Ingredient e

Rating
Ingredient Acacia farnesiana extract. A fragrant extract from a type of acacia tree. There is no research showing it to have any benefit... Read More
Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
Acacia senegal. Herb that can have anti-inflammatory properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent.
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
aai. Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, this small berry with a deep purple color is a potent source of... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
Accutane. Trade name for the drug with the active ingredient isotretinoin. Acutane as a brand name is no... Read More
Categories: Prescription Drugs, Vitamins
acerola fruit extract. Acerola contains vitamin C. However, the dry acerola fruit and powder are unlikely to be a good... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts
acetic acid. Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be a skin irritant and drying to skin,... Read More
Categories: Irritants
acetone. Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.

Categories: Miscellaneous
acetyl carnitine HCL. See L-carnitine

Categories: Antioxidants
acetyl glucosamine. Amino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. As such, it... Read More
acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
acetyl hexapeptide-3. Is a synthetically derived peptide that is being used in a wide range of skin care and makeup... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients
acetyl tributyl citrate. Related to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening... Read More
acetyl tyrosine. An amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. There is no research proving it... Read More
acetylated castor oil. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride . Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
acetylated lanolin. Emollient derived from lanolin.

Categories: Emollients
acetylated lanolin alcohol. An ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed... Read More
acetylated palm kernel glycerides. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
acetylsalicylic acid. Chemical name for aspirin, one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs in the world.... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants
Achillea millefolium. See yarrow extract

Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts
acid. Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidicabove 7 is considered alkaline. Water has a pH... Read More
acne soap. Soaps that often contain anti-bacterial ingredients, and they are often overly drying and... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
acrylate. See film-forming agent

Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents
acrylates copolymer. See film-forming agent

acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer. See film-forming agent

acrylates/dimethicone copolymer. A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Silicones
acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer. A synthetic polymer that blends stearth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. Functions as... Read More
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Actaea racemosa. See black cohosh

active ingredient. The active ingredients list is the part of a cosmetic, drug, or pharmaceutical ingredient label... Read More
Categories: Sunscreen Actives, Miscellaneous
adapalene. See retinoids, Differin

Categories: Prescription Drugs
adenine. Component of DNA that carries genetic information to the cell.

Categories: Skin-Identical Ingredients
adenosine . Yeast-derived ingredient that plays an important cell-signaling role in many bodily processes.... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
adenosine triphosphate. An organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All... Read More
adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer . A synthetic polymer.

advanced glycation endproduct. Advanced glycation endproducts, also known as AGEs, are caused by the body's major fuel source,... Read More
Aerocarpus santalinus. See red sandalwood

Categories: Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
Aesculus hippocastanum. See horse chestnut extract

agar. See algae

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Agaricus bisporus extract. An extract of mushroom that is thought to help regulate skin cell production by inhibiting cell... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Plant Extracts
AGE. See advanced glycation endproduct

age spots. Once referred to as liver spots, these brown skin discolorations are also not related to age, any... Read More
Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extract. Research shows this plant extract inhibits the hepatitis b virus and has antioxidant properties.... Read More
AHA. Acronym for alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are derived from various plant sources or from milk. However,... Read More
Categories: Leave-On Exfoliant
Ahnfeltia concinna extract. See algae

ahnfeltia extract. See algae

Ajuga turkestanica extract. The only research about this plant indicates that it may have anabolic steroid properties (Source:... Read More
alanine . See amino acid

Alaria esculenta. See algae

albumin. Found in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can... Read More
Alchemilla vulgaris. Plant with antimicrobial properties. Its high tannin content can cause skin irritation (Source:... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts
alcloxa. More technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties... Read More
alcohol. The term alcohol refers to a group of organic co mpounds that have a vast range of... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Absorbent, Irritants
Aleurites moluccana oil. See kukui nut oil

alfalfa extract. Can be an antioxidant in skin-care products (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... Read More
algae. Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... Read More
algae extract. See algae

algin. Brown algae.

aliphatic hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying... Read More
Categories: Slip Agents
alkaline. Anything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has... Read More
alkyloamides. Identified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),... Read More
allantoin. By-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective anti-irritant.
all-trans retinoic acid. Active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova.

Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Prescription Drugs
allyl methacrylates crosspolymer. A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is filmforming agent.
almond oil. Non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient.
Aloe barbadensis. See aloe vera

aloe extract. See aloe vera

aloe juice. See aloe vera

aloe vera. There is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way.... Read More
alpha bisabolol. See bisabolol

alpha glucan oligosaccharide. Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.
alpha hydroxy acid. See AHA
alpha lipoic acid. Enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant. Taken... Read More
alpha-tocopherol.
Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins
Alteromonas ferment extract. Alteromonas is a gram-negative bacteria found in deep areas of seawater. Due to its... Read More
Althaea rosea. See mallow

Althea officinalis. Latin name for the marshmallow plant.

alumina. Aluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics.
Categories: Absorbent, Scrub Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
aluminum chlorohydrate. Chemically a salt, and used in antiperspirants, it can be extremely irritating on abraded skin. In... Read More
Categories: Absorbent
Aluminum hydroxide. A synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent and skin protectant. Secondary uses... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
aluminum magnesium silicate. Salt that has absorbent properties.

aluminum powder. Metallic element used as a coloring agent. It is composed of finely ground particles of aluminum.... Read More
Categories: Coloring Agents/Pigments
aluminum silicate. Salt that has absorbent and abrasive properties.

Categories: Absorbent, Scrub Agents
aluminum starch octenylsuccinate. Powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anticaking agent used in cosmetics.
aluminum stearate. The aluminum salt of stearic acid that functions as a thickening agent and helps stabilize... Read More
aluminum sulfate. Topical disinfectant and typical ingredient in deodorants. It can be a skin irritant.
Categories: Absorbent, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
amino acid. Fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body, such as: alanine, arginine, asparagine,... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Identical Ingredients
aminobutyric acid. Amino acid that has water-binding properties for skin and may be an antiinflammatory. It... Read More
aminomethyl propanediol. Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

aminomethyl propanol. Used in cosmetics at concentrations of 1% or less to adjust pH.

aminophylline. Pharmaceutical ingredient present in prescription bronchodilators (medications designed to open... Read More
ammonium chloride. Alkaline salt used as a pH balancer in skin-care products; it is not used in concentrations that... Read More
ammonium glycolate. Synthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant. It is sometimes paired with... Read More
ammonium hydroxide. Clear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is... Read More
ammonium laureth sulfate. Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle... Read More
Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
ammonium lauryl sulfate. Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle... Read More
amniotic extract or fluid. There is research showing that pure concentrations of amniotic fluid (human) have some benefit for... Read More
amodimethicone. See silicone

Categories: Emollients, Silicones, Slip Agents
amygdalic acid. See mandelic acid

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Leave-On Exfoliant
amyl cinnamate. Fragrant component.

Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
amyl salicylate. Fragrant component.

amyris oil. Fragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin.
Anacyclus pyrethrum. See pellitory

Anacystis nidulans extract. See algae

Ananas sativus fruit extract. See pineapple extract

Categories: Plant Extracts, Leave-On Exfoliant
andiroba oil. Extracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has anti-inflammatory properties (Source:... Read More
Anethum graveolens. See dill extract

Angelica archangelica root oil. Volatile oil obtained from the angelica plant. The oil contains chemical constituents that can be... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract. See dong quai

anisaldehyde. Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

anise. Also known as aniseed, it can have potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties (Source:... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants
annato extract. Natural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub native... Read More
Anthemis nobilis flower extract. See chamomile

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants
anthocyanin. Group of naturally occurring substances found in plants that give fruits, vegetables, and plants... Read More
antibacterial. Any ingredient that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria; in the case of skin-care products,... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
anti-inflammatory. Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, pain,... Read More
anti-irritant. Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, pain,... Read More
antioxidant. General term for a large group of natural and synthetic ingredients that work to reduce... Read More
apricot kernel. Often used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs. Apricot kernals have irregular and... Read More
Categories: Scrub Agents
apricot kernel oil. Emollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts
aquaporins. Group of 13 different cellular membrane proteins that form water channels in living... Read More
arachidic acid. Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
arachidonic acid. Produced from phospholipids and fatty acids. There is research showing that this is potentially... Read More
arachidyl alcohol. Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
arachidyl propionate. Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Arachis hypogaea extract. Extract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and anti-inflammatory... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Emollients, Plant Extracts
arbutin. Hydroquinone derivative isolated from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, some... Read More
Arctium lappa. See burdock root

Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf. See bearberry extract

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
argan oil. Non-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of rarified argan trees. Argan trees are... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Vitamins
Argania spinosa. See argan oil

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Vitamins
arginine. Amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for wound healing (Sources: Journal... Read More
Argireline. See acetyl hexapeptide-3

arnica extract. Extract from the plant Arnica montana. There is research showing that when arnica is taken orally... Read More
arrowroot. Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.

artemia extract. See algae

Artemisia absinthium extract. See mugwort extract

Artemisia vulgaris. See mugwort extract

Ascophyllum nodosum. Species of seaweed.

ascorbic acid. Form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Advances in Experimental Medicine and... Read More
ascorbyl glucosamine. Form of vitamin C that has little research showing it has the antioxidant or skinlightening... Read More
ascorbyl glucoside. Form of vitamin C combined with glucose. It can function as an antioxidant, but only minimal... Read More
ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate. Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Vitamins
ascorbyl palmitate. Stable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant (Source: Biochemical and... Read More
asparagine. See amino acid

Asparagopsis armata extract. Extract derived from seaweed.

aspartic acid. See amino acid

astaxanthin. See astaxanthin extract

astaxanthin extract. Carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in plants, algae, and fish, particularly salmon, that functions... Read More
Astragalus membranaceus. Latin name for the Chinese herb Huang-Qi, also known as milk vetch.
Astragalus sinicus. See milk vetch root

ATP. See adenosine triphosphate

Atractyloydes lancea root extract. Also known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative... Read More
Avena sativa. Oat plant. Oat extract can have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Skin... Read More
avobenzone. Synthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that... Read More
Categories: Sunscreen Actives
avocado oil. Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties.
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients
awapuhi. English name for wild ginger.

Azadirachta indica. See neem extract or oil

azelaic acid. Trade name Azelex and available by prescription; a component of grains such as wheat, rye, and... Read More
Azelex. See azelaic acid

azuki beans. Legumes that are often ground up for use in skin-care scrub products.
azulene. Chamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and... Read More
Rating
Ingredient babassu oil. Plant oil that can have emollient properties for skin. There is no research showing it has special... Read More
Bacillus subtilis. Naturally occurring bacterium that is widespread and can be used to control plant diseases, fungal... Read More
balm mint extract. Extract derived from a fragrant plant; it poses some risk of skin irritation. It also has some... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants
balsam peru. Fatty resin that when applied topically can cause allergic skin reactions and contact dermatitis.... Read More
banana extract. Extract from banana fruit that has some weak antioxidant properties (Source: Free Radical Research,... Read More
barberry. Plant whose primary component, berberine, is an alkaloid that can have antibacterial properties and... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Anti-Irritants
barium sulfate. Mineral used as a whitening agent in cosmetics. It can be a skin irritant.
Categories: Coloring Agents/Pigments, Irritants
barley extract. Extract from barley plants. Can have antioxidant properties when ingested, but there is no research... Read More
batyl alcohol. Derived from glycerin and used as a stabilizing ingredient and skin-conditioning agent.
bay leaf oil. Can be a potent antioxidant (Source: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, January 2002, pages... Read More
bearberry extract. Latin name Arctostaphylos uva ursi, there is research showing that this extract has antibacterial... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Antioxidants
bee pollen. Can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, April 2001, pages... Read More
beeswax. Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has... Read More
beet root extract. Powdered base of the stem (root) of the Beta vulgaris plant. Used as a coloring agent. As with most... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts
behenic acid. Fatty acid used as a thickening agent and surfactant.

Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
behentrimonium chloride. Skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

behenyl alcohol. Thickening agent used in cosmetics. It is not related to irritating forms of alcohol.
Bellis perennis. See daisy flower extract

bentonite. Type of clay that is used as an absorbent in cosmetics. It can be drying for skin, though its... Read More
benzalkonium chloride. Antimicrobial agent used as a preservative in skin-care products. There is no research showing it... Read More
benzephenone-3. Also called oxybenzone, a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the suns UVB... Read More
benzocaine. Topical anesthetic (Sources: Dermatol Surgery, December 2001, pages 1010 1018; and Pediatric... Read More
benzoic acid. Preservative used in skin-care products; it is considered less irritating than some other forms of... Read More
Categories: Preservatives
benzoin extract. Balsam resin that has some disinfecting and fragrant properties; it may also be a skin irritant... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
benzophenone. Group of compounds used in cosmetics as sunscreen agents to protect mostly from UVB radiation and... Read More
benzothonium chloride. Compound used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered less irritating than some... Read More
benzoyl peroxide. Considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the... Read More
benzyl alcohol. See alcohol

Berberis aristata. See barberry

bergamot oil. A volatile citrus oil that, when used topically, is a photosensitizer and has photomutagenic... Read More
Bertholletia excelsa extract. See Brazil nut extract

beta hydroxy acid. See salicylic acid

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Leave-On Exfoliant
beta sitosterol. Plant extract, similar to cholesterol, that can have antimicrobial properties (Source: Journal of... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts
Beta vulgaris root extract. See beet root extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts
beta-carotene. Member of the carotenoid family. There are hundreds of carotenoids, including lycopene and lutein.... Read More
beta-glucan. Polysaccharide, meaning that it is a sugar (e.g., starch and cellulose) that can be derived from... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants
Betula alba. See birch bark extract

BHA (beta hydroxy acid). See salicylic acid

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Anti-Irritants, Leave-On Exfoliant
BHT. Butylated hydroxytoluene, a potent synthetic antioxidant that also has carcinogenic properties when... Read More
bifida ferment lysate. Type of gram-positive bacteria found in the digestive system. It has no known effect on skin when... Read More
bifidus extract. Carbohydrate in human milk that stimulates the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus in the intestine. In... Read More
bilberry extract. Some research shows bilberry (vaccinium myrtillis) to be effective as an antioxidant when ingested... Read More
bimatoprost. The active ingredient in the glaucoma medication Lumigan that was found to also stimulate lash... Read More
bioflavonoid. Diverse range of substances that are components of many fruits and vegetables. Many have been shown... Read More
biotin. Also known as vitamin H, a water-soluble vitamin produced in the body by certain types of... Read More
Categories: Vitamins
birch bark extract. Extract derived from the plant Betula alba (common name white birch). It can have potent... Read More
birch leaf extract. See birch bark extract

bisabolol. Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an anti-irritant.

bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

bismuth oxychloride. The standard primary ingredient included in most powders that are referred to as mineral... Read More
bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane. A synthetic skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Silicones, Slip Agents
bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone. A synthetic polymer from the siloxane/silicone family.

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents
bitter orange flower.

black cohosh. There is research showing that black cohosh when taken orally can have an effect on menopausal and... Read More
black currant oil. Non-volatile plant oil.

black elderberry. When taken orally, this has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... Read More
black locust extract. Extract that can have antioxidant properties, although it also may have toxic components (Source:... Read More
black mulberry. There is no research showing this has any benefit when applied topically to skin.
black pepper extract and oil. Used topically as a counter-irritant, which means it can cause significant skin irritation (Source:... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Irritants
black raspberry. Fruit that has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, June... Read More
black tea. See green tea

Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts
blackberry. Berries that have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... Read More
bladderwrack extract. Extract derived from seaweed; it can be an effective antioxidant and has water-binding properties... Read More
bloodwort. Also known as yarrow.

blue 1. See FD&C colors

blue 1 lake. See FD&C colors

Boerhavia diffusa root extract. Extract from a flowering plant. Animal studies have shown that this plant has strong... Read More
bois de rose oil. See rosewood oil

bois oil. Fragrant oil that has no research showing it has benefit for skin (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com).
borage seed extract. Extract of the plant Borago officinalis, it can have anti-irritant and antiinflammatory properties... Read More
borage seed oil. Contains gamma linolenic acid (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com).

Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Emollients, Plant Extracts
Borago officinalis extract. See borage seed oil

Borago officinalis seed oil. See borage seed oil

borate. Group of compounds used in cosmetics in small quantities primarily as pH adjusters (they have a pH... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Irritants
borax. Also known as sodium borate decahydrate, borax is a mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Preservatives
boric acid. May have wound-healing benefits (Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, October... Read More
boron nitride. Synthetic, inorganic powder, which in cosmetics has absorbent properties similar to those of... Read More
Boswellia carterii. See frankencense extract

botanicals. General term for a large group of natural ingredients. Botanicals may or may not be organic, and... Read More
boysenberry. Berry that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... Read More
Brassica campestris. See rapeseed oil

Categories: Emollients, Antioxidants
Brazil nut extract. Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it can have antioxidant properties... Read More
broad spectrum. Term that refers to a sunscreens ability to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays from... Read More
bromelain. Bromelain is a crude extract from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Leave-On Exfoliant
bronopol. Technical name 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source:... Read More

bronze powder. Mineral coloring agent derived from copper. Permanently listed (since 1977) by the FDA as a safe... Read More
Buddleja davidii extract. Plant also known as summer lilac or butterfly bush (because the flowers are a food source for... Read More
bumetrizole. Sunscreen ingredient that absorbs primarily UVB light.

Bupleurum falcatum extract. A plant used in Chinese medicine for a varitety of ailments ranging from the common cold to liver... Read More
burdock root. Plant extract whose active constituents are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Whether the leaves,... Read More
butcher's broom extract. There is evidence showing that this extract can reduce edema and venous problems when taken orally... Read More
butyl acetate. Solvent used in nail polish and many other products.
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. See avobenzone

butylene glycol. Commonly used slip agent that has multiple functions in cosmetics, depending on the formula.... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Slip Agents
butylparaben. See parabens

Butyrospermum fruit. Fruit from the karite tree, scientific name Butyrospermum parkii, from which the fat is obtained to... Read More
Butyrospermum parkii. See shea butter

Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts, Skin-Identical Ingredients
Buxus chinensis. See jojoba oil

Rating
Ingredient C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters. A blend of cholesterol and fatty acid ester from lanolin. Functions as a skin conditioning agent.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

C12-18 acid triglyceride. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

C13-14 isoparaffin. A petroleum-derived ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as a thickening or gelling agent.
C18-36 acid triglyceride. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

C20-40 pareth-40. Mixture of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weight that can function as stabilizing... Read More
caffeic acid. Potent antioxidant that may have some anticarcinogenic properties (Sources: Toxicology, January... Read More
caffeine. Alkaloid found in coffee, tea, and kola nuts. Caffeine is the chief stimulate in beverages such as... Read More
cajeputi oil. See Melaleuca cajeputi oil

calamine. Preparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is a... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Irritants
calcium ascorbate. Form of vitamin C; other forms include ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and... Read More
calcium carbonate. Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

calcium d-pantetheine-s-sulfonate. See calcium pantetheine sulfonate

calcium gluconate. Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows calcium gluconate... Read More
calcium pantetheine sulfonate. There is a small amount of in vitro research showing that this may have melanin-inhibiting... Read More
calcium pantothenate. Also known as pantothenic acid.

calendula extract. Extract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
Calluna vulgaris flower extract. Also known as heather extract, this plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Heather is considered a... Read More
Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil. See tamanu oil

Camellia japonica. The leaf has been shown in vitro to be potent antioxidant and also able to inhibit the expression... Read More
Camellia oleifera.
Camellia sinensis. See green tea

camphor. Aromatic substance obtained from the wood of a tree common to Southeast Asia, Cinnamomum camphora,... Read More
cananga extract. Fragrance used in cosmetics; it can be a skin irritant, much like ylang ylang.
Cananga odorata. See ylang ylang

candelilla wax. Extract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Cannabis sativa L. oil. See hemp seed oil

canola oil. Plant lipid that has barrier-repair and anti-inflammatory properties (Source: British Journal of... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Identical Ingredients
caprylic/capric triglyceride. Extract derived from coconut and considered a good emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
caprylyl glycol. Skin-conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Preservatives
caprylyl methicone. See silicone, polymer

Categories: Silicones, Emollients
capsaicin. Component of capsicum. When used topically, capsaicin can prevent the transmission of pain. It is... Read More
capsicum. Large group of plants consisting primarily of the pepper family, including chili peppers and... Read More
capsicum oleoresin. Fatty resin derived from capsicum plants. It can be a skin irritant and should not be applied to... Read More
caramel. Natural coloring agent.

carbomer. Group of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations.

carbopol. See carbomer

carboxylic acid. See L-carnitine
cardamom. Plant of the ginger family, used as fragrance in cosmetics. Terpene, one of its major constituents,... Read More
carmine. Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle. It is sometimes used to color... Read More
carnauba wax. Natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
carnitine. Naturally occurring amino acid. Deficiencies of this small but essential component can result in... Read More
carnosic acid. Component of rosemary that is a potent antioxidant (Sources: Free Radical Biology and Medicine,... Read More
carnosine. Composed of amino acids, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There is some... Read More
carnosol acid. See carnosic acid

carrageenan. Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.
Categories: Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
carrot oil. Emollient plant oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.
Carthamus tinctorius oil. See safflower oil

carvone. Essential oil used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in cosmetics. It can be a... Read More
Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants
Carya illinoensis oil. See pecan oil

casein. Substance derived from milk protein that may have some antioxidant properties when applied... Read More
Castanea sativa seed extract. See chestnut seed extract

castor oil. Vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its... Read More
catalase. Enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen and that has significant antioxidant... Read More
Caulerpa taxifolia extract. See algae

cedarwood. Fragrant plant extract. There is evidence that cedarwood oil is allergenic and can cause skin... Read More
Cedrus atlantica bark extract. Fragrant oil that can be a skin irritant.
celandine. Extract from the plant Chelidonium majus that has some research showing it has antiviral... Read More
cell-communicating ingredients. Cell-communicating ingredients, theoretically, have the ability to tell a skin cell to look, act,... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
cellulose. Primary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other... Read More
Cellulose gum. Any of various fibrous substances derived from the cell walls of plants. Cellulose gum is a natural... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Centaurea cyanus. See cornflower

Centella asiatica. Extract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has... Read More
cephalin. Phospholipid.
Cera alba. Beeswax; used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

cera microcristallina. See petrolatum

Categories: Miscellaneous, Emollients
ceramide 1. See ceramides



ceramide 6-II. See ceramides

ceramides. Naturally occurring skin lipids (fats) that are major structural components of the sk ins... Read More
ceresin. Derived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be... Read More
ceteareth-20. Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable.
cetearyl alcohol. Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other... Read More
cetearyl ethylhexanoate. See cetearyl alcohol

cetearyl glucoside. A blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions as an emulsifier.
cetearyl octanoate. See fatty acid

Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Identical Ingredients
cetyl acetate. A mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.
cetyl alcohol. Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other... Read More
cetyl dimethicone. Silicone polymer that functions as skin-conditioning agent.

cetyl dimethicone copolyol. See silicone, cetyl alcohol

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
cetyl esters. Synthetic wax used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose. A mixture of cetyl alcohol and Hydroxyethylcellulose. It functions as thickener and stabilizing... Read More
cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone. Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Silicones, Slip Agents
chamomile. Plant species include Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita, and Matricaria chamomilla.... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts
Chamomilla recutita flower extract. See chamomile

chaparral extract. There is conflicting research about its efficacy as an anticancer agent, though it does contain a... Read More
charcoal. Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen. One... Read More
chaulmoogra oil. Once the treatment for leprosy worldwide due to its antimicrobial properties (Source: Proceedings... Read More
chelating agent. Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds, preventing them from... Read More
cherry extract. Also known as wild cherry and sweet cherry, this fruit is a natural source of vitamin C and... Read More
chestnut seed extract. Also known as European chestnut, the extract has a high tannin content, which has astringent and... Read More
China clay. See kaolin

chitosan. Derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It... Read More
chlorella. See algae

chlorhexidine. Topical antiseptic, it can cause irritation (Source: Toxicology in Vitro, August October... Read More
chlorophene. Used as a preservative in cosmetics.

chloroxylenol. Chemical compound used as a disinfectant and preservative due to its action against certain types... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Preservatives
chlorphenesin. Alcohol used as a preservative in cosmetics.

cholecalciferol. Technical name for vitamin D.

cholesterol. The barrier function of skin depends on the stratum corneum extracellular lipid matrix, which... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Identical Ingredients
choline. Part of the vitamin B complex and a constituent of many other biologically important molecules,... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Vitamins
chondroitin sulfate. See glycosaminoglycans

Chondrus crispus. Form of red seaweed.

chromium hydroxide green. Earth mineral used as a coloring agent/additive and permanently listed (as of 1977) by the FDA for... Read More
chromium oxide green. See chromium hydroxide green

chrysanthemum extract. Can have anti-inflammatory benefit for skin.

Chrysanthemum parthenium extract. See feverfew extract

Cichorium intybus. Source of a plant extract with antioxidant properties (Source: Archives of Pharmaceutical Research,... Read More
Cimicifuga racemosa root extract. See black cohosh

Cinnamomum. See cinnamon

Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Irritants
Cinnamomum camphora. See camphor

cinnamon. Can have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Sources: Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, March... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Irritants
citric acid. Extract derived from citrus and used primarily to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from... Read More
Citrullus colocynthis. Bitter apple; considered a skin irritant.

