Ingredients - Skincare

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It can be daunting reading cosmetic labels and seeing a long chemical sounding names. An initial reaction may be that the ingredients are synthetic or possibly harmful, however this is not always the case. 

At BrightEssence all ingredients are listed on the website and on the product label, and you can learn more about the individual ingredients below.

Ingredients

Allantoin
Allantoin helps boost healing by increasing skin cell turnover. It is moisturising, soothing, anti-irritating, and stimulates healthy tissue production. 

Allantoin is a naturally occurring compound that helps protect the skin. Your own body makes allantoin, and it is also derived from plants like comfrey, however most allantoin used in cosmetics is synthetically produced

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has hydrating and soothing properties. It contains bioactive compounds that help promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Apricot Kernal Oil
Apricot Kernal Oil is a lightweight fast absorbing plant oil - it is used to soften skin and support the moisture barrier.

Aqua (Water)
Water plays an important role in creating emulsions for face and body creams. Moisturisers made only from oil can be greasy and heavy - water lightens the product, helps disperse ingredients, and adds hydration to the skin. 

Products containing water (or water-based products like hydrosols) need an emulsifier to combine the water and oils, and they also require a preservative because water provides an environment for bacteria and yeasts to grown.

Avocado oil (Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil)
Avocado oil is a beautiful, rich emollient that is recommended for dry and sensitive skin. It is a liquid monounsaturated carrier oil typically pressed from the flesh of the avocado. 

Avocado oil contains beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E, which helps moisturise and protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also increase collagen metabolism. 

Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Behentrimonium methosulfate is a synthetic compound derived from rapeseed oil. It is considered safe for use in skincare and haircare products and is not a sulfate despite its name.

Behentrimonium methosulfate is the primary active ingredient in BTMS-50, which is a cationic (positively charged) emulsifier that binds water and oil together. It gives products the most luxurious, wonderful skin feel and leaves hair feeling stunning.

Calendula 
Calendula is a plant with vibrant yellow or orange flowers. The flowers are used in extractions or to infuse carrier oils. Calendula flowers have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and may assist wound healing.

Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia seed oil is a lightweight oil that absorbs into skin quickly and easily, leaving it feeling smooth. It contains vitamins A, B and E which can help restore skin.

Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
Caprylic/capric triglycerides is a fast-absorbing light emollient which is a mixture of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is commonly used for its moisturizing and skin-replenishing properties. It is also known as fractionated coconut oil.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols. It stabilises emulsions, enhances viscosity, add body and thickness to lotions. It is considered natural and generally derived from palm or coconut oils.

Cetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Olivate is an ester derived from cetearyl alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. It is paired with Sorbitan Olivate to create the COSMOS certified emulsifier Olivem 1000.

Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol, usually derived from palm or coconut oils, which is used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener to give body to lotions and body butters, as well as improving slip. 

Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant with small white daisy-like flowers. In skincare it is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and it is beneficial for calming sensitive skin and reducing redness. It can be infused into oils, and other forms include hydrosols and cellular extracts.

Citric Acid
Citric acid is used in cosmetics as a pH regulator (it lowers pH) – having the correct pH value is vital to ensure preservative efficacy, which maintains product safety and stability.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a liquid surfactant made from coconut oil. It helps improve foam and stabilise lather. It is an effective cleanser and suitable for sensitive skin. 

Coco-Caprylate
Coco-caprylate is a plant-derived ester made by combining fatty alcohols from coconut oil with caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that also comes from coconut or palm sources. The result is a clear lightweight liquid that feels similar to natural skin oils.

Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal made from the whole grain of Avena sativa. It is well known and widely used in skincare for its calming and soothing qualities and is usually well tolerated by people with very sensitive skin or eczema.

Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerful herb known for its healing properties. In cosmetics it is used for its skin-healing properties – it naturally contains allantoin, a property which promotes cell regeneration and helps maintain skin hydration. It is said to be effective in soothing irritation and minimizing the appearance of scars and wrinkles.

Diazolidinyl Urea
*See Liquid Germall Plus

Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and smoothing properties. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and improve texture and reduce tackiness.

