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
D&C: This means that a certain colour has been approved for use within drugs and cosmetics.
Damask Rose: The oldest of rose varieties originating near the East and introduced into Europe in the 13th Century. It is a hybrid between Rose gallica and Rosa moschata. The pink to light red flowers renowned for it's fine fragrance, are harvested to produce rose oil (also known as rose otto) and rose water.
Damascena Rose Hydrate: Natural floral water; used to hydrate the face and body.
Damiana: A shrub that originates from Texas, Damiana is an aphrodisiac that is often used in herbal teas.
Dandelion: The dandelion is a herb that is commonly used for treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema psoriasis.
Dandruff: is a form of dermatitis which is caused by overgrowth of yeast resulting in dryness, itchiness, and flaking of the scalp. It is caused due to the overworking of sebaceous gland (glands which keep the skin properly oiled). Products excellent for controlling dandruff are Dr Hauschka Neem Hair Oil and John Masters Organics Zinc and Sage Shampoo and Conditioner
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract: An extract of the roots of the carrot, Daucus Carota Sativa is used to enhance skin firmness and to soften and sooth the skin.
Decoction: A method of extracting oils from herbal plants, roots and stems. The extract is then often used in herbal teas.
Decollete: very delicate skin between the neck and chest, often forgotten, can reveal the tell tale signs of ageing. Firm and hydrate with Dr Hauschka Regenerating Neck and Decollete Cream
Decongestant: A decongestant is a type of medicine that is commonly used to relieve blocked noses, due to its ability to reduce the swelling of blood vessels inside the nose.
Decyl Cocoate: An ester of decyl alcohol that is used as a moisturiser and skin cleanser.
Decyl Oleate: An emollient that is used to lubricate and to add extra volume to lotions.
Deep Penetrating Treatment: A conditioner used to treat dry and damaged hair due to the high volume of proteins, vitamins, and minerals present within the particular substance.
Demand: The demand is a measure on how much a particular substance effects to moisture levels of the skin. Higher demand levels mean that the substance should be applied to the skin on a regular basis.
Demulcent: A soothing herb that is used to provide relief for inflamed skin tissues.
Deodorant: A substance that contains fragrances to mask the smell of unpleasant odours. A deodorant has the ability to kills odour causing bacteria, but does not have the ability to minimise the production of sweat. Natural deodorants to try are Madara Herbal Deodorant and and Dr Hauschka Deodorant Fresh
Depilate: A form of treatment that removes hairs from the surface of the skin, either by shaving or by using creams.
Dermabrasion: Procedure in which microdermabrashion products or a procedure toremove the outer layer of the skin to get skin glowing and is used to look younger or remove acne scars.
Dermal: A general medical term used to refer to the skin.
Dermatitis: A condition that causes inflammation of the skin, which may have been caused by external bacteria, a fungus or parasite.
Dermatologist: Coming from the Greek words DERMA (skin) and OLOGY (study of) a dermatologist is a medical expert specialising in skin complaints.
Dermatology: a medical specialty which focuses on the diagnosis of skin diseases and its disorders. The name of this physician who is a specialist in this field is dermatologist
Dermatosis: A general term that refers to any type of skin disease.
Dermis: The dermis is the lower level of the skin tissue. (The epidermis is the upper level.)
Detoxification: A process by which toxins are removed from the body. Try using the limited edition Detoxify Kit by Dr. Hauschka
Diammonium Citrate: Diammonium Citrate is a plant derived substance used as a buffering and chelating agent in cosmetic products.
Diatomaceous Earth: Consists of fozzilised remains of an algae like substance; has the ability to absorb water up to 4 times its own weight. This property makes it useful for moisturising dry hands. Diatmaceous Earth is also used on skin lesions.
Dicaprylyl Ether: A plant-derived oil that is a solvent, emollient and conditioner that is commonly used in skincare and anti-aging products.
Diethanolamine: Known as DEA, diethanolamine is used in a number of cosmetic products such as shampoos, creams and lotions. DEA is a neutralising agent that can raise the pH level of a product.
Diethylene Glycol: A chemical compound known to be used as a solvent in cosmetic formulas.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): This substance is used to tan the skin without the presence of the sun’s rays. This is done by causing the surface of the skin to oxidise to produce a natural looking tan.
Dimethicone: Diemethicone is an organic silicone that is used to moisturise dry hands and to protect skin. Diemethicone is a gentle substance that is suitable for use on the more sensitive skin types.
Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam): A North American tuberose twining vine whose saponins (soap like forming), help with firming tired skin and encouraging rehydration and elasticity. The Wild Yam Body Repair Cream by REN will help to encourage the hormones in the skin to make it appear firmer, smoother and healthier.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline: A plant derived extract used in anti-wrinkle creams and as a masking agent.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Originating from China, this substance is derived from plants and is a skin conditioner and humectant.
Disinfectant: A powerful substance that is used to destroy harmful, living microorganisms that are present on non-living surfaces.
Disiodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate: The disodium salt of a lauryl alcohol; used as a cleaning agent in skincare products.
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate: A plant-derived substance that is a form of disodium salt, used as a surfactant in cosmetic products.
DNA Enzyme Complex: An engineered substance that is used to moisturise the skin and to reduce the effect of wrinkle lines.
Dong Quai: Dong Quai is a herb that is used as a natural remedy to help keep estrogen levels at the normal level throughout menopause and the menstrual cycle.
Double Process: A two-step hair colouring process, where step 1 involves lightening the hair and step 2 is the colouring of the hair.
Dr. Hauschka: is the brand name for the skin care range made by WALA Heilmittel GmbH. Dr.Hauschka is acknowledged as the original and best natural skin care brand. Born out of a medical background, Dr.Hauschka’s unique, scientific approach to creating radiant and healthy skin is unlike any other in the world of beauty: rather than simply surface-treating the uppermost layers of the skin, Dr.Hauschka products consider and treat your skin – your body’s largest organ – as a whole, supporting its every need, on every level. Dr Hauschka uses biodynamic farming methods and organic ingredients. Best selling product is Rose Day Cream, recently crowned 2012 People's Hero
Drometrizol: A chemical, known for its use in sunscreens due to the ability to absorb UV rays.
Dulse: A sea plant powder that can be mixed with water to help flush unwanted toxins from the body.
Dulcet: Sweet and agreeable undertones.
Eau de Parfum: A very concentrated type of perfume that has a strong, long lasting scent. Eau de parfum is often quite expensive due to its high concentration. Acorelle are 100% natural eau de parfums.
Eau de Toilette: A form of perfume that contains more alcohol than oil. This is the opposite of the more oil and less alcohol property of an Eau de Parfum.
Echinacea Purpurea: Derived from the roots of the coneflower, this substance is a tonic with skin moisturising and conditioning abilities.
Echinacea: Is a flowering plant from the same family as daisies. Native to the eastern states of the United States, it was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. It's name comes from the Greek word "echinos" meaning "sea urchin" as resembled by the central spiky central disk the petals surround. Native Americans first used this plant to cure fevers and skin conditions. A substance that helps the body get rid of microbial infections. Echinacea can both prevent against such infections and to fight off infections if already present. Is often present in flu and cold medication as well as skin lotions.
Eczema: is a skin condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy and scaly. Try Ecz-Easy balm by Inlight and Chamomile Ointment by Trevarno
Eczema Acute: This is an intense form of Eczema that results in a more excessive rash on the skin.
Eczema Asteatotic: A form of Eczema that causes dry skin in cold conditions. Very common with elderly people.
Eczema Dermatits: This term refers to a skin condition in general, which may include hand or contact dermatitis, and asteatotic dermatitis.
Effleurage: A massage technique using the padded parts of the finger tips and the palm of the hand. The soothing, circular stroking movement is performed during the beginning and end of a facial and/or body massage.
Egg Oil: Egg oil contains a number of different emollients and thickeners. The oil has lubricating abilities and is used to provide protection against dehydration.
Elaeis Guineensis: A natural oil with emollient abilities; obtained from the fruits of the palm tree.
Elasticity: Term used to describe the ability of hair or skin to stretch and then return back to their original condition, without damage.
Elastin: An elastic protein in our connective tissues that helps the skin return to it's normal shape. Contouring Cream by Madara helps facilitate the creation of these elastin fibres.
Elder Flower: The water absorption properties of elder flower make it suitable for use in eye and skin creams to soften the skin.
Electrolysis: A method that permanently removes unwanted hairs from the body by destroying the hair’s roots.
Emblica Officinalis Extract: A plant-derived hair and skin conditioning substance.
Emblicaofficinalis: A herbal extract from the Indian Gooseberry; often used as a laxative, eyewash, stimulant and tonic.
Embryo Extract: The extract from an animal embryo is known to be used as a moisturiser and skin conditioning agent within beauty products.
Emollient: A substance that is described as emollient has the ability to absorb water to prevent dryness and to make the skin feel smooth and soft.
