Glossary Of Terms: Lotion, “P”

The following is a list of common lotion terms and definitions. Special thanks to Australian Gold, California Tan and Designer Skin for their help in compiling this glossary.

Pa-Pea  Peg-Per  Pet-Pl  Po  Pp-Py

Palm Oil—This oil is obtained from the fruit of the oil palm, or Elaeis Guineensis, a slow-growing thorny palm native to tropical West Guinea. It is an excellent source of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols (vitamin E). These components act as natural antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and play a protective role against cellular aging and skin damage. This oil is also used to give skin a smooth and soft feel.

Panax Ginseng Extract—See Ginseng Extract.

Panthenol—This ingredient is Pro-vitamin B5, which is part of the B-complex group. It is essential in the synthesis of lipids and proteins and is used as a deep-penetrating skin moisturizer.

Papain—This natural proteolytic enzyme “softens” and digests protein components of the intercellular matrix. This process essentially exfoliates dead and damaged cells from the skin’s surface which enhances skin smoothness and encourages the development of newer cells, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.

Papaya—See Papain.

Parfum—Also known as fragrance, this ingredient provides esthetic and sometimes aromatherapeutic benefits to a product. It contains a material or a combination of materials added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odor.

Passionflower (Passiflora Edulis Flower)—Extract of flowers of the passionflower. Skin-conditioner, emollient, moisturizer, healing and soothing.

Patchouli Extract—This extract is made from the leaves of the shade-loving plant Pogostemon Cablin, commonly known as Patchouli. It has been a much-prized herb in the East since ancient times when it was used to scent linen and clothes. It is still used extensively in modern perfumery and aromatherapy and is used as a biological additive for better moisturization of the skin.

Patchouli Oil—See Patchouli Extract.

Peach Juice (Prunus persica)—Liquid expressed from fresh pulp of peach. Skin-conditioner, moisturizer. Rich in vitamins and minerals.

Peach Leaf Extract (Prunus persics)—Skin conditioner.

Pearl Protein (Hydrolyzed conchiolin protein)—This age-defying, anti-wrinkle natural ingredient was used by Chinese Emperors and Empresses to preserve youthful skin; rich source of more than ten kinds of proteins and traces of several minerals it is very helpful to promote dark tan color; powerful moisture binder properties for increased hydration and soft feel; forms moisture retentive film for smoothing and nourishing benefits; its proteins help defend against the ravages of the environment for more resilient and youthful looking skin.