Alterna Haircare Alterna 10 the science of ten conditioner

Cetyl Esters is a synthetic wax made up of mostly fatty acids and fatty alcohols. It is strcturally similar to wax taken from whales.

As an emollient, it creates a thin barrier on the skin. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping.

We don't have a description for PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate yet.

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

• It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
• It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
• It helps improve product application.
• It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate yet.

We don't have a description for Propylene Glycol Isoceteth-3 Acetate yet.

This ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.

It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.

We don't have a description for Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer yet.

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

We don't have a description for Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Ganoderma Lucidum Ferment Filtrate yet.

We don't have a description for Glycine Max Symbiosome Extract yet.

Glycine Soja Seed contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Grape Ferment Extract yet.

Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate is created from the fermentation of the yeast known as Saccharomyces.

Lysate is formed from the lysis of cells, and lysis means to disintegrate a cell.

We don't have a description for Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment yet.

Calendula Officinalis Extract comes from the common Marigold plant.

Marigold flowers contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.

We don't have a description for Cassia Italica Leaf Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract yet.

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.

Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.

We don't have a description for Tuber Magnatum Extract yet.

Algae Extract is a confusing name. This is because algae is an informal term for a group of 30,000 aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize.

The term 'algae extract' can refer to any one, or a blend of, the 30,000 types.

Angelica Archangelica Root Extract is used to add a fragrance to products. Its scent is described as woody and herbaceous.

Coriander or cilantro extract is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

We don't have a description for Algae Oligosaccharides yet.

Daucus Carota Sativa Extract is created from parts of the carrot plant. The orange and edible carrot itself is the root.

Carrots contain beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is a vegan protein made to mimic hydrolyzed collagen. It is created from soy, or glycine soja.

This ingredient is a humectant, meaning it helps hydrate the skin by binding to water. According to a manufacturer, it is also a great hair conditioner.

We don't have a description for Lactoferrin yet.

We don't have a description for Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate yet.

We don't have a description for Tyrosinase yet.

We don't have a description for Malva Sylvestris Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate yet.

PEG-7 Amodimethicone is a type of silicone.

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol yet.

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Niacinamide/Yeast Polypeptide is a peptide.

We don't have a description for Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract yet.

Pantothenic Acid/Yeast Polypeptide is a peptide.

Acetyl Methionine is an amino acid made partly with methionine. It is an antioxidant and humectant.

Acetyl Methionine helps the skin stay hydrated, helping the skin look more youthful. Its antioxidant properties protect skin against free-radical damage.

Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.

Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.

Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide is a stable form of vitamin C that offers the same benefits with less irritation.

Read about the benefits of ascorbic acid here.

We don't have a description for Copper Lysinate/Prolinate yet.

Papain is an enzyme found naturally in the papaya plant's leaves, fruit, and roots. It has antimicrobial, soothing, and wound healing properties.

Glycine and Vitamin A are naturally found in papain.

We don't have a description for Melanin yet.

Phospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.

Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.

Pikea Robusta Extract is an antioxidant.

We don't have a description for Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract yet.

Retinyl Acetate is part of the retinoid family. It is made from retinol and acetic acid.

Though retinyl acetate is more stable than retinol, it is also less effective and less irritating. This is due to the conversion line all retinoids have to go through.

Rosemary extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent properties.

This ingredient has a natural fragrance due its small component of rosemary oil. The antioxidant properties from its rosmarinic acid, flavone, and phenolic acids.

We don't have a description for Silk Amino Acids yet.

We don't have a description for Spiraea Ulmaria Extract yet.

Superoxide Dismutase is found in all living cells. This ingredient is AKA as 'SOD'.

SOD is a strong antioxidant. It protects living cells against oxidative damage by breaking down radical molecules into regular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

This ingredient is extracted from the seeds of the cocoa tree.

Cacao seeds contain antioxidants known as polyphenols. These include flavonoids, procyanidins, and epicatechins.

This ingredient is more commonly known as nettle extract. It has soothing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

The antimicrobial properties of nettle come from its gallic acid content.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

We don't have a description for Eurya Japonica Extract yet.

Stearalkonium Chloride is a preservative.

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

Polyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.

This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.

Polysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays. It is a photostable ingredient often used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.

Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol Crosspolymer yet.

We don't have a description for PEG-45m yet.

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Guar yet.

We don't have a description for Caprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride yet.

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

We don't have a description for C11-15 Pareth-7 yet.

We don't have a description for C12-15 Pareth-9 yet.

We don't have a description for C12-13 Pareth-23 yet.

We don't have a description for C12-13 Pareth-3 yet.

We don't have a description for Trideceth-12 yet.

Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone (don't worry, we cannot pronounce this either) is a siloxane polymer. Siloxane polymers are widely used as antimicrobials and texture enhancer. This ingredient is synthetically created.

As a silicone, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone helps hydrate and smooth the skin. It can also be found in hair care products.

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).

Diazolidinyl Urea is a preservative. It can cause irritation.

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.