DEFINING BEAUTY: Hair & Skin Glossary Terms & Definitions

Definition guide of skin and hair terms. We define skin & hair terms for effective ingredients that get results. Updated regularly.

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

C

Ca-Cl  – Cm-Cz

 

C13-15 Alkane 

C13-15 alkane is a silky, softening emollient.

C (Vitamin, Serum)

Vitamin C in food and supplement form supports immune system health and new cell production, including skin and hair. Vitamin C is applied topically for targeted skin-rejuvenation.  It is an anti-aging, acne reducing, dark pigmentation fading powerhouse. Vitamin C is a building block for collagen, the support structure of the skin. Vitamin C also fades acne scars and improves sun-damaged skin texture. Best use is applying Vitamin C serum daily and Retinol at night.

C Ester 

C Ester is a potent, pure and stable form of  Vitamin C that is less acidic than other Vitamin C variants. It does not cause as much irritation and redness as other forms of C. It is the recommended form for an oral C supplement and for skin application. The ingredient label may refer to it as C Ester or Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Caffeine, such as found in coffee beans, stimulates blood circulation and reduces puffiness

Caffeine

Caffeine is common in eye and cellulite creams as it reduces puffiness and inflammation. Caffeine has antioxidant properties and slows down photoaging. On the scalp, Caffeine encourages blood flow to nourish follicles and encourage healthy growth. Caffeine can be drying to the skin if it is not paired with adequate moisturizing products.

Calcium

Calcium supplements maintain healthy bones, posture, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion. Frequently seen within multi-vitamins.

Calendula

Calendula Extract

Calendula Extract comes from the Calendula flower. Calendula promotes the regeneration of new tissue and soothes damaged skin.

Calophyllum, Calophyllic Acid

A rare fatty acid, calophyllic acid, which is found in Tamanu Oil. Various studies verified the wound healing, safety, and antibacterial properties of Calophyllum [1], the principle active catalyst of Calophyllic Acid.

Camellia Japonica

Camellia Japonica is also known as Japanese Camellia or tsubaki.  It is the authentic Japanese Camellia seen in brands like Tatcha and SK-II. Originally known as an ancient Japanese beauty secret used by Geishas for high shine in hair and optimal skin care.  All camellia variants help skin, but  Camilla japonica oil is the real deal. An excellent antioxidant and moisturizer, Camellia japonica oil is rich in Omega 9. Omega 9 helps the skin retain hydration.  Camellia japonica oil also contains polyphenols, vitamins A, D, C, and E. This non-comedogenic oil promotes skin elasticity.[2]  This variant of Camellia oil (Japonica) is more difficult to obtain but worth the effort. It the most effective at transdermal collagen and elastin delivery.

Camilla

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil smooths rough skin patches and repairs the skin barrier. It also smoothes hair in a conditioner or leave-in serum.

Camelia Sinensis

Camelia Sinensis is the leaves of green and white tea. It is beneficial as a beverage and when applied topically to skin and hair. It is gentle yet powerful. It contains phenols and EGCG. As a topical ingredient, it evens the skin tone. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It reduces redness and inflammation around the delicate eye area. White tea also contains EGCG, which enables the production of new cells in the epidermis [3]. It contains phenols to strengthen collagen and elastin. This gives skin a bouncy, younger look while delaying wrinkles. Carapa guianensis is andiroba seed oil. It is cold-pressed extracted from the Andiroba tree seeds of the Amazon Forest. Andiroba seed oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E, and fatty acids. It is ideal for dry skin types as an emollient that is easily absorbed. It promotes skin elasticity.

Candelilla Wax

Candelilla Wax is a vegan substitute for beeswax with similar properties. It works well with other waxes for improved product consistency and to raise melting points without chemicals.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is short for Cannabigerol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis.

CBG is a very important compound found in Cannabis. It is the parent Cannabinoid to CBD.

CBG works with other cannabinoids for an entourage effect on skincare issues such as acne and skin rejuvenation.  CBG is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. It is also an antioxidant to fight oxidative stress and aging skin cells.

CBG addresses skin conditions such as moderate photo-damage, eczema and psoriasis. [4]

CBG is found in skin products with Full-Spectrum CBD. It’s presence in a product can be confirmed by the brand with a COA (Certificate of Analysis) report.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A naturally occurring biologically active chemical constituents of hemp or cannabis. CBD oil comes from cannabis sativa L, a form of Agricultural Hemp with all of the benefits of the plant and low THC.  Research shows CBD is helpful for skin issues such as acne, aging, eczema, and psoriasis.

Caprylyl Glycol

One of the “good” alcohols that binds to moisture.  A humectant.

