AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids): A group of acids, often found in fruit, sour milk, sugar and others processed through bio-fermentation which, when applied to the skin, are believed to dissolve the glue-like lipids holding skin cells together in the stratum corneum; when their adhesive is dissolved, surface skin cells fall away, revealing younger-looking, fresher cells.

Air Cleaners: A device used to remove airborne impurities such as dust, allergen particles, gases, vapors, fumes, and smoke.

Air Cleaning: An IAQ control strategy to remove various airborne particulates and/or gases from the air. The three types of air cleaning most commonly used are particulate filtration, electrostatic precipitation, and gas absorption.

Air Purifier: is a device which aims to free air from contaminants. Various techniques are used to accomplish this which includes filters, adsorbents like charcoal, and electrostatic charges. People who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respitory problems have the most to benefit.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_purifier

Air Exchange Rate: The rate at which outside air replaces indoor air in a space. Expressed in one of two ways: the number of changes of outside air per unit of time air changes per hour (ACH); or the rate at which a volume of outside air enters per unit of time - cubic feet per minute (cfm).)

Allergen: A substance capable of causing an allergic reaction because of an individual's
sensitivity to that substance.

Allergic Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose that is caused by an allergic reaction.

Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein. A group of biological chemical compounds containing nitrogen; form proteins.

Animal Dander: Tiny scales of animal skin and saliva which can cause an allergic reaction

Anti-oxidant: A substance which inhibits or prevents damage from free radicals.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids): A group of acids, often found in flowering plants and herbs. Most common is salicylic acid, believed to dissolve dead skin cells to leave a smooth, even surface.

Biotin - Also known as vitamin H, biotin is part of the B vitamin group. It is an important factor in the growth of tissue and the proper functioning of the oil glands. A biotin deficiency can lead to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis and the formation of dandruff and crusts in the scalp. Biotin is vital for the maintenance of a normal fat metabolism, and is essential for healthy skin and scalp.

Camomile - A softening agent for rough, dry skin, used since ancient times for its sedative and emollient effects. Its soothing and hydrating properties also work well on the hair and scalp.

Calendula - The common Marigold (Calendula officinalis), a known skin tonic and freshener. It is a frequent ingredient in ointments and in natural deodorants. Sometimes used as a natural yellow color.

Carboxylic Acid: Simply, a compound present in living organisms or organic, non-living substances that contains one or more carboxyl groups (ïCOOH)

Calendula - The common Marigold (Calendula officinalis), a known skin tonic and freshener. It is a frequent ingredient in ointments and in natural deodorants. Sometimes used as a natural yellow color.

Carcinogen: Any substance capable of or contributing to causing cancer.

CFM. Cubic feet per minute. The amount of air, in cubic feet, that flows through a given space in one minute. 1 CFM equals approximately 2 liters per second

Chelate: Chelating agents are used in facial and body washes, body scrubs and shampoos to deactivate hard calcium and magnesium minerals which can form dulling, film-forming lime soap deposits when hard water comes in contact with the pure soaps.

Co-enzyme Q-10: Enzyme activator and anti-oxidant.

Collagen: Present in the dermis, gives the skin shape and structure, keeping skin smooth and wrinkle-free when we are young, allowing wrinkles to form as the quality of collagen lessens with age. Structurally, a protein made of amino acids: alanine, orginine, glycine, hydroxyproline, lysine proline. Present in the skin, bone, ligaments and cartilage, makes up about 30% of total body protein. (Animal origin by-product)

Comfrey - A source of allantoin and mucopolysaccharides, used in cell therapy treatments. Soothing and moisturizing.

Efficiency: percentage of the particles removed as they go through an air cleaning device.

Elastin: Highly elastic albumin-like protein fiber found in the dermis, blood vessels, capillaries and other elastic tissue in the body. Allows skin to stretch then snap back when we are young; contributes to sagging skin as the quality of elastin is reduced with age. (Animal origin by-product)

Enzymes: Proteins that effect the speed at which chemical changes occur, usually speeding up an action. Thousands of different enzymes are produced in the body. The skin is the body,s largest enzyme-producing organ. (Vegetable and animal origins)

Essential Fatty Acid Base - Rich in linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids (vitamin F), this base also contains the essential amino acids cysteine, cystine and methionine, which are high in sulfur and very beneficial to the hair and skin. The essential fatty acid base is blended with fatty alcohols from palm kernels, organic aloe vera, and vitamins A, C and E.

Ester - C ® - A patented form of vitamin C clinically shown to retain its potency longer than other forms. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is very beneficial to the skin. (Ester-C® is a registered trademark of Inter-Cal Corporation.)

