DICTIONARY OF COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

Click on a letter to find an ingredient: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

V

Vegetable Glycerine - Rich humectant, emollient and lubricant naturally extracted from vegetable oils, used in cosmetic formulations for thousands of years. (Synthetic glycerine, derived from propylene alcohol, is highly irritating to the skin and scalp and should be avoided.)

Vegetable Protein - Termed "the building block of life," protein is our most important food, a leading source of vitamins and essential amino acids. Generally found in meats, eggs and dairy products, protein can also be obtained from soy, wheat and other plant sources. Applied topically, vegetable protein is an excellent hydrator, readily absorbed by the skin for improved texture. In hair care formulas, it combines with fatty acids and amino acids to coat porous or damaged hair and split-ends.

Vitamin A - Used topically, it has been shown to balance and normalize the skin and help keep it clear and healthy. Particularly beneficial for dry or sun-exposed skin, it is often found in sun protection creams for its soothing and hydrating properties. (A vitamin A deficiency in the body reduces the mucopolysaccharides in the skin, which accelerates the skin's aging process.)

Vitamins A, C and E - Their combined action, blended with citrus seed extract, make an excellent natural preservative.

Vitamin B-complex (Herbal) - Water soluble vitamins that when applied topically, help balance and normalize the skin and keep it clear and healthy. Since B vitamins are the regulators of the metabolic functions of our body, they are important to skin cell respiration. Calcium D-pantothenate and inositol are the two B-complex vitamins most beneficial to skin and hair health. (See also Inositol and Panthenol.)

Vitamin B-5 - (See Panthenol.)

Vitamin F - Consists of linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids, the three essential fatty acids. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and revitalizer. Used in moisturizers, it soothes rough, dry or chapped skin on contact and helps soften and revitalize dry or damaged hair. The name usually used for vitamin F is essential fatty acids. I include this complex of essential fatty acids in my Essential Fatty Acid Base and in various Coconut Fatty Acid Bases. (See also Essential Fatty Acid Base.)

Vitamin H - (See Biotin.)

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