Melanin Haircare Ingredients List
Welcome to the heart of Melanin Haircare, where transparency meets beauty. Dive into our carefully curated selection of ingredients, and explore our carefully selected ingredients, free from sulfates, silicones, phthalates, petroleums, parabens, mineral oil, and formaldehyde. Embrace the power of nature for nourished, strong, and vibrant curls and coils.
A
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, commonly known as Aloe Vera, is a succulent plant that grows in warm and dry climates. Prized for centuries for its beneficial medicinal properties, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, B, C, folic acid, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps to smooth the hair cuticle closed and is extremely moisturizing for the hair and scalp.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, commonly known as Argan Oil, is the rich oil extracted from the fruit kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, E, and ferulic acid, argan oil encourages blood flow and cell regeneration for healthier hair and scalp. Full of antioxidants that protect against uv ray damage and pollution, anti-inflammatories and polyphenols that protect, soothe and heal dry, itchy scalp issues, it strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair loss, conditions the hair, helping to lock in moisture, and provides a bit of natural protection against heat styling.
Persea Gratissima Oil, commonly known as Avocado Oil, is the oil extracted by pressing the pulp of the avocado fruit. Full of omega fatty acids, oleic acid, phytosterols, and vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, avocado oil improves skin elasticity, hydration, and regeneration. It is anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe inflamed skin, offers a small amount of uv protection from the sun’s rays, and it helps to increase collagen production, which is essential for continuous healthy hair growth.
B
Extracted from the shoot and leaves of the Bambusa Vulgaris plant, Bamboo Extract contains more than 70% organic silica, which is ten times more than other supplements found on the market. Silica is one of the key elements in producing the prolylhydrolase enzyme, a protein found in skin tissue, and is imperative for thick, soft, smooth hair. The high silica rate also results in speedier hair growth and more elasticity in the hair. It also contains amino acids important in strengthening the hair, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the scalp and improve blood circulation, moisturizing benefits to help smooth and add shine, and helps to improve the overall appearance and density of the hair.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, commonly known as Baobab Seed Oil, is the rich oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the Adansonia fruit trees in Africa. Containing high amounts of vitamins C, essential fatty acids, and vitamins D, E and F, Baobab seed oil helps to regenerate damaged hair, while soothing and healing dry, irritated, and itchy scalps. Due to its proliferation of saturated fats and oleic acid, Baobab seed oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft, helping to condition the strands, improving elasticity and softness, while polyunsaturated fatty acids provide slip to the surface, making detangling easier.
Despite its name, Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a non-sulfate, derived from rapeseed oil. Prized for its effective detangling abilities, it’s able to penetrate the hair shaft making it an excellent moisturizer and conditioner, while remaining gentle on the hair and skin, without coating the scalp or causing buildup. It also has hair thickening properties.
Biotin is a naturally occurring essential vitamin most commonly found in eggs, fish, and meat. Deficiencies in biotin have been shown to include skin rashes and hair loss. In those with deficiencies, biotin supplements have improved the appearance of hair, skin, and nails.
The Turnip is a round root vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is packed with a number of essential nutrients, minerals and anti-oxidants, and was even traditionally used to treat cancer. It is packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Complex Vitamins, carotenoids, xanthin, lutein, and minerals like zinc, copper, calcium, iron, and manganese, along with a number of phytonutrients that provide proper nourishment to the hair follicles and scalp. It helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp, effectively reducing hair fall while promoting hair growth, it keeps the hair and scalp moisturized, reducing itchiness and dandruff, and it helps to increase the shine, strength and elasticity of the hair. The copper mineral present is responsible for the production of melanin in the hair, which gives the hair its color, therefore regular use can improve the color and luster of the hair.
Nigella Sativa, commonly known as Black Cumin Seed Oil, is derived from the seeds of the black cumin plant. Frequently used as a spice and prized in ancient herbal remedies, it touts impressive antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, analgesic, and wound-healing effects. Naturally containing beneficial vitamins and minerals, along with folic acid, biotin, and selenium that promote cell renewal and keratin formation of the hair for increased strength, increased hair growth, and reduced hair fall. It soothes skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, while conditioning the hair and scalp.
C
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, commonly known as Lime Oil, is most frequently obtained by steam distillation of lime peels. Native to Asia, this essential oil produces a citrus fragrance and is known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also functions as a hair and skin conditioning agent.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, commonly known as Lemongrass Oil, is native to India, and is obtained by drying the leaves of the plant through steam distillation. It’s rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties to soothe and heal the scalp and treat inflammatory conditions on the skin.
