natural source of malic acid, an important Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) ingredient in cosmetics.

Front 92

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)

Back 92

Cupressus sempervirens, the Italian cypress, belongs to the Cupressaceae plant family. The trees are tall, reaching heights of 140 feet, with small flowers and brownish-grey cones.

Its Latin name (sempervirens) means ‘evergreen.’

The oil is obtained from the leaves and cones of the tree by steam distillation.

They have small flowers and brownish-grey cones.

Cypress oil is almost colorless and has a fresh woody aroma. It is astringent, deodorant, toning and antiseptic oil. Aromatherapists believe it can be calming during times of emotional stress.