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The amount of free acid present in one gram of fatty or oily material as measured by the amount
(in milligrams) of potassium hydroxide needed to neutralize it.

Substance added to a formulation to deliver a specific observable
and desirable effect. The substance may or may not be a drug substance and/or deliver a drug-like effect. Generally speaking, in the United States, a finished product is not a drug product, subject to drug regulations, even if it has drug substances in it. The finished product is regulated based on the claims made for it.

Substance that may be used at specified level(s) in a formulation to deliver specified pharmaceutical benefit(s). In the United States, the finished product must be manufactured to—and have label copy that conforms with— regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration and published in the Federal Register.

The reaction product of an oxoacid — typically a carboxylic acid — with an amine (-NH), releasing water. (See ester).

Having both acidic and basic functional groups. In personal care ingredients, this typically means having both anionic carboxylate- and cationic amino-functional groups in the same molecule.

Containing no water.

Surface active agent that has a negative charge; well suited for cleansing products.

Substance added to form dry ingredients into a solid mass or to maintain an even consistency throughout a liquid or semi-liquid substance.

Sunscreen that reduces the amount of both UVB and UVA radiation that reaches the skin.

A diluent, usually inactive, to which an active ingredient or agent is added so it can be applied or transferred to the skin, hair, etc.

Surface active agent that has a positive charge, which is attracted to the negatively charged proteins in skin and hair. Those with more than one long, linear fatty tail are especially useful as emulsifiers
in skin care, and impart a soft feel to skin.

Substance that causes chelation, a chemical process in which a molecule encircles and binds to a metal to isolate it in a formulation so it is physically and/or biologically inactive.

Aroma compound present in the oils of several plants, including lemon myrtle, lemon grass, and lemon verbena. It has a strong citrus odor and is used in cosmetics products for its fragrance and anti- microbial effects. Citral should be avoided by people with perfume allergies.

A mixture of synthetic surfactants and natural soap, which combines the economy and ease of processing of natural soap with the mildness of syndets.

The likelihood of an ingredient or combination of ingredients to cause pores to clog and produce acne comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Comedogenicity is rated on a scale of 0–5. The lower the number, the less likely that the ingredient, when used by itself, will clog pores. Products with high concentrations of comedogenic ingredients should be avoided by people with acne-prone skin.

Pigmented makeup used specifically to mask or cover imperfections such as blemishes, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores.

A chemical bond between atoms formed by the sharing of valence electrons (the outmost electrons of atoms, which are usually involved in bonding). Much stronger than a hydrogen bond or hydrophobic interaction.

A unit of absolute (dynamic) viscosity. 1cP=1mPa•s:the viscosity of water at 20°C. cP = cSt • density (g/cm3)

A unit of kinematic viscosity. The ratio of a liquid’s absolute viscosity to the density of that liquid.

A measure of the relative ability of a material to store an electric charge for a given applied field strength. A higher dielectric constant indicates greater polarity.

Substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a fluid, thereby imparting the ability to conduct electricity to the fluid. In personal care, the most common electrolytes include water-soluble inorganic salts (e.g., Sodium Chloride), amino acids, and protein hydrolyzates, dissolved in water.

Substance that makes skin feel smoother. Emollients are used to correct or mask dryness and scaling, and are key ingredients in creams, lotions, body oils, bath oils, massage oils, lipsticks, and other cosmetic products. Note: Sometimes people use “moisturizer” and “emollient” interchangeably. However, “moisturizer” usually refers to finished product.

Surface active ingredients that, when appropriately selected, will align at the interface of two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil and water). Put under shear, a quasi-stable dispersion of droplets of one of the liquids in the other, called an emulsion, is formed. Depending on its consistency, the emulsion may be called a milk (very fluid), a lotion (at least somewhat flowable under gravitational force), a cream (readily flowable when rubbed on the skin), or a paste (quite resistant to flow when rubbed on the skin).

Abnormally intense redness of the skin. The minimum erythemal dose (MED) of UV radiation induces barely perceptible erythema. The sunburn protection factor (SPF) of a product indicates how much more sun skin that has been treated with the product can be exposed to before exhibiting perceptible erythema (which is mainly caused by UVB, rather than UVA rays).

The process by which two substances (typically an alcohol and an acid) combine to form an ester.

A product of ethoxylation, the industrial process by which ethylene oxide is added to a fatty substance with at least one free hydroxy and/or carboxyl group, enhancing its water solubility and surfactant properties.

An inactive ingredient used to dilute or convey an active ingredient and/or give form and consistency to a finished product.

Ingredient added to enhance the skin feel of a formulation.

Substance used to convert a liquid to a gel.

The lowest energy level of a system (the energy level it normally occupies), also known as zero-point energy.

Produced from a naturally occurring substance that has been treated to incorporate desired properties. Semisynthetic.

