Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop
Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Best |
Haematococcus pluvialis extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
Hamamelis virginiana |
Poor |
hamamelitanninTannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
Haslea ostrearia extractExtract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... |
Poor |
hayflower extractPlant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be sensitizing There is no...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
hazelnut oilOil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
hectoriteA type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
Hedera helix
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
hedioneSynthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin sensitizer. |
Best |
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oilHelianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a non-volatile, non-fragrant plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics. |
Best |
Helianthus oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
hemp seed oilFrom the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
hesperidinFlavonoid found in various plants such as citrus and evening primrose oil. It has potential as a...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
hesperidin methyl chalconeCitrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to improve dark undereye circles. There is...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetateHexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate is a synthetic peptide that helps skin’s surface shed properly and speeds up surface renewal for fresher-looking skin.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Poor |
hexyl cinnamalA fragrance ingredient used in many perfumes and often seen in fragranced skincare products... |
Good |
hexyldecanolA synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
hexylene glycol
Categories:
Slip Agents
|
Good |
hexyl laurateSkin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Average |
hexylresorcinolA synthetic ingredient that has been shown to have skin brightening ability but there is very limited research about it on skin...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
hibiscusFragrant plant |
Good |
Himanthalia elongate extractExtract of a species of algae. |
Best |
Hippophae rhamnoides
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Hippophae Rhamnoides (seaberry) fruit extractAlso known as sea buckthorn, seaberry is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, vitamin E.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
histidine
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
hoelenA mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Preservatives
|
Best |
homosalateFDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Best |
honeySubstance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. Composed primarily of the... |
Best |
honey extract |
Best |
honeysuckle flower extractPlant extract that functions as a soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
hopsThere is no research showing that hops have any benefit for skin. However, components in hops may...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Hordeum vulgare extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
horse chestnut extractMay have soothing properties for skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
horse elder
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
horseradishPlant that can sensitize skin and should never be applied to abraded skin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
horsetail extractPlant extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties, but there's no solid research showing it can and does exert these effects...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Hortonia floribunda leaf extractNo research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it and other plant components...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Huang qi
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Humulus lupulus extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
hyaluronic acidComponent of skin that is used in skincare products as a good restorative ingredient.... |
Poor |
Hydnocarpus anthelmintica
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Hydrastis canadenis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Best |
hydrocotyl extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
hydrogenated coco-glycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
hydrogenated dideceneSkin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
hydrogenated lecithin
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Emollients
|
Best |
hydrogenated olive oilWhen a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or... |
Good |
hydrogenated palm glyceridesPalm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is... |
Good |
hydrogenated polydeceneSynthetic polymer that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
hydrogenated polyisobuteneSynthetic polymer used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
hydrogenated soybean oilNon-fragrant plant oil from soy that has been hydrogenated so it retains a semi-solid rather than liquid state.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Good |
hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrateA hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics... |
Poor |
hydrogen peroxideThere is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Best |
hydrolysed rhodophycea (red algae) extractHydrolysed rhodophycea is a type of red algae that, like most other types used in skin care products, helps improve skin’s hydration. |
Good |
hydrolyzed acacia macrostachya seed extractThe extract from the seed of the Acacia macrostachya plant, a tropical shrub.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
hydrolyzed algae extractThe hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin. |
Good |
hydrolyzed corn starchA form of the natural absorbent corn starch that has been hydrolyzed, which means it has undergone...
Categories:
Absorbent
|
Best |
hydrolyzed eruca sativa (arugula) leafWhen applied to skin, arugula is a good source of antioxidants and minerals to help defend skin from environmental damage.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansA skin-restorative ingredient that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
hydrolyzed jojoba estersEssential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with... |
Good |
hydrolyzed jojoba proteinProtein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcakeHydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake is a plant-derived ingredient that protects skin from moisture loss and supports firmness.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Hydration
|
Good |
hydrolyzed silk
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Slip Agents
|
Best |
hydrolyzed soy protein |
Good |
hydrolyzed vegetable proteinComposed of various protein substances derived from vegetables and broken down by water to form a...
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Hydration
|
Good |
hydrolyzed wheat proteinProtein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... |
Good |
hydroxyacetophenoneHydroxyacetophenone is a synthetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Hydration
|
Good |
hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymerA polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
hydroxyethylcellulosePlant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Also used (most... |
Average |
hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acidAlso known by the acronym HEPES, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering ingredient typically used to...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Best |
hydroxylated lecithin
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
A plant- derived or synthetic carbohydrate that functions as a chelating agent and...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
hydroxypropyl guar
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
hydroxypropyl starch phosphateA plant-based or synthetic starch ingredient that functions as a thickener or bulking agent in cosmetics...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
Hypericum extract |
Best |
hyssop
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
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!