Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Good |
maltooligosyl glucoside
A carbohydrate polysaccharide that’s naturally-derived and then combined... |
Good |
acacia senegal gumHerb that can have skin soothing properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent. |
Good |
acetyl glyceryl ricinoleateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated castor oilUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated palm kernel glyceridesUsed 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 crosspolymerA synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
acrylates/dimethicone copolymerA silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better...
Categories:
Silicones,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymerA synthetic polymer that blends stearth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. Functions as...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipateCan be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an skin-soothing ingredient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneA synthetic skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and... |
Good |
bis-phenylpropyl dimethiconeA synthetic, colorless, silicone-based polymer that...
Categories:
Silicones,
Texture Enhancer
|
Average |
bismuth oxychlorideAlso known as synthetic pearl, it’s the primary ingredient included in most powders that are referred to as...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
Good |
butyl acetateSolvent used in nail polish and many other products.
Categories:
Film-Forming Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
butylene glycolCommonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including....
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
C12-15 alkyl benzoateSynthetic ingredient used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
C12-18 acid triglycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
C13-14 isoparaffinA petroleum-derived ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as a thickening or gelling agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
C18-36 acid triglycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymerA synthetic polymer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
agar |
Good |
Ahnfeltia concinna extract |
Good |
ahnfeltia extract |
Good |
Alaria esculenta |
Poor |
albuminFound in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
algaeAlgae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... |
Best |
algae extract |
Good |
alginBrown algae. |
Average |
alkyloamidesIdentified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
allyl methacrylates crosspolymerA synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Althaea rosea |
Good |
aluminaAluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics. |
Good |
Aluminum hydroxideA synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
Good |
aluminum starch octenylsuccinatePowdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anticaking agent used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
Good |
aluminum stearateThe aluminum salt of stearic acid that functions as a thickening agent and helps stabilize products.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymerA synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves to thicken cosmetic formulas...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
amodimethicone |
Good |
Anacystis nidulans extract |
Good |
arachidic acidDerived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
arachidyl alcoholWaxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
arachidyl propionateWaxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Average |
arrowrootThickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
artemia extract |
Good |
Ascophyllum nodosumSpecies of seaweed. |
Best |
ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateForm of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening... |
Good |
Asparagopsis armata extractExtract derived from seaweed. |
Good |
beeswaxSubstance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
behenic acidFatty acid used as a thickening agent and surfactant.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
behentrimonium chlorideSkin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
behenyl alcoholThickening agent used in cosmetics. It is not related to irritating forms of alcohol.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
candelilla waxExtract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products... |
Best |
caprylic/capric triglycerideDerived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. |
Good |
carbomerGroup of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
carbopol
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
carnauba waxNatural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but... |
Good |
carrageenanSeaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Caulerpa taxifolia extract |
Good |
cellulosePrimary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Cellulose gumAny of various fibrous substances derived from plants. Cellulose gum is a natural ingredient..
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
cephalinPhospholipid.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
Cera albaSee beeswax...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
disodium glyceryl phosphateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
docosahexaenoic acid
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Average |
ethyl hexanediolA synthetic, viscous alcohol that functions as a solvent and can also be...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ethylhexyl palmitateA mixture of a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid that functions as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ethylhexyl stearate |
Good |
Euphorbia cerifera wax |
Best |
fatty acidSubstance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as... |
Good |
fatty alcoholMade from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.... |
Good |
ceresinDerived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ceteareth-20Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
cetearyl alcoholFatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetearyl ethylhexanoateOil-like liquid that functions as an emollient to prevent skin from losing moisture. Also...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetearyl glucosideA blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions as an emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
cetearyl octanoate |
Good |
cetyl estersSynthetic wax used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl hydroxyethylcelluloseA mixture of cetyl alcohol and Hydroxyethylcellulose. It functions as thickener and stabilizing...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethiconeSilicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Silicones
|
Good |
chlorella |
Average |
cocamide DEA and MEABoth 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 |
cocoglyceridesUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
Codium tomentosum extract |
Good |
Copernicia cerifera wax |
Good |
Corallina officinalis extract |
Good |
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
DEA oleth-10 phosphateUsed as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
dextrinCarbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipateDerivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
diisopropyl adipateUsed as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleateA mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
dimethicone crosspolymerSilicone derivative used as a stabilizing or suspending agent or as a thickener. |
Good |
dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Silicones
|
Good |
dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprateMixture of fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
dipropylene glycolA synthetic slip agent and texture enhancer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
disodium diglyceryl phosphateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
gellan gumA plant-derived, high-weight, polysaccharide texture enhancer that also...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
glyceryl polymethacrylateA blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a film-forming agent. It has a... |
Good |
isododecaneHydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and...
