Page 200 - Cosmetology

camphor. Aromatic substance obtained from the wood of a southeast Asian tree, Cinnamomum camphora,
or manufactured synthetically. When applied to the skin it produces a cooling effect and dilates blood
vessels, which can cause skin irritation and dermatitis with repeated use

cananga extract. Fragrance used in cosmetics; it can be a skin irritant, much like ylang-ylang.

Cananga odorata. See ylang-ylang.

candelilla wax. Derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products
such as lipsticks or stick foundations their form.

Cannabis sativa L. oil. See hemp seed oil.

canola oil. Plant lipid that has barrier-repair and anti-inflammatory properties.

caprylic/capric triglyceride. Derived from coconut, and considered to be a good emollient and thickening
agent in cosmetics.

capsaicin. Component of capsicum. When used topically, capsaicin can prevent the transmission of pain. It
is also a potent topical irritant and can trigger dermatitis. See capsicum.

capsicum. A large group of plants consisting primarily of the pepper family, including chili peppers and
paprika. These are used as counter-irritants to relieve muscle aches. Capsicum and substances derived
from it can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation and should never be applied to abraded skin. See
counter-irritant.

capsicum oleoresin. Fatty resin derived from capsicum plants. It can be a skin irritant and should not be
applied to abraded skin. See capsicum.

caramel. Natural coloring agent.

carbomers. Thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations.

carbopol. See carbomers.

cardamom. Plant of the ginger family, used as fragrance in cosmetics. Terpene is one of its major
constituents, which can be a skin irritant and sensitizer.

carmine. Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle. It is sometimes used to color
lip gloss, lipsticks, and other cosmetics.

carnauba wax. Vegetable wax that has a hard, firm texture; it is used in cosmetics as a substantial
thickening agent.

carnauba wax. A natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening
agent, but can also have film-forming and absorbent properties.

carnitine. A naturally occurring amino acid, deficiencies of this small but essential component can result in
muscle loss and a multitude of other problems. Research abounds for carnitine, especially acetyl-L-carnitine,
which is considered to have more bioavailabilty in terms of its effect on aging and brain function. How this
amino acid affects skin when applied topically is unknown.

carnosic acid. Component of rosemary that is considered a potent antioxidant .

carnosine. Composed of amino acids, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There is some
research showing it to have antiglycation properties.
carnosol acid. See carnosic acid.

carob fruit extract. May have antioxidant properties.

carrageenan. Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.