Page 208 - Cosmetology

deer antler velvet. The soft epidermis that covers the hard inner structure of the growing bone and cartilage
that will become deer antlers. Deer antler velvet is marketed as a remedy for a wide range of disorders and
health benefits. However, there is a lack of information in the scientific literature to support these claims, and
there is also a lack of information on potential toxicity. Areas of potential concern include drug residues,
possible deleterious androgenic effects on fetuses and neonates, and allergic reactions. Further, there is
concern about the humane treatment of the animals when the substance is collected.

dehydroepiandrosterone. See DHEA.

deionized/demineralized water. Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations
goes through this process to remove components that could interfere with a product's stability and
performance.

Delesseria sanguinea extract. See algae.

denatured alcohol. See alcohol.

deodorant soap. Soap that contains ingredients to reduce the bacteria that cause body odor. The
ingredients are too harsh for the delicate skin of the face and they don't stay on the skin long enough to
have any real disinfecting effect.

deoxyribonucleic acid. See DNA.

detergent cleansing agent. See surfactant.

deuterium oxide. See heavy water.

dextran. A polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. See also mucopolysaccharide.

dextrin. A carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with
water. For skin it can have water-binding properties.

DHA. See dihydroxyacetone.

DHEA. Also called prasterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, it is a naturally occurring prohormone that
converts in the body to primarily androgens (male hormones), and to a lesser degree estrogens. It is
controversial as an oral supplement because long-term use has been associated with women developing
secondary masculine traits, liver damage, disrupted menstrual cycles, and defects in fetuses. More
superficial risks include hair loss, acne, and weight gain. Topically, it is possible that DHEA can increase
collagen production and prevent collagen destruction by decreasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) but
the research about this is extremely limited and the studies that do exist were only done on a handful of
people.

diatomaceous earth. Light-colored porous rock composed of skeletons of minute sea creatures called
diatoms, used typically as an abrasive material in scrub products.

diazolidinyl urea. Formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

dibutyl phthalate. Very common ingredient in almost every nail polish and synthetic fragrance being sold. It
is used as a plasticizer and is a key component in giving nail polish its unique properties. The report noted
measurable levels of phthalate were found in the urine of the participants in the study. However, the CDC
also stated that "Finding a measurable amount of one or more phthalate metabolites in urine does not mean
that the level of one or more phthalates causes an adverse health effect. Whether phthalates at the levels of
metabolites reported here are a cause for health concern is not yet known; more research is needed". In
animal tests, dibutyl phthalate has been shown to produce detrimental effects.. DBP damages the testes,
prostate gland, epididymus, penis, and seminal vesicles. These effects persist throughout the animal's life."
At this time, there is no conslusive or agreed-upon research pointing to phthalates being a problem for
humans.

diethanolamine. A colorless liquid used as a solvent and pH adjuster.

diethylhexyl malate. An emollient and skin conditioning agent derived from and the solvent ethyl