Ingredient Glossary
We are, and will continue to serve you with clean, plant-based & fair-trade products while supporting the communities in West Africa who cultivate our heritage ingredients.
Use the glossary below to learn & discover ingredients used in Alaffia products.
Baobab produces a fruit that is believed to be the one of the most nutritious on earth. It's deeply cleansing, rejuvenating, and resulting in glossy + smooth hair
Yarrow is particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation; it's effective in speeding healing, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, improving skin softness, and keeping the skin free from bacteria that can lead to breakouts.
Baobab powder promotes glowing skin. It's high vitamin C content also helps increase collagen and elastin production, the proteins that keep your skin supple and youthful.
Raw honey is packed with components beneficial for your skin, especially if you have acne or autoimmune skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Agave nectar used topically helps to moisturize skin, soothe inflammation, and tighten loose skin. A vegan honey alternative, agave gives you the texture, scent, and look of honey while remaining 100% plant-based.
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant which offers many benefits and is suited for all skin types, especially dry, damaged, broken, sensitive and irritated skin. It offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant, and soothing, anti-itch qualities for skin.
A highly effective anti-oxidant that protects the skin, Argan Oil is also packed with omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids which moisturise the skin and soften dry patches.
Applied to the skin as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, arnica has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Some studies have shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage.
Neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe irritated skin. With the advantage of getting a cooling effect on the skin, neem is beneficial for treating skin sensitivity.
Neem oil is high in fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids to help lock in moisture to hair. Regular application of neem oil can promote healthier, thicker, and rich hair growth, as well as help prevent hair loss.
Bee pollen is a potent antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory agent, and it also facilitates the granulation process of burn healing.
Beeswax hydrates, conditions, soothes, and calms the skin. It exfoliates, repairs damage, promotes the skin's regeneration, diminishes the appearance of the signs of aging,and soothes itchiness and irritation.
A liquid preservative for personal care products, with strong, broad-spectrum efficacy.
An excellent emollient and emulsifier, shea butter protects against skin dryness and irritations.
An excellent emollient and emulsifier, shea butter protects against skin dryness and accelerates healing of superficial wounds and irritations.
Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm redness and inflammation and ease skin discomfort.
Calendula has antiseptic properties, which are helpful for treating wounds and preventing acne. As a skin conditioner, Calendula Extract stimulates collagen production and it also reduces the occurrence of dry skin. Calendula is a naturally occurring antioxidant.
Caprylic triglyceride has been widely used for more than 50 years. It helps smooth skin and works as an antioxidant.
Papaya leaf extract contains high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces uneven pigmentation and stimulates the growth of connective tissue.
Carrageenan replenishes skin with its minerals and vitamins, it also acts as antioxidants. Thus it acts as a moisturizer.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seed oil is one of the favourite ingredients of cosmetologists to use to maintain the hydration of the skin surface.
An effective ingredient for soothing and healing dry skin.
In hair care, it will also provide conditioning, detangling, static control and frizz reduction. In skin care, this emulsifier offers skin conditioning with a silky, non-greasy after-feel.
Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate is derived from olive oil, and is very gentle, making it an ideal for use in sensitive skin care lines as well as natural or clean skin care lines.
Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate is derived from olive oil, and is very gentle, making it an ideal for use in sensitive skin care lines as well as natural or clean skin care lines.
It is common for Cetyl Alcohol to be wrongly understood as the type of alcohol that has drying effects on the skin, such as rubbing alcohol; however, on the contrary, Cetyl Alcohol is skin-friendly with hydrating, conditioning, and softening properties that benefit both skin and hair.
Activated charcoal may help remove impurities and dirt from the skin, improving its texture and appearance.
In skincare formulations, Citric Acid works by exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to help clean pores, even skin tone and soften and smooth the skin.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Offers a progressive micro-exfoliation of the skin to unclog pores, smooth skin texture and reveal a radiant and uniform complexion.
Brightens the skin and gives your complexion a boost.
