Texture Enhancer | Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary

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Rating	Ingredient
Good	dextrin Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Best	diheptyl succinate Categories: Texture Enhancer
Average	cocamide DEA and MEA Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used ingredients to thicken the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	cocoglycerides Derived from coconut oil, these serve to moisturize skin and can help thicken skin care products to their desired texture. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	Codium tomentosum extract Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	Copernicia cerifera wax Primarily used as a thickening agent, but also has film-forming and absorbent properties. Can be used to impart glossy shine. Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	Corallina officinalis extract Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	DEA oleth-10 phosphate Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	carbomer Group of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	carbopol Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	carnauba wax Natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but... Categories: Plant Extracts, Absorbent, Texture Enhancer
Good	carrageenan Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties. Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	Caulerpa taxifolia extract Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts
Good	cellulose Primary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other... Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	Cellulose gum A natural, plant-derived ingredient that is most often used as a thickener but also used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Best	cephalin Phospholipid. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	Cera alba See beeswax... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	ceresin Derived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	ceteareth-20 A derivative of non-irritating fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol that works as a cleansing agent and by making other substances more soluble. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	ceteareth-25 A fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	ceteareth-6 olivate A mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives. Works to make emulsions stable and offers skin-smoothing emollient properties. Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	Cetearyl Alcohol Beneficial emollient for skin (completely different from damaging/drying forms of alcohol). Also influences the foaming effects of a cleanser. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	cetearyl ethylhexanoate A derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a colorless, thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Works as a rich emollient and is excellent for dry skin. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	cetearyl glucoside Emulsifier that helps keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in a formula. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	cetearyl octanoate Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
Good	cetearyl olivate Cetearyl olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. Categories: Slip Agents, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	cetyl esters A synthetic wax that is a replacement for a wax that’s obtained from sperm whales. Works on skin as an emollient and texture enhancer, typically creating a thicker feel. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose A derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Works as a rich emollient and is excellent for dry skin. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Silicones
Good	chlorella Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts
Average	arrowroot Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	artemia extract Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	Ascophyllum nodosum A type of cold water brown seaweed that has antioxidant properties and serves as a texture enhancer in cosmetics. Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Best	ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening... Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Vitamins
Good	Asparagopsis armata extract Extract derived from seaweed. Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	candelilla wax Extract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products... Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Best	caprylic/capric triglyceride Emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient derived from coconut oil and glycerine. Contains fatty acids that help skin resist moisture loss. Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer A naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient... Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	beeswax Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	behenic acid A fatty acid that is used as a thickener, cleansing agent, and opacifier in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	behentrimonium chloride A synthetic or plant-derived skin- and hair-conditioning agent and emulsifier. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	behenyl alcohol A synthetic or plant-derived thickening agent and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It’s considered a fatty alcohol not related to drying forms of alcohol. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate A synthetic ingredient used in skin care products that enhances texture and has emollient properties. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane A synthetic wax-like skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and silicones. Categories: Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone A synthetic, silicone-based polymer that functions as an emollient, texture enhancer, and conditioning agent in haircare and skin care products. Categories: Silicones, Texture Enhancer
Average	bismuth oxychloride Also known as synthetic pearl, it’s the primary ingredient included in most powders that are referred to as... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	butyl acetate Solvent used in nail polish and many other products. Categories: Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	butylene glycol Humectant (hydration booster), texture/penetration enhancer, and formulary solvent. May also help decrease rough surface skin and stabilise the formula. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	C12-15 alkyl benzoate Skin-softening, moisture-sealing emollient that can also be used to improve the smooth/even dispersion of a formula. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	C12-18 acid triglyceride Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	C13-14 isoparaffin A petroleum-derived ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as a thickening or gelling agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	C18-36 acid triglyceride Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	calcium aluminum borosilicate Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a mineral-derived thickening agent often used in powders. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	VP/hexadecene copolymer Synthetic polymer. Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	wheat germ glycerides Used as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	acacia senegal gum Used in various capacities to enhance the smooth feel or adhesion of a skin care formula; also functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabiliser. May also deliver skin-soothing properties. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing
Good	acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	acetylated castor oil Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	acetylated palm kernel glycerides Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	acrylate Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	acrylates copolymer Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	acrylates/dimethicone copolymer A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better... Categories: Silicones, Texture Enhancer
Good	acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer A synthetic polymer that blends steareth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. Functions as a thickening agent in skin care products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer A synthetic polymer. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	agar An algae-based natural ingredient that serves as a thickener in cosmetics. Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	Ahnfeltia concinna extract Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients
Good	ahnfeltia extract Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Good	Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin. Categories: Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	Alaria esculenta extract A type of brown seaweed also known as badderlocks, used topically as an antioxidant and hydrating agent due to its mix of replenishing fatty acids. Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Poor	albumin Found in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Best	algae Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Best	algae extract Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Good	algin Brown algae. Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts
Average	alkyloamides Identified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	allyl methacrylates crosspolymer A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	Althaea rosea Categories: Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Good	alumina Aluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents, Absorbent
Good	Aluminum hydroxide A synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	aluminum starch octenylsuccinate A synthetic powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anti-caking agent used in skin care and makeup products. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	aluminum stearate A salt-derived blend of aluminum and stearic acid which functions as a stabilizer and thickening agent, among other things. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer A synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves as a thickening agent in cosmetics products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	amodimethicone Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	Anacystis nidulans extract Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	arachidic acid Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	arachidyl alcohol A wax-like substance that serves as a thickening agent and moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	arachidyl propionate Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	dipropylene glycol A synthetic texture enhancer and slip agent in cosmetics products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	disodium diglyceryl phosphate Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	disodium glyceryl phosphate Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	docosahexaenoic acid Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Average	ethyl hexanediol A synthetic, viscous alcohol that functions as a solvent and can also be... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	ethylhexyl palmitate A skin softening and smoothing ingredient that can help reduce moisture loss from skin’s upper layers, it also serves as a silicone alternative in skin care products. Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	ethylhexyl stearate Commonly used as an emollient to deliver skin-softening properties and a smooth afterfeel. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	Euphorbia cerifera wax A type of wax derived from candelilla plants, often used in lip care products for barrier protection and emollience. Also contributes to the product's solid consistency. Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Good	dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer A silicone powder that gives cosmetics products a silky feel and has some oil absorption properties. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Silicones
Good	dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate Mixture of fatty acids used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent. Leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	dipentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/polyhydroxystearate Used in skin care to create the right amount of slip and help bind moisture. Its substantive texture produces lasting results.   Categories: Texture Enhancer, Hydration
Good	vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer A blend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer. Typically used in amounts between 0.1–20%, with amounts up to 0.6% common in rinse-off products. Categories: Thickeners, Silicones, Texture Enhancer
Good	zinc stearate The zinc salt of stearic acid. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including serving as the... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Slip Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	xanthan gum Used as a thickening agent. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Best	xylitol Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that may be plant-derived or synthetic (Paula’s Choice uses the former). Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Slip Agents
Good	isododecane Hydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and... Categories: Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer
Good	isohexadecane A synthetic ingredient with a powder-like finish. Used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics, particularly beneficial for those for oily skin. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate Emollient that leaves a silky (but not greasy) afterfeel on skin. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	neopentyl glycol diheptanoate Mixture of texture-enhancing ingredient neopentyl glycol and grape-derived fatty acid heptanoic acid. The compound functions as a non-aqueous skin-softening agent and thickener Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening
Good	nylon-12 A polyamide (protein-like polymer) derived from an omega fatty acid. The final ingredient is synthetic, and works in cosmetics as a thickener, opacifier, and offers some mild absorption properties. This ingredient’s size is too large to penetrate past skin’s surface. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	stearyl stearate A plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols. Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	sucrose cocoate Versatile, gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent, foam booster, texture enhancer, and emollient used in both rinse-off and leave-on products. Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	synthetic wax A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent. Categories: Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer
Good	tapioca starch A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of Manihot... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Thickeners