Citrus amara. See orange blossom

Citrus aurantifolia. See lime (oil or extract)

Citrus aurantium. See orange blossom

Citrus aurantium extract. Bitter orange extract. It can have antioxidant properties when eaten (Source: Journal of... Read More
Citrus medica limonium. See lemon

Citrus unshiu. Plant extract more commonly known as the satsuma. This medium-sized citrus fruit is native to... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants
Citrus unshiu peel extract. See Citrus unshiu

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants
clary oil. Used as fragrance; can be a skin irritant or sensitizer.

clay. See bentonite, kaolin

clove leaf. See clove oil

clove oil. Potent skin irritant and inflammatory when used repeatedly (Sources: IFAInternational... Read More
clover blossom. Contains eugenol, which can be a skin sensitizer and cause photosensitivity.
clover leaf oil. See clover blossom
cocamide DEA and MEA. See alkyloamides, diethanolamine

cocamidopropyl betaine. One of the more gentle surfactants used in skin-care products.
cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine. Mild surfactant.

cocoa butter. Oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient and with properties similar to those of other... Read More
cocoa extract. Can have potent antioxidant properties (Sources: Experimental Biology and Medicine, May 2002, pages... Read More
coco-glucoside. A mixture of fatty alcohol from coconut and glucose. Chiefly functions as a cleansing agent. May be... Read More
cocoglycerides. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

coconut. Has degreasing and cleansing properties, which is why detergent cleansing agents are frequently... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
coconut oil. Non-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin.
Cocus nucifera. See coconut oil

Codium tomentosum extract. See algae

coenzyme Q10. Also known as ubiquinone, it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present in all human cells.... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants
Coffea arabica extract. Coffea arabica is the coffee plant, and there is research showing that coffee extract has... Read More
Cola acuminata seed extract. See kola nut

Coleus barbatus. Member of the mint family and also known as forskolin; can be a skin irritant. Not enough is... Read More
collagen. Collagen is a type of protein found extensively throughout the body. It supports skin, internal... Read More
collagen amino acid. Amino acids hydrolyzed from collagen. These have good water-binding properties for skin.
colloidal oatmeal. See oatmeal

colloidal silver. Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution.

colostrum. The thick, yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands prior to and during the first few days... Read More
coltsfoot. According to The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies, 1998 and a German... Read More
comfrey extract. Several studies have shown that comfrey extract can have carcinogenic or toxic properties when... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts, Irritants
Commiphora myrrha extract. See myrrh

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
coneflower. Another name for echinacea; has soothing properties.

Copaifera officinalis. See balsam peru

Copernicia cerifera wax. See carnauba wax

Categories: Absorbent, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
copper gluconate. Also known simply as copper, this mineral is an important trace element for human nutrition. The... Read More
copper PCA. A synthetic skin-conditioning agent composed of the copper salt of PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic... Read More
copper peptides. See copper gluconate

copper sulfate. Effective for topical wound healing, but there is no research showing it has any impact when used... Read More
Corallina officinalis extract. See algae

coriander. Herb and spice plant, the source of a fragrant component; it can be a potential skin irritant... Read More
corn oil. Emollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils (Source: British... Read More
cornflower. Can have anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, December 1999, pages... Read More
cornmint. Also known as wild mint; it can be a skin irritant.

cornstarch. Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of or... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Plant Extracts
Cornus extract. See dogwood

Corylus americana. See hazelnut oil

Corylus avellana. See hazelnut oil

coumarin. Organic compound found in plants and derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. It creates the... Read More
counter-irritant. Ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, camphor, and mint are counter-irritants (Sources: Archives... Read More
cranberry seed extract. Extract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as proanthocyanidins are responsible for... Read More
cranberry seed oil. Extract derived from the seed of this red berry; the oil (which is not red) has potent antioxidant... Read More
Crataegus monogina extract. See hawthorn extract

creatine. An amino acid found in the human body and most type of meat and fish. This ingredient serves as the... Read More
creatinine. Compound formed by the metabolism of the amino acid creatine. Creatine resides primarily in muscle... Read More
cucumber extract. Non-irritating plant extract from the gourd family (think pumpkin) thats often reputed to be... Read More
Cucumis melo (melon) fruit extract. More commonly known as cantaloupe or honeydew melon, Cucumis melo is a fruit that is a rich source... Read More
Cucumis sativus extract. See cucumber extract

Cucurbita pepo seed extract. See pumpkin seed extract

Cucurbitea peponis. See pumpkin

Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Plant Extracts, Vitamins, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
Curcuma longa root. See turmeric

curcumin. Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice that can be effective in wound healing (Sources:... Read More
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. See guar gum

cyanocobalamin. See vitamin B12

cyclamen aldehyde. Synthetic fragrant component in products; it can be a skin irritant.

cyclohexasiloxane. See silicone

Categories: Emollients, Slip Agents
cyclomethicone. Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.

cyclopentasiloxane. See silicone

cyclotetrasiloxane. See silicone

Cymbopogon citrates. See lemongrass extract

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Irritants
Cymbopogon martini. See geranium extract

cysteine. See amino acid

cystine. See amino acid

cytochrome. Protein found in blood cells that, with the aid of enzymes, serves a vital function in the transfer... Read More
cytokines. Diverse, potent, and extremely complex chemical messengers secreted by the cells of the immune... Read More
Rating
Ingredient D&C. According to the FDA, D&C is an identification that indicates a coloring agent has been approved as... Read More
D&C colors. General term for a wide group of color additives that are approved for use in drugs and cosmetics... Read More
daisy flower extract. There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin. Also known as tansy, it can... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts
d-alpha-tocopherol. Antioxidant that's considered the most biologically active form of vitamin E.
dandelion extract. Can be a potent allergen (Source: Archives of Dermatology, January 1999, pages 6770).
Daucus carota. Also known as wild carrot. It can have antioxidant properties, but applied topically it can cause... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts
DEA. See diethanolamine

DEA oleth-10 phosphate. Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic... Read More
Dead Sea minerals. Several studies demonstrate that Dead Sea minerals can have a positive effect on psoriatic skin... Read More
decarboxy carnosine HCL. See cell-communicating ingredients, carnosine

decyl glucoside. Used as a gentle detergent cleansing agent.

decyl oleate. A skin-conditioning agent derived from the esters of decyl alcohol and oleic acid.
dehydroacetic acid. A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium... Read More
dehydroepiandrosterone. See DHEA

deionized/demineralized water. Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process... Read More
denatured alcohol. See alcohol

deoxyribonucleic acid. See DNA

detergent cleansing agent. See surfactant

deuterium oxide. See heavy water

dextran. Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

dextrin. Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with... Read More
DHA. See dihydroxyacetone

DHEA. Also called prasterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid
hormone... Read More

diatomaceous earth. Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms.... Read More
diazolidinyl urea. A water-soluble preservative that is very effective against a broad range of bacteria. Also has... Read More
dibutyl phthalate. Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold... Read More
dicaprylyl carbonate. An emollient ingredient that may be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily and... Read More
diethanolamine. Colorless liquid used as a solvent and pH adjuster. Also used as a lather agent in skin- and... Read More
diethylhexyl carbonate. A synthetic oil-like ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. Also... Read More
diethylhexyl malate. Emollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent ethyl hexanediol.
Differin. Differin (also called adapalene) is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that has been shown in clinical... Read More
dihydroxyacetone. Ingredient present in all self-tanners that affects the color of skin. Derived from sugar, it... Read More
diisopropyl adipate. Used as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent.

Categories: Emollients, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
diisopropyl dimer dilinoleate. A synthetic ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.
diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate . Skin-conditioning agent in the silicone family.

diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate. A synthetic ester that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. May be animal-derived.
dill extract. An herbal extract most commonly used to season foods. Dill seed contains a volatile component... Read More
dimethicone. See silicone

dimethicone copolyol. See silicone

dimethicone crosspolymer. Silicone derivative used as a stabilizing or suspending agent or as a thickener.

Categories: Emollients, Silicones, Slip Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer. A mixture of the silicone dimethicone with PEG-10 and PEG-15.
Categories: Emollients, Silicones
dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer. See silicone, polymer

Categories: Silicones, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
dimethiconol. See silicone

dimethyl capramide. Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics.

dimethyl ether. Colorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is toxic if inhaled and can be... Read More
dimethyl MEA. See dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)

dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). What little research there is about DMAE relates to its effect as an oral supplement, and the... Read More
Dioscorea villosa extract. See wild yam extract

dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate . Mixture of fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent.
dipotassium glycyrrhizate. See anti-irritant, licorice extract

dipotassium glycyrrhizinate. See anti-irritant, licorice extract

di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate. Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing... Read More
dipropylene glycol. A synthetic slip agent and penetration enhancer.

disodium cocoamphodiacetate. Mild detergent cleansing agent.

disodium cocoyl glutamate. A cleansing agent derived from coconut.

disodium diglyceryl phosphate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

disodium EDTA. See EDTA

disodium glyceryl phosphate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

disodium lauraminopropionate. A mild surfactant.

disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates. A complex mixture of esters formed from a blend of tocopherol phosphates with lauriminodipropionic... Read More
disodium rutinyl disulfate. No research shows this synthetic, salt-derived antioxidant has any impact on cellulite.
disteardimonium hectorite. Used as a suspending agent, often with pigments.

DMAE. See dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)

DMDM hydantoin. Formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source: Household and Personal Products Industry, May 2001,... Read More
DNA. Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is found in all cells. It is the primary component of... Read More
docosahexaenoic acid. See fatty acid

dog rose. See rose hip

dogwood. There is a small amount of research showing that dogwood has antioxidant and antiinflammatory... Read More
dong quai. Latin name Angelica polymorpha sinensis, is an herb that has been shown in some studies to have... Read More
Dromiceius oil. See emu oil

dulse. See algae

durian. A tropical fruit that research has shown to be a potent antioxidants when consumed orally. It... Read More
Durvillaea antarctica extract. Extract derived from a species of algae (Durvillea antarctica).
Rating
Ingredient ecamsule. See Mexoryl SX

ectoin. Skin-conditioning agent that also functions in cosmetics as a stabilizer. There is limited research... Read More
EDTA. Acronym for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a stabilizer used in cosmetics to prevent ingredients... Read More
egg yolk. Egg yolk is mostly water and lipids (fats), especially cholesterol, which makes it a good emollient... Read More
eicosapentaenoic acid. Fatty acid derived from salmon oil; it is a good emollient for skin. It has also been shown to... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Elaeis guineensis. See palm oil

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts
elastin. Major component of skin that gives it flexibility. Sun damage causes elastin in skin to... Read More
elderberry. Also known as black elderberry or Sambucus nigra, this plant has potent antioxidant... Read More
elecampane. Latin name Inula helenium; it is a plant that can be very irritating to the skin and can trigger... Read More
emollient. Supple, waxlike, lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and... Read More
emu oil. The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird indigenous to Australia. The oil... Read More
emulsifier. When it comes to cosmetics, an emulsifier refers to any ingredient that helps keep unlike... Read More
English ivy extract. Can be a skin irritant due to its stimulant and astringent (skin-constricting) properties (Source:... Read More
ensulizole. Sunscreen agent, formerly known as phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid. Ensulizole is the established... Read More
Enteromorpha compressa extract. Extract from green algae.

enzymes. Vast group of protein molecules, produced by all living things, that act as catalysts in chemical... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Leave-On Exfoliant
epidermal growth factor (EGF). Stimulates cell division of many different cell types. There is research showing it to be helpful... Read More
epigallocatechin gallate. One of the active constituents of green tea believed to be responsible for its many health... Read More
Epilobium angustifolium extract. Extract derived from a plant commonly known as fireweed or
willow herb. Can have antimicrobial... Read More

Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
Equisetum arvense. See horsetail extract

ergocalciferol. Technical name for vitamin D.

ergothioneine. A substance derived from animal tissue or various types of mushrooms that has potent antioxidant... Read More
Eriobotrya japonica. See loquat extract

erythropoietin (Epo). Stimulates the growth of cells that carry oxygen throughout the body (Source: Melanoma Research,... Read More
erythrulose. Substance chemically similar to the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone. Depending on your skin... Read More
escin. Extract derived from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), this ingredient has been prescribed... Read More
esculin. Component of horse chestnut, it is considered a toxin and is not recommended for skin (Source:... Read More
essential oil. See volatile oil

Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts
ester. A compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid via the elimination of water.... Read More
Ester-C. Trade name for a combination form of vitamin C that contains mainly calcium ascorbate, but in... Read More
estradiol. One of the three main forms of estrogen produced by the body; the other two are estrone and... Read More
ethanol. See alcohol

ethoxydiglycol. See solvent

ethyl alcohol. See alcohol

ethyl macadamiate. Mixture of fatty acids from macadamia nut oil.

ethyl vanillin. Flavoring agent derived from vanilla. It has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. See octyl methoxycinnamate

ethylhexyl palmitate. A mixture of a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid that functions as an emollient.
ethylhexyl stearate. See stearic acid

ethylhexylglycerin. A synthetic skin-conditioning agent and as a preservative or as a carrier or suspending agent for... Read More
Categories: Preservatives, Miscellaneous
ethylparaben. See parabens

eucalyptus extract. Extract that may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties on the skin (Source: Skin... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Irritants, Plant Extracts
eucalyptus oil. Fragrant plant oil whose active constituents are found in the leaves and the oil obtained from... Read More
Eugenia aromatica. See clove oil

Eugenia caryophyllus. See clove oil

eugenol. See clove oil, methyleugenol

Euphorbia cerifera wax. See candelilla wax

Euphrasia officinalis. See eyebright

Euterpe oleraca. See aai

evening primrose oil. Can have significant anti-inflammatory and emollient benefits for skin (Sources: Surgeon, February... Read More
Evodia rutaecarpa extract. A species of Asian tree whose fragrant fruit functions as a good antiinflammatory agent in... Read More
Ext. D&C. Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA (www.fda.gov), when Ext. D&C is followed by a color,... Read More
eyebright. A plant; although the name sounds like it would be beneficial for the eye area, there are no... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
faex. A type of yeast.

