Glossary
A

Algin
This soothing, water-absorbing algae extract is commonly added to skin care products to offer a moisture barrier, optimal for hydration and healing.

Aloe Vera
With the same pH as skin, aloe vera extract is extremely soothing and cooling. It's an effective healing agent to treat inflammation, wounds and itchy skin.

Argan Oil
This fast-absorbing, vitamin E-rich extract is a favorite for skin care brands because of its unique ability to moisturize, smooth and strengthen skin and hair.

Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is the natural oil pressed from the pulp of an avocado. It is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. When applied to the skin, it nourishes and moisturizes - leaving a pet's coat feeling silky and shiny.
B

Bacteria
Microscopic single-celled organisms lacking a distinct nucleus. They may be shaped like spheres, rods, or spirals. They inhabit virtually all environments, including soil, water, organic matter, and the bodies of humans and animals.

Biodegradable
Capable of being broken down, especially into innocuous products by the action of living things (such as microorganisms).

BioKore™
Skout's Honor's proprietary ingredient in our cleaning products. It is a powerful, plant-derived surfactant (or surface tension reducer) and works by saturating and absorbing the stain through osmosis, then breaking it down. The process makes it easy to remove even the most stubborn stain from any water-safe surface quickly, efficiently and safely with no toxic residue.
D

Decyl Glucoside
Ideal for sensitive skin, this mild, coconut-derived surfactant is typically found in natural cleansers and shampoos.

Dysbiosis
A microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body.
M

Mānuka Honey
Manuka honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. It has been hailed as a go-to germ fighter in an age of resistance to conventional antibiotics, and is frequently used as a natural ointment to treat would infections and other skin conditions.

Microbiome
A community of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit a particular environment and especially the collection of microorganisms living in or on the body.
P

pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A healthy human pH range for skin is 4.5 to 6.5. For dogs, a healthy range is between 6 and 8.5.
S

Sulfates
These cleansing agents remove dirt and oil and are responsible for creating lather. There are more than 100 different varieties — some synthetic, others from natural sources, like coconut or palm oil. They're found in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and shaving creams. All types have the potential to dry and irritate the skin. They've come under scrutiny in recent years for their potential damage to the environment. Skout's Honor products are always sulfate-free.
Y

Yeast Infection
Symptoms of a pet's yeast infection may include intense itchiness, skin irritation, and redness/inflammation, especially around the ears, between the paw pads and digits, and on the nasal folds, armpits, and neck. The root cause of re-occuring yeast infections is due to the intense overgrowth of 'bad' bacteria on the skin.