Aloe: Both the translucent inner pulp and the viscous yellow aloin from opening the aloe plant are used externally for skin discomfort in alternative medicine and first aid treatments. The gel from the aloe is cooling and soothing when applied to the skin, which is why it is sometimes used to treat burns and skin wounds. The symptoms of an itchy scalp and flaking skin under your hair can be treated with aloe vera and may help resolve the inflammation that dandruff causes. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used Aloe vera to treat wounds. Aloe is a genus containing over 550 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or “true aloe”.
Amalaky: (Phyllanthus Emblica) also known as Amla helps stimulate hair growth and replenish hair. Amla has the highest natural content of vitamin C which has antioxidant properties and can help balance out free radicals that cause oxidative stress, preventing hair loss, damage, and premature aging and graying of hair. It contains tannins that help protect the hair from heat and photodamage, calcium, which promotes healthier hair. It is known to strengthen hair follicles and reduces hair thinning. It is often used in hair dyes. Its anti-inflammatory properties are why it is often used in hair tonics. Amla has antifungal and antiviral properties, which suggests that it might help reduce and prevent dandruff and other fungal infections and improve scalp health.
Amodimethicone: Are Silicones that have “amo”, “amine” or “amino” in their name, it is chemically modified to stick to your hair helping condition it. Amodimethicone is commonly used in leave-in conditioners.
Argan Oils: Argania Spinosa Kernel is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree that is endemic to Morocco. Argan Oils are said to have cancer preventive and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and help the hair maintain moisture. It helps maintain scalp health preventing psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta, it is also referred to as “liquid gold”.
BURITI: Buriti oil is considered the richest natural source of Beta-carotene, which contains properties that absorb radiation and UV rays to reduce dryness and increase elasticity. It is said to increase gloss, when applied on dry hair, compared to untreated hair strands. This makes this oil exceptionally good as a shine treatment for dull and faded hair. It also reduces the number of split ends during blow drying/styling. Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) is a palm tree native to Brazil and other swamp regions of South America. Brazilian natives consider it as sacred because it contains the nutrients and support needed for their survival which is why they call it the “Tree of Life”. They use the oil to protect the skin and to treat a variety of skin conditions including burns and sunburn. Natives of Central Brazil have used buriti oil to treat dry hair for a long time.
Cactus: All cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water. A natural moisture replenishment factor help keeps hair thick and shiny. It is a family of 1750 spiny plants; Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes living in habitats subject to at least some drought.
Cayenne pepper: also known as Red chili pepper has been used for centuries to promote hair growth. Cayenne advances peripheral blood circulation and nourishes the scalp. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper may be used to treat androgenic alopecia because it is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat painful inflammatory conditions. It may also help soothe any inflammatory issues associated with the scalp along with triggering the vallinoid receptors in hair follicles which may boost hair growth. The spice could also stimulate hair growth by inhibiting substance P (a peptide). Some research shows that cayenne pepper may improve hair health in general. Cayenne peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and folate, allowing for the blend with other ingredients to improve shine and fullness of hair, besides promoting its growth. Capsaicin is a vanilloids, that binds to the vanilloid receptor, naturally responding to noxious stimuli such as high temperatures and acidic pH, in turn creating the burning sensation felt after eating spicy peppers.
Cetearyl alcohol: is a Fatty alcohol typically derived from natural sources, used to help soothe, soften and heal dry skin and hair, while thickens and stabilizes cosmetic products, such as lotions and hair products. Not only is it considered safe and nontoxic for use on the skin and hair, but also does not dry or irritate like other types of alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, cetearyl alcohol is permitted by the FDA as an ingredient in products labeled “alcohol-free.”
Chamomile: Chamomile is considered a splendid hair tonic and works to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. It helps soften and moisturize the hair, restoring its natural shine, as it soothes the itchy scalp and helps with dandruff. Chamomile contains a special pigment called apigenin, which gives hair a golden tint, for blondes the hair will be much brighter and more radiant, for brown hair, it may become 2 or 3 shades lighter.
Chia extract: Chia seed oil is rich in various fatty acids that can penetrate the hair shaft to seal in moisture. This results in softer, smoother, shinier, and more hydrated hair which in turn controls frizz. Known also as Salvia hispanica L., chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and some vitamins and minerals. The seeds can then be pressed to extract a nutritious oil known as chia seed oil, used in the skin care industry as a potent anti-aging ingredient, as well as an edible and delicious alternative to olive oil. Chia seed oil is a common ingredient in skin treatment products due to its high fatty acid content. The oil is particularly rich in omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), omega-6, and smaller amounts of other healthful fats, such as oleic acid and stearic acid. Along with its topical application, a diet high in these fats is linked to a healthier skin membrane, protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays, and better skin hydration for cases with dry skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Although studies have found eating chia seeds can reduce cholesterol, waist circumference, and heart disease risk, it’s unknown whether chia seed oil, without the fiber in the seeds, has the same effects.
