Natural Ingredient Dictionary

An A-Z Guide to What's in Your Product

A collection of natural ingredients like avocado, lemon, chili, onion, ginger, tomato

A collection of natural ingredients like avocado, lemon, chili, onion, ginger, tomato

Foundational List

Coconut Oil

  • Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera
  • Source/Origin: The meat of mature coconuts.
  • Uses: Food (cooking, baking), Cosmetics (moisturizer, hair conditioner), Soap making.
  • Properties & Benefits: Rich in lauric acid, highly moisturizing, and anti-microbial properties.
  • Cautions: Can be comedogenic (may clog pores) for some skin types.

Aloe Vera

  • Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis Miller
  • Source/Origin: The gel from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant.
  • Uses: Cosmetics (soothing gel, after-sun care), Health (digestive aid).
  • Properties & Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, healing properties, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Cautions: Topical use is generally safe. Ingesting large amounts can have a laxative effect.

Shea Butter

  • Scientific Name: Vitellaria paradoxa
  • Source/Origin: The fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.
  • Uses: Cosmetics (body butter, lip balms), Hair care.
  • Properties & Benefits: Deeply moisturizing, rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E, has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cautions: Generally safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Honey

  • Scientific Name: Mel
  • Source/Origin: Produced by honey bees from the nectar of flowers.
  • Uses: Food (sweetener), Cosmetics (facial masks, cleansers).
  • Properties & Benefits: Antibacterial, antioxidant, humectant (draws moisture to the skin).
  • Cautions: Do not give to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Jojoba Oil

  • Scientific Name: Simmondsia chinensis
  • Source/Origin: The seed of the Jojoba plant.
  • Uses: Cosmetics (moisturizer, carrier oil).
  • Properties & Benefits: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, non-comedogenic, very stable.
  • Cautions: Generally considered safe for all skin types.

Turmeric

  • Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
  • Source/Origin: The rhizome of the turmeric plant.
  • Uses: Food (spice, curry), Health (anti-inflammatory).
  • Properties & Benefits: Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from curcumin.
  • Cautions: Can stain skin and fabric.

Cocoa Butter

  • Scientific Name: Theobroma cacao
  • Source/Origin: The fat from the cocoa bean.
  • Uses: Food (chocolate), Cosmetics (moisturizer, lip balms).
  • Properties & Benefits: Highly emollient, helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, rich in antioxidants.
  • Cautions: Can be comedogenic for some skin types.

Eucalyptus Oil

  • Scientific Name: Eucalyptus globulus
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the eucalyptus tree.
  • Uses: Aromatherapy, Congestion relief, and Natural cleaners.
  • Properties & Benefits: Decongestant, anti-inflammatory, helps relieve coughs.
  • Cautions: Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not ingest.

Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Scientific Name: Malus domestica
  • Source/Origin: Fermented apples.
  • Uses: Food (dressing), Health tonic, Hair rinse.
  • Properties & Benefits: Balances pH, antibacterial properties.
  • Cautions: Highly acidic; dilute with water before use.

Calendula

  • Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
  • Source/Origin: The petals of the marigold flower.
  • Uses: Ointments, Teas.
  • Properties & Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, and helps with skin irritation.
  • Cautions: People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family should use it with caution.

Lavender Oil

  • Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
  • Source/Origin: Steam distillation of the flowers of the lavender plant.
  • Uses: Aromatherapy, Cosmetics (skincare, perfumes).
  • Properties & Benefits: Calming and relaxing aroma, anti-inflammatory, helps with sleep.
  • Cautions: Use in diluted form. It can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Olive Oil

  • Scientific Name: Olea europaea
  • Source/Origin: Pressing whole olives.
  • Uses: Food (cooking, dressing), Cosmetics (moisturizer, hair masks).
  • Properties & Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, highly moisturizing.
  • Cautions: High in calories. Ensure it is extra virgin for best benefits.

Beeswax

  • Scientific Name: Cera alba
  • Source/Origin: A natural wax produced by honey bees.
  • Uses: Cosmetics (lip balms, lotions), Candles, Food wraps.
  • Properties & Benefits: Creates a protective barrier on the skin, emollient, non-toxic.
  • Cautions: Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin, as it can cause a reaction in rare cases.

Peppermint

  • Scientific Name: Mentha piperita
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the peppermint plant.
  • Uses: Food (flavoring), Aromatherapy, Tea.
  • Properties & Benefits: Soothes digestive issues, refreshing scent, and acts as a natural insect repellent.
  • Cautions: High concentrations of essential oil can be irritating.

