Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop
Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Poor |
Acacia farnesiana extractA fragrant extract from a type of acacia tree. There is no research showing it to have any benefit... |
Good |
acacia senegal gumHerb that can have skin soothing properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent. |
Best |
acaiAcai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a small berry with a deep purple colour. It is a potent source of antioxidants.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
acetic acidAcid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitizing to skin...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
acetoneStrong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
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 lanolinEmollient derived from lanolin.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated lanolin alcoholAn ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated palm kernel glyceridesUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
acetyl carnitine HCL
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
acetyl glucosamineAmino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. |
Good |
acetyl glyceryl ricinoleateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
acetyl hexapeptide-1Acetyl hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
acetyl hexapeptide-37Acetyl hexapeptide-37 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, proline, serine and glycine.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
good |
acetyl hexapeptide-8Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a synthetically-derived peptide that, like all peptides, has water-binding properties and skin-restoring ability.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
acetyl octapeptide-3A synthetic peptide that is based around octapeptide-3, a peptide complex composed of the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, and methionine...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
acetyl tetrapeptide-11Acetyl tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide that helps skin look and feel healthier.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
acetyl tetrapeptide-5Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide that has calming, smoothing, hydrating, and firmness-enhancing benefits when applied to skin.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
acetyl tetrapeptide-9Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide that helps visibly restore skin's natural support.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Average |
acetyl tributyl citrateRelated to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening...
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
Good |
acetyl tyrosineAn amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. There is no research proving it...
Categories:
Hydration
|
Poor |
Achillea millefolium
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
acidAnything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic—above 7 is considered alkaline. Water has a pH...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Poor |
acne soapSoaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying and...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
acrylate
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 |
acrylates copolymer
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Average |
Actaea racemosa
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Actinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extractActinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extract is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
adenosineYeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
adenosine phosphateAlso known as AMP, adenosine phosphate is a skin-soothing and restoring ingredient that's similar to adenosine triphosphate.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
adenosine triphosphateAn organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymerA synthetic polymer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
advanced glycation endproduct (AGE)Advanced glycation endproducts, also known as AGEs, are caused by the body's major fuel source, namely glucose.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Poor |
Aerocarpus santalinus |
Good |
Aesculus hippocastanum
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
agar |
Good |
Agastache mexicana (hyssop) flower/leaf/stem extractAgastache mexicana (also known as hyssop) is a flowering shrub native to North America that’s an edible plant with an anise-like flavor and aroma.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
AGE
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Average |
Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extractResearch shows this plant extract has antioxidant properties....
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
AHAAHA, also known as alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates skin and improves signs of ageing, dry skin and an uneven skin tone.
Categories:
Exfoliant
|
Good |
Ahnfeltia concinna extract |
Good |
ahnfeltia extract |
Good |
Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extractAhnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin. |
Good |
alanine
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
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
|
Poor |
alcloxaMore technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
average |
alcoholA group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics...
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
Aleurites moluccana seed oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
alfalfa extractCan be an antioxidant in skincare products…
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
algaeAlgae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... |
Best |
algae extract |
Good |
alginBrown algae. |
Good |
aliphatic hydrocarbonHydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Poor |
alkalineAnything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Average |
alkyloamidesIdentified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
allantoinBy-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
allyl methacrylates crosspolymerA synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
almond/borage/linseed/olive acids glyceridesA mixture of the fatty acid and triglyceride components of several non-fragrant plant oils, including almond, borage, linseed, and olive. |
Best |
almond oilNon-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
Aloe barbadensis
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderThis form of aloe is the powder form of the aloe barbadensis leaf plant...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe juice
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe veraThere is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way....
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
alpha bisabolol
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
alpha glucan oligosaccharideEmollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
alpha hydroxy acid
Categories:
Exfoliant
|
Poor |
alpha isomethyl iononeAlpha isomethyl ionone is a fragrance ingredient that must be listed on products that contain it due to its risk of causing a sensitized reaction.
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Best |
alpha lipoic acidAlpha lipoic acid is an enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant, and is believed to have numerous soothing effects.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
alpha-tocopherol
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Good |
Alteromonas ferment extractAlteromonas is found in deep areas of seawater.
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Althaea rosea |
Best |
Althea officinalisLatin name for the marshmallow plant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aluminaAluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics. |
Good |
aluminumAluminum is the most common element on Earth. It's also a common source of confusion in terms of its presence in cosmetics, specifically whether that presence poses a health risk.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
Aluminum hydroxideA synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
Good |
aluminum magnesium silicateSalt that has absorbent properties.
Categories:
Absorbent
|
Good |
aluminum powderMetallic element used as a coloring agent. It is composed of finely ground particles of aluminum....
Categories:
Coloring Agents/Pigments
|
Good |
aluminum silicateSalt that has absorbent and abrasive properties.
Categories:
Absorbent,
Scrub Agents
|
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
|
Poor |
aluminum sulfateIt can sensitizing to skin.
