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.
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate (Plant-Derived Emulsifier and Texture Builder) Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate is a mild, non-ionic emulsifier derived from polyglycerin and behenic acid (a long-chain fatty acid),...
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate (Non-Ionic Emulsifier) Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate is a plant-derived, non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer formed from polyglycerin and oleic acid, widely used to help blend oils and...
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate (Plant-Derived Non-Ionic Emulsifier) Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate is a mild, non-ionic emulsifier formed from polyglycerin and stearic acid, widely used to create and stabilize...
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Polyhydroxystearic Acid (Polyhydroxystearic Acid) Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a multifunctional fatty acid polymer widely used in cosmetic formulations as a pigment dispersant and rheology modifier,...
Polyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-7 (Polyquaternium-7) Polyquaternium-7 is a water-soluble cationic polymer widely used in cosmetic formulations as a conditioning agent, film former, and anti-static ingredient,...
Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20 (Polysorbate 20) Polysorbate 20 is a non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations to help disperse oils and fragrance materials into...
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil (karanja seed oil) Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, commonly known as karanja seed oil, is a botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the Pongamia tree. Rich in fatty acids,...
Pongamol
Pongamol (Pongamol) Pongamol is a naturally occurring plant polyphenol associated with Pongamia pinnata (also known as Millettia pinnata), where it is present in karanja (pongamia) seed oil alongside...
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract (Red Algae Extract) Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract is a marine botanical ingredient derived from Porphyra umbilicalis (a red algae) and used in cosmetic formulations for...
Potasium sorbate
Potassium Sorbate (Potassium Sorbate) Potassium Sorbate is a widely used cosmetic preservative valued for helping protect water-containing formulations against microbial spoilage, particularly yeasts...
Potassium Alum
Potassium Alum (Potassium Alum) Potassium Alum is a naturally occurring mineral salt valued in cosmetics for its astringent, antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Unlike conventional...
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (Potassium Cetyl Phosphate) A cosmetic ingredient used as an anionic emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer and dispersing agent, valued for its ability to help create fine,...
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium Sorbate (Potassium Sorbate) Potassium Sorbate is a cosmetic preservative primarily valued for its antifungal activity, helping inhibit the growth of yeasts and molds and thereby supporting...
Proline
Proline (Proline) An amino acid used in cosmetic formulations as a skin and hair conditioning ingredient, valued for its role in supporting hydration, softness and a more elastic-looking appearance....
Propanediol
Bio-Based Humectant Solvent (Propanediol) A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used in formulations as a humectant, solvent, skin conditioning agent and texture enhancer. It helps attract and retain...
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol (Propylene Glycol) A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used in formulations as a humectant, solvent, skin conditioning agent and texture enhancer. It helps attract and retain...
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil) Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, commonly known as sweet almond oil, is a gentle, nutrient-rich oil pressed from the seeds of the almond tree. It is high in...
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (apricot kernel oil) Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, commonly known as apricot kernel oil, is a lightweight, nourishing oil extracted from the seeds of the apricot fruit....
Prunus Cerasus Seed Oil
Prunus Cerasus Seed Oil (cherry seed oil) Prunus Cerasus Seed Oil, commonly known as cherry seed oil, is a lightweight, nourishing oil extracted from the seeds of the sour cherry fruit. Rich in...
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract (peach fruit extract) Plant-derived extract obtained from peach fruit, valued in cosmetics for its moisturizing, softening, antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties....