Where does it come from?

Denatured alcohol either comes from fermenting sugar starch (from beet or sugar cane) or is obtained by synthesis. La Roche-Posay does not use synthetic alcohol.

Why is it used?

Many cosmetic, hair and personal care products, such as hair styling products, foundation, perfume and deodorants contain alcohol. Appreciated in cosmetics for its ability to disappear upon application, alcohol has drying, refreshing and antimicrobial properties. Thanks to it, the active ingredients penetrate more easily into the superficial layers of the skin. It also favors the deposit of ingredients on the skin and hair. In make-up, it can improve the deposit of pigments on the skin. This hydrolysing agent helps dissolve certain ingredients.

Where does it come from?

Allergens are found in our food and in our environment. For example, asthma can be caused by dust mites or pollen from plants or trees. Several food allergens are common, including peanuts, shrimp, kiwi fruit and others. Even synthetic ingredients can cause allergic reactions, such as latex, certain drugs, perfumes and dyes.

Where does it come from?

The aloe vera plant grows naturally in hot and dry climates. Originally found in the Arabian Peninsula, it is now cultivated internationally, mainly in Mexico, the southern United-States, India and Spain. A responsible sourcing program was launched in 2019 by our partners, the NGO Pronatura and our supplier MexiAloe in Mexico in the state of Campèche (Yucatan). This program aims to introduce organic aloe cultivation to small farmers in order to generate new income and strengthen the role of women in the participating households, while ensuring awareness of biodiversity protection. The project is located in the heart of a region rich in biodiversity, coloured by agricultural areas, dense forests, wetlands and savannahs. Growing up to 5m high, the aloe vera has thick, tight, gray-green leaves with small prickles. The leaves contain a translucent gel. Only the most fleshy leaves are selected and harvested by hand. They are transported to the nearby MexiAloe factory in the state of Campèche within six hours of harvest. An incision in the leaves allows the extraction of the translucent pulp, which is 99.5% water. It is filtered, stabilized and then pasteurized to obtain the gel, which can then be dehydrated to obtain a powder. This form is prioritized for its reduced weight and allows to limit C02 emissions linked to transportation from Mexico.

Why is it used?

Aloe vera pulp has been used for many years for its skin and hair benefits, including moisturizing, repairing and soothing properties. As it oxidizes quickly, it was only after the discovery of a way to preserve it with antioxidants that the gel started to be used.

Where does it come from?

In cosmetics, BHT is obtained by synthesis. Laboratory is where BHT is formulated.

Why is it used?

Many cosmetic products use BHT, including formulas made of fats, or even in aqueous emulsions that contain some active ingredients or plant extracts. This antioxydant mostly stabilizes and protects the raw materials. It is not used as an ingredient in itself. As it can resist high temperatures, which is not the case for some natural antioxydants, it is a valuable ingredient in certain raw material manufacturing processes. BHT is mainly used for its antioxidant properties and to help protect the quality and stability of formulas.

Where does it come from?

EDTA is obtained by synthesis in a laboratory.

Why is it used?

EDTA is used as a chelator to take in metal ions that can affect the appearance or stability of cosmetic products. Its composition counters the harness of water found in rinse-off products. Since EDTA avoids the precicipitation of certain ions such as calcium and magnesium, it ensures the quality and preservation of products.

Where does it come from?

In cosmetics, parabens are obtained by synthesis. Parabens can also be found in nature and in some food, like royal jelly.

Why is it used?

All products that contain water, such as hygiene and beauty products, are prone to the growth of fungal or bacterial pathogens. The breakdown of the product or even mold can occur. Medicine and cosmetics have been using parabens for close to a century. They prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety.

Where does it come from?

They are either obtained by synthesis or extracted from natural ingredients. The arrival of synthetic ingredients in the beginning of the 20th century was a real game changer for the perfume world. The multiplied range of ingredients allowed the industry to explore new olfactory territories. In some cases, the reproduction of floral scents like lilac, lily of the valley or jasmine, would be impossible without synthetic molecules. Surprisingly, these flowers do not respond when we try to distil them or extract their scent.

Why is it used?

Social relationships and well-being have been linked to smells for thousands of years. Perfumes, eau de toilette and eau de Cologne all contain fragrance ingredients, which also enhance the scent and overall performance of other cosmetic products (make-up, skin care, hygiene...).

Where does it come from?

Glycerine was partly discovered through saponification, a process of soap-making. It used to be of animal or fossil origin. Nowadays, glycerine is 100% of vegetable origin. It comes from vegetable oils that are rich in fatty acids like rapeseed, sunflower and palm oil, and is fully biodegradable as well as renewable. Its production process minimizes the use of energy and water and generates minimum waste.

Why is it used?