Coconut: Coconut oil is mainly made up of a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid. This gives coconut oil a long, straight structure, which is easily absorbed deep into the hair shaft. Coconut oil could help you grow your hair longer by moisturizing your hair and reducing breakage, protecting your hair from protein loss and damage when wet, and shielding your hair from environmental damage like wind, sun, and smoke. Other possible benefits include lice prevention when combined with anise in a spray and Sun protection by filtering UV helping protect your hair from sun damage. Another advantage is its use as a Dandruff treatment due to its antimicrobial properties when it is caused by an overgrowth of fungus or yeast on the scalp. Coconut oil can also reduce Hair loss expected from excessive grooming. In addition, Coconut oil is a versatile health and beauty product used for many issues, from cooking and cleaning to moisturizing their skin and removing their makeup.
Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient used in many personal care products. It keeps all the ingredients in a product from separating. It also gives these products a smooth, silky texture. When applied to the skin or hair, dimethicone creates a physical barrier to seal in hydration, keeping skin moisturized and hair frizz-free.
Garlic: has been used as both a food flavoring and in traditional medicine. It holds a high content of minerals like calcium, zinc, and sulfur. Garlic has anti-microbial properties that help kill germs and bacteria, which are responsible for causing damage to the scalp, further inhibiting hair growth. Raw garlic is known to be rich in vitamin C content that is great for promoting healthy hair. It also boosts collagen production that helps stimulate hair growth.
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo is a vasodilator and an antioxidant often used for the treatment of poor circulation which aids the supply of nutrients to the scalp. It contains terpenoids and flavonoids, when consumed, can help ward off heart disease, as they increase blood flow and reduce the build-up of harmful free radicals in the body. Terpenoids have a vasodilative effect and avoid blood platelets from becoming stuck. Flavonoids are antioxidants which have been shown to protect the heart, blood vessels and nerves, these qualities may help reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Gingko is well known as one of the oldest living species of trees. It has long been used in traditional forms of medicine to improve memory and alertness. In recent years it has become a popular ingredient in herbal supplements sold in North America and Europe.
Ginseng: Ginsenosides are the active components of ginseng and are thought to be responsible for its positive effect on hair. Ginseng is an age-old natural remedy for many conditions, including hair loss. It contains saponins, which are believed to encourage hair growth by inhibiting 5a reductase, an enzyme related to hair loss in men.
Goji Berry: Goji berries are rich in vitamin A, a nutrient that enhances blood circulation all over the body including the scalp, boosting hair growth and preventing hair loss. The berries are also rich in vitamin C which help in the absorption of iron and is essential for hair growth. The vitamins A and C in the berries offer antioxidant benefits against skin cancer. The berries also help reduce blood sugar and prevent diabetes due to the polysaccharides, long chain carbohydrates, as well as help prevent cancers of the colon, stomach and prostate, while regulating blood pressure levels.
Horsetail Grass: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a plant that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Historically, it was used as a diuretic to increase the frequency of urination. In recent years, it has been considered as a hair care and hair loss remedy, that is useful for cleaning, improving hair growth speed, reducing dandruff, and boosting scalp circulation. In ancient Rome and Greece, it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds and to treat tuberculosis, anemia, as well as kidney ailments. Horsetail contains the most silica and silica acids known in the plant kingdom. Silica forms collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and connective tissues. Silica also helps bind protein molecules to many tissues in the body. The silica content helps strengthen weak, brittle, damaged hair, giving it vitality and shine with regular use. It has a high mineral level, including potassium, selenium, and manganese. The saponins and flavonoids it contains help the skin regenerate, improving elasticity of skin and hair, promoting hair growth. Horsetail is taken as a tea, tincture or applied topically as shampoo, conditioner, soak or healing balm.
JOJOBA: (Simmondsia Chinensis) Jojoba oil is an oil-like wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It can be added to hair conditioners as a moisturizer, to give you added protection against dryness, breakage, and split ends. The oil can also moisturize the scalp and may be a dandruff remedy. 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. The jojoba plant is a shrub native to the desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and Mexico.
KERATIN: Keratin is the type of protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Keratin can also be found in your internal organs and glands. It is said that applying Keratin makes hair smoother and easier to manage as a result since it works by smoothing down the cells that overlap to form your hair strands. The hair cuticle, theoretically absorb the keratin, resulting in hair that looks full and glossy. It is also said to make curly hair less frizzy, easier to style, and straighter in appearance. The effects vary greatly depending on whether your hair is healthy to begin with, what the natural thickness of your hair is, and what kind of keratin treatment you use.
