Somerset

D&C Red #7
Synthetic organic colors derived from coal and petroleum sources (not permitted for use around the eye).

D&C Red #17
Carcinogenic in animals.

D&C Red #33
A colorant permitted for use in drugs and cosmetics but not in food.

D&C Yellow #11
Added to D&C Red #17 to get that peach color cloying Fragrance.

Damiana
Damiana has a tonic action on the central nervous and the hormonal system and is useful as an anti-depressant in cases of anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor. Damiana is useful as a nerve tonic, anti-depressant, urinary antiseptic, and laxative.

Damiana Leaf
Damiana Leaf, used by Indians for hundreds of years, is used as an anti-depressant and a balancer of the nervous system. See Damiana.

Dandelion
A vegetable source of protein that is high in ingredients that may benefit the skin.

Dandelion Root & Leaf Extract (Taraxacum Officinalis)
Dandelion is a natural source of potassium and is high in Vitamin A. It makes an ideal diuretic because it will not deplete the body’s potassium balance like other diuretics Dandelion root may be used in inflammation and congestion of liver and gall bladder and is used to treat many types of digestive dysfunctions. It is a specific in cases of congestive jaundice.

Dandruff
A condition of shedding dead cells of the scalp. Usually caused by Seborrheic dermatitis (a common inflammatory condition that most often affects the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, area between the eyebrows, the folds at the sides of the lower part of the nose, and the ears).

Datem
Hair and skin conditioning ingredient as well as emollient and emulsifying agent.

Davana Oil
Plant extract used in fruit flavoring in cosmetics and foods. No known toxicity.

DEA (Diethanolamine)
A neutralizing agent that raises pH.

DEA Oleth - 3 Phosphate
An emulsifier that prevents separation of product. Adds shine.

DEA Oleth - 10 Phosphate
An emulsifier derived from oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid.

Decoction
A tea made from roots, leaves, or bark of certain herbs.

Decongestant
A substance that removes toxic material that has accumulated in the underlying structure of the skin expelled through the body's waste system.

Decyl Alcohol
An intermediate for surface active ingredients, an anti-foam agent and fixative agent for perfumes. No known toxicity for the skin.

Decyl Myristate
Ester of myristic acid used as skin conditioner.

Decyl Oleate
A skin smoother and softener (emollient) that adds body to lotions

Deep Penetrating Treatment
A Formula (conditioner) usually containing proteins, vitamins, and moisture to help dry, damaged hair. It is meant for occasional use.

Deionized Water
Water purified by removing highly active ions especially positively charged cations like calcium (Ca++) magnesium (MG++) and iron (Fe++) and (Fe+++).

Demineralized Water
Water run through active resin beds to remove metallic ions and filtered through a sub micron filter to remove suspended impurities. See Deionized Water.

Demulcent
Soothing, coating herbs that can protect irritated or inflamed tissue. Usually a thick, oily substance as for example gum acacia.

Denatonium Benzoate
Denaturant for alchol used in cosmetics. Intended to make alcohol unpalatable for drinking purposes. No known toxicity.

Denaturant
Poisonous or unpleasant substance added to alcoholic cosmetics to make them undrinkable.

Deodorant
A product used to counteract body odors caused sweat. A deodorant containing antiseptic substances to kill bacteria and strong fragrances to mask offensive smells but it should not be confused with antiperspirants that actually inhibits the production of sweat.

Deoxyribonucleic acid
See DNA.

Depilate
Removal of hair on the surface of the skin. Examples include shaving or the use of depilatory creams.

Depilatory
A depilatory is a chemical sulfide that dissolves hair in the follicle. It also removes the outermost cells of the epidermis skin layer that leaves skin smoother. It has a more lasting effect than shaving (slower hair regrowth).

Dermabrasion
A procedure in which the skin is sanded to improve its texture. Microdermabrasion uses a type of sand to abrade the skin, usually done by an esthetician or a cosmetic doctor.

Desquamation
The sloughing of dead corneocytes (cells located in the epidermis that are packed with fibrous protein called Keratin) from the horny cell layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). The final stage in the ongoing cycle of skin cell birth, maturation, and death.

Detoxification
Process of ridding the body of toxins.

Dextran
Polysaccharide produced by bacteria growing on sugar. Used as thickening ingredient in cuticle removers.

DHA
See Dihydroxyacetone.

Diacetone Alcohol
Solvent for nail enamels, fats, oils, waxes and resins. Also used as preservatives.

Diacetyl
Yellowish green liquid used as a carrier of aroma of buttter and as catalyst for the manufacture of fake nails.

Diaphoretic
Herb and/or substance that can assist in increasing capillary activity and sweating, which helps to release body toxins.

Diatomaceous Earth
A porous and pure form of silica formed from the fossil remains of algae. This form of each has great absorption power and can absorb up to four times its own weight in water. In masques it sets and gels on the skin’s surface.

Diazolidinyl Urea
Cosmetic Preservative.

Dicaprate
Emulsifier (a thickening agent that helps bind different ingredients together).

Dicaprylate
Emulsifier (a thickening agent that helps bind different ingredients together).

Dicetyldimonium Chloride
A quaternary ammonium salt. Used often as a conditioning agent, compatible with surfactants and often used in shampoos.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
Obtained from glycerol, used to artificially tan skin. Reacts with amino acids in skin to provide a natural looking suntanned appearance. Usually derived from sugar cane, it causes the surface layer of the skin to oxidize.

Dimethicone
An organic silicone, used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. Well tolerated by even the most sensitive skins, dimethicone has a filming action on the skin surface which helps slow down moisture loss and further helps smooth fine, dry lines.

Dimethicone Copolyol
A Complex of natural silica that acts as a spreading agent for easy product application and also functions as a moisturizer.

Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate
Conditioning and thickening agent.

Dimethylol Dimethyl
See DMDM.

Dimethyl Stearamine
Conditioning and thickening agent.

Disinfectant
A product or ingredient that can help destroy microorganisms that cause infection.

Disodium Oleamide MEA-Sulfosuccinate
A wax-like solid surfactant (mixing agent) used as a solubilizer and wetting agent in bath preparations and lotions.

DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
Vitamin E acetate. See vitamin E.

DMDM (Dimethylol Dimethyl)
Used with hydantoin to form a preservative. Slowly releases formaldehyde to give bactericidal properties to lotions.

DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative, antimicrobial to fight bacteria.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
The principle carrier of the genetic information in all organisms.

DNA Enzyme Complex
Compllex that has been bioengineered to supply the body with moisture and to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dong Quai
An herb used to treat symptoms associated with menopause and menstrual irregularity.

Double Process
A two-step hair coloring process; first the hair is lightened and second the new color is added.

Draining Sinus
An elongated, serious acne lesion that tunnels through the skin.

Draize test
An animal test used to determine the effects of different substances on the eye.

Dulse
Dried sea-plant powder added to water that helps rid the skin of toxins and boosts circulation.