The pharmaceutical industry frequently uses glycerine. Glycerine is also very popular in cosmetics for its moisturizing and emollient properties.

Where does it come from?

Homosalate is obtained by synthesis and is an organic compound based on carbon, oxygen and hydrogen that absorbs UV rays.

Why is it used?

Homosalate acts as a shield against the sun to prevent long-term harmul effects such as cancer. The skin is effectively protected thanks to the homosalate's stability.

Where does it come from?

Biotechnology is required to produce hyaluronic acid, through a process of bio-fermentation using lactic acid bacteria. After it gets collected, purified and dehydrated, a powder gets formed and is added to water to create a textured gel. Our hyaluronic acid is of natural origin and is biodegradable. Its production process minimizes the use of energy and water and generates minimum waste. This natural hyaluronic acid is also used in our organic and natural products.

Why is it used?

Hyaluronic acid is mostly used for its hydration and anti-aging properties.

Where does it come from?

Our lactic acid is of natural origin, made from fermentation of sugar like beet, sugar cane and corn. It is biodegradable and production process minimizes the use of energy and water, while generating minimum waste.

Why is it used?

In the food industry, lactic acid is mostly used to enhance flavour, as an additive or an acidifier. The detergent industry also used lactic acid for its antibacterial properties. In cosmetics, it balances the pH level of a formula, moisturizes and exfoliates. It can also be combined with other AHAs, like glycolic acid.

Where does it come from?

Mexoryl® XL is a synthetic organic compound (based on carbon, silicon, oxygen and hydrogen) that absorbs UVA and UVB rays.

Why is it used?

Mexoryl® XL is a photostable sun filter, it does not break down in sunshine. It protects the skin from UVB and UVA radiation, which are responsible for sunburn, premature aging and the risks of skin cancer.

Where does it come from?

We mainly use mica that comes from the USA and India. We extract mica from the topsoil. Granite is composed of mica.

Why is it used?

Many products use this safe ingredient for its various properties: nail polish, foundation and lip make-up.

Where does it come from?

There are two kinds of minerail oils. Mineral synthetic oils are pure from the production process. On the other hand, purified fossil materials like coal, crude and natural gas, can also produce refined mineral oils. Our cosmetic products contain pharmaceutical grade mineral oils, which are very pure.

Why is it used?

Mostly used in skin care, hair care products and lipsticks, mineral oils provide many benefits, such as hydration.They are used as a cleanser and make-up remover. Mineral oils contribute to the quality of textures.

Where does it come from?

Octinoxate is obtained by synthesis and is an organic compound based on carbon, oxygen and hydrogen that absorbs UV rays. It contains cinnamic acid, which comes from cinnamon.

Why is it used?

Octinoxate acts as a shield against the sun to prevent long-term harmul effects such as cancer. It can improve the texture and appearance of a cosmetic product.

Where does it come from?

Octocrylene is made from organic compounds (such as carbon, which absorbs UV rays). These are processed to create this sunscreen.

Why is it used?

Octocrylene prevents damages from the sun and premature skin aging. It protects the skin from long-term harmful effects like skin cancer. This filter protects against UVB rays, as well as shorter UVA rays. The latter are responsible for aging and skin cancer. Exposure to the sun is safer thanks to the ingredient's stability. Octocrylene is able to stabilise avobenzone, effective against UVA rays, enabling its use. Sunscreen products are water resistant thanks to octocrylene.

Where does it come from?

Oxybenzone is made from organic compounds (such as carbon, which absorbs UV rays).

Why is it used?

Oxybenzone prevents harmful effects of the sun. UVB rays, responsible for sunburn and risks of skin cancer, are absorbed by oxybenzone. UVA rays, responsible for skin ageing, also get absorbed. Since it is stable in the light, oxybenzone is proven to be effective during exposure.

Where does it come from?

Panthanol is an alcohol that comes from fossil fuels. Its production process uses minimum energy and water. We recycle and recover 90% of the waste generated in production, including calcium sulphate, mainly used in land restoration. Panthanol is biodegradable and eco friendly.

Why is it used?

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries use it for its benefits for dry and sensitive skin. Even the most sensitive skin and people with problems such as eczema can benefit from it. This active ingredient is known to treat diaper rash in babies and mild burns. Hair and scalp care products also use it.

Where does it come from?

PEG and PPG are obtained by synthesis.

Why is it used?

Ingredients that are usually immiscible, such as water and oils, can be homogeneously mixed using these emollients and emulsifiers ingredients. We also use them as thickening or gelling agents.

Where does it come from?

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic ingredient when used in cosmetics. It can also be found in nature (chicory).

Why is it used?

Phenoxyethanol's antifungal properties prevent contamination. Its presence enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and reduces the quantity of preservatives needed.

