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.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate) Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is a non-ionic, plant-derived emulsifier and texture builder based on methyl glucose and stearic acid,...
Mica
Mica (Mica) Mica is a naturally occurring mineral recognized in cosmetics for its shimmering, light-reflective properties that enhance radiance and luminosity. Its fine, layered crystalline structure...
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract (Mimosa Bark Extract) Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract is a botanical extract derived from the bark of Mimosa tenuiflora, valued in cosmetic formulations for its...
Montmorillonite
Montmorillonite (Montmorillonite) Montmorillonite is a natural clay mineral renowned in cosmetics for its exceptional absorbent, detoxifying and purifying properties. Its micro-porous structure acts...
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract (Noni Fruit Extract) Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from noni fruit and used in cosmetic formulations for its skin-conditioning,...
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil (moringa seed oil) Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, commonly known as moringa seed oil, is a luxurious botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the moringa tree. Rich in oleic...
Moroccan Lava Clay
Moroccan Lava Clay (Moroccan Lava Clay) Moroccan Lava Clay, also known as Ghassoul or Rhassoul, is a mineral-rich clay sourced from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, prized in cosmetics for its gentle...
Murraya Koenigii Stem Extract
Murraya Koenigii Stem Extract (Curry Leaf Stem Extract) Murraya Koenigii Stem Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from the stem of Murraya koenigii (curry leaf plant) and used in cosmetic...
Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil
Nutmeg Kernel Oil (Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil) Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil is a lipid-rich botanical oil obtained from the kernels (seeds) of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), appreciated in cosmetic...
Myristyl Myristate
Myristyl Myristate (Waxy Emollient Ester) Myristyl Myristate is a wax-like ester formed from myristyl alcohol and myristic acid, valued in cosmetic formulations as a texture enhancer, structuring...
Myrtus Communis Leaf Oil
Myrtus Communis Leaf Oil (Myrtle Leaf Oil) Myrtus Communis Leaf Oil is an aromatic essential oil distilled from the leaves of Myrtus communis (myrtle), valued in cosmetics for its purifying, toning,...
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract (Sacred Lotus Flower Extract) A botanical extract obtained from the flowers of the sacred lotus, valued in cosmetic formulations for its soothing, softening and...
Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder
Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder (Lotus Seed Powder) Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder is a botanical powder used in cosmetic formulations for its skin-conditioning, antioxidant-supportive, and sensorial...
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile, water-soluble active widely used in cosmetic formulations for its barrier-supportive, brightening, and...
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil (black cumin seed oil) Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, commonly known as black cumin seed oil, is a nutrient-dense botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant....
Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract
Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract (Blue Lotus Flower Extract) A botanical extract obtained from the flowers of blue lotus, valued in cosmetic formulations for its soothing, softening and revitalizing...
Ocimum Basilicum Oil
Ocimum Basilicum Oil (Basil Essential Oil) Ocimum Basilicum Oil is an aromatic essential oil obtained from Ocimum basilicum (basil), used in cosmetic formulations for its refreshing sensory profile...
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Oenothera Biennis Oil (evening primrose oil) Oenothera Biennis Oil, commonly known as evening primrose oil, is a nourishing botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Rich...
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (olive fruit oil) Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, commonly known as olive fruit oil, is a nourishing botanical oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. Naturally rich in oleic...