Glossary Terms beginning with A
A
- Abrasive
-
Ingredients used for abrading, smoothing or polishing, such as emery or pumice.
- Absorbent
-
Ingredients that have the capacity to absorb or soak up liquids.
- Action Level
-
The limit for a contaminant established by the Food and Drug Administration (or other regulatory body) where action may be taken against a product to remove it from the market or to otherwise ensure that the levels are reduced to acceptable levels.
- Adhesive
-
Ingredients that unite or bond surfaces together.
- Alcohol
-
Alcohols are a large class of important cosmetic ingredients but only ethanol needs to be denatured to prevent it from being redirected from cosmetic applications to alcoholic beverages.
- Amino Acid
-
Organic compounds that are the building blocks of proteins.
- Anti-acne Agent
-
Ingredients that reduce the number of acne blemishes, acne pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. In the United States, anti-acne agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Anticaking Agent
-
Ingredients or processing aids that prevent powdered or granular substances from forming clumps.
- Anticaries Agent
-
Ingredients that aid in the prevention of dental cavities. In the United States, anticaries agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Antidandruff Agent
-
Ingredients that help to control dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. In the United States, antidandruff agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Antifoaming Agent
-
Ingredients that reduce the tendency of finished products to generate foam when shaken.
- Antifungal Agent
-
Ingredients that inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungal cells and decrease the number of fungi present. In the United States, antifungal agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Antimicrobial Agent
-
Ingredients that kill microorganisms, or prevent or inhibit their growth and reproduction. In the United States, antimicrobial agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Antioxidant
-
Ingredients that prevent or slow deterioration due to chemical reaction with oxygen.
- Antiperspirant Agent
-
Ingredients that are applied to the skin to reduce the production of perspiration at the site of application. In the Unites States, antiperspirant agents are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug ingredients.
- Antistatic Agent
-
Ingredients that prevent or inhibit the buildup of static electricity.
- Artificial Nail Builder
-
Ingredients that are used in nail enhancement products to build or lengthen the nail.