Products

New Directions Aromatics Cetyl Alcohol is an all-purpose, non-gelling thickening agent widely used throughout the cosmetic industry for the stable consistency it gives to the products, it is comprised of 95% fatty acids derived from vegetable oils, primarily palm oil. This versatile material is also an emollient, moisturizer, viscosity stabilizer, and foam enhancer. It comes in white, odorless flakes, which are insoluble in cold water, and only very slightly soluble in hot water and alcohol.

Zinc Oxide is a white powder with wonderful astringent properties. It is often used in lotions and creams meant for outdoor use and offers a soothing effect when used in skincare preparations. It is uncoated and is an inert ingredient, often used to thicken lotions and creams.

An excellent substitute for Talc, Arrowroot Powder is a soft, white powder derived from the starchy root of the Arrowroot plant. This cosmetic-grade powder resembles the texture of cornstarch and is light and silky to the touch.

Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Distillates (or Witch Hazel extracts) are clear, colorless botanical extracts prepared from the recently cut and partially dried, dormant twigs of the Hamamelis virginiana Linn plant. These distillates offer a variety of benefits for skin and personal care applications. Alcohol Free Distillates are particularly advantageous for applications that require the soothing natural astringent properties of Witch Hazel, and there are instances where the use of alcohol is not appropriate. Such formulations may include those with constraints in: • Processing parameters: high surfactant, multi-phase, or high temperature products • Product performance: foaming products, body washes, mousses, creams • Marketing claims: alcohol free, sting free, and sensitive skin formulations The most popular uses are for products where irritation or skin feel is of primary concern. Many customers specify distillates for treatment products including, anti-irritant products for sun care, wound care, children's sting free products and other products where skin sensitization is an issue.

Vitamin C is a highly popular antioxidant and is known as a required component in the production of collagen, which is what provides skin its suppleness and elasticity. Vitamin C has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of age spots while providing some protection from external environmental stressors. It is widely used in skin care applications.

Guar Gum is derived from the ground endosperm of the guar plant, Cyanmopsis tetragonolobus belonging to the family Leguminosae. The guar plant is mainly grown in India and Pakistan from the month of July to December. At harvest time, the seeds are extracted from the pod of the plant and then ground into guar gum. Guar Gum is water soluble. When adding Guar Gum to a mixture it is best to add small quantities at a time. Be sure to stir for a while after each addition. If Guar Gum is added too quickly or in large quantities, it will gel or clump together. Guar Gum works well in mixtures that freeze but not in extreme heat or in pH (above pH8 or below pH5). Do not use if your formula contains Borax or Calcium.

New Directions Aromatics Sodium Bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder. It is often used to make bath fizzies, as it has water softening, effervescent, and deodorizing properties. It is gentle on the skin and helps to draw out oil and impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean and smooth. Pure Sodium bicarbonate does not contain aluminum. Our sodium bicarbonate is 100% pure. Also known as baking soda, this product is not to be confused with baking powder which may contain aluminum sulfate.

New Directions Aromatics PEG 40 (Hydrogenated Castor Oil) is sold as a semi-solid or liquid raw material, this vegetable-based solubilizer is also used as a surfactant and cleanser in cosmetic preparations, and was designed for use as an emulsifier in aqueous formulations containing a large water phase. It has a yellow color with a mild odor.

Stearic Acid is an organic, fatty acid that is found in vegetable fats and oils. It works harmoniously with other fatty acids to support the skin and offers versatility in texture. Stearic Acid can also be used in the production of candles, cosmetics, shaving soaps, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. When added to soap, this ingredient will produce a bar that is harder and that has a more stable lather.

Vegetable Glycerine is a Kosher product derived from palm, and it is GMO-free and allergen-free. Glycerine is the result of a sophisticated extraction method called hydrolysis. This system is based on the fats and oils of a raw product (typically palm or coconut) that are then split into crude glycerol fats, under the combined action of water, temperature and pressure. These temperatures can exceed 400° degrees and the material is usually kept under pressure for 20-30 minutes. What is actually occurring is a sort of counter-flow where the water absorbs glycerol from the fatty acid phase of the oil production. After this phase this glycerol is isolated and further distilled to give buyers a standard 99% Glycerine product (our New Directions Variety is minimum 99.7%). Vegetable Glycerine is a clear, colorless, and odorless viscous liquid. It is used as an agent in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and other household items. Because it is soluble in both, water and alcohol, its versatility is a major benefactor in its purported growth and popularity within the manufacturing sector. It is invaluable as a natural source ingredient with emollient-like properties which can smooth and soften the skin and it assists the skin surface to retain moisture. This helps to explain why it is one of the most popular cosmetic additives used today.

