Elios Cosmetics — Natural Beauty,
Divine Care.

Origin

Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, a succulent that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties

Role in skincare

In your products, aloe vera acts as a powerful moisturiser, soothing and regenerating the skin. It provides both immediate relief from irritation and long-lasting benefits for the skin barrier.

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: it is an excellent humectant that attracts and locks in moisture, helping the skin to stay hydrated, soft and supple.
• Soothing: it reduces redness, inflammation and discomfort caused by sunburn, insect bites or skin conditions such as psoriasis.
• Antioxidant: It contains powerful antioxidants that protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
• Regenerating: It promotes healing and helps the skin to regenerate after damage

Origin

Allantoin occurs naturally in certain plants, such as comfrey root, but it is generally produced synthetically in the cosmetics industry to ensure its purity. It is a safe, non-irritating ingredient suitable for all skin types

Role in skincare

Allantoin acts as a gentle exfoliant and a powerful moisturising and repairing agent. It promotes cell renewal and strengthens the skin barrier

Benefits for the skin

• Recovery and regeneration: It stimulates the growth of healthy tissue and promotes the healing of wounds, scars and skin irritations.
• Soothing: it helps to relieve irritation and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.
• Hydration: It increases the skin's water content and promotes hydration of the epidermis.
• Soft skin: it helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth to the touch.

Origin

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate is a synthetic polymer used as a state-of-the-art stabiliser and thickener in cosmetic formulations.

Role in skincare

This substance acts as an emulsion stabiliser and viscosity regulator. It helps to maintain a good blend between the oil-based and water-based components and gives the products a smooth, silky texture.

Benefits for the skin

• Improved texture: it gives serums and creams a pleasant, smooth texture that glides easily onto the skin.
• Stability: this extends the product's shelf life and ensures the active ingredients remain effective.
• Light finish: it leaves the skin feeling light, refreshed and soft, without leaving a sticky residue.

Origin

Water is the most commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and forms the basis of most serums, creams and lotions.

Role in skincare

Water acts as a solvent and carrier for the other ingredients, enabling them to be applied effectively to the skin and ensuring they are absorbed.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: It instantly hydrates the skin.
• Excipient: this ensures that the active ingredients are evenly distributed across the skin.

Origin

Butyrospermum parkii butter, more commonly known as shea butter, is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows in Africa. It is a natural plant-based butter, rich in fatty acids and vitamins.

Role in skincare

Shea butter is a powerful emollient and nourishing agent that forms a protective film on the skin to prevent dehydration.

Benefits for the skin

• Intensive care: it deeply moisturises and nourishes the skin, soothing dry, flaky skin.
• Healing: it promotes the healing of minor cuts, grazes and burns thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anti-ageing: it can stimulate collagen production, which helps to give a more youthful appearance.
• Soothing: it alleviates skin irritation and is ideal for skin prone to eczema or psoriasis.

Origin

Calendula officinalis extract is an extract derived from the flowers of the marigold (Calendula officinalis), a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its healing properties.

Role in skincare

Marigold extract is a powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to repair and protect the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Soothing: it is extremely effective at reducing redness, itching and irritation, even on very sensitive skin.
• Regenerating: It speeds up the healing process and helps prevent scarring.
• Antioxidant: it protects the skin against free radicals and helps prevent skin ageing caused by photoageing.
• Moisturiser: It promotes skin hydration and elasticity.

Origin

Camellia sinensis leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant, an ingredient with a long history in Asian culture and medicine. It is rich in polyphenols and catechins.

Role in skincare

Green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protects and soothes the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Antioxidant protection: it combats free radicals and protects the skin against damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution.
• Soothing: it reduces redness and inflammation, making it ideal for acne-prone or irritated skin.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: studies suggest that it may promote the production of ceramides, lipids that are essential for the proper functioning of the skin barrier.
• Hydration: It helps to moisturise the skin and improve its texture, particularly for those with dry skin.

Origin

Caffeine is a natural alkaloid extracted from coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa beans. In cosmetics, it is used for its stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Role in skincare

Caffeine acts as an antioxidant and vasoconstrictor (it constricts blood vessels), making it particularly effective for the eye area.