Caprylyl Glycol is skin-conditioning. It is an alcohol derived from caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is a fatty acid found in milk, coconut and and palm oil

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is one of the cleanest ingredients with no reported toxicity, it is safe enough to be food grade. Capriylic Triglyceride naturally occurs in palm kernel or coconut oil. It is a mixed ester composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids attached to glycerin.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a natural skin replenishing emollient that creates a barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps to reduce skin dryness by decreasing the loss of moisture. [5] It can make greasy ingredients leave a non-greasy finish. A gentle ingredient. Caprylic/capric triglyceride creates a barrier on the skin’s surface to reduce moisture loss and address dryness.

Carapa Guianesis Seed Oil 

Carapa guianensis is andiroba seed oil. It is cold-pressed extracted from the Andiroba tree seeds of the Amazon Forest. Andiroba seed oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E, and fatty acids. It is ideal for dry skin types as an emollient that is easily absorbed. It promotes skin elasticity.

Carica Papaya Seed Oil 

Papaya Seed Oil is high in Tocopherols and Carotenoids, it’s an antioxidant and improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, moisturizes, and promotes skin cell regeneration.

It has an amazing fatty acid profile, including linoleic and Behenic acid. It is exceptionally soothing to dry skin.

Caryocar Braziliensis

Caryocar braziliensis is also known as pequi fruit oil. It is rich in fatty acids.

Pequi fruit oil heals acne scars and eczema. It’s rich emollients soothe dry, damaged skin.

Moisturizing and refining, it is high in Vitamin A and E.

 

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide

A botanical hyaluronic acid derived from the seed of the Cassia angustifolium plant.

It is high in anti-oxidants and is hydrating.

Its’ flavonoid compounds help defend skin’s surface against damage from environmental pollutants.^[6,7]

Castor oil seeds

Castor Seeds. Castor seed oil is a humectant

Castor Seed Oil

Castor Seed Oil is a humectant that moisturizes hair and skin. It reduces inflammation, heals scars and hydrates. Castor Seed Oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids to nourish both hair and scalp. Castor Seed Oil has been used to promote hair growth. No scientific studies to date correlate Castor Oil with hair regrowth or stop loss.  Castor Seed Oil does help barriers to hair growth such as scalp infection, chronically dry scalps, or other scalp inflammation. Castor Seed Oil temporarily plumps the hair with moisture for a fuller and healthier look. It also gives hair more flexibility, protecting new hairs and existing brittle hair. Castor Oil calms frizzy hair and is useful for eyelash growth and conditioning.

Sea Grapes

Caulpera Lentilifera

Caulpera Lentilifera (Green Algae) Extract is an edible seaweed known as sea grapes or green caviar. It is high in minerals with reported anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Caulpera Lentilifera contains fucoidan. Fucoidan promotes fibroblast cell production. Fibroblast cells produce collagen and promote wound healing. Fucoidan renews and brightens the skin while reducing wrinkle depth and skin spot intensity. [8] Caulpera Lentilifera contains Alginic acids to strengthen the lipid barrier, retain hydration and elasticity.  Sea Grapes are also rich in amino acids for glowing, supple skin.

Cedarwood Extract

Cedarwood extract is derived from the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. Cedarwood reduces hair loss by balancing oil production. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties to keep the scalp healthy.  A double-blind, evidence-based method study showed a mix of lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood extract reduced hair loss significantly amongst alopecia areata patients. [9]

Cehami

Cehami is a humectant, filling the skin with moisture. It is an extract from an Australian daisy. It is an effective anti-itch analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and cellular regeneration accelerant. Cehami makes skin look healthier and younger.

Cellulose

Cellulose is found in volumizing shampoos to temporarily plump the texture of hair strands.

Centella Asiatica AKA Gota Kola improves skin elasticity for firmer skin

Centella Asiatica extract

Centella asiatica extract is better known as Gotu Kola. Gotu Kola is especially good at improving elasticity and reduce sagging. It boosts antioxidant activity, strengthenings the skin and increases blood circulation. [10]

Ceramides

Ceramides are the fatty acids that help to hold cells together and protect the epidermis. Natural ceramides deplete with age or due to excessive stripping of the natural skin oils.

Ceramide-2

Ceramide-2 is one of the ceramides that hold the lipid barrier which protects the skin. We are born with enough ceramides but lose them with age or sometimes with overly harsh facial washing. Ceramide-2 is used for its’ ability to moisturize and hold moisture in the skin.

Ceramide-3

Ceramide-3 is an excellent moisturizing agent, highly useful as a buffer for potent actives. Trihydroxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl Myristyl Ether, AKA Ceramide-3, keeps skin hydrated without being greasy. Ceramide-3 enhances the smooth product finish while repairing the skin barrier. Ceramide-3 keeps skin hydrated without being greasy.

Certified Organic

Certified Organic is when an Organic Certification Body or organization verifies that an ingredient was grown, prepared, processed and packaged without the use of synthetic fertilizers or chemicals.

