Alpha Hydroxy Acids – AHA’s are the combination of salicylic (beta acid), lactic acid (moisturizer) and glycolic acid (exfoliant) is the optimum balancing combination to enhance your skins natural beauty. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and reduces oil production, lactic acid moisturizes, and glycolic acid exfoliates.
Amino Acids: Combinations of organic molecules create amino acids which create the foundation for which proteins are built upon.
Antimicrobial: Substance that slows the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Antioxidants: Otherwise known as free radical scavengers, antioxidants safeguard the body from the harmful effects of free radicals by neutralizing then releasing them. Natural occurring enzymes in the body, (such as A, B, C, and E vitamins, beta-carotene, and selenium) intercept free radicals and prevent them from damaging molecular structures.
Astringent: Meaning "to bind fast," astringent constricts cellular tissues, reducing pores and minimizing oil production.
Ayurvedic: Traditionally used in India, this alternative medicine translates as "Life Science" in the East and is recognized in the United States as "Complimentary Medicine." The belief is that all ailments can be categorized into five sections, (earth, water, fire, air and space) and healing requires a specific combination of practices to heal such as yoga, ingestation of herbs, massage, and acupuncture.
Botanical: Relating to plants, a cure created from any part of a plant, typically the bark, root or leaves.
Carrier Oils: Also known as base oil or vegetable oil, these oils are derived from vegetables and cold pressed. Their purpose is to dilute essential oils and assist in helping them penetrate pores.
Catechins: Derived from tea plants, When people mention the healthy benefits of wine, dark chocolate, teas, this component is what they are referring to. Some experts contend that this should be classified as a vitamin and included into the daily diet because of its ability to fight aging, stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart failure. Catechins are also recommended when going through in vitro fertilization.
Collagen: The main component that supports skin’s structure, this protein supports skin fibers, tendons, bones, cartilage and connective tissues.
Cocamide DEA: This surfactant is made from healthy coconut oils, but contains synthetic diethanolamine which forms carcinogenic compounds which are associated with causing various cancers and reproductive issues.
Emollient: A lubricating thickening agent that prevents moisture loss and softens and sooths the skin.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are plant derivatives that offer therapeutic benefits both when inhaled and when reaching the bloodstream. Essential oils in their pure form have proven antiseptic, antimicrobial, detoxifying, soothing, healing and regenerative powers.
Free Radicals: A highly reactive, oxygenated chemical that can damage vital healthy skin cells, such as lipids. Free radicals have been implicated in causing damage to the body such as premature aging and cancer. Free radical damage stems from pollution, UV rays, radiation and other environmental stressors.
Glycerin: An effective natural skin conditioner – in small concentrations, glycerin is a humectant, and at high concentrations, attracts moisture from the environment. Glycerin, naturally produced in the product making process, attracts moisture from the environment allowing it to penetrate the skin.
Humectant: Attracting moisture from the air’s natural glycerin, humectant's hold in and preserve skins natural moisture.
Hypo-Allergenic: Hypo from ancient Greek meaning less than. Hypo Allergenic – less than allergenic - it is a term used on almost every skin and body care product. Such a broad term to use for people that are so very different and complex… shouldn’t be used. It is sort of a generic way to say that products are “made for the skin.” Some may argue that they are referring to common allergens, toxic chemicals, nut oils, etc.
Lipids: Lipids are used in the form of natural fats, waxes and oils, for long-term energy storage, insulation and rebuilding.
Microbe: Defined as a simple, single-celled form of life that causes disease.
Mineral Oils: Commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, these “white oils” are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. These petroleum oils are inexpensive and widely used for their reliably antiallergenic and moisturizing properties. These oils are virtually free of nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and aromatic hydrocarbons. When ingested, they interfere with the body’s ability to move natural vitamins and minerals. When used externally, mineral oils cause acne and leave thick residue on skin and hair.
Peptides: Combined amino acids create peptide bonds which create protein that maintain health of hair, nails and skin.
Propylene Glycol: Used as a thinner, this (usually) synthetic substance is used to extend usage of a product by increasing spread-ability. This ingredient is particularly bad for those with acne prone skin.
Sulfate: An artificial liquid derived from sulfated oils, sulfates are harmful to marine life and to the environment. Every time it is washed through your drain, this inorganic ion reaches nature’s water supply and inhibits natural water movement increasing The use of this chemical is implicated in the increase of acid rain, global dimming and global warming.
Surfactant (tensides): This active agent amplifies the foaming, dispersing, and spreading properties of a product. Surfactants, also known as wetting agents, lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and the interfacial tension between two liquids, they are typically not easily soluble.
Volatile Oil: Plant derived group of volatile and primarily used in cosmetics to add fragrance. These components most often include a mix of alcohols, ketones, phenols, linalool, borneol, terpenes, camphor, pinene, acids, ethers, aldehydes, and sulfur, all of which have extremely irritating and sensitizing effects on skin – Worldwide Skin never used synthetic fragrances.
(Sources:
Science Daily March 12, 2007, http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/, http://www.cosmeticscop.com)