Olive Squalane is a luxurious and sophisticated moisturizing agent that is used extensively in both the pharmaceutical and the cosmetic industries. While it may be obtained from several plant sources, including Sugarcane and Ricebran, Olive Oil is the vegetable source that is most abundant in this protective “green” emollient, which results from the unsaponifiable fractions of Olive Oil. Squalane is easily absorbed by human skin, because it is a derivative of the unsaturated terpene hydrocarbon called Squalene, an oily molecule that occurs naturally in the sebum of human skin. With age, the skin’s natural Squalene production begins to decline, making products with Squalane more valuable as skin begins to lose its moisture, smoothness, and strength. These benefits make Squalane a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products. Squalene oxidizes quickly, but the hydrogenated and improved version of it – Squalane – becomes a stable and skin-loving ingredient with a lengthy shelf life. With various cosmetic applications in which it can exhibit is beneficial properties, this light, odor-free, and non-staining vegetable-based fluid has earned the nickname “Liquid Gold.”

Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in the human body and works to support the body's collagen production and to help maintain elasticity. This natural molecule is specifically found in the hair, skin, eyes, nerves, and joints.

Citric Acid is derived from corn and sugar beets through natural fermentation, and is GMO free. It is an excellent antioxidant and exfoliant, and it can be used as part of a product’s preservative system by altering the pH levels. Citric Acid is also the most widely used organic acidulate, probably because it is classified as a weak acid. When applied to hair, Citric Acid opens up the cuticle allowing for deeper penetration of the cleaning agents. It is generally not recommended if you have any artificial hair coloring done, unless you are trying to strip the color out. It can also be used in shampoo.

Colloidal Oatmeal is generally used in the bath as an additive to bath water, which moisturizes dry and problem skin, especially dry skin in children. This Colloidal Oatmeal is GMO-free and consists of key components such as beta glucan and avenanthramides, which acts as a natural, deep penetrating moisturizer that reduce the itching caused by dry skin.

New Directions Aromatics Aloe Vera Juice is well respected for its application as a moisturizing agent. It contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene (a precursor of vitamin A). It is already being commercially used in soaps, creams, lotions, and other cosmetics. The Aloe Vera Juice we sell is a thin liquid designed for application in manufacturing processes. It is safe for direct application to the skin, but should not be confused with a gel. It is also important to note that it can spoil and become contaminated with microorganisms if not properly stored and used in combination with a preservative system. Aloe Vera Juice contains the naturally cloudy juice of the plant, extracted from the fresh plant leaves (original Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant). The juice is not filtered and thus retains all the fiber and particles of the leaf filet. This gives the juice its full-bodied, tangy fresh aroma.

Coco Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant that can be used as a foaming, cleansing, conditioning, and viscosity building agent to liquid cleansers and shampoos. The raw materials used are of vegetable origin (coconut and palm kernel oil, glucose). It is completely biodegradable, GMO-free and contains no parabens and phthalates.

Apple Cider Vinegar Powder is a cleansing ingredient with a soothing touch that can be added to a wide range of natural body care products. A mild ingredient that helps to balance the skin’s pH, Apple Cider Vinegar Powder is a popular element in toners and face washes, all-over exfoliating scrubs, hair scrubs, rinses, and shampoos. This powder contains malic acid, which is well known for its benefits when applied to acne-prone skin, helping to gently exfoliate and unclog pores. Apple Cider Vinegar Powder also makes an excellent scalp scrub, helping to remove product build-up, draw out impurities and slough off dead skin cells.

Vitamin E USP Cosmetic Grade is a golden yellow to clear brown viscous liquid which will oxidize upon exposure to air and light, resulting in gradual darkening. It may add a tint of color to skincare formulations. This cosmetic-grade Vitamin E is GMO-free and gluten-free. Studies have shown that Vitamin E plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from environmental factors. The d-alpha-tocopherol in Vitamin E is also known to helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin E (USP Cosmetic Grade) will extend the shelf-life of oils (any product with water in it will require a full-spectrum preservative) at 0.5%. To add its benefits to the skin, a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 30% may be added to the formulation.