Moringa oil: Moringa oil has been used as a cosmetic topical cleanser and moisturizer ingredient since ancient times. Moringa’s oleic acid makes it beneficial when used as a cleansing agent, and an emollient to help seal moisture in skin and hair. It works as an Anti-inflammatory containing bioactive compounds like tocopherols, catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid, and zeatin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both when ingested and used topically, ideal for those struggling to control psoriasis and eczema. The vitamin E in the oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help improve acne, while it is gentle and safe enough to use on all skin types. It is also known for enhancing shine, protecting against color depletion and preventing drying and damaging effects from the sun’s rays. It adds reparative a property to styling products and can help make the hair stronger and protect it from damage.
Moringa oil is derived from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a small tree native to the Himalayan mountains. Virtually all parts of the moringa tree, including its seeds, roots, bark, flowers, and leaves, can be used for nutritional, industrial, or medicinal purposes. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as “the miracle tree.” It is also called the drumstick tree, in reference to the shape of its seed pods. Moringa oil is produced through a variety of industrial processes, including solvent extraction and cold-pressing, available as an essential oil, as a cooking oil or as an ingredient in hair and skin products.
Nettle: Nettle is a powerful herb that may stop hair loss and stimulate new growth. Rich in phytonutrients, it enhances blood flow to hair and helps block DHT – the hormone that causes male and female baldness. Nettle has antihistamine properties, which act against the histamine present in the body preventing allergic reactions. The leaves of the plant are helpful in treating seasonal allergies, hay fever, coughs, sneezing, hives and asthma.
SAGE: Sage is a member of the mint family, rich in antioxidants which prevents and reduces the formation of grey hair. Highly beneficial in preventing alopecia and thinning hair. The natural oils in sage strengthen the roots and stimulate healthy hair growth. The anti-inflammatory, astringents and antimicrobial properties of sage make it useful in treating scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis.
Saw Palmetto: Serenoa repens, or saw palmetto, is a small palm tree that grows in the United States. Saw palmetto is native to the West Indies, and Native Americans have used it as a healing plant for some time. It is believed to inhibit an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase which has the finasteride block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which could offer protection from some causes of hair loss.
The plant with small berries has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. There’s evidence that this herbal remedy may treat an enlarged prostate.
Soy extract: Soy extracts can reduce alopecia areata, a scalp condition associated with inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss while stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) going into the deep tissues of the scalp nourishing and helping the hair stay hydrated and flexible. Soybean oil-based polymeric surfactant in hair products exhibit better foaming and cleaning ability than sodium lauryl sulfate surfactants.
According to some studies, soy, when digested produces Equol which may also prevent prostate cancer and the progress of androgenic alopecia, commonly called male pattern baldness. Equol is said to block the male androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a by-product of the male hormone testosterone and is said to disrupt the hair growth cycle. The androgen causes premature miniaturization of hair follicles on the scalp.
Stearalkonium Chloride: It is used in the formulation of a variety of products especially hair care products such as rinses, conditioners, setting lotions and bleaches. The primary use of Stearalkonium Chloride is as an antistatic ingredient that alter the electrical properties of cosmetic raw materials of human body surfaces like skin, and hair by reducing their tendency to acquire an electrical charge thus minimizing “fly away” hair in dry weather. It is a positively charged salt that attracts and binds proteins, which are negatively charged this increases luster and improves the feel and the combing of wet or dry hair. It is made from stearic acid which is a fatty acid found in plants and animals.
SUNFLOWER OILS: The common sunflower, or Helianthus annuus, is a crop, known for a similar appearance to the sun as well as its edible seeds and oils, which is native to North and South America. High in polyunsaturated fatty acids and containing rich sources of Vitamins E and K, it protects your hair and hydrates it. The oil may elongate the hair strand and increase the number of hair follicles.
VITAMIN B5: also known as Panthenol. Pantothenic acid is essential for a healthy diet, skin, and hair, it is produced from both plants and animals and found in many common food sources. It is used as an additive in various cosmetic products around the globe.
Vitamins B9: also known as folate is an essential nutrient vital for the efficient functioning of the human body that can boost healthy cell generation and stimulate natural hair growth.
Vitamin B12: also known as cobalamin, helps produce oxygen-rich red blood cells, which feed hair follicles and stimulates hair growth.
Wheat germ: contains an array of vitamins, including vitamin E, which helps to promote new hair growth both in terms of length and volume of the hair, by keeping a healthy scalp and healthy root of the hair.
Willow Bark: White willow bark helps in making way for fresh and renewed skin through its natural exfoliating properties, removing dirt, product build-up from the scalp and helping to shift dead skin cells, assisting to smooth and improve the appearance of the skin and scalp. The willow Bark in hair products helps to control excess sebum on the scalp, leaving strands looking healthy and balanced. Willow Bark contain Salicin which is metabolized into salicylic acid in the human body, and is a precursor of aspirin.