AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids): A group of acids, often found in fruit, sour milk, sugar and others processed through bio-fermentation which, when applied to the skin, are believed to dissolve the glue-like lipids holding skin cells together in the stratum corneum; when their adhesive is dissolved, surface skin cells fall away, revealing younger-looking, fresher cells.
 

Amino Acids: The "building blocks" of protein. A group of biological chemical compounds containing nitrogen; form proteins.

Anti-oxidant: A substance which inhibits or prevents damage from free radicals.
 

Benzyl Alcohol: Also known as phenylmethanol, it is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. Benzyl alcohol has a good solvency, low toxicity and low vapor pressure. It is soluble in water and readily soluble in alcohol and ether. It is also used as a raw material of various esters.
 

Beta Glucan: The active ingredient in oats. It also promotes healing, stimulates collagen synthesis, promotes cellular turnover, and protects and moisturizes the skin.
 

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids): A group of acids, often found in flowering plants and herbs. Most common is salicylic acid, believed to dissolve dead skin cells to leave a smooth, even surface.
 

Carboxylic Acid: Simply, a compound present in living organisms or organic, non-living substances that contains one or more carboxyl groups (COOH).
 

Carcinogen: Any substance capable of or contributing to causing cancer.
 

Chelate: Chelating agents are used in facial and body washes, body scrubs and shampoos to deactivate hard calcium and magnesium minerals which can form dulling, film-forming lime soap deposits when hard water comes in contact with the pure soaps.
 

Co-enzyme Q-10: Enzyme activator and anti-oxidant. An essential component of the energy-producing machinery in the cells of the body. CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone, and is found in most cells. High concentrations of CoQ10 are usually found in organs that require a lot of energy, such as the heart.
 

Collagen: Present in the dermis, gives the skin shape and structure, keeping skin smooth and wrinkle-free when we are young, allowing wrinkles to form as the quality of collagen lessens with age. Structurally, a protein made of amino acids: alanine, orginine, glycine, hydroxyproline, lysine proline. Present in the skin, bone, ligaments and cartilage, makes up about 30% of total body protein. (Animal origin by-product)
 

Elastin: Highly elastic albumin-like protein fiber found in the dermis, blood vessels, capillaries and other elastic tissue in the body. Allows skin to stretch then "snap back" when we are young; contributes to sagging skin as the quality of elastin is reduced with age. (Animal origin by-product)
 

Enzymes: Proteins that effect the speed at which chemical changes occur, usually speeding up an action. Thousands of different enzymes are produced in the body. The skin is the body's largest enzyme-producing organ. (Vegetable and animal origins)
 

Fatty Acid: A fat soluble acid, found in the epidermis and in cosmetic products. Includes oleic, stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids. (Vegetable)
 

Flavinoids (aka: Vitamin P): A variety of over 3000 plant chemicals with a characteristic yellow color (flavis is yellow in Latin), they are the most prevalent pigments in the plant kingdom next to chlorophyll and carotenoids. All flavonoids are anti-oxidants; some are also circulatory stimulants, anti-irritants, anti-inflammatory or diuretics. Anthocyanins, anthoxanthins, apigenins, flavones, isoflavones, flavonois and bioflavonols are all flavonoids.
 

Fluoride: Flouride is a trace mineral (like iodine) called fluorine. In nature, it is found only in compound forms, such as fluorspar (calcium fluoride) in soil, or minerals such as fluorophosphates. It can be found in both fresh and sea water, in food (fish, bone meal, tea), and in our bodies as part of the bone. Fluoride toothpastes will help to safely and effectively prevent tooth decay.
 

Free Radical: One or more unpaired electrons capable of independent existence. In the skin, stabilizers itself by stealing an electron form the atoms forming lipids, collagen, elastin, enzymes, hormones, hormone receptors (see all), keratin, cell membranes, and other proteins, fats and amino acid substances. Free radicals, whose attacks last less than a millisecond, are believed by many researchers to be the bottom line of aging and many diseases, including Alzheimer's, arthritis, schizophrenia, Parkinson's, birth defects such as Downs syndrome, cancer, LDL cholesterol, lupus erythematosus, skin sclerosis and fibrosis, keloids, hyper- and hypo-pigmentation, acne, cellulite, overly sensitive skin, dandruff and even hangovers. Types of free radicals include hydroxyl and superoxide radicals.
 

Glucans: Polysaccharides with immune stimulating abilities; found on the cell walls of yeast, oat, barley and other plants.
 

