Glossary Ingredients M

Emollients are highly regarded by beauty buffs because they reduce the amount of water your skin loses. This means you’ll feel softer and smoother for longer. Who doesn’t want that?

Antioxidants help protect skin cells from environmental stresses. Think bright sun and all that pollution from waiting at the bus stop.

We mix bulking ingredients into our formulas to create the right ratio of actives. It’s a fine art. Like making the perfect cup of tea. But we’ve mastered it.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

An absorbent (you guessed it) absorbs. And by soaking up liquid it can create a lovely mattifying effect. The days of always looking hot and sweaty on the tube, at the beach and in the gym are over.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

An absorbent (you guessed it) absorbs. And by soaking up liquid it can create a lovely mattifying effect. The days of always looking hot and sweaty on the tube, at the beach and in the gym are over.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Astringents are acknowledged as being one of the best ingredients for controlling oiliness and cleansing pores. They’re greasy hair and sticky skin’s worst nightmare. Dirt can do one.

Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract comes from mangoes and you’ll find it in our tropical-smelling formulas. A key ingredient that naturally moisturises, it’ll have you feeling like the exotic fruit you are.

Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract comes from mangoes and you’ll find it in our tropical-smelling formulas. A key ingredient that naturally moisturises, it’ll have you feeling like the exotic fruit you are.

Our Community Fair Trade mango seed oil is sometimes listed as Mangifera Indica Seed Oil. It’s a key ingredient because it’s super nourishing for your skin. Someone looks nice and juicy.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Humectants draw in moisture from the air to increase your skin’s water levels. Just like if you were a plant. No flowers necessary.

Maris Sal is sea salt. The photogenic kind you always see on social media. It’s a key ingredient in our scrubs because it exfoliates dead skin quicker than you can say selfie.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Mel is the scientific way of saying honey. The ultimate natural moisturiser. Don’t thank us. Thank our fuzzy little friends who buzz everywhere to make it.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the technical term for tea tree, one of our most iconic love ingredients. We’ve been using Community Fair Trade tea tree oil for decades, to help give you clearer-looking, more confident skin.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Peppermint oil goes by the scientific name Mentha Piperita Oil. With an unmistakably minty smell, it’s usually easy to tell if we’ve added it to one of our products.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Menthol is a white crystal that comes from peppermint. It’s a natural disinfectant, which makes it perfect for skin that needs some TLC. So fresh, so clean.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Silicones are known to help products apply evenly. They also stop stickiness and white casts. Some worry they’re a controversial ingredient, so we’re trying to reducing our use of them whenever possible.

PEGs are thickening agents, or as we like to call them, secret beauty agents. Their mission? To help other ingredients absorb into the skin easier. Some say they’re a controversial ingredient. We believe them to scientifically safe.

Certain fragrances and essential oils must legally be listed as allergens. While safe to use they have the potential to cause an allergic response (in those who are sensitive to fragrance). So please always check the label. We care about you.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Emulsifying surfactants help keep oil and water together. They can also give products a rich, creamy feel. Next time you’re marvelling at how lusciously smooth your skin is, you’ll know who to thank.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Perfuming ingredients are fragrant essential oils, simple aromas or man-made smells. Either way, you know that when we add them to our products it’s for one simple reason. They smell good.

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Emollients are highly regarded by beauty buffs because they reduce the amount of water your skin loses. This means you’ll feel softer and smoother for longer. Who doesn’t want that?

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano]

Parabens are a group of preservatives that are pretty controversial. But don’t worry about weird online stories. The ones we use are scientifically recognised as being safe and effective. We’ll be removing them from our products soon, just to give you peace of mind.

Solvents come in a variety of different forms and are nothing to be scared of. (Even water is a solvent). They’re used to break down other ingredients so a solution can be formed.

Mica (a mineral found in rocks) makes cosmetics sparkly and white. You may have heard some controversy about mica and unsafe working conditions – but don’t worry. We only buy from suppliers who don’t use child labour and ensure good safety standards.

In 2015 we removed microbeads from all our products. We're also working hard to evaluate the presence of potential microplastics in our products, in line with European Chemical Agency (ECHA) guidance. Most of our ingredients are biodegradable, and we are constantly improving in this area. By 2030 we are aiming for all our rinse off products to be at 95% biodegradability, in line with guidance from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Being a cruelty-free beauty brand will always be one of The Body Shop’s main priorities. That is why we recently made the commitment to reformulate our entire product portfolio and go 100% vegan by the end of 2023 and our global refills program is also part of our commitment to reducing our negative impact on the planet.

Exfoliant is a gentle abrasive known to remove dead skin cells. If you want a brighter, smoother complexion, this is the ingredient to look out for. Let’s go get that glow.

Preservative/Antimicrobial ingredients are added to our products to keep them fresh for their entire shelf-life. No funky smells or weird consistencies. Just the classic formulas you love.

Skin Conditioning ingredients are the enemies of dry, flaking skin. They’re acknowledged as having the power to restore suppleness. And trust us, they aren’t afraid to use it.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

An absorbent (you guessed it) absorbs. And by soaking up liquid it can create a lovely mattifying effect. The days of always looking hot and sweaty on the tube, at the beach and in the gym are over.

Moringa Oleifera Fruit Powder

The Moringa tree produces Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, a key moisturising ingredient that’s been used for its beauty benefits for centuries. Slather it on and feel it soften.

See Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract definiton

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is a key ingredient because it contains antioxidants. Sourced via our Community Fair Trade programme, it’s a natural moisturiser (that really works).

Exfoliant is a gentle abrasive known to remove dead skin cells. If you want a brighter, smoother complexion, this is the ingredient to look out for. Let’s go get that glow.

Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract is basically mushed up bananas. But this isn’t baby food. This is one of our key ingredients. A natural skin softener with a wonderfully fruity smell. Yum.

Crushed camu camu berries make Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, a key ingredient with over 20 times more vitamin C than oranges. Tell that to your freshly squeezed juice.

Film forming ingredients are acknowledged for their ability to create a protective layer around your skin and hair. Think of them as a cosy little beauty bubble. Your safe space.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Palm oil derivatives are a jack of all trades. They can moisturise. They can make products foamy. The list goes on. They can be controversial ingredients when sourced irresponsibly, so we make sure we buy sustainable palm oil from the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil). Or purchase RSPO credits that support sustainable production.

Emollients are highly regarded by beauty buffs because they reduce the amount of water your skin loses. This means you’ll feel softer and smoother for longer. Who doesn’t want that?

Emollients are highly regarded by beauty buffs because they reduce the amount of water your skin loses. This means you’ll feel softer and smoother for longer. Who doesn’t want that?

Preservative/Antimicrobial ingredients are added to our products to keep them fresh for their entire shelf-life. No funky smells or weird consistencies. Just the classic formulas you love.