Glossary
Allergen
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people, whereby their immune system recognizes it as foreign or dangerous.
Antibacterial
Destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Antimicrobial Agent
Ingredients that kill microorganisms (commonly known as “germs”), or prevent or inhibit their growth and reproduction. Preservatives, which are a type of antimicrobial, are critical to ensure that products are protected from contamination with bacteria, fungi and mold.
Byproduct
A substance produced in an industrial or biological process in addition to the principal product. Sawdust is a byproduct of trimming trees, for example.
Chemical
A substance with a distinct molecular composition and characteristic properties. Everything is composed of chemicals, including natural products. For example, orange peels include dozens of chemicals such as linalyl acetate, alpha-pinene and limonene.
Clinical
Research involving a human subject rather than a laboratory study.
Cosmetic
A product applied to the body that is intended to cleanse or beautify.
Draize Eye Irritancy Test
An eye test performed on rabbits designed to determine the extent of potential ocular hazard of a test substance. It is rarely used today. We pioneered an alternative non-animal test that we use instead of the Draize test. This alternative, as well as others, have been used widely throughout the cosmetics industry for decades.
Enzyme*
A protein found in animal and plant cells that help to initiate or to accelerate specific chemical reactions.
Formulation
A mixture prepared according to a particular formula. Formulations are made up of ingredients.
Microbial
Pertaining to or emanating from a microbe or a micro-organism, for example, bacteria.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug
OTC drugs are drugs that are deemed safe and effective by regulators for use by the general public without a doctor's prescription.
Part Per Million (PPM)
Parts per million (ppm) is the most commonly used term to describe very small amounts of materials as they relate to concentration. One part per million would be comparable to 1/16 of an inch in a mile, or one millimeter in a kilometer.
pH*
A measurement of the acidity or basicity of a substance.
Prescription (Rx) Medicine
A prescription drug product requires a doctor's authorization to purchase.
Preservative*
Ingredients that prevent or retard bacterial growth, and thus protect cosmetic products from spoilage. Preservatives also protect you from harmful bacteria, mold and fungus that can cause irritation or other skin problems.
Toxicology*
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemical and physical agents on living organisms. Toxicologists are experts on ingredient safety.
Trace Material
Impurities present at small, but detectable, levels.
* Sourced from the Personal Care Products Council, an industry group of which the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies is a member. Visit cosmeticsinfo.org for additional terms. No endorsement, approval, association, or sponsorship of Our Safety & Care Commitment by the organization listed is stated or implied.