Gluconates: Copper, Manganese, and Zinc Gluconates are used as dietary supplements and food additives. Copper is an important trace element for human nutrition, as it is a component of the powerful enzyme Superoxide Dismutase. Copper is also part of the many biophysical processes associated with wound healing. Manganese plays a vital role in the antioxidant process of many body systems. Zinc is known to participate actively in the wound healing process and in acne treatment.  

Hormone Receptor: Molecules on cell walls that receive specific hormones into a cell.
 

Hormones: The body's chemical messengers; they stimulate or inhibit activities in the body, especially those involving growth, development, reproduction and other life processes. The skin is the largest hormone-producing organ of the body.
 

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate): Derived from potato, it regulates the level of hydration of skin. Hyaluronic Acid forms a moisturizing, non occlusive layer of moisture on the skin.
 

Hydrocortisone: An anti-inflammatory naturally produced by the adrenal glands and synthetically produced for use as a drug. Applied to the skin in cases of itching, redness, blistering and other signs of allergy. Also called cortisol.(Hard to replace naturally)
 

Hydroxy Group: The chemical group that defines a hydroxy acid. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (see AHA) attach this group to the alpha site of the molecule, while Beta Hydroxy Acids (see BHA) attach it to the beta site. Chemically, one or more hydroxyl groups (OH) in addition to the carboxyl group (COOH).
 

Lipids: Found between epidermal cells and in cell membranes, these fatty substances (some of which are also attracted to water) make up a large family of ingredients and biological components that act as moisturizers, reduce moisture loss, restore skin's supple, flexible nature, and reinforce the skin's natural barrier protection. (Animal and vegetable)
 

Natural: A material in its 100% natural state, with the original, naturally-formed chemical bonds intact. If the material is processed for use in cosmetics, only enough energy is used to change the physical form of the substance (grinding, chopping) leaving its chemical structure unaltered.
 

Parabens: A group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food, cosmetic, and therapeutic products.
 

pH: A symbol representing the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The pH scale extends from 0 to 14, with a value of 7 being neutral. Values lower than 7 are considered increasingly acidic and higher values are increasingly basic (also called alkaline).
 

Peptides: Peptides are the basic structural unit of collagen. The appearance of skin mainly depends on the Collagen structure, the most important protein family of the dermal connective tissue. Collagen is involved in a large array of biological functions including maintenance of structural integrity, cell adhesion, tissue remodeling, and skin repair. By prompting collagen synthesis, peptides contribute to decrease the visual appearance of wrinkles and increase skin firmness and thickness.
 

Phenoxyethanol: Derived from sage essential oil. Phenoxyethanol is a safe and effective food grade preservative.
 

Potassium Sorbate: It is derived from naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids and is a safe and effective food grade preservative.
 

Propylene Glycol: A derivative of natural gas, it helps form the base for our deodorants and anti-perspirant.
 

Protein: Composed of amino acids, proteins form most of a cell's structure and cell products, which include keratin, collagen, elastin, melanin, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. (Animal and vegetable)
 

Red Tea Extract: It provides increased protection against free radicals after sunbathing, and are claimed to alleviate mild sunburn (slight reddening of the skin) rapidly. Also, studies indicate that red tea may help prevent cirrhosis of the liver.
 

Sodium Benzoate: The sodium salt of benzoic acid, NaC7H5O2. Sodium Benzoate is used as a food preservative, an antiseptic, an intermediate in dye manufacture, and in the production of pharmaceuticals. It is water soluble.
 

Stratum Corneum (S.C.): The skin's barrier layer; is the outermost layer of epidermis, about the thickness of one human hair, and is made up of 25-30 layers of flat, dead cells completely filled with keratin, a waterproof protein.
 

Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD): Enzyme which scavenges free radicals by using superoxide to form its molecular body. SOD is found throughout the body and is believed by some longevity researchers to be a primary element for long life. In the skin, it is destroyed by sunlight.
 

Vitamin A: Derived from retinol, Vitamin A is an antioxidant and stimulates skin rejuvenation.
 

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): It is essential to brain functioning. A lack of it can cause nerve degeneration and depression. Vitamin B-5 is also responsible for turning uric acid into harmless substances that are easily excreted by the body.
 

Vitamin C (Ester C): It is derived from citrus fruits. It is a patented mineral salt of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with C metabolites allowing the cellular uptake of Vitamin C within the dermal layers.
 

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is derived from wheat germ and/or vegetable oils. It heals, rejuvenates, softens, soothes and protects the skin.
 

Vitamin K: Phytanadione. A component of green leafy vegetables first discovered in 1929. Vitamin K is produced in the intestines and is linked to the production of clotting factors in the body. Reportedly assists in healing broken capillaries and reabsorbing blood.  

Wild Yam: Extract is generally derived from the root. It is an anti-inflammatory and has healing properties.