Since it binds to dirt, it's great for ridding the skin of oil and grime picked up from the day. It's also good at removing makeup. It's hydrating: Being derived from coconuts, cocamidopropyl betaine is very hydrating.
In hair care and skin care, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is primarily used as a conditioning agent. It can also be used to thicken a wide variety of cleaning and personal care products as well as increase foaming properties and reduce static.
From taming frizzy hair to moisturizing this natural ingredient has a wide range of beauty-boosting and healing properties -- including improvement of dry scalps and inflamed skin.
Coconut water contains vitamins, like vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin C, as well as other ingredients that may be beneficial to the skin.
Coffee extract is packed with polyphenols and melanoidins, natural antioxidants that may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and when applied topically, it can also benefit the skin against damage from UV-B rays
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters creates a delicate film which imparts maximum comfort and suppleness to the skin. An excellent moisturizing agent.
Lemongrass essential oil has purifying properties which make it perfect for skin. These properties help to remove impurities, detoxify the skin and leave it feeling clean and clear.
Lemongrass essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness, inflammation, itching, and swelling.
Decyl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant, i.e., categorized in the family of Alkyl Polyglucosides. It helps in hydrating the skin and helps in preventing the drying of the skin.
Enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.It also can be used for anti-aging, as an antioxidant and for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Red palm oil, commonly known as virgin red palm fruit oil. The oil is rich in emollients and antioxidants and helps cleanse and condition your hair and may even help prevent scalp damage.
SP-210P is an emulsifying wax allowing disparate materials such as water and oil to be combined into consistent and stable emulsions, and is appropriate for oil-in-water systems.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Helps strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier. I Like many other oils, it helps trap water in the skin, which can help prevent and relieve dryness as well as related symptoms, like flaking and irritation.
Clove Bud Essential Oil benefits include cleansing and moisturizing properties to help maintain an invigorated look.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Vegetable glycerin may lead to better skin health by helping soothe skin irritation, protect against infection and promote wound healing.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize a product, decrease water evaporation, make the product freeze-resistant, and keep it from forming surface crusts.
Dehyquart Guar N is a conditioning polymer especially designed for rinse-off applications such as shampoos, hair treatments, and body cleansing products.
Being very high in vitamin E, Sunflower Oil acts as an emollient which traps moisture and keeps skin well hydrated.
This high mucilage content of Hibiscus enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, which is a key factor in retaining a youthful complexion.
Hydrolysed oat protein helps boost the moisturizing and conditioning properties of products. It will impart a soft, cushiony feel on the skin, drying to a velvety smoothness on the skin.
Hydrolysed oat protein helps boost the moisturizing and conditioning properties of products. It will impart a soft, cushiony feel on the skin, drying to a velvety smoothness on the skin.
Hydrolyzed jojoba esters can extend the moisturizing properties of traditional emulsions, and work as a refatting agent in astringents and toners.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used as a binding, emulsion-stabilizing, film-forming, and viscosity-controlling agent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is used as a thickener.
An emulsifier and stabiliser. It makes the spreading of moisturiser or make-up on your face, or conditioner on your hair a lot easier.
Lauryl glucoside is considered quite safe for skin as it is a very mild surfactant, that poses little or no risk of irritation, and therefore used for sensitive skin.
Lavender oil has many uses for treating the skin. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin.
When used in cosmetics and personal care products, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil functions as a skin-conditioning agent
Litsea cubeba oil will help maintain a healthy microbiome on the skin and is a good pore cleansing oil.
As magnesium sulphate it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and supports healing processes. Epsom salts thus have a positive effect on the skin's appearance. Peeling with the salt effectively removes impurities, blackheads and dead skin flakes on the body and face.
Chamomile benefits include softening and brightening the skin and hair, helping to address oily skin, and helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
Tea tree oil can help soothe dry skin by reducing itching and irritation.
Lemon balm is also a popular natural treatment for several common skin conditions. As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to reduce the swelling and reddening of the skin.
Peppermint essential oil is used to soothe inflammation, irritation and itchiness on skin and scalp.