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
isohexadecaneUsed as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
isoparaffin
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
isopropyl lanolateDerived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. |
Good |
isopropyl myristateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl palmitateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
isopropyl titanium triisostearateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments... |
Good |
isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymerA synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium triisostearate... |
Good |
isostearamide DEAUsed as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent. |
Good |
isostearic acidFatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Japan waxVegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in... |
Good |
Laminaria digitata |
Good |
Laminaria longicruris |
Good |
laureth-23Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... |
Good |
laureth-4Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... |
Good |
lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethiconeA silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin/hair... |
Good |
guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride |
Good |
gumsSubstances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in... |
Good |
Haslea ostrearia extractExtract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... |
Good |
hydrogenated coco-glycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
hydrogenated dideceneSkin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrateA hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics... |
Good |
hydrolyzed wheat proteinProtein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... |
Good |
hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymerA polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
hydroxyethylcellulosePlant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Also used (most... |
Good |
Irish moss extractType of red algae. |
Good |
lithium magnesium sodium silicateSynthetic silica-based clay composed of lithium, sodium, and magnesium. Used as a thickening agent... |
Good |
locust bean |
Good |
magnesium stearateUsed as a thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
magnesium sulfateCommonly known as Epsom salt, a magnesium salt used as a texture enhancer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
pectinNatural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... |
Good |
PEG-150 distearate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PEG-32Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oilEmollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil. |
Good |
pentaerythrityl tetraisostearateA non-aqueous ester that functions as a thickener and binding agent...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoateSynthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
pentylene glycolA synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Average |
plasticizing agentsIngredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyacrylamide
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyacrylate-17
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
mallowCan be used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and may have soothing... |
Best |
marshmallowA flowering plant native to Africa that has soothing effects... |
Good |
Mastocarpus stellatus |
Good |
methylsilanol mannuronate |
Good |
methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoateA glyceryl ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. |
Good |
microcrystalline waxPlastic-type, highly refined wax derived from petroleum. Used as a thickener and to give products a...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Microcystis aeruginosaLatin name for spirulina. |
Good |
montan waxA type of natural wax derived from lignite, which is a type of coal that’s made from wood. Most...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
myristyl myristateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateUsed as an emollient and texture enhancer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
neopentyl glycol diheptanoateMixture of texture-enhancing ingredient neopentyl glycol and grape-derived fatty acid heptanoic acid...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
nylon-12Powder substance that is used as an absorbent and texture enhancer...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
Good |
octyl palmitateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyl stearateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyldodecanolOpacifying agent, used primarily as a texture enhancer in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient properties.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyldodecyl myristateMixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... |
Best |
oleic acidOleic acid is a natural, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that’s found in many plants.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
oleth-10A form of fatty alcohol that functions as a texture enhancer and cleansing agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
ozokeriteMineral that is used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks and stick...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
paraffinWaxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polybutenePolymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyethylene glycolAlso 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 monostearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl 2 triisostearateA mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxThe ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl methacrylate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyisobuteneA polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polymethylsilsesquioxaneA polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane. |
Good |
polyquaternium-10
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyquaterniumsGroup of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polysilicone-11Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer.
Categories:
Silicones,
Texture Enhancer
|
Average |
polyvinyl alcoholA synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyvinylpyrrolidoneUsually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PPG-12 buteth-16Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PPG-12/SMDI copolymerA copolymer that serves as a film-forming agent...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PPG-2 myristyl ether propionateMixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
propylene carbonateLiquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
propylene glycolAlong with other glycols and glycerol, propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
propylene glycol isostearateA mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol stearateMixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
pullulanGlucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
pumpkin seed extractType of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... |
Good |
PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymerSynthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP copolymer
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylatePolymer 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 extractPyrus malus (apple) fruit extract is a species of apple; the fruit is a tremendous source of polyphenolic antioxidants. |
Good |
quaternium-18 hectoriteUsed as a suspending agent and also has emulsifying properties.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
quince seedUsed as a thickening agent in cosmetics, but also has skin-constricting properties...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Solanum tuberosum extractExtract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
stearyl stearateA plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols.
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
synthetic waxA wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent.
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
red algae |
Good |
ricinoleateGlyceryl triester used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
tragacanthNatural gum used as a thickener in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
tridecyl trimellitateUsed as a skin-conditioning agent and thickening agent. |
Good |
vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerBlend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer. |
Good |
VP/hexadecene copolymerSynthetic polymer.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
wheat germ glyceridesUsed as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. |
Good |
xanthan gumUsed as a thickening agent.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
xylitolXylitol is a sugar alcohol that may be plant-derived or synthetic (Paula’s Choice uses the former). |
Good |
zinc stearateThe zinc salt of stearic acid. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including serving as the... |
Good |
methyl gluceth-20 benzoate
A synthetic ester and emollient used to improve product spreadability. Methyl...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
tapioca starch
A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of Manihot...
Categories:
Thickeners,
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 |
hectoriteA type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerA naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient...
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ceteareth-25A fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
diheptyl succinate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
glyceryl behenateAn ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
lauryl laurateAn ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
sodium stearoyl lactylateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient...
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
trimethylsiloxyamodimethiconeTrimethylsiloxyamodimethicone 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 |
sodium acrylates copolymerSodium 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 |
polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/capratePolyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate is a single ester created from polymers and glycerin used in skin care as an emulsifier or solvent. |
Best |
hydrolyzed algae extractThe hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin. |
Good |
Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extractAhnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin. |
Good |
cetearyl olivateCetearyl olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. |
Good |
sodium polyacrylate starchSodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer. |
Good |
ceteareth-6 olivateCeteareth-6 olivate is the ester of a fatty alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. |
Good |
silica silylateSilica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics. |
Good |
calcium aluminum borosilicateCalcium aluminum borosilicate is a mineral-derived thickening agent often used in powders.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
synthetic fluorophlogopiteSynthetic fluorophlogopite is a synthetic mineral material used in cosmetics to add bulk and to thicken emulsions.
Categories:
Thickeners,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PEG-75 stearatePEG-75 stearate is an ester blend of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. |
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!