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.
Tridecane
Tridecane (Tridecane) A lightweight saturated hydrocarbon used in cosmetic formulations as a volatile emollient, solvent and texture enhancer, valued for its dry, smooth and fast-absorbing skin feel....
Triethyl Citrate
Triethyl Citrate (Triethyl Citrate) Triethyl Citrate is a multifunctional ester of citric acid widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations as a deodorant active, solvent, and sensory...
Triheptanoin
Triheptanoin (Triheptanoin) A lightweight emollient ester derived from glycerin and heptanoic acid, used in cosmetic formulations to create a silky, smooth-spreading and comfortable texture. Due to...
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil (wheat germ oil) Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, commonly known as wheat germ oil, is a richly nourishing oil extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel. Naturally abundant in...
Ubiquinone
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally occurring, lipid-soluble molecule found in skin and widely used in cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant and...
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract (Wakame Extract) Undaria Pinnatifida Extract is a brown seaweed–derived ingredient obtained from Undaria pinnatifida (wakame) and used in cosmetic formulations for its...
Undecane
Undecane (Undecane) A lightweight saturated hydrocarbon used in cosmetic formulations as a volatile emollient, solvent and texture enhancer, valued for its dry, silky and fast-absorbing skin feel....
Urea
Natural Moisturizing Factor Component (Urea) Urea is a skin-identical humectant and keratolytic active naturally present in the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), widely used in cosmetic...
Urtica Dioica Leaf Powder
Urtica Dioica Leaf Powder (Nettle Leaf Powder) Urtica Dioica Leaf Powder is a finely milled botanical powder made from the leaves of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), valued in cosmetic formulations...
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil (cranberry seed oil) Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, commonly known as cranberry seed oil, is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil extracted from cranberry seeds....
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract (Bilberry Fruit Extract) Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from bilberry fruit and valued in cosmetic formulations for its...
Valine
Valine (Valine) An amino acid used in cosmetic formulations as a skin and hair conditioning ingredient, valued for its role in supporting hydration, softness and overall comfort. By enriching the...
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable Oil (Vegetable Oil) Vegetable Oil is a general cosmetic labeling term for plant-derived oils obtained from botanical sources such as seeds, kernels, or fruits, used primarily as emollients...
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil (Vetiver Root Oil) Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil is an aromatic essential oil obtained from the roots of Vetiveria zizanoides (vetiver), valued in cosmetic formulations...
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract (Grape Vine Leaf Extract) Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from grapevine leaves and valued in cosmetic formulations for its...
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil (grape seed oil) Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, commonly known as grape seed oil, is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil extracted from the seeds of grapes. Naturally rich in linoleic...
Water
Water (water) A fundamental ingredient in many cosmetic products, used as a solvent, carrier and medium for dispersing water-soluble active ingredients, moisturizing and functional ingredients. It...
Xanthan gum
Xanthan Gum (Xanthan Gum) Xanthan Gum is a high-performance polysaccharide obtained by fermentation and widely used in cosmetic formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and rheology modifier. It...
Xantofile
Xantofile (Xanthophylls) Xanthophylls are naturally occurring, oxygenated carotenoids (yellow–orange plant pigments) commonly represented by molecules such as lutein and zeaxanthin, obtained from...
Yeast Ferment Extract
Yeast Ferment Extract (yeast ferment extract) A biotechnology-derived extract obtained through yeast fermentation, valued in cosmetics for its moisturizing, revitalizing and skin-conditioning...