Tea Tree Oil

  • Scientific Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the tea tree plant.
  • Uses: Spot treatments for acne, Antiseptic.
  • Properties & Benefits: Powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cautions: Highly concentrated; must be diluted before use. Do not ingest.

Rosemary

  • Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the rosemary plant.
  • Uses: Food (herb), Cosmetics (hair growth).
  • Properties & Benefits: Improves circulation, acts as an antioxidant, and stimulates hair growth.
  • Cautions: High concentrations can cause skin irritation.

Castor Oil

  • Scientific Name: Ricinus communis
  • Source/Origin: The seeds of the castor bean plant.
  • Uses: Cosmetics (hair and eyelash growth), Laxative.
  • Properties & Benefits: Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory.
  • Cautions: Can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if taken internally in large quantities.

Rosehip Oil

  • Scientific Name: Rosa canina
  • Source/Origin: Pressed from the seeds of the rose bush.
  • Uses: Skin care (anti-aging, scars).
  • Properties & Benefits: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and C, it helps with cell regeneration.
  • Cautions: Can go rancid quickly. Store in a cool, dark place

For Cosmetics & Skincare

Green Tea Extract

  • Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the green tea plant.
  • Uses: Skincare (serums, moisturizers), Health (antioxidant-rich drink).
  • Properties & Benefits: High in antioxidants (polyphenols, catechins), anti-inflammatory, helps reduce signs of aging and redness.
  • Cautions: Generally safe for topical use.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

  • Scientific Name: N/A (Note: It's a naturally occurring substance, not a plant.)
  • Source/Origin: Naturally found in the body; commercially produced through the fermentation of a plant-based substrate.
  • Uses: Skincare (serums, moisturizers), Health (supplements for joint health).
  • Properties & Benefits: Exceptional ability to hold water, a powerful humectant that hydrates the skin, plumps fine lines, and improves skin texture.
  • Cautions: Generally safe. Highlight that it is a "bio-fermented" ingredient, which is a key concept for natural products.

Bentonite Clay

  • Scientific Name: N/A (Note: It's a mineral, not a plant.)
  • Source/Origin: Volcanic ash.
  • Uses: Skincare (facial masks, detox baths), Health (internal detox, in some supplements).
  • Properties & Benefits: Highly absorbent, draws out toxins and impurities from the skin, helps with oily skin and acne.
  • Cautions: Should not be used excessively, as it can be very drying.

Argan Oil

  • Scientific Name: Argania spinosa
  • Source/Origin: Kernels from the fruit of the argan tree.
  • Uses: Hair care, skin care, food (edible argan oil).
  • Properties & Benefits: High in Vitamin E and antioxidants, non-greasy, great for hydrating and softening hair and skin.
  • Cautions: Generally safe.

Sweet Almond Oil

  • Scientific Name: Prunus dulcis
  • Source/Origin: Pressed from the kernels of sweet almonds.
  • Uses: Carrier oil for essential oils, moisturizers, and massage oil.
  • Properties & Benefits: Rich in Vitamin E, A, and fatty acids; excellent emollient, non-greasy, and soothes dry, irritated skin.
  • Cautions: People with nut allergies should avoid it.

For Food & Health

Stevia

  • Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana
  • Source/Origin: The leaves of the Stevia plant.
  • Uses: Natural sweetener.
  • Properties & Benefits: Zero-calorie, can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, does not raise blood sugar levels.
  • Cautions: Some people report a slight aftertaste.

Ginger

  • Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale
  • Source/Origin: The rhizome (root) of the ginger plant.
  • Uses: Food (spice), Health (tea, supplements).
  • Properties & Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, helps with nausea, and contains powerful antioxidants.
  • Cautions: Can cause heartburn or stomach upset in high doses.

Black Pepper

  • Scientific Name: Piper nigrum
  • Source/Origin: The dried fruit of the flowering vine.
  • Uses: Food (spice).
  • Properties & Benefits: Contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties and can increase the absorption of other nutrients (like curcumin in turmeric).
  • Cautions: None for typical culinary use.

Oats

  • Scientific Name: Avena sativa
  • Source/Origin: The grains of the oat plant.
  • Uses: Food (oatmeal, granola), Cosmetics (soothing skin baths).
  • Properties & Benefits: High in fiber (beta-glucan), soothes irritated and dry skin, and can help lower cholesterol.
  • Cautions: Can be cross-contaminated with gluten if not certified gluten-free.

Cinnamon

  • Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia
  • Source/Origin: The inner bark of the cinnamon tree.
  • Uses: Food (spice, flavoring), Health (blood sugar regulation).
  • Properties & Benefits: Powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, helps improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Cautions: Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large amounts. It's helpful to mention the distinction between Ceylon ("true") and Cassia cinnamon.