Beauty Glossary: C

Calendula - an anti-inflammatory extracted from the marigold plant that is used to soothe sensitive skin and reduce puffiness.

Calluses - hard, rough skin on the sides and soles of the feet often caused by poor fitting shoes or going sockless.

Camphor - a mild antiseptic derived from the wood of the tropical camphor tree that is used to treat oily, blemish-prone skin.

Caprylic triglyceride - an emollient derived from coconut oil that is also used to disperse pigment in cosmetics.

Carbolic acid - a caustic acid used in deep facial peels performed in dermatologists' offices.

Carnauba wax - a hypo-allergenic wax extracted from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree that is used to thicken foundation, mascara, lipstick, blush, and deodorant.

Castile soap - mild, moisturizing soap made from olive oil.

Castor oil - a highly emollient oil made from the beans of the castor plant that is used to bind waxes and fragrance together, as in lipsticks.

Cellex-C - an antioxidant, anti-aging skin care product with Vitamin C as its active ingredient.

Cellulite - lumpiness found in the thighs, hips, and buttocks of many women, which is caused by fat cells trapped within the skin's connective tissue.

Ceramides - synthetic lipids (fats) used in skin and hair care products.

Cetyl alcohol - an emollient used in cosmetics, hair, nail, and skin care products.

Chamomile - an herb whose flowers and leaves are used to lighten blond hair and soothe the skin.

Cheilitis - cracking and drying of the lips that is usually caused by a reaction to synthetic eosin dyes and perfumes in lipstick.

Citric acid - derived from citrus fruits, it is used as a preservative, pH balancer, and astringent.

Clarifying shampoo - an acidic shampoo containing lemon juice or cider vinegar that removes the buildup of minerals, conditioners, shampoos, or styling products from the hair.

Coal-tar dyes - derived from coal, they are used in certain FD&C dyes and in some permanent hair color. Common allergens, they cause cancer in animals.

Cochineal - a red dye obtained from the carcass of the cochineal beetle, indigenous to Latin America; extracts are used as pigment in lipstick and other color cosmetics.

Cocoa butter - an occlusive emollient derived from cocoa butter, it can clog pores.

Cocoamide DEA/MEA - a mild detergent used in shampoos and cleansers to build lather. (Shampoos that list a cocoamide before a sulfate are gentler.)

Cocoamidopropyi betaine - a mild surfactant and viscosity adjuster used in shampoo.

Collagen - a protein used in anti-aging skincare products that is derived from the connective tissues of young cows (or synthetic versions).

Coltsfoot - a skin soother used in moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners, it is derived from the Tussilago farfara plant.

Comedogenic - a substance that clogs pores.

Comedone extractor - an implement used by dermatologists to extract blackheads.

Comfrey - a skin soother that contains allantoin. It is used to treat skin irritations.

Contouring - a technique using blush and bronzing powder to better define the contours of the face.

Corns - bumps on the top of the toes caused by toes rubbing against shoes that are too tight.

Cuticle - the skin overlapping finger and toe nails, which acts as a protective layer; also the outermost layer of the hair shaft.

Cyclomethicone - a silicone oil used in hair and skin care products to impart shine and/or
silkiness.

Cysteine - an amino acid that contains sulfur and is found in the protein of the hair; the bond it forms strengthens the hair.

Cystic acne - severe acne characterized by cysts. It should be treated by a dermatologist.

Cysts - blackheads or whiteheads that have become red and swollen as a result of a deeper infection. They should be treated by a dermatologist.