Hamamelis Water - See Witch Hazel.
Hazelnut Oil - Expressed from the kernel of the hazelnut, this oil contains vitamins, minerals and protein. It is said to be beneficial for oily or combinations skins and useful with acne.
He Shou Wu - Polygoni multiflori . Powerful scalp stimulant and tonic used in traditional Chinese medicine to refresh and energize the scalp, minimize hair loss and prevent or reverse graying hair. (In Chinese, shou-wu literally means "a head full of black hair.")
Hematite - Iron oxide, a mineral used as a coloring agent in face powders and makeups. Hematite varies in color from reddish-brown to black.
Henna Extract - Lawsonia inermis . A staple in shampoos and hair rinses for thousands of years for its coloring and/or conditioning properties. In its most common form, it is used to impart red or reddish-brown tones to the hair. Non-coloring (neutral) henna adds body and highlights without altering hair color.
Honey - Light humectant and nutrient used as a thickening agent to give body to facial masks, creams and lotions.
Honeysuckle Oil - Lonicera caprifolium . An excellent cleanser and purifier used in facial creams, shampoos and soaps. Adds a pleasant, sweet fragrance to cosmetics.
Hops - Humulus lupulus . Antimicrobial and sedative, very soothing and toning to the hair and skin. In hair care preparations, it adds body and softness and is helpful in the treatment of dandruff and other scalp conditions. Combined with camomile, it reduces swelling and relieves itching and irritation.
Horsechestnut Extract - Decongests and drains broken capillaries, calms, strengthens. Horsechestnut seed is an excellent treatment for blotchy, sensitive skin. It helps to strengthen capillaries and is anti-inflammatory.
Horse Chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum . Antiinflammatory, antiirritant and mild astringent that helps stimulate circulation to the skin. Often found in massage lotions and in products for sensitive skin for its sedative properties. Contains saponins.
Horsetail - (Bottlebrush) Equisetum arvense . Nutrient-rich herbal high in silica, essential to collagen production. A vegan alternative to collagen treatments, it firms and refreshes the skin and promotes healing. Often used in conjunction with coltsfoot in hair care products, it strengthens the hair shaft and adds sheen and elasticity.
Hydrolyzed Elastin - A naturally derived, water-soluble protein of bovine origin. Applied topically, it helps attract and retain moisture to smooth and soften the skin.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein - Water-soluble protein naturally derived from soy via the enzymatic hydrolysis process. Applied topically, it is an excellent hydrator that improves the texture and resiliency of the skin. In hair care formulas, it coats porous and damaged areas to strengthen and mend hair fiber.
Hydrosols - Also known as floral waters, hydrosols are byproducts of the steam distillation of plant materials. While essential oils are concentrated forms of plant essences, hydrosols are highly diluted, made up of variable ratios of plant materials to water. To protect consumers, standards are being developed to determine an acceptable ratio. Quality hydrosols are beneficial to skin and hair, but do not offer all the synergy of natural, unprocessed plant liquids (e.g., aloe vera and orange pith juice).
Hydroxtmethylglycinate - This is an anti-microbial agent derived from glycine ( a natural preservative) which in turn is extracted from plants. Non toxic.