| Term |
Description |
| Acne | Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that’s made evident by pimples that can appear on almost any part of the body, but are usually on the face. |
| Acrylic
| Something that’s acrylic has the property of being able to repel water or moisture. |
| Allergen | An allergen is something that produces an allergic reaction. |
| Allantoin | Allantoin, extracted from a plant, is used in creams and skin preparations to heal and soothe. |
| Almond oil | Almond oil is vegetable oil made with almonds. It’s used in cosmetic products that soften the skin. |
| Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera is a plant that has wonderful healing and softening properties. Many people have an Aloe Vera houseplant, because you can break off a piece and use the extract from inside to soothe and heal cuts, burns and abrasions. It’s a very common ingredient in cosmetics because of it’s softening properties. |
| Astringent | An astringent, as part of the facial cleansing system, is commonly known as toner, and it controls oily skin and lowers the pH of the face after cleansing. Basically, it draws tissues together. |
| Beeswax
| Beeswax has been used in cosmetics for centuries, mostly for its emulsifying properties. |
| Benzoyl Peroxide
| Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments, used for its antibacterial properties. |
| Bergamot
| The Bergamot tree is grown predominantly in southern Italy. The Italians make an oil from the rind of the bergamot tree’s citrus fruit, which is good as an antiseptic, a cleanser, and a deodorizer. |
| Blackhead | A blackhead is a type of pimple that forms when the pores of the skin get clogged with oils and impurities. |
| Botanical
| Botanical products are those that are made from plants. |
| Botox
| Botox is simply the trade name for botulinum toxin A. It’s a product that’s becoming increasingly popular for getting rid of wrinkles in the face, which is performed by injections. |
| Bronzers | Bronzers are products that darken the skin to make it look naturally tanned. |
| Buffer | A buffer is a pH-balanced cleanser that makes the skin shinier and softer. |
| Butcher’s Broom | Butcher’s Broom is a plant extract that’s used to “sweep away” redness in the face. |
| Callus | A build-up of tough layers of skin is referred to as calluses. They can be removed with a pumice stone, or you can get them professionally removed by an esthetician. |
| Candela wax | Candela wax is combined with oil to give more body to lipsticks. |
| Cellulite | Cellulite is the word used to refer to the fatty deposits that cause a dimpled or uneven appearance of the skin, usually around the thighs and buttocks. |
| Ceramides | Ceramides is a substance that protects the skin against moisture loss. It’s also synthetically-reproduced in skin care products. |
| Chamomile
| We’ve probably all heard of chamomile tea; it’s made from a plant. Well, it’s not only good for health by drinking, it’s also a great anti-inflammatory when used in lotions. |
| Citric acid | Citric acid has many uses. It’s used in skincare products as an astringent and an antioxidant. |
| Clarifying
| Clarifying lotion is the toner part of a cleansing system that balances the pH of the skin after cleansing. |
| Collagen | Collagen is a natural part of the skin, but it can be increased in volume with injections to plump up a certain area. Those women who want that full pouty look can have collagen injected into their lips. |
| Cucumber juice
| Cucumber juice is used on the face to tighten the pores and stop the skin from drying out. |
| Depilation | Depilation is the process of removing hair from the skin. |
| Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) | DHA is a cosmetic product that bronzes the skin to resemble a tan. |
| Echinacea | Echinacea is a natural product that’s most commonly used to reduce flu or cold symptoms. But it’s also used in some skin care products to stop itching and soothe the skin. |
| Eczema | Eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes the skin to become red, scaly and itchy. |
| Elastin
| Elastin is used in cosmetics to protect the skin from getting dry. |
| Electrolysis | Electrolysis is a process where an electric current is applied to hair roots to kill them. |
| Emollient | An emollient is something that soothes and softens the skin. |
| Emulsifier | An emulsifier is a substance added to a product to thicken it. |
| Epilation | Epilation is the process of removing hair from beneath the surface of the skin. |
| Esthetician | An esthetician is a professional trained to give beauty treatments like facials, manicures, and pedicures. |
| Evening primrose | Evening primrose is a natural substance used as a toner or moisturizer. |
| Exfoliate | When you exfoliate your skin you remove layers or scales. |
| Glycerin | Glycerin can be found in moisturizers; it holds water particles together. |
| Glycolic peel | A glycolic peel is a method used to exfoliate or remove dead layers of skin. |
| Humectant | A humectant is a substance that helps retain moisture. |
| Hydrate
| When you hydrate skin, you add moisture to it. |
| Hydroquinone | Hydroquinone is a white crystalline compound used in skincare products as a bleaching agent. |
| Hyperpigmentation
| Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition caused by ultraviolet light from the sun, which darkens the skin. |
| Jojoba
| Jojoba is a multi-purpose substance, used as a moisturizer, as well as to reduce wrinkles and stretch marks. |
