Glossary

Acai (euterpe oleracea) Pulp Oil - certified organic

Deeply moisturizing oil from the acai berry that contains more than ten times the free-radical fighting antioxidants found in grapes or green tea. It is one of the most, if not the most, potent botanical antioxidants for skin care.

Rich in essential fatty acids, including Omegas 3, 6 and 9, vitamins B, E and C, minerals, it is a strong ally against inflammation and cell destruction caused by environmental stressors like sun and pollution.

Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes and Brava Body Lotions.

Aloe Vera (aloe barbadensis ) Leaf Juice – certified organic

Soothing, moisturizing juice from the drought-resisting succulent plant, also know as the “plant of immortality” and the “medicine plant”, that fortifies tired, dry skin with 18 amino acids and 7 vitamins, including the powerful antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.

Enzymes, minerals and sterols help to reduce inflammation and relieve minor skin irritations.Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels and Brava Body Lotions.

Borage (borago officinalis) seed oil – certified organic

Exquisite moisturizing oil prized for its cell fortifying and regenerative properties. Known as one of the best sources of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a fatty acid vital for the synthesis of prostaglandin, an important function of the skin, it promotes hydration balance, calms itchiness and may improve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

It also has adaptagenic qualities which help cells adjust to and eliminate negative effects from environmental stressors like pollution.

Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Softening emollient derived from fractioned coconut oil. Noted for its similarity to human sub-cutaneous fat and its compatibility with skin, it is easily absorbed and ideal for fighting dryness and itching. It has an indefinite shelf life and lends stability to more fragile oils, such as borage.

Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside and Cetearyl olivate/Sorbitan olivate

Safe, ecologically-friendly emulsifiers obtained without the typical use of petrochemical solvents, or chemical reagents.These dual-purpose plant-derived glucolipids, or natural fatty waxes, not only help to blend the oil and water portions of our formulations to a velvety consistency, but also provide moisture and help the skin retain its natural water content. Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Citric acid

An alpha-hydroxy acid found in many different fruits and vegetables and especially concentrated in lemons and limes that provides antioxidant, preservative and pH adjusting benefits.It also helps to tone and brighten the skin. Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside and Sodium lauroyl glutamate

Plant-derived, biodegradable, soap-free cleansing agents that provide gentle cleansing, even for those with sensitive skin. As opposed to the harsh detergents used to create rich, thick lather in many conventional cleansers, these ingredients effectively cleanse with light foaming action and without over-stripping.Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol

Effective plant-derived preservative approved for use in natural and organic cosmetics.Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels and Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Kokum (garcinia indica) seed butter

Rich, nourishing butter expeller-pressed from the fruit kernels of the Indian tree Garcinica indica that helps to prevent drying of the skin and restore suppleness and elasticity. Antioxidant vitamin E along with an abundance of essential fatty acids, the butter is especially useful for dry, cracked, rough and calloused skin.Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Lauryl glucoside

See Decyl glucoside.

Lecithin

Soy-derived, moisturizing emollient and emulsifier that is a great natural alternative to more conventional emulsifiers, many of which are petrochemical-derived.Its naturally occurring phospholipids increase hydration of the skin by attracting water from the air. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Gentle, non-irritating, natural preservative system derived from Korean Leuconostoc kimchii.A peptide isolated from this kimchii species provides effective anti-microbial action and is helpful to problem skin.Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Monoi (gardenia tahitensis) de Tahiti Butter

Beautiful moisturizing butter crafted using the 2,000 year old technique of enfleurage, the art of extracting active or aromatic ingredients by gently macerating flowers in coconut oil. Tiare blossoms are macerated in coconut oil extracted from mature coconuts gathered from Cocos Nucifera trees growing in the coral soil in French Polynesia exclusively. Only Tiare flower buds from the Gardenia Tahitensis species and of Polynesian origin are acceptable. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Olive (olea europaea) Butter (Olive fruit oil and Hydrogenated Soy and Palm oils)

Exceptional moisturizing butter created by blending cold-pressed Mediterranean olive oil and hydronated vegetable seed oil.Proteins, minerals and vitamins, including antioxidants A and E, help to nourish and retexturize rough dry skin. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Pomegranate (punica granatum) seed oil – certified organic

Antioxidant-packed oil from the seeds of the pomegranate with remarkable ability to nourish, moisturize and protect the skin.It is also high in lipids, including the rare Pucinic Acid, which help heal inflammation and reduce swelling.Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Pomegranate (punica granatum) sterols

Powerful, concentrated extraction from pomegranates that increases hydration and enhances the barrier function of the skin.Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Rose (rosa damascena) flower water – certified organic

  Beautiful liquid resulting from the steam-distillation of rose blossoms.Its purifying, harmonizing, toning and cooling effects are among its highly-prized benefits for all skin types. Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract – certified organic

Therapeutic high-grade extract that provides superior protection against oxidation of oils. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes and Brava Body Lotions.

