Know Your Ingredients

[Oju]

Know Your Ingredients

Have you ever asked yourself why all those ingredients are in your "quality" shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.? Many are things you can't pronounce. And, if you can't pronounce them, they shouldn't be in there. Right? Well, not necessarily. We have compiled a list ingredients commonly used in hair conditioners, lotions, shampoos, soaps and other body care products. We've also listed the properties and benefits of these ingredients. Please click on an ingredient to read a little more about where it comes from and what it's doing in the products you put on your hair and skin. In this listing you will find:

* Herbs

* Essential Oils

* Naturally occurring substances

* Synthetic ingredients found in better grade hair care products

Some terms you may want to know before you get started:


* acid- reacts with a base to form water and salt. A water-based solution that is highly acidic will have a low pH value and be highly reactive.

* alcohol- a compounds made from carbon, hydrogen and water in a particular arrangement. Many are antiseptic.

* antiseptic- prevents infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms

* antioxidant- A substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation.

* astringent- draws together skin and other tissues. Tightens pores and removes excess oil from the skin.

* base- reacts with an acid to form water and salt. Something that is highly basic (also known as alkaline or caustic) will have a high pH value and be highly reactive.

* emollient- skin softener

* emulsifier- substance that keeps two or more components of a product from separating. This mixture is called an emulsion.

* exfoliant- removes dead skin cells

* fragrance oil- fragrance oils are synthetic scents.

* humectant- substance the promotes the retention of moisture

* hypoallergenic- having a decreased possibility of causing an allergic reaction.

* noncomedogenic- does not clog pores and cause the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

* pH- the measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. The range is from 1 to 14. Water is neutral with a pH value of 7. The closer to 1 or to 14, the more and there is an increased possibility of skin damage. Balancing pH, when it comes to body care products, is to move the pH to a level that is more in harmony with the body.

* solvent- something use to dissolve something else.

* surfactant- used to change the chemical properties of something allowing it to better mix or react with something else. For example, cleansers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, conditioning agents. Cleansers contain surfactants, allowing them to dissolve dirt and remove it.

* toner- used to cleanse and refresh the skin.

* topical or topically- to apply something topically means to apply it to a local area.


In cosmetics, refers to applying to an area of the skin.

http://www.treasuredlocks.com/ingredientswhy.html

[Kala]

Greetings Sis Oju

Medase paa, for de-mystifying the purpose of all that stuff that floats around in the hair and skin products we use. Even with the natural based items, I still find myself wondering...why is that in there?

Much appreciations for this informative addition to the Health Forums!

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