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A to Z
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A to Z of Naturally Active Ingredients
- No animal testing
- No chemical sunscreens
- No mineral oils
- No animal ingredients
(except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey) - No genetically engineered ingredients
For a quick search, please click on the first letter of the ingredient which you would like to find out more about... We hope you'll find this useful whilst carrying out your search.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFor a full list of ingredients please e-mail your name and address details to Customer Care on ccare@lizearle.com
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
The gel found in this cactus-like plant’s fat juicy fronds contain active ingredients to help cool, soothe and soften the skin. Aloe vera has been used for more than 6000 years to treat a variety of skin ailments, including sunburn, blisters and burns.
Found in: Face and Body Wash
Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot kernels are crushed to produce this light oil, which is good for mature, dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. Its wonderfully light texture makes it easily absorbed into the epidermis or uppermost levels of the skin. In the Vital Oils Bath Oils organic apricot oil has been used as the carrier for the essential oils.
Found in: Spot-On
Armoise (Artemisia vulgaris)
Armoise is the common name used when referring to the essential oil of Artemisia vulgaris, which is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. The plant grows to between 3 and four feet high and has silvery-grey leaves and small yellow button-like flowers. The aerial part of the plant produces an essential oil with a camphorous, fresh and minty aroma that is widely used in perfumery.
Found in: Face and Body Wash, Foot Repair Moisturiser, Foot Scrub
Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)
The flesh of the avocado contains nearly 50% plant oil. Highly nutritious, it is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid and leaves the skin smooth and soft.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser
Beeswax (Cera alba)
The beeswax used in Naturally Active Skincare comes from the honeycombs in which bees store their pollen. It has skin protecting properties and helps to relieve chapped skin.
Found in: Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Men's Face Scrub
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)
Bergamot is named after the Italian town of Bergamo where the fruit was originally cultivated. This refreshing essential oil is extracted from the bergamot fruits, and is widely used by aromatherapists to relieve stress, depression and insomnia.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser, Face and Body Wash
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is one of the orange/yellow pigments responsible for the colour of many fruits and vegetables such as carrots, oranges, apricots. It is also widely found in green leafy vegetables but its colour is masked by the green chlorophyll. This is why when the level of chlorophyll in leaves falls during autumn the leaves turn a reddish colour as the beta-carotene becomes visible. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair
Borage Oil (Borago officinalis)
Nicknamed the herb of gladness by the Romans because of its use in treating depression. The beautiful star shaped flowers of this plant give way to tiny seeds crammed with a health promoting plant oil. This oil is one of the richest sources of the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which helps to lock moisture onto the skin.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair
Borage Oil (Borago officinalis)
Nicknamed the herb of gladness by the Romans because of its use in treating depression. The beautiful star shaped flowers of this plant give way to tiny seeds crammed with a health promoting plant oil. This oil is one of the richest sources of the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which helps to lock moisture onto the skin.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser
Cabreuva Essential Oil (Myrocarpus frondosus)
Cabreuva oil is distilled from the bark of the tree. The tree originates in South America and has very hard wood and is used for furniture making. The chippings from which the oil is extracted are the waste product of the timber mills. The oil has a delicate, sweet, woody-floral scent but has great tenacity and is used as a fixative in perfume blends.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Cedarwood - Virginian Essential Oil (Juniperus virginiana)
Virginia cedarwood oil is distilled from the wood of the Eastern redcedar. A dense, slow-growing conifer native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada the Eastern redcedar is actually a species of juniper, Juniperus virginiana, and not a true cedar. Virginia cedarwood oil is a by-product of the timber industry: sawdust, off cuts and other waste wood are steam distilled for their essential oil content. Virginia cedarwood oil is used for the characteristic sweet, balsamic note it brings to fragrance blends.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser, Sensitive Shave Cream
Chamomile Essential Oil/Extract (Anthemis nobilis)
This herb takes its name from the Greek kamai (ground) and melon (apple) because of the sweet apple-like fragrance it releases when trodden on. The essential oil is considered a gentle oil by aromatherapists and medical herbalists have used chamomile for soothing the skin for centuries.
