Section 9 — Cosmetic Chemistry, Ingredients & Product Knowledge

Vocabulary study cards covering cosmetic chemistry, ingredients, and product knowledge based on NIMA study bank material.

Hydrogen ions

The amount of ions that determines the degree of acid and alkalinity of a product.

Surfactants

The component that, according to the NIMA bank, does not have to be listed on a product's ingredient label.

Organic (in chemistry)

A chemical term describing a substance that contains carbon.

Emollients

An ingredient described by the NIMA bank as a performance and delivery system.

Glycerin

An ingredient that softens the skin and acts as a humectant formed by the decomposition of fats and oils.

Humectants

Ingredients that make a cream dense, according to the NIMA bank.

Microsponge

An example of an advanced delivery system in skin care.

Lactic acid

An acid derived from sour milk and tomatoes according to the NIMA bank.

L-ascorbic acid

Vitamin C.

Hydroquinone

A topical pigment-lightening agent described as inhibiting tyrosine production.

Kojic acid

A pigment-lightening ingredient described as derived from bacteria associated with Japanese mushrooms.

Salicylic acid

An acid known for its exfoliating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Distillation

The best method/process for extracting or collecting essential oils.

Oxidation

The process involving the loss of an electron.

Phytotherapy

Therapy using plants and their properties, or the use of plants for medicinal purposes.

Nucleus of an atom

The central core of an atom made up of protons and neutrons.

Electrons

Subatomic particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom.

Linoleic acid

The fatty acid associated with skin/barrier function in the NIMA bank.

Neutral atom

An atom that has equal positive and negative charges / is in equilibrium.

Viscosity

A term describing a product's resistance to flow or its thickness.

Carbomer

An ingredient commonly used as a thickening/gelling agent.

Hydrophobic

Water-repelling; tending to repel or fail to mix with water.

Glycolic acid

The chemical peel acid containing the smallest molecules.

Keratolytic

An agent or action that loosens and promotes shedding of keratinized/dead surface cells.

Isopropyl palmitate

An emollient ester commonly used to improve slip and texture; it may be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin.

Comfrey root / comfrey ointment

Promotes new skin-cell growth and reduces inflammation; its ointment form is associated with treating bruising or pulled muscles.

Clove oil

An essential oil described as stimulating and energizing by the NIMA bank.

Eucalyptus oil

An essential oil described as a decongestant according to the NIMA bank.

Geranium oil

An essential oil used for immune strengthening, skin health, acne, and sensitive skin.

Peppermint oil

An essential oil noted as good for digestion according to the NIMA bank.

Antiseptic essential oils

Essential oils identified by the NIMA bank as clove and rosemary.

Clove oil contraindication

Should be avoided by pregnant or sensitive clients according to the NIMA bank.

Rosemary oil contraindication

Should be avoided by pregnant women or children according to the NIMA bank.

Essential oils listed for pregnancy

Inconsistently listed in the NIMA bank as eucalyptus, tea tree, and geranium.