There is a myth that silicones are bad for skin, however dimethicone and other silicones have been studied extensively and have been continuously found to be very safe (https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Methicones.pdf). The main negative aspect of silicones is that due to their robust chemical structure they are harder to break down and not bio-degradable, which means there can be environmental concerns when used in wash-off products like conditioners.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic preservative which is used on conjunction with other preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol to make the preservative system more robust.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose oil comes from the pressed seeds of Evening Primrose flower. It is rich in Omega 6 which is beneficial for dry, irritated or inflamed skin.

Glycerin
Glycerin can be derived from animal or vegetable sources or as a by-product of biodiesel production - BrightEssence only uses pure vegetable glycerine. It is a sugar alcohol which is used as a humectant, which draws moisture to the skin.

Gluconolactone
Gluconolactone, also known as D-Glucono-1,5-lactone, is a mild acid derived from gluconic acid, which in turn comes from the natural fermentation of glucose found in corn and other plant sources.

It has chelating properties which help keeps products stable and effective for longer and skin conditioning properties that draw moisture to the skin, helping keep it soft and supple.

It is used in the broad-spectrum preservative Geogard Ultra.

Glyceryl Stearate
Glyceryl stearate is an anionic emulsifier which is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (a natural fatty acid obtained from coconuts, palm kernels, or olives).

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Glyceryl stearate citrate is a plant-derived emulsifier and emollient used in skincare products to help blend water and oils, providing a smooth texture and hydration to the skin. It is safe for sensitive skin. It is similar to glyceryl stearate, but has a citric acid molecule attached to its glycerin.

Green Tea Leaf Extract
Green Tea Leaf Extract has antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from damage and reduce signs of aging. It also soothes inflammation, fights acne, and improves skin hydration.

Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help acne, eczema, and its omega-3 and 6 fatty acids can improve dry skin. The oil is green and has a grassy scent which adds natural colour and scent to creams.

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate & Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate (and) Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables is a natural lightweight emollient derived from olives. It is natural vegetable alternative to silicones like Cyclomethicone D5. It is used to lighten up oils (reduce greasiness) and increase slip.

Hydrolysed Oat Protein
Hydrolysed oat protein helps moisturise and hydrate skin, and it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydrosols (Floral Waters) 
Hydrosols are a by-product from the distillation process for essential oils - plant matter is distilled with water and steam and the distillate is then simply separated into an oil fraction - the essential oil, and a water fraction - the hydrosol. 

Some hydrosols used in BrightEssence formulations are: rose, chamomile, neroli, lavender and kanuka hydrosols.

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
*See Liquid Germall Plus

Isoamyl Laurate
Isoamyl Laurate is a light-weight oily ester that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving a dry, silicone-like feeling. It is a naturally derived product – it is the ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid and can be used as a silicone-alternative.

Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil)
Jojoba oil penetrates the skin easily and closely mimics the makeup of the sebum our own skin produces, making it a wonderful moisturiser by helping seal in moisture. 

Kaolin Clay
Kaolin Clay helps to cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify the skin while absorbing excess oil without causing dryness.

Liquid Germall Plus
Liquid Germall Plus, a well-established broad-spectrum preservative which contains Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

It is not classed as a natural preservative, and the EU has placed restrictions on the use of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate that it should not be used on children under three. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that iodopropynyl butylcarbamate is safe as a cosmetic ingredient at concentrations 0.1%.  The maximum usage rate of 0.5% Liquid Germall Plus results in 0.002% Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate in finished formulations, which is well under the maximum limit.

The reason the preservative is still widely used is because it is very effective against bacteria, yeast and mould, and it does not affect the pH of the product (pH can affect the stability of the emulsion and efficacy of preservatives).

Mango butter (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter)
Mango butter is butter pressed from the mango seeds. It provides non-greasy deep hydration. It is non-comedogenic, that is, it does doesn’t contain compounds that are known to irritate skin, even sensitive skin.  

Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
When D-panthenol (also known as Provitamin B5) is absorbed by the skin it is rapidly converted into D-pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), and the skin can benefit from its amazing properties.

