Dictionary of Ingredients M   MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL Macadamia nut oil. Oil obtained from the nuts of a tree found in the pacific area. Very similar to the sebum of the human skin. Excellent lubricating and emollient properties.   MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE A natural clay used as an emulsion-stabilizing thickening agent in O/W creams.   MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE Magnesium Ascorbic Phosphate is Vitamin C in a stable Form, i.e. it retains almost the same degree of efficacy after many years of shelf life. Effective against free radicals, keeps the skin in good condition.   MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE Magnesium salt of aspartic acid. See amino acids.   MAGNESIUM STEARATE Compound of stearic acid and magnesium. Stabilizes the structure and consistency of emulsions.   MAGNESIUM SULFATE Magnesium sulfate, known as bitter salt. A component of mineral water. Used in cosmetics to stabilize emulsions.   MALIC ACID Malic acid is a fruit acid found in apples, grapes, quinces, gooseberries and rowan berries and obtained from apples. It belongs to the so-called AHA-acids. When used on the skin it removes the upper layer of corneocytes of skin which stimulates its regeneration. The skin becomes smoother and fresher.   MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) EXTRACT Mallow extract (organic) contains mucilage and tannins. Has a skin-smoothing, moisturizing and protecting effect.   MARRUBIUM VULGARE (HOREHOUND) Horehound contains tannins; it reduces irritation and redness.   MEL (HONEY) Honey has healing, antiseptic and moisturizing qualities. It consists mainly of fruit sugar and glucose.   MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF EXTRACT Tea tree oil is a valuable essential oil from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Is mildly disinfecting, useful for blemished skin, pimples and other skin problems.   MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS (MELILOT) The extract stimulates the circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties, used mainly because of its coumarin and allantoin content.   MELISSA OFFICINALIS (BALM MINT) LEAF EXTRACT, MELISSA OFFICINALIS (BALM MINT) DISTILLATE Balm Mint (organic), because of its essential oil content, which can also be found in citrus oils, balm mint extract has a calming effect on the skin and on the whole body after being absorbed by the skin. Balm mint baths are relaxing and help to soothe neuralgic pains and nervosity. Balm mint is slightly astringent on the skin and is therefore especially suitable for greasy, blemished skin. Used as both an extract and essential oil.   MENTHOL Main component of the essential oil obtained from peppermint. Used mainly in body care products because of its cooling properties. Noticeable aroma of mint.   MENTHYL LACTATE Menthyl lactate is produced from the natural ingredients menthol and lactic acid. Menthol has a cooling effect on the skin. The lactic acid strengthens the skin's own acid mantel.   METHIONINE Contains sulfur (see Amino Acids)   METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE Methyl glucose dioleate is composed of the natural substances glucose and oleic acid. An emulsifier carefully produced from botanical ingredients.   METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE Methyl glucose sesquistearate is composed of the natural substances glucose and stearic acid. Acts as an Emulsifier.   METHYLPARABEN A preservative from the parabene family. Nature-identical, the most commonly used preservative. A synergistic effect can be achieved by combination with other parabenes (e.g. methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-) i.e. the total dose can be reduced whilst maintaining a good level of preservation.   MICA Mica is a natural mineral which can be split into small glimmering sheets because of its layered structure. Used alone it gives a light glitter to powder and makeup products. When coated with titanium dioxide it produces pearlescent pigment.   MICA/TITANIUM DIOXIDE Pearlescent pigment consisting of titanium dioxide and mica.   MYRTUS COMMUNIS OIL Myrtle oil is obtained from the blossoms, leaves and twigs of the bride myrtle. The fragrance mixes well with lavender.