Glossary
Beauty glossary
107 definitions · page 1 of 2.
- Calendula
- An emollient believed to have healing, soothing and antiseptic properties. Used to treat dry skin.
- Callus
- An excessive build up of the hard tough layers of skin. Can be removed at-home or by an esthetician.
- Candela Wax
- Binds oils and waxes to give body to a formulation. Often used in lipsticks.
- Cellulite
- Deposits of fat and other material trapped in pockets beneath the skin.
- Ceramides
- A natural substance within the skin that reduces natural water loss of the skin by forming a protective barrier. Can also be produced synthetically and added to skin care products.
- Chakras
- Energy centers throughout the body responsible for the condition of your mind, body and spirit.
- Chamomile
- A clinically proven plant-derived anti-inflammatory. Offers benefits such as soothing skin. Also calms eczema and allergic reactions.
- Citric Acid
- The same as vitamin C. Used commonly in hair and skincare products. Has astringent and antioxidant properties and also can be used as a preservative.
- Citronella Oil
- Antiseptic widely used in soaps and deodorizers. Also has insect-repelling properties.
- Clarifying
- Usually associated with a toner or other solution used after cleansing to maintain proper skin pH.
- Collagen
- A natural substance within body tissues. It can be injected into the skin to plump up particular areas.
- Cortex
- The middle layer of the hair shaft.
- Creatine
- A protein derivative in muscle tissue. Sometimes found in body-building supplements.
- Cucumber Juice
- It has moisture-binding, soothing and tightening properties.
- Dermabrasion
- A procedure in which the skin is sanded to improve its texture. Microdermabrasion uses a type of sand to abrade the skin, usually done by an esthetician or a cosmetic doctor. Cosmetic physicians can perform a deeper type of dermabrasion using small burrs or…
- Dermal
- Related to skin.
- Dermatitis
- Inflamation of the skin.
- Dermis
- The underlayers of the skin.
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
- A self-tanning agent used in cosmetics.
- Dong Quai
- Traditional Chinese herb used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularity.
- Eau de Parfum
- The most concentrated fragrance, usually more costly than eau de toilette because of its concentration.
- Eau de Toilette
- A less-concentrated fragrance.
- Echinacea
- An oral homeopathic substance thought to boost the immune system. Frequently taken for cold or flu symptoms. Has anti-itching and soothing properties when used in skin-care products.
- Eczema
- A skin condition that causes areas of the skin to become red, itchy and scaly. The cause is unknown and it can affect any part of the body. The condition may be short-lived (acute) or long term (chronic), and is usually treated with topical anti-inflammatory…
- Elastin
- A surface protective agent used in cosmetics to alleviate the effects of dry skin.
- Electrolysis
- Use of electricity to dissolve hair roots.
- Emollient
- A substance that softens and soothes the skin.
- Emulsifier
- A thickening agent added to products to change their physical composition. For example, it can turn a lotion into a cream.
- Epidermabrasion
- Skin peel in which the outermost layers of the skin are sloughed off
- Epidermis
- The outer layers of the skin.
- Epilate
- Remove hair from below the skin's surface
- Essence
- Fragrant oil extracted from plant or herb.
- Esthetician
- A specialist in the area of beauty.
- Eucalyptus
- A mild astringent with antiseptic properties.
- Evening Primrose
- Used as an astringent and helpful for reducing skin irritation. Also beneficial for dehydrated skin.
- Exfoliate
- To scale off layers of skin.
- Follicle
- Part of the skin which the root of hair comes from.
- Fruit Acid
- The same as glycolic acid (reduces build up of excess dead skin cells).
- Geranium
- A mild astringent with antiseptic properties; promotes healing.
- Ginseng
- Considered to be a tonic. Believed to be nourishing due to its vitamin and hormone content. It is taken orally and is also felt to have energy boosting capabilities.
- Glycerin
- Used in moisturizers due to its water binding capabilities.
- Glycolic Acid
- Reduces build up of excess dead skin cells.
- Glycolic Peel
- Used to help peel or exfoliate the skin, making it appear more youthful.
- Golden Seal
- Herb used as a mild antiseptic.
- Grape Seed Oil
- It has moisturizing and nourishing properties due to its high linoleic acid content.
- Humectant
- A substance that attracts moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid
- An acid that occurs naturally in the skin, helps retain the skin's natural moisture.
- Hydrate
- To add moisture to the skin.
- Hydroquinone
- A bleaching agent used in skin preparations.
- Hypodermis
- Below the surface of the skin.
- Immunostimulant
- An agent that stimulates either innate or acquired immunity.
- Immunosuppressant
- An agent that acts to suppress the body's natural immune response.
- Instant Conditioner
- A conditioner with light to intense conditioning properties that restores a healthy look and protects against further damage.
- Irritant
- A substance that consistently and predictably produces an adverse response (such as reddening, swelling, itching, burning, or blistering) in virtually all of the population. Irritants are not to be confused with allergens.
- Jasmine
- Essential oil extracted from plants and used in perfumes.
- Jojoba
- A tonic, emollient and moisturizer. Treats dry skin, wrinkles and stretch marks.
- Juniper
- A fragrance considered a mild skin stimulant.
- Karite
- A natural emollient, protects and nourishes skin.
- Keloid
- A thick scar.
- Keratin
- A surface protective agent with film-forming and moisturizing action.