An antioxidant-containing stimulant and diuretic (water releasing). Often included in skincare products with the promise of reducing cellulite and or puffy eyes. Caffeine will also constrict blood vessels (tighten), helping to ease redness in the skin.
A moisturizing, fragrance free plant oil made from the kernels of argan trees. The oil contains lipids, fatty acids and antioxidants. This oils is used in skin and hair preparations for drier conditions.
A group of organic compounds that come in a variety of forms. Good alcohols have a high molecular weight, while low molecular weight alcohols are bad. Bad forms are ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol. methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol. These are drying, sensitizing, over-stimulating or damaging to the skin's moisture barrier.
Stands for Beta Hydroxy Acids. Oil soluble exfoliants that penetrate follicles to clear acne and hardened sebum plugs. Salicylic Acid is the most common BHA. WORKS FROM THE OUTSIDE IN.
Stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These are exfoliating ingredients that are manufactured synthetically or are derived from milk and fruit sugars. AHAs promote Desquamation, the break down and shedding of desmosomes, the "glue" that holds the transepidermal matrix, or cell walls in the epidermis. This creates a controlled injury which facilitates new, improved cells to be produced and the old ones shed. In smaller quantities, AHAs create a brightening effect and smoother feeling and looking skin. AHAs: Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, Malic, Mandelic, Citric and Azelaic Acids are most common. WORKS FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
Fragrant plant extracts with anti-aging and aromatherapeutic properties that can be highly irritating when applied directly to the skin. (Think Tea Tree Oil). Essential oils should be combined with a fatty carrier oil, like jojoba, before used topically.
A fat soluble ingredient that our bodies naturally produce. The substance has soothing antioxidant effects on the skin when applied topically.
A very general word referring to any "natural" or plant derived ingredient, which may or may not be organic.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), derived from sugar, is an ingredient found in most self tanners. It affects the color of the skin's top layers by reacting with the skin's amino acids to turn the skin a darker shade of brown in several hours.