Ingredient Glossary

Discover the power in every Sterling Naturals ingredient.

At Sterling Naturals we believe in transparency and informing you about what goes into your products.

Ingredient Glossary
Aloe Vera

Background:

A succulent plant known for its soothing gel, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. It contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids.

Hair Benefits:

Soothes an itchy scalp, strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, and cleanses the hair shaft efficiently. It leaves hair shiny and soft.

Avocado Oil

Background:

Extracted from the flesh of the avocado fruit, this oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamins A, D, and E. It’s highly moisturizing and easily absorbed.

Hair Benefits:

Penetrates the hair shaft to deliver deep hydration, strengthens brittle strands, and enhances softness and shine.

Black Castor Oil

Background:

Derived from roasted castor beans, black castor oil has a thicker consistency and higher ash content, which enhances its nutrient profile. It's known for its traditional use in promoting healthy hair growth.

Hair Benefits:

Moisturizes dry scalp, strengthens the roots, thickens hair over time, and helps reduce breakage and shedding.

Burdock Root Extract

Background:

A traditional herbal remedy rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, burdock root has been used for centuries in natural medicine.

Hair Benefits:

Improves scalp health, supports stronger hair growth, and may help reduce hair thinning due to inflammation.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Background:

A silky, lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, commonly used in clean beauty formulas.

Hair Benefits:

Smooths and softens hair without leaving a greasy residue, enhances moisture retention, and improves the texture of dry hair.

Cedarwood Oil

Background:

A grounding essential oil extracted from the bark of cedar trees, known for its warm, woody aroma. It’s used in aromatherapy and scalp treatments.

Hair Benefits:

Helps balance scalp oils, stimulates circulation to hair follicles, and may help reduce dandruff and scalp irritation.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Background:

A naturally derived fatty alcohol made from plant oils like coconut or palm. Unlike drying alcohols, it acts as a thickener and emollient.

Hair Benefits:

Softens and conditions hair, improves detangling, and enhances the overall texture of hair care products.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Background:

A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil, commonly used in shampoos for its mild cleansing properties.

Hair Benefits:

Cleanses hair without stripping natural oils, helps maintain softness, and adds light foaming action for a pleasant lather.

Cupuacu Butter

Background:

Harvested from the Amazonian Cupuaçu tree, this butter is prized for its ability to retain moisture and improve skin and hair elasticity.

Hair Benefits:

Provides intense hydration, enhances shine, and improves hair flexibility, making strands less prone to breakage.

Decyl Glucoside

Background:

A mild, non-ionic cleanser made from glucose and coconut-derived ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin and scalp.

Hair Benefits:

Gently lifts dirt and oil without stripping the scalp, preserves moisture, and supports healthy hair cleansing routines.

Glycerin (Vegetable)

Background:

A humectant derived from plant sources, glycerin draws water from the air to hydrate the skin and hair.

Hair Benefits:

Attracts and retains moisture in the hair shaft, reduces dryness and breakage, and leaves hair feeling soft and smooth.

Horsetail Extract

Background:

An ancient herb rich in silica and antioxidants, traditionally used to promote bone and hair strength.

Hair Benefits:

Strengthens weak strands, boosts shine, and supports hair structure from root to tip.

Jojoba Oil

Background:

A wax ester extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, it closely resembles the natural oil (sebum) produced by our skin.

Hair Benefits:

Regulates scalp oil production, moisturizes hair without clogging follicles, and enhances shine and elasticity.

Lavender Oil / Extract

Background:

Extracted from lavender flowers, this oil is known for its calming scent and soothing properties. It's often used in aromatherapy and scalp treatments.

Hair Benefits:

Calms scalp inflammation, helps reduce dandruff, and promotes a healthier environment for hair growth.

Mango Butter

Background:

A rich, creamy butter derived from the seed of the mango fruit. It is loaded with vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids.

Hair Benefits:

Softens dry hair, nourishes the scalp, and helps prevent breakage and split ends.

Nettle Extract

Background:

A traditional botanical used in herbal medicine, nettle is rich in minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Hair Benefits:

Strengthens hair at the root, helps reduce shedding, and supports scalp health and resilience.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Background:

A provitamin of B5 that binds to hair strands, improving elasticity and hydration. It is commonly used in both skin and hair care.

Hair Benefits:

Adds volume, smooths the cuticle, reduces split ends, and boosts softness.

Peppermint Oil

Background:

Known for its cooling, invigorating properties, peppermint oil is a highly stimulating essential oil derived from peppermint leaves.

Hair Benefits:

Enhances blood circulation in the scalp, relieves itchiness, and may help stimulate hair growth.

Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin

Background:

A safe, broad-spectrum preservative system used in clean beauty to protect products from bacteria and mold.

Hair Benefits:

Keeps your hair products fresh and safe without the use of parabens or harsh preservatives.

Polyquaternium-10

Background:

A water-soluble polymer used in hair care to improve texture, reduce static, and enhance manageability.

Hair Benefits:

Smooths frizz, reduces tangling, and leaves hair feeling soft and conditioned.

Rice Bran Oil

Background:

Cold-pressed from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.

Hair Benefits:

Nourishes and strengthens hair strands, adds softness, and helps protect against environmental stressors.

Rosemary Oil

Background:

A fragrant essential oil distilled from rosemary leaves, known for stimulating effects on the scalp.

Hair Benefits:

Boosts blood circulation, encourages hair growth, and reduces dandruff and scalp irritation.

Shea Butter

Background:

Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, this butter is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Hair Benefits:

Deeply moisturizes, reduces frizz, and protects hair from dryness and environmental damage.

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Background:

A gentle cleanser derived from coconut and sugar, often used in natural shampoos.

Hair Benefits:

Cleanses effectively without stripping moisture, leaving hair soft and hydrated.

Stearic Acid

Background:

A plant-derived fatty acid used to add structure and creaminess to cosmetic formulas.

Hair Benefits:

Helps smooth and condition the hair shaft while thickening and stabilizing product texture.

Sweet Almond Oil

Background:

Extracted from almonds, this light, fast-absorbing oil is rich in vitamin E and magnesium.

Hair Benefits:

Softens and strengthens hair, helps reduce scalp inflammation, and adds shine without heaviness.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Background:

A powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin and hair from oxidative stress.

Hair Benefits:

Promotes scalp circulation, supports hair growth, and improves moisture retention in dry, brittle hair.