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.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Behentrimonium Methosulfate) Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a high-performance cationic conditioning agent widely used in hair care and rinse-off conditioning systems to...
Behenyl Alcohol
Behenyl Alcohol (Behenyl Alcohol) A long-chain fatty alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as a consistency agent, emollient, emulsion stabilizer and texture enhancer. Unlike volatile alcohols, it...
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract (daisy flower extract) Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, commonly known as daisy flower extract, is a botanical ingredient obtained from the blossoms of the common daisy....
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol (Benzyl Alcohol) Benzyl Alcohol is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used primarily as a preservative component, solvent, and fragrance ingredient, helping to improve formula...
Benzyl Benzoate
Benzyl Benzoate (benzyl benzoate) Benzyl Benzoate is an aromatic compound found naturally in certain essential oils such as cinnamon and ylang-ylang, and is also produced synthetically for cosmetic...
Benzyl Salicylate
Benzyl Salicylate (benzyl salicylate) Benzyl Salicylate is an aromatic compound commonly used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient and a fixative. Naturally occurring in essential oils such as...
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene (beta-caryophyllene) Beta-caryophyllene is an aromatic sesquiterpene valued in cosmetics as a fragrance and skin-conditioning ingredient, recognized for its warm, spicy, woody and...
Betaine
Betaine (Betaine) Betaine is a naturally derived osmolyte most commonly sourced from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and widely used in cosmetic formulations for its skin-friendly humectant and...
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Hair-Strengthening Peptide (Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1) Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is a specialized peptide conjugated with biotin, widely used in cosmetic formulations for its hair- and lash-conditioning,...
Bisabolol
Soothing Active (Bisabolol) Bisabolol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol—commonly sourced from Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) or obtained via biotechnological processes—widely used in cosmetic...
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract (Annatto Seed Extract) Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is a botanical extract derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana (annatto), valued in cosmetic formulations for its...
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (borage seed oil) Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, commonly known as borage seed oil, is a nutrient-rich botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the borage plant....
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil (Frankincense Essential Oil) Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil is a fragrant essential oil obtained—most commonly by steam distillation—from the resin (gum) of Boswellia carterii...
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil (rapeseed oil) Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, commonly known as rapeseed oil, is a versatile vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. Rich in...
Brassica Oleracea Oil
Brassica Oleracea Oil (cabbage seed oil) Brassica Oleracea Oil, commonly known as cabbage seed oil, is a plant-derived oil extracted from seeds of the Brassica oleracea species, which includes...
Butylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol (Butylene Glycol) A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used in formulations as a humectant, solvent, conditioning agent and texture enhancer. It helps attract and retain water in the...
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, commonly known as shea butter, is a highly valued cosmetic ingredient derived from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree....
C10-18 Triglycerides
C10-18 Triglycerides (Medium- to Long-Chain Triglycerides) C10-18 Triglycerides are a blend of medium- to long-chain triglycerides used in cosmetic formulations as emollients, texture modifiers, and...
Caffeine
Caffeine (Caffeine) Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid widely used in cosmetic formulations for its de-puffing, energizing, and antioxidant-supportive benefits. It is valued for helping...
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Carbonate (Calcium Carbonate) Calcium Carbonate is a naturally derived mineral widely used in cosmetic formulations for its absorbent, mattifying and gentle abrasive properties. It...