Fatty Acid: A fat soluble acid, found in the epidermis and in cosmetic products. Includes oleic, stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids. (Vegetable)

Flavinoids (aka: Vitamin P): A variety of over 3000 plant chemicals with a characteristic yellow color (flavis is yellow in Latin), they are the most prevalent pigments in the plant kingdom next to chlorophyll and carotenoids. All flavonoids are anti-oxidants; some are also circulatory stimulants, anti-irritants, anti-inflammatory or diuretics. Anthocyanins, anthoxanthins, apigenins, flavones, isoflavones, flavonois and bioflavonols are all flavonoids.

Free Radical: One or more unpaired electrons capable of independent existence. In the skin, stabilizes itself by stealing an electron form the atoms forming lipids, collagen, elastin, enzymes, hormones, hormone receptors (see all), keratin, cell membranes, and other proteins, fats and amino acid substances. Free radicals, whose attacks last less than a millisecond, are believed by many researchers to be the bottom line of aging and many diseases, including Alzheimerís, arthritis, schizophrenia, Parkinsonís, birth defects such as Downís syndrome, cancer, LDL cholesterol, lupus erythematosus, skin sclerosis and fibrosis, keloids, hyper- and hypo-pigmentation, acne, cellulite, overly sensitive skin, dandruff and even hangovers. Types of free radicals include hydroxyl and superoxide radicals.

Geranium Oil - A natural cleanser and skin freshener, sometimes also used as a fragrance.

Ginseng Root - One of the most prized herbs in China, an important tonic used in overnight creams and other hair and skin care products.

Glucans: Polysaccharides with immune stimulating abilities; found on the cell walls of yeast, oat, barley and other plants.

Grape Seed Extract - One of the most powerful antioxidants around, high in proanthocyanidins, a group of bioflavonoids superior to most because they are water soluble and much more easily assimilated by the body. A hard-working free-radical scavenger, it prevents skin cell damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.

Grapefruit Seed Extract - A natural preservative.

Green Tea - A powerful antioxidant, 20 times stronger than vitamin E. Helps prevents free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution and protect and revitalize the skin. Used in creams, lotions and suncare products, it is very soothing and moisturizing.

HEPA: High efficiency particulate arrestance (filters).

Hormones: The bodyís chemical messengers; they stimulate or inhibit activities in the body, especially those involving growth, development, reproduction and other life processes. The skin is the largest hormone-producing organ of the body.

Hormone Receptor: Molecules on cell walls that receive specific hormones into a cell.

Horsetail - Often used in conjunction with coltsfoot in hair care products. High in silicic acid and the sulfur-rich amino acid cystine. It helps normalize and balance the skin and scalp.

Hydrocortisone: An anti-inflammatory naturally produced by the adrenal glands and synthetically produced for use as a drug. Applied to the skin in cases of itching, redness, blistering and other signs of allergy. Also called cortisol.(Hard to replace naturally)

Hydroxy Group: The chemical group that defines a hydroxy acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (see AHA) attach this group to the alpha site of the molecule, while Beta Hydroxy Acids (see BHA) attach it to the beta site. Chemically, one or more hydroxyl groups (ïOH) in addition to the carboxyl group (ïCOOH).

IAQ: Indoor air quality.

Ion generators : Use static charges to remove particles from indoor air. These devices come in portable units only. They act by charging the particles in a room, so they are attracted to walls, floors, table tops, draperies, occupants, etc. In some cases, these devices contain a collector to attract the charged particles back to the unit. In addition, for negative ion generators, the placement of the device and the air circulation in the room affect performance. For removal of larger dust particles, negative ion generators, without additional particle capture mechanisms (e.g., filters), may perform poorly.
Available scientific evidence shows that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminant according to the EPA

Jojoba Butter - A natural butter made from jojoba oil. An excellent skin emollient.

Jojoba Oil - This rich extract helps the jojoba desert plant retain water during the long summer drought. When used in cosmetic preparations, it not only acts as a humectant, but actually creates a protective film over the skin and hair shaft that helps keep moisture in. Highly effective on dry skin and split ends. We use only organic jojoba oil in our products.

Kava Kava - A mild sedative used in the South Pacific as an aid in meditation. Applied to the skin, kava kava soothes overworked muscles and tension

Lavendar- (Lavandula officinalis) has flowers which are used for many herbal remedies, they are also used to make an essential oil. Many people find it’s light fragrance relaxing. It has a calming effect and when applied topically it helps relax muscles.

Lavender Oil - Added to ointments and creams for its sedative and cleansing properties. We use oil extracts of both English lavender and lavender from France.

