Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop

Acacia farnesiana extract

A fragrant extract from a type of acacia tree. There is no research showing it to have any benefit...

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.

acai

Acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a small berry with a deep purple colour. It is a potent source of antioxidants.

acetic acid

Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitizing to skin...

acetone

Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.

acetylated castor oil

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetylated lanolin

Emollient derived from lanolin.

acetylated lanolin alcohol

An ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed...

acetylated palm kernel glycerides

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetyl carnitine HCL

acetyl glucosamine

Amino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid.

acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetyl hexapeptide-1

Acetyl hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan.

acetyl hexapeptide-37

Acetyl hexapeptide-37 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, proline, serine and glycine.

acetyl hexapeptide-8

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a synthetically-derived peptide that, like all peptides, has water-binding properties and skin-restoring ability.

acetyl octapeptide-3

A synthetic peptide that is based around octapeptide-3, a peptide complex composed of the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, and methionine...

acetyl tetrapeptide-11

Acetyl tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide that helps skin look and feel healthier.

acetyl tetrapeptide-5

Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide that has calming, smoothing, hydrating, and firmness-enhancing benefits when applied to skin.

acetyl tetrapeptide-9

Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide that helps visibly restore skin's natural support.

acetyl tributyl citrate

Related to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening...

acetyl tyrosine

An amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. There is no research proving it...

Achillea millefolium

acid

Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic—above 7 is considered alkaline. Water has a pH...

acne soap

Soaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying and...

acrylate

acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.

acrylates/dimethicone copolymer

A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better...

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.

acrylates copolymer

Actaea racemosa

Actinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extract

Actinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extract is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C.

adenosine

Yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.

adenosine phosphate

Also known as AMP, adenosine phosphate is a skin-soothing and restoring ingredient that's similar to adenosine triphosphate.

adenosine triphosphate

An organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All...

adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer

A synthetic polymer.

advanced glycation endproduct (AGE)

Advanced glycation endproducts, also known as AGEs, are caused by the body's major fuel source, namely glucose.

Aerocarpus santalinus

Aesculus hippocastanum

agar

An algae-based natural ingredient that serves as a thickener in cosmetics.

Agastache mexicana (hyssop) flower/leaf/stem extract

Agastache 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.

AGE

Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extract

Research shows this plant extract has antioxidant properties....

AHA

AHA, also known as alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates skin and improves signs of ageing, dry skin and an uneven skin tone.

Ahnfeltia concinna extract

ahnfeltia extract

Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract

Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin.

alanine

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.

albumin

Found in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can...

alcloxa

More technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties...

alcohol

A group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics...

Aleurites moluccana seed oil

alfalfa extract

Can be an antioxidant in skincare products…

algae

Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000...

algae extract

algin

Brown algae.

aliphatic hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying...

alkaline

Anything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has...

alkyloamides

Identified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),...

allantoin

By-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent.

allyl methacrylates crosspolymer

A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent.

almond/borage/linseed/olive acids glycerides

A mixture of the fatty acid and triglyceride components of several non-fragrant plant oils, including almond, borage, linseed, and olive.

almond oil

Non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient.

Aloe barbadensis

aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract

aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

This form of aloe is the powder form of the aloe barbadensis leaf plant...

aloe extract

aloe juice

aloe vera

There is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way....

alpha bisabolol

alpha glucan oligosaccharide

Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.

alpha hydroxy acid

alpha isomethyl ionone

Alpha isomethyl ionone is a fragrance ingredient that must be listed on products that contain it due to its risk of causing a sensitized reaction.

alpha lipoic acid

Alpha 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.

alpha-tocopherol

Alteromonas ferment extract

Alteromonas is found in deep areas of seawater.

Althaea rosea

Althea officinalis

Latin name for the marshmallow plant.

alumina

Aluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics.

aluminum

Aluminum 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.

Aluminum hydroxide

A synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses...

aluminum magnesium silicate

Salt that has absorbent properties.

aluminum powder

Metallic element used as a coloring agent. It is composed of finely ground particles of aluminum....

aluminum silicate

Salt that has absorbent and abrasive properties.

aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

A synthetic powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anti-caking agent used in skin care and makeup products.

aluminum stearate

A salt-derived blend of aluminum and stearic acid which functions as a stabilizer and thickening agent, among other things.

aluminum sulfate

It can sensitizing to skin.

amino acids

Amino acids are fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body.

aminobutyric acid

Amino acid that has water-binding properties and may provide soothing benefits for skin. It...

aminomethyl propanediol

Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

aminomethyl propanol

Aminomethyl propanol is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.

ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer

A synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves as a thickening agent in cosmetics products.

ammonium chloride

Alkaline salt used as a pH balancer in skincare products; it is not used in concentrations that...

ammonium glycolate

Synthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant. It is sometimes paired with...

ammonium hydroxide

Clear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is...

ammonium laureth sulfate

Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...

ammonium lauryl sulfate

Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...

amodimethicone

amygdalic acid

amyl cinnamate

Fragrant component.

amyl salicylate

Fragrant component.

amyris oil

Fragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin.

Anacyclus pyrethrum

Anacystis nidulans extract

Ananas sativus fruit extract

Anastatica hierochuntica extract

Anastatica hierochuntica extract, also known as Rose of Jericho, has research showing it is a potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient.

andiroba oil

Extracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has soothing properties (Source:...

Anethum graveolens

Angelica archangelica root oil

Volatile oil obtained from the angelica plant. The oil contains chemical constituents that can be...

Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract

anhydroxylitol

A natural, plant-derived ingredient that acts as a humectant to help skin absorb and retain moisture.

anisaldehyde

Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

anise

Also known as aniseed, it can have antioxidant properties...

annato extract

Natural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub native...

Anthemis nobilis flower extract

anthocyanin

Group of naturally occurring substances found in plants that give fruits, vegetables, and plants...

antioxidant

General term for a large group of natural and synthetic ingredients that work to reduce...

apple fruit extract

General name for various types of apples, all of which have potent antioxidant ability that, at least in theory, can benefit skin when applied topically.

apricot kernel

Often used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs. Apricot kernals have irregular and...

apricot kernel oil

Emollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

arachidic acid

Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

arachidyl alcohol

A wax-like substance that serves as a thickening agent and moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics.

arachidyl glucoside

A mild cleansing agent that is formed from the condensation of archidyl alcohol and glucose.

arachidyl propionate

Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.

Arachis hypogaea extract

Extract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing...

arbutin

Isolated from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, some...

Arctium lappa

Arctium majus

Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract

A plant-based ingredient with antioxidant properties. Research also indicates it can help improve the look of skin discolourations.

Argania spinosa

Argania spinosa kernel oil

Argania spinosa kernel oil is the latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree.

argan oil

Non-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of argan trees. Argan oil contains several beneficial lipids and fatty acids for skin...

arginine

Amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for soothing skin (Sources: Journal...

Argireline

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.

arnica extract

Extract from the plant Arnica montana. There is research showing that when arnica is taken orally...

aroma/flavor

Seeing "aroma/flavor" on an ingredient list can be either good or bad. For example, if the aroma or flavor comes from mint....

arrowroot

Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.

artemia extract

Artemisia absinthium extract

Artemisia vulgaris

Ascophyllum nodosum

A type of cold water brown seaweed that has antioxidant properties and serves as a texture enhancer in cosmetics.

ascorbic acid

Form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Advances in Experimental Medicine and...

ascorbyl glucosamine

Form of vitamin C that has little research showing it has the antioxidant or brightening...

ascorbyl glucoside

Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C that works well with other beneficial ingredients to help skin look smoother, brighter, and younger.

ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate

Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening...

ascorbyl palmitate

Stable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant (Source: Biochemical and...

asparagine

Asparagopsis armata extract

Extract derived from seaweed.

aspartic acid

Amino acid that can help strengthen skin’s natural defence system, making it less likely to show signs of ageing from environmental damage.

astaxanthin

astaxanthin extract

Carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in plants, algae, and fish, particularly salmon, that functions...

Astragalus membranaceus

Latin name for the Chinese herb Huang-Qi, also known as milk vetch.

Astragalus sinicus

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter

A 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...

ATP

Atractyloydes lancea root extract

Also known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative...

Avena sativa kernel extract

Another name for oat extract. This plant-derived ingredient is well-known for both its antioxidant and skin-soothing properties.

avobenzone

Synthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that...

avocado oil

Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties.

awapuhi

English name for wild ginger.

Azadirachta indica

azelaic acid

A type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin.

azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10

Azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide built around naturally-derived azelaic acid that offers brightening and antioxidant benefits.

Azelex

azuki beans

Legumes that are often ground up for use in skincare scrub products.

azulene

Chamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and...