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gaba (gamma amino butyric acid): potent amino acid and neurotransmitter inhibitor; appears to relax muscle cells and therefore cause a decrease in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

gamma linoleic acids(gla): essential fatty acids from plant oils with emollient properties. Vital for maintenance of normal functioning of the epithelial barrier membrane. Prevents dryness and roughness; also shown to inhibit melanin production.

geranium oil: also known as rose geranium. Distilled from the leaves of Pelargonoium graveolens. It is a natural antiseptic and astringent that also promotes healing. Geranium has the unusual ability to balance sebum production (because it is an adrenal cortex stimulant), making it valuble for those with combination, dry, dehydrated, or oily skin.

germall/germaben: one of a new generation of cosmetic preservatives. Has been found to be a very effective broad spectrum anti-microbial agent.

ginger extract: warming, inhibits prostoglandins and therefore reduces inflammation. Promtes circulation.

gingko biloba leaf extract: increases moisture retention in skin, soothes, rich in bioflavonids.

gluconolactone: a poly hydroxy acid (PHA) which provides similar benefits as alpha hydroxy acids such as smoothing appearance of fine lines with none of the irritation. Also has antioxidant and humectant properties.

glycerin: a humectant with water-attracting/binding properties that allows it to draw and absorb water from the air and helps the skin retain moisture. Derived from vegetable oil.

vglyceryl monostearate: an emulsifying and dispensing ingredient.

glycol distearate: an ester used as an emulsifier (to help combine oils with water). It is a clear, oily liquid readily able to penetrate the skin, made by combining glycerin and stearic acid.

glycolic acid: found in sugar cane, glycolic acid acts by dissolving the intercellular cement responsible for abnormal cell build-up. Imroves skin hydration by enhanced moisture uptake as well as increased binding of water to the stratum corneum. Effective in helping clear the pores of acne-prone skin; smoothing fine lines in older, photo-aged skin; and diminishing age spots.

glycosaminoglycans: one of the renewal available cosmetic ingredients; a complex of proteins that increases depth of hydration in cosmetics and with this, this elasticity and pliability of the skin. Moisturizing and firming.

glycyrrhiza glabra extract: credited with effectiveness in smoothing and healing; anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.

gorgonian: a red-brown algae. See algae extract.

gotu kola: see hydrocotyl extract.

grapefruit essential oil: an active-oil with anti-irritant properties. Also antiseptic. Grapefruit oil is belived to help control the body's liquid process and as such is indicated for work with the lymphatic system.

grapeseed oil: ultrafine oil expressed from grape seeds commonly used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy products and as a base for moisturizers.

green tea leaf extract: rich in potent anti-oxidants called catechins, and xanthines, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant. Reduces irritation when used in glycolic acid formulations.

guar gum: a polysaccharide which provides an excellent moisture retention ability.