Emulsifier: An emulsifier is a substance that is used as a thickening agent in beauty products.
Emulsifying Wax: An emulsifying wax is used to help join two ingredients (such as oil and water) that do not normally mix well.
Enamel: Used to describe the surface of the teeth, but also used to refer to nail polish.
Enzyme: A form of protein produced by a living animal, used to speed up biological processes.
Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of our skin. Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream helps regenerate the epidermis.
Epilate: This is a process that removes hair located beneath the skin’s surface. Electrolysis and waxing are forms of epilate.
Epsom Salts: Often added to bathing water to relax muscles and soothe the skin.
Equisetum Arvense: Horsetail extract, used as an emollient, tonic and astringent in cosmetic formulas.
Equus Extract: Horsetail extract, known to function as a skin conditioning agent.
Ergocaliciferol: This substance is otherwise known as Vitamin D, for use in food and cosmetic products.
Erythromycin: An antibiotic that is used to treat acne. Can either be applied to the skin or taken internally.
Erythrulose: A tetrose carbohydrate used as a self-tanning agent.
Essence: Essence is a fragrance or an oil that is extracted from a herb or a plant.
Essential Care: A Suffolk based, family run team that manufacture natural skincare cosmetics. Products are based on natural herbs and plant oils that are suitable for sensitive skin. All Essential Care products are certfied by the Soil Association.
Essential oils: Distilled plant extracts (eg. from roses, eucalyptus and tea tree) that contain many benefits to the skin when applied such as soothing inflammation, disinfecting the skin,killing bacteria, reducing redness and can firm and tone skin. These types of oils have the strongest effects in cosmetic products, whether that be the strongest smell or strongest medicinal impact.
Esthetician: An esthetician is a person that provides beauty treatment.
Ethylhexylglycerin: A skin conditioning chemical, commonly found in anti-aging creams, wrinkle creams, and beauty products.
Eucalyptus: This oil is from the eucalyptus plant and has antiseptic, stimulant and cooling properties. These properties are used for treating hair loss and improving blood circulation.
Eugenia Carophyllus Oil: Obtained from the clove flower, this oil is used to treat respiratory problems and skin ailments.
Eugenia Caryophyllus Seed Oil: Plant-derived oil that is steam distilled from the buds of the clove. It is used as a tonic in beauty products.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus): This is native to Australia. A very cooling essential oil produced from the leaves and twigs has decongestant properties and is used by aromatherapists to ease aches and pains.
Eugenol: Eugenol is extracted from cloves and is often found in perfumes due to its clove-like fragrance. It is also used as an anti-septic in the medical field.
Euphrasia Officinalis Extract: An ingredient in cosmetic formulations, the substance is often found in eye-care products due to its tonic and anti-microbial abilities.
Europaea Lavendula Angustifolia: This term describes lavender being mascerated into olive oil for use in cosmetics.
Evening Primrose Oil (oenothera biennis or evening star): A plant-derived oil from the primrose flower; contains essential fatty acids which are beneficial to the skin and hair. It is used in John Masters Evening Primrose Shampoo which has been specially formulated to bring life back to dry and damaged hair.
Exfoliant: A substance that helps to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Exfoliation: a process to remove the dead skin cells using an exfoliant. It can be carried out on the face & body and will leave the skin looking fresher.
Extensions: In the beauty world extensions may include hair or nail extensions. Hair extensions are lengths of real or fake hair used to extend the length of natural hair. Nail extensions include nail tips to extend the natural length of a nail.
Extract: An extract comes from a herb, and is obtained by separating the essential part of a herb into a solvent material.
Eyre BioBotanics: A range of skin care products aimed at men. The formulas only use organic, biodynamic ingredients.
F, D and C: This stands for Food Drug and Cosmetic.
Facial: an indulgent pampering treat when the skin is cleanse, toned and moisturised. A regular facial will give you a pampering treat will give you personal me time, restore your wellbeing, and i's a blissful, effective way to ensure healthy radiant skin and leave you relaxed!
Faex Extract: An extract of yeast that is used as a skin conditioner.
Farsenol: Also known as dodecatrieonol, Farsenol is present in many essential oils and is a key ingredient in skin care products to help smooth wrinkles, enhance skin elasticity, tighten the skin, and enhance moisture absorption capabilities of the skin.
Faux: A French term that means to resemble something else. In the beauty world this would include the various forms of fake hair and nail extensions.
Febrile: Medical term used to describe feeling feverish.
Fennel Seed: A digestive stimulant commonly used to treat intestinal gas and bloating. Also used to enhance digestion and stimulate appetite.