Spearmint Essential Oil contains a large number of antioxidant qualities that are good for the skin. It helps diminish the appearance of skin imperfections such as wrinkles, dark spots, and discolouration.
Panthenol makes for a great moisturizing ingredient. Research has shown that it decreases transepidermal water loss (water that evaporates through the skin). Products containing just 1% of panthenol can rapidly hydrate skin, resulting in a more supple feel and appearance.
Unrefined kpangnan butter is silky non-oily on the skin known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to the natural presence of high levels of stigmasterol as also found in unrefined shea butter.
Prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi, enhances shelf life, and stabilizes products.
Approved by EU and Japan, which has strict health guidelines.
Plumeria is a known moisturizer and anti-inflammatory. It's often used in the natural health industry to soothe dry, cracked skin and keep it soft.
Polyquaternium-81 is an anti-static ingredient.The function of Polyquaternium-81 is to leave a positive charge on the hair instead, making it more well-behaved and easier to comb.
Potassium Cocoate soaps contain glycerin, which acts as a moisturizer, leaving the skin deeply moisturized.
Potassium Sorbate (Granular only)
Potassium Sorbate is a white crystalline powder that is used as a preservative in skincare products. It is a mild and effective preservative that is used to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products by preventing the growth of microorganisms.
Propolis as an antioxidant can improve the skin tone, tighten the skin, and makes skin healthier and more youthful. It may also reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation of the skin.
Sweet almond oil contains the antioxidant vitamin E, and can be used in skin care to soothe and replenish skin. In hair care, its hydrating and restores shine.
Between restoring skin's glow, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and calming the skin, reishi mushrooms are an incredible anti-aging ingredient.
Castor oil has been claimed to have a slew of benefits including strengthening strands, promoting hair growth, and nourishing dry scalp.
As a skincare ingredient, royal jelly contains a number of vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients that may help keep the skin healthy, strong, and protected.
White Soap is proven to effectively treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scars, and melisma. With regular use, you will start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
African black soap has antibacterial properties which can help improve certain skin conditions, and might even slow down some signs of aging. It works by removing dead cells on the skin surface and allow vitamin A, E, and other important nutrients in.
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin. Saponified coconut oil soap is particularly beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to retain moisture and prevent dryness and irritation.
Sesame oil contains vitamin E, which can help protect skin cells from the damage caused by environmental factors, such as UV rays, pollution, and toxins. It also is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sodium benzoate has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling associated with various skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea.
Also known as the compound sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is alkalizing, so it helps manage pH levels and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Coconut milk powder keeps the skin and hair hydrated. It's also packed with nutrients like potassium, folate, and vitamins C, E, and B.
Used primarily as a binding and/or thickening agent in skin and hair care products (notably shampoos) and occasionally as an abrasive in salt scrub products.
Produces a silky lather: Due to the fact that it's a surfactant, sodium cocoyl isethionate lowers the surface tension of the water, allowing the product to spread easier across the face.
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate functions as a surfactant in cleansers. It cleanses impurities without stripping your skin's natural pH, keeping it smooth and soft even after a wash.
Sodium phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid. It is generally used to help stabalize products but has secondary benefits as well. It can moisturize, improve skin elasticity, and balance oily skin.
Stearic acid is a versatile fatty acid that functions as an emollient shown to protect skin's surface against water loss and help shore up skin's protective barrier.
As well as making an excellent exfoliant, sugar's glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acid contents help to maintain your skin's equilibrium – it won't become too dry or too oily so you're left with a naturally radiant glow!
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Comfrey roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow, along with other substances that reduce inflammation and keep skin healthy.
Vitamin E's antioxidant power is useful for lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.
Xanthan gum in skin care is used as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, As an added benefit for formulators, xanthan gum is one of the only naturally-derived thickeners commonly used in skincare.
With its anti-inflammatory, brightening, anti-ageing, exfoliating, moisturizing and antioxidant properties, ginger powder can be used to address a variety of skin concerns. It is a safe ans natual alternative.
Naturally-derived fragrance that is used to improve/enhance the aromatic experience of the product.