Nourish Organic Ingredient Glossary

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

The juice of the Aloe Vera plant, rich in Vitamins C & E, minerals, proteins, and enzymes, naturally re-moisturizes skin in addition to having anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Excellent for all skin types.

Important Note: The Aloe Vera juice we use and have always used is decolorized. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) recently added non-decolorized Aloe Vera whole leaf extract to their Proposition 65 list. 

The building blocks of the proteins that make up collagen and elastin, the substances that give the skin its structural support. Amino Acids enhance water retention and skin moisturization. 

Naturally occurring in many fruits, herbs, and plants, these molecules deliver detoxifying benefits to the skin and help inhibit damaging skin oxidation by neutralizing free radicals. They are also used as a natural way to help preserve a product.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

Native to Morocco, Argan Oil is rich in protective Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that also bolsters barrier function to protect skin against irritating pollutants. Argan Oll is also high in skin rejuvenating unsaturated fatty acids, mainly Oleic acid (45%) and Linoleic acid (35%).

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A potent antioxidant that helps scavenge free radical molecules that can lead to premature aging. An active and natural form of Vitamin C extracted from beets, Ascorbic Acid plays an important role in the skin’s natural restorative process.

Certified Organic; Vegetarian; EWG Rating: 1 

A natural wax sourced from the honeycomb of bees, beeswax is used for its antioxidant and skin softening properties due to its high level of fatty acids. It also helps skin retain its own natural moisture by creating a protective barrier against the elements.

Important Note: Organic Beeswax is sustainably harvested to protect bee colonies. Its production helps maintain the earth’s population of healthy bee species, which are threatened by pollution and pesticides. Healthy pollinating bees are vital to the survival of all species. 

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

An amino acid extracted from sugar beets. It’s known to be nourishing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, protective, and smoothing.

Certified Organic; Fair Trade Certified; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Rich in Vitamins E + A, Beta Carotene, and omega-6 fatty acids, Shea Butter helps shield skin from environmental elements while hydrating and conditioning. Thanks to Shea Butter’s naturally occurring Cinnamic Acid, it also has sun-filtering properties that may help reduce visible signs of aging. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

Derived from coconut, this natural emollient protects the skin barrier and prevents water loss from the skin. It also helps the water content within formulations work well with all the other ingredients. 

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

This ingredient is a combination of Caprylic Acid and Glycerin, both derived from coconut oil and blended with Sebacic Acid, which is derived from castor oil. It helps to maintain moisture balance on the skin surface by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin. 

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

Derived from coconut oil, this emollient and emulsifier contains properties which leave skin soft and smooth.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A skin-friendly fatty alcohol with hydrating, conditioning, and softening properties. Derived from coconut oil, this thickener and emulsifier also contains emollient properties which leave skin soft and smooth.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 2 

A naturally derived pH adjuster and a preservative in water-based products. It also has astringent and antioxidant properties.

Certified Organic; Vegan;

Derived from the rind of the orange fruit, it helps detoxify, refresh, cleanse, and exfoliate the skin due to its high content of alpha hydroxy acids. Orange Peel oil is a natural astringent with powerful antibacterial and toning properties, and a natural source of the antioxidant Vitamin C.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Sweet Orange oil is a fresh, comforting, mood-boosting oil with detoxifying, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also known to help calm irritated skin.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A coconut oil derived, natural silicone-alternative ingredient. It provides a smooth texture and allows for better absorption of other moisturizing ingredients, leaving the skin softer with less of a greasy residue.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

Obtained from coconut, this emollient ingredient provides skin with incredible softness and presents a high level of biocompatibility to support skin's ability to renew itself. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0 

Rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E, and proteins, Coconut oil provides intense hydration and nourishment for dry, sensitive, and irritated skin without clogging pores. It also has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A cooling, softening, emollient extract boasting actives Vitamin C, caffeic acid (antioxidant), nourishing fatty acids, and toning trace minerals like potassium and sulfur. Derived from the fruit, it contains hydrating electrolytes to help replenish vital moisture to tone, soften, and hydrate skin. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

This light oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Cucurbita Pepo and contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, E, and K, and zinc, all beneficial to skin health. This nourishing oil is useful for all skin types and is especially helpful in combatting fine lines and superficial dryness.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A light floral aromatic oil derived from a species of grass, similar to lemongrass, and native to India and Indochina. It also has natural antiseptic properties.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A natural binding agent extracted from the seeds of the Guar tree found primarily in India and Pakistan. It is a polysaccharide used to thicken and emulsify products.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

An alcohol derived from castor oil, combined with a bio-succinic acid derived from non-GMO wheat. Diheptyl Succinate is used with Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, forming a natural emollient, and used as a natural alternative to silicone.

Lubricating and moisturizing agents including plant oils and plant butters used to soften, smooth, and hydrate skin.

