Page 239 - Cosmetology

Nigella sativa seed extract. May have anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties. It can also be
a skin sensitizer and there is little research showing it to have benefit for skin.

nitrogen. Used as a propellant for products by the cosmetics industry; it can generate free-radical damage
and cause cell death.

nitrosamines. Can be formed in cosmetics when amines (such as DEA, MEA, or TEA) are combined with a
formaldehyde-releasing preservative (bronopol or quaternium-15, among others). Nitrosamines are known
for their carcinogenic properties. There is controversy as to whether or not this poses a real problem for skin
given the small concentrations that are used in cosmetics and the question of whether nitrosamines can
even penetrate skin. See formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

nonacnegenic. Term used by the cosmetics industry to lead consumers to believe they are using a product
that will not cause their skin to break out. However, "nonacnegenic" is not regulated in any manner by the
FDA and, therefore, is used indiscriminately by cosmetics companies without any substantiation or proof of
claim.

noncomedogenic. Term meant to indicate that a product will not clog pores. This term is not regulated by
the FDA or any other organization, so a cosmetics company can make this claim regardless of proof or
substantiation of any kind.

nonoxynols. Used as mild surfactants. See surfactant.

nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Component of some plants that has been shown to have anticancer properties
for skin and may also protect the skin from sun damage.

nylon-12. Powder substance that is used as an absorbent and thickening agent.O
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oak root extract. May have antibacterial properties on skin but can also be a skin irritant.

oatmeal. Can have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.

oatmeal soap. Soap containing oatmeal and supposed to be better at absorbing oil and soothing sensitive
skin than other soaps or bar cleansers. There are studies demonstrating that oatmeal can have anti-irritant
properties. How that translates into a bar cleanser is unknown, but the benefits are probably nonexistent
given the amount of time the oatmeal is actually on the skin and the presence of other irritating ingredients.
Plus, when rubbed over the skin the pieces of oat particles can be scratchy and irritate some skin types. See
oatmeal (above).

octinoxate. See octyl methoxycinnamate.

octisalate. Technical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl
salicylate). See octyl salicylate.

octocrylene. Sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight.

octyl methoxycinnamate. Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun's UVB rays.

octyl palmitate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

octyl salicylate. Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun's UVB rays.

octyl stearate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

octyldodecanol. An emulsifier and opacifying agent, used primarily as a thickener in moisturizers because
of its lubricating and emollient properties.

octyldodecyl myristate. The mixture of octyldocecanol (a thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new
compound used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. See myristic acid.

octyldodecyl neopentanoate. A skin-conditioning agent and emollient.