K

kangaroo paw flower

This spring-flowering herb, related to the amaryllis, is used in Australia in hair sprays. It’s not known to be toxic.

kaolin

Because this fine mineral clay remains white after firming, it’s used in manufacturing high—grade porcelain, paper, paint, cloth, soaps and many powdered and covering cosmetics. It’s also used for its dehydrating and astringent effect. It’s also known as China clay.

kelp

This giant Pacific marine plant, TV!acrocystis pyriferae, is high in many nutrients. It’s used in some cosmetics as an astringent.

kera tin

This insoluble albumoid (fiber protein) can be found in horny tissues like the hair and nails. High in sulfur, it’s quite strong, but it is subject to chemical penetration.

keratoma

A callus, wart or any horny growth.

keratosis

A disease of the epidermis indicated by the presence of growths of the horny layer of tissue.

ketones

These aromatic substances, used in nail polish removers, are toxic. They’re derived by the oxidation of secondary alcohols. Also see acetone.

acetone.

kg

The abbreviation for kilogram.

kilogram.

kilogram

A measure of weight in the metric system, equal to a thousand grams, or about 2.2 pounds.

kohl

In ancient Egypt, this black powder was made from the ash of frankincense; later, it was made from powdered antimony (a metallic element). In the Middle East and India, kohl has been used to darken the eyelids for over a thousand years. When made from frankincense, kohl isn’t known to be toxic, but minerals such as antimony can be contaminated with arsenic, phosphates and other impurities. Also see mascara.

Kummerfeld’s lotion

This natural lotion (named after its formulator) was created in 1940 for the treatment of acne. It contains camphor, gum Arabic, glycerine, sulfur and rosewater.

To make Kummerfeld’s lotion, mix two ounces of glycerine with a half ounce of camphor. Stir in an ounce of gum arabic until the lumps disappear, then add five ounces of sulfur. Stir well, and add this mixture to 21 ounces of rosewater in a clean container.

Since there are no emulsWers in this formula, shake it well before using it, and keep it in the refrigerator when it’s not in use. Apply it to the acne daily.