Welcome to the La Tortuga Verde Glossary!

Confused about terms like 'synergy,' 'antioxidant,' or 'sustainable?' You're in the right place! Our glossary aims to be your go-to resource for decoding the language of natural wellness and skincare. We're committed to empowering our community through education, and understanding the terminology is the first step. So go ahead, explore our glossary to get a firmer grasp on the ingredients, processes, and philosophies that shape our product line. Consider this your pocket guide to becoming a natural wellness connoisseur!

A

Activated Charcoal

Source: Activated Charcoal is obtained by carbonizing carbon-rich materials like wood, coconut shells, or peat at high temperatures, followed by “activation” using steam or acid.
Function: It is used predominantly as a potent absorbent in skincare products. It acts like a magnet to attract and absorb dirt, oils, and impurities, thus finding its way into a variety of cleansers, masks, and scrubs.
Benefits: When incorporated into skincare routines, activated charcoal can offer deep cleansing by effectively unclogging pores. Its highly absorptive nature means it draws out impurities, pollutants, and even bacteria, giving your skin a more clarified and luminous appearance.

Aloe Vera

Source: Aloe Vera is a thick-leaved succulent plant that originates mainly from the Arabian Peninsula but is now cultivated worldwide.
Function: The inner gel of the plant is extracted and used for its hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. It is commonly found in moisturizers, lotions, and sun care products.
Benefits: Aloe Vera offers multi-level relief by providing quick soothing action for irritations like sunburn. It also has long-term benefits that include skin nourishment, improved elasticity, and natural moisture retention, making it a staple in skincare.

Alum

Source: Alum is a double sulfate salt, commonly extracted from mineral sources or produced synthetically.
Function: Used for its antiseptic and astringent properties.
Benefits: Alum is highly versatile, serving multiple roles in skincare and hygiene. As an antiseptic, it helps to fight off skin infections and acts as a natural deodorant. Its astringent properties help in shrinking pores, thereby providing a smoother skin texture. Alum is often used in aftershaves to prevent razor burn and minor nicks from becoming infected.

Avocado Oil

Source: Avocado oil is cold-pressed from the flesh of the avocado fruit, which is native to central and south America but now cultivated globally.
Function: This highly emollient oil is commonly used as a moisturizer and has also found its way into a variety of skincare formulations as a nutrient-rich base.
Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins like A, D, and E, avocado oil offers extensive skin benefits. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, reduce signs of aging, and can even alleviate conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Avocado Extract

Source: Avocado extract is a concentrated form of avocado oil and is extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit.
Function: It provides a potent source of nourishment and moisturization and is often incorporated into lotions, creams, and serums.
Benefits: The concentrated extract brings the plethora of avocado nutrients directly to your skincare routine. It enhances skin hydration, aids in reducing the appearance of aging, and provides a rich source of antioxidants.

B

Bay Leaves

Source: Sourced from the bay laurel tree, often grown in the Mediterranean region.
Function: Known for their aromatic and antimicrobial properties.
Benefits: Beyond their culinary uses, bay leaves have a lot to offer in skincare. They contain antioxidants like pinene and cineol that help to tone and refresh the skin. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties can assist in treating minor skin infections and can have a soothing effect on irritated skin. Bay leaves have even been used in traditional medicine to alleviate various skin conditions.

Beeswax

Source: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees, often sourced from the hive.
Function: It's commonly used as a thickening agent in skincare products and cosmetics such as balms, lotions, and creams.
Benefits: In addition to its thickening properties, beeswax also offers a variety of skin benefits including natural moisturizing, soothing, and antibacterial effects. It creates a protective layer on the skin, keeping it safe from environmental aggressors without clogging pores.

Bergamot

Source: Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime.
Function: Bergamot essential oil is often used for its aromatic properties in perfumes, and also finds use in skincare products for its antiseptic and healing properties.
Benefits: Bergamot has the ability to both nourish and soothe the skin. Its antiseptic qualities help in fighting bacteria, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Additionally, the aromatic nature of bergamot essential oil provides therapeutic benefits like stress relief.

C

Cacao Extract

Source: This extract comes from the cacao bean, the source of both cocoa and chocolate.
Function: Used mainly for its antioxidant properties in skincare products.
Benefits: High levels of flavonoids make cacao extract an antioxidant powerhouse that fights off free radicals, thus helping to maintain youthful skin and reduce signs of aging.

