Cosmetic Ingredients Glossary
This ingredient glossary is designed to help you learn more about common ingredients used in the cosmetic industry.
This ingredient glossary is designed to help you learn more about common ingredients used in the cosmetic industry.
Isohexadecane is a synthetic ingredient used as a cleansing agent, skin-conditioning agent, and a te.
Stearyl alcohol is a natural fatty alcohol that is used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener i.
Acetyl glucosamine is a skin-replenishing ingredient that functions to reduce signs of aging through.
Acetyl Hexapeptide 8: Skin Care Uses and Side Effects Acetyl hexapeptide 8, which is also known as A.
Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is a synthetic ingredient used as a thickening agent, t.
Alcohol denat is an abbreviation for denatured alcohol, which is used in cosmetics and personal care.
Allantoin-Based Products That May Benefit Your Skin There are a number of chemical compounds that ar.
Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract, commonly known as Aloe vera, has been used for centuries for its heal.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid: a Guide to AHA Skin Care While there are a number of ingredients in skin care pr.
Aminomethyl propanol is a synthetic ingredient that functions as a buffer to adjust the pH of cosmet.
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp copolymer is a synthetic polymer that is used in cosmetics and p.
Few people are familiar with a plant extract from the nuts of the argan tree, and the benefits of ar.
Is Argireline Right for You? When it comes to gaining a more youthful appearance, not everyone would.
Ascorbyl palmitate is a stable, lipid soluble form of vitamin C that is used in skin care products f.
Avobenzone: Uses and Side Effects One of the more effective ways to take care of your skin is to pro.
Have you heard of azelaic acid? If you're like most consumers who are looking for the best skin care.
Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract Betula alba is a species of deciduous tree with many common names,.
Behenyl alcohol functions as an opacifying ingredient, thickener, emollient, and emulsifier in cosme.
Betaine is a naturally derived ingredient that is added to skin and hair care products due to its ab.
BHT stands for butylated hydroxytoluene, an organic compound that is used in cosmetics and personal.
When reading skin care product ingredient lists, you may come across a chemical called butylene glyc.
Butylphenyl methylpropional is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that is used in a variety of cosmeti.
Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products as a.
C13-14 isoparaffin is a petroleum-derived ingredient that is used in cosmetics and personal care pro.
Caffeine is being increasingly used in cosmetics and skin care products due to its high biological a.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, dispersing agent, and thickener that is used in a vari.
Caprylyl glycol is a skin conditioning agent that adds moisturization and wetting properties to many.
Caramel is a natural coloring agent used to provide a brown color in cosmetics and personal care pro.
Carbomer is the trade name for polyacrylic acid (PAA), a group of synthetic high molecular weight po.
Ceramides and Their Importance to Skin Care One of the most important factors in shoppi.
Ceteareth-20 is a synthetic compound that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in a variety of.
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, surfactant, opacifyin.
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and surfacta.
Cetyl ethylhexanoate is a synthetic ingredient that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal c.
Quinoa is a flowering plant that is part of the genus Chenopodium. It is grown as a grain crop prima.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care p.
Cholesterol is an organic molecule that is added to cosmetics and skin care products for its functio.
Citral is a naturally derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics and personal care products as a.
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that is used in personal care products to adjust the acidity or p.
Citronellol is a naturally derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics and personal care products.
Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract is used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its.
Pumpkin seed extract is a hydrolyzed protein fraction obtained from the Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) see.
Understanding Cyclomethicone If you use new-age beauty products then chances are you will encounter.
Cyclopentasiloxane is one of the most common ingredients used in personal care products today. Synth.
Dimethicone: Product Uses and Side Effects Dimethicone, which is a silicone oil, is also known as po.
Dimethicone crosspolymer is a silicone derivative that functions as a skin and hair conditioning age.
Dimethiconol is a silicone polymer that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin an.
Disodium EDTA is an ingredient used in shampoos, moisturizers, cleansers, and other personal care pr.
Ethoxydiglycol is a cosmetic grade solvent that is used in various skin and hair care products to di.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a natural preservative derived from glycerin that also functions as a surfacta.