Lemon Grass - A freshener often used as a fragrance. Has antioxidant properties.
Lipids: Found between epidermal cells and in cell membranes, these fatty substances (some of which are also attracted to water) make up a large family of ingredients and biological components that act as moisturizers, reduce moisture loss, restore skinís supple, flexible nature, and reinforce the skinís natural barrier protection. (Animal and vegetable)

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY (MCS): A condition in which a person reports sensitivity or intolerance (as distinct from "allergic") to a number of chemicals and other irritants at very low concentrations.

Natural: A material in its 100% natural state, with the original, naturally-formed chemical bonds intact. If the material is processed for use in cosmetics, only enough energy is used to change the physical form of the substance (grinding, chopping) leaving its chemical structure unaltered.

Natural Flower Oil - Oil obtained from flowers to create perfumes free of chemical additives. A natural fragrance.

Oatmeal - A natural cleanser and toner, its mild exfoliating action makes it an excellent addition to facial masks. It helps smooth and soothe the complexion and even out skin tones.

Olive Oil Castile - Saponified with salt, it becomes an excellent, mild soap. A natural emollient.

Orange Blossom Extract - The fragrant oil obtained from orange blossom, which contains an orange-flower fragrance.

Ozone: ozone does not remove particles (e.g., dust and pollen) from the air, including the particles that cause most allergies. However, some ozone generators are manufactured with an "ion generator" or "ionizer" in the same unit. An ionizer is a device that disperses negatively (and/or positively) charged ions into the air. These ions attach to particles in the air giving them a negative (or positive) charge so that the particles may attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle out of the air. In recent experiments, ionizers were found to be less effective in removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen or fungal spores than either high efficiency particle filters or electrostatic precipitators. (Shaughnessy et al., 1994; Pierce, et al., 1996).

What is ozone and how harmful is it?
Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims. The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs
Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. (According to the EPA)

pH: A symbol representing the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The pH scale extends from 0 to 14, with a value of 7 expressing neutral values of 6, 9 or lower expressing increased acidity and values of 7.1 or higher expressing increased alkalinity (base).

Protein: Composed of amino acids, proteins form most of a cellís structure and cell products, which include keratin, collagen, elastin, melanin, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. (Animal and vegetable)

Rosemary - Toner and freshener, it adds body and softness to lackluster hair. Used in hair rinses, it tones and conditions the scalp and helps remove scalp buildup.

Sage - A refresher and tonic. Its mild cleansing action makes it ideal for sensitive skin or scalp.

Sandalwood Oil - The oil from the sandalwood tree, which lends a distinctive natural fragrance to cosmetics.

Sea Salts - Obtained from seaweeds, they are used in bath products for their tonic action.

Shea Butter - Moisture-rich butter obtained from the nuts of the Mangifolia tree in Central Africa, also known as karite butter and African butter. A superb emollient, ideal in skin moisturizers, sun care products and hair conditioners.

Siberian Pine Needle Oil - Skin freshener, also used for its cool, natural fragrance.

Stratum Corneum (S.C.): The skinís barrier layer; is the outermost layer of epidermis, about the thickness of one human hair, and is made up of 25-30 layers of flat, dead cells completely filled with keratin, a waterproof protein.

Soluble Collagen - This dermal protein makes up 70% of the skin's connective tissue. Applied topically, pure soluble (non-cross-linked) collagen is readily absorbed and helps skin retain moisture and softness.

Sunflower Oil - An emollient extracted from the seeds of the sunflower. Rich in essential fatty acids, it is a good base for massage oils and lotions.

Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD): Enzyme which scavenges free radicals by using superoxide to form its molecular body. SOD is found throughout the body and is believed by some longevity researchers to be a primary element for long life. In the skin, it is destroyed by sunlight.

Sweet Orange Peel - Contains flavonoids and vitamins A, B, C and E.

Tea Tree Oil - Distilled from the leaves of the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. A powerful freshener and cleansing agent with properties similar to eucalyptus oil. It helps normalize and balance the skin and scalp.

Vitamin K: Phytanadione. A component of green leafy vegetables first discovered in 1929. Vitamin K is produced in the intestines and is linked to the production of clotting factors in the body. Reportedly assists in healing broken capillaries and reabsorbing blood.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs): Compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Common sources which may emit VOCs into indoor air include housekeeping and maintenance products, and building and furnishing materials. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory impairment; some are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.


Volume: The amount of air handled by a device. For example, an air cleaner may have a high efficiency filter, but it may process only 10 cubic feet of air each minute. Suppose that the air cleaner is put in a room of typical size, containing 1000 cubic feet of air. In this room, it will take a long time for all the air to be processed. In some cases, pollutants may be generated more quickly than they are removed

Witch Hazel - Natural skin toner extracted from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant. Witch hazel water is 15% alcohol