Ingredients Glossary: all of the goodness that goes into Under Luna

Every single ingredient we use is very important. When hand selecting each natural ingredient we require a deep understanding of its origin story, where it is sourced from and how it serves the hair and skin. We are sticklers for ingredients because that’s where the magic happens!

 

Aloe vera leaf juice | hydration, hydration, hydration. This powerful plant that has been used by so many cultures for all the amazing and wound healing benefits.

Amyris essential oil | it is a rich, woody and warm resin. Great for stress, tension or anxiety, mood boosting. Anti-aging, antiseptic, it's nourishing to hair, alleviates skin conditions and moisturizes.

Behentrimonium methosulfate | an unnecessarily intimidating name for a self emulsifying wax naturally derived from the colza plant. Mild conditioning agent which imparts softness and helps with detangling.

Bergamot essential oil | antiseptic, antidepressant with qualities that are useful for skin complaints, such as acne, oily skin conditions and eczema. A tree originally from Southeast Asia, but first sold in Bergamo, Italy hence its name.

Carrot seed oil | naturally blocks UV rays. It does have natural sunscreen benefits, but please do not substitute this oil for your sunscreen. It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties which is great for any skin condition. Known to help restore and regenerate skin tissues.

Castor oil | the go-to oil for hair growth. Applying castor oil on eyebrows or eyelashes is a nightly routine for many because it encourages hair growth! Its natural humectants, which moisturize the skin by preventing water loss, relieving dry skin and can help soothe inflamed skin.

Cetyl alcohol | fatty alcohol derived from vegetable oils. The natural oils hydrate external layers by increasing hydration and reducing evaporation creating softer and more pliable hair.

Citric acid | derived from 100% pure, non-GMO sugarcane. Naturally found in citrus fruits. Balances ph levels in formula. Most shower water is alkaline water, this opens up your hair cuticle. By lowering the pH level with this ingredient, it will close the cuticle so the hair is protected from environmental toxins, locking in moisture, preventing split ends and frizz.

Coco - glucoside | derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar. Mild and non-irritating cleanser, good for sensitive skin. 100% biodegradable.

Coconut fruit extract | derived from coconuts, of course. It's a smoothing and hydrating emollient and actually also a great anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, adding even more protection against any invading bacterias. A natural preservative.

Copaiba balsam resin | wild harvested. Tapped the same way as maple trees for their syrup. This mildly sweet, slightly balsamic oil is wonderful for aromatherapy. It can calm the mild and stabilize your mood. For your skin, it is very nourishing and hydrating.

Cypress essential oil | promotes hair growth and stimulates blood circulation which is supportive for ultimate scalp health

Extracts of lemon + orange blossom | adding a touch of citrus and floral aromas to the all things oil. It's the perfect uplift and mood booster.

Frankincense resin | very healing and soothing to the skin, but the aromatherapy is also something to discuss. A sweet, woody aroma that is relaxing and mood enhancing by lowering feelings of anxiousness.

Geranium hydrosol | grown, harvested and distilled in Portland, Oregon by Cortney from Wildcare. Rose-like aroma, healing to skin and strengthening to hair. 

Grapeseed oil | ever heard of wine being high in antioxidants? The same is true of grapeseed oil. Derived from the seeds of grapes. It is high in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, linoleic acid which is good for sensitive, acne prone skin. It's highly absorbable and known to work wonders on fine lines and aging skin.

Glycerin | used as a solvent for our in house herbal extracts. The most gentle of solvents and safe for all ages. It is a humectant that imparts moisture, protecting the hair and scalp.

Honey | a natural humectant, honey attracts moisture. Full of antioxidants and nutrients to feed hair follicles that house the live part of hair, encouraging hair growth.

Lactic acid | added just to go one step further and help lock in moisture while ridding the hair of dirt and pollutants.

Lactobacillus | a friendly bacteria that can be found in a number of foods, probiotics, our gut. In conjunction with the radish root ferment, it builds a strong team against bacteria we don't want in our products!

Lavender essential oil | calming not just to the mind but also any inflammation. An antimicrobial, it's great for the scalp, skin and hair growth.

Lemon essential oil | the energizing and vibrant smell of lemons is not just for the aromas, it also helps with oil production, sebum to be specific. As an antimicrobial, antiseptic it is very effective for healing the scalp of all kinds of issues like oily scalp, dandruff, increasing hair growth and circulation.

Meadowfoam seed oil | can help create a barrier to prevent moisture from escaping. Similar to our own sebum, it is non comedogenic and great for acne prone skin and can even help balance out the oils of our skin.

Organic calendula extract | heals cuts, wounds, chapped lips. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it is the skin whisperer of flowers. Used by Native Americans for its ability to increase circulation to the skin.

Organic chamomile extract | cleansing, moisturizing, calming, heals minor wounds & soothes irritated scalp or dandruff. One of the most ancient herbs originally used by ancient Egyptians.

Organic Golden Jojoba oil | an oil that is closest to our own sebum. For this reason, it's highly absorbable and absolutely loved by our skin. It is non-comedogenic like all these other oils which means it won't clog pores and great for sensitive skin. The molecular makeup of jojoba has similar characteristics to the natural oil the glands of the scalp produce. Used for hundreds of years to moisturize and grow hair.

