Skin & Hair Glossary of ingredients & terms. Defining what skin & hair ingredients are and how to best use them. Updated regularly.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V |W| X | Y | Z
X
- Xanthan Gum
- A natural thickener, made of fermented sugars, used to stabilize or emulsify formulations. Not an active ingredient, but it will not irritate skin as some chemical emulsifiers and fillers can.[1]
- Xanthophyll
- An excellent antioxidant for the skin derived from marigolds. See lutein.
Ximenia Americana Oil
Plum oil, a hydrating emollient. See
- Xylitol
- Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that can hold water in the skin. It functions as a prebiotic to protect the microbiome of skin. [2]
- It is also an ingredient included in some dental chewing gums to block bacteria’s ability to stick to teeth, stopping the cavity-causing process. Xylitol reduces decay-causing bacteria and bad breath for a healthy smile. Regularly chewing gum with Xylitol after a meal reduces the overall levels of decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. [3] The American Dental Association states that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks rinse off and neutralize the enamel-harming acids released by bacteria. According to the ADA, “both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate ten times the normal rate of saliva flow.”
References
- Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications, 2019, Page 126
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, May 2019, pages 323-331
- American Dental Association, Scientific Panel Issues Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations: Sugar-Free Polyol Gum, Lozenges and Hard Candy, Nonfluoride Varnishes Help Prevent Cavities