Page 236 - Cosmetology

mimosa oil or extract. Used as a fragrance in cosmetics.

Mimosa tenuiflora extract. It is used traditionally to treat wounds and burns, particularly in Mexico where
the extract is called Tepescohuite. But there is conflicting evidence whether or not this extract is really
effective and potentially toxic to skin.

mineral oil. Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely
causes allergic reactions and can't become a solid and clog pores. Despite mineral oil's association with
petroleum and the hype that it is bad for skin, keep in mind that petroleum is a natural ingredient derived
from the earth and that once it becomes mineral oil, it has no resemblance to the original petroleum.
Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing
ingredients ever found. Yes, they can keep air off the skin to some extent, but that's what a good antioxidant
is supposed to do; they don't suffocate skin! Moreover, mineral oil and petrolatum are known to be
efficacious in wound healing, and are also considered to be among the most effective moisturizing
ingredients available.

mink oil. Considered similar to human sebum and, therefore, an effective emollient. The miraculous claims
made for this ingredient are not proven, and in moisturizers it is neither preferable to nor more effective than
plant oils.

mint. Can be a skin irritant and cause contact dermatitis. See counter-irritant.

Mitracarpe scaber extract. Extract from a plant native to West Africa; it has been shown to have some
antimicrobial properties.

mixed fruit extracts. See sugarcane extract.

montmorillonite. See bentonite.

Moor extract. Trade name for silt extract, a type of mud or clay that has absorbent properties. There is no
research showing it to have special benefit for skin.

Moringa pterygosperma extract. An extract from the horseradish tree. It can have antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties when taken orally, but there is no research showing those benefits can take place
when it is applied topically.

Morus bombycis root extract. See mulberry extract.

Morus nigra root extract. See black mulberry.

Mourera fluvitalis extract. There is no research showing this to have any benefit for skin.

mucopolysaccharide. Also known as glycosaminoglycans. This is a large class of ingredients that includes
hyaluronic acid, which is found universally in skin tissue. These substances, in association with protein, bind
water and other cellular elements so they remain intact, forming a matrix that holds skin cells together. See
natural moisturizing factors.

mugwort extract. There is no research showing this extract to be beneficial for skin.

mulberry extract. Due to its arbutin content, this extract can have some value in preventing melanin
production. Although there is limited research showing this to be the case, the research has only been done
in vitro.

Musa paradisica. See banana extract.

Myobloc. An alternative to Botox. Myobloc is the botulinum toxin type B. See Botox.

myristates. Generally these are forms of fatty acids used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.
As is true for any emollient, they can potentially clog pores, depending on the amount used in the product.
See fatty acid.