Where does it come from?

Preservatives are usually synthetic ingredients of chemical families such as aldehydes, parabens, organic acids or phenoxyethanol. There are also natural preservatives that can be chemically transformed, like benzoic salicylic acid.

Why is it used?

Cosmetics use preservatives to prevent the growth of microbes, therefore ensuring consumer safety. A contaminated cosmetic product could lead to irritations or infections. We use preservatives to protect some types of products from microbial contamination that can occur at home or even during manufacturing. Cosmetic products can last up to 24 months after opening. They are kept at room temperature, unlike perishable foods.

Where does it come from?

To optimize their stability and quality, retinol and its derivatives are obtained by synthesis.

Why is it used?

Effective on wrinkles and acne, retinol is widely prescribed by dermatologists.

Where does it come from?

Salicylic acid, a clear cristalline solid, is a chemical molecule of natural origin. It is found in a variety of plants, such as meadowsweet and willow, which has been known for many years for its anti-inflammatory properties. It was Pierre-Joseph Leroux, a French pharmacist, who first extracted salicylic acid in 1829.

Why is it used?

In cosmetics, salicylic acid is used for its exfoliating and antisepting properties. Dermatologists recommend it to treat acne and warts. Even anti-dandruff products contain salicylic acid. It can prevent the growth of micro-organisms in formulas, making it a preservative.

Where does it come from?

Shea butter is extracted from the fruit of the shea tree, called "vitellaria" , which grows in the savannas of West, East and Central Africa. In Mandinka, its name means life. La Roche-Posay uses shea butter that comes from the wooded savannas of Burkina Faso. The fruits are manually harvested by women from May to August. They are washed and cleared of their pulp to get to the nuts, which are then boiled and shelled to obtain the kernels. The mechanical extraction process preserves all the properties of the butter. Our supplier's plant recycle the residue from the extraction and use it as fuel, which improves the energy profile of the process.

Why is it used?

Shea butter is used in traditional African cuisine and for the production of chocolate and confectionery. The cosmetics industry uses about 5% of the world's shea butter production, mostly for its skin and hair benefits. African women use shea butter on their bellies during pregnancy and to massage their babies.

Where does it come from?

Cosmetics use synthetic silicones. They are derivatives of silicon, a common natural mineral compound found in a component of sand known as silica.

Why is it used?

Many cosmetic products use silicones for their unique benefits and properties, such as long-lasting effects in lipstick, silky texture, softness and shine in make-up and hair care products.

Where does it come from?

Sun filters are made from mineral compounds (from rocks that can reflect UV rays) or transformed organic compounds (including carbon that absorbs UV rays).

Why is it used?

Sun filters protect the skin from the sun and its harmful effects. They are used in suncare and skin care products. Sun filters act as a barrier against UVA and UVB rays. They provide protection against sunburn and skin reactions and prevent premature aging of the skin by blocking UVA rays.

Where does it come from?

Talc is an ingredient of natural or synthetic origin. Talc is obtained through a process of reduction and purification of magnesium silicate, a natural crystalline mineral.

Why is it used?

Several cosmetic products use talc for its absorbing and transparency properties: antiperspirants, powdered foundation, feminine hygiene and baby care products. The skin becomes softer and silkier. Formulated, it contributes to fragrances long lasting, improves the adherence of textures and the dispersion of pigments.

Where does it come from?

Used as a sun filter or as a white pigment, titanium dioxide is widely used in cosmetics. Titanium dioxide comes from minerals extracted from rocks.

Why is it used?

Titanium dioxide is very common in food and cosmetics for its whithening properties as well as its ability to filter ultraviolet rays.

Where does it come from?

Vitamin C is a natural ingredient or of fossil origin (petrochemical). Most sources of vitamin C are renewable. A collaboration with one of our partners allows us to produce vitamin C in an eco-responsible way, in accordance with green chemistry processes. We use vitamin C glucoside, which is entirely of natural origin.

Why is it used?

Vitamin C is well known for its health benefits. It is used in particular to counter fatigue. Cosmetics use it for its antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. Since it helps even out skin tone and improves skin radiance, it is an important ingredient for peeling products.

Where does it come from?

Vitamin E is obtained by petrochemistry or by oil or plant extracts.

Why is it used?

Vitamin E is known for its health benefits. Its regular consumption is highly recommended. It protects food from oxidation. In cosmetics, it moisturizes the skin and offers antioxidant properties.

Where does it come from?

Cosmetics use synthetic zinc oxide. Most zinc oxide is synthetic but it can also be found in the mineral zincite.

Why is it used?

Many products use zinc oxide for its multiple properties: powder foundation for the white pigmentation, sunsreen for the UV filter, skin care products for the soothing properties against irritations.