Fagus sylvatica extract. See yeast

farnesol. Extract of plants that is used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance. A few animal studies and some... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
farnesyl acetate. See farnesol

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
fatty acid. Substance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as... Read More
fatty alcohol. Made from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.... Read More
FD&C colors. General term for any color additive deemed to be safe and FDA-approved for use in foods, drugs, and... Read More
FD&C. Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA, when FD&C is followed by a color, the color is... Read More
fennel oil. Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
fennel seed extract. Can have antioxidant properties, but on skin it can be a skin irritant and photosensitizer (Source:... Read More
ferric ammonium ferrocyanide. Inorganic salt of ferric ferrocyanide.

ferric ferrocyanide. Also known as Iron Blue, a coloring agent used in cosmetic products, including those designed for... Read More
Ferula foetida. See ferulic acid

Ferula galbaniflua. See galbanum

ferulic acid. A plant-based antioxidant. Research suggests that it provides antioxidant and sunprotective... Read More
feverfew extract. A plant that can be very irritating to the skin and can trigger allergic reactions. The irritation... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Irritants, Plant Extracts
fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Within the body, stimulates growth of the nervous system and bone formation.
fibronectin. Type of protein found in the skins intercellular matrix, similar to collagen and elastin.... Read More
Ficus carica fruit extract. See fig

fig. Fruit that contains psoralens, which are compounds that may cause photodermatitis. Topical... Read More
Filipendula glaberrima. Also known as Nakai, the root of this plant extract has been shown in vitro to be not only a potent... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Plant Extracts
Filipendula rubra. See meadowsweet extract

film-forming agent. Large group of ingredients that are typically found in hair-care products, but that are also widely... Read More
fir needle oil. Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
fireweed extract. Extract from the Epilobium angustifolium plant; also known as willow herb.
fish cartilage extract. May have water-binding properties, but there is no research showing that this has any benefit for... Read More
flavonoid. See bioflavonoid

flavor. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the term "flavor" on a product label signifies... Read More
flax. Plant source of linen and edible seeds. Flax seeds and seed oil have antioxidant properties... Read More
flaxseed oil. From seeds of the flax plant; a source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3.
floralozone. One of a number of synthetic fragrant components.

Foeniculum vulgare extract. See fennel oil, fennel seed extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants
folic acid. Part of the B-vitamin complex; when taken orally, it is a good antioxidant. That benefit has not... Read More
formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Common type of preservative found in cosmetics (Source: Contact Dermatitis, December 2000, pages... Read More
fragrance. One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart... Read More
frankencense extract. Fragrant component used in skin-care products; it can be a skin irritant. There is no research... Read More
free-radical damage. Occurrence that takes place at an atomic level and is a complex physiological process. Molecules... Read More
fructose. Often called fruit sugar, fructose is a type of sugar composed of glucose. It has waterbinding... Read More
fruit acid. See sugarcane extract

Fu ling. See Poria cocos extract

Fucus vesiculosus extract. See bladderwrack extract

fuller's earth. Mineral substance that is similar to kaolin (a clay). Composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron... Read More
fumaric acid. Naturally occurring acid that has been proven effective for systemic and topical treatment of... Read More
Rating
Ingredient GABA. GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid/gamma amino-butyric acid) is an amino acid synthesized in the brain... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
galactoarabinan. Polysaccharide extracted from the western larch tree.

galbanum. Fragrant substance that, because of its resin and volatile oil content, can be extremely irritating... Read More
gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Fatty acid used in cosmetics as an emollient, antioxidant, and cell regulator. GLA is considered to... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Emollients
Ganoderma lucidum extract. Mushroom stem extract. There is no research showing it to be effective when used topically on skin... Read More
Gardenia florida extract. Flower extract used in cosmetics to impart fragrance; also functions as an antioxidant (Source:... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts
gelatin. Protein obtained from plants or animals and used in cosmetics as a thickening agent.
Gellidiela acerosa extract. Extract derived from a type of algae.

genistein. Plant component (most often from soy) that is a rich source of antioxidants, though it can also be... Read More
Gentiana lutea (Gentian) root extract. Active part of the gentian plant, constituents of which are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts
geranium extract. Extract that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Phytomedicine, June 2000, pages... Read More
geranium oil. Fragrant oil that can have antimicrobial properties but also can be a skin sensitizer or irritant... Read More
Geranium pretense. Geranium plant.

Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Irritants, Plant Extracts
Germaben II. Trade name for diazolidinyl urea.

ginger extract. Extract from a plant in the Zingiberacae family that has research showing it has... Read More
ginger oil. See ginger extract

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. Research shows this potent antioxidant helps improve blood flow. It is often used in anti-cellulite... Read More
ginseng. Herb in the family Araliaceae, native to Asia. A small number of studies carried out on animals... Read More
GLA. See gamma linolenic acid (GLA)

Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Emollients
glabridin. Main ingredient in licorice extract. It has anti-inflammatory properties. There is research showing... Read More
gluconolactone. See polyhydroxy acid

glucose. Monosaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

glucose tyrosinate. See tyrosine

glutamic acid. Amino acid derived from wheat gluten. It can have water-binding properties for skin. There is no... Read More
glutamine. Can help improve the barrier function of skin (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry, July 1998,... Read More
glutathione. Potent antioxidant (Source: Free Radical Research, March 2002, pages 329340).
glycereth-26. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycereth-26 phosphate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycereth-6 laurate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerin. Also called glycerol or glycerine; it is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or... Read More
glycerine. See glycerin

glycerol. See glycerin

glycerol monostearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerol triacetate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerol trioleate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl behanate. A simple mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occuring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl behenate... Read More
Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
glyceryl cocoate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl dibehanate. A complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl... Read More
glyceryl dipalmitate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl distearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl ester. Large group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. At room temperature, the fats are... Read More
glyceryl isopalmitate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl isostearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl myristate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl oleate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl palmitate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
glyceryl polymethacrylate. A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a filmforming agent. It has a... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
glyceryl stearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl stearate SE. Widely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (thats what the SE stands for) form of... Read More
glycine. See amino acid

Glycine soja oil. Oil derived from wild soybeans; it has emollient properties.
Glycine soja seed extract. See soy extract

Glycine soja sterols. A sterol is a solid complex alcohol derived from animals and plants. In this case, the sterols are... Read More
glycogen. Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

glycol stearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent.

glycolic acid. See AHA

glycolipid. Type of lipid composed of sugar (monosaccharide) and fat (lipid) that forms an important component... Read More
Categories: Skin-Identical Ingredients, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
glycoproteins. Cell-to-cell communicating ingredients created when a protein links with a carbohydrate.... Read More
glycosaminoglycans. Also known as mucopolysaccharides; these are a fundamental component of skin tissue, and are... Read More
glycosphingolipid. See glycolipid, natural moisturizing factor (NMF)

glycyrrhetic acid. Extract from licorice that has anti-inflammatory properties (Sources: American Journal of... Read More
Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice plant.

gold. Relatively common allergen that can induce dermatitis about the face and eyelids (Source: Cutis,... Read More
goldenseal. A plant that may have antibacterial or antiviral properties when taken orally. There is no
evidence... Read More

Gossypium herbacuem seed oil. Also known as cotton seed oil, this non-fragrant plant oil that research has shown has anti-cancer... Read More
gotu kola. See Centella asiatica

grape seed extract. Contains chemical constituents such as proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and... Read More
grape seed oil. Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil that also has excellent antioxidant properties. For... Read More
grapefruit oil. Citrus oil whose volatile components (chiefly substances known as furocoumarins) are irritating to... Read More
green tea. Significant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea,... Read More
gromwell. See Lithospermum erythrorhizon

guaiac wood. Used as a fragrant extract in cosmetics; it is a potent skin irritant.

Guaiacum officinale. See guaiac wood

guar gum. Plant-derived thickening agent

guarana. Herb that contains two and a half times more caffeine than coffee. It can have constricting... Read More
gums. Substances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Irritants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
Rating
Ingredient Haematococcus pluvialis extract. See astaxanthin extract

Hamamelis virginiana. See witch hazel

hamamelitannin. Tannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin irritant, but it also has potent antioxidant... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants
Haslea ostrearia extract. Extract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... Read More
hawthorn extract. Extract that when taken orally may improve circulation (Source: Phytomedicine, 1994, volume 1,... Read More
hayflower extract. Plant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be an irritant. There is no... Read More
hazelnut oil. Oil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.
heavy water. Water in which hydrogen atoms have been replaced by deuterium; it is used chiefly as a coolant in... Read More
Hedera helix. See English ivy extract

hedione. Synthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin irritant.
Helianhtus annuus seed oil. See sunflower oil

Helianthus oil. See sunflower oil

hemp seed oil. From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Because both hemp and marijuana are from the genus Cannabis,... Read More
hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Stimulates division in cells lining the liver, skin cells, and cells that produce skin color.
hesperidin. Flavonoid found in various plants such as citrus and evening primrose oil. It has potential as a... Read More
hesperidin methyl chalcone. Citrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to banish dark undereye circles. There is... Read More
hexyl laurate. Skin-conditioning agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid.
hexyldecanol. A synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
hexylene glycol. See propylene glycol

Himanthalia elongate extract. Extract of a species of algae.

Hippophae rhamnoides. See sea buckthorn

histidine. See amino acid

hoelen. A mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Preservatives
homosalate. FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is... Read More
honey. A substance produced by bees from the nectar of certain flowering plants. Primarily consumed as... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Vitamins
honey extract. See honey

Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Vitamins
honeysuckle flower extract. Plant extract that functions as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids... Read More
hops. There is no research showing that hops have any benefit for skin. However, components in hops may... Read More
Hordeum vulgare extract. See barley extract

horse chestnut extract. May have anti-inflammatory properties for skin. Orally it has been shown to reduce edema in the... Read More
horse elder. See elecampane

horseradish. Plant that can irritate skin and should never be applied to abraded skin.
horsetail extract. Plant extract that has a high tannin, alkaloid, and nicotine content, which can have... Read More
Hortonia floribunda leaf extract. No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it and other plant components... Read More
Huang qi. See milk vetch root

human growth factor. The topic of human growth factor (HGF) is exceedingly complicated. The physiological intricacies of... Read More
humectant.
Humulus lupulus extract. See hops

hyaluronic acid. Component of skin tissue that is used in skin-care products as a good skin-identical ingredient.... Read More
Hydnocarpus anthelmintica. See chaulmoogra oil

Hydrastis canadenis. See goldenseal

hydrocortisone. Hormone from the adrenal gland that can also be created synthetically. It has potent... Read More
hydrocotyl extract. See Centella asiatica

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
hydrogen peroxide. There is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a... Read More
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... Read More
hydrogenated lecithin. See lecithin

Categories: Emollients, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
hydrogenated olive oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients
hydrogenated palm glycerides. Palm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Skin-Identical Ingredients
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.

hydrolyzed collagen. A form of animal or fish collagen that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving... Read More
hydrolyzed corn starch. A form of the natural absorbent corn starch that has been hydrolyzed, which means it has undergone... Read More
hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans. A skin-identical ingredient that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... Read More
hydrolyzed jojoba esters. Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with... Read More
hydrolyzed jojoba protein. Protein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical... Read More
hydrolyzed silk. See silk

Categories: Antioxidants, Slip Agents
hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Composed of various protein substances derived from vegetables and broken down by water to form a... Read More
hydrolyzed wheat protein. Protein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Plant Extracts
hydroquinone. Strong inhibitor of melanin production that has long been established as the most effective... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Antioxidants, Prescription Drugs
hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl 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... Read More
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
hydroxylated lecithin. See lecithin

hydroxyproline. Derived from the amino acid proline, hydroxyproline is a fundamental component of collagen and... Read More
hydroxypropyl guar. See guar gum

Hypericum extract. See St. John's wort

hypoallergenic. Term used by the cosmetics industry to lead consumers to believe they are using a product that will... Read More
hyssop. Fragrant plant extract that may have some antibacterial properties (Source: International Journal... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts
Rating
Ingredient
idebenone. A synthetic antioxidant similar to coenzyme Q10. Idebenone got a lot of press as the best... Read More
Ilex paraguariensis. See yerba mate extract

Illicium vernum. See anise

imidazolidinyl urea. Considered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea because it is active against... Read More
inactive ingredient. The list of inactive ingredients is the part of an ingredient label that is not regulated by the... Read More
inositol. Major component of lecithin that may have water-binding properties for skin. It is not a vitamin,... Read More
insulinlike growth factor (IGF). Stimulates fat cells and connective tissue cells.
intercellular matrix. "Mortar" that holds layers of skin cells together, creating a contiguous natural, external barrier.... Read More
interleukin (IL). Stimulates growth of white blood cells.

