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A substance that oxidises another substance. Used to remove hair colourants or stabilise the hair after perming.

These substances modify the structure of the skin, enhancing its absorption of other chemicals, allowing them to enter the bloodstream more rapidly.

Chemical derived from petroleum or natural gas.

A measure of a solution’s acidity or alkalinity, on a scale from 0 – 14, with 7 being neutral, greater than 7 being alkaline or basic and less than 7 more acidic.

Alters the acidity/alkalinity of a product. The skin’s pH is naturally slightly acidic, so manufacturers adjust their products accordingly.

A substance added to plastics to increase flexibility, reduce brittleness and modify flow properties. Plasticisers are often used in cosmetics such as nail polish to add texture and lustre.

A high molecular-weight compound comprising repeating linked monomers e.g. polyethylene, nylon and the naturally occurring polymer, cellulose.

Guards a product against the growth of undesirable microorganisms and spoilage, extending its shelf life and protecting the product against accidental contamination during consumer usage.

A compressed gas used to deliver the contents of an aerosol.

Starting material in a chemical reaction.

An organic compound of plant origin that is usually a viscous liquid that dries to become solid. Synthetic resins are commonly used.

The process of making soap through the hydrolysis of fatty acid esters using an alkali to form the soap and glycerin.

See chelating agent.

Substance used for cleansing formed by treating a fat with an alkali.

Agent used to improve the solubility of product ingredients.

A liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Many toiletries use water to dissolve and blend ingredients.

Substance added to another substance to prevent an undesirable modification of its physical state.

The production of a sulphate ester of a fatty alcohol that is neutralized with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide to create a surfactant.

The production of a sulphonate ester of a fatty alcohol that is neutralised with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide, to create a surfactant.

Surfactants lower the surface tension of the liquid in which they are dissolved allowing it to spread more easily across and lift dirt from soiled surfaces such as textiles and the human skin. Types of surfactants include wetting agents, foaming agents, cleansers, emulsifiers and solubilisers.