Categories:
Absorbent,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
amino acidsAmino acids are fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Average |
aminobutyric acidAmino acid that has water-binding properties and may provide soothing benefits for skin. It...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
aminomethyl propanediolUsed to adjust pH in cosmetics.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
aminomethyl propanolAminomethyl propanol is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.
Categories:
Uncategorized,
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymerA synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves to thicken cosmetic formulas...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
ammonium chlorideAlkaline salt used as a pH balancer in skincare products; it is not used in concentrations that...
Categories:
Absorbent
|
Best |
ammonium glycolateSynthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant. It is sometimes paired with...
Categories:
Exfoliant
|
Average |
ammonium hydroxideClear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
ammonium laureth sulfateCan be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
ammonium lauryl sulfateCan be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
amodimethicone |
Good |
amygdalic acid
Categories:
Exfoliant,
Antioxidants
|
Poor |
amyl cinnamateFragrant component.
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
amyl salicylateFragrant component.
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
amyris oilFragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin. |
Poor |
Anacyclus pyrethrum
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Anacystis nidulans extract |
Good |
Ananas sativus fruit extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Exfoliant
|
Best |
Anastatica hierochuntica extractAnastatica hierochuntica extract, also known as Rose of Jericho, has research showing it is a potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
andiroba oilExtracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has soothing properties (Source:...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Anethum graveolens |
Poor |
Angelica archangelica root oilVolatile oil obtained from the angelica plant. The oil contains chemical constituents that can be... |
Poor |
Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
GOOD |
anhydroxylitolA natural, plant-derived ingredient that acts as a humectant to help skin absorb and retain moisture.
Categories:
Hydration
|
Poor |
anisaldehydeSynthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
aniseAlso known as aniseed, it can have antioxidant properties... |
Good |
annato extractNatural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub native...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Anthemis nobilis flower extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
anthocyaninGroup of naturally occurring substances found in plants that give fruits, vegetables, and plants...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
antioxidantGeneral term for a large group of natural and synthetic ingredients that work to reduce...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
apple fruit extractGeneral name for various types of apples, all of which have potent antioxidant ability that, at least in theory, can benefit skin when applied topically.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
apricot kernelOften used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs. Apricot kernals have irregular and...
Categories:
Scrub Agents
|
Best |
apricot kernel oilEmollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
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 glucosideA mild surfactant (cleansing) and emulsifying agent, made from...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
arachidyl propionateWaxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
Arachis hypogaea extractExtract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing... |
Best |
arbutinIsolated from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, some...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Arctium lappa |
Best |
Arctium majus |
Best |
Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Argania spinosa
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Argania spinosa kernel oilArgania spinosa kernel oil is the latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree. |
Best |
argan oilNon-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of argan trees. Argan oil contains several beneficial lipids and fatty acids for skin... |
Good |
arginineAmino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for soothing skin (Sources: Journal...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
Argireline
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
Aristotelia chilensis (maqui)Maqui, also known as Chilean wineberry, is a richly-colored berry that contains a potent type of antioxidant anthocyanidin known as delphinidins.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
arnica extractExtract from the plant Arnica montana. There is research showing that when arnica is taken orally...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
aroma/flavorSeeing "aroma/flavor" on an ingredient list can be either good or bad. For example, if the aroma or flavor comes from mint....
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Average |
arrowrootThickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
artemia extract |
Average |
Artemisia absinthium extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Artemisia vulgaris
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Ascophyllum nodosumSpecies of seaweed. |
Best |
ascorbic acidForm of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Advances in Experimental Medicine and...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Best |
ascorbyl glucosamineForm of vitamin C that has little research showing it has the antioxidant or brightening...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Best |
ascorbyl glucosideAscorbyl glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C that works well with other beneficial ingredients to help skin look smoother, brighter, and younger.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Best |
ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateForm of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening... |
Best |
ascorbyl palmitateStable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant (Source: Biochemical and...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Good |
asparagine
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
Asparagopsis armata extractExtract derived from seaweed. |
Good |
aspartic acid
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
astaxanthin
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
astaxanthin extractCarotenoid (carotene pigment) found in plants, algae, and fish, particularly salmon, that functions...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Astragalus membranaceusLatin name for the Chinese herb Huang-Qi, also known as milk vetch.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Astragalus sinicus
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterA non-fragrant vegetable fat that's nearly solid at room temperature (much like dairy butter). It functions as an emollient ingreident that works to keep...
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
ATP
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Average |
Atractyloydes lancea root extractAlso known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Avena sativaSee oatmeal, oat bran extract, gluten ingredients…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
avobenzoneSynthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Best |
avocado oilEmollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Poor |
awapuhiEnglish name for wild ginger.
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Azadirachta indica
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
azelaic acidA type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin. |
Best |
azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10Azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide built around naturally-derived azelaic acid that offers brightening and antioxidant benefits.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
Azelex
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Average |
azuki beansLegumes that are often ground up for use in skincare scrub products.
Categories:
Scrub Agents
|
Average |
azuleneChamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and... |
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!