Cetearyl Olivate

Cetearyl Olivate is a combination of the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids from Olives. It is not drying because Cetearyl Olivate is moisture attracting and retaining. Olive oil fatty acids have skin-enhancing Omega-3s and polyphenols. These make skin glow! Cetearyl Olivate will not clog pores.

Chaga

Chaga mushroom is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It is a natural adaptogen traditionally used in folk and medicine. It provides environmental and stress-protection to the skin, including oxidative stress. [11] It is packed with dismutase and zinc.  Zinc eases acne and reduces inflammation and irritation. [12]

Chamomilla Recutita

Chamomile

German Chamomile. It is an antioxidant with potent skin-soothing action. ^[13] It contains Terpenoids, bisabolol, and chamazulene.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an antioxidant with potent skin-soothing action. [14] It contains Terpenoids, bisabolol and chamazulene. Chamomile Extract is excellent in a formulation with powerful actives because it contains flavones. These flavones inhibit the production of inflammation, even in deeper skin layers. [15] Meanwhile, The apigenin in Chamomile protects the skin barrier. [16]. This gentle and hypoallergenic extract soothes skin, heals burns, and is great for helping skin recover and benefit from chemical peels. Chamomile Extract also kills acne-causing bacteria while soothing the skin. [17]Chamomile also benefits hair.  Chamomile oil can moisturize damaged hair. [18] It is also an anti-inflammatory to treat some scalp conditions that impact hair growth.  It is an anti fungal which reduces dandruff. [19]  Chamomile tea can be used to enhance and brighten tone on blondes or natural blonde highlights.

Chamomile benefits hair and skin

Chia Seed Oil

Chia Seed Oil feeds hair and skin. It makes hair shiny and strong, and skin smooth. It contains alpha-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid, vitamins, and minerals.

Chicory Root Extract

Chicory Root Extract, also known as Cichorium Intybus, firms wrinkles, restores elasticity and fights signs of photo-aging.

Choline

Choline is found in some beauty and prenatal supplements. Choline helps the body create DNA for nerve signaling, and for detoxification. It’s also used for acetylcholine function, and it is an anti-aging neurotransmitter.

Cica

See Centella Asiatica extract

Cinnamonum Extract 

Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamonum Extract is a type of cinnamon bark.

It is used in skincare as an antiseptic, antibiotic, and astringent.

Cinnamon bark enhances the permeation and delivery of topical treating ingredients via the skin.[20]

Cinnamonum Extract helps eliminate bacteria and detoxifies and has antiseptic properties.[21] It is particularly effective in eliminating Staphylococcus epidermidis. [22]

Studies suggest cinnamaldehyde, a component in cinnamon, may enhance healing in aeruginosa-infected skin wounds. [23]

Cinnamon oil has also been used as a natural temporary lip plumping agent, such as in the product “Lip Venom”.

 

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

Orange Peel has more Vitamin C than the fleshly orange fruit, almost double. It improves collagen production resulting in the reduction of dark spots and wrinkles. It fights free radicals, removes blackheads and acne, and reduces wrinkles. Orange peel is also an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. The bacteria-fighting and inflammation reduction properties reduce acne without excess skin drying. A citrus oil with a refreshing or neutralizing scent.

Citrus Limon Peel Extract

Lemon/Limon peel contains concentrated vitamin C to build collagen, fade age spots and rejuvenate photodamage. Vitamin C reduces excess oil production, shrinks pores, and exfoliates dead surface skin. These reduce the formation of adult acne while treating skin aging.

Lemon Peel Oil is also a natural exfoliator and skin purifier. [24] It alleviates skin inflammation [25] and reduces certain infection-causing bacteria. [26]

Direct, undiluted application of lemon peel oil can be excessively drying to the skin, but it works well within a balanced formulation.

 

Clary Sage

Citrus Grandis

Citrus Grandis is Grapefruit, in this case, Grapefruit Peel Oil. Grapefruit Peel Oil is high in collagen-producing Vitamin C.

It has antibacterial benefits and studies show it reduces acne.[27] As with other citrus oils, it is an antioxidant with an uplifting scent.

 

CITRUS SINENSIS

Citrus Sinensis is Sweet Orange Oil.

Sweet Orange Oil is a potent, highly effective anti-inflammatory. It works ideally within a formulation with other oils, such as is in this product.

Sweet Orange Oil gently treats acne.

 

Citrus Stem Cells

Citrus Stem Cells protect skin from oxidative stress and help reverse skin damage.

Clary Sage

Clary sage strengthens the skin while balancing excess sebum. It calms and rejuvenates the skin in a manner similar to lavender but it does not contain lavender’s potentially overpowering scent or some of the potential skin irritants within lavender. It contains linalyl acetate, an anti-inflammatory that heals skin irritation.[28]

Cloudberry

Cloudberries

Cloudberries are a rare nordic berry.