Sclerotium gum powder

A natural polysaccharide with hydration, thickening and emulsifying qualities. Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Shea (butyrospermum parkii) butter – certified organic

Highly nourishing, moisturizing butter expressed from the pits of the karite fruit that is excellent for soothing dry irritated skin, improving elasticity and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.African healers have used it for thousands of years for its anti-inflamatory, restorative and protective qualities which primarily come from its triterpene esters.The producers of this shea butter are women farmers belonging to farming groups of northern Uganda and Southern Sudan. Support of these ecologically-friendly producers promotes their self-sufficiency and helps to protect the indigenous trees for future generations. Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Sodium lauroyl glutamate.

See Decyl glucoside.

Sorbitan olivate.

See Cetearyl alcohol.

Sugar – certified organic

 Brazilian sugarcane crystals with naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic) that provide the perfect combination for removing dull, dead skin cells and revealing smooth fresh cells underneath.Our sugar provides just the right amount of physical exfoliating action, lingering just long enough before melting into the skin. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Sunflower (helianthus annuus) seed oil – certified organic

A light moisturizing oil, high in the Omega 6 essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, and packed with vitamins in including the powerful antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.It conditions the skin and supports cell renewal.Expeller-pressed from California. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes and Brava Body Lotions.

Sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil

Super-conditioning oil from the almond that nourishes the skin with softening and restorative glucosides, minerals, proteins and vitamins B1, B2 and B6, along with the antioxidant vitamins A and E.It helps to soothe and improve eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin. Included in our Intermezzo Body Polishes.

Trehalose

Sugar-derived antioxidant and humectant, also known as mycose, with excellent mositure attracting and retentive qualities for the skin.It is thought to support cell structure during dehydration so that normal cellular function is restored upon rehydration, diminishing the otherwise legal damage that can result from dehydration/rehydration cycles. Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Glycerin – certified organic

Vegetable-derived soothing humectant with excellent moisture attracting and retentive qualities for the skin.Its softening and smoothing emollient qualities help to alleviate roughness and dryness, even for those with sensitive skin. Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Xanthan gum

Natural emsulsifier and thickener dervived from corn that contributes to the luxurious consistency and feel of a formulation. Included in our Brava Body Lotions.

Ziziphus joazeiro bark extract

Exceptional extract derived from the bark of the Brazilian ziziphus joazeiro tree that provides light foam and superb gentle cleansing without over-stripping. Included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels.

Signature Essential Oil Blends

Adagio

Warming Exotic Spice with Clary Sage & Clove to Soothe and Calm

Bergamot (citrus bergamia) peel oil

Lovely light citrus oil with a warm spicy floral quality that is uplifting, rejuvenating, and balancing. This cold-pressed oil is from a 3rd generation family farm in Italy.

Clary Sage (salvia sclarea) leaf oil – certified organic

Beautiful earthy and herbaceous oil from France with a hint of floral.Best know for its warming, balancing and calming effects.

Clove (eugenia caryophyllus) bud oil – certified organic

Very warm, spicy Madagascar oil with concentration enhancing and aphrodisiac qualities.See note below for the story behind our wonderful, sustainably-produced organic Madagascar Oils.

Geranium (pelargonium graveolens) flower oil - certified organic

Sweet, citrus-rose, green scented Madagascar oil that is helpful in balancing emotions and settling stress.

Jasmine (jasminum grandiflorum) flower oil

  Exotic sweet floral oil from India that is said to calm anger, worry and apathy and reawaken passion. Our CO2 extracted (without chemical solvents) oil is completely unadulterated and pure.

Neroli (citrus aurantium amara) peel oil

Gorgeous citrus floral oil native to Italy that is known for its calming, anti-depressant qualities, as well as its benefits for mature and irritated skin.

Orange (citrus sinensis) peel oil – certified organic

Fresh uplifting oil cold-pressed from an Organic Valencia Orange Grove in California that can help to relieve stress and fortify dull or tired skin.

Sandalwood (santalum album) oil

Rich sensual aroma from sustainably-harvested Indonesian sandalwood that is best known for its balancing, meditative, calming and aphrodisiac effects.

Tangerine (citrus reticulate) peel oil

Wonderful sweet citrus oil that promotes tranquility and a sense of well-being.

Vivace

Spirited Citrus Floral with Pink Grapefruit & Frangipani to Energize and Invigorate

Frangipani (plumeria alba) flower oil

Exotic, sweet, floral with a hint of soft spice, this oil from the blossoms of the Fangipani (aka Plumeria) tree supports a sense of peace and well-being.

Grapefruit - Pink (citrus paradisi) peel oil

Cooling refreshing citrus oil that is wonderfully uplifting.Sweeter than its White counterpart, our cold-pressed Pink Grapefruit oil has good antioxidant properties and can be helpful in relieving stress and balancing emotions.

