Page 199 - Cosmetology

cactus flower extract. There is little information about this plant extract when applied topically, but it may
be a skin irritant that causes itching and skin pustules

caffeic acid. Potent antioxidant that may have some anticarcinogenic properties

caffeine. Since 1971 when the first Starbucks opened in my hometown of Seattle, I have been a coffee
lover. And over the years I’ve developed a passion for Grande and Venti Lattes. I would be thrilled to learn
that this has somehow helped my thighs, but alas, this is far from the case. Separate from my own anecdotal
experience, caffeine is one of the more typical ingredients to show up in cellulite creams and lotions. There
are two reasons for this. The first is caffeine’s distant relationship to aminophylline. Aminophylline is a
modified form of theophylline and caffeine contains theophylline. There is no research to prove or disprove
that theophylline can affect cellulite. However, researchers have disproved aminophyilline’s impact on
cellulite. The second reason caffeine may show up in cellulite products stems from research showing it to
have benefit for weight loss. But that’s only when you drink it, not when you rub it on your thighs.

There are only two studies showing caffeine to have benefit for reducing cellulite. One was conducted by
Johnson & Johnson, which owns the RoC and Neutrogena brands, both of which sell cellulite creams that
contain caffeine. The other was conducted by cosmetics ingredients manufacturers that sell anti-cellulite
compounds. There is no other independent research showing caffeine provides any benefit for treating
cellulite.

Caffeine does have potential as an antioxidant, so it isn’t a wasted ingredient in skin-care products. It’s just
not one that can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

cajeputi oil. See Melaleuca cajeputi oil.

calamine. Preparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is
considered a counter-irritant and is used to reduce itching. See counter-irritant.

calcium ascorbate. One form of vitamin C; others include ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl
palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. There is very little research concerning its health benefits,
either topically or orally, in regard to its antioxidant benefits. See Ester-C.

calcium carbonate. Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

calcium d-pantetheine-s-sulfonate. See calcium pantetheine sulfonate.

calcium gluconate. Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows it to be
a good anti-inflammatory and healing agent when applied topically.

calcium pantetheine sulfonate. A small amount of in vitro research shows this to have melanin-inhibiting
properties.

calcium pantothenate. Also known as pantothenic acid. See pantothenic acid.

calcium silicate. See silicate.

calendula extract. Derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold; there is little research showing
it to have any effect on skin, though it may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties for skin.

Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil. See tamanu oil.

Calophyllum tacamahaca. Source of a plant oil that has emollient and antimutagenic properties.

Camellia kissi oil. See Camellia sasanqua oil.

Camellia oleifera. See green tea.

Camellia sasanqua oil. Plant extract that has emollient properties for skin. There is a small amount of
research showing it to have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Camellia sinensis. See green tea.