Glossary

The following list explains the ingredients used in True Medicine products.  The actions of the essential oils are those which have been traditionally recognised for thousands of years but also supported by more recent clinical trials.  All ingredients are plant based and not synthetic.  Quantities used are at therapeutic levels which means you receive the optimum benefit for your skin.  None of the ingredients have been subjected to animal testing.
Ingredient Properties
AHA Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived from plants and/or milk.  The most beneficial for skin are glycolic and lactic acids.  AHAs provide gentle exfoliation of the skin and because of their acidic nature should be kept away from mucous membranes.
Alkyl benzoate Natural preservative derived from a balsam resin
Aloe vera

* Aloe barbadensis
A light, easily absorbed gel from the aloe vera leaf known for its skin healing properties.  Highly moisturising and nourishing, it is excellent for oily and moisture-depleted skin.  Due to its light texture, this is extremely pleasant to use during hot weather.   May reduce visible fine lines around eyes and mouth.
Alpha bisabolol Helps your skin absorb nutrients increasing hydration and nourishment
Apricot kernel oil

* Prunus armeniaca
Naturally moisturising, its light texture makes apricot kernel oil ideal for all skin types, but particularly dry, sensitive or inflamed skin.
Arnica oil

Arnica Montana
Arnica has been used for centuries to relieve bruises, strained muscles, tendons, contusions, swelling and inflammation making it ideal for any treatment of joint or muscle pain.
Avocado oil

* Persea Americana
Naturally rich in Vitamins A & D, avocado oil is known to soothe the skin having moisturising properties.  Noted for its anti-ageing properties, it is ideal for dry, mature or environmentally damaged skin.
Bamboo powder Fine powder which gently exfoliates skin.
Benzoin

Styrax benzoin
A natural preservative, its antiseptic properties soothe dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
Beta glucan Beta Glucan helps protect aging skin from immune dysfunction, and aids in overall dermatological health and wound healing. Several studies have shown that the use of a beta glucan cream can help hydrate the skin, improve firmness, skin colour, and elasticity; while also helping to diminish lines and wrinkles.
Bilberry / Blueberry extract

*Vaccinium myrtillus
Bilberry is a natural astringent, cooling and toning the skin. A natural source of alpha hydroxy acid or AHA, it is rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, soothing and replenishing dry skin. Blueberry extract has been used in skin care for thousands of years known for its healing revitalising properties.
Butylene glycol Natural, easily metabolised humectant
Calendula oil

* Calendula officinalis
Calendula has been documented in many studies and is known for its healing and skin repairing properties – widely used in healing creams for problem skin.  Its regenerative properties makes it an effective anti-ageing oil as it tones and promotes optimum skin complexion.  Suitable for all skin types.
Caprylyl triglyceride Derived from coconuts, this is a natural emollient.
Carageenan extract Seaweed extract
Carrot oil

Daucus carota
Known to improve skin complexion due to its stimulating effect, adding tone and elasticity.  Carrot seed is excellent for dry, mature or congested skin.  Rich in beta carotene, Vitamins B, C, D and E makes this an excellent skin rejuvenator.
Castor oil Stimulates the skin’s natural moisturising actions due to its water-binding properties.
Cayenne extract

Capsicum annuum
Improves circulation and has traditionally been used to assist in the treatment of neuralgia, rheumatic pain and lumbago
Cetearyl alcohol and Ceteareth-20 Fatty alcohols derived from coconuts
Chamomile essential oils and *hydrosols

Matricaria recutita
German Chamomile is valuable for many skin problems especially where skin is very sensitive, red and dry.  Traditionally used for treating allergies, eczema, psoriasis and all itchy, dry or flaky skin problems.  Refreshing and purifying, this oil also protects against the drying effects of sun exposure.  German Chamomile is also safe to use on babies.
Cinnamon essential oil and extract

Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Strongly antiseptic, helps in treating fungal infections.
Clove essential oil

Eugenia caryophyllata
Antiseptic and analgesic, clove has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis and other muscle and joint pain.
Coconut Coconut oil and its derivatives have natural cleansing and moisturising properties.
Coconut oil

*Cocus nucifera
Excellent emollient, moisturising, softening, protective, oil, with cooling properties. Excellent for all your skin care needs.
CoEnzyme Q10 Increases cell oxygenation and revives tired, dull looking skin while being a potent antioxidant to protect your skin.  The ultimate in skin care.
Comfrey extract

* Symphytum officinale
Known for its healing properties, comfrey supports skin regeneration, is anti-ageing as it supports the skin’s natural collagen production.
Cucumber oil

*Cucumis sativus
Moisture binding & regulating, cucumber is known for its skin tightening properties. It soothes the irritation of dry skin, astringent, relieves itching due to dry skin, refreshing, softening. Protects from drying effects of the sun.
Cypress essential oil

Cupressus sempervirens
Highly astringent, cypress is beneficial in regulating oily skin conditions.
Disodium EDTA Stabilising agent
Evening primrose oil

Oenothera biennis
Rich in fatty acids which have been shown highly effective in relieving sensitive or damaged skin.
Frankincense essential oil

