The Ingredient Ritual

At Ritual and Rebel, we don’t believe in secrets - only in powerful, purposeful ingredients that serve your skin, not the system. This is your go-to glossary of every oil, butter, extract, and essence we use and why we use it. Our products are made with nature in mind, and when we use fragrance oils, we make sure they’re the clean kind: phthalate-free, and free from carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and all Prop 65-listed ingredients. We choose safety over shortcuts. Transparency is our ritual.

Allantoin (from comfrey) - Comforts easily-irritated skin and supports barrier repair.

Aloe Vera Oil - Soothes irritation, deeply hydrates, and supports skin healing; ideal for sensitive or sun-damaged skin. Calms, softens, and cushions dry or reactive skin.

Almond Castile Soap (Potassium Olivate/ Cocoate) - Plant-oil soap that gently lifts dirt without sulfates.

Apple Seed Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants; supports skin elasticity and hydration.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic Acid) – toner pH-balancer - Gently rebalances skin’s pH after cleansing, helps dissolve hard-water residue, and leaves pores looking tighter without the sting.

Apricot Kernel Seed Oil - Lightweight, fast-absorbing, rich in vitamins A & E; great for dry, mature, or sensitive skin.

Argan oil - Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E; deeply moisturizes and helps improve skin elasticity.

Arrowroot powder - Absorbs excess moisture; softens skin.

Avocado oil - Nourishes and hydrates dry skin; rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E.

Bakuchi (Bakuchiol-rich) Seed Oil - Plant alternative to retinol; helps tone and smooth look of skin.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - Gentle scouring + deodorizing mineral for home care.

Beeswax - Forms a natural protective barrier that helps retain moisture and protect skin.

Calendula Infused Oil - Tender-skin hero; helps quiet redness and irritation; Anti-inflammatory and calming; ideal for irritated or inflamed skin.

Camellia Seed Oil - High in oleic acid and antioxidants; deeply moisturizing without clogging pores

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil) - Ultra-light, stable slip; never waxy.

Carrot Seed Oil - Supports skin regeneration, improves tone and elasticity; high in beta-carotene; Antioxidant-rich.

Castor Oil - Thick and deeply moisturizing; soothes dry skin.

Cetyl Alcohol - Fatty alcohol derived from vegetable oils; Moisturizing, softening, and smoothing.

Citric Acid – mineral/scale fighter; In powder detergents it chelates hard-water minerals and boosts brightening so glass, dishes, and stainless come up spotless.

Chamomile Hydrosol - Instant chill for reactive skin; soothes redness and heat, softens feel, and adds a whisper of apple-herbal calm.

Cherry Kernal Oil - Provides deep, lasting moisture; rich in antioxidants; helps to restore skin elasticity; anti-inflammatory.

Coco-Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) – Mild, coconut-derived cleanser/foam booster.

Cocoa butter - Improves skin elasticity and texture; rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.

Coconut oil - Moisturizes and protects skin with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Coffee Bean Extract - Improves skin circulation and reduce puffiness; antioxidant.

Coffee Bean Oil - Rich in antioxidants; contains fatty acids that can help hydrate and nourish the skin; anti-inflammatory properties.

Colloidal oatmeal - Soothes dry, irritated skin and forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture.

Cucumber Hydrosol - cooling quench; De-puffs and refreshes on contact; light hydration that makes skin feel cool, calm, and less tight.

Cupuacu Butter – “Water magnet” butter that holds moisture and leaves a dewy sheen.

Emulsifying Wax nf - Gives our foaming sugar scrubs that creamy, rinse-clean glide; keeps oils and water hugging each other so the scrub doesn’t weep or separate.

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) – Laundry booster; helps deodorize and soften wash water.

Evening Primrose Oil - Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA); helps calm inflammation and support hormonal skin concerns; comfort easily reactive skin.

Fragrance (Parfum, phthalate-free) – Skin-safe fragrance oils used selectively for scent stories.

Glycerin (Vegetable-derived) – Humectant that pulls water to skin for lasting hydration.

Grapeseed Oil - Tightens skin and balances oil production; high in linoleic acid and antioxidants; Lightweight, fast-sink oil; balances without heaviness.

Hemp Seed Oil - Non-comedogenic, balances oily skin, and soothes redness; packed with omega fatty acids.

