Cosmetic Chemistry Vocabulary
- Phthalates - materials that are derived from the organic chemical phthalic acid. Used in cosmetic products as solubilizers (an agent that something is dissolved in), plasticizers, or denaturants (makes the product bitter to the taste).
- Hypoallergenic - quality of a product that is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
- Comedogenic - ingredients likely to lock or clog pores and contribute to pimples.
- Occlusives - increase the water content of the skin by slowing the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin.
- Active Ingredients - ingredients that have a pharmacological altering effect on skin, and these effects must be documented by scientific evaluation and approved by the FDA.
- Inactive Ingredients - the part of an ingredient label that is not regulated by the FDA.
- Preservatives - substances used to prevent bacterial and microbial contamination of products.
- Transepidermal - across or through the epidermis (skin).
- Hygroscopic - readily absorbs water from other sources.
- Solvated - enter into reversible chemical combination with (a dissolved molecule, ion, etc.).
- Humectant - a substance, especially a skin lotion or a food additive, used to reduce the loss of moisture. Humectants give toothpaste its texture as well as retain moisture so that your toothpaste does not dry out.
- Esters - a compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid via the elimination of water. It creates a cooling effect in most toothpastes and mouthwashes, and also gives toothpaste a wintergreen taste.
- Solvents - describes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down other ingredients.
- Emulsions - a mixture of two incompatible substances (for example: a stabilized blend of oils and water; often in lotions/creams)
- Surfactants - surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend soil, allowing them to be washed away, as laundry products do. Often referred to as “detergents”. In toothpastes, surfactants pull food particles and stains from teeth.
- Emollients - supple, wax like, lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and soothing effect on the skin.
- Moisturizers - a cosmetic lotion or cream applied to the skin to counter dryness.
- Waxes - waxes are composed primarily of long-chain esters that are solid at room temperature. Commonly used in lip balms and sticks, waxes function as structuring agents, giving the stick enough rigidity to stand up on its own, as well as barrier properties.
- Thickeners - substances that can have a soft to hard wax like texture or a creamy, emollient feel, and that can be great lubricants.
- Stabilizers - stabilizers comprise a variety of compounds that are able to maintain the function and activity of other ingredients such as, for example, active ingredients, fragrances and essential oils. Balances pH levels to create stable emulsions. Toothpaste is composed of many chemical stabilizers.