Defining Beauty Glossary

How to Decode Beauty Ingredient Labels

Beauty Glossary of terms such as Acetyl hexapeptide-1, Abyssinian Seed Oil, Acacia, Acacia dealbata, Acai, Adzuki Seed Powder, Acetyl hexapeptide-37, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Achillea Millefolium Extract, and Activated Charcoal.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M

N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Aa – AD AE – AL AM – AQ AR – AZ

A

is for Amla Abyssinian Seed Oil Acai Acetyl hexapeptide-37 Acacia Adzuki Seed Powder Achillea Millefolium Extracts Actinidia Chinensis Extract Activated Charcoal Acer Saccharum

Abyssinian Seed Oil: Abyssinian Seed Oil is lightweight and absorbs easily. It contains linoleic acid, which is the predominant fat in skin cells. It forms the lipid barrier that holds moisture in skin cells, which keeps skin hydrated. It offers high spread-ability with no tack.; Abyssinian Seed Oil uniquely contains a high percentage of unsaturated C22 fatty acids, making it highly resistant to oxidation.

Acacia

Acacia (Shikakai) comes from a flowering shrub.

HAIR

It improves hair texture as a conditioning agent. It nourishes the scalp to promote hair growth. Shikakai is also used as a gentle shampoo. Combine with Amla as a hair treatment.

SKIN

On the skin, Acacia moisturizes, firms, and tightens; it reduces the look of wrinkles and smooths skin. It is often used in natural peel-off face masks to form a film.

Acacia dealbata

Acacia dealbata is mimosa flower absolute, with the purest form found in Grasse, France. Mimosa benefits oily and sensitive skins.

It contains Lupeol, an anti-inflammatory.

Acai, AÇAI

A Brazilian fruit that is high in nutrients and antioxidants. It is an antioxidant and considered a superfood.
: When applied topically, acai delays signs of aging.; While everyone can benefit from Acai, it is particularly useful for skin that has not yet shown signs of aging.

Acer Saccharum Extract

Acer Saccharum Extract is sugar maple extract. It is an antioxidant and contains a form of aHA. It is less powerful than a pure alpha hydroxy acid, but has some benefit as a gentle exfoliant.

It is derived from the bark of the same maple tree that provides maple syrup.

Acetyl hexapeptide-1: Acetyl hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide of several amino acids. It enables the skin to defend against environmental aggressors while evening out skin tone via melanin regulation.

Acetyl hexapeptide-37: Acetyl hexapeptide-37 is a synthetic peptide. It is a combination of amino acids alanine, proline, serine, and glycine. Acetyl hexapeptide-37 balances the water in the skin’s surface layers to alleviate dehydrated skin

Acetyl hexapeptide-8: Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a peptide known as Argireline, AKA Botox in a Jar.; Argireline inhibits the unintentional muscle contractions that cause expression lines. There is no impairment of your actual facial expressions. Argireline does not repair skin or boost collagen; it only limits future damage. Argireline is often a high-price point skincare ingredient.

Acetyl Zingerone

Acetyl Zingerone is an omni-antioxidant derived from ginger root.

It scavenges free radicals and neutralizes damage from blue light and envionmental stressors. It has an enzyme that helps preserve collagen.

Achillea Millefolium Extract

Achillea Millefolium Extract is Yarrow.

Traditionally used in both eastern and western ancient medicine and folk medicine practice, it reduces inflammation while promoting healing and circulation.

Acid, Acidic: A solid or liquid with a pH less than 7 is acidic. Above 7 is alkaline. Water has a pH of 7. Skin is ideally 5.5. A proper balance is needed within shampoos, cleansers, and actives to properly care for hair and skin.

Actinidia Chinensis Extract

Better known as Kiwi Fruit Extract.

Kiwi extract contains antioxidants and Vitamin C to combat environmental aggressors. Kiwi can help defend skin from the visible effects of airborne pollutants.

Kiwi also contains the antioxidant lutein. Lutein helps protect skin from blue light damage and promotes the regeneration of new skin tissue.

Activated Charcoal: A form of charcoal carbon, generally in powder form, used in cleansers and masks to absorb excess oil from pores. It is also used to naturally whiten teeth.; While not abrasive or directly drying, because it is so highly absorbent, activated charcoal products are generally not for daily use.

Adapalene: Adapalene is Differin, an OTC retinol available for acne.

Adaptogenic: An adaptogenic is a safe non-toxic herb, fruit, or vegetable that help your body adapt to stressors. Adaptogens used in skincare include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Maca, Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola, and Schisandra berries.

Adzuki Seed Powder: Adzuki Seed Powder, AKA Phaseolus Angularis, is a Japanese beauty secret.; Adzuki Seeds are a bean. When ground, they make a powder. These ground beans are a natural exfoliant.; They are not sharp or jagged like exfoliating nutshells seen in some products. They provide a gentle effective buffing to the skin to exfoliate without damage.

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