Cocoa Butter

Source: Cocoa butter is a natural, edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean, which comes from the cacao tree.
Function: Widely used in skincare and cosmetics for its hydrating and emollient properties, it's often found in moisturizers, lip balms, and lotions.
Benefits: Cocoa butter is excellent for dry, chapped skin, providing deep hydration and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It's also rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and signs of aging.

Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Source: Extracted from the meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm.
Function: Used as a skin moisturizer and also as a cooking oil.
Benefits: This versatile oil is rich in saturated fats and medium-chain fatty acids, which helps moisturize skin deeply and has antimicrobial properties that can treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.

Coffee

Source: Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans which are seeds from the Coffea plant.
Function: In skincare, coffee grounds and extracts are often used in scrubs and masks for their exfoliating and antioxidant properties.
Benefits: When applied to the skin, coffee helps in exfoliation, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Its antioxidant properties also protect against free radicals, aiding in the anti-aging process.

Citronella Essential Oil

Source: Extracted from the leaves and stems of various species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass).
Function: Commonly used as an insect repellent in addition to its skincare applications.
Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, it can accelerate the healing process and relieve pain in the body.

Citric Acid

Source: Found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes, but also synthesized for various uses.
Function: Primarily used to adjust the pH levels in creams and gels.
Benefit: Besides pH adjustment, citric acid also promotes skin peeling and re-growth, making it a common ingredient in skin-care products.

E

Essential Oils

Source: Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing.
Function: Used widely for their aromatic properties, they also serve various medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
Benefits: Each essential oil comes with its own set of health benefits, but generally, they're known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. They can improve mood, heal skin conditions, and relieve pain when used properly.

G

Ginger

Source: Ginger is a flowering plant, and its root is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine.
Function: Primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in both culinary and skincare products.
Benefits: Ginger can soothe redness and eliminate bacteria, especially redness and bacteria associated with acne. Its antioxidant properties also prevent free radical damage and protect against aging.

Geranium

Source: Geranium is a genus of 422 species of flowering annual, biennial, and perennial plants.
Function: Its essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and as a natural additive in skincare products.
Benefits: Known for its dermatological use for the treatment of aging, wrinkled, and/or dry skin. Geranium also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it beneficial for a variety of skin irritants like eczema and dermatitis.

H

Hibiscus Extract

Source: Sourced from the vibrant flowers of the Hibiscus plant, the extract is obtained through a process that usually involves steeping the petals in a solvent such as water or alcohol.
Function: Known as the "Botox plant," it's a frequent component in skincare products due to its high mucilage content, which makes it a great natural moisturizer.
Benefits: The extract is rich in antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help in skin renewal. These properties contribute to its ability to enhance skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out the skin tone. Additionally, it serves as a cooling agent for soothing irritated or sensitive skin.

J

Jasmine

Source: Jasmine flowers are hand-picked and then subjected to a distillation or solvent extraction process to create this intoxicatingly fragrant essential oil.
Function: Primarily used as a fragrance in a variety of skincare and beauty products, its aromatic impact is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of its functionality.
Benefits: Apart from its heavenly scent that can uplift moods and reduce stress, jasmine has antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help in neutralizing harmful free radicals, thereby preventing premature aging. It also has antibacterial properties, making it effective for tackling skin infections and improving complexion.

Jojoba Oil

Source: Extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba plant, this oil is a gold-standard carrier oil in skincare.
Function: Due to its similar composition to human sebum, it’s used as a skin moisturizer and a carrier oil for essential oils in various cosmetic products.
Benefits: Jojoba oil is incredibly versatile and beneficial for all skin types. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are useful for soothing a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and rosacea. It's also rich in Vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant benefits, helping to fight off oxidative stress and free radicals.

L

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Source: Obtained from the leaves and twigs of the lemon eucalyptus tree, this essential oil is distilled to capture its potent qualities.
Function: Primarily used as an ingredient in natural insect repellents, its refreshing scent also finds its way into soaps, lotions, and other skincare items.
Benefits: This oil is rich in citronellal, a compound that makes it effective against a variety of pests. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are excellent for treating a wide range of skin conditions, including acne and eczema. The refreshing aroma of the oil also contributes to its uplifting psychological benefits.

