Fatty Acids - Basic building blocks of fats and oils. Fatty acids attach to a glycerin molecule to form mono-, di- or tri-glycerides. (See Vitamin F)
Fatty Acid Esters - Waxes derived from plants and animals, which are less greasy than fatty acid extracts. Jojoba oil (wax) and lanolin from wool are examples of fatty acid esters. Used in absorption bases and as emulsifiers in cosmetics.
Fennel Essential Oil - The pure essential oil of crushed Fennel seeds increases the elasticity of the connective tissues of the skin. It is anti-wrinkle and anti-aging and has a tightening effect on the skin.
Feverfew - Chrysanthemum parthenium . Analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Topically applied, a tincture of feverfew relieves pain and swelling of insect bites, rashes and other skin irritations.
Fir Oil - See Siberian Pine Needle Oil.
Flaxseed Lignans - Linum usitatissimum . Phytonutrients found in flaxseeds, known for their antioxidant, antiinflammatory and oil-balancing properties on the skin. Clinical tests show that, applied twice daily, flax lignans decrease sebum production by as much as 20% after 28 days. Used in skin care formulations to prevent acne and clogged pores and reduce ingrown hairs and skin bumps caused by shaving.
Flaxseed Oil - Linum usitatissimum . Emollient and antiinflammatory high in essential fatty acids, B vitamins, protein and minerals. Very nourishing to dry hair and skin, whether taken internally or applied topically.
Forsythia Fruit - Forsythia suspensa . Antiinflammatory and astringent, used topically as a soothing agent for the skin. The Chinese call it Lian-qiao.
Frangipani Absolute - An exquisite scent, steam distilled from the frangipani blossom.
Frankincense Essential Oil The pure essential oil obtained from the resin of Frankincense bark is regenerative and astringent. It is excellent for aging skin and the treatment of wrinkles. It tones the skin and promotes new cell generation.
French Cypress - The pure essential oil of the Cypress leaves and twigs and have a tightening effect on the skin in general.
French Lavender - The pure essential oil from the freshly cut tops of Lavender flowers is useful for all skin since it regulates sebum production. It fosters the regeneration of new skin cells and soothes inflamed skin.
Fructose - A sugar found in fruits and honey that soothes, hydrates and encourages moisture retention in the skin.
Fruit Acids - A group of acids naturally occurring in fruits and herbs, used in cosmetics for thousands of years to clear and smooth the complexion. They work by loosening the "glue" that holds the outer layer of cells to the surface of your skin, thereby encouraging exfoliation and more rapid turnover of skin cells. The patented trade name for fruit acids is Alpha-hydroxy acids, which are synthetically derived in most commercial formulations. (Alpha-hydroxy acids are now common ingredients in cosmetics, but were originally used as solvents in cleaning compounds and for tanning leather.) Some natural sources for fruit acids include bilberry herb, black currant, grapefruit, tomato, wine and grapes (glycolic, malic, pyruvic, benzylic, citric, tartaric and lactic acids).
Fumitory - (Tzu-hua-ti-ting) Fumaria officinalis . A superb tonic and purifier, this ancient Chinese herbal is known for its brightening effect on the skin. Combined with ginkgo leaf, it is very beneficial to the hair and scalp.
