Glossary
Beauty glossary
107 definitions · page 2 of 2.
- Kojic Acid
- Skin-lightening agent.
- Lactic Acid
- A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
- Lanolin
- An emollient with moisturizing properties and an emulsifier with high water absorbing capabilities.
- Licorice
- Treats acne, also calms allergic skin.
- Macrobiotics
- The study of prolonging life with diet or other ingested substances.
- Malic Acid
- A glycolic acid derived from apples.
- Mallow
- An anti-inflammatory substance that helps prevent age lines and reduce eye swelling.
- Matt
- A non-shiny surface that absorbs light.
- Melanin
- The black pigment found in hair or skin.
- Melanoma
- A type of skin cancer characterized by a black or dark brown pigmented tumor.
- Moisturizer
- An emollient cream used to hydrate skin.
- Naturopathy
- A type of therapy that depends on natural forces rather than surgery or medicine to treat disease.
- Non-comedogenic
- Also called non-occlusive. Refers to products that do not cause skin breakouts because they do not plug the pores of the skin.
- PABA
- Para-aminobenzoic acid. Found in the vitamin B complex. Used as an ingredient in some sunscreen products.
- Palette
- A grouping of colors by family of tones or specific function.
- Panthenol
- Also known as vitamin B5, acts as a penetrating moisturizer.
- Paraffin
- A beeswax substitute derived from petroleum.
- Petrolatum
- Used in creams, it softens and soothes skin. Forms a film to prevent moisture loss.
- pH
- Percentage of hydrogen. Used to measure acidity in cosmetic preparations.
- Photoaging
- Skin damage incurred through sun exposure.
- Photosensitivity
- A condition in which the application or ingestion of certain chemicals or foods can cause skin problems, such as rash, hyperpigmentation and swelling, when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
- Phytocosmetic
- Cosmetics which are made from plants.
- Pore
- Small opening of the sweat glands of the skin.
- Psoriasis
- A chronic disease of the skin consisting of itchy, dry, red patches, usually affecting the scalp or arms and legs. It may be treated with OTC or prescription medications.
- Salicylic Acid
- An antiseptic that helps dissolve the top layers of the skin.
- Selenium
- An oral, plant-derived preparation used for its antifungal properties.
- Shea Butter
- An excellent emollient for use in creams, lotions. Alleviates dry skin.
- Shiatsu
- A Japanese method of massage that uses acupressure.
- SPF
- Sun Protection Factor. A higher SPF means more protection from the sun.
- Sun Screen
- Any substance applied to the skin which screens or protects it from the sun.
- Surfactants
- Active agent which allows oil to mix with water.
- Tartaric Acid
- A type of glycolic acid (fruit acid) derived from apples. Use to treat the skin to improve its texture and tone.
- Tea Tree Oil
- A natural preservative with antiseptic and germicidal properties used in soaps, shampoos, and skin-care products.
- Titanium Dioxide
- A non-chemical, common agent used in sunscreen products that works by physically blocking the sun. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents.
- Tocopherol
- Vitamin E, used as an antioxidant in cosmetics.
- Toner
- Product used after cleansing to help return skin to its natural pH. Removes any remaining trace of dirt or debris.
- Tretinoin
- A derivative of vitamin A.
- Undertone
- In make-up terms, refers to cool or warm tones of the skin.
- UVA
- Ultraviolet light, type A. These are rays of light from the sun which are not visible but can cause damage to the skin.
- UVB
- Ultraviolet light, type B. These are rays of light from the sun which are not visible but can cause damage to the skin.
- Varicose Veins
- Swollen and dilated veins, usually visible on the legs.
- Vitamin A
- A fat soluble vitamin. A lack of vitamin A can cause skin to become dry and hardened.
- Vitamin C
- A water soluble vitamin. A preservative and antioxidant used in cosmetic creams.
- Vitamin D
- A fat soluble vitamin. Necessary for bone and tooth structure. Formed in the skin on exposure to sunlight.
- Vitamin E
- An antioxidant often used in deodorants and hair grooming aids.
- Wheat Germ Oil
- Promotes renewal of normal new skin cells. Used in cosmetics because of its large vitamin E content.
- Zinc Oxide
- Used to protect, soothe and heal the skin. Also provides good sun protection.