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.
Calcium Gluconate
Calcium Gluconate (Calcium Gluconate) Calcium Gluconate is a mineral salt of gluconic acid used in cosmetic formulations as a skin-conditioning and buffering ingredient that helps support formula...
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil (tamanu seed oil) Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, commonly known as tamanu seed oil, is a rich, restorative oil extracted from the seeds of the tamanu tree. Naturally...
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil (camellia seed oil) Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, commonly known as camellia seed oil or tea oil, is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia...
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea Leaf Extract) Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from green tea leaves and widely used in cosmetic formulations for its...
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil (Ylang Ylang Flower Oil) Cananga Odorata Flower Oil is a fragrant essential oil, typically obtained by steam distillation, from the flowers of Cananga odorata (ylang...
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (hemp seed oil) Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, commonly known as hemp seed oil, is a nutrient-rich botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It contains an optimal...
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (caprylic/capric triglycerides) Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides are lightweight, skin-conditioning esters derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for their excellent...
Caprylyl Glycol
Caprylyl Glycol (Caprylyl Glycol) Caprylyl Glycol is a multifunctional humectant-emollient widely used in cosmetic formulations to improve skin feel while supporting preservation performance. By...
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Alkyl Polyglucoside Surfactant) Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a mild, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant made by combining glucose with fatty alcohols (typically C8–C10),...
Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract (Capsicum Fruit Extract) Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract is a botanical extract derived from the fruits of Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper), valued in cosmetic...
Carapa Guianensis Oil
Carapa Guianensis Oil (andiroba oil) Carapa Guianensis Oil, commonly known as andiroba oil, is a nutrient-rich botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the andiroba tree native to the Amazon...
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract (papaya fruit extract) Plant-derived extract obtained from papaya fruit, valued in cosmetics for its refreshing, smoothing, gently exfoliating and skin-conditioning...
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil (safflower seed oil) Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, commonly known as safflower seed oil, is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil extracted from the seeds of the safflower...
Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder
Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder (Cassia auriculata leaf powder) A botanical, plant-derived powder obtained from the dried leaves of Cassia auriculata, used in cosmetics primarily as a skin-conditioning...
Cassia Italica Leaf Powder
Cassia Italica Leaf Powder (Cassia Italica Leaf Powder) A fine botanical powder obtained from the leaves of the Cassia italica plant, valued in cosmetics mainly for natural hair care due to its...
Cassia Leaf Powder
Cassia Leaf Powder (cassia leaf powder) Plant powder obtained from dried and finely ground cassia leaves, valued in cosmetics mainly as a natural hair-conditioning, strengthening and revitalizing...
Cassia Obovata Leaf Powder
Cassia Obovata Leaf Powder (Cassia / “Neutral Henna” Leaf Powder) Cassia Obovata Leaf Powder is a plant-derived powder traditionally used in hair care as a conditioning botanical, often referred to...
Cassia Obovata/Italica Powder
Cassia Obovata/Italica Powder (cassia powder/neutral henna powder) Plant powder obtained from the leaves of Cassia obovata or Cassia italica, known in natural hair care as neutral henna and valued...
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil (Atlas Cedarwood Bark Oil) Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil is an aromatic essential oil, typically obtained by steam distillation of the bark/wood material from Cedrus atlantica...