Found in: Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clary Sage oil is distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of the plant, which grows best in the Mediterranean region. The oil has a sweet, herbaceous, warm tobacco-like note. It is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and has an anti-depressant effect. The herb has been used for centuries in many different cultures both as a culinary and medicinal herb. The Egyptians used it to treat infertility, the Romans believed it prolonged life and in the Middle Ages it was said to have a 'miracle' curing power.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser, Sensitive Shave Cream
Coco-caprylate/caprate
Coco-caprylate/caprate is a light emollient oil wholly derived from Coconut and Palm oils. It’s lightness and exceptional spreading power makes it an ideal base oil when an almost dry non-greasy finish is desired.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)
This rich, creamy butter which has moisturising effects on the skin is made from the roasted seeds of the cocoa tree, the same seeds that give us chocolate and cocoa.
Found in: Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Men's Face Scrub
Coriander Essential Oil (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander is native to southern Europe and the western Mediterranean region. The essential oil is distilled from the dried fruits (seeds) of the plant and has a sweet, musky, spicy, woody aroma. As the seeds dry they develop an aromatic scent and flavour and this has been used to advantage for thousands of years. The seeds have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and reference was made to them in ancient Sanscrit writings. The ancient Romans used the spice to preserve their meat.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
D-panthenol
Otherwise known as pro-vitamin B5, this B vitamin is necessary for the normal functioning of the skin and has a moisturising effect. It also helps stimulate cellular renewal.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair, After-Shaving Moisturiser, Sensitive Shave Cream, Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Men's Face Scrub
Damask Rose Water (Rosa damascena)
The damask rose is the oldest of all the rose varieties and produces an exquisitely scented floral water which cools and moisturises the skin leaving it feeling fresh and hydrated.
Found in: Energising Body Wash
Echinacea Extract (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea)
This pretty flower from the same family as sunflowers and daisies has striking purple petals. It is said to be named because the spiky conical seed head in the centre of the petals resembles a hedgehog (echinos is Greek for hedgehog). Native Americans first used this plant and it has since been used widely in herbal preparations ever since for anything ranging from colds and flu to skin conditions.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Native to Australia, eucalyptus shoots are a favourite food of the koala. The cooling essential oil produced from the leaves and twigs has decongestant properties and is used by aromatherapists to ease muscular aches and pains.
Found in: Energising Body Wash, Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Men's Face Scrub, Foot Repair Moisturiser, Foot Scrub
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Native to Australia, eucalyptus shoots are a favourite food of the koala. The cooling essential oil produced from the leaves and twigs has decongestant properties and is used by aromatherapists to ease muscular aches and pains.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens/odoratissimum)
These essential oils provide wonderfully uplifting fragrances. Pelargonium odoratissimum has a delicate apple aroma whilst P. graveolens, known as rose-scented geranium has a more powerful rose-like odour. This luxurious oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy for its toning and balancing properties.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Energising Body Wash
Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
These essential oils provide wonderfully uplifting fragrances. Pelargonium odoratissimum has a delicate apple aroma whilst P. graveolens, known as rose-scented geranium has a more powerful rose-like odour. This luxurious oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy for its toning and balancing properties.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser, Sensitive Shave Cream
Glycerin
The glycerin we use is always vegetable derived. It is a humectant (attracts water), drawing atmospheric water onto the skin to aid hydration.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Sensitive Shave Cream, After-Shaving Moisturiser, Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Men's Face Scrub
Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus grandis)
The name grapefruit originated because the fruits grow in clusters that resemble grapes. An uplifting and reviving oil it is used by aromatherapists for detox treatments.
Found in: Energising Body Wash
Hops Extract (Humulus lupulus)
This herbal extract comes from the pinecone-like fruit of the hop plant and has astringent and toning properties.
Found in: Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish
Lavandin (Lavandula hybrida)
Lavandin is a hybrid resulting from crossbreeding between lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) plants. These hybrids have a more vigorous growth habit and yield more essential oil than lavender. Lavandin oil is used for its fragrance which is similar to lavender but with more of a camphoraceous note.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, After-Shaving Moisturiser, Face and Body Wash, Triple Face & Body Wash Offer, Sensitive Shave Cream, Foot Repair Moisturiser, Foot Scrub
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
This comforting, calming oil has been widely used since the late 16th Century. More recently research has shown the benefits of this versatile oil to help induce a restful night’s sleep. We use a high altitude lavender from the Mount Ventoux area of France for its wonderful calming aroma.
