Glossary Of Terms: Lotion, “M”

Ma  Me  Mi-Mo  Mr-My

Meadowfoam Seed Oil—This oil is extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant, also known as Limanthes Alba. It is a natural oil that has an excellent emollient and moisturizing effect on the skin.

Meadowsweet Extract—This extract helps lock-in moisture in the skin.

Mediterranean Sundew—This natural ingredient helps restore healthy-looking vibrancy to the skin.

Mel (Honey Extract)—Used as a coloring, flavoring and emollient in cosmetics.

Melachite—A mineral extract that provides electrolytes and copper for improved tanning results.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree Leaf Oil)—Essential oil obtained from the leaves of Tea Tree, it is an antioxidant and germicide that penetrates skin and heals quickly. Also a fragrance ingredient.

Melanin—This biopolymer is a free radical scavenger and antioxidant that protects against lipid peroxidation. It also protects the skin by absorbing ultraviolet light and can help promote the formation of a deeper degree of tanning in a shorter amount of time when it is blended with L-tyrosine. The combination of melanin and L-tyrosine also provides full-spectrum free radical protection.

Mela-Rice Protein—See Melanin and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein.

Melissa Officinalis Extract (Balm)—This ingredient provides soothing, purifying and toning properties. See Sober Elixir.

Melon Pulp Extract (Cucumis melo fruit extract)—Rich in carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. It revitalizes, rejuvenates and moisturizes while helping to promote a darker tan color.

Menta Piperita (Peppermint) Extract—This ingredient is a derivative of a mint leaf, and when used in skincare it acts a soothing agent for irritations.

Menthol—This ingredient is used as a cooling agent to draw warmth away from the skin and also as a skin-stimulating agent to increase micro-circulation for plumper, fuller lips.

Methylene Glycol—An emulsifier.

Menthyl Lactate—This ingredient is the ester of Menthol and Lactic Acid. It is used as a cooling agent and can also be used as a flavoring agent in food products.

Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate—An emulsifier and moisturizer.

Methyl Nicotinate—This ester of Methyl Alcohol and Nicotinic Acid increases microcirculation and imparts a warm “tingling” effect. The microcirculation appears as a red flushing that occurs due to the increased blood flow to the skin and will add temporary color to the skin.

Methylparaben—This ingredient is a preservative. See Germall.

Methylpropanediol—This organic compound is used mainly as a solvent, but it also contributes to skin moisturization.