Page 206 - Cosmetology

seeds, flowers, and fruits, are considered toxic and poisonous. Death has resulted after ingestion of
hemlock. Prompt medical attention is advised after ingestion of hemlock. There is no research showing it to
have any effect when applied topically on skin.

Copaifera officinalis. See balsam.

copper gluconate. Copper is an important trace element for human nutrition. The body needs copper to
absorb and utilize iron, and copper is also a component of the powerful antioxidant enzyme superoxide
dismutase. Copper supplements have been shown to increase superoxide dismutase levels in humans
(Source: Healthnotes Review of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, www.healthnotes.com). The
synthesis of collagen and elastin is in part related to the presence of copper in the body, and copper is also
important for many other processes. For example, there is research showing that copper is effective for
wound healing. However, wound healing is the result of many biophysical processes that have nothing to do
with wrinkling. See superoxide dismutase.

copper peptides. See copper gluconate.

copper sulfate. Chemical effective for topical wound healing. However, wound healing is the result of many
biophysical processes that have nothing to do with wrinkling.

Corallina officinalis extract. See algae.

coriander. Herb and spice plant, the source of a fragrant component; it can be a potential skin irritant. It
may also have some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but these properties have not been established
for topical use on skin.

corn glycerides. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. See glyceryl ester.

corn oil. Emollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils.

cornflower. Can have anti-inflammatory properties.

cornmint. Also known as wild mint; it can be a skin irritant. See counter-irritant.

cornstarch. Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of talc.
However, when cornstarch becomes moist, it can promote fungal and bacterial growth.

Cornus extract. See dogwood.

corticosteroids. See hydrocortisone.

Corylus americana. See hazelnut oil.

Corylus avellana. See hazelnut oil.

costus root. Has anti-inflammatory properties (Source: European Journal of Pharmacology, June 2000,
pages 399–407), but there is research showing that it can also inhibit the immune response.

coumarin. Organic compound found in plants and derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. It creates the
fragrance found in fresh-mowed hay. More than 300 coumarins have been identified from natural sources,
especially green plants. These varying substances have disparate pharmacological, biochemical, and
therapeutic applications. However, simple coumarins are potent antioxidants.

counter-irritant. Ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, camphor, and mint are considered counter-
irritants Counter-irritants are used to induce local inflammation for the purpose of relieving inflammation in
deeper or adjacent tissues. In other words, they substitute one kind of inflammation for another, which is
never good for skin. Irritation or inflammation, no matter what causes it or how it happens, impairs the skin's
immune and healing response. And although your skin may not show it, or doesn't react in an irritated
fashion, if you apply irritants to your skin the damage is still taking place and is ongoing, so it adds up over
time.

Cranberry Seed Extract. The extract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as