A Glossary of Beauty Lingo
It used to be that confusing jargon, or what we like to refer to as “beauty-speak,” could only be found hidden in a cosmetic’s list of ingredients. These days, it’s on the front of the package, in the directions, and sometimes even part of a product’s name. Following are some of the most baffling terms, along with their definitions. No chemistry degree required.
- A.H.A.s (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) - naturally occurring acids that, when used topically, remove dead skin cells and moisturize the skin. Fruit, glycolic and lactic acids are examples of A.H.A.s.
- Allantoin - a botanical extract that soothes the skin and reduces irritation.
- Antioxidants - natural or synthetic substances that combat the effects of environmental aggressors like pollution and the sun. Some examples of natural antioxidants: vitamins A, C and E.
- Aromacology - the study of psychological effects of aromas on human behavior and emotions.
- Aromatheraphy - the use of fragrant essential oils of aromas on human behavior and emotions.
- B.H.A.s (Beta-Hydroxy Acids) - acids that have the same actions as A.H.A.s but tends to cause less irritation. Salicylic acid is a B.H.A.
- Botanical - describes a product that contains plants or ingredients made from plants.
- Carcinogen - a substance that causes cancer.
- Ceramides - fortifying complex fats found in the hair and skin; commonly used as a moisturizing agent.
- Collagen - a substance found in the skin that gives the skin its thickness and strength; also used as a moisturizing ingredient.
- Elastin - a substance, like collage, found in the skin that gives the skin its shape and texture; also used as a moisturizing ingredient.
- Emollient - a natural or synthetic substance that softens the skin.
- Essential Oils - Essential oil is fragrant essences that come from plants in the form of oil; often use in aromatherapy treatments or as ingredients in products.
- Free Radicals - skin-damaging molecules found in the atmosphere that are generated by natural body functions like breathing or environmental aggressors such as pollution, smoke and the sun.
- Humectant - a substance that moisturizes the skin and hair by retaining water.
- Hypoallergenic - describes a product that does not contain some of the ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions.
- Keratin - a protein that is a component of hair, nails and skin.
- Lipids - materials like waxes, oils, and fats that moisturize the skin.
- Liposomes - microscopic moisture-holding globules designed to burst when they come in contact with the skin.
- Melanin – pigment produced by cells that gives skin its color.
- Nonacnegenic - describes a product or ingredient that does not cause acne.
- Noncomedogenic - describes a product or ingredient that does not clog pores.
- Organic - a plant or animal that is grown without chemicals or pesticides.
- pH - the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It is measured on a scale of zero to 14 (zero being very acidic, seven being neutral and 14 being very alkaline).
- pH-Balanced - a term that implies that a product has a similar pH to that of the hair and skin (I the range of 4.5 to 5.5).
- Photaging - damage to the skin caused by exposure to the sun.
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10 Comments
Teves, posted this comment on Nov 12th, 2009
Hi princess….Nice article!
Liane Schmidt, posted this comment on Nov 13th, 2009
Very cool*
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Wylrhyss Terrado, posted this comment on Nov 13th, 2009
nice post… but true beauty is in eyes of the holder…
drelayaraja, posted this comment on Nov 13th, 2009
very useful post. Interesting to learn the beauty tips.
CHAN LEE PENG, posted this comment on Nov 13th, 2009
This is a useful post. I’ll keep those words in my mind. Thanks.
MMV Abad, posted this comment on Nov 14th, 2009
Nice list. Simple and direct. Thanks.
DUNDAS20012002, posted this comment on Nov 14th, 2009
If I come back to this world as a girl, I hope I can find this very good article on beauty “Lingo”
deep blue, posted this comment on Nov 14th, 2009
Very well thought as always. Great work kabayan.
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cutedrishti8, posted this comment on Nov 12th, 2009
Very simply written..easy to understand.