Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (shampoos,toothpaste. Etc..). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer.

The commercial product is heterogeneous, both in the length of the alkyl chain (12 being the mode of the number of carbon atoms), and in the number of ethoxyl groups.

An amphoteric detergent, which is a detergent that can act as an acid or a base. It does not irritate the skin or mucous membranes.  Used as a cleanser and known for its mild conditioning properties, it is derived from coconut fatty acids.  Effective in foaming cleansers, shampoos and body washes where high, creamy foam is desired.

Cocamide DEA, or cocamide diethanolamine, is a diethanolamide made by reacting fatty acids in coconut oils with  diethanolamine . It is a viscous liquid and is used as a foaming agent in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent. See cocamide for the discussion of the length of carbon chain in the molecule.

Used as an emulsifier and spreading agent.  The monoester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid. An emollient and an emulsifier used in lotions and shampoos to achieve a pearling effect.  Helps to repair torn, split or damaged hair.

Attracts and holds moisture.

One of the B vitamins used in hair conditioners, it fills in cracks in the hair shaft to strengthen the hair.  Acts as a penetrating moisturizer. Plumps and moisturizes hair shaft to make it appear thicker, reduces split ends, smoothes skin and strengthens nails.

Wheat Proteins and Wheat Starch help add body and fullness while a special blend of moisturizing ingredients imparts softness and shine. Suitable for all hair and scalp types when mildness is desired.

A natural surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It has excellent foaming and cleansing abilities.   A perennial herb that is used as a natural cleanser.

Soapworts are cultivated for their attractive flowers; they grow freely in any soil and under most conditions. The crushed leaves or roots of S. officinalis have been used as a soap since the Renaissance. Museum conservators still use the soap made from its leaves and roots for cleaning delicate fabrics not able to withstand modern soaps, and it also makes a fine shampoo.

Natural scalp cleaner and conditioner.

The flowers and fruit could be eaten and the black seeds were ground into a flour. The roots were used to make soap. Currently extracts from this plant are in animal feed and various herbal medications. Some reports claim that Native Americans washed their hair with yucca to fight dandruff and hair loss.

Improves circulation, especially beneficial to aging skin.  Anti-inflammatory, soothing, promotes circulation to the skin and scalp, healing, uplifting, aphrodisiac qualities. 

Obtained from the plant equisetum arvense, known for its soothing, regenerating properties as well as its toning and astringent qualities. Commonly believed to stop bleeding and heal wounds.  Contains a large amount of silica, which strengthens hair and nails and increases the formation of white blood cells.

A natural toner that revitalizes and invigorates the scalp. Excellent for sensitive scalp and skin.  Known for its tonic, astringent and revitalizing properties. Used both in skin care and hair care preparations.  Extract from nettle leaves, rich in trace minerals and Vitamins A and C, anti-inflammatory, traditional herbal remedy for dandruff and hair loss, gives hair gloss.

Has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties and it is beneficial to reduce skin problems such as neuralgia, athlete’s foot, shingles, psoriasis and eczema.  Very aromatic herb, which adds shine and can add attractive lights to dark hair. 

When applied to hair, citric acid opens up the outer layer, also known as the cuticle. While the cuticle is open, it allows for a deeper penetration into the hair shaft. It can be used in shampoo to wash out wax and coloring from the hair. It is notably used in the product "Sun-in" for bleaching, but is generally not recommended due to the amount of damage it causes.

These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. SIMPLY STATED, GERMALL IS A TYPE OF PRODUCT PRESERVATIVE

Benzophenone prevents ultraviolet (UV) light from damaging scents and colours in products such as perfumes and soaps. It can also be added to the plastic packaging as a UV blocker. This allows manufacturers to package the product in clear glass or plastic. Without it, opaque or dark packaging would be used.

Personal care: added to cosmetics to improve product stability