The organic beauty glossary to better understand cosmetics
HAS
Cosmetic active ingredient : an active ingredient is an ingredient present in a cosmetic treatment that ensures the product's effectiveness by having a specific action on the skin. Léonia products contain various natural active ingredients that guarantee their effectiveness (example: white tea, jojoba oil, fucocert, etc.).
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera pulp, found inside the plant's leaves, is one of the active ingredients in Léonia skincare products. Hydrating, soothing, healing, and softening, it boosts collagen production and helps fight skin aging.
Plant Hyaluronic Acid: This high-end active ingredient derived from wheat fermentation is known for its hydrating and plumping properties. It helps maintain a high level of hydration by retaining water in the cells. You will find it in particular in the radiance booster and antioxidant serum .
Antioxidant: This is an agent that prevents or slows down oxidation by neutralizing free radicals responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Antioxidants are therefore effective in combating skin aging.
Anti-aging: Over time, facial skin becomes drier, and wrinkles and fine lines appear. Anti-aging active ingredients are designed to combat skin aging. Léonia skincare products, enriched with antioxidant White Tea and thirst-quenching Hyaluronic Acid, help prevent skin aging and plump the skin. Shea Butter and Apricot Kernel Oil help soften and smooth mature skin.
B
Organic: Organic cosmetics, unlike traditional cosmetics, favor ingredients from organic farming and those of natural origin while banning chemical components that are aggressive for the body and pollute the environment. Organic cosmetics therefore respect health, skin, and the planet. NB: Only the presence of labels on the product guarantees that the product is truly organic!
Biodegradable: A biodegradable substance decomposes naturally, with biological organisms in a favorable environment. All Léonia product formulations are biodegradable.
Shea Butter: Particularly used in anti-aging skincare, it comes from the fruit of the shea tree. Rich in karitene, vitamin A, and terpene alcohols, it regenerates the skin and fights against dryness.
C
Natural cosmetics: Generally speaking, a natural cosmetic contains at least 95% natural ingredients and does not contain undesirable ingredients such as silicones, PEGs, etc. But beware of greenwashing! Many cosmetics claim to contain more than 95% natural ingredients, while they contain ingredients that consumers no longer want: silicones, BHT, phenoxyethanol, etc. Only the presence of the COSMOS NATURAL logo guarantees that the cosmetic has been checked and that it complies with the percentage of naturalness and that no undesirable irritating and/or polluting ingredients are present in its composition and manufacture.
Cruelty Free: This designation means that the product is " cruelty-free ." The presence of the "cruelty-free" label therefore means that the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals. NB: These "Cruelty-free" products are not necessarily Vegan. Conversely, the presence of a "Vegan" label means that the product is indeed vegan (without any ingredients of animal origin) and also Cruelty-Free.
Chamomile: This medicinal plant has been known for its benefits since ancient times. Soothing and regenerating, it reduces inflammatory reactions, soothes and relieves itching. It is the ideal active ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin.
Collagen: Collagen is a natural substance found in skin, muscles, tendons, and bones. This structural protein ensures our skin's resistance to stretching, making it a key ingredient in the fight against wrinkles and skin aging.
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Dermatologically tested: This label means that tests were conducted under the supervision of a dermatologist to verify the product's acceptability, tolerance, and effectiveness. All tests are conducted under the supervision of a dermatologist. Léonia products have all been dermatologically tested.
Double cleansing: This is a cleansing method that respects the skin's hydrolipidic film while deeply removing impurities. It involves removing makeup with a cleansing oil or milk, then cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser, such as the Antioxidant Gentle Cleansing Gel.
E
Ecocert: Independent organization that monitors compliance with the COSMOS Charter and awards certifications, including “ COSMOS ORGANIC .”
Eco-Responsible: Cosmetics designed to limit their environmental impact. The ingredients are natural, and the formulations and manufacturing processes are designed to respect nature. All products in the Léonia range are designed in an eco-responsible manner.
Epidermis: This is the outer, superficial layer of the skin, covering the dermis and hypodermis. Its thickness does not exceed 1 millimeter. The epidermis is mainly composed of dead cells that are continually renewed and a protective film: sebum.
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Hydrolipidic film: This is the skin's protective film, consisting primarily of sweat, sebum, and water. Its role is to act as a protective barrier against external aggressions. It thus allows the skin to maintain suppleness and hydration.
H
Apricot Kernel Oil: Extracted from apricot kernels, it is one of the active ingredients in Léonia skincare products. Its richness in essential fatty acids gives it a real anti-aging and softening effect. It cares for the skin, eliminates dead cells, and gives a real boost of radiance.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil comes from the oilseeds of the jojoba shrub. Its composition, very similar to that of human sebum, leaves no greasy film on the skin. It strengthens the hydrolipidic film, regulates sebum, and protects against dehydration.
Mineral oils: Derived from petrochemicals, they are polluting and bad for the skin. Mineral oils leave an occlusive film on the skin that limits its natural water loss and keeps it artificially hydrated. You will recognize them under the names Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Mineral Oil, etc.
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INCI: Mandatory since 1999, the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list lists the ingredients used in each cosmetic product. This list details, in descending order, all the elements of the formula in English or Latin.
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Made in France: A "made in France" product is one that is manufactured entirely in France. At Léonia, all of their products are Made in France: they were created and designed in Nantes, formulated and produced in Paris, and then decorated in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire region. They thus support local commerce and prioritize short supply chains.
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PAO: The PAO (Period After Opening) is symbolized by a small pictogram representing an open jar. It indicates, in months, the recommended duration of use of the product once it has been opened. It is generally between 6 and 12 months.
Endocrine disruptors: These are substances that disrupt our hormonal functioning, leading to harmful effects on health and the environment. Disruptors can interfere with many functions, particularly reproduction, and harm fertility or disrupt fetal development. In cosmetics, these include Parabens , Phthalates , Alkylphenols , Phenoxyethanol , etc.
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Recyclable: Recyclable packaging can be repurposed into another form and for another product, thus avoiding waste production. By favoring glass and cardboard, Léonia's packaging is recyclable and the formulas biodegradable.
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Serum: Serum is applied after cleansing the skin and before moisturizer. Its fluid texture easily penetrates the skin. Generally concentrated in active ingredients, it provides comfort to the skin and increases the effectiveness of your routine.
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White Tea: A key ingredient in Léonia products, its richness in antioxidants helps prevent skin aging and prolongs skin elasticity. It is also very effective in combating excess sebum, dark spots, and imperfections. For dull and dehydrated skin, it hydrates, plumps, and evens out the complexion while bringing radiance to the face.
Surfactant: A surfactant is a water-soluble chemical compound that is generally used for its foaming, cleansing, or emulsifying effect. It is notably present in products such as shower gels, soaps, shampoos, etc. There are different types, some more respectful of our skin and the planet.
V
Vegan: A vegan cosmetic does not contain any ingredients of animal origin (milk, honey, propolis, animal keratin, snail slime, etc.). The Vegan Society NGO logo ensures that a product is vegan and not tested on animals.
