Cosmetics and Skincare Ingredients Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering acids, preservatives, active ingredients, plant extracts, and skincare application guidelines from Pages 1-4.

Glycolic acid

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane.

Lactic acid

An AHA derived from milk.

Mandelic acid

An AHA derived from almonds.

Malic acid

An AHA derived from apples.

Citric acid

An AHA derived from citrus fruits.

Tartaric acid

An AHA derived from grapes.

Salicylic acid

The most common beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

Sweet birch, willow bark, and wintergreen.

Natural sources of BHA

Zinc oxide

Inorganic sunscreen that reflects UVA and UVB rays.

Titanium dioxide

Inorganic sunscreen that reflects UVA and UVB rays.

Hydroquinone

Tyrosinase inhibitor used to lighten hyperpigmentation.

Kojic acid

Tyrosinase inhibitor used to lighten hyperpigmentation.

Parabens

Common cosmetic preservatives with antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Aloe vera

Calming/soothing; reduces redness and inflammation.

Chamomile

Calming/soothing; reduces redness and inflammation.

Green tea extract

Calming/soothing; reduces redness and inflammation.

Calendula

Calming/soothing; reduces redness and inflammation.

Benzoyl peroxide

Used to treat acne.

Tea tree oil

Used for oily skin/acne; antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal.

Witch hazel

Astringent; used for oily skin/acne.

Retinol

Vitamin A derivative; treats acne and signs of aging; can cause irritation, photosensitivity, dryness, redness, and peeling.

Azelaic acid

Exfoliant promoting cell turnover; treats rosacea, inflamed acne, and melasma; not a hydroxy acid.

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda; inorganic salt used as buffering agent, neutralizer, and pH adjuster.

Eucalyptus

From the gum tree; antiseptic, antimicrobial, astringent, stimulating; used for acne and oily skin.

Licorice root extract

Anti-irritant; inhibits melanin production.

Arnica

Healing; anti-inflammatory; used for sore muscles and bruising.

Green tea

Plant extract; calming, anti-inflammatory; used for sensitive skin.

Azulene

Derived from chamomile; soothing, anti-inflammatory; for sensitive skin.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B derivative; antioxidant; protects against free radical damage; maintains cell structure.

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Foaming agent found in many products.

Collagen

Protein derived from animals or synthetically made; plumps the skin and prevents water loss.

Oatmeal

Calms redness, reduces irritation; helps eczema/psoriasis; antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

Pineapple

Contains bromelain, an enzyme with stimulating and antiseptic properties; helps exfoliation and treating blemishes.

Cocoa butter

Derived from the cocoa tree; soothes, lubricates, and moisturizes.

Horse chestnut

Plant extract with bioflavonoids; strengthens capillary walls.

Kaolin clay

Gentle white clay; absorbs excess oils without drying.

L-ascorbic acid

Pure form of Vitamin C; powerful antioxidant; lightens and brightens the skin.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Powerful antioxidants.

Chemical exfoliants

Best used on sensitive skin.

Clay masks

Draw out impurities and excess oils; can be used as a spot treatment or in the T-zone for combination skin.

Cream masks

Best used for dry skin.

Massage duration

The massage portion should last 15–20 minutes.

Cleansing massage duration

Cleansing massage should last 3–5 minutes.

Mask duration

Leave the mask on for 7–10 minutes.

Serum before moisturizer

Serums have smaller molecules and higher concentrations of active ingredients that penetrate deeper; moisturizers create a barrier to lock them in.