INGREDIENT LIBRARY
Ever wondered what all those ingredients listed actually do for you? Here you'll find all of the ingredients we've included in CARE products, their benefits and their EWG’s Skin Deep score.
WHAT IS EWG SKIN DEEP?
The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. 1 being the best and 10 being the worst.
INGREDIENTS
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-3
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, commonly known as Aloe vera, has been used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skincare benefits.
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Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
AOS 40% is a milder surfactant compared to lauryl sulfates and is used in high performing sulfate-free, shampoos, body wash, hand soap and pet care formulations.
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Anhydroxylitol
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Derived from the fermentation of sugar cane, natural origin. Helps the skin to preserve natural moisture reserves, reducing water loss by increasing the synthesis of ceramides in the skin barrier.
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Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), used for its composition of unsaturated fatty acids to nourish and protect hair follicles.
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Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Leaf Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Lemon myrtle has been traditionally used by indigenous Australians for cooking and healing. -
Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Bamboo Leaf Extract contains amino acids important in strengthening the hair as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the scalp.
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Behentrimonium Chloride
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4
Behentrimonium Chloride is a cationic surfactant that functions as an antistatic agent and a hair conditioning agent in cosmetic hair care formulations. -
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4
Not all sulfates are created equal. BMS is plant-derived so many have said it is not a cause for concern in natural hair products. It does not cause build-up and is said to be non-irritating.
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Benzoic Acid
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-3
Benxoic Acid is a preservative that actually occurs naturally in barks such as cassia and cherry trees, as well as in raspberries, tea, and anise.
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Benzyl Alcohol
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4-6
Benzyl alcohol is produced naturally in many plants such as jasmine, fruits such as strawberries and some essential oils such as ylang ylang. -
Betaine
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Betaine is a naturally-occurring amino acid (trimethylglycine) obtained as a by-product of sugar beet molasses.
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Calcium Gluconate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Calcium gluconate is a plant tissue culture macronutrient which can serve as an alternate source of calcium. It has a soothing effect on skin or hair when applied.
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Callitris Columellaris (Cypress) Leaf/Twig Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Cypress essential oil can benefit the scalp by reducing hair loss and promoting new hair growth.
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Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3-5
Ylang Ylang oil has been used traditionally to support healthy hair growth.
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Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-2
Hemp seed oil is said to have many health benefits, among them that it protects hair from damage. -
Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Cedarwood oil promotes hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
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Cetearyl Alcohol
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Cetearyl alcohol is used to help soften the skin and hair and to thicken and stabilize cosmetic products, like lotions and hair products. As an emollient, cetearyl alcohol is considered an effective ingredient for soothing and healing dry skin. -
Cinnamomum Cassia Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3
When applied to the scalp, cinnamon may stimulate circulation. This could encourage hair growth and reduce hair loss.
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Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3
Cinnamon oils have been known to stimulate the scalp and increase blood circulation. Proper blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles is essential for hair growth.
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Citric Acid
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-2
Citric Acid is known to balance the pH level of your scalp as the hair care products make it more alkaline.
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Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3-4
Bergamot oil is the essential oil of the bergamot tree, which is a cross between a lemon and an orange tree. -
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 5
Rich in Vitamin C, Orange Peel Oil increases circulation and blood flow to the hair scalp and thereby stimulating hair renewal. -
Citrus Glauca (Desert Lime) Fruit Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Well-adapted to the dry desert conditions of the outback, Desert Lime rejuvenates and hydrates the scalp and hair by binding water molecules.
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Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4-6
Lemon is rich in Vitamin C which helps in the production of collagen and boosts hair growth. Lemon Oil can help reduce bacteria on your scalp and cut down on oil buildup that causes greasy hair.
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Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Pink Grapefruit Peel Oil improves blood circulation, strengthens the roots and adds shine. -
Coco Caprylate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Coco Caprylate provides excellent skin and hair moisturization and restores suppleness and elasticity with a soft, dry, silky after feel.
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Coco-Glucoside
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Coco Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant that can be used as a foaming, cleansing, conditioning, and viscosity building agent to liquid cleansers and shampoos derived from coconut oil.
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Cocomidopropyl Betaine
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-5
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a synthetic fatty acid made from coconuts. It produces a thick lather when combined with water. The lathering action helps loosen the dirt and impurities that you are washing away, so they are easier to rinse off after cleaning. -
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Coconut Oil also moisturises your hair. It's easily absorbed and is better than other oils at repairing dry hair.
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Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Arabica Coffee is rich in Keratin, it helps to revitalise the scalp. It can increase hair elasticity and imparts shine to the dull hair. Helps to promote hair growth and improve blood circulation in the scalp.
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Disodium Cocoamphacetate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a mild amphoteric surfactant of light color, low viscosity, low irritation, high foamability and high thickening ability. It's widely used in mild shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, hand soap, shaving products and so on, as primary or secondary surfactant.
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Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Stem Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Because of its silica content, horsetail is useful when trying to stimulate hair growth. The herb rejuvenates your hair, adding sheen to the appearance and strength to the hair shafts. It also contains selenium and cysteine, which are known to promote healthy hair growth.
