What are Emulsifiers and Solubilizers?
Many industries have certain terms they use to help make communication easier. This jargon is great if you already understand the meaning, but it can be confusing if you’re just getting started. Emulsifiers and solubilizers are important ingredients in making hair and skincare products, so it’s beneficial to know what those terms mean and how […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Understanding How Sunless Tanners Work
We hope you’ve had a chance to try our Sunless Tanning Gel, but if not, now’s a great time to order a sample. It creates a light-to-medium tan on pale skin tones, and we love its gel feel and fast absorption (no more waiting around in a towel as it dries). Let’s break down how […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:DHA, sunless tan
How to Use Allantoin in Skin Care
You might have noticed that allantoin is a popular ingredient in a range of skin and personal care products, ranging from toothpastes, sun care products, all the way through hair care and face creams. This blog discusses what allantoin is, why it’s such a versatile ingredient, and how you can incorporate it into your own […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:allantoin
How to Read a Cosmetic Ingredient List
By law, skincare products have to include comprehensive ingredient lists. But how do you read one? What are the important factors to look out for when you do? And are there any exceptions? Cracking these questions can be a bit more of an undertaking, but we’ve got you covered. Let’s start with some definitions and […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:ingredient decks
Gums, Thickeners, and Natural Polymers in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Thickeners and Natural Polymers add texture and help stabilize lotions and creams, and also create a wide variety of different gels. Although they all perform the same function in a lotion, cream, or gel, they each have unique properties and can change the look and feel of your final product. Selecting the right one […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:gums, hyaluronic acid, serum, thickeners
Decyl Glucoside – Ingredient Highlight
Surfactants are one of the most versatile ingredients used in hair and skincare products. They perform an important function in reducing the surface tension of water allowing all kinds of wonderful products to be made. Most of us think big foam and bubbles when we hear the word “surfactant” but the definition is much more. […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:Surfactant
Grapeseed Oil: Amazing Antioxidant & Carrier Oil
Grapeseed Oil is a beautiful carrier oil that comes from the seeds of grapes, also known as the Vitis vinifera botanical. This oil has been shown to have strong antioxidant, emollient, and moisturizing properties making it a perfect ingredient for use in cosmetics and skincare products. This super lightweight, finely textured oil has a wonderful […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:carrier oil, grapeseed oil
DMAE: What it is & How to Use it
DMAE is one of our favorite ingredients at Essential, and it’s ended up in many of our bestselling products. But like so much of the cosmetics industry, it’s an ingredient many people don’t fully understand. Here we’ll talk about what it is, how to use it, and why (we think) you’ll love it too. What […]
Filed in: Ingredients
Tagged with:DMAE
Switching to Natural Colors, and the DMAE & Kaolin Clay Powder Mask
One of the major challenges in ‘natural’ skincare or clean chemistry as a whole is finding ways to color products that not only look beautiful but impart benefits of their own. The real jackpot is finding a plant-based solution that creates lasting and stable color. Happily, we have found a great solution and are pleased […]
Filed in: Ingredients, Product Spotlight
Tagged with:natural color
Why Some Products Can Never Be Organic–We’re looking at you, Water
When it comes time to find organic ingredients and products, you’ll quickly see that there are a few things that are never (and won’t ever) be classified as organic. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to certify your product, but there’s no getting around the scientific reasons that prevent things from being classed as […]
Filed in: Business Tips, Compliance, Ingredients, Organic Family & Lifestyle
Tagged with:ingredients, organic