DEFINING BEAUTY: HAIR & SKIN GLOSSARY Terms & Definitions “B”

Definition guide of skin and hair care terms. We define active organic and high-end ingredients with big impact. New terms updated regularly.

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B

B3 (Vitamin)

B3 is Niacin, part of the B vitamin family. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory when applied topically. Niacinamide reduces the redness and swelling of acne, irritated, and blotchy skin.

B5 (Vitamin)

B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is part of the B vitamin family, it helps soothe and regenerate skin. It makes hair strong, soft and silky. As a vitamin, it synthesizes and metabolizes proteins, carbs, and fats to make energy.

B7 (Vitamin)

B7 Helps hair cells reach maturity. See Biotin

B9 (Folate or Folic Acid)

B9 is for DNA, red blood cell, and RNA production. Folate prevents anemia. Anemia can cause hair loss, weak nails, dull skin, and dark undereye circles.

B Vitamins

The B Vitamins work together to support processes that impact hair growth. These include signaling the body to grow hair and keratin production. The B’s process iron which is vital for hair health.

B12 (Vitamin)

Many women have a B12 deficiency. Some problems include fatigue, headaches, and weight gain from a slower metabolism. It also causes brittle hair, dull skin, and weak fingernails.

Baobab Fruit

Baobab Seed Extract

Baobob is a tropical, fruit-bearing, indigenous tree. Baobab Seed Extract or Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata is considered a superfruit. Rich in Vitamins A, C, D, and E, it feeds the skin. Baobob seed extract also contains moisture-retaining properties to reduce transepidermal water loss. Rich in Omega-3s such as palmitic, oleic, linolenic, and linoleic acids. Omegas moisturize and refine skin. They also build elastin, repair the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation. These properties make Baobab seed extract helpful for treating dry skin, even that affected by eczema. [1] Studies show the linoleic acid makes Baobob an effective acne treatment [2] while concurrently addressing signs of aging.

Baikal Skullcap

The root of Baikal Skullcap contains baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A, all of which are flavones, a type of antioxidant that lend color to various plants and are known to be soothing. Also known as Scutellaria baicalensis root can help skin better withstand environmental aggressors that can worsen the look of many common skin concerns.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is plant-based, non-irritating and clinically proven statistically as effective as retinol. Bakuchiol improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but Bakuchiol is better tolerated. [3] Bakuchiol stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol associated side effects. [4] Bakuchiol inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars better than arbutin [5]. Bakuchiol helps with acne.[6] Bakuchiol is derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a natural abrasive that softens the skin, but it is too harsh and drying for delicate facial skin. It cleanses teeth, exfoliates rough elbows, and can be occasionally used as part of a clarifying hair treatment. Common in organic bath bombs.

Beeswax

Beeswax softens skin and provides a bit of natural lip-plumping quality. It is a natural skin conditioner that stands up to wind, dry weather, cold winters, and hot summer sun.

Behentrimonium Chloride

A natural is a conditioning agent obtained from the oil of field mustard seeds (oilseed turnip). This plant-based agent detangles the hair and reduces static while softening and strengthening the hair. [7] It penetrates the hair shaft so it is a potent conditioner.

Field Mustard

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial wash or topical ingredient to fight the bacteria that form acne. BP is often too harsh for adult acne except for spot application.

Bergamot

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia, better known as Bergamot has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Linalool and carvacrol are compounds in bergamot oil. Both are excellent anti-inflammatories for skin issues such as acne and skin irritation.[8] It also lends scent to skin and hair products.

Beta-hydroxy Acid (bHA)

Beta-hydroxy acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant made from fruit and milk sugars.  Used in skincare to treat wrinkles, blackheads, and photoaging.

Betula Alba Bark Extract

Betula Alba Bark Extract comes from the White Birch tree. It contains vitamins B1, B2, A, C, and E. It is known for skin healing, conditioning, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that that birch bark extract can improve the skin barrier, increase skin hydration, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss [9].

Bhringraj

Bhringraj is another name for False Daisy. It is an Ayurvedic herb with medicinal properties. Bhringraj oil is commonly used for hair rejuvenation. It reduces hair fall by strengthening hair roots and promoting blood circulation. It can reduce premature hair graying.  It is also seen in acne skin care as an antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki Fruits Extract is high in Vitamin C and fights skin allergies.

Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bifida Extract

Bifida Extract or Bifida Ferment Lysate is a probiotic in the kombucha family. It reduces skin sensitivity and kick starts the skin into healing itself. [10] It enables more sensitive skin to tolerate the potential irritation of transformative topicals, like Vitamin C or retinols.

Biotin

Biotin is in many hair growth supplements because it helps hair cells reach full growth cycle. It builds keratin, the foundation of hair and nail growth. Biotin is also included in some shampoos for direct scalp applications. It maintains blood sugar levels and is known to grow strong, long hair and nails.

Nigella sativa, AKA virgin in the green flower

Biotin deficiency symptoms include hair loss, dry skin, and cracking of the corners of the mouth. Biotin is naturally found in nuts, eggs, avocado, and cauliflower.

Black Cumin Seed Oil, Black Seed Oil

Black Cumin Oil is for dry hair, treating eczema and psoriasis, and for hair growth. It is an anti-inflammatory that soothes scalp conditions that cause flakiness and sensitivity. It also kills fungal infections. Black Cumin Oil works well with other ingredients to provide therapeutic effects. Black Seed Oil comes from the seeds of the flower Nigella sativa seeds of the flower.

Bladderwrack Extract

Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack Is a form of seaweed. It reduces the pooling of the blood pigment heme under the skin. Heme accumulation results in dark circles with a purple or brown tint. Especially helpful on under eye circles. Limited studies show topical application of Bladderwrack extract supports collagen [11] and elastin production and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.  [12]

Borage Oil

Borage Oil is applied to the skin and taken orally in supplements. It contributes to scalp health and reduces inflammation. It is a “good” fat that contributes towards lush hair. It calms the skin with nourishing GLAs.

Botanical

A botanical is an ingredient that comes from herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds.

A natural ingredient, but the processing may or may not be clean and green or organic.

Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa) has long been used in India for hair and skin. It is a free-radical fighter, which makes hair look younger longer. In hair care, it promotes long and shiny hair growth. It is used for men’s beards for thickness and fuller growth. It is available in both an oil or powder for use in hair treatments. Often used with Amla and Bhringraj.

Buffer, Buffering Agent

A neutral or soothing ingredient that minimizes the irritation level of a solution when an acid or a base is added. An example would be a moisturizer such as Aloe Vera or Jojoba added to a Retinol product.

Burdock

Topically applied Burdock kills bacteria before it can cause acne. It also fades scars.

Butylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol is organic alcohol, one of the “good alcohols”. It is a conditioning agent that softens skin, a humectant that coats the cell surface.

 

 

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References

1. Pérez-Sánchez A. Nutraceuticals for Skin Care: A Comprehensive Review of Human Clinical Studies. Nutrients. 2018; 10(4):403.
2. Komane, Baatile M., et al. Beauty in Baobab: a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Adansonia digitata seed oil, Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, Volume 27, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 1-8, ISSN 0102-695X,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2016.07.001
3. Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”. British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289–296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
4. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
5. Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
6. Chaudhuri, Ratan & Marchio, Francois. (2011). Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected Skin. Cosmet. Toilet.. 126. 502-510.
7. Kortemeier, U., Langer, S., Schwab, P., Yang, B., Howe, A., & Facuri, S. (2013). Ingredients for ethnic hair care products: ethnic care. South African Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Review, 40(3), 18-22.
8. 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
9. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 2011;24(6):289-93. 2011 Jun 25., Dermocosmetics for dry skin: a new role for botanical extracts.
10. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, June 2015, pages 85-89
    
11. Al-Bader T, Byrne A, Gillbro J, Mitarotonda A, Metois A, Vial F, Rawlings AV, Laloeuf A. Effect of cosmetic ingredient as anticellulite agents: synergistic action of actives with in vitro and in vivo efficacy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012 Mar;11(1):17-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00594.x. PMID: 22360330.
12. Fujimura T, Tsukahara K, Moriwaki S, Kitahara T, Sano T, Takema Y. Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties. J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Jan-Feb;53(1):1-9. PMID: 11917251.