Acacia ( Acacia senegal) While Ancient Hebrews considered Acacia wood to be sacred, the Aztecs used the gum as both a dye and food, eating the seedpods as an aphrodisiac. See how we use acacia gum to add volume to fine hair in these favorites:
Algae ( Astaxanthin) Certain algae contains an anti-oxidant—25 times stronger than vitamin E—that helps to protect from exposure to the elements. It's found in our U.S.-patented Berry/Lipid moisture Complex, infusing five of our rich lip formulas. Favorites that contain algae:
Aloe ( Aloe barbadensis) Possessed of strong soothing properties, this desert succulent is a source of moisture. Favorites that contain aloe:
Annatto ( Bixa orellana) Organically grown to provide color to our Uruku makeup, this red seed pigment (also known as uruku) has long been used in ceremonies to connect with the spirit, and in daily life to offer protection from the elements. Annatto oil, also drawn from the Brazilian urukum tree, has been used for centuries to condition hair and skin—and now adds moisture and smoothness to our Uruku formulas. Favorites that contain annatto:
Argan ( Argania spinosa) From the nut of the fruit of the Argan tree, which is indigenous to South Morocco, and grows in the arid countryside at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Because of its nutty flavor, argan oil plays a role in traditional Moroccan cuisine. Folk remedies including using argan oil to help protect skin against the harsh conditions of the desert climate. Favorites that contain argan:
Avocado ( Persea gratissima) As early as the 8th century B.C., avocados were believed to be powerful aphrodesiacs. Today, they are more prized for their nutritional qualities and are used for the rich emolliency of their oil. Favorites that contain avocado:
Babassu ( Orbignya oleifera) Used in rural Brazil for virtually everything from cooking oil to cleansers, babassu is both the palm tree and the nut it produces. Favorites that contain babassu:
Beeswax ( Cera alba) Sourcing beeswax sustains a centuries-old ecosystem: bees are essential to pollination of food crops and other plants; beekeepers sell the honey and wax created by the bees in order to support the bees' habitat, as well as their own small businesses and communities. Find beeswax in our series of Earth Month candles. Favorites that contain beeswax:
Beetroot ( Beta vulgaris) First cultivated during the Middle Ages in Europe for food—and increasingly prized for medicinal purposes—beetroot is rich in carotenoids, plant pigments that lend anti-oxidant properties. Favorites that contain beetroot:
Bergamot ( Citrus aurantium bergamia) Named after the city of Bergamot in Lombardy, Italy, this oil's aroma was once believed to treat respiratory infections and is renowned for its balancing yang properties. Favorites that contain bergamot:
Bilberry ( Ericaceae) Thriving on moors and in moist undergrowth, this fruit contains a high concentration of anti-oxidants. Combined with blueberry and cranberry, it helps protect lips from the environment. Favorites that contain bilberry:
Black Tea ( Camellia oleifera) Natural shine enhancer. Favorites that contain black tea:
Blue Camomile ( Matricaria recutita) High azulene content is responsible for the skin-soothing power and brilliant blue of this fragrant essential oil. Also used to help calm and soothe the scalp. Favorites that contain blue camomile:
Burdock ( Arctium lappa) Traditionally used in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine as an antiseptic and detoxifier, this root helps remove excess sebum and buildup from hair. Favorites that contain burdock:
Buriti ( Mauritia flexuosa) Oil derived from the buriti palm in Brazil—called the "tree of life" by Amazon cultures, because everything necessary for survival can be sourced from the tree. The oil enriches our cupuaçu conditioning complex. Favorites that contain buriti:
Butcher's Broom ( Ruscus aculeatus) Traditionally believed to be an anti-irritant, this foaming herbal is also a natural cleansing agent. Favorites that contain butcher's broom:
Cactus ( Opuntia robusta) This succulent stores water in the flesh of its pads—called nopales—to survive desert heat. Favorites that contain cactus:
Camomile ( Chamaemelum nobilis) Long valued as a calming remedy, this soothing anti-irritant—also known as matricaria. Favorites that contain camomile:
Carnauba ( Copernicia cerifera) This plant-derived emollient is the hardest known natural wax. Favorites that contain carnauba:
Castor Oil ( Ricinus communis) This rich emollient is a moisturizer cultivated by the Egyptians over 6,000 years ago for its tonic properties. Favorites that contain castor oil:
Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
Traditionally used by Native North Americans, cedar oil helps condition hair and skin. Our cedar is sustainably harvested—collected by careful pruning, rather than felling, of the tree.
Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylicum) Long valued in Asia as a spicy and energizing oil, cinnamon's bark can also be used as naturally derived sun filter. Favorites that contain cinnamon:
Cistus ( Cistus ladaniferus) Indigenous to Spain, Portugal and northwest Africa, this flowering plant is known in Spanish as Jara pringosa, which means "sticky shrub"—so called because the flower is covered with sticky, fragrant resin. A popular ornamental plant, grown for its aromatic foliage. Favorites that contain cistus:
Clary Sage ( Salvia sclarea) Early uses of clary sage were to improve vision and relieve eye irritation—and in the 16th century, it was an ingredient in wine and beer. In modern times, this biennial herb is believed to ease depression and nervous burn-out. Favorites that contain clary sage:
Cocoa Bean ( Theobroma cacao) The Aztecs and Mayans believed cocoa—the chief ingredient in chocolate—was a gift from their god Quetzalcoatl that held magical powers; aptly, modern science calls it the "Food of the Gods." Just as chocolate is yielded by the bean, cocoa butter is pressed from the seed. The result seals in moisture and softens skin. Favorites that contain cocoa bean:
Coconut ( Cocos nucifera) Coconut has been valued for thousands of years across cultures—it appears in Sanskrit writings from the 4th century B.C., where it was known as "the tree which provides all the necessities of life." Today it has as many uses—from food, to fuel, to ritual totem. And it is used for its oil—to soften and condition skin. Favorites that contain coconut:
Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea) Popularly known as echinacea, coneflower is believed to relieve cold symptoms when taken internally. It is also applied externally, however, to soothe and comfort irritated skin. Favorites that contain coneflower:
Corn ( Zea mays) A staple food for Native Peoples—so valuable it was traded for furs—corn has also shown its versatility: its husks have been used to make moccasins and baskets, corncobs used in ceremonies, and today, its starch helps products absorb into hair. Favorites that contain corn:
Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) Native to American soil, the cranberry has a long history of use by Native Americans—as food, a fabric dye, in a poultice for arrow wounds, even as a bartering tool. Because of its high concentration of anti-oxidants, we combine it with blueberry and cranberry to help protect lips in our ripe lip color formulas. Favorites that contain cranberry:
Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus) Refreshing ingredient naturally soothes the eye area. Favorites that contain cucumber:
Cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum) Derived from the fruit pulp of a small rainforest tree in the chocolate family—a food source for indigenous tribes and wildlife in Brazil—cupuaçu butter is a primary ingredient in our cupuaçu conditioning complex infusing formulas with moisture. Favorites that contain cupuaçu:
Eyebright ( Euphrasia officinalis) Commonly grown in Europe, this herb has traditionally been used for the topical treatment of eye inflammations and eye fatigue. Favorites that contain eyebright:
Flax ( Linum usitatissimum) One of the oldest plants in cultivation, flax seed yields an extract that is a natural holding agent. Favorites that contain flax:
Gentian Extract ( Gentiana lutea) For thousands of years, this fruit has been harvested globally for both its medicinal and nutritional properties. It has been shown to have strong anti-oxidant, anti-generative, restrucuring and moisturizing effects on the skin. Favorites that contain gentian extracts:
Grape Extracts ( Vitis vinifera) For thousands of years, this fruit has been harvested globally for both its medicinal and nutritional properties. It has been shown to have strong anti-oxidant, anti-generative, restrucuring and moisturizing effects on the skin. Favorites that contain grape extracts:
Green Tea ( Camellia sinensis) Valued for its strong anti-oxidant properties. Our green tea oil is extracted from the seed of the green tea plant. Favorites that contain green tea:
Honey A natural humectant that helps hold your hair in place while adding shine. Favorites that contain honey:
Iceland Moss ( Cetraria islandica) Just as it helps heal and protect trees, this moss extract conditions and strengthens hair. Favorites that contain iceland moss:
