Johana Guatemala

01/22/14

Cosmetic Chemistry Vocabulary

Define and provide examples that relate to your specific product when possible.
Please make sure your definitions are in a Cosmetic Chemistry context (dont just
look for the general definition of the word, but rather google the word and
cosmetic chemistry)
1. 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).
2. Hypoallergenic - to make products seem safer or somehow better for
sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
3. Comedogenic - tending to clog pores especially by the formation of
blackheads
4. Occlusives - increase moisture levels in skin by providing a physical
barrier to epidermal water loss.
5. Active Ingredients - a list part of a cosmetic, drug, or pharmaceutical
ingredient label that must adhere to specific regulations mandated by the
FDA.
6. Inactive Ingredients - a list part of an ingredient label that is not
regulated by the FDA other than the requirement that it be a complete list of
the contents in descending order of concentration.
7. Preservatives - substances used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial and
microbial contamination of products.
8. Transepidermal - the measurement of the quantity of water that passes
from inside a body (animal or plant) through the epidermal layer (skin) to
the surrounding atmosphere via diffusion and evaporation processes.
9. Hygroscopic - absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.
10.Solvated - care substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of
the human body.

Johana Guatemala
01/22/14

11.Humectant - a hygroscopic substance used to keep things moist

12.Esters - A compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol
and an acid via the elimination of water.
13.Solvents - a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used
to dissolve or break down other ingredients, solvents are also used to
degrease skin and to remove sebum.
14.Emulsions - a dispersion of one liquid in a second, immiscible oil
15.Surfactants - shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants
degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend soil, allowing them to be
washed away, as laundry products do.
16.Emollients - any substance that softens the skin by slowing
evaporation of water.
17.Moisturizers - A cosmetic lotion or cream applied to the skin to
counter dryness.
18.Waxes - a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting
surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a
polished surface.
19.Thickeners - a substance added to a liquid to make it firmer, especially
in cooking.
20. Stabilizers - a substance added to another substance (as an explosive
or plastic) or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted
alteration of physical state.