Lemongrass Oil

Source: Sourced from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, this essential oil is extracted using steam distillation.
Function: Used in skincare products and aromatherapy for its pleasant, citrusy scent and a range of therapeutic properties.
Benefits: Lemongrass oil is well-known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's effective in treating various skin issues like fungal infections and acne. Additionally, the scent of lemongrass is known to be a natural mood lifter and stress reliever.

Lemon Zacate Essential Oil

Source: Extracted from the grassy lemon zacate plant, usually native to warm, tropical climates.
Function: It serves as a fragrance and therapeutic agent in skincare and wellness products.
Benefit: Known for its calming effects, it’s often used in products designed to ease stress and promote relaxation. The oil also possesses antimicrobial properties that can help cleanse and purify the skin, making it a valuable addition to skincare routines.

Lavender Essential Oil

Source: Steam-distilled from the beautiful purple flowers of the lavender plant.
Function: Used extensively in skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness products for its soothing scent and versatility.
Benefits: Lavender oil is a skincare all-rounder; it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. It's commonly used for stress relief and sleep improvement due to its calming scent.

O

Olive Oil

Source: Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, primarily through cold pressing to ensure the maximum preservation of nutrients.
Function: A cornerstone in the realm of skincare, cooking, and even pharmaceuticals. Used as a base or carrier oil in a wide array of products.
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and healthy fats, olive oil provides deep nourishment and hydration to the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective for a variety of skin conditions.

Orange Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from the peel of sweet oranges, this essential oil is as uplifting as it is fragrant.
Function: Used predominantly for its aromatic properties in perfumes, skincare products, and aromatherapy.
Benefits: The aromatic scent is known to uplift mood and reduce stress, while its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it excellent for skincare, especially for acne-prone skin.

M

Mango

Source: Sourced from the pulp of the tropical mango fruit, often in the form of an extract or butter.
Function: Commonly used in skincare products like lotions, lip balms, and soaps for its nourishing and hydrating qualities.
Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, mangoes offer potent antioxidant properties that help combat premature aging and rejuvenate the skin. Its butter and extract are known to be incredibly moisturizing.

Marine Salts

Source: Harvested from sea water, these salts are usually minimally processed to retain the beneficial trace minerals.
Function: Used in scrubs and bath products for their exfoliating and mineral-rich properties.
Benefits: They help to detoxify the skin and body, offering a wide range of minerals that can improve skin health. The salts are also well-known for their soothing and healing properties, particularly for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Mineral Oil

Source: A byproduct of petroleum, mineral oil is highly refined to meet cosmetic-grade standards.
Function: Often used in lotions, creams, and ointments as an emollient to lock in moisture.
Benefits: While it doesn't offer the vitamins and nutrients that natural plant oils do, it is highly effective at sealing in moisture and preventing skin dryness.

Mint

Source: Extracted from various species of the Mentha plant, usually through steam distillation.
Function: Commonly used for its fresh aroma in a range of products from toothpaste to body scrubs. It's also frequently found in aromatherapy and herbal remedies.
Benefits: The menthol in mint offers a cooling sensation, which can help relieve skin irritation and redness. It's also known for its invigorating scent, which can boost mood and help focus the mind.

Menthol

Source: An organic compound extracted from mint oils or produced synthetically.
Function: Often added to topical ointments, lozenges, and balms to provide a cooling sensation.
Benefits: Provides quick relief from itching and irritation due to its cooling effect. Also works as a local anesthetic to numb minor pain and is commonly found in muscle rubs.

Moringa

Source: Derived from the Moringa oleifera tree, various parts like seeds, leaves, and bark are used for their nutritional and medicinal properties.
Function: Frequently found in skincare and haircare products, as well as nutritional supplements.
Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, moringa has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps rejuvenate the skin, fight signs of aging, and promote healthy hair.

N

Natural Waxes

Source: Natural waxes are obtained from various botanical, animal, or even mineral origins. Beeswax, carnauba wax, and soy wax are some popular examples.
Function: These waxes serve multiple purposes in skincare and cosmetic products, including acting as emulsifiers, thickeners, or stabilizers.
Benefits: Being natural in origin, these waxes are often gentler on the skin, contributing to moisture retention and offering a protective layer against environmental elements.

