Glossary

Amino acids (including Peptides): help maintain healthy skin. They make up proteins such as collagen and are part of the cell structure.

Anti-caking agent: to keep powders from clumping and to aid in application

Antioxidant: protects skin from effects of free radicals generated by environment

Astringent: cosmetic astringents clean skin and constrict pores by drawing the tissue together. A toner acts as a mild astringent.

Botanical: substance derived from plants with medicinal or similar properties

Buffer: helps stabilize, inhibit change, or adjust PH (degree of acidity) of a solution

Cleansing Agent – dissolves oils and trapped soil to assist in removal from skin

Collagen: fibrous protein found in connective tissues

Colorant: provides color, and degree of opaqueness to the product or skin

Conditioner: to help skin appear softer, smoother

Emollient: helps maintain soft, smooth, supple appearance of skin

Emulsifier: allows ingredients such as oil and water to be mixed together to form stable creams and lotions

Exfoliate: gently remove dead surface cells from skin

Film Former: produces a continuous film on skin upon drying which acts as a protective shield

Free Radicals: cause damage and breakdown of cells, much as rust appears on the bike left outside. The skin is exposed to free radicals from the environment. Free radicals are believed to accelerate the aging process as well as a number of diseases. Antioxidants, which help reduce this damage, can be found not only in skin care products, but in foods we eat as well.

Humectant: promotes water retention, attracts moisture

Noncomedogenic: mild so as not to aggravate or cause irritation or acne

Oil Absorber: helps absorb excess oils – bet you couldn’t guess this one!

Opacifier: a fancy name for helping to increase coverage (concealers) and reduce transparency of colors

Preservative: helps prevent growth of bacteria, molds & yeasts

Product Protector: limits discoloration, and odor caused by environmental factors, such as ultraviolet light

Sebum: oils secreted by the sebaceous glands to protect skin from bacteria and water loss

Soothing Agent: reduces irritation by calming and soothing skin

Toning Agent: provides mild astringency

Viscosity Modifier – adjusts consistency (thickness) of product

Water: one of the most common solvents, ability to dissolve substances

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