Boswelia carteri
Frankincense is known for its anti-ageing properties, making it ideal for mature skin but is suitable for use for all skin types and ages.  A reputed skin tonic, it also balances oily skin conditions.  Used since Egyptian times.
Geranium essential oil

Pelargonium graveolens
Suitable for all skin types as geranium balances sebum, keeping the skin supple.  Ideal for congested or oily skins, promotes clear complexion and may minimise appearance of fine lines.
Ginseng

Panax ginseng
Increases oxygen in cells thereby supporting skin health and slowing the ageing process.  Ginseng toning and revitalising.
Glycerin Plant derived natural moisturiser, glycerin helps maintain the skin’s natural balance enabling natural fats to protect the cell structure.
Glyceryl stearate Derived from palm oil
Gotu kola

*Centella asiatica
Known for its anti-ageing properties due to its tissue repairing action.  Particularly beneficial for sensitive, damaged or problem skin.
Grapeseed extract

Citrus paradisi
Potent antioxidant shown to assist in diminishing the sun’s damaging effects and reducing free-radical damage.  Also a natural preservative and anti-microbial.
Green tea

*Camelia sinensis
Antioxidant and skin protective; clinically shown to assist in preventing sun damage and premature ageing.
Jamaica Dogwood extract

Piscidia erythrina
Traditionally used for pain relief related to neuralgia, sciatica and rheumatism.
Jojoba oil

* Simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba is a wax rather than oil and is structurally very similar to our skin’s secretions.  Naturally moisutrising and healing, jojoba helps prevent oxidative stress and environmental damage.  Suitable for all skin types.
Kakadu plum

Terminalia ferdinandiana
Superior anti-oxidant due to being the world’s highest known fruit source of vitamin C. Can improve the skin’s visual appearance. Reduces the irritation of dry skin.
Kava extract

Piper methysticum
Its topical anaesthetic and rubefacient properties make kava valuable in relieving arthritis, gout and joint pain.
Kiwi

Actinidia chinensis
A natural exfoliant due the presence of AHAs and ascorbic acid; moisturising, refreshing and purifying
Lavender – *essential oil and *hydrosol

*Lavender officinalis
The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties have a balancing effect on skin.  Traditionally used for burns, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils and acne.  Gently nourishing and supporting for all skin types.
Lemon essential oil

Citrus limon
Naturally astringent, lemon is cleansing and clarifying on the skin.
Lemon myrtle essential oil

Backhousia citriodora
Used extensively by Australian Aboriginals for its healing properties, lemon myrtle affords the skin anti-microbial protection, is anti-oxidant and astringent
Lilli Pilly

Syzygium leuhmannii
Gently astringent, contains fruit acid for gentle exfoliation, high in vitamin C, purifying, renowned for regenerative properties. Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
Macadamia oil

Macadamia integrifolia
Containing the same oils as our skin’s sebum, macadamia oil is excellent for all skin types and ages as it is highly nourishing and emollient.
Mandarin essential oil

*Citrus reticulate
Skin protective, preventing damage due to environmental exposure.  Assists in maintaining skin elasticity.
Mandarin essential oil

Citrus reticulate
Cleansing and assists in repairing skin structure, improving skin tone and suppleness.
Mango butter

Mangifera indica
Moisturising, softens and soothes skin reducing irritation.  Revitalises appearance of the skin.  Suitable for all skin types.
Marine collagen Known to counteract visible signs of ageing, protects against environmental and overexposure to extreme climate.  Marine collagen is derived from seaweed, is non-allergenic, improves skin tone and texture.
May Chang essential oil Tonic and astringent.  Great for acne-prone or oily skin.
Mongolian sea buckthorn oil

Hippophaë rhamnoides L.
Highly moisturising, sea buckthorn oil is known for its anti-ageing actions and is particularly beneficial for dry undernourished skin.  Known to assist in relieving acne rosacea.
Myrrh

Commiphora molmol
Myrrh is reputedly known for its anti-microbial properties.  In skin care it prevents infection, promotes tissue repair – especially healing of wounds making it ideal for healing those cracked feet and hands.  Being antifungal, myrrh has been used to treat fungal infections for centuries.
Olive oil

*Olea europea
Contains all the essential fatty acids to help care for your skin.  In a foaming wash, olive oil softens and nourishes your skin while gently cleansing without stripping the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Palmarosa essential oil

Cymbopogon martinii
Hydrating and skin protective – helps regenerate skin making it a valuable anti-ageing essential oil
Papaya

Carica papaya
Purifying, refreshing, moisturising, soothes the irritation of dry skin.
Patchouli essential oil

Pogostemon patchouli
Used for centuries as a tissue regenerator, patchouli protects and promotes skin healing, particularly suitable for dry, irritated or problem skin.  Patchouli has been heralded since ancient Egyptian times for its anti-ageing properties.
Pau d’Arco

Tabebuia avelianedae
Renowned for its antifungal action, Pau’d’Arco has been used to treat both foot fungal and yeast infections.
Peppermint essential oil

