Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop

faex

A type of yeast.

farnesol

Extract of plants that is used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance. A few animal studies and some...

farnesyl acetate

fatty acid

Substance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as...

fatty alcohol

Made from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients....

FD&C

Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA, when FD&C is followed by a color, the color is...

FD&C colors

General term for any color additive deemed to be safe and FDA-approved for use in foods, drugs, and...

fennel oil

Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

fennel seed extract

Can have antioxidant properties, but on skin it can be a skin sensitizer (Source:...

ferric ammonium ferrocyanide

Inorganic salt of ferric ferrocyanide. 

ferric ferrocyanide

Also known as Iron Blue, a coloring agent used in cosmetic products, including those designed for...

Ferula galbaniflua

ferulic acid

Superstar antioxidant that defends skin from environmental assault + sun damage, while also helping stabilise other antioxidants in a formula. Also helps contribute to more even tone.

feverfew extract

A plant that can be very soothing but also potentially sensitizing to the skin...

fibronectin

Type of protein found in the skin....

Ficus carica (fig) fruit extract

Fig is a rich source of a class of antioxidants known as phenolic compounds.

fig

Filipendula glaberrima

Also known as Nakai, the root of this plant extract has been shown to be an antioxidant…

Filipendula rubra

film-forming agent

Large group of ingredients that are typically found in hair-care products, but that are also widely...

fireweed extract

Extract from the Epilobium angustifolium plant; also known as willow herb.

fir needle oil

Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

fish cartilage extract

May have water-binding properties, but there is no research showing that this has any benefit for...

flavonoid

flavour

Any ingredient or combination of ingredients, natural or synthetic, added to a cosmetic to improve its taste, usually by masking the undesirable taste of another ingredient. In the EU, flavour is indicated as “aroma

flax

Plant source of linen and edible seeds. Flax seeds and seed oil have antioxidant properties...

flaxseed oil

From seeds of the flax plant; a source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3.

floralozone

One of a number of synthetic fragrant components.

Foeniculum vulgare extract

folic acid

Part of the B-vitamin complex; when taken orally, it is a good antioxidant. That benefit has not...

formaldehyde-releasing preservative

Common type of preservative found in cosmetics...

Fragaria vesca (strawberry) fruit extract

Strawberry’s red colour comes from its high amount of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins.

fragrance

One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart...

frankincense extract

Fragrant component used in skincare products; it can be a skin sensitizer...

fructose

A natural sugar that occurs in many fruits as well as in honey. Acts as a flavouring agent and humectant in cosmetics and is also a prebiotic.

fruit acid

Fucus vesiculosus extract

Fucus vesiculosus extract, also known as bladderwrack, is a type of brown algae (seaweed) that is edible.

Fu ling

fuller's earth

Mineral substance that is similar to kaolin (a clay). Composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron...