Glossary Of Terms: Lotion, “W”

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.

Walnut Shell—This finely ground shell is used to exfoliate the surface of the skin during cleansing.

Wasabia Japonica (Wasabi) Extract—This ingredient is produced from the Japanese Wasabia Japonica plant. It is used as an antioxidant to combat harmful free radicals.

Water—See Aqua.

Water Lily Extract—This flower extract contains vitamin C and minerals such as calcium and potassium. It is renowned for softening, astringent and moisturizing properties and is often used in sunburn preparations.

Watercress Extract—This extract of the flowers and leaves of the watercress (Nasturtium Officinale), a pungent herb that contains iron, iodine and vitamins A, B and C, is used as a skin-conditioning agent.

Wheat Extract—This natural extract moisturizes while creating a smooth, even-toned tan.

Wheat Germ Oil—This is a natural moisturizing oil.

Wheat Protein—See Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.

Wheat Sprout Extract (Tritcum vulgare sprout extract)—It is a vegetal DNA extracted from wheat germ; used for stimulating properties and more particularly for the treatment of stressed and injured skin for healing and cellular restoration; DNA has water retention properties and thus excellent for tanning products where loss of water is significant; has antioxidant properties and provides a protective action against impairing phenomenon and solar radiation; DNA provides anti-elastase activity, thus taking care of UV damage (inflammation) to the skin; and effectively acts as a powerful free radical scavenger by scavenging Superoxide anions created after UV exposure, thus stops the degradation of connective tissues due to radical attacks which appear with aging or photoaging.

White Birch (Betula Alba)—See Skin Saver.

White Cypress Oil—This essential oil is extracted from the freshly picked needles of the Cypress. It contains tannins and is often used in toner and astringent skin care products.

White Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis leaf extract)—Grown in high mountains of Fujian province in China. Very strong antioxidant properties and free radical scavenger.

Wild Cherry Bark Extract (Prunus serotina bark extract)—Highly rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids; carries anti-aging and anti-free radical properties; skin soothing and healing agent.

Walnut Extract—This extract is a natural bronzing agent.

Wild Manuka Honey—This ingredient acts as a humectant, absorbing moisture from the air and retaining it in skin for optimum hydration.

Willow Bark Extract—This extract can increase cell renewal and boost the anti-microbial capabilities of cosmetic formulations, creating a brighter-looking skin appearance. It also improves skin health by helping to neutralize free radicals.

Willow Leaf Extract (Salix alba leaf extract)—Rich in phenolic compounds which save the skin from harmful effects of UVB, and flavonoids which protect the skin from harmful effects of UVA; enhances skin cell turnover accompanied by a general improvement in skin health and appearance; reduces fine lines and wrinkles; anti-microbial and a remedy for problem skin conditions; provides soothing, regenerative, astringent, and antiseptic properties; antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and skin soothing and regenerating agent; supports collagen production and integrity of the skin; helps fight the harmful effects of UV rays.

Witch Hazel—This ingredient is used in skincare for it’s anti-inflammatory and fast-drying properties.

Witch Hazel Distillate—Anti-irritant, skin softening and soothing; reduces inflammation during tanning; refines pores and tones skin.

Wrinkle Repose—See Acetyl-Hexapeptide-3.