Macadamia Nut Oil - Macadamia ternifolia . An excellent moisturizer and protector for hair and skin. High in essential fatty acids, its natural affinity to human sebum makes it an excellent skin care ingredient.

Magnesium - A mineral essential for nutrition and absorption of calcium and vitamin C. Applied topically, it helps regulate oil production in the skin and scalp.

Magnolia Blossom Extract - Magnolia acuminata . Natural tonic and antiirritant added to face creams for its slight bleaching effect on the skin. Sometimes used as a fragrance.

Mallow - Malva sylvestris . A natural hydrator, its skin-softening properties make it an excellent addition to creams, lotions and facial masks for dry skin. Sometimes used as a wash for tired eyes.

Mandarin Orange Peel Extract - (Ju pi/chen pi) Citrus reticulata . Natural anti-inflammatory known to improve skin and scalp circulation. Has a slight bleaching effect on the skin, helping fade freckles and other skin imperfections.

Mango Butter - Mangifera indica . Butter made from the seed of the mango, similar to jojoba butter. An excellent moisturizer.

Manuka Oil - Leptospermum scoparium . Analgesic, antifungal and antibacterial. Used by New Zealand's Maori people for its medicinal properties, this herbal oil has five times the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil and has a pleasant, honey-like fragrance.

Marigold - See Calendula .

Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis . An excellent hydrator and skin soother. Helps soften, protect and regenerate the skin.

Marshmallow Root Extract - Softens, revitalises, emollient, hydrates. Marshmallow leaf (or Althea) has been used since ancient times as an antiinflammatory and to soothe and heal the skin. Its name is derived from Greek, meaning healing. It is said to control oily skin and soothe allergic skin reactions.

Meadowsweet - Spiraea ulmaria . Also known as Lady of the Meadow and Meadow Queen, it was considered a sacred plant by the Druids. Used in cosmetics for sensitive skin for its mild, tonic effect.

Menthol Oil - Antiseptic and astringent derived from peppermint, its warming/cooling properties have a soothing effect on the skin. (See also Peppermint)

Methionine - Sulfur-rich amino acid, very beneficial to the hair and skin.

Mica - A transparent mineral. Structured in thin sheets that glide across each other. Used to provide slip, light reflection and shimmer in cosmetics.

Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum . Detoxifier used internally in the treatment of liver disorders. Clinical studies have shown its active compound silymarin, a flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties, helps protect skin cells from free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. Very soothing to the skin and scalp.

Mineral Water - Water drawn from a spring, either naturally carbonated (such as Perrier) or still (such as Evian).

Mint - Any of a variety of aromatic plants (genus Mentha) used as a natural antiseptic and freshener. Sometimes added as fragrance. (See also Peppermint; Spearmint)

Mistletoe - Viscum album . An antiirritant, known for its soothing properties on sensitive skin. It is often combined with fennel, hops, camomile, balm mint and yarrow in skin formulations.

Moroccan Rose oil - Over one million blooms are used to make one kilo of the highly prized oil of the Moroccan Rose. It is excellent for dry, mature and sensitive skin. It is astringent, toning and regenerative.

Morus Root - (Sang-pai-pi) Morus alba . Extract of mulberry root bark, with anti-inflammatory and humectant properties. The Chinese use it for its whitening properties and smoothing effect on the skin.

Mucopolysaccharides - Plant or animal substances that bind with water to form the thick, jelly-like material that cements cells together. Used in skin and hair care formulations for their ability to retain water. Mucopolysaccharides from aloe vera are best.

Myrrh Essential Oil -The pure essential oil obtained from the resin from Myrrh tree has excellent anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties. It is astringent (tones the skin) and promotes new cell generation. A superb moisturizer and freshener with skin-regenerating properties. Ideal for sensitive skin. Often used as a fragrance.

Myrtle Herb Extract - Myrtus communis . Aromatic stimulant and mild tonic sometimes used in suncare products for its soothing effect on sun-irritated skin.