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, commonly known as Cupuacu Butter, is obtained by cold-pressing the fruit seeds of the Cupuacu tree, native to the Amazon Rainforest. Related to the Theobroma Cacao Tree, which produces the seeds used for cocoa butter, it is rich in essential fatty acids, minerals such as selenium and calcium, phytonutrients, and vitamins A, B, and C. It contains anti-aging properties, promotes elasticity, and strengthens the hair, all while helping to retain water, preventing moisture loss and keeping the hair hydrated and soft.
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil, commonly known as Pumpkin Seed Oil, is an oil expressed from the seeds of pumpkins. Domesticated in South American and Mexican regions, it is rich in amino acids and antioxidant properties helping to strengthen the hair. Additionally, it blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase to help promote healthy hair growth.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, commonly known as Cocoa Butter, is the fat obtained from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. Cocoa butter is full of stearic, oleic, and palmitic acid, as well as antioxidant properties that make it highly effective in protecting, moisturizing and penetrating into the skin and hair. It also helps to aid in the elasticity of the skin and hair, while also leaving it hydrated and protected from environmental damage and free radicals.
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, commonly known as Lime Oil, is most frequently obtained by steam distillation of lime peels. Native to Asia, this essential oil produces a citrus fragrance and is known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also functions as a hair and skin conditioning agent.
Citric Acid is a natural, weak acid found in citrus fruits that is used to adjust the pH of products. It also has preservation properties.
Charcoal powder is created when a carbon-rich material, such as coconut shells, wood pulp, or decomposed vegetable peat, is burned at high temperatures creating a black odorless powder. Used in ancient medicine in many different cultures, it contains the ability to attract substances and contain them within its surface, as well as absorb toxins that are thousands of times its own weight. It is used to detoxify and exfoliate the skin and scalp, reduce inflammation, treat skin infections, insect bites, disinfect wounds and bacteria, filter impurities in water, eliminate odors, and treat poisonings.
An extract from the flowers of the Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) plant, otherwise known as the German Chamomile. It is a natural healer that has natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and calm irritation, as well as natural conditioning and wound-healing benefits. It contains some antioxidant protection, along with anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol comprised of the cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols derived from plants such as coconut and palm oils. Used as an emulsifier to stabilize oil and water mixtures, it is also an effective conditioning agent, used to soften the skin and hair.
Ceteareth-20 is a fatty alcohol, comprised of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are naturally-derived fatty acids from coconut oil. An emollient and emulsifier used to stabilize oil and water mixtures, our ceteareth-20 has been purified of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, commonly known as Castor Oil, is obtained from cold-pressing the seeds of the castor plant. Used both internally and topically, castor oil contains essential omega fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins, beneficial minerals, and most uniquely, a high ratio of ricinoleic fatty acid which has been found to promote healthy hair growth. It also helps to condition the hair and scalp.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, derived from coconut oil and glycerin, that helps to condition the skin and hair.
Considered a more potent, and less processed antioxidant than green tea, White Tea is derived from the plant Camellia Sinensis. It has powerful antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as anti-collagenase and anti-aging properties. It also helps to stimulate blood circulation, improving hair growth, and acts as a humectant to help moisturize and condition the hair and scalp.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, commonly known as Hemp Oil, is an aromatic annual herb. It is used to provide natural fragrance and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to its omega-6 fatty acids. These properties make hemp seed oil powerful, encouraging skin growth and new cell generation.
D
Diheptyl Succinate is a 100% vegetable derived, biodegradable emollient, derived from castor oil, that enhances the shine and texture of the hair and skin, while providing additional slip useful for detangling.
A natural, mild, gentle, biodegradable, and water-soluble non-ionic surfactant and conditioning agent made from glucose and coconut oil.
G
Geranium Maculatum Oil, commonly known as Geranium Oil, is extracted from the stems, leaves and flowers of the Geranium plant. It contains potent antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections and skin diseases, and helps restore the hairs natural pH, helping to keep the hair hydrated, healthy, soft and balanced. Additionally, it has a pleasant natural floral scent which makes it an excellent non-toxic, all-natural fragrance ingredient.
Glycerin is a natural humectant and lubricant, derived from vegetables.
Naturally derived from glycerin and caprylic acid. This multipurpose ingredient functions as an emollient, moisturizer and emulsifier, as well as, a preservative enhancer.
Glyceryl Stearate, derived from palm kernel, vegetable or soy oil, is a naturally derived fatty acid that is also found in the human body, and is used for emulsifying and stabilizing.
