Abies Balsamea Needle Oil (Balsam Fir Needle Oil) Abies Balsamea Needle Oil is an aromatic essential oil distilled from the needles of Abies balsamea (balsam fir), valued in cosmetic formulations for...
Cosmetic Glossary
Welcome to our comprehensive Cosmetic Glossary, your ultimate guide to understanding exactly what goes into your skincare and beauty products. Navigating complex INCI lists can be overwhelming, which is why we have broken down each ingredient to clearly explain its primary function, skin benefits, and role in your daily routine. Whether you are researching a soothing botanical extract or decoding a potent scientific active, our dictionary empowers you to make informed, safe choices and build a skincare regimen tailored to your unique needs.
Acacia Concinna Fruit Powder (Shikakai Fruit Powder) Acacia Concinna Fruit Powder, commonly known as shikakai, is a plant-derived cleansing botanical traditionally used in hair care. Naturally rich...
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax (Mimosa Flower Wax) A plant wax obtained from the flowers of mimosa, used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, texture enhancer, protective ingredient and stabilizer...
Acacia Senegal Gum (Gum Arabic) Acacia Senegal Gum is a natural polysaccharide exudate obtained from Acacia senegal and used in cosmetic formulations as a film former, binder, and stabilizer. It...
Acer Saccharum Extract (Sugar Maple Extract) Plant-derived extract obtained from the sugar maple, valued in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning, smoothing and radiance-supporting properties. It...
Expression Line Peptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a synthetic, skin-friendly peptide widely used in cosmetic formulations for its smoothing and wrinkle-softening benefits,...
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract (kiwi fruit extract) Plant-derived extract obtained from kiwi fruit, valued in cosmetics for its antioxidant, refreshing, moisturizing and skin-conditioning...
Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract (Horse Chestnut Seed Extract) Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from horse chestnut seeds and used in cosmetic formulations for...
Alanine (Alanine) An amino acid used in cosmetic formulations as a skin and hair conditioning ingredient, valued for its role in supporting softness, hydration and a more comfortable feel. Naturally...
Alcohol Denat. / Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol / Alcohol) A volatile cosmetic ingredient used in formulations as a solvent, purifying agent, light degreasing component, auxiliary preservation support...
Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract (Alkanet Root Extract) Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract is a botanical extract obtained from the roots of Alkanna tinctoria (alkanet), valued in cosmetic formulations...
Skin-Soothing Protector (Allantoin) Allantoin is a well-known skin-conditioning active valued in cosmetic formulations for its soothing, calming, and protective benefits. It helps reduce the look of...
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (aloe vera leaf extract) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, commonly known as aloe vera leaf extract, is a soothing botanical ingredient derived from the fleshy leaves of...
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera Leaf Juice) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a plant-derived skin-conditioning ingredient prized for its soothing and hydrating profile. Rich in water,...
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder (Aloe vera leaf powder) A plant-derived powder obtained from the dehydrated leaf material/inner leaf solids of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), widely used as a...
Alpha-Arbutin (Alpha Arbutin) Alpha-Arbutin is a high-purity, water-soluble skin-brightening active valued for helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promote a more even-looking...
Alpha-Terpineol (alpha-terpineol) Alpha-terpineol is an aromatic monoterpene alcohol used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient, appreciated for its fresh, clean, floral and slightly woody scent...
Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) Alumina is an inorganic mineral material (aluminum oxide) used in cosmetic formulations as a multifunctional opacifying, bulking, and texture-enhancing ingredient, and as a...
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer) A synthetic cosmetic polymer used in formulations as a gelling agent, emulsion stabilizer, film former...
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil (Amyris Bark Oil) Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil is an aromatic essential oil distilled from the bark (and often wood) of Amyris balsamifera (amyris), valued in cosmetic...