Page 190 - Cosmetology

ammonium lauryl sulfate. Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and
is considered to be gentle and effective. See surfactant.

amniotic extract or fluid. There is some research showing pure concentrations of amniotic fluid (human) to
have some benefit for wound healing. However, there is no research showing amniotic fluid to be effective
for wrinkles or other skin care needs or when diluted in cosmetic formulations.

amodimethicone. See silicone.

amyl cinnamate. Fragrant component.

amyl salicylate. Fragrant component.

amyris oil. A fragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin.

Anacyclus pyrethrum. See pellitory.

Anacystis nidulans extract. See algae.

Ananas sativus fruit extract. See pineapple extract.

andiroba oil. Extracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has anti-inflammatory properties

andrographolide. Component of Andrographis paniculata, an herb common to India and China. It has anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract. See dong quai.

anisaldehyde. Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

anise. Also known as aniseed; it can have potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, but its fragrant
component makes this a potential skin irritant and it can cause photosensitivity

annato extract. Natural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub
native to South America; it produces a deep yellow-orange to red color.

Anthemis nobilis flower extract. See chamomile.

Anthocyanins. Naturally occurring substances in a plant that give fruit, vegetables, and plants their unique
color. Derived from two Greek words meaning plant and blue, anthocyanins are the pigments that make
blueberries blue, raspberries red, etc. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants. There is research showing that
plants rich in anthocyanins such as pomegranate and grapes have anti-tumor properties. Over 300 different
anthocyanins have been identified.

Anthyllis vulnera. There is no research showing this plant to have any benefit for skin.

antibacterial. Any ingredient that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria, particularly in the case of
bacteria that cause blemishes.

anti-inflammatory. Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness,
pain, irritation, or redness.

anti-irritant. Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, pain,
itching, or redness.

antioxidant. Describes the function a specific ingredient can have on skin to reduce the effects of free-
radical damage. Free-radical damage can be caused by the presence of oxygen or any compound that
contains an oxygen molecule (such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide), sunlight, and
pollution. Any substance that impedes or slows free-radical damage by preventing the oxidative action of
molecules is referred to as an "antioxidant." Many vitamins have antioxidant properties, including vitamins A,
C, and E, as do amino acids such as methionine, L-cysteine, and L-carnitine; enzymes such as superoxide