Inula helenium. See elecampane

iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. A synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less. It is very... Read More
Iris florentina extract. See orris root

Irish moss extract. Type of red algae.

iron oxides. Compounds of iron that are used as colorings in some cosmetics. They also are used as a metal... Read More
isobutyl acetate. See solvent

isobutylparaben. See parabens

isocetyl salicylate. See sodium salicylate

isododecane. Hydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and... Read More
isoflavone. Plant estrogen with potent antioxidant properties (Source: Free Radical Biology and Medicine,... Read More
isohexadecane. Used as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics.
isoleucine. See amino acid

isononyl isononanoate. An ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Occurs naturally in cocoa and lavender oil.
isoparaffin. See paraffin

isopropyl alcohol. See alcohol

isopropyl cloprostenate. A synthetic ingredient developed by the company that markets the lashand brow-growth product... Read More
isopropyl lanolate. Derived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
isopropyl myristate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. Historically, animal testing has shown it... Read More
isopropyl palmitate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. As is true for any emollient or thickening... Read More
isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer . A synthetic, siliconeenhanced polymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium... Read More
Categories: Silicones, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
isostearamide DEA. Used as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent.

isostearic acid. Fatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener.

isotretinoin. Anti-acne drug thats derived from vitamin A. This drug works by essentially stopping oil... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins, Prescription Drugs
ivy extract. See English ivy extract

Rating
Ingredient
Japan wax. Vegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in... Read More
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
jasmine oil. Fragrant oil, often used as a source of perfume, that can be a skin irritant or sensitizer... Read More
Jasminium grandiflorum. See jasmine oil

jewelweed. Has antifungal properties (Sources: www.naturaldatabase.com; and Plant Physiology, April 2002,... Read More
jojoba butter. The fattiest portion of jojoba oil, used as an intensive emollient.
jojoba esters. A complex mixture of esters from jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil. The result is
an... Read More

jojoba oil. Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

jojoba wax. Semi-solid portion of jojoba oil.

jonquil extract. Fragrant plant extract that poses a strong risk of skin irritation.
Ju hua. See chrysanthemum extract

jujube fruit extract. Asian plant extract that has anti-inflammatory action and may also provide antibacterial benefit... Read More
juniper berry. Can have anti-inflammatory properties for skin (Source: Pharmacology and Toxicology, February 1998,... Read More
Juniperus communis. See juniper berry

Rating
Ingredient
kaolin. Naturally occurring clay mineral (silicate of aluminum) that is used in cosmetics for its absorbent... Read More
Kathon CG. See methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone

kava-kava extract. Extract of the Piper methysticum plant that has analgesic (anti-inflammatory) properties, but... Read More
kawa extract. See kava-kava extract

kelp extract. See algae

Kigelia africana extract. Extract of African plant commonly known as the sausage tree. The African lore about this extract is... Read More
kinetin. Trade name N6-furfuryladenine, a plant hormone responsible for cell division. As a... Read More
kiwi fruit extract. As a food, kiwi has significant antioxidant properties that may even be greater than those of... Read More
kojic acid. By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake, Japanese... Read More
kojic dipalmitate. A mixture of kojic acid and palmitic acid. It functions as a skin-conditioning agent and can help... Read More
kola nut. One of the major components of the kola nut is caffeine, which can be a skin irritant. However,... Read More
kudzu root. Source of isoflavone, genistein, and daidzein, all plant estrogens (Sources: Phytochemistry, June... Read More
kukui nut oil. Oil from a plant native to Hawaii; it has emollient properties for skin (Source: Journal of the... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acid extracted from milk, although most forms used in cosmetics are synthetic. It... Read More
Lactobacillus bifidus. Type of friendly bacteria found in the intestine that helps maintain a healthy natural flora in... Read More
lactobionate. Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

lactobionic acid. See polyhydroxy acid

lactoperoxidase. Enzyme derived from milk; it has antibacterial properties for skin and may be helpful for... Read More
lady's thistle extract. Extract for which there is a great deal of research showing it has many medical health applications... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Plant Extracts
lady's mantle extract. See Alchemilla vulgaris

Lagerstroemia indica extract. No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it is used as a mosquito... Read More
Laminaria digitata. See algae

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Laminaria longicruris. See algae

Laminaria ochroleuca extract. The Latin name for a species of kelp, also known as brown seaweed. Applied topically, it helps... Read More
Laminaria saccharine. See algae

Lamium album flower extract. A species of the nettle plant that is used topically as an antiinflammatory owing to its saponin... Read More
lanolin. Emollient, very thick substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep. Lanolin has long been... Read More
lanolin alcohol. Emollient derived from lanolin.

lappa extract. See burdock root

Larrea divaricata extract. See chaparral extract

Larrea tridentata. See chaparral extract

L-ascorbic acid. Form of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent (Sources:... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Irritants
Latisse. Brand name for the prescription drug whose active ingredient is the prostaglandin analogue... Read More
lauramphocarboxyglycinate. Mild detergent cleansing agent.

laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein . See quaternium ammonium compounds, soy extract
laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein. See quaternium ammonium compounds

laureth-23. Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... Read More
laureth-4. Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... Read More
laureth-7. A form of lauryl alcohol (a non-irritating fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil) that can... Read More
laureths. Substances that in various combinations create a wide range of mild detergent cleansing agents... Read More
lauroyl lysine. Amino acid derivative that functions as a skin- and hair-conditioning agent. It also contributes to... Read More
Laurus nobilis. See bay leaf oil

lauryl alcohol. See surfactant

lauryl glucoside. See surfactant

lauryl lactate. Mixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone. A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin/hair... Read More
Categories: Emulsifiers, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Miscellaneous
lavandin oil. Essential oil of the hybrid lavender plant Lavandula hybrida and used in cosmetics as a fragrance... Read More
Lavandula angustifolia. See lavender extract and oil

Lavandula officinalis. See lavender extract and oil

lavender extract and oil. Widely-used plant that's a member of the mint family. It is primarily a fragrance ingredient,... Read More
L-carnitine. Also known as carboxylic acid, it is often erroneously labeled an amino acid (which it is not). It... Read More
L-cysteine. See antioxidant

lecithin. Phospholipid found in egg yolks and the membranes of plant and animal cells. It is widely used in... Read More
lemon. Potent skin sensitizer and irritant. Though it can have antibacterial properties, the irritation... Read More
lemon balm. See balm mint extract

lemon oil. Can be a skin irritant, especially on abraded skin (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com).
lemongrass extract. Extract that can have antibacterial properties (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2000,... Read More
lemongrass oil. Also known as Oil of Verbena; can be effective as a mosquito repellent (Source: Phytomedicine,... Read More
Lentinus edodes extract. Extract from the shiitake mushroom that may have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties,... Read More
Leontopodium alpinum extract. Plant extract whose constituents are capable of provding antioxidant and... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants
Leptospermum scoparium oil. See manuka oil

leucine. Amino acid.

Levisticum officinale root extract. See lovage root extract

licorice extract. Extract that has anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Healthnotes Review of Complementary and... Read More
licorice root. See licorice extract

Lilium candidum bulb extract. Extract derived from the white lily bulb. There is no research showing this has any benefit for... Read More
lime (oil or extract). Citrus fruit whose volatile compounds are skin irritants and photosensitizing (Source:... Read More
Limnanthes alba. Plant commonly known as meadowfoam; its seed oil is a non-volatile plant oil used as a... Read More
Limnanthes alba seed oil. See meadowfoam seed oil

limonene. Chemical constituent of many fragrant natural ingredients, notably citrus oils (d-limonene) and... Read More
linalool. Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a potent skin irritant, allergen, or... Read More
linden flower extract. Major active constituents in linden are flavonoids and glycosides. Flavonoids are potent... Read More
linoleic acid. Unsaturated fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. There is some... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Emollients, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
linseed oil. Non-volatile plant oil. Linoleic acid is a component of linseed oil.
Linum usitatissimum extract. See linseed oil

lipid. Wide range of ingredients found in plants, animals, and human skin. Lipids include fatty acids,... Read More
liposomes. Delivery system (not an ingredient) capable of holding other ingredients and releasing them after... Read More
lithium magnesium sodium silicate. Synthetic silica-based clay composed of lithium, sodium, and magnesium. Used as a thickening agent... Read More
Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Also known as gromwell, the root of this plant is believed to have antioxidant, anti-tumor, and... Read More
Litsea cubeba. See lemongrass oil

locust bean. See gums

Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Irritants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
Lonicera caprifolium flower extract. See honeysuckle flower extract

Lonicera japonica . Honeysuckle extract. A plant with soothing properties for skin.
Lonicera japonica flower extract. See honeysuckle flower extract

loquat extract. Extract derived from a subtropical flower that has antioxidant and antitumor properties similar to... Read More
lotus seed extract. Extract that can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Sources: Planta Medica, August... Read More
lovage root extract. Extract that is administered orally as a diuretic. In cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance.... Read More
Luffa cylindrica seed oil or extract. Components of a plant that have antifungal properties (Source: Peptides, June 2002, pages... Read More
lupine. Legume that is a source of isoflavones, a form of plant estrogen that has antioxidant properties... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Irritants, Plant Extracts
lupine oil. Extract of Lupinus albus, a legume; it has emollient and antioxidant properties, though it may also... Read More
Lupinus albus extract. Species of legume.

lutein. Carotenoid that has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology, May... Read More
lycopene. Carotenoid pigment that has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology,... Read More
lye. See potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide

Categories: Irritants, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
lysine. Amino acid.

Rating
Ingredient
macadamia nut oil. Used in cosmetics as an emollient for dry skin.

Mad cow disease. Technically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, mad cow disease is a chronic... Read More
madecassoside. One of four principal bioactive compounds in the plant extract Centella asiatica. One double-blind... Read More
magnesium. Earth mineral that has strong absorbent properties and some disinfecting properties. Magnesium... Read More
magnesium aluminum silicate. Powdery, dry-feeling, white solid that is used as a thickening agent and powder in cosmetics.
magnesium ascorbyl palmitate. Fatty acid-based derivative of vitamin C that can be an effective antioxidant. There is some... Read More
magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and an effective antioxidant for skin (Sources:... Read More
magnesium carbonate. Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, coloring agent, or to adjust the pH... Read More
magnesium gluconate. Magnesium is an essential mineral the body uses to maintain circulatory and nervous system... Read More
magnesium hydroxide. Active ingredient in milk of magnesia. It is an absorbent and has antibacterial properties for skin.
magnesium laureth sulfate. Mild detergent cleansing agent.

magnesium oleth sulfate. Mild detergent cleansing agent.

magnesium stearate. Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

magnesium sulfate. Commonly known as Epsom salt, a magnesium salt used as a thickening agent.
malic acid. See AHA

mallow. Can be used as a thickening agent in cosmetics and may have anti-inflammatory and soothing... Read More
Malva sylvestris extract. Extract from the blue mallow flower, it may have some anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for... Read More
malvaceae extract. Extract from plants of the Malvaceae family, which includes over 1,000 species, found in tropical... Read More
mandarin orange oil or extract. Primarily used as a fragrance; it can be a skin irritant. There is no research showing it has any... Read More
mandelic acid. Alpha hydroxy acid, also known as amygdalic acid. There is scant research showing this to be an... Read More
manganese gluconate. Mineral found in trace amounts in tissues of the body. While manganese plays a vital role in the... Read More
manganese violet. Coloring agent/additive permanently listed (as of 1976) by the FDA for use in cosmetic products,... Read More
Mangifera indica root. Extract derived from the mango tree; it can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of... Read More
manuka oil. Extract derived from the New Zealand tea tree; the oil is similar to that of the Australian tea... Read More
marigold. See calendula extract

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
marionberry. Fruit that has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, June... Read More
marjoram. Herb with a fragrant component used in cosmetics; can be a skin irritant.
marshmallow. See mallow

Mastocarpus stellatus. See algae

mate extract. See yerba mate extract

matricaria oil. See chamomile

matrix metalloproteinases. Also called MMPs, a group of 23 different enzymes that cause substances in the body to break down.... Read More
MEA. Abbreviation for monoethanolamine.

meadowfoam seed oil. Non-fragrant, edible plant oil originally developed as an agricultural crop in the 1950s. It... Read More
meadowsweet extract. Extract that can have anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... Read More
Medicago sativa. See alfalfa extract

Melaleuca alternifolia. See tea tree oil

Melaleuca cajeputi oil. There is no research showing that this oil, which is derived from a plant in the same family as the... Read More
melasma. Melasma or chloasma are brownish discolorations of the face, hands, chest, and neck. Pregnancy is a... Read More
Melia azadirachta. See neem extract or oil

melibiose. Saccharide that can have good water-binding properties.