Ingredients that stabilize or prevent emulsions from separating, like the combination of oil and water.

Natural components of the skin, including glycerides, sterols, phospholipids, omega 3 and omega 6, that prevent water loss. They also protect against oxidative damage, help supplement the skin’s intercellular matrix, and provide overall lipid balance. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Contains omega 6 and omega 9 essential fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Acai oil is also rich in anthocyanins and phenols making the oil a very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Acai oil penetrates skin quickly, making it ideal for dehydrated skin.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0-2 

A blend of essential oils and extracts added to the formula to deliver an aroma. Derived from plant oils, essential oils are the oily liquids obtained from plants through cold pressing, CO2 extraction, or steam distillation. We use a combination of natural essential oils from flowers and herbs grown in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program—safe, natural ingredients free of phthalates and propylene glycol.

Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells. They are derived from UV rays, air pollution, and other environmental stressors that disrupt cell regeneration and cause damage and degradation to the skin over time.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1 

A natural humectant derived from coconut, glycerin draws water into the outer layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) and helps it retain moisture. It is also used to increase lubricity and hydration. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Soothing, astringent Witch Hazel helps reduce skin inflammation and clears away dirt and excess oils that tend to clog pores and cause blemishes. Its disinfectant properties target the microbes that can cause infection, while its moisturizing properties help reduce irritation from dryness.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich oil containing Vitamins E, C, & K, and amino acids. This versatile oil synergizes well with other oils to smooth and soften skin without blocking pores.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Derived from the calyx of this flower grown in Senegal, this extract is high in Vitamin C, and an anti-inflammatory that cools, softens, and soothes the skin while helping to improve elasticity. It's also a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help tone, clarify, and exfoliate the skin.

Water-based ingredients and formulas that supply, restore, and maintain water and important fluid nutrients to the skin. Plant liquids are the best source of beneficial hydrating agents, specifically Aloe Vera juice.

Substances that attract water molecules to the epidermis (upper layer of the skin). By doing so, they prevent dryness and maintain the skin’s suppleness.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A natural emollient derived from sugar beets and coconut oil. It's a very light, non-oily liquid that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Derived from lauric acid (coconut oil) and the fermentation of isoamyl alcohol, it’s an excellent natural skin emollient. Provides skin softening and smoothing properties and absorbs quickly.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Derived from soy, lecithin functions as an emollient and water-binding agent with skin rejuvenation properties. (See: Soy Lecithin)

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A cutting edge probiotic preservative derived from radishes that have been fermented with leuconostoc kimchii, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from kimchi, a traditional Korean vegetable. Used as an alternative to synthetic and conventional preservatives.

Natural fats which play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin hydration and structure. They occur both on the top of your skin (as sebum) and within the stratum corneum (as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids).

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0

A natural preservative booster, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial that helps to reduce redness, improve the tone and texture of the skin, and helps keep skin clear.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

High in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, this botanical extract conditions the skin and is also used as a natural preservative.

A complex environment (or biome) of living microbes composed of both beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria, yeast, and viruses. The skin microbiome plays a very important role in protecting against the development of harmful micro-organisms that can cause infections and inflammations. A balanced skin microbiome ensures the ultimate health and wellness of the skin.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A natural herb that helps strengthen and balance the skin as an anti-pore clogging, soothing, toning ingredient. It additionally helps to reduce skin inflammation. Watercress extract has also been proven to help boost the production of type III collagen.

Ingredients that do not add moisture, but instead provide a protective lipid layer to the skin to help reduce water loss and maintain skin hydration. 

Essential fatty acids that help supplement the skin’s natural protective barrier and retain moisture.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A rich source of natural antioxidants including Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and oryzanol (strong natural UVA and UVB absorbing capacity) that scavenges damaging free radicals and provides essential fatty acids to the skin. Nourishes and hydrates dry skin and helps it retain essential moisture.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Cold pressed from the avocado fruit, Avocado oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E. It moisturizes, nourishes, and softens the skin and supports skin rejuvenation. Quickly absorbed, it also delivers essential fatty acids and minerals including potassium, calcium, and iron.

Naturally occurring phytochemicals, or micronutrients, that are found abundantly in fruit, vegetables, and plant oils. They are important because they have potent antioxidant properties which help protect skin from free radical damage.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Derived from plants, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate is a large glycerin complex molecule that provides maximum moisture capabilities and well as excellent skin-conditioning benefits.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 2

A food-grade inorganic base used in micro-amounts to regulate the pH value of the formula of a product.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 3