Good	isoparaffin Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	isopropyl lanolate Derived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	isopropyl myristate Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	isopropyl palmitate Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be... Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	isopropyl titanium triisostearate A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments... Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium triisostearate... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Silicones, Texture Enhancer
Good	octyl palmitate Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Best	oleic acid Oleic acid is a natural, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that’s found in many plants. Categories: Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	oleth-10 A form of fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier, penetration enhancer, and cleansing agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	octyl stearate Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	octyldodecanol A mineral wax used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially to add stability to lipsticks and stick foundations and keep them blended. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	octyldodecyl myristate Mixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening, Emollients
Good	synthetic fluorophlogopite Synthetic fluorophlogopite is a synthetic mineral material used in cosmetics to add bulk and to thicken emulsions. Categories: Thickeners, Texture Enhancer
Good	tragacanth Natural gum used as a thickener in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	isostearamide DEA Used as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	isostearic acid Fatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	Japan wax Vegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	ozokerite A mineral wax used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially to add stability to lipsticks and stick foundations and keep them blended. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	tridecyl trimellitate Skin-softening agent and texture enhancer that can provide a cushiony, emollient feel. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Hydration, Skin-Softening
Good	triisostearin Helps improve product texture by adding a cushiony feel and smooth application that sets to a hydrated, glossy finish. Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Best	trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone is a synthetic silicone-based polymer that functions as a conditioning agent, hydrating and smoothing skin’s surface due to its lightweight yet silky, non-greasy feel. Categories: Hydration, Texture Enhancer
Good	diisopropyl adipate Used as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate A mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient... Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	dimethicone An emollient silicone known for its permeable (think breathable) barrier that helps skin retain hydration. It has a uniquely silky, non-greasy feel. Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	dimethicone crosspolymer A silicone derivative used as a stabilising and suspending agent or as a thickener in skin care products. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Silicones
Good	Laminaria digitata Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	Laminaria longicruris Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
Good	laureth-23 Used either as a cleansing agent or texture enhancer (sometimes as both). Derived from lauryl alcohol (a non-sensitising fatty alcohol). Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	laureth-4 Used either as a cleansing agent or texture enhancer (sometimes both). Derived from lauryl alcohol (a non-sensitising fatty alcohol). Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	paraffin Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Best	fatty acid Substance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing
Good	fatty alcohol Made from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Best	lauryl laurate An ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid... Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin and hair softening and as a texture enhancer. Categories: Emulsifiers, Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Good	pectin Natural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	PEG-150 distearate Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PEG-32 Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil. Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	PEG-75 stearate PEG-75 stearate is an ester blend of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. Categories: Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate Derived from the ingredient isostearic acid, this functions as a thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate Synthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	pentylene glycol This water-binding ingredient works well in cosmetics as a hydrating ingredient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It has been deemed safe for use in skin care products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	gellan gum A plant-derived, high-weight, polysaccharide texture enhancer that also... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	lithium magnesium sodium silicate Synthetic silica-based clay composed of lithium, sodium, and magnesium. Used as a thickening agent... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
Good	locust bean Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
Best	glyceryl behenate An ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid... Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	glyceryl polymethacrylate A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid whose smooth finish is used to enhance the texture and application of skin care products. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Average	plasticizing agents Ingredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyacrylamide A synthetic polymer that works as a film-former, binding agent, and as a fixative. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyacrylate-17 Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyacrylate crosspolymer A synthetic polymer that functions to protect skin's surface, thicken products, and help keep cosmetic... Categories: Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	polybutene A clear, colorless synthetic liquid polymer that works as a binding, glossing, and thickening agent in cosmetics. Its large size makes it impossible to penetrate past skin’s uppermost layers. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyethylene glycol Also listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents
Good	polyglucuronic acid Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyglycerol monostearate Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate Polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate is a single ester created from polymers and glycerin used in skin care as an emulsifier or solvent. Categories: Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate A mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	silica silylate Silica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics. Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride Functions as a synthetic conditioning agent for skin and hair and can play a role in depositing active ingredients. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Miscellaneous
