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.
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil (sesame seed oil) Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, commonly known as sesame seed oil, is a nourishing vegetable oil extracted from sesame seeds. Rich in essential fatty acids,...
Silk Amino Acids
Silk-Derived Amino Acids (Silk Amino Acids) Silk Amino Acids are a blend of low–molecular weight amino acids and peptides obtained from hydrolyzed silk proteins, valued in cosmetic formulations for...
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil (milk thistle seed oil) Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, commonly known as milk thistle seed oil, is a nutrient-rich botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle...
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (jojoba seed oil) Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, commonly known as jojoba oil, is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. Rich in esters that closely...
Sodium Anisate
Sodium Anisate (Sodium Anisate) Sodium Anisate is the sodium salt of anisic acid and is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a preservative-supporting ingredient and deodorizing aid,...
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Benzoate (Sodium Benzoate) Sodium Benzoate is a widely used preservative in cosmetic formulations, valued for its antimicrobial activity, particularly against yeasts and molds, helping...
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate (Sodium Bicarbonate) Sodium Bicarbonate is a multifunctional inorganic salt widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations as a pH buffer, odor-control support, and mild...
Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate
Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate (Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate) Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate is a multifunctional, biodegradable surfactant and emulsifying ingredient derived from fatty acids...
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate (Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate) Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant and emulsifying aid commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier/co-emulsifier and...
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride (Sodium Chloride) A mineral salt used in cosmetic formulations as a viscosity regulator, stabilizer, texture enhancer and, in certain products, a gentle physical exfoliant. It helps...
Sodium Coco-Sulfate
Sodium Coco-Sulfate (Sodium Coco-Sulfate) Sodium Coco-Sulfate is an anionic surfactant blend produced by sulfating fatty alcohols typically derived from coconut, used in cosmetic and personal care...
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate) Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild amphoteric surfactant commonly derived from coconut fatty acids and used in cosmetic formulations for gentle...
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids (Amino Acid–Based Surfactant Blend) Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids is a mild, skin-friendly surfactant blend typically created by coupling coconut-derived fatty acid chains with...
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Amino Acid–Based Surfactant) Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and the amino acid L-glutamic acid, valued for gentle yet...
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from fatty acids and isethionic acid, widely valued in cosmetic formulations for...
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid Salt (Sodium Hyaluronate) Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in skin and widely used in cosmetics for its...
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide (Sodium Hydroxide) Sodium Hydroxide is a highly effective pH adjuster and neutralizing agent used in cosmetic formulations to achieve and maintain the desired acidity/alkalinity for...
Sodium Lactate
Sodium Lactate (Sodium Lactate) Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a highly effective humectant used in cosmetic formulations to support hydration, skin conditioning, and a...
Sodium Laurate
Sodium Laurate (Sodium Laurate) A sodium salt of lauric acid, used in cosmetic formulations as a cleansing agent, surfactant, emulsifier and structuring ingredient for solid or semi-solid products....
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a widely used anionic surfactant valued in cosmetic and personal care formulations for effective cleansing, strong foam...