The potassium salt of sorbic acid, it is a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound and mild preservative, used as a safe alternative to parabens to prevent the growth of microorganisms in formulas.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A lightweight oil rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E, and amino acids providing nutrient value for all skin types. It is easily absorbed and mimics the natural sebum produced by the skin. Helps relieve dryness and mild inflammation.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Cold pressed from the fruit kernels, Apricot Kernel oil is a light emollient that easily penetrates the stratum corneum. It is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids and helps to seal in moisture without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin. Rich in oleic acids, linoleic acids, alpha-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and Vitamins A and E, Apricot Kernel oil richly moisturizes dry and sensitive skin. Because it also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe blemished skin.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Cold pressed from seeds of organic Pomegranate fruit, this light oil helps deeply nourish the outer epidermal layer (the stratum corneum), strengthening and helping smooth skin. It is rich in anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols known for their powerful antioxidant and skin calming properties. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 2

Extracted from the seeds contained in the intensely red berry-like fruits – or hips – this oil is rich in powerful Vitamin A, Beta Carotene and Vitamin C, and essential fatty acids (linolenic and omega-3’s) to help hydrate, rejuvenate, and help prevent damage from free radicals. It is a very light, easily absorbed oil.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

This aromatic ‘flower water’ is the run-off water from the distillation process used to create the purest grade Bulgarian rose essential oil from organic rose petals. Because of its natural acids, it is hydrating, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. It also helps to maintain skin’s pH balance and control excess oil production. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0

A potent source of antioxidants (Beta Carotene and Vitamin C) and hydrating polysaccharides, Acerola fruit contains 65x greater Vitamin C content than an orange and helps protect skin from oxidative damage. This natural source of Vitamin C promotes a smooth, radiant complexion and naturally brightens skin.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Sesame Seed oil, native to Africa, is a lightweight oil rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, and is naturally active in antioxidant Vitamins A and E that replenish, condition, and protect dry skin.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A lightweight, non-comedogenic liquid wax extracted from the seeds found inside the fruit of the jojoba plant that exhibits similar properties to the protective natural oil barrier our own skin produces. High in Vitamin E, it’s moisturizing, soothing, and beneficial for all skin types. 

The upper part of the epidermis of the skin that prevents penetration by microorganisms and harmful chemicals that might otherwise damage tissue or enter circulation. The skin barrier also reduces water loss from the body.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

The sodium salt of phytic acid, Sodium Phytate is found mainly in plant tissues, bran, and seeds. Stabilizing skincare products and working synergistically with antioxidants, it is an all-natural chelating agent that is used as a replacement for harmful disodium and tetrasodium EDTA.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 2

Lecithin derived from soybeans and used to bind oil and water ingredients, acting as a natural emulsifier. It has a smoothing and moisturizing effect on the skin. Lecithin is also a component of the skin’s cellular membranes and structure.

The outermost layer of the epidermis of the skin. This layer provides the skin with its barrier function.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A major antioxidant moisturizer and nutrient that helps protect against skin aging due to oxidative damage from environmental stressors like pollution and UV. It reduces dryness and helps to improve skin flexibility. Vitamin E also has natural preservative benefits. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

Derived from the cocoa bean, Cocoa Butter is a rich skin soother and moisturizer providing a protective barrier that helps retain and restore the moisture lost from skin exposure to the elements. A natural fat that melts at body temperature, Cocoa Butter offers intense nourishment for especially dry skin types.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0

Derived from the seeds of the Cupuaçu tree, it is emollient, moisturizing, and absorbs easily with water providing deep skin hydration. It has a composition rich in unsaturated fatty acids, plant polyphenols that help to replenish the skin barrier and provide protection. It is also rich in B Vitamins and Vitamin C to help strengthen skin. 

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A rich source of B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Anthocyanin, a powerful and rich blue-purple phytonutrient that helps to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 0

Cranberry is a superfruit with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, brightening, and antimicrobial properties. The acid in cranberries acts as an exfoliant, and Vitamins A + C help to boost collagen production, fight free radicals, and deeply moisturize.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

This extract contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, Resveratrol, and Quercetin, all powerful antioxidants that help fight environmental stressors. Bilberry extract is also a superior skin-conditioning ingredient that helps increase the overall strength and vitality of the skin barrier.

A product that does not contain any animal, animal-derived, or animal-produced ingredients.

A product that does not contain any animal ingredients, but animal by-product ingredients are allowed. The only animal by-product ingredients we utilize are organic, sustainable Beeswax and/or organic milk proteins (Yogurt Extract).

Certified Organic; Vegetarian; EWG Rating: 0

Rich in protein and widely recognized for its skin health benefits, this mildly exfoliating milk extract provides moisturizing properties that work to hydrate the stratum corneum and decrease trans-epidermal water loss, thus increasing the smoothness and softness of the skin and protecting the microbiome.

Vegan; EWG Rating: 0

Created through the fermentation of sugar, this natural ingredient is used to help thicken formulas and prevent separation of oil and water-based ingredients.

Certified Organic; Vegan; EWG Rating: 1

A finely milled powder extracted from corn kernels that helps mildly exfoliate the skin.