Prep U Ingredient Glossary

At Prep U, we believe teens and parents deserve total transparency about what goes into every product. Our Ingredient Glossary lists every clean, plant-based, and safe ingredient we use—so you know exactly what’s going on your skin. Explore the benefits of each ingredient and why it’s included in our formulas for healthy, confident skin.

Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil)
What it is: A deeply conditioning plant oil.
Why we use it: Soothes and hydrates sensitive skin.
Benefits: Supports skin barrier, reduces dryness.

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil)
What it is: Nourishing, antimicrobial oil.
Why we use it: Hydrates, soothes, and locks in moisture.
Benefits: Helps prevent dryness and irritation.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil)
What it is: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oil similar to skin’s natural sebum.
Why we use it: Balances oil production and locks in moisture.
Benefits: Ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone.

Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil)
What it is: Antioxidant-rich fruit oil.
Why we use it: Gently cleanses and supports a healthy skin barrier.
Benefits: Softens and protects skin with vitamins and nutrients.

Olive Squalane (Squalane)
What it is: A plant-derived emollient from olives.
Why we use it: Mimics skin’s natural oils for deep hydration.
Benefits: Softens, hydrates, and maintains a healthy skin barrier.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter)
What it is: Rich, nourishing butter.
Why we use it: Hydrates, softens, and protects skin with fatty acids and vitamins.
Benefits: Supports skin elasticity and soothes irritation.

Amyris Essential Oil (Amyris Balsamifera Oil)
What it is: Light, sweet-scented oil.
Why we use it: Calms and soothes delicate skin.
Benefits: Adds a gentle aroma and calming properties.

Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil)
What it is: Uplifting citrus oil.
Why we use it: Balances oily skin and gently cleanses.
Benefits: Brightens and refreshes skin.

Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia Sclarea Oil)
What it is: Calming, balancing oil.
Why we use it: Helps regulate oil production and soothes irritation.
Benefits: Great for sensitive or oily skin.

Coriander Essential Oil (Coriandrum Sativum Seed Oil)
What it is: Antioxidant-rich oil.
Why we use it: Purifies and refreshes skin.
Benefits: Supports a clear complexion.

Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia Carterii Oil)
What it is: Soothing, restorative oil.
Why we use it: Calms, rejuvenates, and supports skin healing.
Benefits: Reduces redness and irritation.

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens Oil)
What it is: Floral, balancing oil.
Why we use it: Balances oil production and soothes irritation.
Benefits: Ideal for combination and sensitive skin.

Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil)
What it is: Refreshing citrus oil.
Why we use it: Cleanses, tones, and refreshes skin.
Benefits: Invigorates and brightens.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil)
What it is: Gentle, floral oil.
Why we use it: Calms, soothes, and promotes skin healing.
Benefits: Reduces irritation and supports relaxation.

Neem Tree Essential Oil (Azadirachta Indica Oil)
What it is: Antibacterial, antifungal oil.
Why we use it: Soothes and protects problem skin.
Benefits: Supports clear, healthy skin.

Orange Essential Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)
What it is: Sweet citrus oil.
Why we use it: Brightens, refreshes, and cleanses skin.
Benefits: Helps tone and invigorate.

Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil)
What it is: Cooling, refreshing oil.
Why we use it: Soothes irritation and refreshes skin.
Benefits: Provides a cooling sensation and helps reduce redness.

Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil)
What it is: Invigorating, clarifying oil.
Why we use it: Stimulates and refreshes skin.
Benefits: Promotes clarity and revitalization.

Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum Album Oil)
What it is: Woody, hydrating oil.
Why we use it: Soothes and revitalizes dry or sensitive skin.
Benefits: Supports moisture balance and calms irritation.

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil)
What it is: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory oil.
Why we use it: Helps prevent breakouts and soothes skin.
Benefits: Ideal for acne-prone and irritated skin.

Vetiver Essential Oil (Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil)
What it is: Earthy, balancing oil.
Why we use it: Supports skin’s moisture balance.
Benefits: Calms and hydrates.

Bentonite Clay (Bentonite)
What it is: Natural mineral clay.
Why we use it: Detoxifies and draws out impurities.
Benefits: Absorbs excess oil and soothes skin.

Charcoal Powder (Activated Charcoal/Charcoal Powder)
What it is: Purified, activated carbon.
Why we use it: Removes dirt, oil, and toxins from pores.
Benefits: Deep cleans and clarifies.

French Green Clay (Illite)
What it is: Mineral-rich clay.
Why we use it: Gently exfoliates, tightens pores, and nourishes skin.
Benefits: Improves texture and clarity.