Melissa officinalis. See balm mint extract, counter-irritant

Mentha arvensis. See cornmint

Mentha piperita. See counter-irritant, peppermint

Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Irritants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
Mentha spicata. See counter-irritant, spearmint oil

Categories: Plant Extracts, Irritants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
Mentha viridis. See counter-irritant, spearmint oil

Categories: Plant Extracts, Irritants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
menthol. Derived from peppermint; menthol can have the same irritating effect as peppermint on skin (Source:... Read More
menthone. Major constituent of peppermint.

menthoxypropanediol. Synthetic derivative of menthol. It is known to produce effects that are twice as strong as... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
menthyl anthranilate. Also known as meradimate, this is a synthetic sunscreen active is a partially effective UVA... Read More
menthyl lactate. Used as a cooling agent and fragrance in cosmetics. It is a derivative of menthol and is supposed... Read More
meradmiate. See menthyl anthranilate

methanol. See alcohol

methicone. One of the simpler silicones due to its less complex molecular structure.
methionine. See amino acid, antioxidant

methy glucose sesquistearate. A mixure of the diesters of methyl glucoside and stearic acid. Functions as a skin-conditioning... Read More
methyl gluceth-20. Liquid that functions as a water-binding and skin-conditioning agent.

methyl trimethicone. See silicone

methylchloroisothiazolinone. In combination with methylisothiazolinone, it goes by the trade name Kathon CG (among others).... Read More
methyldibromo glutaronitrile. Formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source: Contact Dermatitis, December 2000, pages... Read More
methyldihydrojasmonate. Synthetic fragrant component.

methyleugenol. Natural constituent of plant oils such as those from rose, basil, blackberry, cinnamon, and anise.... Read More
methylisothiazolinone. Preservative that is generally recommended only for use in rinse-off products such as cleansers or... Read More
methylparaben. See parabens

methylpropanediol. Glycol that functions as a solvent. Methylpropanediol can enhance the penetration of ingredients... Read More
methylsilanol mannuronate. See silicone

methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate. A glyceryl ester used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
methylsufonylsulfate. See antioxidant

methylsulfonylmethane. Also known as MSM. There is no published research to back up claims made about any benefit this... Read More
Mexoryl SX. Also called ecamsule (technical name terephthalylidine dicamphor sulfonic acid), Mexoryl SX is a... Read More
mica. Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine.
microcrystalline wax. Plastic-type, highly refined wax derived from petroleum. Used as a thickener and to give products a... Read More
Microcystis aeruginosa. Latin name for spirulina.

milk protein. See protein

milk vetch root. There is a good deal of research showing this root has antioxidant properties (Source:... Read More
millet seed extract. Extract from a cereal grain that has no established benefit for skin, but is added to cosmetic... Read More
mimosa oil or extract. Extract used as a fragrance in cosmetics.

mineral oil. Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely... Read More
mint. Can be a skin irritant and cause contact dermatitis.

Mitracarpe scaber extract. Extract from a plant native to West Africa, it has been shown to have some antimicrobial properties... Read More
mixed fruit extracts. See sugarcane extract

montan wax. A type of natural wax derived from lignite, which is a type of coal thats made from wood. Most... Read More
montmorillonite. See bentonite

Morinda citrifolia. See noni juice

Morus bombycis root extract. See mulberry extract

Morus nigra root extract. See black mulberry

mucopolysaccharide. Also known as glycosaminoglycans. This is a large class of ingredients that includes hyaluronic... Read More
Mucor miehei extract. Extract of a type of mold whose enzymes are used as a food additive and flavor enhancer in cheeses.... Read More
mugwort extract. There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin (Sources:... Read More
mulberry extract. Due to its arbutin content, this extract can have some value in preventing melanin production.... Read More
myristic acid. Detergent cleansing agent that also creates foam and can be drying.
myristyl myristate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

myristyl nicotinate. A derivative of nicotinic acid, a component of vitamin B3 (niacin) that isnt the same... Read More
myrrh. Fragrant gum resin that can be a skin irritant. There is little research showing it has any benefit... Read More
myrtle extract. Contains volatile oil and tannins, and can have fungicidal, disinfectant, and antibacterial... Read More
Myrtus communis extract. See myrtle extract

Rating
Ingredient
N6-furfuryladenine. Technical name for kinetin.

N-acetyl-L tyrosine. See tyrosine

nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are microscopic particles whose size is measured in nanometers. In order to get a... Read More
nanotechnology. A molecular technology that concerns changing any material from its original size and... Read More
NaPCA. See natural moisturizing factor (NMF), sodium PCA

Narcissus poeticus wax. Fragrant flower extract that can cause irritation and dermatitis (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com)
Nardostachys jatamansi. See spikenard

Nasturtium officinale extract. See watercress extract

natto gum. Fermentation product of soy protein. It may be a potent antioxidant (Source: Journal of... Read More
natural ingredient. The FDA has tried to establish official definitions and guidelines for the use of certain terms... Read More
natural moisturizing factor (NMF). One of the primary elements in keeping skin healthy is making sure the structure of the epidermis... Read More
neem extract or oil. Extract from leaves of the neem tree, it has potential toxic effects, although it also has been... Read More
neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent.

neopentyl glycol diheptanoate. Mixture of neopentyl glycol (film-forming agent and solvent) and heptanoic acid (fatty acid made... Read More
neroli. See orange blossom

neroli oil. Fragrant plant oil that can be a skin irritant and sensitizer.
nettle extract. Extract that may have anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Healthnotes Review of... Read More
niacin. See niacinamide

Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins
niacinamide. Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, niacinamide is a potent cellcommunicating ingredient... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins, Anti-Irritants
nicotinamide. See niacinamide

nicotinic acid. See niacinamide

nitrogen. Used as a propellant in cosmetic products; as nitric oxide, it can generate free-radical damage and... Read More
noni juice. Also known as morinda or Morinda citrifolia, comes from a small evergreen tree. The juice from this... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Anti-Irritants
nonoxynols. Used as mild surfactants.

nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Component of some plants that has been shown to have anticancer properties for skin and that may... Read More
nylon-12. Powder substance that is used as an absorbent and thickening agent.

Nymphaea tetragona. Also known as pygmy waterlily. The stem has been shown in vitro to be not only a potent antioxidant... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
oak root extract. Extract that may have antibacterial properties on skin, but that also can be a skin irritant.
oatmeal. Can have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin... Read More
octinoxate. See octyl methoxycinnamate

octisalate. Technical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl... Read More
octocrylene. Sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,... Read More
octyl methoxycinnamate. Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the suns UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy... Read More
octyl palmitate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

octyl salicylate. Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the suns UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy... Read More
octyl stearate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

octyldodecanol. Emulsifier and opacifying agent, used primarily as a thickener in moisturizers because of its... Read More
octyldodecyl myristate. Mixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... Read More
octyldodecyl neopentanoate. Skin-conditioning agent and emollient.

o-cymen-5-ol. Preservative used in cosmetics.

Oenothera biennis oil. See evening primrose oil

Olea europaea fruit oil. See olive oil

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Skin-Identical Ingredients
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables. An unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty... Read More
oleic acid. Fatty acid used as a surfactant and thickening agent.

oleth 10. A form of fatty (non-irritating) oleyl alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant.... Read More
oleths. Mild surfactants.

oleyl erucate. Skin-conditioning agent derived from oleyl alcohol, which is obtained chiefly from fish oil.
olibanum extract. See frankencense extract

olive oil. Emollient plant oil similar to many other non-fragrant plant oils. The concept of olive oil having... Read More
opium poppy seed. Potent analgesic (Source: Phytotherapy Research, September 2000, pages 401418), although... Read More
Categories: Plant Extracts, Anti-Irritants
orange blossom. Fragrant extract that can also be a skin irritant.

Orbignya martiana. See babassu oil

Orbignya oleifera. See babassu oil

orchid. Fragrant flower that can be a skin irritant.

oregano. Has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, but can also be a skin irritant (Source:... Read More
Origanum majorana. See marjoram

Origanum vulgare flower extract. See oregano

orris root. Used primarily as a fragrant component due to its violet-like scent (Source:... Read More
Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Low-dosage birth-control pills (generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) approved for use in the... Read More
Oryza sativa oil. See rice oil

oryzanol. Component of plants and their products, such as rice bran, that has potent antioxidant properties.
oxidoreductase. Large group of enzymes that reduce or block oxygen in different forms from generating free-radical... Read More
oxybenzone. Oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) is a sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the... Read More
oxygen. Many cosmetic products contain antioxidants, ingredients that reduce the negative effect of oxygen... Read More
ozokerite. Mineral that is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks and stick... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
P. elisabethae. The P. is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia.

PABA. See para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Categories: Sunscreen Actives, Irritants
padimate O . Sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the suns UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy... Read More
Padina pavonica extract. See algae

Paeonia albiflora extract. See peony flower

Paeonia suffruticosa extract. See peony root extract

palm kernel acid. A mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers
palm oil. Has emollient and antioxidant properties for skin (Source: Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1997,... Read More
Palmaria palmata extract. Extract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse.
palmarosa oil. See geranium oil

palmitic acid. A fatty acid found naturally in skin and used as the basis for many palmitiate ingredients, such as... Read More
Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Emollients, Skin-Identical Ingredients, Emulsifiers
palmitoyl oligopeptide. A blend of palmitic acid (a fatty acid) with several amino acids, including alanine, arginine,... Read More
palmitoyl pentapeptide 3. Trade name Matrixyl, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. The only research showing this has any... Read More
palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. A synthetic peptide whose trade name is Matrixyl 3000. It is believed to work by muting the effect... Read More
palmitoyl tripeptide-5. See peptides, cell-communicating ingredients

Panax ginseng root extract. Root extract that may have potent antioxidant properties (potentially anti-cancer) and may promote... Read More
Panicum miliaceum. See millet seed extract

pansy extract. Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has anti-inflammatory and... Read More
pantethine. Also known as pantothenic acid.

panthenol. Alcohol form of vitamin B.

pantothenic acid. Also called vitamin B5, and often touted as being effective for acne. However, there is only one... Read More
papain. Enzyme extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can cause severe irritation, itching, and... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Leave-On Exfoliant, Plant Extracts
Papaver somniferum seed. Latin name for the opium poppy seed.
papaya extract. Extract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin,... Read More
para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for allergic reactions.
Categories: Sunscreen Actives, Irritants
parabens. Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,... Read More
paraffin. Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics.

Paraffinum liquidum. See mineral oil

Parsol 1789. See avobenzone

Passiflora edulis extract. See passion fruit extract

passion fruit extract. There is no research showing this has any benefit for skin.
patchouli. Fragrant oil derived from mint. It contains eugenol and can be a skin sensitizer and irritant.
Paullinia cupana seed extract. Also called guarana, this extract is used primarily in herbal supplements and beverages as a... Read More
pawpaw extract. See papaya extract

peanut oil. Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
pecan oil. Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
pectin. Natural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... Read More
PEG 90M. See PEG compound

Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
PEG compound. PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty... Read More
PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
Categories: Emollients, Silicones, Slip Agents, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
PEG-10 dimethicone. See PEG compound, silicone

PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer. A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that functions as skin protectant and helps products adhere... Read More
PEG-10 rapeseed sterol. A blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the
rapeseed plant. Used as a... Read More

PEG-100 stearate. See PEG compound, thickening agent

Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
PEG-12 dimethicone. See silicone, PEG compound

PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate. See surfactant

PEG-150 distearate. See thickening agent

PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate. A complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,... Read More
PEG-32. Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances... Read More
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil. Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil.
Categories: Emollients, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
PEG-40 stearate. PEG-40 stearate typically functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients... Read More
PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil. The chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent.
Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate. See PEG compound, surfactant

PEG-8. See PEG compound

PEG-80 sorbitan laurate. Mild surfactant.

