Beauty Glossary: T

Talc - a powder ground from magnesium silicate that is used in bath and face powders and other powder-based cosmetics. Talc should not be inhaled over a prolonged
period of time because it can irritate the lungs.

Tapotement - a gentle, tapping movement on the face made during a facial massage to stimulate circulation.

TEA lauryl sulfate - a popular emulsifying ingredient in moisturizers and shampoos; also a detergent that can be drying to skin and hair.

Tea tree oil - also known as melaleuca, it is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree for its antiseptic, antibacterial uses.

Texturizer - a substance used to keep the consistency of a cosmetic smooth.

Thalassotherapy - the therapeutic use of seawater in bath and body care.

Titanium dioxide ("micronized") - a full-spectrum sunscreen, which means that it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is also used to give opacity to face powder, eye shadow, and foundation.

Tocopherol - Vitamin E; especially useful in treating burns, abrasions, and other skin problems.

Tocopherol acetate - Vitamin E.

Toilet water - a less expensive, less potent version of perfume that is diluted by the addition of alcohol.

Toluene - a toxic solvent used in nail polish, it is slowly being taken off the market because it can cause liver damage and may also cause cancer.

Top coat - a clear protective coating of polish used on top of nail polish to prevent chipping.

Tretinoin - a Vitamin A derivative that is the active ingredient in anti-aging prescription drugs such as Retin-A and Renova.

Trichologist - a hairstylist specially trained to treat problems of the hair and scalp.

Trichotillomania - an obsessive-compulsive-related disorder characterized by repetitive hair pulling.

Triclosan - an antibacterial ingredient found in antibacterial soaps; too harsh for use on the face but can be used on hands. (Use a moisturizer to counteract the drying effect.)

Tyrosine - a protein used by the body to produce melanin.