| Karite
| Karite is a natural ingredient that keeps the skin healthy. |
| Keratin
| Keratin is the natural substance that gives nails and hair their resiliency. |
| Kojic acid | Kojic acid is used to lighten the color of the skin. |
| Lactic acid | Lactic acid is a natural ingredient in the body that moisturizes the skin. |
| Lanolin
| Lanolin is a fatty substance made from wool, that moisturizes and emulsifies, as well as absorbs water. |
| Licorice | Licorice, in its natural form (not the kind we eat), is good for treating acne and soothing skin irritated by allergies. |
| Malic acid
| Malic acid comes from raw fruit, like apples, cherries and tomatoes, and is used as a glycolic agent. |
| Mallow | Mallow is a softening agent made from plants, that helps reduce inflammation, age lines, and eye swelling. |
| Melanin
| Melanin is the dark pigment in hair and skin. |
| Moisturizer | In cosmetics, a moisturizer; moisturizer is a cream that hydrates the skin. |
| Non-comedogenic | Cosmetic products that are non-comedogenic (or they may be referred to as non-occlusive) don’t plug the pores, so don’t cause skin irritation or pimples. |
| PABA
| PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid. It’s a part of the vitamin B complex and is used in some sunscreen lotions. |
| Panthenol
| Panthenol, or vitamin B5, is used as a moisturizer. |
| Petrolatum | Petrolatum is another word for petroleum jelly. It’s used in creams as a lubricant, to soften and soothe the skin. It also seals in moisture. |
| pH | pH is an abbreviation for percentage of hydrogen. In cosmetics, it measures the level of acidity. |
| Photoaging | Photoaging is damage to the skin caused by too much exposure to the sun. |
| Photosensitivity
| Photosensitivity is a skin condition, manifested in rashes or swelling, that results from applying or eating certain chemicals or foods, then exposing the skin to sunlight. |
| Phytocosmetics
| Phytocosmetics are cosmetics that are made with natural ingredients from plants. |
| Pore
| A pore is a tiny opening in the skin that serves as an outlet for sweat. |
| Psoriasis
| Psoriasis is a skin disease that produces dry, itchy red patches. |
| Retinol | Deficiency in retinol, another name for vitamin A, results in a hardening and roughening of the skin. Retinol is the main ingredient in products like Retin-A and Renova, that help to reduce wrinkles and heal acne. |
| Rosacea | Rosacea is a skin condition that produces red oily skin and acne. |
| Royal Jelly | Royal jelly is a natural product that’s taken from bees. It has many medicinal purposes and creates generally good health, including healthy skin. |
| Sage
| Sage, a member of the “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme” group, is not just a herb for cooking. It also helps to disinfect and heal wounds. |
| Salicylic acid | Salicylic acid dissolves layers of the skin and is used in the treatment of eczema. |
| Shea butter | Shea butter is a fat made from the seeds of the shea tree. It’s used in creams and lotions to soothe, soften and moisturize the skin. |
| SPF | SPF is an acronym for sun protection factor. Sunscreen products have an SPF; the higher the SPF, the more protection you get from sunburn. |
| Sunscreen | Sunscreen is a product, usually a cream, that’s applied to the skin to protect it from getting sunburned. The amount of protection is governed by its SPF. |
| Sunblock | Sunblock, as opposed to sunscreen, is a lotion that actually blocks the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It’s more effective than sunscreen. |
| Surfactant | A surfactant is an ingredient that promotes an efficient mixture of oil and water. |
| Tartaric acid
| Tartaric acid comes from apples and is used to promote the texture and tone of the skin. |
| Tea tree oil | Tea tree oil is a natural preservative that’s used in soap, shampoo and skin care products to clean and disinfect. |
| Thyme | Thyme, another herb primarily used for cooking, is also useful as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent. You’ll find it in some soaps. |
| Tocopherol | Tocopherol is another name for the fat-soluble vitamin E, which aids in the skin reproduction process. |
| Toner | The toner is a part of the facial cleansing system. It’s used after the cleanser, and cleans any last traces of dirt that may be left, as well as returning the skin to its natural pH. |
| Undertone
| Undertone is a term used to refer to the tone of the skin, like warm or cool. |
| Vitamin A
| Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause toughening and hardening of the skin. |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It’s used in anti-aging creams because of it’s preservative and antioxidant properties. |
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It promotes strong bones and teeth, but can be detrimental if collected in the skin as a result of too much exposure to the sun. |
| Vitamin E
| Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Its antioxidant properties make it useful for promoting healthy skin and hair. |
| Wheat germ oil | Wheat germ oil, an ingredient found in natural cosmetics, aids in renewing skin cells. It also has a large quantity of vitamin E in it. |
| Zinc oxide | Zinc oxide is a chemical compound that was originally used as a whitening face powder around the beginning of the 20th century. It’s quite often found in sun protection products because of its ability to protect. It also soothes and heals the skin. |