Found in: Spot-On
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
This comforting, calming oil has been widely used since the late 16th Century. More recently research has shown the benefits of this versatile oil to help induce a restful night’s sleep. We use a high altitude lavender from the Mount Ventoux area of France for its wonderful calming aroma.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Lemon Essential Oil (Citrus limon)
Lemon essential oil is cold pressed from the peel of the fruit. The oil is contained within glands in the outer layer of the peel. Lemons have been used in cooking and beverages for centuries but were only brought to Europe during the Crusades and did not become widely used in Europe until the 16th century. The oil is used in aromatherapy and has a refreshing and uplifting effect, and is sometimes referred to as 'the sunshine oil'. Studies have shown that dispersing lemon oil into the atmosphere helps improve concentration; in Japan it is used in this way and is said to reduce typing errors in the workplace.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
May Chang Essential Oil (Litsea cubeba)
May chang is the common name given to the fragrant essential oil from a small tropical tree native to China. The essential oil is produced from the tiny fruits, which resemble peppercorns. It is used as a perfumery ingredient for its sweet citrus odour which is similar to lemongrass but more refined.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
Melissa Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis)
Also known as lemon balm, melissa oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant. Our Melissa is grown by three generations of farmers on their farm in Essex, the smell during distillation is immense. This precious oil has soothing and toning properties.
Found in: Spot-On
Oat Extract (Avena sativa)
Although more commonly found in nutritious breakfast cereals, oats when used on the skin have emollient and soothing properties. An ancient belief that oats could cure rheumatism led to mattresses being filled with oat straw.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
Orange Flower Water (Citrus aurantium v. amara)
Also known as orange flower hydrosol, this exquisitely fragranced floral water is produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It contains the water soluble, volatile components of orange flowers, which give it its delicious, subtle odour.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii)
Palmarosa is a flowering grass that is native to India and is in the same family as Citronella and Lemongrass. The essential oil is distilled from the freshly dried leaves of the plant. It has a fresh, floral, sweet rosy scent similar to Rose Geranium and is often mistaken as such. Aromatherapists have used palmarosa oil for stress, nervous tension, grief and anger.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli has reviving and stimulating properties and is used by aromatherapists to help soothe skin and help calm stress. It is even reported to be a mild aphrodisiac! The sweet, spicy, heady odour of patchouli makes it a very popular fragrance ingredient.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Energising Body Wash, Face and Body Wash
Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli has reviving and stimulating properties and is used by aromatherapists to help soothe skin and help calm stress. It is even reported to be a mild aphrodisiac! The sweet, spicy, heady odour of patchouli makes it a very popular fragrance ingredient.
Found in: Face and Body Wash, Foot Repair Moisturiser, Foot Scrub
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint has been used for centuries for digestive problems and today peppermint tea is commonly drunk after meals, particularly in warm climates. Refreshing and invigorating, it helps to tone and stimulate the skin and makes a cooling, refreshing foot bath.
Found in: Energising Body Wash, Foot Scrub, Foot Repair Moisturiser
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint has been used for centuries for digestive problems and today peppermint tea is commonly drunk after meals, particularly in warm climates. Refreshing and invigorating, it helps to tone and stimulate the skin and makes a cooling, refreshing foot bath.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Petitgrain Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium v. amara)
This essential oil was originally obtained from the small green unripe fruits of the bitter orange tree. The name was retained after the leaves and twigs became the main source of the oil. Petitgrain has balancing and uplifting properties and helps to relieve tension.
Found in: Energising Body Wash
Pine Essential Oil (Pinus sylvestris)
Refreshing, stimulating and invigorating, this oil is taken from the needles of the Scots pine.
Found in: Energising Body Wash
Pumice
Pumice is formed from lava that is full of gas. The lava is ejected and shot through the air during an eruption where the gasses escape leaving the rock full of holes.
Found in: Men's Face Scrub, Foot Scrub
Rosemary Essential Oil/Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This renowned and once sacred herb has been used for centuries in beauty preparations. Rosemary essential oil has a fresh pungent aroma and is very invigorating and stimulating. The extract has beneficial antioxidant properties.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Energising Body Wash, Liz Earle For Men Cleanse & Polish, Foot Scrub, Foot Repair Moisturiser
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Distilled from the bark of a tall South American tree, this essential oil is prized for its mellow floral aroma. Rosewood has astringent and toning properties and is a renowned pick me up.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
Self-Heal Extract (Prunella vulgaris)
This short perennial plant is packed with tiny purple flowers and belongs to the same family as lavender and mint. Self-heal is used by herbalists the world over for a wide variety of conditions.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser
Shave Grass Extract (Equisetum arvense)
This unique feathery looking plant descends from prehistoric times. Over the centuries it has been widely used by herbalists for many other purposes. Rich in silica it has been used for scouring metal. An extract made form this plant has astringent properties.