Benefits for the skin

• Reduces under-eye puffiness: it reduces under-eye puffiness by constricting blood vessels and draining excess fluid.
• Reduces dark circles: by improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessels, this product helps to reduce dark circles.
• Antioxidant: it neutralises free radicals and protects the skin against oxidative damage.
• Firming: it can firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Origin

Centella asiatica extract, also known as 'cica' or 'tiger grass', is an extract from a medicinal plant native to Asian countries such as India, China and Indonesia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in these regions.

Role in skincare

Centella Asiatica extract is a powerful restorative and soothing agent. It helps to strengthen the skin barrier, regenerate skin tissue and combat oxidative stress

Benefits for the skin

• Recovery and regeneration: it promotes the production of collagen and elastic fibres, which is essential for the healing of wounds and burns, as well as for reducing scarring.
• Soothing: it is extremely effective at reducing redness, irritation and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.
• Anti-ageing: thanks to its antioxidants, it helps to slow down the visible signs of ageing and restore a more youthful appearance to the skin.
• Hydration: it strengthens the skin's natural moisture barrier, helping to prevent dehydration and keep the skin supple and hydrated.

Origin

Chamomilla Recutita extract is an extract of chamomile flowers, a plant that has been used for centuries for its soothing and healing properties.

Role in skincare

Chamomile extract is a powerful soothing and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to soothe and protect the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Soothing: it is extremely effective at reducing skin irritation, redness and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• Antioxidant: it helps protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals and reduces the signs of ageing.
• Regenerating: It promotes the healing process and helps the skin to regenerate after damage.
• Hydration: it helps the skin retain moisture and maintain a healthy, balanced complexion.

Origin

Ceteareth-20 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from cetearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide.

Role in skincare

It acts as an emulsifier, which means it binds the oily and water-based components of a formula to create a stable, homogeneous mixture. It also acts as a thickener and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively.

Benefits for the skin

• Stabilising formula: prevents the cream or lotion from separating and helps it retain a smooth texture.
• Improved absorption: helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin for greater effectiveness.
• Soft skin: acts as an emollient to leave the skin soft and smooth.

Origin

Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that can be derived from vegetable oils (such as palm oil or coconut oil) or mineral oils. It is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetic formulations.

Role in skincare

It acts as an emollient, emulsifier and thickening agent. It helps to make the skin soft and smooth and ensures that the oil-based and water-based components remain thoroughly mixed.

Benefits for the skin

• Moisturising: it forms a thin protective layer on the skin that prevents dehydration and moisturises the skin.
• Conditioner: it leaves the skin soft and smooth by softening the epidermis.
• Stability: it prevents the ingredients in a cream or lotion from separating, ensuring that the formula remains stable.

Origin

Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in citrus fruits. In cosmetics, it is often used as a pH regulator and a gentle exfoliant.

Role in skincare

It acts as a pH buffer to maintain the product's acidity at a level that is gentle on the skin. At higher concentrations, it acts as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells

Benefits for the skin

• pH balance: it helps maintain the skin's natural pH, which is essential for the skin barrier to function properly.
• Gentle exfoliation: it gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and more even-toned.
• Antioxidant: it offers protection against oxidative stress and free radicals.
• Pore cleansing: it helps to cleanse the pores and remove excess sebum.

Origin

Curcuma longa root extract is a golden-yellow extract derived from the root of turmeric, a plant that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Its active ingredient is curcumin.

Role in skincare

Turmeric extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps to brighten and soothe the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Anti-inflammatory: it helps reduce redness and inflammation, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Brightening: it helps to even out skin tone and give the skin a clear, radiant appearance.
• Antioxidant: it protects the skin against free radicals and slows down the appearance of signs of ageing.
• Antimicrobial: it has properties that can help combat the bacteria responsible for acne.

Origin

Cucumis sativus extract is an extract of cucumber, a vegetable renowned for its refreshing and moisturising properties. It contains flavonoids and other soothing substances.

Role in skincare

Cucumber extract has moisturising, soothing and refreshing properties that instantly refresh and soften the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: it helps the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated, giving it a fresh, radiant appearance.
• Soothing: it reduces redness, irritation and inflammation, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.
• Antioxidant: It contains antioxidants that protect the skin against environmental stressors.
• Conditioner: it leaves the skin soft and smooth.

Origin

Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer widely used in skincare and haircare products for its unique texture and protective properties.

Role in skincare

It acts as a skin emollient and protectant. It forms a waterproof yet breathable layer on the skin that locks in moisture and protects the skin from irritants.

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: it locks moisture into the skin, preventing dryness and leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
• Protection: It forms a barrier against external aggressors and dehydration.
• Conditioner: it fills the gaps between skin cells, leaving the skin's surface smooth and silky.
• Anti-ageing: by plumping the skin, this product helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Origin

Disodium EDTA is a synthetic chelating agent used to improve the stability of cosmetic products.

Role in skincare

It binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) that may be present in water or other ingredients. These ions can reduce the effectiveness of preservatives and make the formula unstable.

Benefits for the skin

• Product stability: this extends the product's shelf life and prevents any changes to its texture, smell or colour.
• Improved effectiveness: this enables conservators to work more effectively, thereby ensuring the safety of the artefact.
• Purifying properties: this can help remove heavy metals and toxins from the skin.

Origin

Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic ingredient often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance their effectiveness.

Role in skincare

It acts as a mild preservative, an emollient and a humectant. It helps to moisturise and soften the skin, whilst inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: It locks in moisture and helps keep the skin hydrated.
• Conditioner: it leaves the skin and hair feeling soft to the touch.
• Mild preservative: it enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, meaning that less of it needs to be used, thereby reducing the risk of irritation.
• Soothing: it can help relieve skin irritation.

Origin

Glycerine (or glycerol) is a humectant that can be derived from plants (such as coconut oil) or be synthetic. It is one of the most widely used and effective moisturising ingredients in skincare.

Role in skincare

Glycerine draws moisture from the air and the deeper layers of the skin up to the epidermis, helping the skin to stay hydrated, nourished and protected.

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: It is one of the most effective humectants and helps the skin retain moisture for a long time.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and protect it against external aggressors.
• Conditioner: It leaves the skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable, even in dry climates.
• Healing: it can speed up the healing process.

Origin

Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier produced by combining glycerine and stearic acid, a fatty acid that can be derived from vegetable oils.

Role in skincare

It acts as an emulsifier to blend oil and water, and as an emollient to soften and moisturise the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Conditioner: it acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
• Prevents dehydration: it slows down water loss from the skin, helping to maintain its moisture levels.
• Improved texture: it gives creams and lotions a luxurious, silky texture.
• Improved absorption: this may enhance the absorption of other active ingredients.

Origin

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract is an extract from the root of the liquorice plant, a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, from Greece to China, for its soothing properties.

Role in skincare

Liquorice root extract is a powerful soothing and brightening agent. Its active ingredient, glabridin, is renowned for its ability to reduce pigmentation.

Benefits for the skin

• Brightening: it helps to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone, leaving the skin looking more even.
• Soothing: it reduces redness and irritation, and is effective in treating skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
• Antioxidant: it protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-irritation: it provides a cooling sensation on irritated or dry skin.

Origin

Helianthus annuus seed oil is an odourless vegetable oil obtained by pressing sunflower seeds. It is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Role in skincare

Sunflower oil is a light emollient that moisturises, soothes and protects the skin against oxidative stress.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: this helps to moisturise the skin and maintain a healthy moisture balance.
• Soothing: It soothes irritated skin and can provide relief from skin conditions such as eczema.
• Antioxidant: its high vitamin E content protects the skin against free radicals and slows down the ageing process.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: it strengthens the skin barrier and may even stimulate the production of natural ceramides.

Origin

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in milk, fruit and fermented foods. In skincare, it is often produced synthetically to ensure consistent quality.

Role in skincare

It acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells to promote cell renewal.

Benefits for the skin

• Gentle exfoliation: it refreshes the skin by removing dead skin cells, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
• Hydration: Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid also has moisturising properties and helps the skin retain moisture.
• Even skin tone: it helps to reduce sun damage, pigmentation spots and melasma, resulting in an even skin tone.
• Anti-ageing: it stimulates collagen production, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Origin

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Although it is found in certain foods, it is usually produced synthetically in skincare products to ensure its purity and stability.

Role in skincare

Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that works in synergy with the skin's natural substances to visibly improve its vitality, texture and overall condition.

Benefits for the skin

• Strengthens the skin barrier: it helps the skin to form a lipid barrier that locks in moisture and provides better protection.
• Reduces dark spots: it is highly effective at lightening dark spots, hyperpigmentation and an uneven complexion.
• Minimises pores: it reduces the visible appearance of pores and improves skin texture.
• Soothing: it reduces redness and irritation, particularly that caused by acne or rosacea.
• Refreshes the skin: it revitalises dull skin and leaves the complexion clear and radiant.

Origin

Panthenol is a provitamin of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). It is converted in the skin into pantothenic acid, which is essential for cell\ repair and regeneration.

Role in skincare

Panthenol is a powerful moisturising and restorative agent that deeply hydrates and soothes the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: it attracts moisture and helps the skin retain it for longer, leaving it looking nourished and radiant.
• Soothing: it helps to relieve skin irritation and inflammation, and is ideal for sensitive skin.
• Regenerating: It supports the skin's natural barrier function and helps the skin to regenerate after damage.
• Conditioner: it improves the skin's texture, leaving it soft and supple.

Origin

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds in cosmetic products.

Role in skincare

It acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, ensuring the product's safety and shelf life.

Benefits for the skin

• Product safety: this protects the formula from microbial contamination, thereby ensuring the product's safety during use.
• Stability: this helps to preserve the freshness and integrity of the ingredients.
• Mild: It is considered a safe and effective preservative when used in appropriate concentrations.

Origin

Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic polymer commonly used in hair and skin care products.

Role in skincare

It acts as a film-forming agent and a humectant. It forms a thin protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and improves the product's texture.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: It locks in moisture and helps keep the skin hydrated.
• Protective layer: it forms a film on the skin that prevents moisture loss and protects the skin.
• Improved texture: it enhances the spreadability and overall feel of serums and creams.

Origin

Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative derived from sorbic acid, a substance found naturally in rowan berries. It is used to inhibit the growth of mould and yeast.

Role in skincare

It acts as a preservative to extend the shelf life of water-based products and prevent them from spoiling.

Benefits for the skin

• Product stability: it helps to preserve the freshness and effectiveness of products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
• Safety: this helps prevent skin irritation that may be caused by contaminated products.
• pH balance: this helps to maintain the product's pH at a stable level.

Origin

Propanediol is a humectant often produced by fermenting corn sugar, making it a sustainable, plant-based alternative to propylene glycol.

Role in skincare

It acts as a humectant, solvent and emollient. It helps to moisturise the skin and enhances the absorption of other ingredients.

Benefits for the skin

• Moisturising: It locks in moisture and helps keep the skin soft and supple.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: it can strengthen the skin barrier function and reduce irritation.
• Enhances effectiveness: it helps boost the effectiveness of other active ingredients by improving their absorption into the skin.

Origin

Propylene glycol is a synthetic humectant widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals due to its moisturising properties.

Role in skincare

It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, as a solvent for other ingredients, and as a penetration enhancer to improve the absorption of active ingredients.

Benefits for the skin

• Hydration: it helps the skin retain moisture and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated.
• Improved formula: it optimises the penetration of key ingredients into the skin and contributes to the formula's overall moisturising effect.
• Conditioner: it forms a protective film on the skin that prevents dehydration and leaves the skin feeling smooth.

Origin

Rosmarinus Officinalis extract is an extract of rosemary, a plant native to the Mediterranean region and renowned for its powerful antioxidants.

Role in skincare

Rosemary extract is a powerful antioxidant and a natural preservative that protects and soothes the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Antioxidant protection: it protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals and slows down the appearance of signs of ageing.
• Anti-inflammatory: it helps to reduce inflammation and redness.
• Antibacterial: it has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast.
• Conditioner: it helps to soften and moisturise the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Origin

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that was traditionally extracted from willow bark, but is now generally produced synthetically for use in skincare.

