Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop
| Rating | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Average |
N6-furfuryladenineTechnical name for kinetin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Skin-Restoring
|
| Average |
N-acetyl-L tyrosine
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
| Good |
NaPCA
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
| Poor |
Narcissus poeticus waxFragrant flower extract that can cause sensitizing reactions… |
| Good |
Nardostachys jatamansi
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
| Average |
Nasturtium officinale extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
| Good |
natto gumFermentation product of soy protein. It may be a potent antioxidant (Source: Journal of...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
| Best |
natural moisturising factor (NMF)One of the primary elements in keeping skin feeling and looking healthier…
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
| Best |
neem extractNeem extract has antioxidant and skin-calming benefits and may also help reduce the population of harmful microbes on skin’s surface.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
| Poor |
neem oilNeem oil contains a chemical known as nimbidin that gives it a sulfur-like odor.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
| Good |
neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateEmollient that leaves a silky (but not greasy) afterfeel on skin.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
| Good |
neopentyl glycol diheptanoateMixture of texture-enhancing ingredient neopentyl glycol and grape-derived fatty acid heptanoic acid. The compound functions as a non-aqueous skin-softening agent and thickener
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Skin-Softening
|
| Poor |
neroli |
| Poor |
neroli oilFragrant plant oil that can be a skin sensitizer... |
| Average |
nettle extractExtract that may have soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
| Best |
N-hydroxysuccinimideN-hydroxysuccinimide is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as an ester to soften and condition skin.
Categories:
Skin-Softening
|
| Best |
niacin
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Vitamins
|
| Best |
niacinamideHelps visibly minimise pore size, improve dull/uneven tone, and reduce wrinkle depth. Also known to fortify skin’s barrier strength and boost hydration. |
| Best |
nicotinamide
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Vitamins
|
| Best |
nicotinic acid
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Vitamins
|
| Good |
noni juiceAlso known as morinda or Morinda citrifolia, comes from a small evergreen tree. The juice from this... |
| Good |
nonoxynolsUsed as a mild cleansing agent.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
| Good |
nylon-12A polyamide (protein-like polymer) derived from an omega fatty acid. The final ingredient is synthetic, and works in cosmetics as a thickener, opacifier, and offers some mild absorption properties. This ingredient’s size is too large to penetrate past skin’s surface.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Absorbent
|
| Best |
Nymphaea tetragonaAlso known as pygmy waterlily. The stem has been shown to be an antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
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!