Eau de perfume
Less concentrated than Parfum, but more concentrated than any other form of fragrance, with a stronger, longer-lasting scent. Because there are more perfume oils (more oil and less alcohol) in the formula, the cost to purchase Eau de Perfume is generally more expensive that other forms of fragrances.
Eau de toilette
A less-concentrated fragrance containing less oil and more alcohol.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the primary remedies for helping the body rid itself of microbial infections. It is often effective against both bacterial and viral attacks, and maybe used in conditions such as boils and infections. It seems to prevent infection and repair tissue damaged by the infection, it is also thought to boost the immune system. Echinacea is frequently taken for cold or flu symptoms and has an anti-itching and soothing property when used in skin-care products.
EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid)
A sequestering (chelating) agent with unique properties of neutralizing trace metals (like calcium, iron and magnesium salts, etc.) and other deposits on hair. It is also used as preservative.
Effervescent
Produces small bubbles of gas. To bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes.
Egg Oil
Natural mixture of fat-soluble emollients (skin softeners and smootheners) and emulsifiers (thickeners), extracted from the whole egg. Egg oil can protect against dehydration and has lubricating and anti-friction properties on the skin.
Elasticity
The ability of hair or skin to stretch without breaking/morphing and then return to their original shape.
Elastin
This protein is responsible for the elasticity of body tissues, more specifically, the skin. An elastin is also a surface protective agent used in cosmetics to alleviate the effects of dry skin
Elder Flower
Used in eye and skin creams for its astringent (oil and/or water removal) properties. It is an excellent skin softener. It is used in many bath/facial blends and in ointments for dry to normal skin.
Elecampane
Elecampane is a specific for irritating bronchial coughs, especially in children. It may be used in asthma and bronchitis asthma. Elecampane is helpful as an expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, and anti-microbial. Go to the Herbal Dictionary and look up Elecampane.
Electrolysis
The use of electricity to dissolve/destroy the hair’s roots. This is a permanent means of ridding unwanted hair.
Emollient
An externally applied soothing herb or agent that acts to smooth and soften the skin, and also reduces inflammation.
Emulsifier
A substance able to mix water with fatty substances such as oils, fats, and waxes. It is a basic ingredient in all lotions and creams. There are two types of emulsifiers: oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsifiers. O/w-emulsifiers mix "oil drops" in aqueous solutions (e.g. lotions), whereas w/o-emulsifiers mix "water drops" in oily solutions (e.g. fatty creams)
Emulsion
A suspension of tiny globules of one liquid in a second liquid (separation results - ingredients will not mix). An example would be oil and vinegar.
Enamel
Another name for nail polish.
Enzyme
A class of protein (catalyst) that is capable of accelerating or producing biochemical reactions by binding to and cleaving other proteins.
Epidermabrasion
A skin peel in which the outermost layers of the skin (epidermal skin layers) are sloughed off (sloughed: to become shed or cast off; to separate in the form of dead tissue from living tissue).
Epilate
The removal of hair beneath the skin’s surface. Examples include using wax or electrolysis. This method produces longer lasting results.
Epsom Salts
Salts that are often applied to water that can soothe tired muscles and soften the skin.
Ergocalciferol
Known as vitamin D used in food products or skincare lotions.
Erythrosine
The common name of FD&C Red No. 3
Essence
The fragrant oil extracted from a plant or herb.
Essential Oil
The essence of a plant, removed by compressing, steaming, dissolving or distilling. These oils produce the strongest odors, flavors, or medicinal properties when used in a product.
Esters
Compounds formed by reactions of organic acids with alcohols. For example, some esters used in cosmetics are emollients (skin soothers and softeners) and are designed to spread easily and penetrate our skin effectively. They tend to resist rancidity better than natural oils, thus their common use in products.
Ethanol (alcohol)
See alcohol.
Ethoxydiglycol
Viscosity decreasing agent (an agent that thins a product and allows it to flow more easily).
Ethyl Alcohol (alcohol)
Same as ethanol or alcohol. See alcohol.
Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid
See EDTA.
Ethyl Ester PVM/MA Copolymer
Humidity resistant, non-tacky polymer.
Ethylparaben
Anti-microbial substance used as preservative in cosmetic products.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has blood stimulation properties (A vaso-dilator that improves blood circulation), beneficial for the treatment of hair loss. It has antiseptic, cooling and stimulating properties.
Eucalyptus Oil
See Eucalyptus.
Euphrasia
Helps reducing skin blemishes.
Evening Primrose Oil
Essential fatty acid oil, rich in gamma-linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. Also known as Vitamin F. It is hydrating to the skin; it helps restore the moisture and lipid balance to dry skin conditions.
Exempt Color Additives
Colors derived primarily from plant, animal and mineral (other than coal and petroleum) sources that are exempt from FDA certification.
Exfoliant
An ingredient or cosmetic tool used to help slough away the dead skin cells.
Exfoliating
A process of removing the top dead skin layers to reveal healthier, newer skin underneath.
Ext. D&C
A prefix designating that a certifiable color may be used only in externally applied drugs and cosmetics.
Extract
An herbal concentrate produced by separating the essential or active part of an herb into a solvent material.
Eyebright
Is an excellent remedy for the problems of mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties makes it relevant in many conditions. Used internally it is a powerful anti-catarrhal and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to light.
Posts
