Glossary Flashcards
Alcohol
Antiseptic and solvent used in perfumes, lotions, and astringents. SD alcohol is a special denatured ethyl alcohol
Alphahydroxy acid’s
Abbreviated AHA’s; acids derived from plants (mostly fruit) that are often used to exfoliate the skin; mild acids: glycolic, lactic, Malic, and tartaric acid. AHAs exfoliate by loosening the bonds between dead corneum cells and dissolve the intercellular matrix. Acids also stimulates cell renewal
Algae
Derived from minerals and photohormones; remineralizes and revitalizes the skin
Allantoin
And anti-inflammatory compound isolated from herb Comfrey; it is used in creams, hand lotion, hair lotion, aftershave, and other skin soothing cosmetics for its ability to heal wounds and skin ulcers and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue
Aloe vera
Most popular botanical used in cosmetic formulation; emollient and film forming gum resin with hydrating, soothing, healing, and anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties
Alpha lipoic acid
And natural molecule found in every cell in the body; it is a powerful antioxidant and is soluble in water and oil
Alum
Compound made of aluminum, potassium, or ammonium sulfate with strong astringent action
Ampoules
Small, sealed vials containing a single application of highly concentrated extracts in a water or oil base
Anhydrous
Describes products that do not contain any water
Aromatherapy
Therapeutic use of plant aromas and essential oils for beauty and health treatment purposes; involves the use of highly concentrated, nonoily, and volatile essential oils to induce such reactions as relaxation and invigoration, or to simply create a pleasant fragrance during the service
Astringents
Liquids that help remove excess oil on the skin
Azulene
Derived from the chamomile plant and characterized by its deep blue color; has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties
Benzyl peroxide
Drying ingredient with antibacterial properties commonly used for blemishes and acne
Beta glucans
Ingredients used in antiaging cosmetics to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the formation of collagen
Beta hydroxy acids
Abbreviated BHAs; exfoliating organic acid; salicylic acid, milder than alphahydroxy acid’s (AHA’s). BHA’s dissolve oil and are beneficial for oily skin
Binders
Substances such as glycerin that bind, or hold, products together
Botanicals
Ingredients derived from plants
Calendula
Anti-inflammatory plant extract
Carbomers
Ingredients used to thicken cream; frequently used in gel products
Carrot
Rich in vitamins A, commonly derived from seeds and as an oil; also used as product colorant
Certified colors
Inorganic color agents also known as metal salts; listed on ingredient labels as D&C (drug and cosmetic)
Chamomile
Plant extract with calming and soothing properties
Chelating agent
A chemical added to cosmetics to improve the efficiency of the preservative
Chemical exfoliation
Chemical agent that dissolves dead skin cells and the intercellular matrix, or “glue”, that holds them together (desmosomes)
Clay masks
Oil absorbing cleaning mask that draws impurities to the surface of the skin as a dry and tighten
Cleansers
Soaps and detergents that clean the skin
Coenzyme Q 10
Powerful antioxidant that protects and revitalize the skin cells
Colorants
Substances such as vegetable, pigment, or mineral dyes that give products color
Comedogenicity
Tendency of any topical substance to cause or to worsen a build up in the follicle, leading to the to the development of a comedo (blackhead)
Cosmeceuticals
Products intended to improve the skins health and appearance
Cosmetics
As defined by the FDA: articles are intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or otherwise apply to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance
Delivery systems
Systems that deliver ingredients to specific tissues of the epidermis
Detergents
Type of surfactant used as cleansers and skin cleansing products
DMAE
Dimethylaminoethanol; antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes and boost the effects of other antioxidants
Echinacea
Derived of the purple coneflower; prevents infection and has healing properties; used internally to support immune system
Emollients
Oil or fatty ingredients that lubricate, moisturize, and prevent water loss
Emulsifiers
Surfactants that cause oil and water to mix and form an emulsion; an ingredient that brings two normally incompatible materials together and binds them into a uniform and fairly stable blend
Enzyme peels
Enzyme Products that dissolve keratin proteins (dead skin cells) and exfoliate the skin
Essential oils
Oils derived from herbs; have many different properties and affects on the skin and psyche
Exfoliants
Mechanical and chemical products or processes used to exfoliate the skin
Exfoliation
Peeling or sloughing of the outer layer of skin
Fatty acids
Emollients; lubricant ingredients derived from plant oils or animal fats
Fatty alcohols
Emollients; fatty acids that have been exposed to hydrogen
Fatty esters
Emollients produced from fatty acids and alcohols
Fragrances
Give products their scent