Page 196 - Cosmetology

BHA. Abbreviation for butylated hydroxyanisole, a synthetic, potent antioxidant, but also a suspected
carcinogen. The abbreviation BHA should not be confused with beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), which is
an exfoliant. Salicylic acid is abbreviated in discussions as BHA, but it would never be shown that way on a
cosmetic ingredient list.

BHA (beta hydroxy acid). See salicylic acid.

BHT. Butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic, potent antioxidant that also has carcinogenic properties

bifida ferment lysate. Type of bacteria found in the digestive system. It has no known effect on skin.

bifidus extract. Carbohydrate in human milk that stimulates the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus in the
intestine. In turn, the Lactobacillus bifidus lowers the pH of the intestinal contents and suppresses the
growth of Escherischia coli and other pathogenic bacteria. Whether or not bifidus extract can have benefit
for skin is unknown.

bilberry extract. Some research shows bilberry to be effective as an antioxidant, but this effect has not
been demonstrated on skin.

bioflavonoid. A diverse range of substances that are components of many fruits and vegetables. Many of
these have been shown to have potent antioxidant and gene-regulatory activity.

biotin. Also known as vitamin H. It is a water-soluble vitamin produced in the body by certain types of
intestinal bacteria and obtained from food. Considered part of the B complex group of vitamins, biotin is
necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
However, it has no reported benefit for skin when applied topically.

birch bark. Derived from the plant Betula alba (commonly called white birch). It can have potent antioxidant
properties, but it can also have astringent properties, which makes it a potential irritant for skin if it is one of
the main ingredients in a product.

birch leaf extract. See birch bark.

bisabolol. Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an anti-irritant.

bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. See glyceryl
ester.

bismuth oxychloride. A naturally occurring, grayish-white powder used as a skin protective, thickener, and
absorbent agent. Permanently listed by the FDA as a coloring agent since 1977.

bitter orange flower. See orange blossom.

black cohosh. There is research showing that black cohosh when taken orally can have some effect on
menopausal and pre-menopausal symptoms. However, there is no research showing that black cohosh can
have this or any effect when applied topically on skin.

black currant oil. See gamma linolenic acid.

black elderberry. Has potent antioxidant properties.

black locust extract. A plant extract that can have antioxidant properties, though it may have toxic
components as well.

black mulberry. There is no research showing this to have any benefit when applied topically to skin.

black pepper extract and oil. Used topically as a counter-irritant, but that means it can cause significant
skin irritation

black raspberry. Fruit that has potent antioxidant properties
black tea. See green tea.