professional glossary
Strengthen your skills and competence for Authentic Beauty Concept with our technical glossary! Enjoy the benefits of this comprehensive package of background information on Authentic Beauty Concept, specially created to enhance expertise in the area of ingredients, technical data and performance benefits.
A
Alkane
C9-12 Alkane; C15-23 Alkane
Emollient100% plant-based ingredients. In contrast to all common sources, our material is not from mineral oil.
Silicone alternative, it supports the intense caring performance.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Plant ExtractThe cactus-like plant contains enzymes, amino acids and Polysaccharides, among other things. These provide different benefits, such as moisturising the hair and skin, as well as wound healing support.
B
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol
Plant ExtractNatural alternative to Retinol, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Calms and soothes skin.
Bamboo Cellulose
Cellulose
Texturizing AgentBamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world. Bamboo fibre is widely used in food industries and is much appreciated as an ingredient because of its texturizing properties.
Helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.
Basil Extract
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract
Plant ExtractA plant based ingredient. Basil is known for its soothing and purifying properties.
Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Behenoyl PG-Trimonium Chloride
Behenoyl PG-Trimonium Chloride
Hair conditioning agentA quaternary ammonium compound. This caring agent supports the anti-static and conditioning effect.
Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.
Benzophenone-4
Benzophenone-4
Photostabilizer and sunscreen agentIts used for its ability to absorb UV rays. It helps to protect the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients from deteriorating due to UV-light exposure. It covers UVB and short UVA (UVA-2) range rays.
Helps to protect against UV- rays.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol
Skin Conditioning AgentKnown for its anti-inflammatory properties, Bisabolol has a calming effect and helps to soothe feelings of discomfort on delicate skin and scalp. Because of this it's often included as a key ingredient in after sun care and products developed specifically for sensitive skin.
Butylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol
Conditioning agentOrganic, colorless alcohol used in cosmetics.
C
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire de Carnauba)
Style supporting agentA vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree (Copernica cerifera) known as the “Tree of Life.” Carnauba wax is the hardest natural wax available. It is widely used in the cosmetic, body care, food and pharmaceutical industries. It is extremely durable, and dries to a glossy finish. It is a great alternative to beeswax, and a crucial ingredient in the vegan cosmetics industry.
Creates hold and texture.
Carrageenan Moss
Chondrus Crispus Powder
StabilizerObtained from ground, red algae, rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Helps to protect the skin from visible effect of blue light exposure.
Ceteareth-25
Ceteareth-25
Emulsifying agentA non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols.
Provides medium hold and a moldable texture.
Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Plant ExtractA natural based ingredient. Cinnamon is known for its firming benefits & for hair anti-oxidant properties.
Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Citral
Fragrant Ingredient
Improves the pleasant smell of the formula.Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing and foaming agentA partly plant based ingredient; sulfate free cleansing surfactant used instead of traditional sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Cleanses well the hair. Removes impurities and greasiness and acts as a foaming agent.
Coconut Oil
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Hair conditioning agentA non-greasy and rapidly absorbed ingredient, giving deep hydration and conditioning to skin, scalp and hair.
Supports manageability and lasting care effects.
Coco-Caprylate
Coco-Caprylate
EmollientIngredient found naturally in coconut and palm kernel oil. Supports softening of the skin.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Natural OilA plant based, clear, light oil from Africa with social enhancement benefit.
Known as care ingredient, improves shine & hair feel.
D
Date Extract
Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Fruit Sinensis Leaf Extract
Plant ExtractA plant based ingredient. Date is known for its conditioning benefits & for hair anti-oxidant properties.
Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientA partly plant derived ingredient.
Fast spreading emollient. Known as silicone alternative.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient & solventAn ether of coconut oil (or other plant based oil) derived caprylic acid. It gives a non-greasy residue on the skin and hair and has been used as an alternative to silicones.
Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.
Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate
Distearoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate
Hair conditioning agentPartly plant based hair conditioning agent which can neutralize charges at the hair surface and therefore smoothen it.
Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.
E
Ethanol
Alcohol denat
SolventBiodegradable, alcohol derived from different natural sources (example: potato).
G
Geraniol
Fragrant Ingredient
Improves the pleasant smell of the formula with floral and citrus notes.Ginger
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Conditioning agentAlso called “life flower”, Ginseng finds its origin in Asiatic medicine since thousands of years. The older is the root, the richer it is in properties and active principles. It is known to improve blood circulation and balancing.
Ginseng
Ginseng
Plant ExtractAlso called 'life flower', Ginseng finds its origin in traditional Asian medicine and has been used for thousands of years. The older the root the richer it is in active properties. It helps to bring the scalp into a balanced state.
Glycerin
Glycerin
EmollientIngredient used for high moisturizing, occlusive effect. Smoothens and protects the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emulsifying agentEsterification product of glycerin and stearic acid.
