Beauty Glossary: B

Babassu oil - an oil from the Brazilian babassu palm plant that is used in soaps.

Bactericidal - a substance that inhibits the growth of or kills bacteria.

Bain-marie - a utensil similar to a double boiler used for heating ingredients in cosmetics manufacture.

Balm - a thick ointment, unguent, or salve that soothes the skin.

Balm of Gilead - oil from this plant is used in ointments to soothe bruised, swollen, or irritated skin and stop itching from insect bites.

Beeswax - this wax, produced by the honey-bee to build its comb, is used in lipstick, lip balm, and moisturizers.

Bentonite - a white clay used in facial masks to absorb oil from the skin, it also thickens makeup and reduces shine on the face.

Benzoic acid - a preservative used in cosmetics and foods that can be irritating to the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide - a strong disinfectant used to help kill bacteria and clear up acne; it can over-dry skin, and should not be used for more than a week at a time.

Betaglucans - ingredients derived from oats and shiitake mushrooms. They are used in moisturizers, shampoos, and shower gels.

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) - acid extracts that chemically exfoliate the top layer of skin. They have the same effect as AHAs, but they're less irritating and come from different sources.

Bisabolol - an anti-irritant ingredient derived from chamomile that is often found in products made for people with sensitive skin.

Blackheads - formed when oil and dead skin cells become trapped in a pore and mix with bacteria.

Botanicals - plant-based or derived ingredients.

Botox - a substance injected into the face to smooth wrinkles in the skin by paralyzing the underlying muscles.

Brown spots (formerly known as "liver" or"age" spots) - concentrations of melanin triggered by unprotected exposure to the sun over a long period of time.

Bunion - a protruding lump on the side of the foot caused by prolonged encasement in tight shoes.

Butylene glycol - a petroleum-based humectant and emollient that is often used in hairsprays and gels.