H
Hydrolyzed pea protein is naturally derived from peas through hydrolysis - a process using water to extract the acids. A great source of non-animal protein, its small molecule size is able to penetrate the hair shaft. It is rich in amino acids and contains high antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and has been shown to safely promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Additionally, it functions as an emollient, leaving hair strands feeling soft and smooth.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein is naturally derived from vegetables through hydrolysis - a process using water to extract the acid; most commonly sourced from soy, wheat, and corn. A great source of non-animal protein, its small molecule size is able to penetrate the hair shaft and hair cuticle to provide moisture from the inside out, reducing brittleness and split ends. Additionally, its antistatic and moisturizing properties work as a conditioning agent for the hair and scalp.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is naturally derived from wheat through hydrolysis - a process using water to extract the acids. A great source of non-animal protein, its small molecule size is able to penetrate the hair shaft, to strengthen the hair roots and shafts, encouraging hair growth and repairing damaged hair follicles in normal, chemically treated and heat-damaged hair. It also hydrates and improves the moisture-retention abilities of the hair, making it more manageable, more elastic, more voluminous, and adding shine. The proteins fortify the hair, making the hair less prone to breakage while also adding volume and texture. Hair is left feeling soft and silky.
J, K, L
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, commonly known as Jojoba Oil, is a liquid plant wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. Jojoba oil has a similar structure to human sebum making it easily absorbed into the skin and hair. Full of vitamins A, E, F and B complex, essential fatty acids, plant sterols and squalane, jojoba oil helps to speed up repair, helps to slows down aging of the cells, improves the natural function and protective barrier of the skin, soothes inflammation and fights free radicals. It also contains hair and scalp-friendly minerals such as copper, zinc and selenium, reduces water loss and dehydration, works as a natural UV filter, and penetrates deeply to strengthen the hair bulbs and follicles.
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, commonly known as Kokum Butter, is obtained from the fruit kernels of the Garcinia Indica Tree. Rich in natural antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, Kokum Butter strengthens the hair strands, making them thicker and increasing the elasticity. It also assists with cell oxidation, supporting a healthy scalp environment, and making it easier for the scalp to absorb essential nutrients vital for optimum hair growth.
Lavandula Angustifolia, commonly known as Lavender Oil, is the essential oil distilled from the flower spikes of the lavender herb. Used for thousands of years, it is prized for its anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, and calming properties. Prized for its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, relieve skin irritation, infections, and wounds, and promote hair growth.
M
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, commonly known as Mango Butter, is the fat expressed from the seeds of the mango tree, which are native to India. Mango butter is full of fatty acids, omega-9 acid, vitamin C and vitamin A which make it a restorative and moisturizing butter. Additionally, it is rich in oleic and stearic acid, helping to improve elasticity.
A perennial herb with a pleasantly sweet and spicy scent, Spearmint, named after its pointed, spear-shaped leaves, is high in antioxidants, is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, acts as an anti-itch, anti-irritant and cooling compound, is used to condition and heal the skin, improves elasticity, and is a great natural skin cleanser.
Musa Sapientum Flower extract is derived from the banana flower most commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and conditioning properties work to soothe and heal the scalp. It also works to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
O, P, R
Olive Oil Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, commonly known as Olive Oil, is the liquid fat obtained from the pressing of the olive fruit from the olive tree. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, essential minerals, and vitamins A, E and K, olive oil improves the elasticity of the hair and scalp. It helps to strengthen the hair follicle and naturally conditions the hair and scalp.
A form of vitamin B5, Panthenol is provitamin of the B-complex vitamin group, converted into pantothenic acid when absorbed into the body. It works as a humectant to protect the hair and skin’s barrier, promoting moisture retention, and shielding from irritation. It also moisturizes the scalp and hair, heals irritation, promotes cell regeneration and the healing of wounds, improves elasticity, is anti-aging and helps to prevent dehydration of the hair and skin.
Mentha Piperita, commonly known as Peppermint Oil, is extracted from peppermint leaves. It is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, insecticidal, antispasmodic and antimicrobial herb that aids in digestion, relieving stomach and muscle pain, as well as respiratory problems and stress. It is used in flavoring, in fragrance, and as a cooling agent. It contains a plethora of minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids - along with its main component, menthol - which in conjunction help to relieve scalp issues, increase blood circulation and stimulate hair growth, while imparting a healthy shine.
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, commonly known as Rosehip Seed Oil or Dog Rose Oil, is the oil extracted from the seeds of the rosehips, which are the fruits left behind after a rose has flowered. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, essential fatty acids, lycopene and vitamins A, C, E and F, rosehip seed oil increases cell turnover in the skin and helps to fight free radical damage caused by the sun and environmental toxins. The oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids assist in cell regeneration, while the high vitamin C content helps to stimulate collagen production, resulting in increased elasticity and hair growth. It also absorbs quickly, creating a protective barrier that keeps the hair from becoming dehydrated.
