PABA - See Aminobenzoic Acid ; Padimate O .

Padimate O - An ester of aminobenzoic acid shown to protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. A very effective sunscreen, recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Palm Oil - Elaesis guineensis . Oil obtained from the seeds or fruit of the palm tree. Saponified with an alkaline salt, it is used in the manufacture of bar soaps.

Palma Rosa Oil - Cymbopogon martinii . Essential oil used for its pleasant scent and hydrating and tonic effects on the skin.

Palmitate - A salt or ester of palmitic acid, a fatty acid found in palm and other fatty oils. Often used in baby oils, bath oils, hair conditioners and moisturizers.

Panthenol - (Vitamin B-5) Natural hair thickener that helps give hair body and hold. An excellent hydrator, it helps nourish and strengthen the scalp and promote hair health. Also used as a natural skin hydrator, it is sometimes known as Pantothenic Acid.

Papaya - Carica papaya . An excellent skin softener, its enzymatic action mildly exfoliates.

Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata . Analgesic, antiirritant and sedative, its roots and leaves are used in skin care formulations for their soothing properties.

Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin . Aromatic essential oil used as a fragrance for its rich, herbaceous scent, and as a fixative in perfumes and soaps. The pure essential oil of Patchouli leaves is used to treat dry, mature or wrinkled skin, to rejuvenate, invigorate and restore.

Peanut Oil - Arachis hypogaea . Superb emollient often used in natural massage oils and soaps.

Pectin - Obtained from the cell walls of plants, the peel of citrus and the crushed pulp of apples. Used in hair care products, it helps smooth the cuticle to lock in nutrients and enhance shine. (See also Orange Pith Juice)

Pellitory - Anacyclus pyrethrum . A pungent herb used as a stimulant and circulation enhancer.

Pellitory-of-the-Wall - Parietaria officinalis . Herbal extract known for its emollient and astringent effects. It is sometimes combined with the mallows elder and arnica in natural moisturizers.

Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium . A member of the mint family. A strong purifier and antiseptic, as well as a natural insect repellent, said to drive away fleas and other pests. A key ingredient in natural pet grooming products.

Peony Herb, Peony Root - Paeonia lactiflora . Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory used in acne preparations and in toothpastes and other oral hygiene products to promote healthy teeth and gums.

Peppermint Oil - Mentha piperita . Excellent antiseptic frequently used in shampoos and rinses for its toning effect on the scalp, and in bath oils for its warming/cooling properties on sore muscles. A natural anti-inflammatory, very soothing to the skin and scalp.

Phospholipids - Fatty substances that are important constituents of cell membranes. Plant phospholipids are similar to human phospholipids and are readily absorbed into the skin. Phospholipids obtained from soybean oil in the form of lecithin are used to make liposomes, which act as delivery agents for vitamins and humectants. (See also Liposomes)

Pimenta Leaf Oil - Pimenta officinalis . Essential oil from the leaves of an evergreen tree indigenous to the West Indies. An antiseptic and astringent, it also acts as a scalp tonic. Often used as a flavoring agent or fragrance.

Pine Needle Extract - (Pine-tree) Abies siberica . The extract of pine-tree leaves, often blended with witch hazel, red vine and other herbals for its tonic, antiseptic and stimulating effect on the skin. Combined with hops, rosemary and horsetail, it makes an excellent addition to cell therapy moisturizers.

Pine Needle Oil - See Siberian Pine Needle Oil.

Pine Tar - Pinus sylvestris . Natural alternative to coal tar preparations. Soothes dry skin and scalp conditions.

Plantain Extract - Astringent, soothing, and healing. Plantain leaf is said to soothe and heal many skin conditions. It is toning and astringent (contracts skin tissues), and reduces oil secretions of the skin.