Found in: Sensitive Shave Cream
Soap Bark (Quillaja saponaria)
Natural saponins, found in the wood of the Chilean soap bark tree provide the basis for our naturally foaming Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash. The tree has astringent, anti-inflammatory and invigorating properties and is used by herbalists to help treat coughs and bronchitis. On the skin, it can help to relieve scalp problems such as dandruff.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Face and Body Wash
Soap Bark (Quillaja saponaria)
Natural saponins, found in the wood of the Chilean soap bark tree provide the basis for our naturally foaming Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash. The tree has astringent, anti-inflammatory and invigorating properties and is used by herbalists to help treat coughs and bronchitis. On the skin, it can help to relieve scalp problems such as dandruff.
Found in: Face and Body Wash
Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium dulcis)
Orange is a member of the large family of citrus fruits and has a characteristic aroma that cheers and uplifts the spirits.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Energising Body Wash
Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
This powerful essential oil comes from the leaves and the twigs of the Australian tea tree. Originally used in Aboriginal medicine it is now used widely by aromatherapists and herbalists utilising its antibacterial properties for a variety of skin conditions.
Found in: Spot-On
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide occurs naturally as the mineral 'Rutile' but it is almost always coloured due to contamination with materials such as Iron Oxides. Titanium Dioxide is very effective at reflecting UV light and hence ideal for use as a component in sun protection products. The Titanium Dioxide we use in our Sun Shade is produced from mineral sources and undergoes several processes to ensure its purity.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair
Tonka Bean Absolute (Dipteryx odorata)
Tonka bean absolute is produced from the beans of a large tree, native to South America, which grows over 120 feet high. Tonka bean has a soft sweet odour reminiscent of hay and coconut and is often used as a natural fixative in perfumery; this means that it is used to help maintain the fragrance of a blend for a longer period.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Face and Body Wash
Tonka Bean Absolute (Dipteryx odorata)
Tonka bean absolute is produced from the beans of a large tree, native to South America, which grows over 120 feet high. Tonka bean has a soft sweet odour reminiscent of hay and coconut and is often used as a natural fixative in perfumery; this means that it is used to help maintain the fragrance of a blend for a longer period.
Found in: Face and Body Wash
Tree moss Absolute
Tree moss is the name given to the absolute produced from lichens collected from a variety of trees. It is a dark coloured oil with a woody, earthy odour that is used in fragrance blends. It is also a useful natural fixative in perfumery, this means that it is used to help maintain the fragrance of a blend for a longer period.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Face and Body Wash
Tree moss Absolute
Tree moss is the name given to the absolute produced from lichens collected from a variety of trees. It is a dark coloured oil with a woody, earthy odour that is used in fragrance blends. It is also a useful natural fixative in perfumery, this means that it is used to help maintain the fragrance of a blend for a longer period.
Found in: Face and Body Wash, After-Shaving Moisturiser
Vetiver Essential Oil (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Vetiver is a tall perennial grass. An essential oil with a sweet, earthy odour is produced from its roots. This oil known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’ because of its sedative properties which help promote relaxation.
Found in: Face and Body Wash
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
This antioxidant helps protect skin against free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun’s radiation. We only use premium natural-source vitamin E which is up to three times more potent than the synthetic variety.
Found in: Daily Eye Repair, Spot-On, Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Energising Body Wash, Face and Body Wash
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
This antioxidant helps protect skin against free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun’s radiation. We only use premium natural-source vitamin E which is up to three times more potent than the synthetic variety.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser, Face and Body Wash
Wheatgerm Oil (Triticum vulgare)
This oil comes from the seed or ‘germ’ of the wheat stalk. Wheatgerm makes an excellent addition to massage oil as it contains high levels of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Found in: After-Shaving Moisturiser
Yarrow Extract (Achillea millefolium)
Traces of this native European herb have been found in Neanderthal burial caves, suggesting its usage goes back 60,000 years. Yarrow was for centuries an indispensable medicinal herb. Native American tribes believed it could cure everything from sore throats and toothache to indigestion and bowel complaints. We use it for its astringent and soothing properties.
Found in: Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash