We are proud of the raw ingredients that we use. This page contains a complete list of all ingredients found in Hawaiian Skin products along with important information about their benefits and safety. Be informed, be sure, and be well!   More information about safe ingredients can be found at: http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/  & www.fda.org We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information – if you have suggestions of how we can improve this listing, please email us at: info@hawaiianskin.com
To read additional cautionary information, click here: disclaimer

Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe)

Known as the “Medicine Plant” Aloe Vera originated in northern, eastern and southern Africa. Extracts from Aloe Vera plants are widely used for their rejuvenating, healing and soothing properties. Extracts contain antibacterial and antifungal properties.   

Used Topically For: Healing and soothing wounds and burns.   

Used Internally For: Reducing constipation and improving blood glucose levels. 

Caution: While non-toxic in reasonable amounts, excessive ingestion has been associated with a range of symptoms and conditions including diarrhea, hepatitis, and kidney dysfunction. 

Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil

Known in India as the "Divine Tree," every component of this tree - seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark - is proven to contain medicinal properties and is widely used in Ayurvedic healing practices.   

Used For:

• Acne treatment
• Boosting elasticity
• Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and heat rashes

 Properties:

• antifungal
• anti-diabetic
• anti-bacterial
• antiviral
• anti-infertility

Also Used For:

• Chicken Pox - sleeping on neem leaves will soothe and mend pox sores.
• Birth Control - neem oil is used in India and is proven highly effective for contraception, emergency contraception, and for prevention of STD’s. 
• Dental Care - in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, twigs from the tree are used to brush teeth.   This practice is perhaps one of the earliest forms of dental care.

Caution: While neem oil contains very little hazard when applied to skin, ingestation can pose harmful effects to the liver over a lifetime of use.  Women who are nursing, pregnant or trying to conceive should not use products containing neem oil.  This ingredient is for external use only. (To learn more, please visit:

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary.aspx?coll_id=19   http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=703802)

Butyrospermun Parkii (Shea) Oil

Known as the “Butter Seed,” shea oil is one of nature’s best emollients and softeners – this ingredient penetrates deeply and leaves skin moisturized and smooth.  

Calcium d-Pantothenate (Pro-Vitamin B5)

In Greek meaning “from everywhere,” this ingredient is vital in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – all necessary components in the quality of complexion.  

Uses: Treating acne breakouts and scars, as well as minimizing pores and building elasticity. 

Caution:  A small amount of in-vitro research indicates that this ingredients may contain melanin-inhibiting properties (Source: Pigment Cell Research, June 2000, pages 165–171).  

Citric Acid

A natural preservative, citric acid is a weak organic acid. Derived from citrus peels, it is primarily used to adjust the pH of products. 

Additional Uses:  Citric acid opens enlarges the hair cuticle allowing healthy ingredients to penetrate and heal damage.

Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil

Also known as “coconut butter,” this oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut.  This non-volatile plant oil is a rich emollient used to soften skin.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)

A gentle surfactant used in bath products as an emulsifier and thickener, an antibacterial and as a stabilizer for perfumes.

Additional Use: CAPB is added to conditioners to act as an antistatic agent.  

Caution: Some studies indicate that this ingredient is an allergen when used in its ionic form.   According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), phenoxyethanol is classified as harmful if ingested (inhaled or swallowed) or absorbed through the skin and that it can cause reproductive damage. The MSDS refers to 100% concentrations, while our level is 0.5%.

(Sources: Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology 2003;16:156-164 (DOI: 10.1159/000069758 -  www.FDA.gov: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01839.html)

Emulsifying Wax NF

A necessary ingredient in binding lotion, emulsifying wax is a foaming ingredient in cosmetic and skin care products. NF indicates that it conforms to the specifications of the National Formulary. 

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel)

Produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub, this astringent has been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes for centuries.  While the plant does not produce enough essential oil to harvest it for commercial use in its pure form, there are various distillates of witch hazel that are gentler than the "drug store" variety which contains alcohol. 

Topical Uses:

• Reduces swelling and bruising
• Modifies oil production and fights acne.
• Calms the following skin ailments: psoriasis, eczema, razor burn, cracked or blistered skin, insect bites, poison ivy and sunburns, athletes foot and to heal infections from body piercing
• Used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids

 Note: An essential ingredient in the following remedies: eye drops, skin creams, lotions, ointments and skin tonics and relieves capillary weaknesses.  