Rosemary is a woody perennial that has been used in food and as medicine for centuries. It contains numerous hair and scalp-healthy benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to prevent premature graying, helps to heal dry itchy scalp as well as prevents dandruff. It also strengthens blood circulation and heals tissue and nerve damage, resulting in the promotion of hair growth, the reduction of hair loss, and the restoration and reparation of hair growth in those experiencing alopecia and male pattern balding.
S
Salvia Officinalis Oil, commonly known as Sage Oil, is extracted from the steam-distilled leaves of the herb Salvia Officinalis. Its scientific name comes from the Latin word ‘salvere,’ which means ‘to be saved.’ Used as an effective antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant, sage oil provides protection against damaging free radicals, promoting healthy cell regeneration for the hair and skin. Its natural antiseptic properties help to prevent skin infections, as well as relieve the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Comprised of beta-sitosterol, a 5-alpha reductase compound, sage oil helps to combat hair loss and stimulate hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp and nutrition to the hair follicles, as well as impart shine.
Sesamum Indicum Seed oil, commonly known as Sesame Seed Oil, is the oil obtained from the pressing of sesame seeds. One of the oldest plants used for creating Ayurvedic oils, it is both edible and used topically. With high levels of natural antioxidants, oleic and linoleic fatty acids, and vitamin E, B complex and K, sesame seed oil nourishes the hair root, encouraging healthy hair growth, and improving elasticity. It’s also rich in amino acids and has antioxidant properties to help repair the hair and scalp.
Butyrospermum Parkii, commonly known as Shea Butter or Karité, is a plant butter derived from the seeds of the shea tree. Native to various regions in Africa, shea butter is a nutritious and moisturizing butter packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. Shea butter is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores,and is even edible, in some regions being used as an ingredient in cooking and baking.
A non-toxic and natural surfactant mixture of fatty acid salts, naturally-derived by mixing coconut oil and sodium hydroxide to create saponification.
Sodium Hyaluronate (sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that functions as a humectant - adding moisture to the hair stands. Its moisturizing properties help to reduce frizz while also reducing breakage in the detangling process. Additionally, it improves damage to hair strands at the molecular level due to dyeing, perming, and bleaching.
A non-toxic moisturizing surfactant sodium salt, derived from combining palm kernel oil with sodium hydroxide. It acts as an emulsifying and cleansing ingredient.
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a fatty amine derived from vegetable oils, used as a conditioning, detangling, and smoothing agent.
Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from stearic acid, coconut or vegetable fatty acid, and is used as an emulsifier and conditioning agent.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, commonly known as Sweet Almond Oil, is extracted from cold-pressing the ripe seeds of the almond tree. With its high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B, D, and E, along with minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium, sweet almond oil is easily absorbed into the hair follicles and skin to help protect, strengthen, condition, and lock in moisture to prevent dehydration of the scalp and hair. It also soothes dry, irritated skin.
T
Melaleuca Alternifolia, commonly known as Tea Tree Oil, is the essential oil distilled from the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. Used topically within traditional medicine to treat skin conditions, wounds, and infections for a century, it is prized for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and Antiprotozoal activities. It also aids in conditioning the scalp, removing product buildup and dead skin cells from the scalp, while increasing blood flow and stimulating hair growth.
Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E and is a natural skin conditioning agent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derived from plants. It helps to fight free radicals, reduces lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress to the scalp, and protects the skin and hair from damage due to sun exposure. Additionally, it increases circulation to the scalp, enhancing the health, strength, and growth of hair naturally.
Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E and is a natural skin conditioning agent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derived from plants. It helps to fight free radicals, reduces lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress to the scalp, and protects the skin and hair from damage due to sun exposure. Additionally, it increases circulation to the scalp, enhancing the health, strength, and growth of hair naturally.
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, commonly known as Fenugreek, is extracted from the seeds of trigonella foenum-graecum. This clover-like herb is native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia and contains powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that make it a powerhouse to promote healthy hair growth.
Curcuma longa, commonly known as Turmeric Root, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family. It's a popular medicinal plant and culinary spice that dates back thousands of years to the Vedic culture in India. Celebrated for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and wound-healing properties, turmeric helps to soothe, calm and heal the scalp, reducing hair loss and encouraging hair growth. It contains the natural chemical compound curcumin, which has been shown to reduce the body’s ability to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), helping to restore hair growth in sufferers of androgenic alopecia.