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

Citrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to improve dark undereye circles. There is...

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

Substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. Composed primarily of the...

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 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

When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or...

hydrogenated palm glycerides

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

hydrogenated polydecene

Synthetic polymer that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

hydrogenated polyisobutene

Synthetic polymer used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.

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 emulsifier in cosmetics...

hydrogen peroxide

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

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.

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 corn starch

A form of the natural absorbent corn starch that has been hydrolyzed, which means it has undergone...

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 esters

Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with...

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 silk

hydrolyzed soy protein

hydrolyzed vegetable protein

Composed of various protein substances derived from vegetables and broken down by water to form a...

hydrolyzed wheat protein

Protein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the...

hydroquinone

Hydroquinone has long been established as the most effective ingredient for reducing brown spots.

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

Plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Also used (most...

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 starch phosphate

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

Hypericum extract

hyssop