In the world of natural cosmetics you will find a number of terms that are confusing or that you may not be familiar with because it is not your area of expertise. We don't want a technical vocabulary to keep you from making the right decisions to protect your health. That's why we've developed a short glossary of terms frequently used in the natural cosmetics and which you will find very useful to consult on a regular basis.

Gradually, we will increase the number of definitions until we have in SOIVRE a complete guide from A to Z. Your ally in the conquest of the exciting world of natural cosmetics.

List of natural cosmetics terms

A

  • Essential oilA highly concentrated, aromatic, volatile substance. It is extracted from plant tissues by steam distillation, expression, maceration or with chemical solvents. Essential oils have therapeutic properties and should, with few exceptions, be used in small doses and diluted in another substance. To obtain their benefits they are applied topically, inhaled or ingested.
  • After sun: milks, lotions, creams, gels, and sprays that are applied after the sun exposure. They moisturise the skin, repair UV damage, soothe burns and prevent the signs of photo-ageing. Their effectiveness is enhanced when applied to clean skin.
  • Anti ageThe effect is manifested in the reduction of the signs of ageing. Creams with an anti-ageing effect generally include retinol, epidermal growth factor, Coenzyme Q10 and antioxidants among their active ingredients, vitamin C and other substances. The results anti age The anti-ageing benefits include increased skin hydration, radiance, toning and reduction of spots and wrinkles.

C

  • Collagen: proteins found in the connective tissue cells of many animals, mainly in the skin and bones. It is responsible for providing flexibility, strength and elasticity to tissues. There are 21 types of collagens in the human body with different characteristics depending on the organ in which they are found and their functions.

E

  • Emollientemollient: a property present in some substances and characterised by softening, soothing and softening the skin and mucous membranes. Emollient creams, lotions or ointments do not contain any pharmacological product. They are prescribed for people with very dry skin and a tendency to desquamation.
  • EmulsionAn inhomogeneous mixture of two liquids in such a way that one is dispersed in the other. In an emulsion you will see that if you do not stir it, the liquids that make it up tend to separate, some particles float to the surface or settle to the bottom of the container.

H

  • HypoallergenicHypoallergenic cosmetics: a substance that is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic cosmetics are manufactured by minimising the amount of allergens or allergens in the product. irritants common in cosmetics and listed at 76 chemicals.

P

  • ParabensChemical compounds of synthetic origin with bactericidal and fungicidal properties that are used in the cosmetic and food industry as preservatives. They are considered to be of low toxicity and are easily absorbed, metabolised and eliminated from the human body. Some health authorities warn that they are best used with caution as they mimic the action of oestrogens and have been associated with the development of some diseases.
  • Peelingexfoliation: exfoliation of the skin to remove dead cells from the epidermis or outer layer. There are different types of peeling which combine the use of chemical products (lactic acid, retinoic acid, glycolic acid, etc.) and mechanical actions (microdermabrasion with diamond tips). Some exfoliation treatments are so intense that they can only be applied by expert professionals. This type of deep treatment penetrates down to the dermis and removes blemishes. and generates moderate skin rejuvenation.

S

  • Serumserum: this is the same as serum in English, it refers to gels or cosmetic liquids that are much more concentrated, active and potent than a cream, so a few drops are enough to see the effects. Its texture is light and absorption is fast. Penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin. It should always be applied on clean skin and before creams.

T

  • TonicTonic: substance capable of activating organic functions, invigorating and stimulating the cells. Tonic and restorative are used as synonyms within the natural cosmetics. We find tonics for the hair that restore strength and freshness; and also tonics for the skin that cleanse it and prepare it for the creams to work effectively.