Improves stability of the formula.
Green Tea Extract
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Plant ExtractA plant based ingredient. Green Tea is also well known for its anti-oxidant & energizing properties
Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Guar Extract / Guar Gum
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Hair conditioning agentA polymer naturally derived from guar seeds. Sustainable Guar is cultivated by the farmers of the Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI).
Improves combability and hair feel.
H
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantNon greasy, lightweight ingredient. Helps skin to retain moisture.
Hydrated Silica
Hydrated Silica
Bulking AgentHydrated Silica is a naturally derived from silica, an abundant compound that forms about 12% of the earth's surface. It is found in nature, as opal (which has been mined as a gemstone for centuries), and in the cell walls of diatoms.
Supports volume and grip.
Hydrolyzed Soybean Extract
Hydrolyzed Soybean Extract
Conditioning agentContains antioxidants. Helps to reduce visual effects of skin aging. Known to help strengthening the hair.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hair conditioning agentA plant-based ingredient, produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of soya flour.
The formula with Hydrolyzed soy Protein helps to smoothen the hair structure.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Hydroxyacetophenone
Preservative boosterAnti-oxidant and soothing agent. Helps improve the efficacy of preservatives.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Thickening agentA plant-derived thickener in beauty products which is biodegradable.
Supports a creamy and rich consistancy of the formulas.
I
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol
SolventAn isomer of propanol. It was the first commercial synthetic alcohol. It is used as an antiseptic and also found in all kinds of products, from hand lotions to make-up to aftershave.
Adjusts product texture.
Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient agentA partly naturally derived emollient and spreading agent, composed of Isopropyl Alcohol (a propane derivative) and Myristic Acid (a naturally-occurring fatty acid). It is a popular cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient.
Creates a smooth hair surface and supports shine, condition and combability.
J
Japan Wax
Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax
Texturizing agentJapan Wax, also known as Sumac Wax. It's a vegetable wax obtained from the peel of the berries of the Sumac tree. Sumac (Lacquer tree) is one of the oldest native tree species in China. The peels of the berry will be collected each year before the winter time and the tree itself will be taken good care for the reproduction of berries for next coming year. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.
Supports a mouldable product consistency and creates hold.
Jojoba Oil
Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Hair conditioning agentDerived by hydrogenation of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil. It has skin healing properties. Well known for its moisturizing, but it also antibacterial and immune boosting properties to help heal wounds.
Supports moisturized hair feel, manageability and lasting care effects.
K
Kaolin
Kaolin
Style supporting agentA natural mineral. Originally discovered in China, it was used as an essential ingredient in making porcelain. Today it's used in hair products because of its styling properties and its ability to absorb excess oil or dirt.
Creates grittiness, strong hold, long lasting style control and supports shapes and separation.
L
Limonene
Fragrant Ingredient
Improves the pleasant smell of the formula with citrus notes.Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid
ExfoliatorAnti-aging ingredient (most often produced biotechnologically today). Helps smoothen the skin.
Lecithin
Lecithin
SurfactantIngredient that attracts both water and fatty substances. In food industry used to bind oil and water. Helps with product emulsification.
Lime Extract
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract
Pant ExtractA plant based ingredient. Lime is known for it's energizing properties.
Spends a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
M
Mango Extract
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract
Fruit ExtractA natural based ingredient. Mango is also known for its nourishing & revitalizing properties.
Carries a pampering scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Modified biodegradable potato starch / Polymer derived from potatoes
Hydroxypropyl Starch
Styling agentA lightweight, plant-based starch ingredient that functions as a style enhancer in cosmetics. It belongs to the chemical class carbohydrates and is used in various types of personal care products, including hairstyling products.
Gives a smooth hair feel.
N
Natural Mud Mineral
Natural Mud Mineral
MineralThe millennia-old natural product (also named white clay) is known for its ability to absorb excess sebum. Used for deep cleansing, it attracts impurities without drying skin or hair out.
O
Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Styling polymerKnown for its film forming and antistatic benefits.
Helps to give hair fixation.
Olive Oil
Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiales
EmollientAn oil obtained from Olives. An unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty acids are refined for use in cosmetic products. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.
Supports a mouldable product consistency.
P
Parfum
Parfum
FragranceMixture of fragrant essential oils, or aroma compounds. Provides scent direction.
Palm Oil
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Emulsifier:Can be used to bind oil and water. Helps oily liquid to remain in solid state.
Panthenol
Panthenol
Hair conditioning agentVitamin B-5 derivative. In shampoos and conditioners, it is often used as humectant, to keep hair moisturized and smooth.
Helps to improve the moisture level of the hair and helps to protect the hair structure.
Pecan Shell Extract
Carya Illinoensis (Pecan) Shell Extract
Pecan Shell extractA natural based ingredient. Pecan Nuts are well known for its nourishing properties.