4–6 Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier 4–8 Antifoaming agent
7–9 Wetting agent
10–16 Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier 13–15 Detergent

13–18 Solubilizer

For PEG esters, the HLB is 20 multiplied by (1–S/A), where S is the saponification value of the ester and A is the acid value of the fatty acid from which it is derived.

An ingredient in skin (or hair) products that draws moisture from the air to moisturize the skin and also promotes the retention of moisture in the skin, e.g., glycerin.

Consisting of water and one or more glycols.

Measure of the relative hydrophilicity of a surfactant, especially of an emulsifier. An ingredient’s HLB is a major factor in its ability to deliver its intended purpose:

Degree to which a substance absorbs, dissolves in, or is attracted to water.

The chemical opposite of acids, also known as caustics and alkalis.

Molecule with an hydroxy group either adjacent (alpha-hydroxy, or AHA) or one carbon removed (beta- hydroxy, or BHA) from a carboxylic acid moiety in a compound. These acids promote skin renewal by enhancing the rate of cell turnover and loosening the bonds that hold dead cells together so they can be removed more effectively.

Product in which care has been taken in ingredient selection and formulation to reduce the likelihood of causing an allergic reaction

Substance with two or more ions (charged moieties) held in close proximity by electrical attraction. Examples include table salt

(Na+ Cl–), amino acids such as glycine (H3N+-CH2-COO–), and sodium stearate
(Na+ – OOC(CH2)16CH3).

Ingredient added to a formulation to elicit consumer interest and enhance purchase intent, typically without contributing appreciably to product performance.

Arranged in thin plates. Surfactants form lamellar phases at low water content, forming hydrophobic lipid bilayer sheets with hydrophilic heads directed outward, in contact with the water phase.

Phospholipid found in animal and plant cells which forms colloidal solutions in water and has emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties.

“Fat.” Molecule that has one or more long fatty chains, is alcohol soluble, and is water insoluble. Examples include plant-derived waxes and oils (triglycerides), animal fat (tallow), and plant- and animal-derived sterols.

Ingredient that enhances slip or glide across the skin.

Dull, not shiny, anti-glare.

The amount of UV radiation it takes to turn the skin slightly red. Used to determine sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen.

A portion or part of a whole; e.g., a portion of a molecule.

Ingredient added to a formulation so the finished product makes skin feel “moisturized” (softer and more pliable, as it would if it were more hydrated). True hydration is the result of increasing the water content of the stratum corneum by reducing evaporative loss through inclusion of humectants and/or creating a water vapor-resistant barrier.

Having more than a single charge. For example, cationic Ca+2, Mg+2, and Al+3; and anionic CO3-2, SO4-2 and PO4-3 ions.

A fluid, such as water, motor oil, or honey; for which viscosity is independent of applied shear.
It does not shear thin like styling gels or shear thicken like highly concentrated pigment dispersions.

Surface active agent that is uncharged. As a result, performance is not impacted by pH (over the range of pH in which the surfactant is stable). A greater degree of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide incorporation increases water solubility and HLB.

Obstructing movement (of water from the skin). This is typically accomplished by putting a water-insoluble barrier/film on
the skin, which slows water loss and increases the moisture content of the skin.

Liquid water-insoluble substance that has one or more long fatty chains or linear hydrocarbon chains that increase slip, shine, and softness of skin.

The oil-soluble or nonpolar components of an emulsion.

Controlling the polarity of a solvent system to minimize the rate of photodecay of a UV filter.

Ingredient added to make a finished product opaque, or more opaque.

An emulsion in which an oil is the dispersed (internal) phase and an aqueous fluid is the dispersion medium (the external, or continuous, phase).

The ability of a substance to withstand formation of oxidation by-products.

Esters of p-Hydroxy Benzoic Acid, a common class of preservatives (Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Propylparaben) used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. Used at low levels (less than one percent).

The deposition properties of a stick or balm product during application.

Ingredient added to make a product pearlescent (impart a luster or gloss similar to that of a pearl).

A polymer of ethylene oxide, also referred to as PEO (polyethylene oxide) or as POE (polyoxyethylene). The chain length of the polymer may be identified by the average number of mols of ethylene oxide monomer in the polymer (e.g., PEG- 150) or by the average molecular weight of the polymer (e.g., PEG 6000). Regardless of the polymer’s length, it has a free hydroxyl group at each end. Mono- and di-esters of PEGs are frequently utilized in personal care products.

Physiological response of skin to UVA radiation that occurs within several hours of exposure.

Protection factor UVA (see UVA protection factor).

Degree to which a substance can remain unchanged upon exposure to light.

Inactive/excipient ingredients added sunscreen to prevent active ingredients from losing their effectiveness during sun exposure.

Separation of electron density in a molecule. It helps determine physical properties such as surface tension, solubility, and melting and boiling points.

Class of synthetic resins made from the polymerization of olefins, including ethylene and propylene.

Polymeric carbohydrate made up
of a long chain of simple sugar molecules. Starch and cellulose are two examples of polysaccharides.