*Mentha piperita
Cooling and soothing for tired, aching feet, peppermint also helps relieve any kind of skin irritation or itching.
Phenoxyethanol Natural preservative – does not release formaldehyde.
Pommegranate extract

*Prunica granatum
Potent anti-oxidant & free-radical scavenger that helps reduce the appearance of age lines & wrinkles. Skin looks younger. Protects from environmental stresses
Potassium stearate Derived from palm oil
Propolis Traditionally used to treat fungal and yeast infections.
Quandong extract

Santalum acuminatum
High in essential fatty acids & vitamin C. Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines. Refreshing, moisturising, nourishing
Roman chamomile essential oil

Chamaemelum nobile
Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties and accelerating healing.
Rosalina oil

Melaleuca ericifolia
Gently cleaning, this Australian aromatic oil has been shown useful for acne yet gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
Rose – essential oil & *hydrosol

Rose damascena
Rose oil has excellent emollient and hydrating properties, and is known to tonify and sooth the skin.  Ideal for all skin types, rose oil is reputed to assist in treating broken capillaries, redness and inflammation of the skin, relieves strained and puffy eyes.
Rosehip oil

* Rosa rubiginosa
Anti-ageing properties have been clinically proven.  Rosehip oil has been shown to assist tissue regeneration, reducing wrinkles, protecting against sun damage and development of fine lines around eyes and mouth.
Rosemary essential oil

Rosemarinus officinalis
Aids circulation and has been known to relieve cold and tired feet and legs.  In hair care may promote hair growth.

Precaution: may be overstimulating.  Not recommended if you suffer from epilepsy.
Sandalwood essential oil

Santalum album
Used for centuries, sandalwood is hydrating while mildly astringent, making it ideal for all skin types.
Sarsaparilla extract

Smilax officinalis
Traditionally used to treat joint pain, relieve rheumatism, gout and arthritis.  Also assists in removing built up toxins from tissue.
Sesame seed oil

*Sesamum indicum
One of the oldest herbs used for over 5,000 years, sesame oil is rich in Vitamin E, B-complex and minerals.  A natural moisturiser, it is pH balancing and protects against environmental damage.
Shea butter

*Butyrospermum parkii
Some clinical observations suggest that Shea Butter increases local blood circulation in the skin, improving the elimination of waste products. Other studies suggest that Shea Butter helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, making it a valuable addition to products for all skin types. The unsaponifiables and cinnamic esters in Shea Butter give it anti-microbial and moisturising properties and provide light protection against UV rays of the sun.
Silk caprylyl Derived from coconuts – rich in natural amino acids to support skin regeneration
Sodium cocoyl isethonate Derived from the coconut
Spruce essential oil

Picea mariana
Traditionally used to relieve arthritis, rheumatic conditions, sciatic pain and muscular discomfort.  Also reputed for its immune supporting actions.
Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol Derived from palm oil these fatty acids act as emollients.
Sweet almond oil

* Prunus amygdalus
Used in skin care Roman times, almond oil was a favourite beautifier throughout Europe.  It protects and nourishes the skin.
Sweet orange essential oil

Citrus sinensis
Soothes irritated or problem skin; assists in clearing toxins from congested skin while tonifying dry or aged skin.
Tea Tree essential oil

Melaleuca alternifolia
Wonderful cleansing action, Tea Tree is known for treating acne and difficult skin conditions.
Vanilla essential oil

Vanilla planifolia
Soothing and hydrating for the skin.
Vitamin A

Retinyl palmitate
Vitamin A nourishes the skin, counteracts inflammations and protects cell membranes and other structures within the cells from the damage caused by free radicals and in this way helps to prevent skin disorders.  Used in skin care products for dry, aging, lifeless skin, it is also used to treat difficult skin conditions. Vitamin A increases blood flow, stimulates the skin and may protect against sunburn. Vitamin A is reputed to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and scarring.
Vitamin B5

D-panthenol
Deep penetrating moisturiser that soothes the irritation of dry skin. Adds long-lasting moisture, promotes lustre & body, helps hair look thicker. Repairs fingernails.
Vitamin B6

Piridoxine
Deeply penetrating protection for base skin cells – ultimately, regenerating your skin from below
Vitamin C Potent antioxidant for the skin, valuable in protecting against UVB and UVA rays by supporting the skin’s ability to neutralise free radical damage.  Assists new cell growth and prevents fine wrinkles.
Vitamin E

d-alpha Tocopheryl
Is known to assist in relieving minor skin disorders while protecting against environmental and free-radical damage.  Anti-ageing by promoting skin elasticity.
White willow extract

Salix alba
Strongly analgesic, white willow assists in repairing connective tissue damage and has been traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout
Wintergreen essential oil

Gaultheria procumbens
Not suitable for ingestion but when applied topically Wintergreen has strong analgesic properties and has been used in the production of joint and muscle linaments for centuries.
Xanthum gum Natural thickening agent derived from corn
Ylang ylang essential oil

Cananga odorata
Has a balancing effect on skin making it effective for all skin types.  When used in hair care promotes healthy hair and acts as a scalp tonic.
* = Certified Organic