Every ingredient in a Be Green product is there for a reason. This glossary explains what each ingredient does in skincare and why it is beneficial for your skin. Ingredients are listed alphabetically by common name.
Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) Extract
Contains tannins, salicylic acid, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids. Its high tannin content acts as an astringent in skincare, helping tighten pores and minimize their appearance, leaving skin smoother and more refined.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
A deeply soothing and hydrating botanical gel derived from the aloe plant. It calms irritated skin, helps reduce redness, and provides lightweight moisture without feeling heavy. Often used in cleansers and toners for its gentle anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Apricot Kernel Meal (Prunus Armeniaca)
Finely ground meal from apricot pits used for gentle physical exfoliation. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth skin texture without being overly abrasive — ideal for sensitive skin that needs a mild scrub.
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca)
A light, fast-absorbing oil high in oleic acid and rich in vitamins A and E. It helps skin retain elasticity, prevents moisture evaporation, softens skin, and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive and mature skin.
Argan Kernel Oil (Argania Spinosa)
Cold-pressed from Moroccan argan nuts, this oil is high in natural vitamin E, polyphenols, squalene, and carotenes — powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids that act as emollients while sealing in moisture, leaving skin soft and nourished without a greasy feel.
Arrowroot Powder (Maranta Arundinacea)
A fine, starch-based powder derived from the arrowroot plant. It absorbs excess moisture and oils while keeping skin feeling soft and soothed. Used in deodorants, body powders, and dry shampoos as a natural, talc-free alternative that helps reduce friction and keep skin dry and comfortable.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Finely ground oats that serve as a gentle natural cleanser and toner. Oat flour has a mild exfoliating action and is exceptionally soothing for all types of skin irritations and sensitivities, including eczema and redness. It helps maintain skin's moisture barrier while gently removing impurities.
Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima)
A rich, full-bodied oil loaded with vitamins A, B, and E. It helps calm inflammation, regenerate tissues, and leaves a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. It is easily absorbed, making it excellent for dry, mature, and sensitive skin, as well as hair care.
Beeswax (Cera Alba)
A natural wax produced by honeybees that creates a protective, moisture-locking barrier on the skin. It helps condition the skin, lock in hydration, and calm itching in sensitive or irritated skin. Widely used in lip balms and balms for its soothing, film-forming properties.
Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis)
One of the richest plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Borage oil helps support skin barrier function, soothe dry and irritated skin, and is especially beneficial for mature, sensitive, or condition-prone skin.
Calendula Extract (Calendula Officinalis)
Derived from calendula (pot marigold) flowers, this extract is rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids, and saponins, which give it potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It soothes and nourishes sensitive or irritated skin, helps shield from free radicals, and supports tissue repair. Its benefits are often compared to those of aloe vera.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract or Powder
A powerful antioxidant derived from green tea leaves, rich in polyphenols and catechins. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, protects skin cells from free radical damage, and when used in hair care, its caffeine content helps stimulate hair follicles and increase circulation to the scalp.
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Powder
A natural fruit powder containing the enzymes papain and chymopapain, along with vitamins C, A, and B9 (folic acid). Papaya powder is rich in folic acid, which stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, and its enzymes gently break down dead skin cells, making it a natural exfoliant and brightener.
Carrot Root Extract (Daucus Carota Sativa)
High in essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, carrot extract is a potent antioxidant that aids in cell turnover and helps brighten skin. It is moisturizing and cleansing, and helps reduce irritation, making it excellent for sensitive and aging skin.
Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota Sativa)
Extracted from carrot seeds, this essential oil has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It is high in beta-carotene and vitamin E, which soften and smooth the skin, assist with cell growth and skin rejuvenation, and help restore elasticity. Suitable for all skin types.
Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis)
A highly emollient oil rich in ricinoleic, oleic, and linoleic acids. In lip balms it provides staying power and gloss, and it is excellent for softening rough, dry skin. It is deeply conditioning and helps lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration.