Actually, 1,3-Propanediol. Propylene Glycol is 1,2-Propanediol. Both are humecatants used in cosmetics and personal care products.

The optimal HLB for an emulsifier (or a group of emulsifiers) to efficiently disperse (emulsify) one phase (oil or water) of a formulation into another (water or oil).

The form and flow a substance, including elasticity, viscosity, and plasticity. (See Newtonian Fluid)

The amount (in milligrams) of Potassium Hydroxide required to react with one gram of fat or oil to convert it entirely into soap.

The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, consisting primarily of fatty esters, free fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, and other unsaponifiable matter; that acts as a lubricant for the hair and skin.

An agent that removes metal ions from solution, often by chelation. Benefits include making the metal ions biologically inactive (thereby inhibiting microbial growth), pre- venting them from combining with other substances to form insoluble precipitates or chromophores, and preventing them from acting as undesired catalysts.

Ingredient containing at least silicon, carbon and oxygen that offers a very low surface tension, allowing for better spreading and more efficient film formation. Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone that is used as a carrier and to offer transient wetting. Dimethicone, a polymer available in a wide range of molecular weights, may be used as a defoamer during manufacture and as a skin protectant in finished skin care products.

Photostabilzer that uses singlet energy transfer to prevent UV-filter molecules from reaching the triplet state, thereby precluding degradation, and so enhancing performance.

Ingredient that helps a finished product flow more smoothly and easily.

A cleansing agent typically made by treating animal fat (tallow) or vegetal oils or butters with an alkali, such as Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide, and consisting chiefly of the sodium or potassium salts of the fatty acids contained in these triglycerides and a small amount of released glycerin.

High-HLB surfactant that micro- emulsifies (forms clear solutions of) water-insoluble ingredients (such as fragrance oils) in an aqueous formulation; allowing a clear, rather than milky or opaque, end product.

Liquid capable of dissolving other substances, forming an entirely liquid base for a formulation.

Ingredient that helps maintain
the integrity of some aspect
(e.g., consistency, color, microbiology, active ingredient) of the finished product during storage or in use.
A photostabilizer helps maintain stability of the product under light.

The top part of the epidermis, composed of biologically dead but biochemically active cells arranged in a “brick and mortar” type structure. It moderates external stimuli of the living tissue beneath and maintains its moisture level by both absorbing water and inhibiting evaporation (regulating trans-epi- dermal water loss, or TEWL).

Substance used to impart desired structure and form (resistance to flow) to a composition, thereby maintaining product uniformity and defining product deformation and release characteristics.

Resistance to rinse or rub off —
a desirable trait for a leave-on skin product.

A salt or ester of sulfuric acid.

The ratio of the minimum erythemal dose (MED) — the amount of UV radiation it takes to turn the skin slightly red — of skin protected with sunscreen to unprotected skin.

Molecule with a fatty, lipophilic (“lipid-loving”) tail and a hydrophilic (“water-loving”) head that reduces surface tension between ingredients to enable efficient emulsification or solubilization. (See anionic, cationic, and nonionic.)

Shortened form of surface active agent.

Ingredient that helps prevent settling (sedimentation), creaming (flotation) and flocculation (agglomeration) of the dispersed phase in a suspension- or emulsion-based finished product.

Synthetic detergent. A surfactant developed as an alternative to nat- ural soap to provide better foaming and/or reduced irritation potential.

The extraction or expulsion of a liquid from a gel, such as when temperature changes cause a diluent to exceed its solubility limit in a polymer.

Ingredient that changes the rheology or viscosity of a formulation such that it becomes less fluid.

Sulfurous compound that is the salt of a weak acid and a weak base, also known as perm salt. Solutions containing ammonium thioglycolate swell hair, rendering it permeable. Hence, it is used in solutions to permanent-wave hair, or combined with caustic to remove hair (depilate).

Photostabilizer that uses triplet energy transfer to slow the photodecay of sunscreen active ingredients.

Having a wavelength shorter than those of visible light and longer than those of x-rays (radiation).

Active ingredients added to a sunscreen to absorb, disperse,
or reflect UV radiation. UV-filter ingredients that break down when exposed to sunlight require photostabilization.

Longer-wavelength (320–400 nm) sun rays that penetrate the skin through the epidermis, into the dermis. Known as the “tanning rays,” long-term exposure can also cause photo-aging and skin cancers.

Shorter-wavelength (290–320 nm) sun rays that can penetrate the epidermis and produce effects ranging from sunburn to carcinomas.

A measure of the resistance to flow (deformation) of a material.

Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm. The higher the wavelength, the less energetic the light.

The tendency of a liquid to evaporate. Liquids with high boiling points have low volatility, and vice versa.

The water-soluble portion of an emulsion.

An emulsion in which an aqueous fluid is the dispersed (internal) phase and an oil is the dispersion medium (the external, or continuous, phase).