Tarro Ingredient Directory

Apricot kernel oil is a light, fast-absorbing plant oil pressed from apricot kernels. It has a fatty acid profile similar to sweet almond oil, with a slightly lighter skin feel. In cosmetic formulations, it is commonly used to improve slip, softness, and manageability in both skin and hair care products.

Argan oil is a plant oil traditionally pressed from the kernels of the argan tree. It contains a balanced mix of oleic and linoleic acids, along with naturally occurring tocopherols. In cosmetic formulations, argan oil is valued for its lightweight yet conditioning skin feel and its ability to blend well with richer lipids.

Avocado oil is a rich, oleic-acid-dominant plant oil pressed from avocado pulp. It has a heavier, more nourishing skin feel than many seed oils and contains naturally occurring unsaponifiable components that contribute to its texture. In cosmetic formulations, avocado oil is used to soften and condition the skin surface and to add richness to products designed for dry or coarse-feeling skin and hair.

A natural wax produced by honeybees, commonly used to structure balms and protect the skin surface.

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of bergamot oranges and is known for its soft citrus-floral aroma with subtle bitterness. It is widely used in perfumery and cosmetic fragrance blends for its balancing effect between citrus and floral notes.

Black seed oil is a dark, aromatic oil pressed from the seeds of Nigella sativa. It contains a mix of linoleic and oleic acids, along with naturally occurring aromatic compounds that give the oil its distinctive scent and colour. In cosmetic formulations, black seed oil is typically used in smaller amounts to add depth, character, and richness to balms and oils. Its robust profile makes it well suited to products designed for more demanding skin conditions or outdoor-focused skincare routines.

A nutrient-dense animal lipid rendered from animal bone marrow, contributing additional sterols and fatty acids to balm formulations.

Cedarwood essential oil is steam-distilled from cedarwood bark and has a warm, woody aroma. It is frequently used as a base note in fragrance blends to add depth and structure.

Flaxseed oil is pressed from flax seeds and is notable for its high content of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. This gives the oil a lightweight yet nourishing profile, though it is more delicate than high-oleic oils. In cosmetic formulations, flaxseed oil is typically used in balanced blends where its essential fatty acid content contributes to skin-conditioning benefits without dominating texture.

Geranium essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowers of Pelargonium graveolens. It has a rosy, green-floral aroma and is commonly used in cosmetic fragrance blends as a softer alternative to rose oil.

Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, which gives it a unique structure that closely resembles human sebum. This similarity contributes to its lightweight feel and excellent compatibility with both skin and hair. In cosmetic formulations, jojoba oil helps balance texture, adding slip and softness without leaving a greasy residue. It is highly resistant to oxidation, making it especially useful in products designed for daily use or extended shelf life, such as facial oils and grooming products.

Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay composed primarily of the mineral kaolinite. It is one of the mildest cosmetic clays available, making it suitable for facial cleansers, masks, and bath products. In formulations, kaolin provides a soft, silky feel and helps absorb excess surface oils, contributing to a cleaner, more refined skin sensation without harshness. Different mineral sources can give kaolin subtle variations in colour, such as white, yellow, purple, or blue, while maintaining the same gentle cosmetic function.

Lavender essential oil is a steam-distilled aromatic extract obtained from the flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia. It contains naturally occurring aromatic compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which give lavender its recognisable soft, floral-herbal scent. In cosmetic formulations, lavender essential oil is primarily valued for its fragrance profile, which blends easily with both floral and woody notes.

Meadowfoam seed oil is a unique plant oil composed largely of long-chain fatty acids, which give it exceptional stability and a silky skin feel. Unlike many lighter oils, meadowfoam resists oxidation extremely well, making it valuable in formulations designed for extended shelf life. In skincare, it provides a cushioning, velvety finish that helps balance lighter or more fluid oils.

Neroli essential oil is a steam-distilled aromatic extract from the blossoms of bitter orange trees. It’s prized in perfumery for a refined citrus-floral profile that feels fresh yet soft. Like many essential oils, it contains naturally occurring aromatic constituents (including linalool, limonene, and linalyl acetate) that shape its scent character.

Olive oil is a traditional oil rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its conditioning properties. It also contains naturally occurring minor components such as squalene and polyphenols, which contribute to its stability and skin feel. In skincare formulations, olive oil helps soften the skin surface and supports a smooth, supple finish, particularly in water-free products like balms and cleansing oils. Its long history of use in personal care makes it a familiar and trusted ingredient in lipid-based skincare.

Patchouli essential oil is steam-distilled from the dried leaves of the patchouli plant. It has a deep, earthy, woody aroma that develops and softens over time, making it a popular base note in fragrance compositions.

Peppermint essential oil is steam-distilled from peppermint leaves and contains naturally occurring menthol, which contributes to its crisp, minty aroma and cooling sensory effect. In cosmetics, peppermint oil is used sparingly to provide freshness and scent character.

Pumpkin seed oil is a dark, nutrient-dense oil pressed from pumpkin seeds. It contains a combination of linoleic and oleic acids, along with naturally occurring phytosterols that contribute to its distinctive colour and texture. In cosmetic formulations, pumpkin seed oil is often used to add depth and richness to oil blends while maintaining a smooth skin feel.

Rosemary essential oil is steam-distilled from rosemary leaves and has a sharp, herbal aroma. It is commonly used in fragrance blends for its clean, aromatic profile.

Rosehip seed oil is a fast-absorbing oil naturally rich in essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. These polyunsaturated lipids give rosehip oil its lightweight, dry-touch finish, which is often preferred in facial and body products aimed at mature or uneven-looking skin. In formulations, rosehip oil is valued for adding a refined skin feel without heaviness, helping balance richer oils and butters in more complex blends.

Sweet almond oil is a lightweight plant oil pressed from almond kernels and widely used in cosmetic formulations for its smooth texture and excellent skin tolerance. It contains a balanced ratio of oleic and linoleic acids, which contribute to a soft, conditioning skin feel without heaviness. In skincare, sweet almond oil is often chosen to improve glide and spreadability, making products feel more fluid and comfortable during application. Its mild nature makes it particularly suitable for facial, lip, and body care products designed for everyday use.

Sweet orange essential oil is cold-pressed from the peel of ripe oranges. It is rich in naturally occurring aromatic compounds such as limonene, which give it a bright, fresh citrus scent. In cosmetic products, sweet orange oil is commonly used to add a light, uplifting citrus note to fragrance blends.

Sunflower seed oil is a lightweight plant oil pressed from sunflower seeds and widely used in cosmetic formulations for its balanced fatty acid profile and smooth skin feel. It is naturally rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid commonly found in the skin’s outer barrier. In skincare, sunflower oil is valued for its ability to condition the skin surface while maintaining a light, non-greasy finish, making it particularly suitable for cleansing oils and emulsified balm cleansers.

A rendered and purified animal lipid composed primarily of triglycerides, closely resembling the lipid profile of human sebum and the stratum corneum.