Jasmine (jasminum grandiflorum) flower oil.

Exotic sweet floral oil from India that is said to calm anger, worry and apathy and reawaken passion. Our intoxicating CO2 extracted (without chemical solvents) oil is completely unadulterated and pure.

Lemon Myrtle (backhousia citriodora) leaf oil

Beautiful lemony oil from Australia that is fresh and invigorating with impressive anti-bacterial properties.

Lime (citrus aurantifolia) peel oil – certified organic

Invoking freshly sliced lime, this cold-press oil is sweet and lively with invigorating and general tonic qualities.

Mimosa (acacia decurrens) flower oil

Rich, sweet woody floral oil from the blossoms of the mimosa tree with undertones of green and beeswax.The elegant oil from France is said to calm anxiety and to soothe the spirit.

Sandalwood (santalum album) oil

Rich sensual aroma from sustainably-harvested Indonesian sandalwood that is best known for its balancing, meditative, calming and aphrodisiac qualities.

Ylang ylang (cananga odorata) flower oil – certified organic

Irresistible, sweet floral oil distilled from the fragrant star shaped flowers with a reputation as an aphrodisiac.Fifty pounds of flowers are required to yield one pound of this exotic oil said to have strong relaxing and balancing qualities.

Yuzu (citrus junos) peel oil

Bright, fresh citrus oil cold-pressed from Japan where it has been a part of traditional herbal medicines for thousands of years as a remedy for numerous conditions.It is uplifting and said to inspire optimism and promote a sense of well-being.

A Cappella - Naturally Scented without Added Essential Oils

A very low scent of the natural ingredients comes through ever so slightly. Created especially for those with sensitive noses who prefer performance without added fragrance.

Our Oils

Madagascar Oils

Shortly after the country became independent from colonial rule, our supplier began to cultivate aromatic and medicinal plants from the area. He distills on site which means he is able to use the freshest local plants which results in a potent therapeutic oil.Instead of cutting down wood to fuel the distillation (as many do in the area), he purchases scraps from a nearby mill. His philosophy of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity means earning a living from the land without destroying the rainforest.

Common Cosmetic Terminology

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha-hydroxy acids occur naturally in some foods, including fruits, sugars, and milk. AHAs, like glycolic acid from sugar, help to loosen dead skin cells and promote exfoliation thereby reducing clogged pores and the appearance of fine lines.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants, like vitamins A, C and E, are the superpowers for scavenging and neutralizing highly damaging free radical molecules. Free radicals can damage cells throughout the body increasing signs of aging (i.e., wrinkles and discoloration), and contributing to disease processes such as cancer, clogged arteries and Alzheimer’s Disease. Free radicals arise through normal metabolism and immune system responses, but can also be caused by environmental stressors, like sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke. An antioxidant-rich diet along with antioxidant-rich skincare are important in fighting free radical damage and supporting regeneration of cells. Antioxidant properties can be found in many vitamins, especially A, C and E, some amino acids, enzymes, coenzymes and other compounds.

Emollient

Substances that soften, soothe and help skin retain moisture.

Emulsifier

Substances that hold oil and water combinations together and help skin retain moisture.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Omega 3 and Omega 6 families of fatty acids essential for regulation of cellular function and overall health. Because they are not naturally synthesized by the body, they must be obtained from external sources such as sunflower oil.The Omega 6 linoleic acid helps to restore elasticity and create a protective barrier against moisture loss while Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce inflamation and protect against photo-damage.

Essential Oils

Oils extracted from plants by steam distillation, expression or solvent extraction used for centuries as perfumes and as remedies for physical and emotional well-being. All Belletaré essential oils are extracted without the use of chemical solvents.

Humectant

Substances that helps skin to attract and retain moisture, including Glycerin, lecithin, proteins, and amino acids.

Preservatives (natural)

Plant-derived substances used to protect formulas from contamination by microbs, yeasts, molds and degradation by oxidation.Most commercial cosmetics are loaded with traditional chemical preservatives to preserve shelf-life for long periods of time.While effective, they can be irritating and may contribute to health problems in some individuals.Natural preservatives are often ingredients not typically considered a preservative, but that contain certain chemical components that provide protective qualities when used alone or in combination with other botanical ingredients.As consumers demand more natural products, conventional manufacturers are slowly moving away from the more controversial preservatives, like parabens, and searching for alternatives.Belletaré preservative systems are specifically crafted to provide a safe and effective product and have passed independent third-party efficacy testing.Natural preservative systems mean shorter shelf lives, typically six months to one year, so it is important to use your products now.Today is the special occasion to celebrate you!We use only the finest, pure ingredients – never any synthetic fragrances, parabens, petro-chemicals or anything toxic. No animal testing or animal-derived ingredients.