Cetyl Alcohol
Despite the name, this is a fatty alcohol derived from plant sources — not a drying alcohol. It functions as an emollient and emulsion stabilizer in creams and lotions, helping to give products a smooth, creamy texture while softening skin and helping to bind water and oil together.
Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria Recutita)
Often infused into a carrier oil, chamomile is renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe irritated, red, or sensitive skin, promotes healing, and is gentle enough for the most reactive skin types. It is a classic ingredient for products targeting eczema, rosacea, or general skin sensitivity.
Citric Acid
A naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from citrus fruits. In skincare formulas, it is primarily used as a pH adjuster to stabilize products, though at higher concentrations it can gently exfoliate dead skin cells to help improve skin tone and texture.
Cocoa Seed Butter (Theobroma Cacao)
A rich natural butter from cacao beans with excellent emollient properties. It leaves a fine lipid barrier on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss and protects skin from environmental stressors. High in saturated stearic and palmitic fatty acids, it soothes dryness and improves skin elasticity.
Coconut Oil / Saponified Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)
A deeply softening and moisturizing oil high in lauric acid, which has natural antimicrobial properties. When saponified (processed into soap form), it creates a rich, conditioning lather that cleanses without stripping the skin. In its unsaponified form, it is an excellent skin softener and moisture barrier.
Coconut Milk Powder (Cocos Nucifera)
Derived from coconut milk, this powder works as an effective cleanser for removing dirt and debris from pores while nourishing the skin. It replenishes healthy oils and antioxidants — including some vitamin C — leaving the complexion soft and balanced.
Ethylhexyl Glycerin
A plant-derived ingredient that serves as a gentle preservative enhancer and skin-conditioning agent. It helps boost the efficacy of other preservatives while softening and moisturizing the skin. It is considered a low-risk ingredient and is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis)
An exceptional oil high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a rare omega-6 fatty acid known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy skin, helps rejuvenate and repair, reduces discolorations, and is a powerful anti-aging oil that helps gradually reduce fine lines. Easily absorbed.
Geranium Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
A balancing essential oil with astringent properties that help reduce the appearance of pores and regulate sebum production. It has a pleasant floral scent and is used in facial serums for its ability to support healthy skin texture and its mild antibacterial properties.
Glycerin, Vegetable (from coconut)
A natural humectant derived from plant sources that draws moisture from the air into the skin and helps it stay hydrated. It rehydrates dry skin, softens, and acts as a natural emollient — one of the most effective and well-studied moisturizing ingredients in skincare.
Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera)
A light oil rich in vitamin E, minerals, antioxidants, and linoleic acid. It penetrates skin layers easily without leaving a greasy residue, helps strengthen collagen, maintain elastin, and improve the overall texture and resilience of skin. Excellent for face, body, and as a makeup remover base.
Grapefruit Oil (Citrus Paradisi)
A citrus essential oil with a bright, uplifting scent. It has mild astringent properties and is used in cleansers for its clarifying and refreshing effect on skin. It is a natural source of limonene, a component that gives citrus products their characteristic aroma.
Guar Gum (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba)
A natural thickener and stabilizer derived from guar beans. In cleansers and creams, it gives a smooth, consistent texture and helps bind ingredients together. It also has mild conditioning properties and can help improve the feel of a formula on the skin.
Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)
Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, jojoba is chemically similar to the skin's own natural sebum. It penetrates deeply without leaving an oily residue, hydrates, soothes, and softens skin, and forms a protective film over the skin to help seal in moisture. Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone.
Kaolin Clay
A mild white clay mined from the earth that is mineral-rich and deeply cleansing. It is known for its ability to gently draw toxins and impurities from the skin and excellent absorbent properties that help reduce excess oil. It is suitable for all skin types and is gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use.
Lactobacillus Ferment
A natural preservative and skin-beneficial ingredient derived from fermentation. It helps protect formulas from microbial contamination while also supporting the skin's natural microbiome. It is a gentler alternative to synthetic preservatives and is well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Lavender Extract or Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)
One of the most versatile botanicals in skincare, lavender is well-known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It helps soothe redness and irritation, balance skin, and has a gentle antibacterial effect. As an essential oil, it also provides a naturally calming scent without synthetic fragrance.
Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus)
An invigorating essential oil with astringent and antibacterial properties. It helps tone and refresh the skin and is used in cleansing products for its natural ability to remove excess oil and leave a bright, clean feeling. It also provides a fresh, energizing natural fragrance.
Lime Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia)
A citrus essential oil used in balms and skincare for its uplifting scent and mild astringent properties. It contributes to a fresh, clean feel and provides a natural source of limonene, a naturally occurring component of citrus oils.
Magnesium Sulfate
Also known as Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate is used in skincare formulations as an electrolyte and texture enhancer. It helps stabilize emulsions and can improve the skin-feel of creams. Magnesium is also a mineral that supports skin health.
Maqui Berry Powder (Aristotelia Chilensis)
A powerful antioxidant superfruit from Patagonia that contains anthocyanins, making it approximately 7 times stronger than acai in antioxidant activity. It helps defend skin from free radical damage, has anti-inflammatory properties, and supports cell regeneration for a healthier, more resilient complexion.
Myrrh Oil (Commiphora Myrrha)
Derived from the resin of the myrrh tree, myrrh oil has been prized for centuries for its skin-healing and rejuvenating properties. It helps soothe dry, chapped skin, promotes a smooth, healthy complexion, and has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Often used in anti-aging serums for mature skin.
Neem Seed Oil (Azadirachta Indica)
A powerful botanical oil with strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. In deodorants, it helps control odor-causing bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in natural wellness traditions for centuries. Note: it is in the evergreen family and should be avoided by those with pine or evergreen allergies.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier and increases its resiliency. It improves skin texture by making pores look smaller, helps balance oil production, reduces the appearance of redness, and supports overall skin health. It is beneficial for all skin types.
Oat Flour (Avena Sativa — Gluten-Free)
A natural cleanser and toner with mild exfoliating action. Exceptionally soothing to all types of skin irritations and sensitivities, oat flour helps calm redness, support the skin barrier, and gently remove impurities. Be Green uses certified gluten-free oat flour.
Olive Oil / Saponified Olive Oil (Olea Europaea)
A richly nutritious oil high in oleic acid, which supports the skin's breathing process and natural sebum production. It contains phytosterols that act as humectants to soothe very dry skin, and is a natural source of squalene, which lubricates skin and prevents moisture evaporation. A classic emollient and conditioning oil used for thousands of years.
Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Sinensis)
A bright, uplifting citrus essential oil with mild astringent and cleansing properties. It provides a fresh, natural scent and a light brightening effect. It is a natural source of limonene.
Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon Cablin)
A grounding essential oil with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In facial serums, it helps promote cell regeneration and wound healing, making it particularly valuable for mature, damaged, or dry skin. It also has a distinctive earthy, balancing scent.
Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita)
A cooling essential oil with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In deodorants and lip balms, it provides a refreshing sensation and a fresh, clean scent. It can also help control odor-causing bacteria, making it an effective natural deodorizing ingredient.
Potassium Sorbate
A gentle, plant-derived preservative (the potassium salt of sorbic acid) that protects formulas from mold and yeast. It is widely considered one of the safest and most natural-friendly preservatives available, and it is EWG-approved. Used in low concentrations to extend product shelf life without irritating the skin.
Propanediol
A plant-derived humectant and solvent made from corn sugar. It helps keep skin hydrated by attracting and retaining moisture, and also helps active ingredients penetrate more effectively. It is EWG-approved and considered a low-risk, skin-friendly alternative to petroleum-derived glycols.
Rice Extract (Oryza Sativa)
Derived from rice, this extract is rich in ferulic acid and other antioxidants. It helps brighten the complexion, defend against free radical damage, and soothes sensitive or reactive skin. Rice extract has been used in Asian skincare traditions for centuries for its skin-brightening and protective properties.
