When you look at the ingredients for products, especially in the cosmetics industry, you may often be left feeling confused. I can’t even pronounce half the things on the back of most lotion or shampoo bottles! Sometimes other ingredients, while I may be able to pronounce them, I have no idea what they are or why they are used. I’d like to explain some of the ingredients that I use in Mudhoney products, and touch on why I use them. This list does not include every ingredient used in Mudhoney products – just some of the more commonly used ones that you may not already know about. If you have questions about any Mudhoney ingredients please feel free to contact me.
Baobab Protein (Hydrolyzed): This protein comes from the seeds of the Adansonia digitata tree in Africa (also know as the “Upside Down Tree” or the “Tree of Life.” Baobab protein is used instead of silicones in Mudhoney hair and skin care products. (Mudhoney does not use silicones in any products. Silicones can create the illusion of shiny, healthy hair however, they can be damaging to hair with prolonged use.) Baobab protein is actually a hair repair superstar and contains amino acids which excel in repairing and preventing damage in both hair and skin care applications. Baobab protein helps to condition and protect hair, making it smoother, stronger and softer. It also does a superior job in skin care applications, preventing damage from UV rays and aging.
BTMS 50 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate with Cetyl Alcohol and Butylene Glycol): Now that is a mouthful – but don’t panic. BTMS is the Emulsifier of choice for Mudhoney products. An emulsifier is necessary any time that you want to incorporate both oil based and water based substances in the same product. You can not mix oil and water together, without using something to bond them. That is where BTMS 50 comes in. Mudhoney uses this particular emulsifier because it is gentle, it has conditioning properties for both hair and skin, and it is extremely effective. The “50” at the end of it’s name relates to the percentage of Behentrimonium Methosulfate compared to Cetyl Alcohol and Butylene Glycol (i.e. BTMS 25 is also a product that could be used, but only contains 25 % Behentrimonium Methosulfate.)
Cetyl Alcohol: So you see the word “Alcohol” and you automatically think “BAD,” right? Wrong! Cetyl Alcohol is not related to drying alcohols like ethyl or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. It is actually quite the opposite and is used for a variety of reasons in both hair and skin care. In Mudhoney hair care products it is used because it helps to add slip (detangling properties), as well as condition and soften the hair. In lotions and creams, it helps to thicken the product, helps to bind oil and water-based ingredients, and soften the skin.
Illipe Butter: Illipe Butter is known for it’s incredible moisturizing properties and it’s ability to restore elasticity to hair and skin. It closely resembles Cocoa Butter, but is much harder and has a much higher melting point. This is one reason that it is used in most Mudhoney Lip Balms. It has also been found to aid in the healing of ulcers – specifically in the mouth, which makes it perfect for lip balm. Illipe butter is harvested from fallen nuts from the Illlipe tree which grow in the Borneo forest in the South Pacific.
Kokum Butter: Kokum Butter is a relatively hard butter that comes from the Garcinia tree. It is know for it’s ability to nurture damaged skin and hair as well as soothe inflamed skin. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, without leaving a greasy feeling.
Quinoa Protein (Hydrolyzed): Quinoa Protein is extracted from (you guessed it), quinoa. It acts as a gentle and natural coating that protects and nourishes hair follicles from within. It contains essential amino acids that strengthen and protect the hair shaft and also promote hair growth. It offers conditioning properties to both hair and skin and can assist in repairing damage to both by forming a protective barrier to protect from environmental stresses. With continued use it has been proven to increase shine and decrease frizz in hair.
Silk Protein (Hydrolyzed): Hydrolyzed Silk aids in moisture retention (silk can retain 10,000 times its weight in water), which results in optimum conditioning and increased strength. Silk links hair fibers to improve elasticity, resiliency and restore moisture balance to both hair and skin.
Mudhoney Skin and Hair Care 