Beet Extract: An extract used for its reddish color.

Bentonite (also known as Kaolin): Also known as "china clay". Generally, these clays are used in facial masks to absorb excess facial oil. Although, it can dry-out the skin if used too often, and in some cases it may even clog the pores.

Benzophenone-3: An organic benzophen derived sunscreen that is active in both UV-B and UV-A spectrums. Used in conjunction with a second sunscreen to obtain a SPF higher than 8.

Benzothonium Chloride: A salt derivative that serves as an antiseptic (a substance/property that stops the growth of bacteria) and a germicide (a substance/property that stops the growth of germs).

Benzoyl Peroxide: An oxygen-releasing chemical that causes drying, peeling and antibacterial action on the skin. The #1 topical treatment for acne lesions. The release of oxygen is important to combat the anaerobic bacteria present in the acne-affected follicles. The peeling and drying effects peel the acne pustules (vesicles filled with pus) and open up the comedones (non-inflammatory acne lesions, i.e. black heads or white heads).

Bergamot: An extract from the rind of the bergamot orange. It contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is also contains toning, deodorizing, and fragrant properties.

Beta Carotene: An anti-oxidant (Vitamin A – retinol). When applies topically it helps protect the skin from the effects of free radicals.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: An exfoliating agent with a smaller molecule size than the alpha hydroxy. Used to exfoliate (removes dead skin layers) and renews cells. Beta Hydroxy Acid also plumps out finer wrinkles like the AHAs. Good for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Caution: May cause sun sensitivity

Beta Glucan: This yeast extract works with a sugar protein called mannoprotein to penetrate the epidermis and stimulate and strengthen the immune system.

BHT: (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) An antioxidant and preservative used to prevent oils from turning rancid.

Bioecolia: A natural sugar complex that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Bioflavonoids: (Vitamin P - Hesperidin, Rutin & Qercetin) Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, Rutin, and Hesperidin are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate their permeability. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular "cement" in healthy condition; are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C; prevents Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation; beneficial in hypertension; helps hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections. Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruit. A deficiency in these nutrients may result in varicose veins, a tendency to bruise and bleed easily, and/or the appearance of purplish spots on the skin.

Biomin Aquacinque: An aqueous mixture of five skincare minerals: magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and silicon (with yeast additive).

Biopsy: The removal of body tissue for study and diagnosis.

Biosaccharide Complex: A carbohydrate complex that acts as an antibacterial skin agent. Further, it may counter the effect of bacterial odors caused by tanning.

Biotin: Known as vitamin H, this part of the vitamin B complex is found in all living cells. Biotin helps convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates into body fuel.

Birch Bark: Used by American Indians, it acts as a tonic, refreshes the skin and has anti-inflammatory qualities.

Bisabolol: A myrrh-type (like an anti-microbial agent) gum resin obtained from African trees. It helps reduce sensitivity and inflammation.

Bismuth Citrate: Hair dyes for scalp only.

Bismuth Oxychloride: May be used in cosmetics intended for use the eye area.

Bitter: A Plant with a sharp taste that enhances digestion and stimulates appetite.

Black Cohosh: An herb that has a powerful action when used as a relaxant and a normalizer of the female reproductive system. It may be used to combat painful or delayed menstruation and ovarian cramps or cramping pain in the womb. It is a natural supplier of estrogen. Black Cohosh is helpful in the treatment of rheumatic pains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, and muscular and neurological pain.

Black Haw: It is a powerful relaxant and sedative used to combat dysmenorrhoea, false labor pains, and reduce blood pressure in hypertension. It may also be used as an anti-spasmodic, tonic, astringent, and an anti-inflammatory. Helps treat asthma, diarrhea and dysentery, jaundice, heart palpitations, female reproductive disorders and uterine congestion and inflammation.

Blackheads: Known as an open comedone, it is a clogging of the skin's pores, clogged by natural oils and impurities. A blackhead can be characterized as a mixture of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria exposed to oxygen.

Black Walnut: Used by Asians and American Indians, Black Walnut Bark has been used to expel various kinds of worms; used to kill ringworms and tapeworms.

Bladderwrack: Bladderwrack is useful in the treatment of under active thyroid glands and goiter. This herb may also be useful to combat obesity resulting from thyroid trouble.

Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids.

Blessed Thistle: An herb used to increase and enrich the milk in nursing mothers. It also can be used to increase stomach, small intestine and liver activity.

