Understanding Cosmetic Ingredients: What’s Really in Your Lotion?
Ghost Valley Farm | Transparent Skincare | Natural Ingredients Explained
Choosing a lotion that feels amazing and nourishes your skin? Absolutely. Worried about the scientific-sounding ingredients listed on the label? You’re not alone—but there’s no need to stress.
At Ghost Valley Farm, we formulate skin and hair-loving products using simple, safe, and plant-based cosmetic ingredients—many of which are grown right here in our organically managed gardens or sourced from local beekeepers and regenerative farms.
You might see long, hard-to-pronounce names on our labels. That’s because we follow INCI standards (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), which ensure that ingredients are labeled consistently across the globe. These names might sound intimidating, but they're just the official way of identifying familiar ingredients.
So, what are these ingredients—and what do they do? Let’s break it down.
Have questions about an ingredient we use? Contact us anytime.
Common Cosmetic Ingredients, Explained
BTMS-25 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol)
A plant-derived conditioning emulsifier made from colza oil (a cousin of canola), BTMS-25 leaves hair soft, manageable, and buildup-free. We use it in our conditioners and lotions to make products feel silky without greasiness.
Learn more about BTMS and its benefits →
Cetyl Alcohol
Not your average “alcohol”—cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener, emollient, and stabilizer. It gives lotions their creamy texture while helping your skin retain moisture.
What is cetyl alcohol and is it safe? →
Cetearyl Alcohol
A blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, this fatty alcohol helps emulsify oil and water. It’s a key ingredient in many natural moisturizers and conditioners and helps support your skin barrier function.
Honeyquat
A moisture-binding agent derived from real honey, honeyquat leaves hair shiny, soft, and easier to comb. It also helps keep skin supple and hydrated, especially in dry climates or after sun exposure.
Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein
Sourced from ethically obtained sheep’s wool, hydrolyzed keratin mimics the protein structure of your own skin, hair, and nails. It helps restore damaged hair, reduce breakage, and add natural shine.
Isopropyl Myristate
This lightweight emollient enhances absorption, smooths skin, and cuts through oily textures. Incredible in rich lotions that still feel dry to the touch. Perfect for normal to dry skin types.
Polyquaternium-7 (Polyquat-7)
This water-soluble conditioning agent gives hair "slip" for easier detangling and reduces static and frizz. In skincare, it smooths and softens without heaviness.
Polysorbate 80
A gentle emulsifier that keeps bath oils from separating and prevents soap colorants from staining towels or tubs. Commonly used in natural bath bombs and oil-based body scrubs.
Sodium Lactate
A naturally derived humectant and pH regulator made from fermented sugar. It’s more moisturizing than glycerin and also used in soapmaking to harden bars and improve mold release.
Titanium Dioxide
A naturally occurring mineral pigment used to whiten soaps and creams. It’s also a key ingredient in mineral sunscreens and provides UV protection. In our workshop, we use it in small amounts to brighten soaps and natural makeup formulas.
Why We Use INCI Names (and Why You Can Trust Them)
Scientific names like Cetearyl Alcohol or Behentrimonium Methosulfate might look intimidating, but they’re part of a globally recognized labeling system designed for clarity, transparency, and consistency.
At Ghost Valley Farm, we only use ingredients that meet our standards for safety, skin compatibility, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing. If we didn’t use it on our own family, it wouldn’t go into our products.
Have a question about something you saw on a label? Just ask us.
*This list is always growing—check back often as we continue to add new ingredients and updates.
