Glossary of Cosmetic and Chemical Terms
| Humectant A substance used to preserve moisture within the product or increase the moisture content in the top layers of the skin. |
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| Hydrocarbon Chemical compounds composed of only hydrogen and carbon e.g. benzene, butane, ethane, proprane. |
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| Hydrogenation A chemical reaction where hydrogen molecules are added to unsaturated organic compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, with hydrogen gas under pressure and a temperature of 120-210oC, aided by a metal catalyst. |
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| Hydrolysis Breaking down a chemical compound by reacting it with water. |