Panthenol acts as a moisturiser by drawing water from deeper layers of the skin into the upper layers of the skin. It helps with softness and elasticity, and is anti-inflammatory. It stimulates skin re-generation and boosts healing.

PEG-20 Stearate
PEG-20 Stearate is a soft-waxy solid used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, cleanser, and moisturiser. 

PEG Stearates are esters of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. The 20 stands for the average number of ethylene oxide monomers in the polyethylene chain. It is a synthetic product but has been approved as safe for use in cosmetics.

Peg-100 Stearate
Peg-100 Stearate is a non-ionic emulsifier which is formed from polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It creates smooth and light emulsions without thickening, which allows the formulator to control the final viscosity/thickness of the product.

Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a widely used synthetic preservative which protects from microbes and mould. Phenoxyethanol is often paired with other preservatives such Ethylhexylglycerin or Caprylyl Glycol.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic gelling agent which can thicken and stabilise formulations. While there are natural gelling agents available like xanthan gum, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 has a better sensory feel when used in higher concentrations compared to xanthan gum.

Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic emulsifier and dispersant/solubilizer. It is a synthetic product made by reacting the polyol and sorbitol with ethylene oxide. In cleansing products, Polysorbate 80 increases cleansing power and boosts rinse-off.

Propanediol
Propanediol is a naturally derived colourless and highly pure glycol derived from a sustainable and renewable corn sugar fermentation process. It is often used as a humectant to provide increased hydration to the skin.

Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant, a solvent, a preservative, and an emollient. At BrightEssence, it is only used when it is contained in a preservative – refer to Liquid Germall Plus

Shea Butter
Shea butter is a rich, soft, creamy butter made from the nut of the shea fruit. It is slow to absorb so offers long-lasting moisture, and it adds creaminess to the product.

Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is included in cosmetic preservatives for its anti-microbial benefits, especially as an anti-fungal. It is included in Geogard Ultra preservative.

Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in foods like cranberries. When sodium benzoate is dissolved in water, a portion of it converts to benzoic acid—the active, anti-microbial form of the ingredient. 

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a very mild surfactant made from coconut fatty acids that produces a gentle lather. It is fully biodegradable and effective in hard water. It is gentle and suitable for babies, sensitive skin, and facial cleansers. 

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic acid)
Sodium hyaluronate is a humectant which draws moisture to the skin. It is naturally present in skin and tissues but can decrease as we age. It helps skins stay hydrated and elastic and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is used in cosmetics as a pH regulator (it raises pH) – having the correct pH value is vital to ensure preservative efficacy, which maintains product safety and stability.

Sodium Phytate
Sodium phytate is a chelating agent which stabilises formulations by binding to trace metals that can cause spoilage. It works with the preservation system to improve overall safety and stability. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and fully aligned with natural cosmetic standards — approved for use in COSMOS, ECOCERT, and NaTrue certified formulations.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is an anionic emulsifier produced from stearic and lactic acids. It is often combined with other emulsifiers and stabilisers such as glyceryl stearate and Cetearyl alcohol to produce stable emulsions in creams and lotions.

Sorbitan Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate is a natural emulsifier derived from olive oil and sorbitol. It is paired with Cetearyl Olivate to create the COSMOS certified emulsifier Olivem 1000.

Sorbitol
Similar to glycerine, sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickener and as a humectant.

Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a fatty acid from plant oils that is used to emulsify, thicken, and harden lotions, salves, body butters, and more.  It penetrates the skin, providing emollient, skin-softening properties.

Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a plant oil rich in vitamins A and E and omega-3 fatty acids. It has a medium absorption rate and is non-greasy, which makes a good moisturiser for the skin.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and beneficial skincare ingredient. It is primarily used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the oxidations of oils and delaying the onset of rancidity.

Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a natural gum made from the fermentation of sugar – it is used in cosmetics to stabilise and thicken emulsions.

Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering plant with fern-like leaves and small white or pink flowers. In cosmetics it is used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-repairing properties, making it effective for soothing irritated skin and promoting healing. It is particularly useful for acne, eczema and overall rejuvenation.