Last updated: May 19, 2026

Our Ingredient Philosophy

Every ingredient in a Terra product has a story — where it came from, why we chose it, and what it does for your skin. We don't compromise on quality because we believe your body deserves the same care you'd give it if you made everything yourself.

Our Sourcing Criteria

Before any ingredient enters our studio, it must meet these four non-negotiable standards:

Botanical Origin

Every ingredient must come from a plant source. No petroleum derivatives, no synthetic compounds, no artificial colors or fragrances.

100% plant-based

Ethical Sourcing

We prioritize suppliers who pay fair wages, use sustainable harvesting methods, and invest in their local communities.

Fair trade certified where available

Purity Standards

Essential oils must be 100% pure, not diluted or extended with carrier oils. Extracts must be from the specified plant species.

GC/MS tested for purity

Cruelty-Free

No ingredient testing on animals. No animal-derived ingredients. Period.

Leaping Bunny certified suppliers

What We Never Use

Transparency means telling you not just what's in our products, but what we deliberately leave out. Here are the ingredients you'll never find in a Terra product:

Sulfates (SLS, SLES)

Harsh surfactants that strip natural oils and irritate skin. We use gentle, plant-derived alternatives.

Parabens

Synthetic preservatives with concerning health data. We use natural preservation systems or anhydrous formulations.

Synthetic Fragrances

Can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. We use only pure essential oils for scent.

Petroleum Derivatives

Mineral oil, petrolatum, and other petroleum byproducts. We use plant-based oils and butters instead.

Phthalates

Used to make fragrances last longer; linked to hormone disruption. Not in our studio, ever.

Artificial Colors

FD&C dyes and synthetic colorants. We use natural clays, botanical extracts, and mineral pigments.

From Farm to Formula

We know our suppliers personally. Here are stories from some of our key ingredient partnerships:

Lavender Essential Oil

Provence, France

From a family-owned distillery in the heart of lavender country. Steam-distilled within hours of harvest for maximum potency.

Shea Butter

Ghana

Hand-processed by women's cooperatives using traditional methods. Unrefined to preserve all natural vitamins and fatty acids.

Olive Oil

California, USA

Extra virgin, cold-pressed from organic groves. The same quality you'd use in your kitchen — because your skin deserves it.

Coconut Oil

Philippines

Organic, virgin coconut oil from sustainable farms. We use multiple grades for different formulation needs.

Our Testing Process

Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of essential oil and botanical extract comes with a COA verifying identity, purity, and potency.

Sensory Evaluation

We smell, feel, and examine every ingredient. Quality shows up in the senses before it shows up in a lab report.

Small Batch Trials

New ingredients are tested in micro-batches before entering production formulas. Performance must match purity.

Stability Testing

Finished products are monitored over time to ensure the natural preservation systems we've chosen are effective.

Questions About Our Ingredients?

We're transparent about what goes into our products. If you have questions about a specific ingredient or sourcing practice, we're happy to answer.