Kosher Vegetable Glycerin

Glycerol is widely used in medical, pharmaceutical and personal care products to improve smoothness, provide lubrication and as a humectant.

Note: Great for those with sensitive, easily-irritated skin.

Lecithin (Soy Derived)

 Known as “Natures Sunshine,” lecithin is a non-toxic emulsifier and surfactant.  Lecithin is used as a natural lubricant. Composed of mostly B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid, lecithin protects cells from oxidation and supports the circulatory system.   

Mannan

Derived from Aloe Vera, mannan is a binding ingredient, free-radical scavenger and it’s bioactive functions include anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and hypoglycemic activity.  

Olea Europaea (Organic Olive) Oil

Olive oil is rich with oleic acid which rebuilds cellular properties such as collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. This ultra-nourishing and moisturizing ingredient soothes inflamed skin and repairs damaged tissue. 

Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antithrombotic
• Anti-hypertensive
• protects from UVB damage

Note: There is a magnitude of evidence that mono-saturated fats found in olive oil offers various healthy attributes when ingested into the blood stream.

Caution: It is widely known that large amounts of fatty substances can clog arteries. 

Olea Europaea (Olive) Butter see olive oil

Palm Stearic Acid

A natural fatty acid derived from plants and used as a stabilizer for creams and lotions.   

Phenoxyethanol

An organic chemical compound often used in skin creams, as a fixative for perfumes, insect repellent, as a topical antiseptic, and as a preservative for pharmaceuticals.  

It is moderately soluble in water. 

Rosa Damascena

Known as “Damask Rose” this rose hybrid from the Middle East is renowned for the subtle, floral fragrance.  Their flowers are commercially harvested for rose oil and often used in perfumery.

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) Oleoresin

Known as the “Dew of the Sea,” rosemary is a woody, perennial herb from the Mediterranean.

Uses: to treat gout, revive circulation, to improve memory (aromatherapy), and to cure head lice.

Caution: Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested.  While rosemary used in therapeutic doses is generally safe, precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction or for those prone to epileptic seizures. Large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause coma, spasm, vomiting, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) that can be fatal.

Salix Nigra (Organic Black Willowbark) Extract

Used for centuries in China and Europe, willow bark is still used for treating pain, fever, headache, and inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil

Jojoba is grown for the liquid wax in its seeds – called jojoba oil. Commonly used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and as a safe and healthy carrier oil for specialty fragrances. This oil is rare because it is not a triglyceride, is easily refined to be odorless, colorless and oxidatively stable.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

A surfactant found in many personal care products, SLES is a very effective foaming agent.

Caution: It states in some articles that this ingredient is unhealthy.  The safety of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and based on scientific data, they concluded that Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate were safe when used in personal care products, but recognized that that ingredients may result in eye and skin irritation which is generally mild and temporary.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

A widely used amino acid used to improve product stability, preventing unwanted modifications of texture, odor, and consistency of the product. 

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

The “Antioxidant Superstar,” this fat-soluble vitamin is a warrior in fighting free radical damage, sun damage and wrinkles.  This wonderful natural ingredient slows aging while making skin smooth and shiny.  It is also used to reduce burn and other scarring. 

Caution: Don't mistake this ingredient for Tocopherol Acetate (not used in Hawaiian Skin's products,) which ranges from moderately to highly toxic.  According to the FDA, Tocopherol has a magnitude of healthy components and is minimally hazardous.

(sources: http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706564, http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/95s0316/95s-0316-rpt0255-05-Argan-Oil-vol174.pdf

Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum)

One of the best ingredients to produce foaming viscosity, this ingredient has hydrating properties and helps stabilize oil and water. 

Caution: Some people are allergic to xanthan gum, with symptoms of intestinal problems, diarrhea, temporary high blood pressure, and migraines.

Essential Oils

More information about essential oils can be found at:

http://www.hawaiianskin.com/info-essentialoils-aromatherapy.htm

Ylang Ylang

Oil from this exotic flower has a seductive tropical fragrance, natural antidepressant effects, and it also encourages calming by acting as a muscle relaxer.  

Caution: This essential oil is a volatile oil that can cause skin irritation when used in it's pure form. 

Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract contains warming properties that helps produce calm and comfort, relieving stress and depression.  This fragrant extract is used primarily to scent products, but is also an excellent source of catechins which serve as anti-inflammatory agent.