Witch Hazel is an alcoholic extract from the leaves, flowers and bark of the hamamelis tree. It contains a mixture of 85-86 % aqueous witch hazel extract and 14-15 % ethyl alcohol as a preservative. One of nature's best astringents, there is probably no better tonic or toner for skin care preparations. It is frequently used in products like after shave lotions, where it shows mildly styptic properties as well as helping to reduce razor burn and swelling through its cool soothing sensation. In skincare, Witch Hazel can be used as toner or in place of a cleanser. It is particularly beneficial for oil and problem skin through its more gentle properties.

Solubilizer (Polysorbate 20) is a Sorbaitan Monolaurate (Polysorbates) that has been ethoxylated with approximately 20 moles of ethlene oxide to produce a water soluble, oil and water emulsifier. Solubilizer can also be used as a wetting agent, viscosity modifier, anti-stat, stabilizer and dispersing agent. It is the final ingredient necessary when combining fragrance oil with water-based products like baby shampoo because of very low eye irritation, body wash, toiletries, cosmetics, and ointments. It is perfect for keeping the product clear and un-cloudy & prevents any separation of the oils or fragrance. Mix 1 part essential oil or fragrance to 1 part Solubilizer, blend, and then add to your product and it will retain its glass like clarity.

Carbopol Polymer is a self-wetting, rheology modifier designed to be used as a thickener, suspending agent and stabilizer in cosmetic manufacturing. Its unique structure allows it to rapidly expand when added to liquids and provides moderate-to-high viscosity in skin care products. Carbopol polymer performs effectively across a broad pH range, making it a versatile ingredient for many applications.

Silk Peptides are a highly purified grade of natural silk power, processed in such a way as to retain the original physical structure and chemical composition of silk. This is a 100% natural silk protein, in a fine powder form for ease of use. It also has the unusual quality of holding and releasing moisture depending on the temperature and humidity of the surroundings. This product is easy to use, as it bonds well with essential oils, fragrant oils, colors and base materials used in skin and hair care. It is also stable over a wide range of pH levels again confirming the suitability of Silk Peptide for personal treatment products. Recommended usage rate is between 2-5% by weight.

Tara Gum is naturally derived from the seed endosperm of the Tara tree (Caesalpinia Spinosa), which grows in the Peruvian Andes. It is extracted using only a mechanical process without the use of any solvents. Its viscosity in cold water is similar to that of Guar Gum. Tara Gum fully hydrates after heating, resulting in at least 30% increase in viscosity when compared to a cold solution.

A clear thin liquid with a pleasantly dry citrus scent, it is steam distilled from citrus rinds. This oil is very versatile, being safer to use and more effective than most commercial and industrial cleaners. At 5 - 15% of total product, it may be blended with surfactants for industrial-strength cleaners, or solubilized and added to water and vinegar bases for effective natural disinfectant surface cleaners for use in the home. It may also be used at full strength as a biodegradable solvent, without the negative impact that synthetic chemical solvents have on the user or to the environment.

This soothing Aloe Vera Gel made with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a must-have for any skin care enthusiast or cosmetic formulator. Known for its potent humectant and restorative properties, Aloe Vera can deliver intensive hydration to the skin while improving the appearance and discomfort associated with skin damage and irritation. Aloe Vera Gel is commonly used to provide relief for minor cuts and scrapes, sunburn, redness, itchiness, and dryness. Its emollient qualities can also soften skin to reduce scars, roughness, or flakiness. Naturally rich in antioxidants, including Vitamins C, E, A, Aloe Vera is ideal for anti-aging applications as well. This Aloe Vera Gel imparts a pleasant cooling sensation to the skin, leaving it smooth and supple without leaving a 'tacky' finish. It can be used on its own or customized to create your own Aloe Vera-inspired products by adding Essential Oils, Fragrance Oils, Botanical Extracts and various other raw materials.

Silk Amino Acid contains alanine, glycine and serine. They have a high dispersion rate, allowing this fine powder to easily dissipate in liquids or into other powders. It is especially good for use in hair care products, as it protects hair from moisture loss and conditions it to provide a silky smoothness. Consider adding Silk Amino Acid to our ready to use cosmetic bases.

Menthol Crystals are obtained by crystallizing Mentha Arvensis (Peppermint Japanese) Essential Oil. These colorless, transparent crystals exude a sharp, minty scent, which has a cooling effect that makes them ideal for diverse applications. To incorporate them in perfumes, cosmetics, balms, lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners, the recommended usage level is 0.5 - 8 %.