Fenugreek: A herb with anti-inflammatory qualities, making it suitable for the treatment of wounds, boils and tumours of the skin. Fenugreek can also be gargled to soothe sore throats.
Ferri Ferrocyanide: In organic pigments that are used as cosmetic colourants.
Ferula Foetida Extract: An extract from the plant of the Ferula Foetida that is commonly used as a skin conditioning ingredient in beauty products and also as a tonic.
Ferulic acid: An antioxidant which can be found naturally in plants The protective benefits provided are against free radical and UV damage. Ferulic acid is combined with vitamins C and E, as this stabilizes antioxidants Vitamins A C and E and boosts their ability to neutralize free radicals
Feverfew: A substance often used in medications that treat headaches. Feverfew is also believed to reduce the affects of tinnitus and to treat dizzy spells. It is advised not to take Feverfew during pregnancy.
Fibroblast: Connective tissue is developed from a fibroblast cell.
Filaggrin: Filament associated protein that binds to keratin fibres in the epidermis.
Filtered Water: Water is filtered to remove substances that could potentially affect the stability and performance of a cosmetic product.
Fine lines: these are the first signs of ageing more commonly around the eye which is the most ageing area and can make you look much older
Finishing Hairspray: A spray applied to the hair after styling, to maintain the style and shape.
Fir Needle Oil: A type of oil with cleansing properties.
Floral: a scent which is made of flowers
Flushing: Flushing causes redness in the face due to the dilation of blood vessels.
Foeniculum Vulgare: A volatile oil derived from fennel seeds; is an emollient, a tonic, and a skin conditioner.
Folic Acid: Also known as Vitamin B9, folic acid is essential for the growth and reproduction of body cells.
Follicle: In hair, it is a small cavity, pore or depression where hair is produced. Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment and Volumiser by John Masters helps stimulate the scalp for healthy hair growth.
Food Chemical Code (FCC): A publication that lays out the standards that the food industry has to abide by for foods, additives, and supplements.
Fragrance: is any natural or synthetic substance or substances used to impart a sweet or pleasant smell (odor) to a cosmetic product.
Fragrance Free: Free from any natural or synthetic ingredients that are used for masking unpleasant smells.
Frankincense: A resin obtained by tapping the bark of a tree from the genus Boswellia.
Frankincense (Olibanum): is an aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia trees and is used in the treatment of wound healing and arthritis. It was traded on the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa for more than 5000 years. Also known as "the pearls of the desert", it was used in ancient times during mummification. More commonly it is found in incense stick or oil form. Frankincense is renowned for its highly anti-aging, regenerative and healing properties. See Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense anti-aging range. Frankincense and Mandarin Body Lotion can help to soothe a sore and tired body after a long, stressful day.
Frankincense Oil: Produced by the steam distillation of tree resin, Frankincense oil is used to calm and soothe body and mind, as well as ease bodily aches and pains. The oil also has antiseptic properties.
Free Radicals: are unstable molecules and atoms that cause aging and degenerative diseases. Free radicals come from foreign body substances such as the sun, air pollution, drugs, pesticides and solvents. Products to try are Sirtuin Phytohormone Replenishing Cream by Ren and Rose Synergy O12 Restoring Facial Serum by Ren
Free Radical Scavengers: Anti-oxidants that counteract the negative degenerative problems causes by free radicals.
Freezing Spray: The strongest form of hairspray, used to ensure hair is held in place after styling.
Fringetree Bark: A herb that is used to treat liver problems and the treatment of gall bladder problems and gall stones. Fringetree bark has the ability to promote the release of bile, which makes it a gentle form of laxative.
Fruit acids: (another term for alpha hydroxy acid AHA) are a group of acids naturally occurring in fruits and used in cosmetics for thousands of years to clear and smooth the complexion; reducing wrinkles and softening the skin. Examples are Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Malic and Tartaric.
Fruit acids are great for the skin because they loosen the glue between dead skin cells, and the cells fall away, prompting new cell growth and smoothing out the fine lines and small wrinkles on the skin. They help improve texture and tone as they unblock and cleanse your pores. Found in Natural Glycolic Foaming Cleanser by Sophyto
Fucus vesiculosus: A type of seaweed known as bladder wrack, fucus vesiculous is used to treat dry skin and can also enhance the strength and thickness of skin.
Fungicidal: A healing agent that is used to treat fungus infections such as athletes foot.
Fungus: A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as mold yeasts example of fungus is in mushrooms which can grow in gardens; a group of microbes that are responsible for many skin related infections.
