Skin Care Glossary


Humectant - A substance that promotes retention of moisture. 

Surfactant - Compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid.  Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersants.

Viscosity Controlling Agent - Materials used to alter the thickness of liquid cosmetic products.

Viscocity Decreasing Agent - Substances that decrease the thickness of liquid cosmetic products.

Viscosity Increasing Agent (Aqueous) - Substances that increases the thickness of the water portion of cosmetic products.

Viscosity Increasing Agent (Nonaqueous) - Substances that increase the thickness of the lipid (oil) portion of cosmetic products.