PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) **
A substance which absorbs UV light, acting as a sunblock.
Panthenol
Vitamin B-5, good for human tissue. Plumps and moisturizes hair shaft to make it appear thicker.
Paraguay Tea
Augments action of theophylline, also contains antioxidant to help maintain healthy skin.
Patch Test
A test performed (usually with a hair dye or other potential allergen) on the skin 24 hours before its use to determine sensitivity.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emollient and co-emulsifier.
Permanent Listing
A list of allowable colors determined by FD&C tests to be safe for human consumption under regulatory provisions.
Petroleum
Mixture of hydrocarbons with similar properties as mineral oil. Industrially it is used as a grease component. (Example: Vaseline is a petroleum jelly.)
Phenyl Trimethicone
Emollient, moisturizer.
Polyquaternium-37
Emulsifier.
Polysorbates
Emulsifier.
Polysorbate 80
Surface active agent that provides smooth and complete spreading of the cleanser.
PPG-1
Emulsifier.

Propylene Glycol
Combination of glycerin and water, a humectant in cosmetics. The most common moisture-carrying vehicle in cosmetics other than water. (Actually, this is the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid.)
Propylparaben
Preservative.
Protein Treatment
A treatment used on the hair. Designed to add strength and elasticity to the hair by adding protein to the cortex.
Provisional Listing
A list of colors, originally numbering about 200, that FDA allows to continue to be used pending acceptable safety data.