Rice Starch (Oryza Sativa)
A fine starch derived from rice that absorbs excess oils and moisture, helping to keep hair and skin fresh and dry. It leaves a soft, smooth finish without coating or weighing hair down, making it a gentle and effective base for natural dry shampoo formulas.
Rose Petal Powder (Rosa Centifolia)
Ground rose petals used in facial powders and cleansing grains for their gentle, skin-loving properties. Rose has natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, helps tone and balance the complexion, removes dead skin cells, and leaves a subtle, natural floral fragrance.
Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Canina)
A prized facial oil containing vitamins A and C, and both linolenic and linoleic acids — essential fatty acids critical for skin regeneration. It is especially helpful for moisturizing mature skin, fading discolorations, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and supporting overall skin renewal.
Rosemary Extract or Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
A natural antioxidant and preservative derived from rosemary leaf. It helps extend the shelf life of oil-based products by preventing oxidation, and when applied to skin, it acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. In deodorants, it helps control odor and supports cell regeneration.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
A deeply nourishing butter from the shea nut, rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and natural emollients. It softens, protects, and nourishes the skin with a rich, creamy texture. Be Green uses USDA-certified organic, ethically sourced shea butter from West Africa that has not been chemically deodorized.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
A naturally occurring alkaline mineral that neutralizes the bacteria responsible for causing body odor. In deodorants, it is highly effective at keeping underarms fresh by creating an inhospitable environment for odor-causing microbes. Those with very sensitive skin may want to patch-test first.
Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt)
Used in small amounts in cleansers as a natural thickener and texture enhancer. It helps give liquid cleansers a pleasant, consistent consistency and can also contribute mild antimicrobial properties.
Sodium Citrate
The sodium salt of citric acid, used as a pH buffering agent in skincare formulas. It helps maintain the stability of products and ensures they remain at a pH that is compatible with and beneficial for the skin.
Sodium Phytate
A plant-derived chelating agent derived from phytic acid (found in grains and seeds). It helps stabilize formulas by binding to trace metals that can cause oxidation and product degradation. It is an EWG-friendly alternative to synthetic chelators like EDTA.
Stearic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid found in plant and animal fats. In skincare, it acts as an emulsifier and emollient, helping to create stable, smooth creams and providing a soft, velvety skin feel. It also helps harden stick-form products like deodorants to the right consistency.
Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus)
A light to medium-textured oil high in oleic acid and rich in vitamins A, D, and E, plus beneficial amounts of lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. It is deeply nourishing and conditioning, easily absorbed, non-comedogenic, and helps decrease water loss while supporting skin regeneration. Excellent for dry, aged, and damaged skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage and helps prevent product oxidation. Vitamin E deeply nourishes and conditions the skin, supports healing, and helps maintain the freshness and efficacy of oil-based formulas.
Water (Aqua, Distilled)
The base of many skincare formulas, distilled water is purified to remove impurities and minerals that could otherwise interfere with product stability or skin tolerance. It acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve and blend other ingredients into effective, consistent formulas.
White Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba)
A natural source of salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid — a well-known ingredient for clearing pores and improving skin clarity. White willow bark extract helps gently exfoliate, reduce excess oil, minimize breakouts, and refine the appearance of pores, making it ideal for oily and combination skin.
Witch Hazel Hydrosol Water (Hamamelis Virginiana)
An alcohol-free floral water steam-distilled from witch hazel bark. It is a natural astringent and tonic that helps tone and tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and calm irritated skin without drying. It is an excellent base for toners and cleansers, particularly for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation, used as a thickener and stabilizer in skincare formulas. It gives creams and gels a smooth, consistent texture without the use of synthetic polymers. It is well-tolerated by sensitive skin and considered a low-risk ingredient.
Zinc Oxide
A non-nano mineral powder valued in skincare for its gentle sun-protective properties — it sits on top of the skin and helps block both UVA and UVB rays. It is also used in lip balms and day creams for its non-irritating, non-allergenic nature and its ability to help calm redness and soothe sensitive skin.
