Ingredients. What's In. What's Not.
Looking for some reasons to use products that have natural, organic or essential oil ingredients? Here are important ones to consider and why going natural is best.
They're Safer Organic, essential oils and food grade ingredients are absorbed into the body and so, by avoiding many synthetics you are avoiding the negative health effects; this results in you feeling better, being healthier and looking your best.
They're Packed with Beneficial Nutrients Organic, essential oils and natural products are filled with familiar-sounding ingredients such as jojoba oil, argan oil, she butter, apricot kernel oil, and so on.. These ingredients are actually beneficial and are good for you. In addition, they contain vitamins and compounds such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and more, all of which help the body to function at optimal levels.
They're Better for the Environment Organic, essential oils and food grade products are better for the environment than many of those made from synthetics. Products created from natural ingredients, and sustainably sourced, do not harm animals and plants nor the surrounding eco-systems, nor place stresses on the environment or cause pollution issues.
They're Easy on Your Skin For most, natural products are free of irritants. That said, certain individuals are highly sensitive; please read each of our ingredient listings carefully.
ZEVA INGREDIENTS THAT MATTER
Sourced from the earth. No synthetics, no fillers, no fragrance oils.
They are all Certified Organic or food-grade ingredients that have a higher standard in purity, safety, and purpose. Enjoy!
ALMOND OIL (Prunus Amygdalus) Natural, essential oil known for softening the skin. Dates back to Cleopatra. Wonderful smell. Used by aromatherapists to sooth nerves and stimulate the senses.
APRICOT KERNEL OIL (Prunus Armeniaca) Extracted from apricot kernels, it has a very high Vitamin E content. Known for its rapid absorption ability. Extremely high in oleic acid and linoleic acid, it is very similar to avocado oil and sesame oil, all known for excellent moisturizing and skin softening properties.
ARGAN OIL (Argania Spinosa Nut Oil) Rich in Omega 6 fatty acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin F, Argan oil quickly penetrates skin to help restore the skin’s hydro-lipid layer and promote excellent moisture retention. Argan oil contains triterpenoids, an anti-microbial, that reduces inflammation and helps skin heal.
BEESWAX Hydrates, conditions, soothes, and calms the skin. It exfoliates, repairs damage, promotes the skin’s regeneration, diminishes the appearance of the signs of aging, soothes itchiness and irritation, and creates a hydrating, long-lasting protective barrier against environmental pollutants.
BORAGE OIL (Borago Officinalis Seed Oil) This very valuable oil is the richest source of the essential fatty acid known as gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This oil helps restore skins moisture, smoothness and elasticity as well as alleviating inflammatory symptoms associated with hangnails.
COCONUT OIL Used for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reinforce your skin's protective barrier, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated. It is also believed to increase collagen production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Praised for its all-natural ability to make our skin feel irresistibly supple, hydrated, and all-around radiant.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (Oenothera Biennis) This essential oil, extremely high in Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA, an important fatty acid), has been used topically for thousands of years to moisturize, soften and smooth inflamed skin.
GRAPE SEED OIL (Vitis Vinifera) This lightweight oils is rich in essential fatty acids (especially Linoleic), antioxidants and Vitamin E, and is a superior skin moisturizer and conditioner.
JOJOBA OIL (Simmondsia Chinesis) Very similar in composition to human sebum, the skin’s natural restorative fluid. Penetrates the skin’s lipid layer quickly, reducing moisture loss and improving flexibility and elasticity.
MARACUJA OIL (Passionfruit) Rich in vitamins A, E, C, and calcium and phosphorus, Maracuja oil's high content of essential fatty acids and light texture makes it valuable in treating wrinkles & dry aging skin. It can inhibit the production of melanin; which makes this oil a natural alternative for treating hyperpigmentation.
ROSEHIP OIL High in vitamin A, E, C, and omega fatty acids 3,6, and 9, Rosehip oil's small molecular structure penetrates the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Brightens and evens out the skin, regenerates and heals, helps with anti-aging, elasticity, and collagen production.
SAFFLOWER OIL (Carthamus Tinctorius) Natural oil with skin softening properties.
SESAME OIL (Sesamum Indicum) Absorbs quickly and is known for its skin softening properties.
SHEA BUTTER Considered a superfood for the skin as it is rich in unsaturated fats, with a large proportion of non-saponifiable components, essential fatty acids, vitamins E and D, phytosterols, provitamin A, and allantoin. Shea butter can nourish the skin with its fat content. It can also help to soften the skin on your hands and feet and make it supple. It penetrates the skin easily to heal cracked heels, dry cuticles, and rough patches on your skin, without clogging the pores.
SOYBEAN OIL (Glycine Soja) Contains an abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids and is an excellent source of Vitamin E. Used for thousands of years, it has superior moisturizing abilities that help soften skin.
TEA TREE OIL (Metaleuca Alternifolia) Natural essential oil derived by distilling the leaves of the Southern Australian Metaleuca tree. This oil is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. It penetrates the skin quickly and soothes inflamed skin.
TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E) A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, long know for promoting healthy tissue. Vitamin E is thought to be the most important antioxidant in the body due to its protective effect on cell membranes.
TOCOTRIENOLl (A super-potent form of Vitamin E) 40-60 times more effective in preventing free radical damage. Research suggests that tocotrienols are more biologi-cally acceptable and are preferentially absorbed by the body and skin to help prevent oxidation of the skin’s collagen matrix, and prevent nails from cracking.
WHEAT GERM OIL (Octacosanol) Extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel, a powerful anti-oxidant due to its high, natural Vitamin E content. It contains Lecithin and a high percentage of essential fatty acids that are vital for healthy skin. It is also a natural preservative.
THE ZEVA "NO-NO" INGREDIENT LISTNail polish is not organic or natural. However, it can be safe!
ZEVA nail polishes use only ingredients that are safe for you and the planet, and have been approved by the FDA as non-toxic.
The following are never used in our formulations:
- Dibutyl phthalate is a respiratory irritant, which poses the most hazard to nail technicians who may become exposed to large amounts.
- TPHP (Triphenyl phosphate) is a plasticizer, as well as a fire retardant, and studies have linked it to changes in normal hormone function.
- Toluene is a solvent used in polish to help it dry quickly; the health concerns associated with excessive exposure to this ingredient may include nervous system impairment and immune, kidney, liver, and reproductive effects.
- Xylene, when exposed to high concentrations in the air, can cause central nervous system depression and headaches.
- Ethyl tosylamide is banned from use in cosmetics by the European Commission but is still used in the United States. This ingredient is suspected of causing developmental and reproductive toxicity.
- Camphor is a fragrant resin still included in many nail products, but it can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness in high amounts.
- Formaldehyde resin can release formaldehyde; the short-term effects of formaldehyde exposure include respiratory and skin irritation. Long-term exposure is suspected to cause cancer.
- Parabens are a common preservative but are a suspected endocrine disruptor.
- Tert-butyl hydroperoxide may be toxic to blood, lungs, liver, the respiratory system and the central nervous system.