Spends a pampering woody scent. Helps to condition the hair.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying agentA naturally derived emollient, based on PEG (polyethylene glycol) and fatty acids derived from coconut oil.
Provides shine and a moldable texture.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeA glycol ether that is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetics and beauty products.
Protects the integrity and the performance of the formula.
Plant-Based Protein
Plant-Based Protein
Plant-Based Conditioning AgentA plant-based ingredient that is produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of soy flour. Formulas using Hydrolyzed Soy Protein help to smooth the hair structure.
Polyquaternium-16
Polyquaternium-16
Hair conditioning & bodyfying agentCopolymer = Quaternary ammonium center in the polymer. Known for its antistatic and filmforming benefits.
Improves hair combability, softness and body.
PVP
PVP
Styling polymerSynthetic filmformer which is found in most mainstream hair care products that provides the hold factor. So it is very common in most hair gel’s, wax’s, pomades and styling creams.
Provides the hold factor.
R
Rambutan
Rambutan
Plant ExtractA tropical fruit known for its moisturising, vitalisation and energising properties in skincare. Also helps to condition the hair.
Rice Starch
Oriza Sative (Rice) Starch
Absorbing and texturizing AgentAll starches absorb fats/sebum. The shape, size and appearance of rice starch is much finer than corn, potato or tapioca derived starch and as a result rice starch is the perfect cleansing ingredient for dry shampoo sprays allowing hair cleansing without conventional hair wash leaving a clean powdery touch to the hair. The rice starch we source for our products is made from “broken rice”.
Absorbs sebum and helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.
Ricinus Oil
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Hair conditioning agentA vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Often used as an emollient, moisturizer and skin conditioning agent.
Enhances smoothness and softness.
S
Sal Tree Extract
Shorea Robusta Resin
LipidSal is a multi-purpose, evergreen tree with a high resin content. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.
Supports a mouldable product consistency.
Shea butter
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Hair conditioning agentA skin and hair superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the hair and skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.
Improves the feel and look of hair.
Silica
Silica
Bulking AgentSilica is the name given to a group of minerals composed of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements in the earth's crust. It is better known as quartz, which is the most common component of sand.
Supports volume and grip.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Benzoate
PreservativeIt is most widely used in acidic foods, carbonated drinks and in medicines and cosmetics.
Protects the integrity and the performance of the formula.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing and foaming agentA synthetic, sulfate free surfactant mixture of long chain sulfonate salts.
Rather strong cleansing agent. Removes well impurities and greasiness.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing and foaming agentSulafte free cleansing surfactant.
Cleanses the hair. Removes impurities and greasiness.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
SurfactantImproves texture and feel of the formula. Helps other ingredients to absorb into the skin.
Spirulina Extract
Spirulina Extract
Plant ExtractThe blue-green Spirulina algae is known for being rich in amino acids. Helps to condition the hair.
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Hair conditioning agentUsed as a conditioning and anti-static agent with a good affinity to hair. Builds a protective layer around the hair surface.
Improves combabilty, softness and shine. Supports the anti-static effect.
Sugar Maple Extract
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Sugar Maple extractA natural based ingredient. Maple is also known for its antioxidant properties.
Spends a pampering woody scent. Helps to condition the hair.
Sunflower Wax
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Cera
Co-EmollientA wax obtained from the seed of the Sunflower. It builds up viscosity and structure in emulsions.
Supports a mouldable product consistency.
T
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca Starch
Texturizing AgentTapioca is a starch extracted from the storage roots of the cassava plant. This species is native to the north region and central-west region of Brazil, but its use spread throughout South America.For our products we are using certified fairtrade material.
Helps to create the extra dry texturizing effect.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol
AntioxidantEssential fat-soluble nutrient, also referred to as a form of Vitamin E. Helps support the skin health.
Triethyl Citrate
Triethyl Citrate
Fragrance ingredient / Film softenerAn ester of citric acid; often used as a perfume fixer and as spreading agent for hairsprays and as an active agent in deodorants.
Creates a smooth hair surface and supports shine, condition and combability.
V
Violet Rice Extract
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Plant ExtractA plant based ingredient, ethnically sourced in South-East Asia.
The formula with Violet Rice Extract helps to absorb grease and impurities from the hair and scalp.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C
AntioxidantA white powder essential for medicine purposes and good health. Known as an antioxidant that helps to protect against harmful environmental influences and skin stressors. It is a potent reducing agent and scavenger of oxidising free radicals in biological systems.
W
Willow Bark Extract
Salix Alba
AstringentNatural ingredient known for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and skin conditioning. Natural ingredient known for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and skin conditioning.
X
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan Gum
ThickenerNatural ingredient mainly used for formulation purposes. Significant for product texture.