Ethylparaben is a preservative that is used in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care produc.
Ferulic Acid in Skin Care Ferulic Acid is found naturally in the leaves and seeds of most plants. It.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Flower Extract Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, i.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract Pyrus malus is the name given to apple-derived ingredients used in.
Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables Persea gratissima is a flowering tree that produces.
Geraniol is a naturally derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics and personal care products as.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a botanical ingredient that is used in skin care products due to its p.
Gluconolactone: Ingredient Overview When you're trying to fight the signs of aging, such as fine lin.
Glycerin is an ingredient that can be found in many beauty products because of its moisture locking.
Glyceryl stearate is a naturally derived fatty acid that is used as a thickener, lubricating agent,.
Are you looking for more information on skin care products that contain glycolic acid or glycolic ac.
Grarapeseed Oil for Face When it comes to taking care of your appearance, Grapeseed oil may not be t.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products.
Hexylene glycol functions as a surfactant, emulsifier, and a viscosity-reducing agent in many differ.
Hordeum vulgare, commonly known as barley, is a member of the grass family, grown in temperate clima.
Aesculus hippocastanum is a large, deciduous tree commonly known as horse chestnut. Fruit from this.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene in Skin Care Products When reading skin care product ingredient labels it.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a cellulose-derived polymer that is used in cosmetics and personal care pro.
The History, Uses, and Effectiveness of Idebenone There are many skin care ingredients that are syno.
Consumers looking for the best face cream for wrinkles may eventually come across a product called I.
In today's world of mass production and consumption of skin care products, ingredients like isobutyl.
Isododecane: General Information and Side Effects It is important for those who use makeup products.
Isononyl isononanoate is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products as an e.
You've probably used products with isopropyl myristate many times without even knowing about it. Mos.
L-Ascorbic Acid Overview L-ascorbic acid is more commonly known as vitamin C. Although many people k.
Laureth-4 is a synthetic polymer that is used in many different cosmetics and personal care products.
Laureth-7 is a synthetic compound that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in a variety of cos.
Lecithin describes a natural substance made up of fatty acids that functions as an emollient, emulsi.
Limonene is a compound naturally found in citrus fruits that is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and.
Linalool is a naturally derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics and personal care products as.
Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that functions as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics and p.
The Role of Liquid Paraffin in Skin Care Finding liquid paraffin listed as one of the ingredients in.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a form of vitamin C that is used in skin care products for its abili.
Maltodextrin is a plant-based sugar that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a moistu.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract Chlorella vulgaris is a green eukaryotic microalgae that was first discov.
Matrixyl 3000 is an anti wrinkle innovation developed by cosmetic chemical manufacturer Sederma. It.
If you've purchased a product that has methylparaben in the ingredient list, you may have some conce.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals that can be ground down into a fine powder for use in co.
Consumers interested in using mineral oil for skin care will inevitably come across negative informa.
Myristyl myristate is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, tex.
The Facts Behind Niacinamide Creams Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that forms when the body abs.
Octinoxate: Uses, Benefits, and Dangers Octinoxate is an ingredient that is common to many different.
Octocrylene Overview Octocrylene is a chemical compound often used as an additive in sun screen, and.
Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) is a flowering plant that is native to North America. Indigenou.
Oxybenzone in Skin Care Oxybenzone is one of the more popular molecules used by chemists during the.
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that functions as a surfactant, emulsifier, opacifying agent, and emol.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: History, Skin Care Uses, and Side Effects Palmitoyl oligopeptide is a blend.
sOverview of Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a type of synthetic peptide compou.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: What Can It Do for Your Skin? One of the most effective ways to choose anti-.
Panthenol: Overview, Uses, and Misconceptions Panthenol is a common ingredient that is found in a nu.
Peg-10 dimethicone is a type of silicone that is used in hair and skin care products as a conditioni.
When it comes to evaluating skin care chemicals to find the best ingredients for skin care, PEG 100.
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a synthetic ingredient used in a variety of cosmetics and personal.
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone is a type of silicone that is used in hair and skin care products as a co-.
Consumers looking for ways to treat dry, flaky skin may come across a synthetic ingredient called pe.