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Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 3-4
The compound eugenol found in clove oil helps promote hair growth when applied to the roots. It can also repair, strengthen and add a healthy shine to the hair shaft when applied regularly.
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Gluconolactone
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that derives from gluconic acid. It naturally occurs in fruit, honey, and wine. In beauty, Gluconolactone is used as a gentle exfoliator.
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Glycerin
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-2
Glycerin is a derivative of vegetable or animal oils (vegetable in SOPHIC's case). Glycerin hydrates the hair and scalp. -
Glyceryl Oleate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Glyceryl oleate for hair works as an excellent conditioner and glossing agent. For concerns about toxic surfactant ingredients in shampoos and hair products, glyceryl oleate serves as a natural, safer alternative that is also water friendly and biodegradable.
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Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is an organic compound that is a water-soluble quaternary ammonium derivative of guar gum. It is a conditioning agent for both the skin and hairwhich means that it helps to moisturize. -
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Hydrolyzed Baobab targets anti-aging by repairing damage, increasing hair strength, protecting from UV damage, not to mention moisturizing dry hair and nourishing strands from root to tip. -
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Jojoba esters provide smoothness and moisturize hair and serve as an excellent hair protector. -
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-2
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein has been shown to significantly increase total hair volume by up to 32%. It also adds natural shine and highlights to the hair. By increasing the ability of the hair and skin to bind moisture, it leads to increased flexibility and tensile strength. -
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-2
Hydrolyzed wheat protein is well-known for its strengthening properties and its ability to replenish the void of keratin with its cystine content. It also prevents further weakening of hair strands, which makes it an excellent choice for reviving damaged hair.
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Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Mango Butter seals in moisture and reduces breakage and hair loss by strengthening hair follicles, thereby encouraging the growth of stronger, healthier hair. -
Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Bourbon) Leaf Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 4
Geranium flower extract is one of the few effective essential oils that deal with sebum under and over production, making it an excellent treatment for both dry and oily dandruff.
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Potassium Sorbate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 2
This man-made preservative is a gentle alternative to ingredients that we avoid in all formulas, such as parabens, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and phthalates. It is allowed in organic certifications, and the FDA classifies it as safe for use in cosmetics.
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Saccharide Isomerate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Saccharide isomerate is a complex mixture of hydrating corn-derived sugars which have moisture-binding (humectant) properties.
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Santalum Acuminatum (Quandong) Fruit Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
The Quandong is a strange, red, glossy Australian desert fruit, eaten by Indigenous people for centuries for its potent health benefits. Found wild throughout the deserts, and semi-arid areas of Southern Australia. -
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Jojoba is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, including vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. Because it strengthens hair, it is also thought that jojoba oil can prevent hair loss and promote hair thickness. -
Sodium Benzoate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1-3
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, widely used as a preservative.
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Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient that is derived from coconuts, specifically coconut oil.
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Solanum Aviculare (Kangaroo Apple) Fruit Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: N/A
Not really an apple, more like a persimmon, but its name comes from the leaf which looks like a Kangaroo paw print. Wild harvested on Indigenous country in the NSW Northern Rivers region.
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Sorbic Acid
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 2
Sorbic acid is derived from rowan. It is used as a preservative in both food and skin products. -
Squalane
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Squalene was originally derived from shark liver, like you mention. But it's also found in both plants and animals, and this includes humans. Squalene is found naturally in our sebum and its purpose is to lubricate the skin.
Today, a lot of Squalene is derived from plants. Vegan sources where Squalene can be derived from include olives, sugarcane, rice bran, wheat germ, and palm trees. -
Syzygium Leuhmanii (Lilly Pilly) Leaf Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Famous for its rich astringent content, Lilly Pilly helps build firmness into the hair, making it a great ingredient for hair sprays. Vitamin C and fruit acids in the plant assist in pumping up the fullness and volume of the strands especially fine ones. -
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
This magical fruit supports the moisturisation and hydration of hair, making it fantastic for dry and lusterless hair. It maintains the level of collagen and elastin which revitalises the hair's appearance and restores its natural gloss. -
Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Cupuacu Ultra Refined Butter is native to Brazil and is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the Cupuacu tree, which is commonly cultivated throughout the Amazonian basin.
It is highly beneficial for dry and damaged hair, promoting deep, long-lasting hydration. -
Tocopherol
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Tocopherols are a class of organic chemical compounds, many of which have Vitamin E activity.
The highest sources of alpha-tocopherol in nuts and seeds are sunflower seeds, almonds/almond butter, hazelnuts, and pine nuts. -
Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetiver) Root Oil
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 2
Vetiver oil is a yellow essential oil with a moderate woody-earthy aroma, derived from the roots of the vetiver plant.
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Xylitol
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants. In skin and hair products it boosts skin hydration levels by improving skin barrier functions.
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Xylitylglucoside
Learn moreEWG’s Skin Deep Score: 1
Xylitol glucoside is obtained from plant sugars. It provides the skin cells with lasting moisture and helps the skin to better store and retain moisture. In addition, xylitol glucoside promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the skin.