Bloodroot: Bloodroot’s main use is in the treatment of bronchitis. Bloodroot is used as an emetic and expectorant, and as a relaxant. Because of its relaxant properties it has a role in the treatment of asthma, croup, laryngitis, emphysema and bronchiectasis.

Blotting: A process which removes excess oil or moisture from lipstick or any other creamy makeup adding to the longevity of the product’s external application (“set” for longer wear).

Blue Cohosh: An excellent uterine tonic with other properties similar to that of Black Cohosh. Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "gently diffusive stimulating relaxant, uterine vaso-dilator and anti-spasmodic in all spastic and irritable states. Also See Black Cohosh.

Blue Flag: Blue Flag is used in the treatment of skin diseases, apparently aiding the skin by working through the liver, the main detoxifying organ of the body. It may be used in skin eruptions such as eczema and psoriasis, constipation associated with liver problems or biliousness, chronic hepatitis and rheumatic conditions, scrophulous skin conditions, herpes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Blue Vervain: A medicine useful for spasmodic nervous disorders. It is indicated for some types of petit mal epilepsy (especially if associated with menses), PMS (irritability & anxiety symptoms), and irritability associated with fevers and flu.

Boar Bristle: A bristle commonly used in natural bristle brushes.

Body: The volume or the springiness of hair.

Bois de Rose Oil: An extract from the Rosewood Tree that is used for many skin problems including irritation, dryness, puffiness and congestion.

Boneset: Used as a remedy against influenza symptoms. Boneset may also be used to help clear the upper respiratory tract of mucous congestion.

Borage: An emollient herb that has a cooling and soothing effect.

Borax: Water softener that also acts as a weak antiseptic.

Boric Acid: An inorganic acid used as a mild antiseptic and preservative.

Botanical: Refers to an organic product or ingredient that is plant derived.

Botox: Known as Botulinum Toxin. When used in tiny amounts it can temporarily paralyze a muscle and reduce or eliminate wrinkles or frown lines without harm.

Brassy: Refers to the warm tones associated with hair color, often resulting from chemicals or damage.

Broad-spectrum: A sunscreen property that means it protects against a wide variety of UVA and UVB rays.

Bromelain style='mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>: A proteolytic enzyme (digests proteins) obtained from the pineapple plant. Bromelain hydrolyzes proteins and digests dead cells on the surface of the skin.

Bronzers: Bronzers can be found in powder or cream form and should not be confused with a self-tanner that is not water-soluble. It is a synthetic-tanning product used to make your skin look darker. Unlike self-tanners, which contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), this product can be instantly removed with soap and water.

Buchu: Buchu has diuretic and urinary antiseptic actions and is very helpful at reducing urination pain.

Buffer: a pH balanced cleansing solution that is used to stabilize a product’s pH to lengthen the products shelf life and make it gentler on the complexion. It helps improve the look and feel of the skin leaving it shiny and suppler. A buffer is also an extremely fine-grit manicure tool used to shine the surface of the nail.

Bugleweed: Bugleweed improves circulation (helps the vascular system), helps combat symptoms associated with nervousness or nervous disorders, used to treat over active thyroid glands, combat heart palpitations, and reduce shakes (aids the nervous system). It’s actions include: diuretic, peripheral vasoconstrictor, astringent, nervine, anti-tussive, sedative, mild narcotic, and tonic.

Bulla: A blister larger than a pea that is filled with clear fluid.

Burdock: Burdock is used in the treatment of skin conditions that result in dry and scaly skin such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It also is used to treat boils, carbuncles, styes and sores. Burdock’s actions include: alternative, diuretic and bitter.

Burdock Extract: A root extract with antibacterial properties. It helps reduce inflammations such as rashes, redness, acne, and eczema, and helps restore skin tone and smoothness. This extract also contains cleansing and astringent properties in the bath or in facial saunas.

Butcher’s Broom: Butcher's broom extract possesses blood vessel narrowing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat circulatory disorders, hemorrhoidal ailments like bleeding, itching, soreness, and swelling, and may be capable of curing varicose veins, varicose ulcers, and surface veins.

Butylene Glyco: Solvents used to dilute. An organic humectant (promotes the retention of moisture in the skin) similar to propylene glycol.

Butylparaben: An oil-soluble synthetic preservative of the paraben family. Used in non-protein based products.