Your ingredient questions answered

Aluminium salts have been used for over half a century as the active ingredient in antiperspirants to control sweat and associated body odour.

Slight impurities (known as ‘traces’ or ‘trace contaminants’) can occur in some products – either because they are naturally present in raw materials, or because they arise during the manufacturing process.

Having strong, healthy teeth and gums is essential to people’s health and wellbeing. Regular brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride helps prevent cavities and improves oral hygiene.

Many people enjoy using fragranced products. To create them we only use high-quality ingredients that meet global standards set by the International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA).

Fragrances stir up memories and evoke emotions, and many people enjoy using fragranced products. To create them we only use high-quality ingredients that meet global standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA).

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic which can end up in the ocean, causing potential damage to the environment. Most come from the breakdown of larger plastics in the ocean, but some can come from their intentional use in consumer and industrial products.

Petrolatum, more commonly known as petroleum jelly, is widely used in beauty and personal care products and has a unique moisturising ability unlike many other ointments and creams.

Preservatives, as the name suggests, help keep things fresh. We use preservatives to help protect our products from bacteria, yeasts and moulds. We all know foods can spoil. Home and personal care products can deteriorate in the same way – particularly when stored in warm, humid environments, like bathrooms and kitchens that encourage the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds.

Many of the things people say they like about personal care products – from the silky effect of hair conditioners to the smooth feel of roll-on deodorants– are made possible by silicones.

Sodium hypochlorite is used in our home care products because it is a powerful and fast-acting disinfectant that combats a wide range of micro-organisms, including bacteria and viruses.

Removing dirt from clothing, dishes and our skin is an important part of daily life. From soaps and toothpastes to laundry detergents many products foam when used to unlock their cleaning action.

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is used on its own as talcum powder and as an ingredient in a range of personal care products.

Titanium dioxide is a white powder extracted from naturally occurring minerals. Sometimes referred to as TiO2, titanium white or CI 77891, it has been used for many years in a variety of different products including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.