Alphabetical Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop
| Rating | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Poor |
oak root extractExtract that can be a skin sensitizer. |
| Best |
oat beta-glucan
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
| Best |
oat bran extractOat bran extract is a portion of the oat plant that contains antioxidant and soothing properties... |
| Best |
oat kernel extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
| Best |
oatmealCan have skin-soothing properties…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
| Best |
octinoxateAlso known as octyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate…
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octisalateTechnical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octocryleneGlobally-approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
octyldodecanolA mineral wax used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially to add stability to lipsticks and stick foundations and keep them blended.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
| Good |
octyldodecyl myristateMixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... |
| Good |
octyldodecyl neopentanoateA skin-softening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
| Best |
octyl methoxycinnamateSunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays…
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
octyl palmitateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
| Best |
octyl salicylateSunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
octyl stearateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
| Good |
o-cymen-5-olPreservative used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
| Best |
Oenothera biennis oil |
| Good |
Olea europaea fruit oil |
| Best |
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiablesAn unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty... |
| Best |
oleanolic acidA skin-soothing ingredient, especially when used in synthetic rather than natural form...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
| Best |
oleic acidOleic acid is a natural, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that’s found in many plants.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
| Good |
oleth-10A form of fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier, penetration enhancer, and cleansing agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
| Good |
olethsMild cleansing agents.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
| Good |
oleyl erucateSkin-softening agent derived from oleyl alcohol, which is obtained chiefly from fish oil.
Categories:
Skin-Softening
|
| Poor |
olibanum extract |
| Good |
olive-oil/olive-fruit-oilEmollient plant oil similar to many other non-fragrant plant oils. The concept of olive oil having... |
| Good |
olive oil PEG-7 estersOlive oil PEG-7 esters comes from a process known as transesterification. |
| Best |
Optunia ficus-indica stem extractA type of cactus also known as prickly pear whose stem is a bountiful source of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
| Poor |
orange blossomFragrant extract that can also be a skin sensitizer. |
| Good |
Orbignya martiana
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
| Best |
Orbignya oleifera seed oilOrbignya oleifera seed oil is more commonly known as babassu oil, a non-fragrant nut oil that smooths and softens skin as well as being a good antioxidant. |
| Poor |
orchidFragrant flower that can be a skin sensitizer. |
| Poor |
oreganoHas beneficial properties, but can also be a skin sensitizer. |
| Poor |
Origanum majorana |
| Poor |
Origanum vulgare flower extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
| Poor |
orris rootUsed primarily as a fragrant component due to its violet-like scent (Source:... |
| Best |
oryzanolComponent of plants and their products, such as rice bran, that has potent antioxidant properties.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
| Best |
Oryza sativa (rice) bran extractOryza sativa (rice) bran extract is a plant ingredient used in cosmetics to condition and soften skin.
Categories:
Skin-Softening
|
| Best |
Oryza sativa ceraA natural, non-fragrant wax obtained from rice bran. It functions as a skin-softening agent...
Categories:
Skin-Softening
|
| Good |
Oryza sativa oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
| Best |
oxidoreductaseLarge group of enzymes that block oxygen in different forms from generating environmental damage.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
| Best |
oxybenzoneOxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) is a sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
ozokeriteA mineral wax used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially to add stability to lipsticks and stick foundations and keep them blended.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
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!