Naturally Derived Ingredients

 

Glow Haven Soap Co.

At Glow Haven Soap Co., we carefully select ingredients that are commonly used in skincare and soap formulations. Many of our ingredients originate from plant sources or minerals and are processed into forms that perform well in cosmetic products.

Below is a transparent overview of ingredients you may see in our formulations, including where they come from and how they are commonly used.

Candelilla Wax

What it is
Candelilla wax is a plant-derived wax obtained from the Candelilla shrub, which grows primarily in northern Mexico. It is commonly used as a vegan alternative to beeswax in cosmetic formulations.

How it’s processed
The leaves and stems of the plant are boiled in water. As the plant material heats, wax separates and rises to the surface. The wax is then collected, filtered, and refined into a cosmetic-grade ingredient.

Why it’s used
Candelilla wax helps add structure and thickness to products such as balms, sticks, and lotions. It contributes to a smooth texture and helps products maintain their shape.

Hyaluronic Acid (Oleo-HA)

What it is
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient widely used in skincare. In this form, it is combined with plant-derived lipids so it can blend into oil-based formulas.

How it’s processed
Plant sugars are fermented using microorganisms to produce hyaluronic acid. The material is then purified and combined with plant-derived fatty acids to allow it to disperse in oil-based products.

Why it’s used
Oleo-HA is used in serums, balms, and facial oils to support skin hydration and improve the overall feel of formulations.

Sodium Lactate

What it is
Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid. It is commonly used in cosmetics as a humectant.

How it’s processed
Sugars from plant sources such as corn or beets are fermented to produce lactic acid. The acid is then neutralized to form sodium lactate and purified for cosmetic use.

Why it’s used
It helps attract moisture and is often used to improve product texture. In soapmaking, it can also help bars become firmer and easier to handle during curing.

Sodium Hydroxide

What it is
Sodium hydroxide is a mineral-derived alkali used in traditional soapmaking.

How it’s processed
It is produced through an electrolysis process using sodium chloride (salt).

Why it’s used
Sodium hydroxide reacts with oils and fats during soapmaking in a process called saponification, which creates soap and glycerin.

Potassium Hydroxide

What it is
Potassium hydroxide is a mineral-based alkali similar to sodium hydroxide.

How it’s processed
It is produced through the electrolysis of potassium chloride and then purified for cosmetic manufacturing.

Why it’s used
It is commonly used in liquid and cream soap formulations to create a softer, more fluid soap base.

Sodium Phytate

What it is
Sodium phytate is a chelating ingredient derived from plant seeds such as rice bran or corn.

How it’s processed
Phytic acid is extracted from plant material and neutralized to form sodium phytate. The material is then filtered and refined.

Why it’s used
It helps bind trace metals that may affect the stability or appearance of cosmetic formulations.

Vegetable Glycerin

What it is
Vegetable glycerin is a clear, syrup-like liquid derived from plant oils such as coconut, soy, or palm.

How it’s processed
During the processing of plant oils into fatty acids or soap, glycerin separates from the oil and is then purified and distilled.

Why it’s used
It functions as a humectant, helping products retain moisture and contributing to a smooth skin feel.

Xanthan Gum

What it is
Xanthan gum is a thickening and stabilizing ingredient produced through fermentation.

How it’s processed
Plant sugars are fermented using the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris. The resulting material is dried and milled into a powder.

Why it’s used
It helps thicken liquid products and maintain a uniform texture in lotions, gels, and emulsions.

Stearic Acid

What it is
Stearic acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils such as coconut and palm.

How it’s processed
Plant oils are separated into their fatty acid components, and stearic acid is isolated and purified.

Why it’s used
It is commonly used to add structure and stability to creams, lotions, and soaps.

Olivem 1000 MB

What it is
Olivem 1000 MB is an emulsifying ingredient derived from olive oil components.

How it’s processed
Fatty acids from olive oil are combined and processed into a self-emulsifying material that can help oil and water mix together.

Why it’s used
It helps create stable lotion and cream textures and contributes to a smooth product consistency.

Olivem 900 MB

What it is
Olivem 900 MB is a plant-derived thickener and co-emulsifier derived from olive oil.

How it’s processed
Olive oil components are refined and structured into a wax-like ingredient that blends with oils.

Why it’s used
It is commonly used in balms, body butters, and oil-based formulations to improve texture and consistency.

Geogard ECT

What it is
Geogard ECT is a preservation system composed of benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbic acid.

How it’s processed
These ingredients are combined and standardized into a blended preservative system used in cosmetic formulations.

Why it’s used
It helps protect cosmetic products from microbial growth and supports product stability during normal use.

Magnesium Hydroxide

What it is
Magnesium hydroxide is a mineral compound commonly used in personal care products.

How it’s processed
It is sourced from mineral deposits and purified before being milled into a fine powder suitable for cosmetic formulations.

Why it’s used
It is often included in deodorant formulations and skincare products to help absorb moisture and support product performance.

Sunflower Lecithin

What it is
Sunflower lecithin is a plant-derived emulsifying and conditioning ingredient extracted from sunflower seeds.

How it’s processed
Sunflower seeds are pressed to extract oil, and lecithin is separated, purified, and processed into a usable ingredient.

Why it’s used
It helps improve the texture of creams and lotions and contributes to emulsion stability.

Ecomulse

What it is
Ecomulse is an emulsifying ingredient derived from plant oils and fatty acids.

How it’s processed
Plant oils are modified through a controlled chemical process that produces an ingredient capable of helping oil and water remain mixed in a formulation.

Why it’s used
It supports stable lotion and cream formulations and contributes to a smooth product texture.

Cetyl Alcohol

What it is
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from plant oils such as coconut or palm.

How it’s processed
Plant oils are processed to convert fatty acids into fatty alcohols suitable for cosmetic formulations.

Why it’s used
It helps thicken and stabilize creams and lotions and contributes to a smooth, creamy texture.