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Cell Tech Skin and Hair Care Glossary
Aloe barbadensis gel - An extract from the Aloe Barbadensis
Miller (South African lily-like plant), it is combined with other
ingredients in personal care products and utilized for its healing
effects and skin-softening benefits (emollient). It has hydrating
and soothing properties.
Amla (Amlica embilicus) seed oil - Amla is
the name given to the edible fruit of a small leafy tree (Amlica
embillicus) which grows throughout India. This fruit is highly prized
both for its high vitamin C content and for the precious oil which
is extracted from its seeds and pulp and used as a treatment for
hair and scalp problems. Amla oil, which one of the world's oldest
natural hair conditioners, is prepared from dried amla berries which
have been soaked in coconut oil for several days in order to extract
the oil soluble vitamins from the fruit. It not only brings forth
a rich, natural shine and soft texture, but also helps rejuvenate
hair that is dull and damaged.
Amodimethicone - A form of silicone oil, it is an emollient
and moisturizer, and provides silkiness. It is well tolerated by
even the most sensitive skins.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel oil - Extracted
from the kernels of apricots, it is used as an emollient (a soothing
agent that acts to smooth and soften skin and reduce inflammation)
and moisturizer.
Avocado (Persea gratissima) oil - Containing
protein, vitamins A, D, and E, and some amino acids, the oil from
the seed and the pulp of an avocado has nourishing and conditioning
effects on dry skin.
Blue-green algae (Aph. flos-aquae) - Super Blue Green®
Algae is the whole, complete algae, and provides essential fatty
acids, proteins, complex sugars, vitamins, minerals, and essential
amino acids.
Cetearyl alcohol and ceteareth-20 - An emollient, thickener,
and emulsion stabilizer derived from naturally occurring fatty acids
from coconut oil.
Cetyl alcohol - An emollient and secondary emulsifier derived
from naturally occurring fatty acids (from coconut oil).
Citric acid - A natural extract derived from citrus fruits,
it is a widely accepted organic acid used in the cosmetics and food
industries as a preservative and a pH (acid-alkali) control agent.
It has antioxidant properties and is used as a stabilizer.
Cocoamide DEA - Derived from coconut, this ingredient lathers
readily and is an excellent and extremely mild skin cleanser.
Cocamide MEA - Derived from coconut, this ingredient lathers
readily and is an excellent and extremely mild skin cleanser.
Cocoa butter (theobroma cacao seed butter) - Obtained
from cocoa beans, this emollient and thickening agent easily absorbs
into the skin and imparts sheen.
Cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine - Derived from coconut,
it is a mild and effective surfactant (a substance which helps to
loosen dirt and other particles from hair and skin and therefore
aids cleansing) that works in combination with Cocamide DEA.
Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) - Finely ground
oatmeal obtained from the cereal crop Avena sativa, it adds texture
for gentle exfoliation.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) extract - Known
for its astringent and soothing properties, cucumber extract has
anti-inflammatory actions and skin tightening properties.
Diazolidinyl urea - A complex natural preservative that
helps control the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Dimethicone - Derived from silica, this white powder occurs
abundantly in nature and is used as a skin protectant, emollient,
and moisturizer. It provides silkiness, and is well tolerated by
even the most sensitive skins.
Glyceryl stearate - Derived from natural stearic acid and
glycerin, this is a popular emulsifier and emollient used in cosmetic
preparations such as creams and lotions, providing stability as
well as excellent texture.
Guar powder - Guar powder is used as a thickener, binder,
and stabilizer.
Jojoba oil - An extremely fine, non-greasy, expensive oil
derived from the desert shrub Simondsia chinesis. It creates a protective
layer over the hair shaft that helps keep moisture in.
Laurethsulfosuccinate - A gentle surfactant (a substance
which helps to loosen dirt and other particles from hair and skin
and therefore aids cleansing) derived from coconut oil that is used
as a foaming and mild cleansing agent. Much milder than sodium lauryl
sulfate, it is commonly used in baby shampoos.
Methylparaben (also Methyl/propyl paraben) - A very
effective antimicrobial, anti-irritant, and preservative that has
been found to be extremely useful in various types of cosmetics
and food products. Derived from the palm leaf, it is a food grade
preservative used to ensure shelf life and hygienic stability. It
is non-irritating and non-toxic and is effective against a wide
range of bacteria and fungi.
Natural fragrance - This ingredient, a blend of plant-based
essential oils and essential oil compounds, imparts a sweet or pleasant
odor to a cosmetic product.
Olefin sulfonate - A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent
and surfactant (a substance which helps to loosen dirt and other
particles from hair and skin and therefore aids cleansing). It is
mild and has excellent viscosity and foaming characteristics.
Panthenol - Panthenol, a non-toxic, non-irritating vitamin
B5 is added to skin care preparations where improved absorption
of various nutrients is desirable. Research has shown that panthenol,
a natural hydrator, penetrates into the lower skin layers where
it is absorbed by skin cells and becomes pantothenic acid (Vitamin
B5). As it penetrates to the deep layers of the skin, it helps diminish
wrinkles by adding moisture under the skin. Plant derived. It is
also a hair thickener and strengthener (plumping and moisturizing
the hair shaft), and nourishes the scalp.
Purified water - Water that has been filtered and purified
to remove contaminants.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seed oil -
A very fine oil expressed from the seed of safflower, it is used
in creams to moisturize, soften, and smooth the skin.
Salt - A purified common table salt used for its natural
cleansing, toning, astringent, antiseptic, and moisture absorption
properties.
Shikakai extract (Acacia concinna) - Used in place
of soaps and harsh detergents, this water soluble extract, which
serves as the primary cleansing and sudsing agent, is made from
shikakai powder from India.
Sodium myreth sulfate -. A high foaming, viscous surfactant
(a substance which helps to loosen dirt and other particles from
hair and skin and therefore aids cleansing), milder to the skin
than sodium lauryl sulfate, it is an excellent cleansing agent.
Stearalkonium chloride - A plant-derived ingredient, it
reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on
hair, it is a good conditioning agent.
TEA lauryl sulfate - A gentle and mild foaming cleansing
agent, it is milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium
lauryl sulfate (ALS).
Vegetable emulsifying wax - Vegetable based and without
any petroleum products, this emulsifying wax allows the cream or
lotion to stay smooth and creamy in texture, without separating.
Vegetable glycerin - An extremely effective humectant (drawing
moisture from the air to moisturize the skin or hair), it also has
emollient properties. Derived from naturally occurring fatty acids,
usually coconut, it is also used as an emollient and lubricant (to
help prevent moisture loss).
Vitamin E acetate (tocopherol acetate) - Found in
vegetable oils, it is known for emollient benefits to the skin.
Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that assists in countering
premature aging. It also acts as a natural preservative.
WGP™ beta glucan - A patented form of the complex carbohydrate
beta glucan (found in the cell walls of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces
cerevisiae)), it enhances immune properties.
Wheat germ (Triticum vulgare) oil - This ingredient
is an excellent emollient with the known health advantages of wheat
germ. This skin nourisher also acts as a natural preservative because
of the high vitamin E content. It also contains Vitamin A and D,
and is known for its antioxidant effects on free radicals in the
skin. It supports the skin's natural process of regeneration and
is particularly valuable for treating dry, aging skin. |
