| 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 Z |
Salicylic Acid (S)
Naturally occurring in some plants including Wintergreen and Willow. Now synthetically derived and used in dandruff and acne treatments. May cause skin redness and rashes. |
 Santalum Album (EO) (Sandalwood)
There are two types of Sandalwood oil with quite different aromas: Indian and Australian. Because of the demand for the Indian oil prices have sky rocketed in the last few years. Sandalwood is one of the oldest known perfume materials with at least 4000 years of uninterrupted use. It has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, tonic, stimulating, cooling and soothing properties. It is very good for acne and oily skin. Sandalwood promotes epidermal cell regeneration and is therefore excellent in anti-ageing products. |
Simmondisia Chinensis (N) (Jojoba)
See Buxus Chinensis |
Sodium C14,16 Olefin Sulphonate (N)
Coconut-derived surfactant. |
Sodium Benzoate (S)
Preservative (like all benzoates) effective against yeasts, molds and bacteria, implicated in many health issues including asthma and eczema. |
Sodium Chloride (M)
Common salt. Astringent and viscocity adjuster. Believed to be toning and cleansing to the skin. |
Sodium Hydroxide (S)
Caustic soda (or lye). Used in making soap but eliminated in the process. Also used as an acidity adjuster. |
Sorbitan Stearate (N)
Emulsifier derived from fruits and natural stearic acid. |
Sorbitol (N)
Derived from the berries of the Mountain Ash. Helps products retain moisture. Replacing glycerin as most common humectant. |
Stellaria Media (H) (Chickweed)
Chickweed is an ancient English remedy for a variety of chronic skin conditions. However, aside from its topical use it is valuable, taken internally, for treating blood toxicity, fevers and inflammation and it can help soothe stomach ulcers and inflamed bowels. It can lower cholesterol and acts as an antibiotic. Used on the skin it is anti-itching and anti-irritant. Useful for eczema. |
Styrax Benzoin (EO) (Benzoin Gum)
The Styrax Benzoin is a large tropical tree which grows to some 20 metres high. It bears hard-shelled flattish fruits about the size of a nutmeg. The benzoin gum is a pathological product formed when the trunk is cut (similar to the production of latex); the tree exudes a balsamic resin which hardens on exposure to air and sunlight. Benzoin, which has a wonderful vanilla-like aroma, has been used for thousands of years in the east as a medicine and incense. In the west it is known as Friars Balsam and is used for respiratory complaints. Used on the skin benzoin has bactericidal, anti-irritation and anti-itching properties and is very useful for cuts, chapped skin and inflamed conditions. |
Sucrose Stearate (N)
Emulsifier derived from sugar and coconut oil. Soothing and anti-irritant. |
 Symphytum Officinale (H) (Comfrey)
Comfrey was used by the Greeks and Romans for healing of wounds, to stop bleeding and as a poultice to mend broken bones. To this day symphytum is a brilliantly effective homeopathic remedy (taken internally) for broken bones. Interestingly, it is a good source of the amino acid hysine, usually lacking in diets that contain no animal protein. Comfrey has a high concentration of silica which makes it useful for boosting collagen in the skin. It also contains allantoin which stimulates new cell growth and calms allergic skin. Comfrey has astringent, healing and emollient properties on the skin. It is soothing, anti-itching and is effective on eczema and sunburn. |
 Syzygium Aromaticum (EO) (Clove Oil)
Powerful antiseptic with a characteristic spicy aroma. Was traditionally used to clean small wounds. |
