Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) An anionic surfactant used in cosmetic formulations as a cleansing, foaming and degreasing agent, valued for its ability to effectively...
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.
Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Sugar-Based Anionic Surfactant) Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is a mild, biodegradable anionic surfactant typically derived from plant-based raw materials (a...
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate) Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is an anionic surfactant widely used in cosmetic formulations for effective cleansing and a rich, dense foam...
Sodium Levulinate (Sodium Levulinate) Sodium Levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid and is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a mild preservative-supporting ingredient and...
Sodium Palmitate (Sodium Palmitate) A sodium salt of palmitic acid, used in cosmetic formulations as a cleansing agent, surfactant, emulsifier, stabilizer and structuring ingredient for solid or...
Sodium PCA (Sodium PCA) Sodium PCA is a highly effective humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient valued for delivering long-lasting hydration and improved skin comfort. As the sodium salt of...
Sodium Polyglutamate (Sodium Polyglutamate) A water-soluble cosmetic polymer derived from glutamic acid, valued for its excellent moisturizing, smoothing and skin comfort-enhancing properties. By...
Sodium Stearate (Sodium Stearate) A sodium salt of stearic acid, used in cosmetic formulations as a consistency agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, opacifier and structuring ingredient for solid or...
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate (Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate) A mild anionic emulsifier derived from stearic acid and glutamic acid, used in cosmetic formulations to create stable, smooth and creamy...
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate) Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is a multifunctional ingredient derived from stearic acid and lactic acid, widely used in cosmetic formulations as an...
Sodium Surfactin (Surfactin Sodium Salt) Sodium Surfactin is the sodium salt form of surfactin, a high-performance biosurfactant typically produced via microbial fermentation (commonly by Bacillus...
Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil (tomato seed oil) Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, commonly known as tomato seed oil, is a lightweight botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the tomato fruit. Rich in...
Preservative Acid (Sorbic Acid) Sorbic Acid is a widely used preservative ingredient that helps protect cosmetic formulations against the growth of yeast and mold, supporting product safety and...
Sorbitan Olivate (Sorbitan Olivate) Sorbitan Olivate is an olive oil–derived emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations as a co-emulsifier and skin-conditioning ingredient, valued for creating stable...
Sorbitan Palmitate (Sorbitan Palmitate) Sorbitan Palmitate is a non-ionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier formed from sorbitan and palmitic acid, used in cosmetic formulations to support emulsion...
Acmella Flower Extract (Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract) Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract is a botanical extract derived from the flowers of Spilanthes acmella (often referred to as acmella),...
Squalane (squalane) Squalane is a highly stable, lightweight emollient derived from plant sources such as olive or sugarcane. Structurally similar to the skin’s natural lipids, it is exceptionally...
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine (Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine) Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine is a conditioning agent widely used in hair care as a detangling, anti-static, and softening ingredient,...
Stearic Acid (Stearic Acid) Stearic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid commonly sourced from vegetable oils (or animal-derived feedstocks) and widely used in cosmetic formulations as a structuring...
Sugar Humectant (Sucrose) Sucrose is a naturally derived disaccharide (sugar) used in cosmetic formulations for its humectant, skin-conditioning, and sensorial benefits. By helping attract and retain...