The chemistry behind what we do.
The nerdy stuff!
ALL THINGS THAT BUBBLE
Shampoo Bars
SLSA in cosmetics.
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We have chosen the gentlest surfactants bound with herbs, vitamins, probiotics and oils to nourish and feed the hair and skin
SLSA [Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate], a mild surfactant used in personal care products.
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Purpose: This ingredient is used as a foaming agent to create a rich, creamy lather in products like bath bombs, shampoos, bubble bars, and soaps.
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Mild alternative: SLSA is a much gentler and less irritating alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), making it suitable for sensitive skin.
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Source: It is typically derived from coconut and palm oils and is approved for use in Ecocert-certified products.
GET INTO A LATHER
SCI Powder
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) powder.
A mild surfactant used to create rich, creamy lather in soaps and other cosmetic products. Derived from coconut oil, SCI is a popular ingredient in many DIY and commercial cleansers due to its gentle, non-drying nature.
o High foaming: Produces a dense, stable, and creamy lather in both hard and soft water.
o Mild and gentle: Considered much milder on the skin than harsher, sulfate-based surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), earning it the nickname "baby foam".
o Moisturizing: Helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving a soft, silky after-feel.
o Biodegradable: As a naturally derived and renewable ingredient, it is environmentally friendly.
o Vegan-friendly: It is derived from vegetable oils and is suitable for vegan products.
Cocamidopropyl betaine
o It's considered gentle and low-risk for skin, making it suitable for baby products and for individuals with sensitive skin or eczema.
o CAPB is compatible with various personal care formulations, including hair conditioners, facial cleansers, and bubble baths.
o It is a fully biodegradable ingredient, which is an eco-friendly characteristic.
PUSHING THE BOUNDRY
CBD - friend or foe.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is often seen as both a friend and a potential foe, depending on perspective and context. On one hand, research suggests CBD may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and ease chronic pain without the intoxicating effects of THC, making it an appealing natural alternative for many seeking relief.
It has gained popularity in wellness products, from oils to gummies, and is even being studied for its potential role in managing conditions like epilepsy and inflammation. Our Arnica Balm has CBD for example.
However, CBD is not without drawbacks—its regulation is inconsistent, quality can vary widely between products, and side effects such as fatigue, digestive issues, or interactions with medications remain concerns. Ultimately, whether CBD acts as an ally or an adversary depends on how responsibly it is used, the quality of the product, and the individual’s unique health needs.
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
Pro Vit B5
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Moisturizes:
Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin's surface, and as an emollient, smoothing and softening it.
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Supports Barrier Function:
Strengthens the skin's natural barrier to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental irritants.
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Promotes Healing:
Enhances the skin's healing process, supporting cell regeneration and helping to repair damaged skin tissues.
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Reduces Irritation:
Helps calm redness and alleviate symptoms of irritated skin.
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Improves Skin Quality:
Can reduce the appearance of acne spots and improve skin elasticity and overall texture.
Benefits for Hair and Nails
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Adds Shine and Softness: Seals in moisture to the hair, improving shine, softness, and pliability without feeling greasy.
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Strengthens Hair: Binds to the hair follicle, providing moisture and preventing dryness.
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Protects Hair and Nails: Acts as a protective layer on the hair and nails, maintaining their hydration, strength, and flexibility.
OUTSIDE YOUR COCOON
Silk Protein
All hair types can benefit:
While particularly useful for damaged, dry, or chemically treated hair, hydrolyzed silk is gentle and beneficial for all hair types.
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Protein-moisture balance: Using too much protein can cause hair to become stiff and brittle. If you notice this effect, reduce the frequency of use and focus on using moisturizing products.
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Not a vegan ingredient: Hydrolyzed silk is sourced from silkworm cocoons, so it is not a vegan-friendly ingredient. However, it is considered cruelty-free by some suppliers since it is derived from the cocoons after the silkworms have emerged.
RESISTANCE TO NEW PATHS
Working with products that have at times been frowned upon or are still illegal in certain countries has its challenges
Launching and working with products like CBD is particularly challenging because legality and public perception vary drastically across borders. In some countries, CBD is embraced as a wellness supplement, while in others it is strictly regulated or outright banned, often due to its association with cannabis.
This patchwork of laws makes international trade, marketing, and compliance a complex maze for businesses, requiring constant vigilance and legal expertise.
Even in regions where CBD is permitted, stigma can limit consumer acceptance, create hurdles with financial institutions, and complicate advertising. For entrepreneurs, this means balancing innovation with risk management, navigating unclear regulations, and building consumer trust in an industry where the rules can shift overnight.
VEGGIE POWER
Inulin
A natural, vegetable-derived polysaccharide that moisturizes, smooths, and conditions hair fibres, enhancing shine and softness. As a prebiotic, it supports a balanced scalp microbiome, which is essential for a healthy scalp environment conducive to hair growth. Inulin can also provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage and help soothe the scalp, making it a beneficial ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and serums.
How Inulin Works for Hair
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Moisturizing and Hydrating:
Inulin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, forming a hydrating film on the hair to keep it hydrated and prevent water loss without being heavy.
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Smoothing and Conditioning:
It forms a thin, silky coating on the hair fibers, which helps to smooth them, reduce frizz, improve manageability, and enhance softness and shine.
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Scalp Health:
As a prebiotic, inulin nourishes beneficial bacteria on the scalp, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome. This balanced ecosystem is crucial for overall scalp health, which indirectly supports healthier hair growth.
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Scalp Soothing:
By balancing the scalp microbiome, inulin can also help reduce irritation, itchiness, and flakiness associated with an unbalanced scalp.
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Antioxidant Properties:
Inulin can act as a free radical scavenger, helping to protect hair and scalp from damage caused by oxidative stress from pollution and UV rays.
Inulin is a natural ingredient derived from plants like chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke.
