Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop

Haematococcus pluvialis extract

Hamamelis virginiana

hamamelitannin

Tannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant...

Haslea ostrearia extract

Extract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract...

hayflower extract

Plant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be sensitizing There is no...

hazelnut oil

Oil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.

hectorite

A type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel.

Hedera helix

hedione

Synthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin sensitizer.

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a non-volatile, non-fragrant plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.

Helianthus oil

hemp seed oil

From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.

hesperidin

Flavonoid found in various plants such as citrus and evening primrose oil. It has potential as a...

hesperidin methyl chalcone

ynthetic antioxidant that helps protect skin from UV damage. Research also shows it possess soothing and anti-redness properties.

hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate

Hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate is a synthetic peptide that helps skin’s surface shed properly and speeds up surface renewal for fresher-looking skin.

hexyl cinnamal

A fragrance ingredient used in many perfumes and often seen in fragranced skincare products...

hexyldecanol

A synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

hexylene glycol

hexyl laurate

Skin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid.

hexylresorcinol

A synthetic ingredient that has been shown to have skin brightening ability but there is very limited research about it on skin...

hibiscus

Fragrant plant

Himanthalia elongate extract

Extract of a species of algae.

Hippophae rhamnoides

Hippophae Rhamnoides (seaberry) fruit extract

Also known as sea buckthorn, seaberry is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, vitamin E.

histidine

hoelen

A mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has...

homosalate

FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is...

honey

Honey is a substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants.

honey extract

honeysuckle flower extract

Plant extract that functions as a soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids...

hops

There is no research showing that hops have any benefit for skin. However, components in hops may...

Hordeum vulgare extract

horse chestnut extract

May have soothing properties for skin...

horse elder

horseradish

Plant that can sensitize skin and should never be applied to abraded skin.

horsetail extract

Plant extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties, but there's no solid research showing it can and does exert these effects...

Hortonia floribunda leaf extract

No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it and other plant components...

Huang qi

Humulus lupulus extract

hyaluronic acid

Component of skin that is used in skincare products as a good restorative ingredient....

Hydnocarpus anthelmintica

Hydrastis canadenis

hydrocotyl extract

hydrogenated castor oil/sebacic acid copolymer

Synthetic and plant-derived ingredient that works as a skin-smoothing emollient and also helps the hair’s cuticle layer flatten so it feels healthier and reflects light better.

hydrogenated coco-glyceride

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

hydrogenated didecene

Skin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic...

hydrogenated lecithin

hydrogenated olive oil

A rich source of antioxidants; can help increase the viscosity and emolliency of a formula. Hydrogenating the oil changes it from its natural liquid state into a solid.

hydrogenated palm glycerides

Palm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is...

hydrogenated polydecene

Synthetic emollient and skin-softening agent. In certain formulations it lends a non-occlusive film for added skin barrier protection.

hydrogenated polyisobutene

Synthetic emollient with research backing its ability to provide long-lasting moisture retention. It acts as a lubricant on skin’s surface, providing a soft, smooth feel.

hydrogenated rapeseed oil

Hydrogenated rapeseed oil works as an emollient, thickening agent, and occlusive.

hydrogenated soybean oil

Non-fragrant plant oil from soy that has been hydrogenated so it retains a semi-solid rather than liquid state.

hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate

A hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics.

hydrogen peroxide

There is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a...

hydrolysed corn starch

A natural absorbent derived from corn starch. It helps enhance the soft afterfeel of a skin care product.

hydrolysed jojoba esters

Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex. They serve as skin-softening and stabilising ingredients in cosmetics.

hydrolysed rhodophycea (red algae) extract

Hydrolysed rhodophycea is a type of red algae that, like most other types used in skin care products, helps improve skin’s hydration.

hydrolysed silk

An animal-derived byproduct made by hydrolysing the silk protein obtained from the spent cocoon of the silkworm. Helps to condition skin and hair, imparting a smooth feel.

hydrolysed vegetable protein

The protein portion of vegetables obtained by hydrolysis, which is the breakdown of a substance when it’s reacted with water. This natural ingredient conditions skin and hair.

hydrolysed wheat protein

Versatile ingredient that can function as a film-forming agent, hydrator, and conditioning agent for skin or hair.

hydrolyzed acacia macrostachya seed extract

The extract from the seed of the Acacia macrostachya plant, a tropical shrub.

hydrolyzed algae extract

The hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin.

hydrolyzed eruca sativa (arugula) leaf

When applied to skin, arugula is a good source of antioxidants and minerals to help defend skin from environmental damage.

hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans

A skin-restorative ingredient that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the...

hydrolyzed jojoba protein

Protein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical...

hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake

Hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake is a plant-derived ingredient that protects skin from moisture loss and supports firmness.

hydrolyzed soy protein

hydroxyacetophenone

Hydroxyacetophenone is a synthetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient.

hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer

A polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent.

hydroxyethylcellulose

A plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier.

hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid

Also known by the acronym HEPES, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering ingredient typically used to...

hydroxylated lecithin

hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin

A plant- derived or synthetic carbohydrate that functions as a chelating agent and...

hydroxypropyl guar

Hydroxypropyl guar is a plant-derived ingredient that serves as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

hydroxypropyl starch phosphate

A plant-based or synthetic starch ingredient that functions as a thickener or bulking agent in cosmetics...

hydroxystearic acid

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient whose versatility lends itself to many types of cosmetics, including cleansers, sunscreens, hair care, and makeup.

Hypericum extract

hyssop