Japanese Knot Weed ( Polygonum cuspidatum) Also known as Japanese bamboo or Japanese fleece-flower, knot weed is known natively as itadori, which means "heals the sick." Introduced to the West in the 19 th century as an ornamental plant, it now grows rampantly, making it an innately renewable source for the potent anti-oxidant—resveratrol. Favorites that contain japanese knot weed:
Jasmine ( Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale) Esteemed in Asia, where its blossoms symbolize love or respect, this uplifting floral is the source of an aromatic, smoothing wax. Favorites that contain jasmine:
Jojoba ( Simmondsia chinensis) Because it so closely resembles the skin's own sebum, this oil is an extraordinarily compatible and effective moisturizer. Favorites that contain jojoba:
Kaolin Clay One of the most abundant minerals in the earth's crust, Kaolin clay derives its name from the Chinese kaoling, meaning "high ridge," after the hill where it was first discovered. A soft white clay often used to create fine porcelain, its natural absorption and thickening qualities create a rich base. Favorites that contain kaolin clay:
Lavender ( Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia) This essential oil is soothing to stressed skin, refreshing and relaxing to both body and mind. Favorites that contain lavender:
Lavender Water ( Lavandula angustifolia) Used in aromatherapy for its calming and tonic effects, lavender water helps refresh hair and scalp. Favorites that contain lavender water:
Lemon ( Citrus medica limonum ) The multiple uses of the lemon have been celebrated for centuries around the world. Whether mixed in hot tea to soothe a sore throat or applied to oily skin to treat acne, lemon is a versatile plant whose aroma is also believed to enhance mood, stimulate mind and calm emotions. Favorites that contain lemon:
Lemon Tea Tree ( Leptospermum petersonii) Believed to have antiseptic, antimicrobial and sedative properties, this plant occurs naturally on the East Coast of Australia near rainforests, forests, savannas and heathlands. It is commonly used in aromatic blends to combat coughs and colds. Favorites that contain lemon tea tree:
Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) This anti-irritant is also known as "sweet wood." Favorites that contain licorice:
Lime ( Citrus aurantifolia) Lime's island aroma rejuvenates the senses. A versatile fruit with fragrant aroma, lime is used in everything from cooking to cleansers; in the Caribbean, lime trees are often planted for fences. Favorites that contain lime:
Lippia In traditional Brazilian folk medicine, lippia has been used for centuries for its soothing properties to remedy irritation and discomfort. Favorites that contain lippia:
Lycopene ( Solanum lycopersicum) This tomato extract is high in beta carotene, a natural source of vitamin A, which protects and strengthens skin. Favorites that contain lycopene:
Mango ( Mangifera indica) Prized for its juicy, sweet inner flesh, mango is considered the apple of the tropical world. But it is the mango's seed that—when pressed into a "butter" that melts into skin—uses unique fatty acids to help condition and hydrate. Favorites that contain mango:
Marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis) Extracts of this reedy marsh plant—whose gum-like qualities led ancient physicians to treat inflammation with its leaves—provide natural hold. Favorites that contain marshmallow:
Meadowfoam ( Limnanthes alba) A seed oil that is highly moisturizing without feeling greasy. Extracted from a ground cover that helps prevent erosion and provides an alternative to forestry. Favorites that contain meadowfoam:
Mineral-derived Pigments From simple salts to complex compounds—these naturally occurring substances have been used for centuries for their heatlh-improving benefits. Favorites that contain mineral-derived pigments:
Mulberry Root ( Morus nigra) A woody perennial with a high anti-oxidant content, the extract of the mulberry root has been known to contain substances that slow the formation of melanin. Favorites that contain mulberry root:
Neroli ( Citrus aurantium) Produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, the ancient Egyptians embedded Neroli—an "aphrodisiac"—in wax cones worn on the heads of temple dancers. As the cones melted in the heat of the dance, the air filled with revitalizing aroma. The precious essential oil infuses our bath ritual with its uplifting properties.br> Favorites that contain neroli:
Orange ( Citrus aurantium amara) The sweet, uplifting aroma of orange eases tension and promotes relaxation, while its astringent properties make it excellent for skin and scalp. Favorites that contain orange:
Orchid ( Cymbidium grandiflorum) The oil of the orchid helps smooth and moisturize, mimicking the petal-light texture of the orchid itself. Favorites that contain orchid:
Palmarosa ( Cymbopogon martinii ) Believed to be a natural remedy for stress relief, palmarosa is valued for its rosy, herbaceous scent and for a number of traditional medicinal and household uses. Its scent is also believed to clear the mind. Favorites that contain palmarosa:
Pennywort ( Centella asiatica) In Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India, pennywort was believed to be a brain strengthener and nerve tonic. The anti-oxidant-rich leaves reduce skin irritation. Favorites that contain pennywort:
Peppermint ( Mentha piperita) Used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to flavor sauces and wines, today peppermint adds a refreshing flavor and aroma. Favorites that contain peppermint:
Petitgrain ( Citrus aurantium amara) This aromatic oil is traditionally inhaled to counteract nervous exhaustion, fatigue or stress. Favorites that contain petitgrain:
Phellodendron ( Phellodendron amurense) An aromatic tree native to East Asia, phellodendron is called huang bai in traditional Chinese medicine, and is commonly known as "corktree" for the look and feel of its bark. We blend extracts of this bark with sandalwood and barley to help smooth the hair cuticle. Favorites that contain phellodendron:
Pine ( Pinus) Pine, in its many species, proved an all-purpose resource for early American Indians, who used its aromatic resin widely—from a sealant in building to a salve for burns. Today, its resin adds flexible, lasting hold. Favorites that contain pine:
Plai ( Zingiber cassumunar) Also known as a Thai ginger, plai is an essential oil from Thailand that has been a staple of everyday rural life for eight centuries. Favorites that contain plai:
Pomegranate ( Punica granatum) The pomegranate, a Persian native, is one of the world's oldest known fruits. Full of anti-oxidants, it's also a source of Vitamin B and potassium. Favorites that contain mineral-derived pigments:
Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa) Considered sacred by the Inca Indians for its valuable life-supporting nutrients, quinoa has flourished in the Peruvian Andes for over 5,000 years. Known in Quechua, the language of the Incas, as chisiya mama or "mother grain," quinoa is very rich in protein—more than all other grains. Favorites that contain quinoa:
Raspberry ( Rubus idaeus) Members of the rose family that are rich in Vitamin C—raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for anti-oxidant strength. Favorites that contain raspberry:
Red Clover ( Trifolium pratense) Believed by early Europeans to have power against witchcraft and evil spirits, Red Clover has been used both as magical talisman and to soothe, refresh and purify the skin. Favorites that contain red clover:
Rice Bran ( Oryza sativa) Smooth base oil that has its own sun protection qualities. Favorites that contain rice bran:
Rose ( Rosa centifolia) Revered as a symbol of love and beauty since its first cultivation in Northern Persia, rose is believed to bring feelings of well-being and happiness. Favorites that contain rose:
Rose Geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens) Aveda's rose geranium sourcing is a collaboration with 30 organic farms in South Africa. Allowing local families to return to their farms and villages from large cities—where living and working conditions can be dire—farming the rose geranium is a first step for these families to reclaiming their land and livelihood after apartheid. Favorites that contain rose geranium:
Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis) A natural antiseptic with an invigorating effect on both body and mind, used for centuries to cleanse and condition hair. Favorites that contain rosemary:
Sage Extract ( Salvia officinalis) Highly esteemed by the Chinese and Romans for centuries as an effective astringent. Favorites that contain sage extract:
Sandalwood ( Santalum spicatum) With over 4,000 years of use, sandalwood is one of the oldest known aromatics. Reputed to have a calming effect on the skin and senses. Favorites that contain sandalwood:
Seaweed ( Hydrolyzed algin) Concentrated source of minerals that helps act as a protective barrier for skin and scalp. Favorites that contain seaweed:
Shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa) Extracted from the nut of the fruit of the shea tree, shea butter is widely recognized as a rich, skin-softening moisturizer and emollient, as well as for its soothing properties. Shea butter—used in some indigenous ceremonies in Africa—is also edible and doubles as cooking oil in West Africa. Favorites that contain shea:
Soapwort ( Saponaria officinalis) Rich in natural cleansing ingredients, this luxuriously lathering herbal was historically used for treating a variety of skin conditions. Favorites that contain soapwort:
Soy Protein ( Glycine soja) An excellent conditioning ingredient that helps to deliver a buffered lifting action to help protect the hair during processing. Favorites that contain soy protein: - Shades of Enlightenment™ Advanced Lifting Creme Hair Color
- Green ScienceTM Skin Care Collection
Spearmint ( Mentha viridis) Used in ancient times to scent bath water, heal sore gums and whiten teeth, this light, minty oil has an uplifting aroma. Its leaves are often steeped in tea as an herbal remedy for heartburn, nausea and digestive ailments. Favorites that contain spearment:
Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus) The light, clear oil extracted from the seeds is a superb moisturizer. For color-treated hair, it seals in the cuticle to lock in shine and helps defend hair against free radicals. Favorites that contain sunflower:
Sweet-Grass (Hierochloe odorata)
Long believed by Native North Americans to dispel negative energy and elicit emotional strength, we sustainably source sweet-grass.
Tamanu ( Calophyllum inophyllum ) On the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu, the Tamanu tree is a protected species, helping prevent island erosion. Each year, thousands of nuts fall from the trees and are collected and dried to extract a rich oil. By harvesting this oil, islanders have raised funds to build classrooms and clean water facilities—and provided a key ingredient in the Aveda Men Pure-Formance family. Favorites that contain tamanu:
Tapioca ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) From the root of the cassava, native to Brazil, tapioca is traditionally used throughout South East Asia and South America as a food thickener. Favorites that contain Tapioca:
Tourmaline One of nature's most naturally energizing minerals, finely-powdered tourmaline boosts skin's energy and radiance, creating a more potent bioenergy field for our Tourmaline Charged cleanser, cremes, masques and serums. Favorites that contain tourmaline:
Vanilla ( Vanilla planifolia) According to Mexico's Totonac mythology, the orchid from which vanilla is derived was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover. They were captured, beheaded, and the orchid sprung from their spilled blood. In medicinal literature, vanilla is described as an aphrodisiac and a remedy for fevers. Favorites that contain vanilla:
Vetiver ( Vetiveria zizanoides) Known in the East as the oil of tranquility, the people of India and Sri Lanka have been preparing relaxing bath and massage tonics from vetiver since antiquity. Favorites that contain vetiver:
wheat protein This wheat protein used to create a blend that expands when hair is wet and retracts when hair is dry to enhance curl or wave. Favorites that contain wheat protein:
Wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens) Best known for its strong, cooling flavor, wintergreen is part of a complex formula that helps shield against sun damage. Favorites that contain wintergreen:
Ylang Ylang ( Cananga odorata) This sweetly seductive aroma is renowned as an aphrodisiac—in parts of Asia, for instance, there is a centuries-old tradition of spreading the flowers of the ylang ylang tree on the marriage bed of newlyweds. Favorites that contain ylang ylang:
Yucca
Native to the Southwestern United States, and a botanical relative of the joshua tree, the yucca has soapy leaves which Native Americans use to relieve numerous conditions including inflammation and arthritis.
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