Hibiscus Seed Oil - High in antioxidants and vitamin C; promotes youthful skin and brightening.

Honey (Raw) – Humectant glow in body washes; draws moisture and leaves skin plush.

Hydrosols (Rose, Chamomile, Tea Tree) – Gentle, aromatic waters that tone and refresh.

Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) – Quick-dry aid in cleaning sprays; speeds evaporation on glass/tile.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil - Thicker and nutrient-rich; excellent for hair growth and scalp nourishment.

Jojoba Oil - Mimics skin’s natural sebum; ideal for balancing, moisturizing, and soothing; balances and conditions without clogging.

Kokum butter - Deeply moisturizing and helps restore skin elasticity without clogging pores.

Lanolin (Liquid) – Mega-occlusive slip for shave oils; cushions against drag.

Lavender Hydrosol - Calms irritation, dryness, and sensitive skin; balancing, purifying and regenerative.

Lemon Hydrosol - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect and soothe skin, promoting radiance and reducing acne; rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Lemongrass Hydrosol - Astringent properties helping to tone and balance oily or acne-prone skin; cooling and calming, helping to soothe irritated skin.

Mango butter - Nourishes skin with vitamins A and E; helps reduce dryness and improve texture.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Prevents moisture loss and stabilizes blends; rich in long-chain fatty acids.

Murumuu butter - Softens and soothes dry skin; rich in fatty acids that support skin barrier function.

Neem Oil - Antibacterial and antifungal; great for acne-prone and problem skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Barrier-loving brightener (used in select leave-ons).

Oat Butter - Ceramide-rich cushioning butter that melts into a dewy seal; great for night balms and easily irritated, thirsty skin.

Oat Extract - Soothing and Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; helps retain moisture, helps promote collagen production.

Oat Oil (Avena sativa) – Ceramide-rich comfort; helps strengthen the skin barrier; ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Optiphen Plus (Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid) – Broad-spectrum preservative for water-containing formulas at pH 4–8.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – Humectant that makes skin feel bouncy and resilient.

PE9010 (Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin) – Clear, broad-spectrum preservative for water-based products.

Peach Kernel Oil - Emollient and nourishing; softens skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Plum Kernel Oil - Silky, fast-sinking oil with a soft almond-marzipan note; high in oleic/linoleic acids to smooth texture and boost luminosity.

Polysorbate 20 (Coconut-derived) – Solubilizer that keeps essential oils evenly dispersed in water.

Pomegranate Seed Oil - Boosts collagen, improves elasticity, and soothes inflammation; rich in punicic acid.

Prickly Pear Seed Oil - Exceptionally high in vitamin E and antioxidants; deeply hydrates and firms skin.

Pumpkin Seed Oil - Contains high amounts of zinc, selenium and vitamin E that help with skin renewal and improved skin tone. It's high in vitamin A, which helps to keep the skin soft and supple, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Red raspberry seed oil - Natural source of antioxidants; provides a gentle SPF and soothes inflammation.

Refined shea butter - Hydrates and soothes skin; rich in vitamins A and E and less scented than raw shea.

Rice Bran Oil - Contains squalene and antioxidants; evens tone and boosts hydration.

Rose hydrosol - Calms redness and irritation; lightly tones and hydrates skin.

Rosehip Seed Oil - Rich in vitamins A & C; brightens, firms, and supports skin renewal.

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil – Bright orange antioxidant oil for bounce and radiance.

Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda) – Alkaline laundry booster; lifts soils and odors.

Sodium Citrate – Water softener/chelator that improves rinse and helps prevent soap film.

Sodium Gluconate – Biodegradable chelator that binds minerals; protects formulas and surfaces.

Sodium Lactate – Salt of lactic acid; hardens bars and pulls in hydration.

Sodium Percarbonate – Oxygen-based brightener for dish/laundry powders.

Sorbitol – Humectant that helps toners feel dewy, not sticky.

Strawberry Seed Oil - Light, fast-absorbing, and rich in omega-3s; great for soothing and protecting skin.

Sugar (Sucrose) – Polished granules for our foaming scrubs; melts cleanly with water.

Sunflower Lecithin (Lecithin) -Helps to keep skin soft, hydrated, and less prone to dryness; enhances the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Sunflower oil - Lightweight and non-comedogenic; rich in vitamin E and beneficial for all skin types.

