Glossary - H
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Exfract
- An extract from the bark of the witch hazel tree with proven astringent, toning, and anti-inflammatory effects. Also dissolves excess sebum without stripping skin. An antioxidant and astringent that soothes and heals. Has all the benefits of alcohol without the potential side effects.
Hedychium Coronarium (White Ginger) Root Extract
- Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
- Antioxidant and emollient properties. High in alpha-D-tocopherol (Vitamin E), it provides essential linoleic acid to the skin. Supports and strengthens capillaries and veins. Lightens dark under eye circles by lowering the filtration rate of capillaries.
Hematite Extract
- From a stone rich in iron. Iron plays a role in collagen synthesis and helps with wound healing.
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
- Sometimes called Vitamin P. It is a bioflavonoid packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. It strengthens capillaries and decreases their visible appearance by allowing blood to dilate so that blood can flow through them properly.
Hexadecyl Glucoside
- Emollient, moisturizes skin.
Hexyl Laurate
- A skin conditioning agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid. It helps to control viscosity in skin care products.
Hexylene Glycol
- A humectant, which helps active ingredients penetrate the skin.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
- Contains organic acids, Oxalic, Tartaric, Malic and Succininc to provide gentle exfoliation. Hibiscus is rich in Anthocyans. They have the ability to inhibit the enzyme action of elastase which breaks down elastin. The phenolic compounds in Hibiscus have been found to neutralize free radicals and so inhibit lipid peroxidation.
Honey
- Supports water absorption in the skin, smooths and improves suppleness and elasticity.
Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Horse Chestnut Extract
- Horse Chestnut seeds contain a chemical saponin known as aescin, which in clinical studies has been known to promote increased blood circulation. Aescin purportedly is able to promote blood circulation through the veins by increasing the tone in their walls. In addition, aescin also has anti-inflammatory effects helpful for treating edema caused by excess fluids.
Humectant
- a substance that promotes retention of moisture
Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract
- A multi functional ingredient that has been used successfully for many skin conditions. It is antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and has a toning effect on the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
- A natural substance in all living organisms, hyaluronic acid provides high moisture retention (up to a thousand times its volume). In skin tissue, hyaluronic acid helps bind structural proteins and encourages collagen synthesis. It is frequently used in cosmetics for its ability to maintain moisture in the skin throughout the day. See also Sodium Hyaluronate.
Hydrocortisone
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-itching.
Hydroethylcellulose
- A thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
- Emulsifies, stabilizes and reduces irritation.
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
- Emulsifier and skin conditioner. Regulates product texture and viscosity.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Holds and maintains moisture in the skin. Conditioning and emollient.
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
- Thickens formulas for smooth velvety texture.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Conditions and firms skin.
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
- Conditions skin. Helps control oil and sebum production.
Hydroquinone
- Powerful skin lightener. A white crystalline strongly reducing phenol C6H6O2 used especially as a photographic developer, as an antioxidant and stabilizer, and in medicine to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin. Inhibits the production of melanin.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium
- A gelling agent that thickens, emulsifies and stabilizes.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium
- A gelling agent that thickens, emulsifies and stabilizes.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Emulsifier. Regulates viscosity of formulas.
Hydroxyethyl Urea (Hydrovance)
- can be a super moisturiser, or work like an exfoliating acid.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
- Assists in complexing fragrances. Masking ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Binding agent.
Hyperpigmentation
- excessive coloration of tissues, especially of the skin.
The darkening of an area of the skin caused by an increase in melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, acne inflammation, or other skin injuries.
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