Nature Meets Science: Your Wild Alchemy Botanicals Skincare Ingredient Glossary
- Wild Alchemy Botanicals
- Aug 11
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
A science-first guide to the ingredients in our formulations
Curious about what’s in your skincare? Our Nature Meets Science Skincare Ingredient Glossary explains every ingredient we use, blending scientific research, botanical wisdom, and traditional uses. From potent actives to soothing botanicals, discover how each element works in harmony to care for your skin — so you can choose with confidence and clarity.
A–Z skincare ingredient glossary
A | B | C | D | E | G | H | J | K | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | V
A
Antioxidant-rich actives and hydrating botanicals to refresh and protect skin.
Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract (Algae) Mineral-rich red seaweed that supports skin hydration, elasticity, and nourishment.
Aqua (Water) Purified water used as the base to dissolve and deliver active ingredients.
B
Botanical powerhouses that balance, renew, and improve skin tone.
Bakuchiol is A plant-based alternative to retinol, known for improving skin tone, texture, and firmness without irritation. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties.
C
Calming, brightening, and conditioning botanicals for skin health and radiance.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Petals* Bright yellow-orange petals rich in antioxidants and calming compounds. Used for centuries to soothe dry, irritated, or inflamed skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil. Softens and conditions the skin while supporting barrier function.
Carnelian Crystal Chips: A vibrant orange-red crystal traditionally associated with warmth, vitality, and confidence. Included to infuse products with a sense of energising luxury.
Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil (Cacay Oil)* Rich in natural retinol (vitamin A), vitamin E, and linoleic acid. Supports skin regeneration, smoothness, and elasticity.
Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate: An olive-derived emulsifier duo that blends oils and water in skincare. Helps maintain skin softness and hydration.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract Packed with lycopene, vitamins, and amino acids, it hydrates, soothes, and protects against oxidative stress.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange Blossom / Neroli) Flower Water: A fragrant floral hydrosol that refreshes, tones, and gently calms skin. Traditionally valued for its uplifting aroma and skin-balancing effects.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Essential Oil: An exquisite essential oil known for its regenerative and calming qualities. Often used to support skin renewal and emotional well-being.
Coco-Glucoside A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that lifts away impurities without stripping natural oils.
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is A powerful antioxidant naturally present in the skin, supporting cellular energy and defending against environmental damage.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Hydrosol & Extracts: Cooling, hydrating, and soothing for sensitive skin. Traditionally used to calm puffiness and refresh tired complexions.
D
Delivery agents and skin-friendly actives that enhance product performance.
Dimethyl Isosorbide is A skin-safe solvent that helps deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin for improved effectiveness.
E
Energising and clarifying botanicals for skin vitality.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf* A refreshing, clarifying botanical that promotes a sense of clear breathing and invigorated skin.
G
Gentle yet effective ingredients for preservation, hydration, and skin comfort.
Geogard ECT* (Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid)* A broad-spectrum, eco-certified preservative system ensuring product safety while remaining skin-friendly.
Glycerin (Vegetable) A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture into the skin for lasting hydration.
H
Hydration-boosting actives to plump, smooth, and protect skin.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate & Crosspolymer) A water-binding molecule that deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. The crosspolymer form releases moisture slowly for long-lasting effects.
J
Jojoba-based actives to balance and condition all skin types.
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)* A liquid wax ester closely resembling the skin’s natural sebum. Helps balance oil production and lock in moisture.
K
Native New Zealand botanicals with antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Kawakawa Leaf Extract* (Macropiper excelsum)* Rich in bioactive compounds like myristicin and diayangambin, kawakawa offers potent anti-inflammatory benefits to calm irritation, alongside antimicrobial and antibacterial actions to protect against skin microbes.
Kānuka Essential Oil (Kunzea ericoides)* Delivers strong antimicrobial and antibacterial support, helping to keep skin clear while reducing redness and soothing irritation.
L
Lactic acids and floral botanicals to smooth and calm skin.
Lactic Acid: A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates while improving hydration and skin smoothness.
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Flower* Soothes, balances, and lightly scents the skin. Valued for its calming effect on both skin and mind.
M
Mineral-rich salts and mild exfoliants for skin renewal.
Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Flakes) is known for relaxing muscles and replenishing magnesium levels through the skin.
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) Traditionally used to ease tension and soften skin in bath soaks.
Mandelic Acid: A gentle AHA derived from bitter almonds, excellent for refining texture and brightening skin.
Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salt / Sea Salt) Rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, known for soothing and softening skin.
N
Nutrients and vitamins to strengthen, brighten, and protect skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Strengthens the skin barrier, improves texture, and balances uneven skin tone.
P
Plant extracts packed with antioxidants and skin-reviving compounds.
Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Fruit Extract is Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols to protect and revitalise skin.
Propanediol is A plant-derived ingredient that improves texture and helps active ingredients absorb effectively.
R
Rose-based botanicals for soothing, protecting, and uplifting skin.
Rose Centifolia & Rose Damascena Oils and Petals* Iconic for their rich floral aroma, antioxidant content, and soothing qualities.
Rose Quartz Crystal Chips: A delicate pink crystal traditionally associated with love, compassion, and self-care.
Rosehip (Rosa Canina) Glycerite & CO₂ Extract: A potent source of essential fatty acids and vitamin C, promoting skin regeneration and brightness.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Leaf: Stimulating and antioxidant-rich, helping protect and invigorate the skin.
S
Skin-clearing actives and barrier-strengthening emollients.
Salicylic Acid A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates inside pores, supporting clear skin.
Squalene A skin-identical lipid that nourishes, softens, and supports barrier repair.
T
Antioxidant vitamins to shield skin.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C) A stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens and defends skin against free radical damage.
V
Vitamin-rich antioxidants to nourish, repair, and protect skin.
Vitamin E* (Tocopherol)* An antioxidant that nourishes and helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why create a skincare ingredient glossary?
A: Transparency is at the heart of Wild Alchemy Botanicals. Our glossary helps you understand what each ingredient does — both the scientific actives and the botanical extracts — so you can make confident choices for your skin.
Q: What’s the difference between actives and botanicals?
A: Actives (like Niacinamide or Vitamin C) are clinically proven compounds targeting specific concerns, while botanicals (like rosehip or kawakawa) are plant-based ingredients that nourish and support skin health. Together, they create balanced, effective formulations.
Q: Where can I learn more about your ingredients?
A: You’ll find a full glossary on our website, plus detailed breakdowns on each product page.
Q: Do you ship internationally for customers outside NZ?
A: Absolutely. We also ship to Australia, the UK, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE— so you can access our gentle, carefully formulated skincare wherever you are.
💡 This glossary is updated as our formulations evolve. Bookmark this page to stay informed and empowered about your skincare choices.
🌿Curious about what’s inside your skincare? Browse our full collection of botanically formulated skincare and see the glossary come to life in each product.
I’m Sandra, the owner of Wild Alchemy Botanicals — creating small-batch botanical skincare right here in New Zealand. With nearly 20 years of experience in skin therapy, I blend nature, science, and skill into every product. Explore more ingredient insights, product guides, and behind-the-scenes musings — or discover our full collection of skincare.
Shop smart, test first, and give your skin the care it deserves, Sandra 🌿
skincare ingredient glossary