Sweet Almond Oil - Gentle and vitamin-rich; deeply nourishing for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive.

Squalane oil - Balances oil production, deeply hydrates, and is non-comedogenic; feather-light lipid that mimics skin’s own sebum.

Tea Tree Hydrosol - Soothes irritated and inflamed skin; anti-inflammatory; astringent properties; helps tighten and firm the skin

Vanilla Bean Extract Powder - contains antioxidants; anti-inflammatory; helps calm sensitive or irritated skin.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – Antioxidant that protects oils and feels comforting on skin; helps protect against environmental stressors and supports skin healing.

Watermelon Seed oil - High in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to hydrate and improve skin elasticity; rich in vitamin E; soothe and reduce redness.

Wheat Germ Oil - Vitamin E powerhouse; promotes healing and elasticity, ideal for scarred or aging skin; vitamin-rich emollient; boosts slip and conditioning in shave/serum.

Essential oils:

Apple - Sweet and uplifting; known for skin-softening and toning properties.

Australian tea tree - Powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties; great for acne-prone skin.

Bergamot - Brightens skin tone and helps reduce blemishes and stress.

Bulgarian rose floral wax - Moisturizing and aromatic; a natural way to enjoy the scent and benefits of roses.

Cedarwood - Grounding scent; soothes skin and helps with excess oil production.

Chamomile - Calms irritation and inflammation; perfect for sensitive skin.

Cherry - Sweet and fruity; adds a touch of luxury and softens skin.

Clary sage - Balances skin oils; soothing for hormonal and sensitive skin types.

Coconut - Adds tropical fragrance and mild moisturizing effects.

Dutch Lavender - Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus - Clarifies the skin and senses; great for congestion and oily skin.

Frankincense - Supports skin tone and elasticity; promotes a calm, even complexion.

Geranium - Balances oil production; tones and revitalizes the skin; antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Grapefruit - Helps improve skin tone, balance oily complexions, and reduce the appearance of blemishes; antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help to kill acne-causing bacteria and cleanse pores of excess oil and dirt.

Helichrysum - Powerful anti-inflammatory; helps reduce scarring and supports skin regeneration.

Honeysuckle - Soothing floral aroma; calms and softens skin.

Jasmine - Deeply hydrating and luxurious; helps improve elasticity and radiance.

Lavender - Soothes irritation and promotes relaxation; ideal for all skin types; clean, herbaceous calm for skin and home.

Lemon - Brightens and clarifies; helps reduce oiliness and freshen skin.

Lemongrass - Cleansing and toning; helps with acne-prone skin and boosts circulation.

Lilac - Delicate floral scent; softens skin and provides a mood-lifting aroma.

Lime - Energizing and purifying; adds a fresh burst of citrus to skin care.

Lotus - Hydrates and improves the appearance of dull, tired skin.

Magnolia - Rich in antioxidants; adds a sweet floral scent and promotes calm.

Orange - Energizes and softens skin; promotes collagen production.

Peach - Light, fruity scent; helps to tone and nourish the skin.

Peppermint - Cooling and refreshing; great for tired skin and mental clarity.

Pure May Chang - Excellent astringent for oily and congested skin; balances natural pH levels and retain hydration; skin-purifying and cleansing effects.

Roman chamomile - Deeply soothing; relieves redness and supports sensitive skin.

Rose - Hydrates and enhances skin tone; romantic and rejuvenating.

Rosemary - antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; helps regulate sebum production; antioxidant.

Sage - Anti-inflammatory reducing redness; antibacterial and antifungal properties; and improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis

Sandalwood - Moisturizing and calming; helps reduce dryness and inflammation.

Spearmint - Gently refreshing and uplifting; clarifies the skin and mind.

Strawberry - Fruity and softening; adds sweetness and antioxidant benefits.

Sweet orange - Cheerful and bright; energizes and refreshes skin tone.

Tangerine - Brightens skin; mild and soothing citrus aroma.

Tea tree - Antimicrobial and acne-fighting; clarifies and detoxifies.

Thyme - Crisp herbal edge; used sparingly in home formulas.

Vanilla - Warm, calming aroma; rich in antioxidants and deeply soothing.

Watermelon - Hydrating and toning; refreshing and subtly fruity.

Ylang ylang - Balances oil production and adds a luxurious floral note.