Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the foundation of Root Milk. Sourced from the leaves of the aloe plant, it’s naturally rich in water, polysaccharides, vitamins, and amino acids, making it a popular ingredient for calming and hydrating the skin.
Why we use it: We chose aloe instead of plain water as the primary ingredient to create a more nourishing base that helps hydrate and comfort the scalp.
What to know: Aloe is loved for its soothing properties, but it’s not a cure-all. It works best as part of a balanced formula alongside other hydrating and scalp-supporting ingredients.
Propanediol is a plant-derived humectant, most commonly made from sustainably sourced corn sugar. It helps attract moisture while improving the texture and feel of the formula.
Why we use it: It boosts hydration, enhances ingredient absorption, and gives Root Milk its lightweight, silky texture.
What to know: Propanediol is often used as an alternative to petroleum-derived glycols and is generally well tolerated by most skin types.
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Water is a botanical distillate made from stinging nettle leaves. It’s long been used in traditional hair care because of its naturally occurring minerals and antioxidants.
Why we use it: We chose nettle leaf water to help refresh and support the scalp while complementing the rest of our botanical ingredients.
What to know: While nettle has a long history of traditional use, research on topical hair benefits is still evolving. We include it because it supports our overall scalp-first approach—not because we believe one ingredient does everything.
Lactobacillus/Nereocystis Luetkeana Ferment Filtrate is a fermented sea kelp ingredient made from bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) and beneficial Lactobacillus cultures. Fermentation helps break down the kelp into smaller, more bioavailable compounds while preserving many of its naturally occurring minerals, polysaccharides, and nutrients.
Why we use it: We chose this ingredient to help hydrate and comfort the scalp while supporting a healthy scalp environment without adding heaviness.
What to know: Fermented ingredients are valued for their ability to deliver lightweight hydration. They’re supportive ingredients—not miracle ingredients—and work best as part of a thoughtfully balanced formula.
Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring component of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). It helps attract and retain moisture.
Why we use it: It helps keep the scalp hydrated and comfortable while reducing the feeling of dryness.
What to know: Because it’s naturally found in healthy skin, Sodium PCA is known for being effective without feeling sticky or heavy.
Panthenol, also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, is a conditioning ingredient that attracts moisture and helps improve the feel of both hair and skin.
Why we use it: It helps leave hair feeling softer while supporting scalp hydration.
What to know: Panthenol won’t permanently repair damaged hair, but it can temporarily improve softness, manageability, and moisture retention.
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide is a naturally derived peptide sourced from peas. It’s commonly used in scalp and hair care formulations to support healthier-looking hair.
Why we use it: We included pea peptides because they complement our scalp-focused approach and help support the appearance of fuller, healthier-looking hair.
What to know: Hair growth is influenced by many factors, including genetics and overall health. Peptides are supportive ingredients—not guaranteed solutions—and work best with consistent use.
Chondrus Crispus (Irish Moss) is a species of red seaweed naturally rich in minerals and polysaccharides.
Why we use it: We love Irish Moss for its lightweight hydration and ability to help leave the scalp feeling soft and comfortable without creating buildup.
What to know: Despite its name, Irish Moss isn’t actually moss—it’s a type of red seaweed. Its naturally occurring polysaccharides help give the formula a silky, elegant feel.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient made by combining glucose from plant starches (typically corn) with fatty alcohols sourced from coconut or sustainably sourced palm kernel oil. Its job isn’t to cleanse your hair—it’s to help keep the formula evenly blended.
Why we use it: It keeps the ingredients uniformly dispersed for a stable, consistent serum.
What to know: While it’s commonly used in cleansers because of its mild cleansing properties, it’s included in Root Milk solely as a solubilizer—not as a cleansing ingredient.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a naturally occurring antioxidant most commonly sourced from vegetable oils such as sunflower or soybean. In cosmetic formulations, it’s valued for helping protect ingredients from oxidation and maintaining product quality over time.
Why we use it: We include Vitamin E to help support the stability and freshness of Root Milk throughout its shelf life.
What to know: Vitamin E is often associated with skin and hair nourishment, but in this formula its primary role is to help protect the product itself from oxidation rather than serve as a conditioning ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It attracts and holds water, helping maintain hydration.
Why we use it: It provides lightweight hydration to the scalp without leaving behind a greasy or heavy feeling.
What to know: Unlike heavier oils or butters, Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates with water rather than creating an occlusive layer, making it ideal for lightweight formulations.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is steam distilled from rosemary leaves and has become one of the most well-known botanical ingredients in scalp care.
Why we use it: We use rosemary essential oil to complement our scalp-supporting formula and provide a naturally fresh herbal aroma.
What to know: Rosemary oil has gained attention for its potential scalp benefits, but no single ingredient can guarantee hair growth. We use it as one piece of a thoughtfully formulated system, not as a miracle ingredient.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree.
Why we use it: It helps leave the scalp feeling refreshed and contributes to a clean, invigorating experience.
What to know: Tea tree oil is highly concentrated, which is why it’s used at low levels. While many people enjoy its refreshing properties, those with very sensitive skin should always patch test new products.
Phenoxyethanol is a widely used cosmetic preservative that helps protect water-based products from bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Why we use it: We use Phenoxyethanol to help keep Root Milk safe and stable from the first application to the last.
What to know: Because Root Milk contains water-based ingredients, an effective preservative system is essential. Phenoxyethanol is one of the most thoroughly studied preservatives used in modern cosmetics and is considered safe when used within established regulatory limits.
Caprylyl Glycol is a multifunctional ingredient derived from plant-based fatty acids. It supports the preservative system while also contributing to the feel of the formula.
Why we use it: We use Caprylyl Glycol to boost the effectiveness of our preservative system and help Root Milk maintain its lightweight, elegant finish.
What to know: Although it has moisturizing properties, its primary purpose in this formula is to support preservation and overall product stability.
Sorbic Acid is a preservative originally discovered in the berries of the rowan tree, though cosmetic-grade Sorbic Acid is now manufactured for consistency and purity.
Why we use it: We use Sorbic Acid as part of our preservative system to help protect the formula from yeast and mold throughout its intended shelf life.
What to know: No single preservative protects against every type of microorganism. Sorbic Acid works alongside other preservatives to create a more complete preservation system.
