DEFINING BEAUTY: Hair & Skin Glossary Terms & Definitions ‘K’

Skin & Hair Glossary of ingredients & terms. Defining hair and skin ingredients with meaningful results. Updated regularly.

K

K (Vitamin): Vitamin K is popular in under-eye creams as it is reputed to lighten dark circles. Vitamin K reverses the calcium deposits in elastin fibers. These deposits harden and cause wrinkles. Vitamin K helps with blood coagulation and circulation. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed topical Vitamin K works best when paired with retinol, Vitamins C, E, and the Bs. (1) Vitamin K is also called Phytonadione.

Kale

Kale: Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf, AKA Kale, contains Vitamins A, B, C, and K, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Topical kale application within skincare promotes collagen production, tightens pores, detoxifies the skin and fights free-radical damage.

Kakadu Plum: Kakadu plums are the highest natural source of vitamin C to support collagen synthesis and provide antioxidant support. It reduces acne, fades scars, and reduces fine lines.
Kakadu plums are also high in gallic acid and ellagic acid to fight free radicals, hydrate the skin and prevent the skin from damage.

Kaolin Clay: Kaolin Clay is a natural clay that absorbs oil and removes impurities. Ideal for treating oily and acne prone skin.

Keratinocyte: A Keratinocyte is the cell type responsible for keratin formation in the skin.

Kelp Extract: Kelp Extract contains minerals and removes toxins. It lessens redness, inflammation, rosacea and protects against environmental damage. Kelp has powerful anti-aging properties.

Keratin: The structural protein of skin, hair, and nails. Hair is about 80% Keratin.

Keratosis Pilaris: Keratosis Pilaris, also known as KP or Chicken Bumps, are hardened keratin plugs that appear like acne. They are not harmful unless they become infected from scratching. They can be unsightly and look like acne or a rash. KP responds to Retinols and washing with mild soaps.

Kernel Oil: Kernel Oil deeply conditions the hair and has nourishing vitamins for the scalp.

Kojic acid
Konjac Root: Kojic acid is an anti-oxidant that helps sun-damaged skin. It is a natural skin lightening agent that lightens sun damage induced hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the future production of excess melanin.

Kombucha: ingested as a healthy anti-aging beverage, this natural probiotic has topical benefits. It reduces inflammation and evens the skin tone. Packed with Vitamin Bs, it reduces wrinkles and brightens the skin.

Konjac Root: Konjac Root contains glucomannan, a moisturizer similar to the natural hyaluronic found in young skin. It makes skin look and act younger. It penetrates the upper layer of the epidermis and hydrates the surface. Konjac root also contains a slew of skin-friendly vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E, plus lipids and fatty acids. It smooths fine wrinkles and promotes collagen and elastin production.

kukui nuts

Kukui Nut Oil: Kukui Nut Oil is also known as Aleurites moluccanus, candlenut or kukui nut. Kukui Nut Oil can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin to promote collagen production. It is a dry oil yet is highly emollient and creates a protective layer. Rich in Omega-3s, it replenishes skin. It contains the skin-refining vitamins A, C, and E. Kukui Nut has great softening and buffering properties that it makes C and A accessible to those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema. It reduces inflammation, treats wounds and burns, and soothes conditions like eczema.

Mitsuishi, T. , Shimoda, T. , Mitsui, Y. , Kuriyama, Y. and Kawana, S. (2004), The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 73-75. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x