Beauty ingredients and their functions (A – B)

“A”

Alfalfa - helps to promote hair growth.

Aloe Vera - this fleshy leaved plant has a cooling effect on skin. Especially beneficial to hair and skin, it may be combined to form shampoos, creams and hair oils.

Almond - belongs to the nut family. It has high nutritious value. Promote healthy teeth, bones and skin. It is an excellent skin cleanser, softener and provide nourishment. Widely used in facial scrubs and face masks.

Almond oil - rich oil with softening and nourishing properties

Alum - a sulphate of potash and alumina. Used as a styptic.



Amla or Phylanthus Emblica - helps hair growth, prevent premature graying and controls dandruff. It has excellent 'darkening' properties.

Apple - a lovely, juicy fruit. It contains vitamin A, C, potassium and pectin. Improves texture of the skin and can be made into cider or vinegar.

Apricot - golden, peachy looking fruit with high nutritional value. It can be eaten fresh or dried. Apricot is used in peel off facial mask.

Avocados - high nutrition content; rich in vitamins, minerals, and oil. The greenish yellow pulp may be eaten. It is also used in face masks.

“B”

Butter milk -'the residue' after butter has been churned from cream.

Banana - herbaceous plant edible with nutritious value. It can be used in face masks.

Barley - the grain of barley i.e., pearl barley is rich in iron and phosphorous. Widely used to soothe and cool the body system. Also used in face masks and as a beauty drink.

Basil- Tulsi is an aromatic culinary plant with medicinal properties.

Beer - made from fermented malt barley, sugar, hops, yeast and water. It can be used to set the hair.

Beeswax - used in the preparation of face cream.

Bengal gram flour - has smoothening properties. It is used widely in face packs and complexion scrubs.

Benzoin - 'gum' from Eastern tree used in medicine and perfumery. When heated it yields benzoic acid.

Benzoic Acid - used as preservative in the preparation of cosmetic creams.

Bi carbonate of soda - used to whiten teeth.

Black berry - 'the bramble'. A scrub with fruits.

Borax - a softener for hard water and an antiseptic.

Boracic Acid - acts as an antiseptic and checks excessive perspiration. Boric is the shortened form of the word Boracic.

Bran - the 'husk' of wheat and other grains. It has been separated in milling from the flour. May be used in face masks for its nourishing cleansing and boosting properties.

Brewer's yeast - rich in vitamin B and protein. It is used in cleansing masks.