Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)

L-Ascorbic Acid
Per the experts this is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen as well, which is essential since your body's natural collagen production decreases as you age. Sun exposure will also accelerate the decrease in collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.

Lactic Acid:
A hygroscopic, usually syrupy, alpha-hydroxy acid (C 3 H 6 O 3 ), usually manufactured by the bacterial fermentation of milk, cane or grape sugars, corn, starch, etc. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin and is produced by our muscles when we work out. In skin care it is a gentle exfoliate for removing dead skin cells and also provides moisture to the skin.

Lactobionic Acid:
A third generation hydroxy acid that strongly attracts water and provides an occlusive barrier on the surface of the skin. It helps normalize keratinization, resulting in a more smooth stratum corneum.

Lanolin, Anhydrous (Ovis aries):
Lanolin is secreted from the sebaceous glands of sheep into their wool, it is highly emollient, soothing and softening. Lanolin is chemically a wax and not a fat. Absorbs and holds water to the skin and may possibly retard the fine wrinkles of aging. Lanolin is extremely effective in preventing water loss from hair and skin.

Lavender Extract, Flowers and Powder, Organic (Lavandula officinalis):
See below for a complete description of Lavender’s medicinal properties and characteristics.

Lavender, Pure Essential Oil of (Lavandula angustifolia):
Lavender’s characteristic sweet floral/herbal scent is well known and easily recognizable, perhaps even a little overused. But its numerous beneficial properties make it a very worthwhile additive in skin care, cosmetic and aromatherapy preparations. First recognized for its potent cell regeneration and repair capabilities, Lavender essential oil was used as a healing substance for wounds and burns. Its active components work to increase cellular activity and actually prevent cell death! It is powerfully antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and also works to regulate the production of sebum. And it doesn’t stop there- when inhaled, the aroma of Lavender essential oil is calming and anti-depressive, and promotes restful sleep.

Lecithin:
Lecithin is comprised of many different, naturally occurring phospholipids, and is derived primarily from soybeans. Phospholipids have the remarkable ability to attach both, water and oil, making them natural emulsifiers, as well as superior moisturizers and emollients. Lecithin is completely gentle and beneficial to your skin. Lecithin has the ability to penetrate the epidermis and carry substances to the right cell level. Lecithin is an important source of choline, inositol and linoleic acid. Choline and inositol are vital components of all cell membranes, and play important roles in cell growth and function. Lecithin is also the base material for the production of liposomes.

Liquipar:
Broad spectrum preservative system commonly used in skin care products and contains the following; Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Butylparaben.

Lemon, Pure Essential Oil of (Citrus limonum):
Lemon pure essential oil has the wonderful characteristic scent of freshly peeled lemon rind. When used in cellulite treatments, Lemon essential oil acts as a depurative and lymphatic stimulant, draining tissues of excess fluids and toxins. When added to skin care and cosmetic treatments, use is made of its anti-bacterial, astringent and cell-regenerative properties. As a nail and cuticle treatment, Lemon essential oil helps heal dry, rough, chapped skin, and gently bleaches and whitens nails. When inhaled, the scent of Lemon essential oil is refreshing and uplifting.

Lemon Balm, Herb Organic (Melissa officinalis )
Lemon balm’s antihistamine action is useful to treat eczema and headaches and accounts for the centuries-old tradition of placing the fresh leaf on insect bites and wounds. Lemon balm has antipyretic, refreshing, and stimulating properties. An infusion of leaves makes a refreshing skin toner and can be used in rinse water for clothes. A stronger infusion makes a good rinse for oily hair. Use as a facial steam for dry skin. Dried leaves add a lemony scent to Potpourris.

Leucine:
An essential amino acid, which can not be manufactured by the body and is part of the three branched chain amino acids. Leucine helps with the regulation of blood sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue (such as bones, skin and muscles), growth hormone production, wound healing as well as energy regulation.

Licorice, Herb Organic and Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
Licorice has also been used in poultices for treatment of dermatitis and skin infections. It helps to open the pores and is used in combination with other cleansing and healing herbs as an emollient also used as a cosmetic skin lightener.

Locust Bean Gum:
Locust bean gum is a polysacharide (a long chain made of sugars) made of the sugars galactose and mannose. Locust bean gum is extracted from the endosperm of the seeds of the carob tree Ceretonia siliqua, which grows in Mediterranean countries. It is used as a thickener in skin care products and also as a moisturizer.

Lutein:
A carotenoid phytonutrient with antioxidant properties especially important to eye protection.

Lycopene:
Lycopene is a non-provitamin-A carotenoid that is naturally present in human blood and tissues. It is best known as the pigment primarily responsible for the characteristic red color of tomatoes. Lycopene is what gives certain vegetables and fruits their red color. While tomatoes have more lycopene than any other food, other sources include watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit, and guava. For more than a decade, lycopene has been considered the strongest singlet oxygen quencher of all the caretenoids. Although lycopene has antioxidant properties research has shown that it is not effective when used alone but most effective when combined with other antioxidants.

Lysine:
An essential amino acid and is a basic building block of all protein. It has many uses in the body and is needed for collagen formation as well as tissue repair, to produce antibodies, hormones and enzymes. It is often used to fight herpes and cold sores.
 

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases of any kind.