COSMETOLOGY TERMS REVISED AND
PASSED!!!.
Acetic Acid - ANS Sometimes used as a caustic or astringent.
Acne - ANS An inflammatory skin disease that effects the tiny pores thats cover the
face, arms, back and chest as well as the oil glands attached to them.
Acrylic - ANS It has moisture barrier as well as waterproofing, water repelling properties.
Age Spots - ANS A darkly pigmented (colored) area on the skin that occurs with age.
Alkaline - ANS Any non-acid substance with a pH greater than 7.
Allergen - ANS Allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Allantoin - ANS A botanical extract said to heal and soothe. Used in creams and topical
preparations for the skin.
Almond Oil - ANS Vegetable oil derived from almonds with softening properties. Used in
cosmetics.
Aloe Vera - ANS An emollient resin with hydrating/softening properties.
Alpha Hydroxy - ANS An active substance with exfoliating and emollient properties.
Althea - ANS Botanical root believed to have emollient and soothing capabilities for
skin.
Astringent - ANS Toner helpful in controlling surface oils and in lowering the pH after
cleansing.
Azulene - ANS An anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, derived from German
chamomile.
Beeswax - ANS One of the oldest ingredients in cosmetic preparations, traditionally
used as an emulsifier.
Benzoyl Peroxide - ANS An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments.
Bergamot - ANS This is an antiseptic and bacterial growth-inhibitor known for its toning,
antiseptic and deodorizing qualities.
Beta carotene - ANS Orange colored plant pigments, used in the manufacture of vitamin
A.
, Beta hydroxy - ANS An exfoliating agent with a smaller molecule size than the alpha
hydroxy.
Beta-glucan - ANS A new ingredient derived from yeast, reported to enhance the skin
natural defense mechanisms.
Bioflavonoid - ANS Plant derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually derived from citrus fruit rinds.
Biotin - ANS Part of vitamin B complex. Involved in the metabolism of fats,
carbohydrates and proteins.
Blackheads - ANS A term used to describe the skin's pores clogged by natural oils and
impurities.
Botanical - ANS Refers to products derived from plants.
Botox - ANS Trade name for botulinum toxin. Used in tiny amounts, it can temporarily
paralyze a muscle and reduce or eliminate wrinkles or frown lines without harm.
Bronzers - ANS A synthetic preparation that causes the skin to darken or appeared
tanned.
Buffer - ANS A pH balanced cleansing solution that improves the look and feel of the
skin leaving it shiny and more supple.
Burdock - ANS A root extract with antibacterial properties. May also reduce
inflammations such as rashes, redness, acne, eczema.
Butcher's Broom - ANS Botanical extract used to improve circulation and reduce facial
redness. Also believed to have anti-cellulite effects
Calendula - ANS An emollient believed to have healing, soothing and antiseptic
properties. Used to treat dry skin.
Callus - ANS An excessive build up of the hard tough layers of skin. Can be removed
at-home or by an esthetician.
Candela Wax - ANS Binds oils and waxes to give body to a formulation. Often used in
lipsticks.
Capillary - ANS The smallest type of blood vessel in the body. Spider veins, for
instance, are actually small capillaries commonly found on the face or legs.
Cellulite - ANS Deposits of fat and other material trapped in pockets beneath the skin.
PASSED!!!.
Acetic Acid - ANS Sometimes used as a caustic or astringent.
Acne - ANS An inflammatory skin disease that effects the tiny pores thats cover the
face, arms, back and chest as well as the oil glands attached to them.
Acrylic - ANS It has moisture barrier as well as waterproofing, water repelling properties.
Age Spots - ANS A darkly pigmented (colored) area on the skin that occurs with age.
Alkaline - ANS Any non-acid substance with a pH greater than 7.
Allergen - ANS Allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Allantoin - ANS A botanical extract said to heal and soothe. Used in creams and topical
preparations for the skin.
Almond Oil - ANS Vegetable oil derived from almonds with softening properties. Used in
cosmetics.
Aloe Vera - ANS An emollient resin with hydrating/softening properties.
Alpha Hydroxy - ANS An active substance with exfoliating and emollient properties.
Althea - ANS Botanical root believed to have emollient and soothing capabilities for
skin.
Astringent - ANS Toner helpful in controlling surface oils and in lowering the pH after
cleansing.
Azulene - ANS An anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, derived from German
chamomile.
Beeswax - ANS One of the oldest ingredients in cosmetic preparations, traditionally
used as an emulsifier.
Benzoyl Peroxide - ANS An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments.
Bergamot - ANS This is an antiseptic and bacterial growth-inhibitor known for its toning,
antiseptic and deodorizing qualities.
Beta carotene - ANS Orange colored plant pigments, used in the manufacture of vitamin
A.
, Beta hydroxy - ANS An exfoliating agent with a smaller molecule size than the alpha
hydroxy.
Beta-glucan - ANS A new ingredient derived from yeast, reported to enhance the skin
natural defense mechanisms.
Bioflavonoid - ANS Plant derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually derived from citrus fruit rinds.
Biotin - ANS Part of vitamin B complex. Involved in the metabolism of fats,
carbohydrates and proteins.
Blackheads - ANS A term used to describe the skin's pores clogged by natural oils and
impurities.
Botanical - ANS Refers to products derived from plants.
Botox - ANS Trade name for botulinum toxin. Used in tiny amounts, it can temporarily
paralyze a muscle and reduce or eliminate wrinkles or frown lines without harm.
Bronzers - ANS A synthetic preparation that causes the skin to darken or appeared
tanned.
Buffer - ANS A pH balanced cleansing solution that improves the look and feel of the
skin leaving it shiny and more supple.
Burdock - ANS A root extract with antibacterial properties. May also reduce
inflammations such as rashes, redness, acne, eczema.
Butcher's Broom - ANS Botanical extract used to improve circulation and reduce facial
redness. Also believed to have anti-cellulite effects
Calendula - ANS An emollient believed to have healing, soothing and antiseptic
properties. Used to treat dry skin.
Callus - ANS An excessive build up of the hard tough layers of skin. Can be removed
at-home or by an esthetician.
Candela Wax - ANS Binds oils and waxes to give body to a formulation. Often used in
lipsticks.
Capillary - ANS The smallest type of blood vessel in the body. Spider veins, for
instance, are actually small capillaries commonly found on the face or legs.
Cellulite - ANS Deposits of fat and other material trapped in pockets beneath the skin.
