Homeopathy: A method of treating disease with naturally occurring substances. The art of curing through the use of minute doses of a curative which is likely to be the same curative which, when taken in greater quantities, causes the disease or similar symptoms.  

Honey: Humectant for skin and hair (Helps the skin or hair attract and retain moisture). A mixture of plant nectar and bee enzymes containing carbohydrates, b-complex vitamins as well as vitamins C, D, and E, with some minerals.

Hops: Hops are used as relaxants upon the central nervous system, in the treatment of Insomnia, to ease tension and anxiety, and may help in cases of a headache and possibly indigestion. Externally the antiseptic action is utilized for the treatment of ulcers. Hops were at one time used as a sedative and as an anti-inflammatory extract known to have a mild firming action. It is also known as an aromatic bitter with mild digestive qualities, making it useful in anxious individuals who have a tendency toward intestinal gas Caution: Do not use in cases with marked depression. Its actions include: sedative, hypnotic, antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, and astringent.

Hops Extract: See Hops.

Horse Chestnut: Horse Chestnut’s actions are astringent and anti-inflammatory. It is used to affect the circulatory system where it seems to increase the strength and tone of veins. Its internal used to help in treatment of phlebitis, inflammation in the veins, varicosity and hemorrhoids. Externally it may be used as a lotion for the same conditions as well as for leg ulcers. The bark has tonic, narcotic and febrifuge properties and is used in intermittent fevers.

Horehound: Horehound root is soothing to the respiratory system and is a natural expectorant. This herb has been shown effective when used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, and tonic. Horehound is, above all, a remedy for coughing and bronchial problems. It has shown positive results in treating nervous heart conditions, and to calm overall heart action.

Hormone: A chemical messenger released into the bloodstream to deliver instructions to organs and tissues. The corticosteroids are hormones.

Horsetail: See Horsetail Extract.

Horsetail Extract: An extract used medicinally to reduce body water and as an astringent. It helps heal wounds and speeds the healing of the skin and has a firming and tightening action on the skin. It is beneficial for the treatment of acne because of its high silica content providing texture. Its actions include: astringent, diuretic, and vulnerary.

Hot Action Complex: Ingredients that work deep within the epidermis to produce a warming and reddening effect.

Humectant: An ingredient in skin or hair products that draws moisture from the air to moisturize the skin and also promotes the retention of moisture in the skin, i.e. glycerin.

Hyaluronic Acid: This is an acid that occurs naturally in the skin and holds many times more moisture than even the Collagen protein molecule. Essential it binds and retains essential moisture in the skin layers and reduces fine lines caused by dehydration.

Hydrangea: Hydrangea's greatest use is in the treatment of inflamed or enlarged prostrate glands. It may also be used for urinary stones or gravel associated with infections in the bladder. Its actions include: diuretic, cathartic, tonic, sialagogue and antilithic.

Hydrate: To add moisture to the skin

Hydration: Water content.

Hydrocortisone: A corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands or synthetically. Hydrocortisone is topically active.

Hydrocotyl Extract: Used as a diuretic, aperient or alterative tonic to combat fever and bowel complaints. It is also a noted remedy for leprosy, rheumatism and ichthyosis; employed as a poultice for syphilitic ulcers. In small doses it acts as a stimulant, in large doses as a narcotic, causing stupor and headache and with some people vertigo and coma. Used in India to combat excessively dry skin. Recent studies indicate it has a strong anti-inflammatory agent, effective in the treatment of wounds, ulcers and lymphatic edema. Particularly suited to the fragile skin around the eyes, hydrocotyl extract assists in reducing inflammation and sensitivity of the skin.

Hydrogenated Soybean Oil: An emollient used to smooth and soften that consists essentially of oleic, linolenic and saturated acids.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Increases the stability of the oil while retaining the protective smoothening and softening properties (emolliency).

Hydro-lipid: The skin's balance of water and oil. If this balance is upset, irritation and loss of skin elasticity occur.

Hydrolyzed Animal Collagen: Animal derived collagen that gives body to the hair and helps protect it from sun, wind and weather damage. It leaves a protective emollient film.

Hydrolyzed Keratin: Protein for the hair derived from non-animal sources. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> 

Hydrolyzed Whole Wheat Protein: A non-animal, water-soluble protein derived from whole wheat. The two major proteins in whole wheat are glutenin and gliadin, which are both rich in the amino acid called cystine, an important sulfur containing amino acid with moisturizing properties. These proteins moisturize and smooth the skin’s surface, helping to bind moisture to the stratum corneum (acts as an emollient).

Hydrophilic: Having an attraction for water molecules.

Hydroxyproline: Hydroxyproline is referred to as "Hyp". This protein acts as universal biological glue. The primary amino acid in collagen is L-hydroxyproline, a non-essential amino acid. Hydroxproline plays a major role in the manufacture of collagen, connective tissue, skin, ligaments, tendons, bones and cartilage. Hydroxyproline is also necessary in Vitamin D assimilation and Vitamin D is essential in proper calcium absorption.

Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent used in skin preparations.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose: A naturally derived polymer that is used as a thickener in creams and lotions and helps modify viscosity and form gels with water-soluble ingredients. Helps protect the skin and makes the skin feel differently.

Hydroxy Propyl Methylcellulose: Fibrous substance derived from plants. Used as thickener. Gives products uniform consistency and body.

Hygroscopic: Capable of absorbing and retaining moisture and used in cosmetics as part of moisturizing ingredients in creams and lotions.

Hyperglycemia:   Elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels, resulting from diabetes, excessive sugar intake or from stimulation and adrenalin. Hypoglycemia is Low blood sugar.

Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the skin, commonly produced by ultraviolet radiation, which provokes Melanocytes in the skin. Extra areas of melanin in the skin can cause dark, irregular patches to occur. The sun, UVA and UVB rays, x-rays and photosensitizing agents stimulate melanin formation, while vitamin C (ascorbic acid) tends to reduce it. Treatment with steroids is common, as is the use of hydroquinone (a whitening agent).

Hypersensitivity: An overreaction of the immune system to an antigen. It can lead to asthma, hay fever, urticaria and other skin reactions.

Hypertrichosis: Excessive hair growth.

Hypertrophy: Hypertrophy is the enlargement or overgrowth of an organ, part or soft tissues due to an increase in size of its constituent cells.

Hypoallergenic: A term referring to products or ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions (in people prone to allergies) than other products.

Hypodermis: Below the surface of the skin.

Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar; the opposite of Hyperglycemia.

Hypopigmentation: Diminished pigmentation; the loss of melanin, often due to genetics, skin resurfacing techniques and aging.

Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

Hypothalamus: Part of the brain involved in endocrine mechanisms.

Hyssop: Hyssop is used in coughs, bronchitis, and chronic catarrah. Its diaphoretic properties explain its use in the common cold. As a nervine it may be used in anxiety states, hysteria and petit mal (a form of epilepsy). Its actions include: anti-spasmodic, stimulant, tonic, expectorant, diaphoretic, nervine, anti-inflammatory, carminative, hepatic, and emmenagogue.