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Ingredient Guide
We believe in complete transparency. Here is an overview of the ingredients we use in our products, and why we chose them.
Natural Plant Oils & Butters
| INCI name | English | Purpose | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocos Nucifera Oil | Coconut oil | Cleansing, creates lather | ✓ |
| Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | Olive oil | Nourishing, moisturizing | ✓ |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | Shea butter | Nourishing, soothing | ✓ |
| Ricinus Communis Seed Oil | Castor oil | Stabilizes lather, conditions | ✓ |
Minerals & Salts
| INCI name | English | Purpose | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Chloride | Rock salt from Bad Aussee | Cleansing, mineral-rich, clarifying | ✓ |
Fragrances & Essential Oils
| INCI name | English | Purpose | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavandula Angustifolia Oil | Lavender oil | Soothing, relaxing | ✓ |
| Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil | Sweet orange oil | Brightening, invigorating | ✓ |
Processing Ingredients
| INCI name | English | Function | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hydroxide | Sodium hydroxide solution | Saponification agent, no longer present in the finished product | ✓ |
| Aqua | Water | Solvent | ✓ |
All our products are vegan, free from synthetic preservatives and handmade in Austria.
What's really inside?
Ingredients worth knowing about, and why we don't use them.
Natural skincare isn't just about what we add. It's also about what we leave out.
Many conventional cosmetics contain substances that seem to work in the short term but may cause problems over time, for your skin, your body and the environment. Here's our guide to ingredients to keep in mind the next time you read a label.
🚫 Mineral oils (Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum)
Derived from petroleum refining. They form a film on the skin that traps moisture. With prolonged use, they may interfere with the skin's natural functions.
🚫 Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, etc.)
They make skin feel smooth but have no effect in deeper layers. Many break down poorly and can be problematic in waterways.
🚫 Synthetic fragrances (Parfum / Fragrance)
This one label term can cover many different chemicals. Fragrances can trigger allergies and skin irritation, while their exact composition isn't always clear.
🚫 Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, etc.)
Preservatives that have raised concerns about possible effects on the hormone system and reproductive processes.
🚫 PEGs (polyethylene glycols)
Synthetic emulsifiers and solubilizers. They may make the skin barrier more permeable, including to substances we would rather keep out.
🚫 Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / SLS, SLES)
Foaming agents that can strip oils from the skin and irritate sensitive skin and scalps.
🚫 Synthetic colorants (CI numbers)
Used for appearance rather than skincare benefits. Some are derived from petrochemical sources and may irritate sensitive skin.
🚫 Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, etc.)
Preservatives that gradually release formaldehyde, a known allergen and possible carcinogen.
You won't find any of these ingredients in BE [...] MY FRIEND products.
What you will find: plant oils, hydrosols, organic essential oils, and the belief that good skincare has nothing to hide.