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Collection: INGREDIENT GLOSSARY
A
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known simply as cider vinegar, is made from cider or apple must and has a golden colour. It often is unfiltered and unpasteurized with concentrated elements present in the mother of vinegar.
Argan kernel oil
The Argan tree is indigenous to southern Morocco. Tradition dictates that only women can be involved in the preparation of this fine extra-virgin oil which is eco-certified and which comes from cold-pressing the seeds found inside the hard fruit kernels. It is produced by the Targanine co-op, which takes responsibility for educating local populations about sustainable harvesting, and also educates and trains local Berber women.
Argan, Saw Palmetto & Sesame seed
A perfectly balanced polyphenol formula that helps to control and reduce sebum production, especially in the T-zone area of the face. Also a wonderful skin conditioner.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil (Persea Gratissima) New Zealand sourced avocados
B
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is collected from plants and flowers by honey bees for food. It is often referred to as 'bee bread'. Bee pollen contains: iron - which is essential for the flow of oxygen throughout the body; protein - more than beef on a gram by gram basis; and B vitamins, which may help support stress management.
Bees Wax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced in the bee hive of honey bees
Betaine
Betaine is a sweet tasting alkaloid that occurs in sugar beets. It is proven to leave the mouth moist and feeling soothed.
Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant is a species of Ribes berry native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia.
C
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral, is a gentle abrasive that cleans and polishes the tooth surface to help remove stains.
E
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern Hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose.
G
Galactaric acid
Galactaric acid is derived from pectin - a carbohydrate found in some plant cell walls. This ingredient typically comes from apples, but can also come from lemons and beetroot pulp. Galactaric acid helps 'mop-up' free radicals created by the natural process of ageing and sped up by pollution in the atmosphere.
German Chamomile Flower
Extracted from Matricaria chamomilla (M. recutica) of the family species Asteraceae. It is also known by the names of blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile and single chamomile. The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make liquid extracts. It has long been cultivated in Germany to maximize its special properties and is known to be used topically to soothe irritated skin, because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
H
Harakeke extract
New Zealand flax leaf decoctions, and particularly the gum found at the leaves’ base, have traditionally been used for healing wounds, sores, burns and muscular aches and pains, due to flax’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Harakeke also acts as a protective agent.
HUNI®XA™ Manuka honey
Comvita’s® breakthrough discovery - a unique type of Manuka honey that smooths the appearance of wrinkles. Skin feels firm and lifted.
Hyssop extract
Certified organic extract from the Hyssop plant cultivated in the Swiss Alps. Its anti-oxidant, antiseptic and astringent qualities make it perfect for balancing oily skins.
J
Jojoba beads
Gentle exfoliating beads that brighten and clarify without scratching or irritating the skin.
Jojoba esters & Jojoba oil
Provides all day moisturisation while cleverly helping to balance oil production in the skin.
K
Kaolin
A fine white clay with excellent absorbent and astringent properties. Purifies the skin by drawing out impurities and toxins thereby clearing excess oil, dirt and pollution.
Kawakawa extract
Kawakawa extract (Macropiper excelsum). Kawakawa extract is produced from the heart shaped leaves of this bush. Traditionally the leaves of the Kawakawa bush were used to soothe the skin.
Keratin protein
Keratin, nature’s building block for the skin, hair and nails, provides strength while also acting as an antioxidant. The Keratin in huni™ is extracted from the wool fibres of sheep farmed in the remote South Island of New Zealand. It improves the elasticity, hydration, firmness and tone of the skin.
Kiwifruit seed oil
Kiwifruit seed oil (Actinidia chinensis). The seeds from New Zealand grown kiwifruit yield an oil with 60% to 70% omega 3 essential fatty acids and are high in vitamin E. Kiwifruit seed oil is very easily absorbed and is a highly effective moisturiser for dry and rough skin.
Kowhai extract
Kowhai extract (Sophora microphylla). The Kowhai tree is best known for its yellow drooping flowers, which New Zealand native birds love. The leaves have traditionally been used for their cleansing and soothing properties.
Kumarahou extract
Kumarahou extract (Pomaderris kumerahou). Kumarahou, also known as ‘gum digger’s soap’, has traditionally been used as a natural soap alternative. Both the flowers and the leaves contain saponins (soaps) and produce a lather when rubbed between the hands and mixed with water. The extract has also been used for its soothing and healing properties.
