Glossary & Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients

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Glossary & Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients - I

Imidazolidinyl Urea	A by-product of human metabolism used as an anti-microbial agent.
Immunostimulant	An agent that stimulates either innate or acquired immunity.
Immunosuppressant	An agent that acts to suppress the body's natural immune response.
In Vitro	From the Latin meaning "in the glas". In vitro tests do not involve the use of living vertebrate animals.
In Vivo	From the Latin meaning "in the living organism". In vivo tests are conducted using animals or also humans in clinical trials
Indigotine	The common name for uncertified FD&C Blue No. 2.
Indium	An ionic plant source trace mineral.
Inflammation	A condition of the skin characterized by fever, redness, swelling, pain or itching and failure of the function of that body part or system.
Infusion	Tea made by steeping an herb's leaves or flowers in hot water.
Inorganic	Being composed of matter other than plant or animal, such as minerals.
Inositol	Helps prevent thinning hair. Vitamin B; an emollient.
Instant Conditioner	A conditioner with light to intense conditioning properties that restores a healthy look and protects against further damage.
Iodine	The condition of the hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland.
Irish Moss	Irish moss is used as a stabilizer in such dairy products as ice creams, sherbets, chocolate milk, yogurt and whipped cream. In its raw form, Irish moss is used as a bulk laxative, which also coats and soothes the entire gastrointestinal tract. In various forms, it alleviates peptic and duodenal ulcers in humans while having no adverse effects on the colon.
Iron	Iron is a mineral that occurs in both plant and animal tissue. Its major function is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues, which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin, which is found only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to muscle cells for use in the chemical reaction that results in muscle contraction. Iron also prevents fatigue and promotes good skin tone.
Iron Oxides	Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen) varying in color from red to brown, black to orange or yellow, depending on the degree of water added. Inorganic pigments approved for cosmetic use, including the eye area.
Irritant	A substance that consistently and predictably produces an adverse response (such as reddening, swelling, itching, burning, or blistering) in virtually all of the population. Irritants are not to be confused with allergens.
Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol)	An organic solvent of the alcohol family. Used to solubilize resins, polymers, and fatty ingredients. Also found in hair colors to dissolve the oxidation dyes.
Isopropyl Alcohol	Vehicle with antibacterial properites; drying to the skin especially in higher concentrations. See also Isopropanol.
Isopropyl Isostearate	emollient.
Isopropyl Lanolate	A synthetic moisturizer.
Isopropyl Myristate	An emollient and lubricant that reduces the greasy feel of products by replacing other, oilier ingredients. A synthetic moisturizer.
Isopropyl Palmitate	An ester of palmitic acid from coconut oil used to impart silkiness to the skin and hair. A synthetic moisturizer. Emollient helps moisturize skin. No allergic potential although is derived from palm and/or coconut oils. Comedogenic in nature.
Isostearic Acid	fatty acid that forms film on skin.
Isotonic	Having the same salinity as body fluids.
Ivy	A mild irritant botanical that has toning and tightening properties. It is believed to stimulate blood circulation to the areas on which it is applied.
Ivy Extract	A natural diuretic and cleansing extract that is well known for its skin firming and tightening actions

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