Organic horsetail extract | the most abundant plant source of silica, a mineral that will strengthen your hair and stimulate hair growth.

Organic jasmine essence oil | plant-based oil, naturally derived from plants and flowers to give the conditioner an amazing aroma of jasmine flowers. Revered as the "perfume of love", it is often described as an aphrodisiac.

Organic juniper berry oil | used by ancient greek, egyptians and Native Americans. With the antibacterial properties, it offers a relaxed and lively antidote to negativity, lessens anxiety, as well as promotes hair growth, heals dry scalp.

Organic lemon balm extract | known as the "calming" herb. Cleanses hair, increases shine, adds body, soothes, prevents dandruff. 

Organic nettle leaf extract | rich in minerals, it's a vitamin boost for our scalp and hair. Minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc can help protect our scalp and strengthen our hair.

Organic plantain leaf extract | natural remedy for healing an irritated scalp such as dandruff or cradle cap. It is antiseptic and antibacterial.

Organic unrefined avocado oil | moisturizing, provides strength to the hair fiber which in turn can help with hair growth. This fruit is high in vitamin A, B, D, E and protein.

Organic white willow bark extract | a natural source of salicylic acid which helps exfoliate the scalp, hair stimulant, great for oily or dandruff prone hair. For thousands of years this natural source of salicin has been used for headaches, inflammation, sore muscles, later used to make aspirin. People were advised to chew on the bark of the white willow tree to heal themselves. It's a powerful bark and extremely effective on inflamed skin, dry scalp, dandruff, insect bites, the list goes on.

Organic yarrow flower extract | an ancient herb and one of the earliest indications of humans' use of medicinal plants. Antimicrobial + anti-inflammatory which soothes irritated skin, helps with dandruff, dry scalp or an over oily scalp.

Panthenol | Vitamin B5 - a natural constituent of healthy hair and a substance present in all living cells including plants and honey. It hydrates, locks in moisture and adds elasticity.

Quillaia root | or quillaja means "to wash". Used in Chile and Peru to create shampoo for centuries.

Radish root ferment/Leuconostoc | fermented radish root and a strain from lactic acid builds an effective preservative against harmful bacteria. Due to the water in these products, we need to protect from various bacteria growing over time, keeping your shampoo fresh. Tested and proven to be safe and effective.

Raspberry seed oil | naturally blocks UV rays (*please do not substitute this oil for sunscreen), can help combat sun damage, boosts elasticity in skin, can help fight acne or irritated skin like eczema.

Rosehip seed oil | in the world of beauty, this is the oil. Typically found in high end serums just for the face, but doesn't our body also deserve the best?! The oil dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans would use this for its healing properties. Full of antioxidants, vitamins a, c, and e, phenolic compounds. The oil focuses on keeping the skin hydrated, helps combat acne, protects against sun damage and reduces inflammation to name a few.

Sarsaparilla root | native to south america, latin america and mexico. Contains steroidal saponins which gives it cleansing and antibacterial properties. Has been used to fight skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Siam wood essential oil | known for its aromatherapy properties. It's calming, promotes wellbeing and peace. Used during meditation and spiritual practices.

Squalene (from olive) oil | mimics our own sebum which makes it an amazing emollient. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with redness.

Stearyl alcohol | vegetable sourced fatty alcohol derived from natural oils and fats. Helps the cuticle of the hair lie flat. Great for frizzy or curly hair.

Strawberry seed oil | great for dry or sensitive skin or acne prone skin. Helps improve elasticity, fine lines and brings hydration.

Sweet orange essential oil | uplifting, used to dispel kids' tantrums and frustrations, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory.

Vegetable glycerin | glycerin is a soothing, humectant which draws moisture from the air to the skin. Also an emollient, which makes the skin feel softer and smoother.

Wild and sustainably harvested siam wood oil | known for its aromatherapy properties. It's calming, promotes wellbeing and peace. Used during meditation and spiritual practices.

Wild yam root | natural saponin. Also known as colic root and rheumatism root as it was used to remedy colic and rheumatism. All the medicinal benefits come from the root.

Rosemary and bay hydrosol | distilled by local plant whisperer and skincare wizard Cortney from Wildcare in her garden, this hydrosol is medicine for the hair and scalp. "These green herbs are considered spiritually protective and cleansing. This resinous duo is analgesic & anti-inflammatory, which may provide relief from eczema & other minor skin irritations. With daily use on the scalp it may also ease itching & stimulate hair growth." - Wildcare website

Wildcrafted sage essential oil | anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, healing to the scalp, strengthening to the hair, calming and uplifting to the senses. Herbaceous, fruity, fresh, camphorous aroma that will have you smelling your hair all day long.

Wildcrafted saw palmetto | indigenous to the Native Americans, this fruit was part of their regime. Dried in the sun for days, it was made into extract, tinctures, teas and ointments which were applied to their hair for various reasons. Used to heal hair loss and a scaly scalp or dandruff. A key ingredient for strong and beautiful hair.

Xanthan gum | plant-based thickening agent. A naturally occurring bacteria, xanthomonas campestris is found growing naturally on vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

Yucca root | Native American tribes used this succulent to create soaps due to its very foamy liquid that gently cleanses. Yucca has been used to treat dandruff, hair loss, skin inflammation and arthritis.