P

Passionfruit Extract

Source: Extracted from the seeds of the passionfruit, often originating from tropical climates.
Function: Acts as an antioxidant and is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin.
Benefits: With its high vitamin C and A content, passionfruit extract offers rejuvenating properties, reducing signs of aging, calming inflamed skin, and hydrating at a deep cellular level. It's an ingredient that not only smells fantastic but also has proven benefits for enhancing skin quality.

Peppermint Oil

Source: Steam distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant.
Function: Primarily used for its cooling sensation and refreshing aroma.
Benefits: Peppermint oil offers antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for skin health. The cooling sensation can relieve irritation and inflammation. In aromatherapy, its scent is invigorating and can increase alertness.

Plumeria Extract

Source: Obtained from the flowers of the plumeria plant, native to tropical regions.
Function: Adds a tropical floral fragrance and serves as an emollient.
Benefits: Plumeria extract helps to soften and hydrate the skin, promoting a youthful glow. Its aromatic properties can also enhance mood and reduce stress, making it a dual-function ingredient for both skin health and overall well-being.

R

Rosemary Essential Oil

Source: Extracted through steam distillation from the leaves of the rosemary herb.
Function: Used for its aromatic qualities and potential skin benefits.
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, rosemary essential oil can help fight free radicals, thereby improving skin texture and reducing signs of aging. It has natural antiseptic properties, making it excellent for acne-prone skin and general skin cleansing.

Rose Oil

Source: Obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing of rose petals.
Function: Primarily used for its aroma and skin-conditioning properties.
Benefits: Roses oil has several therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It hydrates dry skin, clears acne, and reduces signs of aging. The calming aroma is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and elevate mood.

S

Sea Weed

Source: Harvested from marine environments, often from clean, mineral-rich waters.
Function: Provides natural detoxifying properties and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Benefits: Sea weed is renowned for its moisturizing and skin-softening properties. It's rich in antioxidants that help combat skin aging, and the natural minerals like iodine help to stimulate the thyroid gland, aiding in body detoxification.

Shea Oil

Source: Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.
Function: Used as a skin conditioner and moisturizer.
Benefits: Shea oil is high in fatty acids and vitamins, making it ideal for softening skin. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, aiding in the reduction of stretch marks and scars, while also nourishing the skin deeply.

Shea Butter

Source: Also extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.
Function: Acts as an emollient and skin moisturizer.
Benefits: Similar to shea oil, shea butter provides the skin with essential fatty acids and nutrients necessary for collagen production. Its rich, creamy texture helps to seal in moisture, combat dry skin, and provide a protective layer against environmental irritants.

Sunflower Oil

Source: Extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant.
Function: Used as a moisturizer and carrier oil.
Benefits: With high amounts of Vitamin E, sunflower oil helps improve skin health and regenerate cells. It is excellent for combatting skincare issues like acne, inflammation, and redness.

Spirulina

Source: Sourced from blue-green algae that grow in fresh and salt water.
Function: Used for its high protein and nutrient content.
Benefits: Spirulina is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that help in cell regeneration. It can detoxify the skin, tone and brighten, leaving a youthful, radiant glow.

T

Tea Tree Oil

Source: Steam-distilled from the leaves of the tea tree, native to Australia.
Function: Used primarily for its antibacterial properties.
Benefits: Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps calm redness, swelling, and aids in preventing and reducing acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.

Vitamin E

Source: Found naturally in foods such as nuts and avocados; can also be synthesized.
Function: Acts as an antioxidant.
Benefits: Vitamin E is key for strong immunity, healthy skin, and eyes. In skincare, it's commonly used to heal parched and dehydrated skin and to reduce the appearance of scars.

Violet Oil

Source: Extracted from the leaves and flowers of the violet plant.
Function: Primarily used for its soothing and antiseptic properties.
Benefits: Violet oil is great for sensitive skin and is often used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema and acne. It's also filled with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals, keeping the skin youthful and vibrant.

W

Wildberry Extract

Source: Extracted from various types of wild berries.
Function: Used for its antioxidant properties and fruity aroma.
Benefits: Wildberry extract is loaded with antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals. The fruity aroma adds an extra layer of sensory pleasure, making skincare routines more enjoyable.

Z

Nano Zinc Oxide

Source: A mineral-based compound that has been shrunk to microscopic size.
Function: Primarily used in sunscreens for UVA and UVB protection.
Benefits: Nano zinc oxide offers high-level sun protection without leaving a white residue on the skin. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.