Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop

D&C

According to the FDA, D&C is an identification that indicates a coloring agent has been approved as...

D&C colors

General term for a wide group of color additives that are approved for use in drugs and cosmetics...

daisy flower extract

There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin. Also known as tansy, it can...

d-alpha-tocopherol

Antioxidant that's considered the most optimal form of vitamin E.

Daucus carota

Also known as wild carrot. It can have antioxidant properties, but applied topically it can cause...

DEA oleth-10 phosphate

Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic...

decarboxy carnosine HCL

decylene glycol

Functions as a skin-conditioning agent that can help enhance the penetration of other ingredients.

decyl glucoside

A synthetic cleansing agent considered very mild on skin. It’s made from a mix of fatty alcohol decyl alcohol and the sugar glucose.

decyl oleate

A skin-conditioning agent with research backing its ability to improve immediate skin hydration. Its composition is similar to skin’s natural lipids.

dehydroacetic acid

A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium...

dehydroepiandrosterone

deionized/demineralized water

Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process...

denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol is a drying alcohol that weakens skin. If denatured alcohol is listed as the fifth ingredient or higher, it is of considerable risk for sensitising skin.

deoxyribonucleic acid

detergent cleansing agent

deuterium oxide

dextran

Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. Can be used to create a skin care product’s hydrogel structure.

dextrin

Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with...

DHA

diatomaceous earth

Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms....

diazolidinyl urea

Water-soluble preservative.

dibutyl phthalate

Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold...

dicaprylyl carbonate

A skin-conditioning agent, emollient and solvent that helps enhance the absorption of other ingredients in a cosmetic formula. May be derived from synthetic or animal sources.

dicetyl phosphate

A mix of portions from cetyl alcohol and phosphoric acid that functions as surfactant and emulsifier.

diethylhexyl carbonate

Functions as a lightweight emollient. Can also be used in sunscreen formulas to help keep the active ingredients dispersed throughout the formula.

diethylhexyl malate

Emollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent ethyl hexanediol.

diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate

An ester that functions as a stabilizing antioxidant and helps protect cosmetics products from chemical or physical deterioration induced by light.

diheptyl succinate

dihydrocholeth-30

A synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier...

dihydroxyacetone

Ingredient present in all self-tanners that affects the color of skin. Derived from sugar, it...

diisooctyl succinate

Diisooctyl succinate is a synthetic or plant-derived (Paula’s Choice uses the latter) transparent liquid emollient.

diisopropyl adipate

Used as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent.

diisopropyl dimer dilinoleate

A synthetic ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.

diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate

Emollient in the silicone family.

diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate

A synthetic ester that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. May be animal-derived.

diisostearyl malate

Diisostearyl malate is an ester that functions as an emollient...

diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate

Diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate is an emollient blend of fatty acids often used in cosmetics to enhance coverage.

dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate

A mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient...

dimethicone

An emollient silicone known for its permeable (think breathable) barrier that helps skin retain hydration. It has a uniquely silky, non-greasy feel.

dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer

A mixture of the silicone dimethicone with PEG-10 and PEG-15.

dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

A silicone powder that gives cosmetics products a silky feel and has some oil absorption properties.

dimethicone copolyol

dimethicone crosspolymer

A silicone derivative used as a stabilising and suspending agent or as a thickener in skin care products.

dimethiconol

dimethyl capramide

Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics.

dimethyl ether

Colorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is potentially harmful if inhaled…

dimethyl isosorbide

A solvent derived from the sugar sorbitol...

dimethyl MEA

Dioscorea villosa extract

dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline

A peptide blend that supports skin’s own collagen by helping to firm and reduce the look of lines on skin and lips.

dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate

Mixture of fatty acids used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent. Leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned.

dipentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/polyhydroxystearate

Used in skin care to create the right amount of slip and help bind moisture. Its substantive texture produces lasting results.  

dipeptide-2

Dipeptide-2 is a small, less complex synthetic peptide made up of the amino acids tryptophan and valine.

dipotassium glycyrrhizate

dipotassium glycyrrhizinate

dipotassium phosphate

A synthetic salt that helps to adjust and maintain the pH of water-based and...

di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate

Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing...

dipropylene glycol

A synthetic texture enhancer and slip agent in cosmetics products.

disodium cocoamphodiacetate

Mild cleansing agent derived from coconut; considered one of the gentlest surfactants used in facial cleansers.

disodium cocoyl glutamate

Gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut, generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

disodium diglyceryl phosphate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

disodium EDTA

Short for disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Used as a chelating agent...

disodium glyceryl phosphate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

disodium lauraminopropionate

A mild surfactant.

disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates

This blend is part natural, part synthetic and offers multiple functions, including working as a cleansing agent and mild preservative. Research indicates it may also help calm redness.

disodium rutinyl disulfate

A water-soluble derivative of the bioflavinoid rutin...

disteardimonium hectorite

Used as a suspending agent, often with pigments.

DMAE

DMDM hydantoin

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative...

docosahexaenoic acid

dog rose

dogwood

There is a small amount of research showing that dogwood has antioxidant and soothing...

Dromiceius oil

dulse

Dunaliella salina extract

A type of micro-algae that’s known for being adaptable and able to survive even in harsh natural conditions. It’s a rich source...

durian

A tropical fruit that contains high levels of antioxidants such as caffeic acid and quercetin

Durvillaea antarctica extract

Extract derived from a species of algae (Durvillea antarctica).