Petrolatum is an ointment that is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant, and is als.
Phenoxyethanol Overview Phenoxyethanol is glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetic products a.
Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring lipid that is used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Pitera is a skin care product line offered by SK-II, a Japanese skin care company currently owned by.
Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract Myrtus communis, the common myrtle, is a species of flowerin.
Polyacrylamide is a polymer that is used in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products d.
Polysilicone-11 is a synthetic cross-linked siloxane (a type of silicone) that functions as a film-f.
Polysorbate 20 is a surfactant, emulsifier, and fragrance ingredient that is used in a variety of co.
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic ingredient that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a s.
Potassium cetyl phosphate is the potassium salt of an organic phosphate ester that is used in a vari.
Potassium sorbate is a mild preservative that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care pr.
Propanediol is a naturally derived ingredient that is used in cosmetics and personal care products a.
Propyl gallate is an antioxidant that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a preservat.
Propylparaben: Uses and Side Effects Anyone who reads the ingredients of their cosme tics, such as e.
Retinaldehyde: Ingredient Uses and Side Effects It can be difficult to fight the signs of aging with.
Retinyl palmitate is a type of retinoid that is used in skin care products due to its ability to imp.
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract Althaea officinalis, also known as the common marshma.
Are you Hip to Rose Hip Oil? Rose hip oil for skin care has become a popular idea recently because i.
Saccharomyces lysate extract is a type of yeast that is used in cosmetics and skin care products for.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is commonly used in skin care products, particularly anti.
SD alcohol 40 is a type of denatured alcohol used in cosmetics and personal care products as an anti.
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Vitis vinifera seed extract, also known as grape seed extract, is a bota.
Silica is a mineral that is used in a wide variety of cosmetics and skin care products due to its mu.
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in cosmetic and skin care products that also functions as a c.
Sodium chloride, more commonly known as table salt, functions as a binder, oral care agent, flavorin.
Sodium citrate is used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily to control the pH level, as.
Sodium hyaluronate is the water-soluble sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance fou.
Sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline ingredient that is used in small amounts in cosmetics and pers.
Sodium lactate is a multifunctional ingredient that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate in Skin Care Have you ever seen sodium laurel sulfate on the ingredient label.
Sodium PCA is a naturally occuring humectant that functions as a hydrating agent and a skin-replenis.
Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and personal care products as a thicken.
Sorbic acid is a preservative that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products in o.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that functions as a humectant moisturizer, thickening agent, fragrance i.
The Uses of Squalane for Skin Care Many beauty and skin care experts have lauded the effects of squa.
Steareth-20 is a synthetic compound that functions as a cleansing agent, a surfactant, and an emulsi.
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with an 18 carbon chain that is used in a variety of cosmetic.
Sucrose, also known as common table sugar, is used in cosmetics and personal care products due to it.
Syn-ake: Product Overview and Side Effects Syn-ake is a topical anti-aging treatment that was develo.
Have you heard about Tepezcohuite? It's a skin care ingredient that's only beginning to make headway.
Included in many hair and skin care products as a preservative, Tetrasodium EDTA has become a common.
Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin: Overview and Precautions One of the best ways to take care of y.
Tocopheryl acetate is a form of vitamin E used in skin care products due to its powerful antioxidant.
Trehalose is a type of sugar that is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a moisturizer,.
Triethanolamine: Uses and Safety Information Triethanolamine is an organic compound that is comprise.
In recent years there has been a definite increase in consumers interested in what’s in their cosmet.
Urea is a naturally occurring humectant found within the skin that can be synthetically produced for.
Consumers struggling with aging skin and looking to turn back the hands of time may eventually come.
When you see “water\aqua\eau” on a product’s ingredient label, it simply means water. Manufacturers.
Witch Hazel 101 Witch hazel is made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. This North Am.
Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide that is added to cosmetics and personal care products as a b.
Zinc gluconate is a combination of zinc with a form of glucose that is primarily used in skin care p.
How Zinc Oxide Benefits Skin Zinc oxide is a chemical compound that is thought to have been used in.