Beaver Scrub · 3 active ingredients · 3 cited studies

Behind The Beaver Scrub.

The Beaver Scrub is primarily a cleaning product. Its scientific basis lies in degreasing chemistry, surfactant action, and mechanical exfoliation — not dermatologic healing. The research below supports the functional design of the formula: how it actually pulls grease and oil off your hands without stripping them raw.

2 ingredients with MODERATE evidence
1 ingredient with SUPPORTING research
GRAS All ingredients at cosmetic use concentrations

The chemistry

Three jobs. Three molecules.

A hand cleaner that works on shop grease needs three things working in parallel: a solvent that dissolves hydrocarbons, a surfactant that emulsifies and lifts, and an absorbent that locks contaminants into the foam so they rinse clean. Beaver Scrub gives each one a dedicated active.

STAGE 01 · DISSOLVE D-LIMONENE CITRUS TERPENE · SOLVENT grease Hydrocarbon dissolution STAGE 02 · EMULSIFY SLSA MILD SURFACTANT · FOAM Grease trapped in foam micelles STAGE 03 · ABSORB KAOLIN CLAY · OIL ABSORBER Residual oils absorbed by clay SCHEMATIC · PARALLEL ACTION DURING SCRUB
The three actives operate in parallel during a 30–60 second scrub. D-Limonene dissolves the hydrocarbon component of mechanical grease. SLSA produces dense foam that emulsifies and suspends the dissolved grease. Kaolin clay absorbs residual oils into its silicate sheet structure, so they wash away with the rinse instead of redepositing on skin.

Every active, every citation

The receipts.

01

D-Limonene

INCI · d-Limonene

●●○ MODERATE EVIDENCE

Citrus-derived terpene used industrially as a petroleum solvent. Documented as an effective dissolver of grease, oil, and hardened lubricant residue. Used at 3–10% in commercial hand cleaners. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) at cosmetic concentrations.

Safety + Solvent Review · 2007

Sun, J. "D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications." Alternative Medicine Review, 12(3), 259–264.

Finding: Reviews documented use of d-limonene as a degreasing solvent. Demonstrated to dissolve heavy hydrocarbons. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) at cosmetic concentrations.

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Penetration Enhancement · 2008

Anand, P., et al. "Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises." Molecular Pharmaceutics, 4(6), 807–818.

Finding: Notes d-limonene's role as a penetration enhancer in topical formulations — aids the delivery of other actives through the stratum corneum.

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02

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)

INCI · Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

●○○ SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Not to be confused with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). SLSA is a chemically distinct mild anionic surfactant. It generates the dense foam and emulsifies oils without the harsh stripping action that makes SLS controversial in modern formulations.

CIR Safety Assessment · 2019

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). "Safety Assessment of Sulfoacetic Acid and Salts as Used in Cosmetics." International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 5S–19S.

Finding: CIR Expert Panel concluded SLSA is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetic products. Notes significantly lower skin irritation potential vs SLS.

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03

Kaolin Clay

INCI · Kaolin

●●○ MODERATE EVIDENCE

Naturally-occurring hydrated aluminum silicate clay. Documented oil-absorption and skin-cleansing properties. Used in cosmetic formulations for over a century, including in pharmaceutical-grade barrier products.

Clay Mineral Review · 2010

Williams, L.B., & Haydel, S.E. "Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents." International Geology Review, 52(7-8), 745–770.

Finding: Reviews documented antibacterial and absorbent properties of kaolin and related clays. Notes long-standing dermatologic and pharmaceutical use.

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