Vegetable Glycerin - Rich humectant, emollient and lubricant naturally extracted from vegetable oils, used in cosmetic formulations for thousands of years. (Synthetic glycerin, otherwise known as propylene glycol, is highly irritating to the skin and scalp and should be avoided.)

Vegetable Protein - Termed "the building block of life," protein is our most important food, a leading source of vitamins and essential amino acids. Generally found in meats, eggs and dairy products, protein can also be obtained from soy, wheat and other plant sources. Applied topically, vegetable protein is an excellent hydrator, readily absorbed by the skin for improved texture. In hair care formulas, it combines with fatty acids and amino acids to coat porous or damaged hair and split ends.

Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides . Soothing essential oil used in cosmetics for its smoky, earthy scent. Due to its sedative properties, in India it is known as "oil of tranquility."

Violet - Viola odorata . Analgesic and soothing agent very beneficial to sensitive skin. Contains salicylic acid. The flower extract, combined with other oils and extracts, is often used as a fragrance.

Vitamin A - Antioxidant vitamin widely used (both internally and topically) in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. Its topical application promotes the formation of new skin cells and helps regulate oil secretion in the sebaceous glands. Particularly beneficial for dry or sun-exposed skin, it is often found in sun protection creams for its antioxidant properties and its soothing and hydrating effect on the skin. (A deficiency of vitamin A in the body reduces the mucopolysaccharides in the skin, which accelerates the skin's aging process.) Also used as a natural preservative in cosmetics.

Vitamin B-complex (Herbal) - Water-soluble vitamins that, when applied topically, help control excess oil secretion. Particularly effective in preparations for rough, scaly skin and blemishes. Since B vitamins are the regulators of the body's metabolic functions, they are important to skin cell respiration. Calcium D-pantothenate and inositol are the two B-complex vitamins most beneficial to skin and hair health. (See also Inositol and Panthenol)

Vitamin C - Powerful antioxidant and nutrient, very beneficial to the skin. Plays an essential role in building collagen, the connective tissue that makes up 70 percent of our skin. Vitamin C is also a natural preservative, protecting both the oil and water phases of cosmetics.

Vitamin E - (d-Alpha Tocopherol) The most potent antioxidant vitamin around, it protects skin from cancer-causing free radicals and is essential for proper utilization of oxygen in the tissues. In cosmetics it also acts as a natural preservative, protecting the oil phase in creams and lotions.

Vitamin F - Skin protector and revitalizer consisting of linoleic and linolenic acids, the two essential fatty acids. Used in moisturizers, it soothes rough, dry or chapped skin on contact and helps soften and revitalize dry or damaged hair. (See also Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base .)

Vitamins A, C and E - Their combined action, blended with citrus seed extract, makes an excellent natural preservative.