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.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a mild natural abrasive that softens the skin. It cleanses teeth 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.

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.

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 [1].

Bhringarai

Bhringarai comes from false daisy, A Thai herb with medicinal properties. It is most commonly seen in acne skincare 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. [2] 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 application. It maintains blood sugar levels and is known to grow strong, long hair and nails.  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 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.

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.

Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa) long used in India for hair and skin. It is a free-radical fighter, which means hair looks younger longer. In hair care, it promotes long and shiny hair growth. It is used for men’s beards for thickness and fuller growth.

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

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

 

 

 

 

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References

1. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 2011;24(6):289-93. 2011 Jun 25., Dermocosmetics for dry skin: a new role for botanical extracts.
2. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, June 2015, pages 85-89