Oatmeal (Avena Sativa Kernel Flour)
What it is: Finely ground oats.
Why we use it: Calms and nourishes sensitive or irritated skin.
Benefits: Soothes itching and redness.

Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)
What it is: Hydrating plant extract.
Why we use it: Soothes and helps repair sensitive or irritated skin.
Benefits: Promotes healing and hydration.

Arnica (Arnica Montana Flower Extract)
What it is: Flower-based extract.
Why we use it: Calms inflammation and supports healing.
Benefits: Reduces redness and irritation.

Chickweed Extract (Stellaria Media Extract)
What it is: Botanical extract.
Why we use it: Soothes and calms irritated or sensitive skin.
Benefits: Supports skin comfort.

Cleavers (Galium Aparine Extract)
What it is: Detoxifying herb extract.
Why we use it: Supports skin detoxification and calms irritation.
Benefits: Promotes clear, balanced skin.

Gotu Kola Extract (Centella Asiatica Extract)
What it is: Healing botanical.
Why we use it: Promotes skin healing and reduces redness.
Benefits: Supports skin renewal and repair.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana Extract)
What it is: Natural astringent.
Why we use it: Calms, tones, and reduces inflammation.
Benefits: Soothes and clarifies skin.

Arrowroot Powder (Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder)
What it is: Plant-based powder.
Why we use it: Absorbs moisture for dry, comfortable skin.
Benefits: Keeps skin fresh and smooth.

Cetrimonium Chloride (Cetrimonium Chloride)
What it is: Conditioning agent.
Why we use it: Keeps hair soft, smooth, and manageable; prevents static.
Benefits: Improves hair texture.

Citric Acid (Citric Acid)
What it is: Natural fruit acid.
Why we use it: Balances pH and preserves freshness.
Benefits: Maintains product stability and skin compatibility.

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
What it is: Mineral salt.
Why we use it: Gently exfoliates and soothes skin; relaxes muscles.
Benefits: Calms and refreshes.

Gluconolactone (Gluconolactone)
What it is: Polyhydroxy acid (PHA).
Why we use it: Gently exfoliates, hydrates, and protects with antioxidants.
Benefits: Smooths and brightens skin.

Kaolin Clay (Kaolin)
What it is: Gentle white clay.
Why we use it: Absorbs oil and soothes sensitive skin.
Benefits: Reduces shine and irritation.

Magnesium Hydroxide (Magnesium Hydroxide)
What it is: Mineral compound.
Why we use it: Neutralizes odor and balances skin pH in deodorants.
Benefits: Keeps skin fresh.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) (Sodium Bicarbonate)
What it is: Natural deodorizer.
Why we use it: Neutralizes odor and balances pH.
Benefits: Keeps skin odor-free.

Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids (Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids)
What it is: Plant-derived cleanser.
Why we use it: Provides mild, effective cleansing without irritation.
Benefits: Maintains skin’s natural balance.

Tapioca Starch (Tapioca Starch)
What it is: Plant-based starch.
Why we use it: Absorbs excess moisture.
Benefits: Keeps skin dry and comfortable.

Vegetable Glycerin (Glycerin)
What it is: Natural humectant.
Why we use it: Attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Benefits: Softens and smooths.

Zinc Oxide (Zinc Oxide)
What it is: Mineral compound.
Why we use it: Provides soothing, protective, and deodorizing benefits.
Benefits: Soothes and protects skin.

Zinc Ricinoleate (Zinc Ricinoleate)
What it is: Odor-absorbing compound.
Why we use it: Traps and absorbs odor molecules.
Benefits: Keeps deodorant formulas effective.

Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol)
What it is: Gentle preservative.
Why we use it: Keeps products safe and stable by preventing bacteria and mold growth.
Benefits: Maintains product freshness.

Sodium Benzoate (Sodium Benzoate)
What it is: Food-grade preservative.
Why we use it: Prevents growth of bacteria and mold in water-based products.
Benefits: Ensures safety and longevity.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (Tocopherol)
What it is: Natural antioxidant.
Why we use it: Protects skin and preserves product freshness.
Benefits: Supports healthy skin and product stability.

Potassium Hydroxide (Potassium Hydroxide)
What it is: Natural alkaline compound.
Why we use it: Used in saponification to turn oils into soap; ensures a smooth, effective lather.
Benefits: Leaves no residue in finished product.

Saponified Oils (Saponified Oils)
What it is: Oils combined with lye to make soap.
Why we use it: Creates gentle, effective cleansers.
Benefits: Cleanses without harshness or residue.