Cloudberries are rich in Polyphenol extracts, Omegas 3 and 6, and Vitamin E and C. [29] Cloudberry contains four times more Vitamin C than an orange. Cloudberry builds collagen, fights off attacks on collagen, reduces wrinkles and hydrates. It is well suited for sensitive skin or even skin conditions like eczema.

 

See glossary terms Cm-Cz

 

 

 

 

 

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REFERENCES

1. Lguillier, Teddy et al. “The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds. “ PLos vol. 10,9 e0138602. 25 Sep. 2015
2. Jung, E. et al. Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. Journal of ethnopharmacology 112.1, 127-131 (2007)
3. Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, issue 1, pages 79-96
4. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, June 2017, pages 139-154
5. Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. “Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata.” Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349-1352. doi:10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349
6. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2015, pages 456-463
7. Naveed, Akhtar & Zaman, Shahiq uz & Khan, Barkat & Khan, Haji M. shoaib & Ahmad, Mahmood & Rasool, Fatima & Mahmood, Tariq & Rasul, Akhtar. (2011). Evaluation of various functional skin parameters using a topical cream of Calendula officinalis extract. African journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. 5. 199-206
8. Fitton JH, Dellâ-Acqua G, Gardiner V-A, Karpiniec SS, Stringer DN, Davis E. Topical Benefits of Two Fucoidan-Rich Extracts from Marine Macroalgae. Cosmetics. 2015; 2(2):66-81.
9. Camera E., Mastrofrancesco A., Fabbri C., Daubrawa F., Picardo M., Sies H., Stahl W. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene differently affect UVA-induced oxidative damage and expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes. Exp. Dermatol. 2009;18:222–231. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00790.x.
10. Gohil, Kashmira J et al. “Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all.” Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences vol. 72,5 (2010): 546-56. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.78519
11. Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. “Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 3,1 188-224. 19 Jan. 2010, doi:10.3390/ph3010188
12. Gupta, Mrinal et al. “Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. ” Dermatology research and practice vol. 2014 (2014): 709152. doi:10.1155/2014/709152
13. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, January 2009, pages 404
14. Ibid
15. Merfort I, Heilmann J, Hagedorn-Leweke U, Lippold BC. In vivo skin penetration studies of camomile flavones. Pharmazie. 1994;49(7):509-511.
16. Hou M, Sun R, Hupe M, et al. Topical apigenin improves epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis in normal murine skin by divergent mechanisms. Exp Dermatol. 2013;22(3):210–215. doi:10.1111/exd.12102
17. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, January 2009, pages 404
18. Srivastava, Janmejai K et al. “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.” Molecular medicine reports vol. 3,6 (2010): 895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
19. Srivastava, Janmejai K, and Sanjay Gupta. “Extraction, Characterization, Stability and Biological Activity of Flavonoids Isolated from Chamomile Flowers.” Molecular and cellular pharmacology vol. 1,3 (2009): 138. doi:10.4255/mcpharmacol.09.18
20. Jiang, Development, Pharmaceutical biology
21. Veerasophon, Jinmica, et al. “Formulation of anti-acne concealer containing cinnamon oil with antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes.” Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research vol. 11,2 (2020): 53-58.
22. Julianti, Elin et al. “Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon Bark, Honey, and Their Combination Effects against Acne-Causing Bacteria.” Scientia pharmaceutica vol. 85,2 19. 11 Apr. 2017
23. Ferro, Thiago A F et al. “Topical Application of Cinnamaldehyde Promotes Faster Healing of Skin Wounds Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)vol. 24,8 1627. 25 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24081627
24. Man, Adrian et al. “Antimicrobial Activity of Six Essential Oils Against a Group of Human Pathogens: A Comparative Study”. Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,1 15. 28 Jan. 2019, doi:10.3390/pathogens8010015
25. Anil Kumar Maurya, et al, “The essential oil from Citrus limetta Risso peels alleviates skin inflammation: In-vitro and in-vivo study”, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 212, 2018, Pages 86-94
26. Hou, He-Shuai et al. “Extraction of essential oil from Citrus reticulate Blanco peel and its antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes).” Heliyon vol. 5,12 e02947. 2 Dec. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02947
27. de Cássia da Silveira E Sá, Rita et al. “Analgesic-Like Activity of Essential Oil Constituents: An Update.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 18,12 2392. 9 Dec. 2017, doi:10.3390/ijms18122392
28. Peana AT, D’Aquila PS, Panin F, Serra G, Pippia P, Moretti MD. Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(8):721-726. doi:10.1078/094471102321621322
29. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, January 2009, pages 36-B (2003). “Rubus chamaemorusL. –  a boreal plant rich in biologically active metabolites: a review”. Biological Letters. 40 (1): 3–13.