L
Liquorice root extract
Liquorice root extract (Glycyriza glabra). Liquorice is a widely used herb in China and is known to have soothing properties. Liquorice root extract is used to help reduce the appearance of age-spots and uneven pigmentation.
M
Macadamia oil
A highly nourishing oil rich in monosaturated fatty acids. Perfect for moisturising the skin and promoting skin smoothness and suppleness.
Mamaku extract
Mamaku Extract (Cyathea medullaris). Mamaku Extract is drawn from the potent New Zealand black tree fern. It is famous for its widely recognized koru frond – a symbol synonymous with New Zealand. The liquid from the Mamaku plant was traditionally rubbed on to wounds and used to soothe feet and eyes.
Manuka extract
Manuka extract (Leptospermum scoparium). A leaf extract of the Manuka bush, which is also the source of our famous Manuka honey.
Manuka oil
Manuka oil is an extract from the Manuka tree in a base of pure almond oil. Manuka leaves are distilled in spring water to produce a highly purified essential oil with a unique floral note
Marshmallow extract
Althaea officinalis (marshmallow, marsh mallow, or common marshmallow) is a perennial species indigenous to Africa, which is used as a medicinal plant and ornamental plant.
Medical honey
Medihoneyâ„¢ Antibacterial Honey is a standardised medical grade of antibacterial honey collected predominantly from Leptospermum species (including Manuka).
Mullein extract
Mullein or "Mullein leaf" often refers to the leaves of Verbascum thapsus, the great or common mullein, which is frequently used in herbal medicine.
Multifloral honeys
Multiflora honey is a blend of New Zealand honeys.
Myrrh resin extract
(Commiphora mukul). The resin comes from the bark of a shrub which grows on the Arabian peninsula and in parts of West India. It has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe the skin. It is used in our formulations to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness.
O
Oat beta glucan
Oat beta glucan, made from oats, works to moisturise, firm and improve skin elasticity. Combined with its protective film forming effects, Oat beta glucan helps to reduce the visible signs of ageing.
P
Pohutukawa extract
Pohutukawa extract (Metrosideros excelsa). The leaves of New Zealand’s traditional flowering 'Christmas tree', the Pohutukawa, have a toning and astringent effect on the skin. It delivers a 'fresh and alive' feeling.
R
Red micro-algae extract
Red micro algae extract, with its high molecular weight and unique mineral composition, offers excellent moisturising properties. It has been found to aid in the exchange of nutrients and moisture between the top two layers of the skin. The result is improved skin hydration, tone and smoothness.
Rose water
Helps to visibly tone and firm by tightening the pores of the skin.
Rosehip Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the rose bush. Contains Vitamins C and A and essential fatty acids to help slow the signs of ageing, leaving the skin looking visibly firmer with fine lines and wrinkles smoothed.
S
Shea butter
Shea butter is produced from the crushed kernel of the nut of the Karite tree, which grows in West Africa. Shea butter penetrates the skin to provide intensive moisturisation and promotes the appearance of smoother skin.
Silica
Silica, a naturally occurring mineral, cleans and whitens teeth naturally. It is a commonly used abrasive to clean and polish the tooth surface.
Silt
Freshwater silt sourced from the lakes of Eastern Europe. Refines skin texture, promotes elasticity and evens out skin tone.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Baking soda, a naturally occurring mineral, is a gentle abrasive that has the ability to polish and whiten teeth.
Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate, a natural derivative of wheat, has been found to be one of the most powerful moisturisers in the world. Its hydrating properties assist in the appearance of smoother skin.
T
Tea tree
Tea Tree Oil is a natural oil with exciting oral health benefits and can help to fight bad breath.
V
Vitamin E
Also known as alpha-tocopherol, this antioxidant is found in almonds; in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn, and soybean oils; and in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods. It is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body to use vitamin K.
W
Willow bark extract
Sloughs off dead skin cells and deep cleanses pores making it perfect for oily or acne prone skin. Also provides natural exfoliating activity to smooth the appearance of skin.
Witch hazel water
A natural astringent, which cleans and conditions the skin gently, helping to remove excess oil. It imparts a very cool soothing sensation and helps to visibly tone and firm the skin.
X
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweet substance commonly found in birch trees and many fruits and vegetables. Research has indicated xylitol has great tooth friendly benefits.