Role in skincare

This is a fat-soluble chemical exfoliant, which allows it to penetrate deep into the pores to cleanse and unblock them.

Benefits for the skin

• Unclogs pores: it dissolves the impurities that block pores and helps prevent the appearance of blackheads and spots.
• Anti-inflammatory: it helps red, inflamed spots to clear up more quickly.
• Exfoliation: it gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, thereby refining the skin's texture.
• Treats acne: It is one of the most effective ingredients for treating and preventing acne.

Origin

Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould in cosmetic products.

Role in skincare

It acts as a preservative to ensure the safety and shelf life of the product. It also has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits for the skin

• Product safety: this prevents microbial growth and ensures that the product remains safe to use.
• Soothing: it can help reduce the bacteria that cause acne and is an effective remedy for skin conditions such as rosacea.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: regular use helps to strengthen the skin barrier and protect it against external aggressors.

Origin

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that is responsible for its hydration and elasticity. Its levels decrease with age.

Role in skincare

It is a super-humectant capable of holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, enabling it to intensely hydrate the skin and plump it up.

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: it attracts moisture and helps the skin stay hydrated for longer.
• Anti-ageing: by plumping the skin, this product helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Conditioner: it leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth without any sticky residue.
• Soothing: it has a soothing effect on the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

Origin

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is a strong alkali used in very small quantities in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH.

Role in skincare

It acts as a pH regulator to ensure that the formula has a pH level suitable for the skin, which is essential for the product's stability and effectiveness.

Benefits for the skin

• pH balance: this ensures that the product is neither too acidic nor too alkaline for the skin, thereby preventing irritation.
• Product stability: this helps to maintain the consistency and stability of the formula.
• Optimal effectiveness: it allows other ingredients, such as exfoliants, to work to their full potential.

Origin

Stearic acid is a fatty acid that can be derived from animal or plant fats (such as palm oil or coconut oil). In cosmetics, it is often used as an emulsifier and texture-enhancing agent.

Role in skincare

It acts as an emulsifier to blend oil and water, as a thickener, and as an emollient to soften the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Conditioner: it helps to make the skin soft and smooth by forming a protective layer that locks in moisture.
• Improves texture: it enhances the consistency of creams and lotions, giving them a rich, creamy texture.
• Hydration: it helps the skin retain moisture and provides a lasting feeling of comfort.
• Anti-ageing: it can improve skin elasticity and reduce the signs of ageing.

Origin

Tapioca starch is a natural thickener and texture-enhancing agent, extracted from the roots of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta).

Role in skincare

It acts as a natural thickener, an oil-absorbing agent and a texture enhancer. It helps products to be absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy film.

Benefits for the skin

• Oil-absorbing: it absorbs excess oil, leaving the skin looking more matte and even.
• Conditioner: it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
• Improved absorption: this promotes rapid penetration of the products and enhances the delivery of the active ingredients.
• Soothing: it can relieve irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Origin

Tocopherol is the most bioactive form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

Role in skincare

It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals and UV rays. It also helps to moisturise and soften the skin.

Benefits for the skin

• Antioxidant protection: it protects skin cells against oxidative stress and slows down the appearance of signs of ageing.
• Hydration: it helps the skin retain moisture and gives it a radiant, healthy appearance.
• Soothing: it reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin.
• Product stability: it protects the lipids in the product from oxidation, thereby extending its shelf life.

Origin

Urea is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, where it forms part of the natural moisturising factor (NMF). In the skincare industry, it is produced synthetically for use in products.

Role in skincare

Urea is a unique ingredient that acts both as a powerful humectant, capable of attracting moisture, and as a gentle keratolytic agent, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells

Benefits for the skin

• Intense hydration: it attracts and locks moisture into the epidermis, helping the skin to stay hydrated for longer.
• Gentle exfoliation: this helps remove the outermost layer of skin to promote cell renewal, making it ideal for rough, flaky skin.
• Strengthens the skin barrier: it improves the skin's ability to retain moisture and supports the proper functioning of the skin barrier.
• Antibacterial: it has mild antibacterial properties that can protect the skin.