Good	magnesium stearate Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	magnesium sulfate Commonly known as Epsom salt, a magnesium salt used as a texture enhancer. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Best	mallow Can be used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and may have soothing... Categories: Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Good	maltooligosyl glucoside A polysaccharide that’s naturally-derived and then combined with a starch. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including binding agent, emulsifier, hydrator, texture enhancer, and film-forming agent. Categories: Hydration, Film-Forming Agents, Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	polyglyceryl-3 beeswax A mix of beeswax, glycerin polymer, and fatty acids that works in cosmetics as a surfactant and emollient. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	polyglyceryl methacrylate Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyisobutene A polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polymethylsilsesquioxane A silicone derivative that serves as a skin conditioning agent and moisturizer in cosmetics. Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	polyquaternium-10 A synthetic polymer compound primarily used in hair care products due to its value as a flexible film-forming and anti-static agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyquaterniums Group of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polysilicone-11 A specialized, synthetic cross-linked siloxane (a type of silicone) that functions as a film-forming agent. Categories: Silicones, Texture Enhancer
Average	polyvinyl alcohol A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	polyvinylpyrrolidone Usually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	sodium acrylates copolymer Sodium acrylates copolymer is a synthetic, acrylic-based polymer that functions in cosmetics as a texture enhancer, binder, and film-forming agent. Categories: Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	gums Substances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in... Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	Haslea ostrearia extract Extract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
Good	hectorite A type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Best	marshmallow A flowering plant native to Africa that has soothing effects... Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	Mastocarpus stellatus Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients
Good	PPG-12 buteth-16 Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning... Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
Good	PPG-12/SMDI copolymer An ingredient that serves as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate Mixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	methyl gluceth-20 benzoate The ester of methyl gluceth-20 and preservative and pH adjuster benzoic acid. Esters are ingredients formed from alcohols and acids by eliminating water. Functions as an emollient and solvent. Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	methylsilanol mannuronate Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	propylene carbonate A synthetic liquid solvent that works to decrease the thickness other ingredients to help make products easier to use. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	propylene glycol Humectant (hydrator) that can enhance the delivery of key ingredients into skin. Also plays a role in keeping formulas from melting in high heat or freezing in low temps. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	propylene glycol isostearate A mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an... Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	propylene glycol stearate Mixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	hydrogenated coco-glyceride Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	hydrogenated didecene Skin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic... Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate A glyceryl ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	microcrystalline wax Used as a thickener and to give products a semi-solid to solid smooth texture. Utilized most abundantly in lip care products. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	Microcystis aeruginosa Latin name for spirulina. Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients
Good	montan wax A type of natural wax derived from lignite, which is a type of coal that’s made from wood. Most... Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	pullulan A glucan gum produced by a skin-friendly black yeast that contains polysaccharides, making it a good hydrating ingredient, thickener, and antioxidant. Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer
Best	pumpkin seed extract Type of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Good	PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer A complex synthetic polymer whose primary role is film-forming agent in the waterless phase of a cosmetic formula. Also helps thicken gels and in higher amounts can provide hold to hairstyling products. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PVP Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PVP copolymer Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Polymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent dimethylaminomethacrylate. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Poor	Pyrus cydonia Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Best	Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract is a species of apple; the fruit is a tremendous source of polyphenolic antioxidants. Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Restoring, Texture Enhancer
Good	quaternium-18 hectorite Used as a suspending agent and also has emulsifying properties. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Poor	quince seed Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, but also has skin-constricting properties... Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate A hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Best	hydrolyzed algae extract The hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin. Categories: Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Good	hydrolysed wheat protein Versatile ingredient that can function as a film-forming agent, hydrator, and conditioning agent for skin or hair. Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Good	hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer A polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	hydroxyethylcellulose A plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Good	myristyl myristate Used as a texture enhancer and emollient. It has a wetter feel and is best for dry skin. Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
Best	red algae Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts
Good	ricinoleate Glyceryl triester used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. Categories: Texture Enhancer
Good	sodium polyacrylate starch Sodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer. Categories: Absorbent, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	sodium stearoyl lactylate A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient... Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	Solanum tuberosum extract Extract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
Good	hydroxystearic acid A gentle, plant-derived ingredient whose versatility lends itself to many types of cosmetics, including cleansers, sunscreens, hair care, and makeup. Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
Good	Irish moss extract Type of red algae. Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer

About the Experts

Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:

The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!