Pelargonium graveolens oil. See geranium oil

pellitory. Plant whose root extract can cause skin irritation; its safety is unknown.
pentadecalactone. Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate. Synthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.

pentasodium pentetate. Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together... Read More
pentylene glycol. A synthetic skin-conditioning agent and solvent.

peony flower. European flower used topically for treating a variety of skin diseases, including skin fissures... Read More
peony root extract. There is research showing that the root of the peony plant can have anticancer properties as well... Read More
peppermint. Both the oil and the extract can have antimicrobial properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural and... Read More
peptides. Peptides are portions of proteins, which are long (or sometimes short) chains of amino acids.... Read More
Perilla ocymoides. Also known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts
Persea gratissima oil. See avocado oil

Persicaria hydropiper. Also known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only... Read More
petitgrain mandarin. See mandarin orange oil or extract

petrolatum. Vaseline is pure petrolatum. For some unknown and unsubstantiated reason, petrolatum has attained a... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Emollients
PHA. See polyhydroxy acid

phenoxyethanol. Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less irritating ones to use in... Read More
phenoxyisopropanol. Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative.

phenyl trimethicone. Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients
phenylalanine. See amino acid

phloretin. A flavonoid substance derived from apples and the bark of apple trees. As for topical application... Read More
phosphatidylcholine. Active ingredient in lecithin. Every cell membrane in the body requires phosphatidylcholine (PC).... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Identical Ingredients, Cell-Communicating Ingredients
phosphatidylethanolamine. See phospholipid

phospholipid. Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential... Read More
phosphoric acid. Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skin-care products.

photosensitizer. Ingredient that can cause the skin to have an irritated or inflamed reaction when exposed to... Read More
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract. Extract that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Sources: Journal of... Read More
phytantriol. Hair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties.
phytic acid. Component of plants that has antioxidant properties.

phytonadione. One form of vitamin K.

phytosphingosine. Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Preservatives
phytosterol. Cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods; the highest concentrations are found in... Read More
Picea excelsa extract. Latin name for hemlock spruce. The extract is used topically for its antiinflammatory properties... Read More
pine oil. Can have disinfectant properties (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, December 1997,... Read More
pineapple extract. Contains the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between skin cells to... Read More
Categories: Leave-On Exfoliant, Plant Extracts
pinecone extract. Components of this extract, specifically linolenic and linoleic acids, can have antioxidant... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
Pinus lambertiana wood extract. Pine extract that may have skin-sensitizing properties (Source: Botanical Dermatology Database,... Read More
Pinus sylvestris extract. See pinecone extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
Piper nigrum. See black pepper extract and oil

pistachio seed oil. Emollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics.
Pistacia vera seed oil. See pistachio seed oil

Pisum sativum. Latin name for the garden pea. It does have antioxidant activity, but there is no research showing... Read More
plasticizing agents. Ingredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial... Read More
plum extract. Extract of Prunus americana that may have antioxidant activity when applied topically (Source:... Read More
Pogostemon cablin. See patchouli

poloxamer 184. A synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent.

Poloxamer 407. Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients... Read More
poloxamers. See surfactant

polyacrylamide. See film-forming agent

polyacrylate-17. See film-forming agent, polymer

polyaminopropyl biguanide. Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.

polybutene. Polymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant.
polycaprolactone. Biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from the chemical synthesis of crude oil. It may have... Read More
polyethylene. A form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded... Read More
Categories: Scrub Agents, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
polyethylene glycol. Also listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed... Read More
Categories: Scrub Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
polyglucuronic acid. See film-forming agent

polyglycerol monostearate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate. A mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a... Read More
polyglyceryl methacrylate. See film-forming agent

polyglyceryl-3 beeswax. The ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and... Read More
polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate. See glyceryl ester

polyglyceryl-4 isostearate. The ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a... Read More
polyglyceryl-6 isostearate. The ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in... Read More
Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers
Polygonum cuspidatum root extract. Extract of the Japanese knotweed plant. When eaten it may have weak estrogenic activity (Source:... Read More
polyhydroxy acid. Ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). They... Read More
polyhydroxystearic acid. Synthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent.
polyisobutene. A polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening... Read More
polymer. A word that literally means many parts. Any of numerous compounds having a high... Read More
polymethyl methacrylate. See film-forming agent

polymethylsilsesquioxane. A polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane.
polyquaternium-10. See polymer, quaternium ammonium compounds

Categories: Miscellaneous, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
polyquaterniums. Group of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming... Read More
polysaccharide. Natural component of skin that can be a good water-binding agent and potentially have antioxidant... Read More
polysilicone-11. Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer.
Categories: Silicones
polysorbate 20. See polysorbates

polysorbate 80. See polysorbates

polysorbates. Large group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts.... Read More
polyvinyl alcohol. An irritating form of alcohol that often serves as the main ingredient in peel-off facial masks.
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Irritants
polyvinylpyrrolidone. Usually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients... Read More
pomegranate extract. Pomegranate and its extracts have antioxidant and anticancer properties that, while not... Read More
Poria cocos extract. Also known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and... Read More
Porphyridium cruentum extract. Extract derived from a type of red algae. There is research showing components of red algae contain... Read More
Portulaca oleracea extract. Extract that may have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties (Sources: Journal of... Read More
potassium. Important element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus. It is also an earth... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Irritants, Plant Extracts
potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate. Blend of vitamins C and E with phosphorus that functions as an antioxidant.
potassium cetyl phosphate. Used as a detergent cleansing agent.

potassium hydroxide. Also known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to modulate the... Read More
potassium myristate. Detergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and sensitizing for some... Read More
potassium phosphate. An inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH... Read More
potassium sorbate. Used as a preservative due to its ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth in cosmetic products.... Read More
PPG-12 buteth-16. Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning... Read More
PPG-14 butyl ether. Used as a hair- and skin-conditioning agent.

PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate. Mixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning
agent and, in some cases, as a... Read More

PPG-20 methyl glucose ether. A synthetic ingredient that funtions as hair- and skin-conditioning agent. The "PPG" designation... Read More
pregnenolone acetate . Precursor to other hormones, it can affect levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body when... Read More
preservatives. Substances used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial and microbial contamination of products. While... Read More
progesterone USP. Female sex hormone secreted by the body but capable of being manufactured in a lab setting. Use of... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Prescription Drugs
proline. See amino acid

propolis. Brownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has... Read More
propylene carbonate. Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.

propylene glycol. Along with other glycols and glycerol, this is a humectant or humidifying and delivery ingredient... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Slip Agents
propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate. A gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It is a mix of propylene glycol... Read More
propylene glycol isostearate. A mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an... Read More
propylene glycol laurate. The ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats.
propylene glycol stearate. Mixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
propylparaben. See parabens

prostaglandin analogue. Prostaglandins are a group of potent, hormone-like substances that exist or are synthesized in... Read More
proteases. Enzymes that are part of a process that causes the breakdown of amino acids and proteins in skin... Read More
protein. Proteins are the fundamental components of all living cells and include a diverse range of... Read More
Prunella vulgaris. See self-heal

Prunus americana. See plum extract

Prunus amygdalus dulcis. See sweet almond

Prunus armeniaca. See apricot kernel oil

Prunus domestica seed extract. See plum extract

Prunus dulcis. See almond oil

Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. See sea whip extract

Pueraria lobata. See kudzu root

pullulan. Glucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
pumpkin. Plant whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and several antioxidant components, including... Read More
pumpkin seed extract. Type of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Identical Ingredients
Punica granatum extract. See pomegranate extract

purified water. See deionized/demineralized water

PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer. Synthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent.
PVP. See polyvinylpyrrolidone

PVP copolymer. See polyvinylpyrrolidone

PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate. Polymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent... Read More
pycnogenol. Antioxidant derived from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. The term pycnogenol was... Read More
pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCL). Scientific name for vitamin B6; may have antibacterial and antioxidant benefits for skin when... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Antioxidants, Vitamins
Pyrus cydonia. See quince seed

Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Pyrus malus. Species of apple; the pectin derived from it is used as a thickener in cosmetics.
Rating
Ingredient
quaternium ammonium compounds. A wide range of ingredients, called quats for short, that share a unique molecular structure that... Read More
quaternium-15. Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in cosmetics. It can be a skin sensitizer, as can all... Read More
quaternium-18 hectorite. Used as a suspending agent and also has emulsifying properties.
quercetin. Flavonoid pigment that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin has... Read More
quercus. See oak root extract

Quercus infectoria extract. See oak root extract

quillaja extract. Extract of the Chilean soap bark tree. It contains a good amount of saponins, which have cleansing,... Read More
quince seed. Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, but also has skin-constricting properties (Source:... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
quinoa oil. Derived from quinoa grain, it may have antifungal properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
Ranunculus ficaria extract. Extract that may have antibacterial and antifungal properties and that is used in the treatment of... Read More
rapeseed oil. Nonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin (Source: British... Read More
raspberry seed extract. See red raspberry extract

raspberry seed oil. See red raspberry extract
red 27 lake. See D&C colors

red 33. See D&C colors

red 6 lake. See D&C colors

red algae. See algae

red clover. Can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology,... Read More
red raspberry extract. Fruit extract that has potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... Read More
red sandalwood. Has a phytoestrogen component (Source: Phytochemistry, March 2000, pages 605606), but can... Read More
reducing agent. Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skinconditioning... Read More
Renova. See Retin-A, tretinoin

Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Prescription Drugs, Irritants, Vitamins
resorcinol. Considered an effective topical disinfectant in concentrations of 1% to 3% (Source: www.fda.gov).... Read More
resveratrol. Potent polyphenolic antioxidant that is abundant in red grapes and, therefore, in red wine... Read More
Retin-A. One of several prescription-only drugs (others include Renova, Retin-A Micro, and Avita) that... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Prescription Drugs, Irritants, Vitamins
retinoids. Large group of over 2,500 chemicals related to vitamin A. Topical, over-the-counter retinoids... Read More
Categories: Prescription Drugs, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins
retinol. The name for the entire vitamin A molecule. Retinol has value for skin on several fronts: it is a... Read More
Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins, Antioxidants
retinyl palmitate. Form of vitamin A. It is a combination of retinol (pure vitamin A) and palmitic acid. There is... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Vitamins
riboflavin.
Categories: Irritants, Vitamins
rice bran oil. Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any... Read More
rice oil. Emollient similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any... Read More
rice starch. Absorbent substance sometimes included in products rather than talc. It can cause allergic... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Irritants, Plant Extracts
ricinoleate. Glyceryl triester used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

Ricinus communis. See castor oil

RNA. Ribonucleic acid is a single strand of molecules, copied exactly from the DNA in the cell nucleus,... Read More
Robinia pseudacacia extract. See black locust extract

Rosa canina. See rose hip oil

Rosa centifolia. See rose hip oil

Rosa centifolia flower. See rose hip

Rosa damascena oil. Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics.
Rosa eglanteria. See rose hip oil

Rosa gallica flower extract. Fragrant extract.

Rosa mosqueta. See rose hip oil

Rosa roxburghii extract. Extract from the chestnut rose; can be a source of antioxidants for skin, and does not impart... Read More
Rosa rubiginosa. See rose hip oil

rose flower. Highly fragrant substance that can be a skin irritant.

rose flower oil. Fragrant, volatile oil that can be a skin irritant and sensitizer. There is no research showing... Read More
rose hip. See rose hip oil, vitamin C

rose hip oil. Good emollient oil that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Journal of Agricultural Food... Read More
rose oil. Fragrant, volatile oil that can be a skin irritant and sensitizer.
rosemary extract. Extract that can have antioxidant benefit for skin (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... Read More
rosemary oil. See rosemary extract

rosewood oil. Fragrant plant oil with a spicy-sweet scent, also known as bois de rose. It is extracted from wood... Read More
Rosmarinus officinalis extract. See rosemary extract

royal jelly. Milky white, thick substance secreted by worker bees that has been shown to have some... Read More
Rubus idaeus. See red raspberry extract

Rubus occidentalis. See black raspberry

Rubus ursinus. See marionberry

Rubus ursinus x idaeus. See boysenberry

Ruscus aculeatus. See butcher's broom extract

rutin. Bioflavonoid that is extracted from various plants and used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and... Read More
Rating
Ingredient
saccharide isomerate. Good water-binding agent and emollient for skin.

saccharides. See mucopolysaccharide

Saccharomyces calcium ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of calcium ions. It has no known benefit for skin.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Saccharomyces, from the Latin, literally means sugar fungus, and is the scientific... Read More
Saccharomyces copper ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. There
is no known benefit for skin,... Read More

Saccharomyces iron ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of iron ions.
Saccharomyces lysate. See yeast

Saccharomyces magnesium ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of magnesium ions.
Saccharomyces manganese ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of manganese ions.
Saccharomyces officinarum ferment. Derived from the sugarcane plant. Glycolic acid is also derived from sugarcane, but sugarcane... Read More
Saccharomyces potassium ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of potassium ions.
saccharomyces selenium ferment. An ingredient created by the fermentation of the Saccharomyces yeast with the mineral selenium.
Saccharomyces silicon ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of silicon ions.
Saccharomyces zinc ferment. Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of zinc ions.
safflower oil. Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils. Safflower oil can be an antioxidant when... Read More
sage extract. Aromatic plant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage... Read More
salicin. See willow bark

salicylic acid. Referred to as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), it is a multifunctional ingredient that addresses many of... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Leave-On Exfoliant
Salix alba extract. See willow bark

Salix nigra (willow) bark extract. See willow bark

Salvia officinalis. See sage extract

Categories: Plant Extracts, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Sambucus canadensis. See elderberry

Sambucus cerulea. Blue elderberry. May have antioxidant properties for skin (Source: Phytotherapy
Research, February... Read More

Sambucus nigra. See black elderberry

sandalwood oil. Fragrant oil that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (Source: American Journal of... Read More
Santalum album seed extract. Latin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have... Read More
Sapindus mukurossi peel extract. A plant extract that is a natural source of saponin (Source: Chinese Journal of Chromatography,... Read More
Saponaria officinalis extract. See soapwort

Categories: Plant Extracts, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne
saponin. Group of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential as pharmaceutical... Read More
Sargassum filipendula extract. See algae

sausurrea oil. Also called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin... Read More
saw palmetto extract. Plant extract that, when taken orally, has been shown in short-term trials to be efficacious in... Read More
Saxifraga sarmentosa extract. See strawberry begonia

sclareolide. Fermented from clary sage and used as a fragrant component in cosmetics.
sclerotium gum. Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

Scutellaria baicalensis extract. See skullcap extract

SD alcohol. See alcohol

SD alcohol 40-2. Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and irritating to skin when one of the main... Read More
sea buckthorn. Berry extract that grows on a shrub-like tree. Sea buckthorn is believed to have several topical... Read More
sea salt. Can be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB... Read More
Categories: Scrub Agents, Irritants
sea whip extract. Extract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its anti-inflammatory properties... Read More
Seamollient. Trade name for an algae extract.

seaweed. Group of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatinlike... Read More
sebacic acid. Used as a pH adjuster.

selenium. Mineral considered to be a potent antioxidant (Source: Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, June 2002,... Read More
self-heal. Plant that has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties when taken... Read More
Serenoa serrulata extract. See saw palmetto extract

sericin. Scientific name for silk protein.

serine. See amino acid

sesame oil. Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

Sesamum indicum. See sesame oil

sesquioleate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient

Shao-yao. See peony root extract

shea butter. A plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics. Shea butter... Read More
Siegesbeckia orientalis. Chinese herb (also known as St. Pauls wort) for which there is no research showing that it has any... Read More
silica. Mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and... Read More
silica dimethyl silylate. Used as a slip and suspending agent.

Categories: Slip Agents, Silicones
silicate. Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.
silicone. Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it
a... Read More

silk. See silk protein

silk powder. Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.
Categories: Absorbent, Slip Agents
silk protein. Protein substance (also called sericin) formed by converting silk, which is the soft, lustrous... Read More
siloxane. See silicone

silt. A sediment obtained from various bodies of water. Silts absorbent nature helps it function to... Read More
silver. Metallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can... Read More
silver chloride. See silver sulfadiazine

silver sulfadiazine. Can be effective for wound healing (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery, August 1992, pages... Read More
silver tip white tea leaf extract. See green tea, white tea leaf extract
Silybum marianum extract. See lady's thistle extract

simethicone. Mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent.
Simmondsia chinensis. See jojoba oil

sirtuins. An acronym for Silent Information Regulator Two proteins. They are a class of proteins thought to... Read More
skin respiratory factor. See tissue respiratory factor (TRF)

skin-identical ingredients. The termd skin-identical ingredients or "skin-repairing ingredients" refers to... Read More
skullcap extract. Herbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties... Read More
slip agent. Term used to describe a range of ingredients that help other ingredients spread over the skin and... Read More
slippery elm bark. Can be an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory.

soap. True soaps are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not... Read More
soapberry extract. Extract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins.
soapwort. Plant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties. There is some research... Read More
Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents
sodium acrylate/acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer. Synthetic polymer used as a stabilizing and suspending agent and as a thickening agent.
sodium ascorbate. See ascorbic acid

sodium ascorbyl phosphate. A stable, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant (Sources: Journal of... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Vitamins
sodium benzoate. Salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.

sodium bisulfite. Used in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline... Read More
sodium borate. See borate

sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate. Can be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially... Read More
sodium carbomer. A blend of sodium (salt) and carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and filmforming agent.
sodium carbonate. Absorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin irritant.
Categories: Absorbent, Irritants
sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan. A carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions as a binding agent and thickening... Read More
sodium cetearyl sulfate. A mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant.
sodium chloride. More popularly known as common table salt. Used primarily as a binding agent in skin-care products... Read More
sodium chondroitin sulfate. Derived from natural mucopolysaccharides, it functions as a skinconditioning agent and helps... Read More
sodium citrate. Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Preservatives
sodium cocoamphoacetate. A gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and... Read More
sodium cocoate. Used as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and irritating for skin.
sodium cocoyl glutamate. A cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove... Read More
sodium cocoyl isethionate. Derived from coconut, it is a mild detergent cleansing agent.
sodium dehydroacetate. Organic salt used as a preservative.

sodium hexametaphosphate. Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,... Read More
Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Preservatives
sodium hyaluronate. The salt form of skin-idenrical ingredient hyaluronic acid.

sodium hydroxide. Also known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to... Read More
sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Derived from amino acids and used as a skin- and hairconditioning agent, and to a lesser extent as... Read More
sodium lactate. Sodium salt of lactic acid. Used primarily as a water-binding and buffering agent (to adjust a... Read More
sodium lactobionate. White, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in... Read More
sodium laureth sulfate. Can be derived from coconut; it is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. It is considered... Read More
sodium laureth-13 carboxylate. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent.

sodium lauroamphoacetate. Mild surfactant also used as a lather agent.

sodium lauroyl lactylate. Used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it... Read More
sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Surfactant known (and used) for its foam-boosting properties.
sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate. A gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically.
sodium lauryl sulfate. Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
sodium metabisulfite. Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Preservatives
sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Mild surfactant.

sodium methyl taurate. Mild surfactant.

sodium palm kernelate. See sodium palmate, soap

sodium palmate. A soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or... Read More
sodium PCA. PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a natural component of skin that is also a very good... Read More
sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate. A mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters from polyethylene glycol... Read More
sodium phytate. The salt form of the corn-derived plant component phytic acid, used as a chelating agent in... Read More
sodium polyacrylate. A synthetic polymer with multiple functions, including film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent,... Read More
Categories: Absorbent, Emollients, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
sodium salicylate. Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). Because it is not the acid form of salicylate (i.e., salicylic... Read More
sodium silicate. Highly alkaline and potentially irritating antiseptic and mineral used in cosmetics (Source:... Read More
sodium sulfite. Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic... Read More
sodium tallowate. Sodium salt of tallow.

sodium thioglycolate. See thioglycolate

sodium trideceth sulfate. See surfactant

Solanum lycopersicum extract. See tomato extract

Solanum tuberosum extract. Extract that is potato starch. Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.
soluble fish collagen. See collagen

solvent. Describes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down... Read More
Sonojell. Trade name for petrolatum.

Categories: Anti-Irritants, Emollients
sorbic acid. Preservative derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Sorbic acid is used... Read More
sorbitan oleate. See emulsifier

sorbitan sesquioleate. See emulsifier

sorbitan stearate. Used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.

sorbitol. Can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. Similar to glycerin, it is a... Read More
Categories: Slip Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
soy extract. Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for skin (Sources: Cancer Investigation, 1996,... Read More
soy isoflavones. See soy extract

soy oil. Emollient oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

soy protein. See soy extract

soya sterol. Form of phytosterol. There is no research showing soy sterols have any estrogenic or antioxidant... Read More
spearmint oil. Fragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
SPF. See sun protection factor

spikenard. Plant that has antibacterial properties for skin.

Spiraea ulmaria. See meadowsweet extract

spirulina. See algae

squalane. See natural moisturizing factor (NMF), squalene

squalene. Oil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives) and sebum. It is a natural component... Read More
St. John's wort. Contains several components that are toxic on skin in the presence of sunlight (Sources: Planta... Read More
star anise. See anise

steapyrium chloride. Antistatic agent used in hair-care products.

stearalkonium chloride. Antistatic ingredient used in hair-care products to control flyaways and aid in helping a brush or... Read More
stearalkonium hectorite. Used as a suspending agent.

stearates. See stearic acid

steareth-20. Derived from the benign fatty ingredient stearyl alcohol, this functions primarily as a surfactant... Read More
stearic acid. Fatty acid used as an emollient and as an agent to help keep other ingredients intact in a... Read More
stearyl alcohol. Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation.
stearyl glycyrrhetinate. The fatty acid form of the anti-irritant glycyrrhetinic acid, which is derived from licorice.
stearyl methicone. Silicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent.

stem cells. Stem cells are cells, in animals and in plants, that are capable of becoming any other type of cell... Read More
Categories: Miscellaneous, Plant Extracts
strawberry begonia. There is no research showing this has any benefit for skin.
styrax benzoin. See benzoin extract

styrene/acrylates copolymer. Synthetic polymer.

subtilisin. Protease enzyme obtained from the fermentation of Bacillus subtilis.

sucrose. Monosaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

sugarcane extract. Ingredients like sugarcane extract, fruit extracts, mixed fruit extracts, and milk solids may claim... Read More
sulfur. Antibacterial agent (Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, October 2001, pages... Read More
sun protection factor. Most commonly seen as SPF, it is a number that is assigned to a product that identifies its ability... Read More
sunflower oil. Non-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.

sunscreens. Products considered over-the-counter drugs in the United States and as such are strictly regulated... Read More
superoxide dismutase. Enzyme considered to be a potent antioxidant in humans (Sources: Journal of Investigative... Read More
surfactant. Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and... Read More
Categories: Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Irritants
sweet almond. Most often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an... Read More
sweet almond oil. Emollient oil.

Symphytum officinale extract. See comfrey extract

synthetic beeswax. An artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters (this isn't the type of... Read More
synthetic wax. A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent.
Szechuan peppercorn. From a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black... Read More
Rating
Ingredient talc. Naturally occurring silicate mineral (any group of substances containing negative ions composed of... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous tallow. Substance extracted from the fatty deposits of animals, especially from suet (the fat of cattle and... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous
tamanu oil. From a tree native to Polynesia. It is reputed to have wondrous wound-healing properties, as well... Read More Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts Tanacetum parthenium. See feverfew extract Categories: Anti-Irritants, Irritants, Plant Extracts tangerine oil. Fragrant, volatile citrus oil that can be a skin irritant. Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts tannic acid. Potent antioxidant; it may have some anticarcinogenic properties (Sources: Bioorganic &... Read More Categories: Antioxidants tannin. Component of many plants. It can have an anti-tumor benefit when consumed in tea or foods (Source:... Read More Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts Taraktogenos kurzii. See chaulmoogra oil Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts Taraxacum officinale. See dandelion extract Categories: Plant Extracts, Irritants tartaric acid. See AHA Categories: Leave-On Exfoliant Tazorac. Chemically known as tazarotene, it is a synthetically derived retinoid with properties similar to... Read More Categories: Prescription Drugs, Anti-Irritants TEA. See triethanolamine Categories: Miscellaneous tea tree oil. Also known as melaleuca, from the name of its plant source, Melaleuca alternifolia. It can have... Read More Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts TEA-lauryl sulfate. While there is abundant research showing sodium lauryl sulfate is a sensitizing cleansing agent,... Read More Categories: Irritants, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers teprenone. Teprenone is the brand name for a drug known as geranylgeranylacetone, which is used to treat... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous terephthalylidine dicamphor sulfonic acid. See Mexoryl SX Categories: Sunscreen Actives Terminalia catappa. Can be a potent antioxidant (Source: Anticancer Research, January-February 2001, pages... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts Terminalia sericea. Herb that is effective against some forms of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria when used in... Read More Categories: Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts Terminalia sericea extract. Extract that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but there is no research showing... Read More Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne, Plant Extracts
tetradibutyl pentaerithrityl hydroxyhydrocinnamate. See antioxidant Categories: Antioxidants tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Stable form of vitamin C that is considered an analogue of L-ascorbic acid. Unlike pure vitamin C... Read More Categories: Vitamins, Antioxidants tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant extract. Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane. A synthetic antioxidant derived from Curcumin. Categories: Antioxidants tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin. See curcumin, turmeric Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts, Irritants tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane. A synthetic antioxidant that provides the protective effects of potent antioxidant curcumin but... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant extract. Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants tetrahydromethoxycurcumin. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant extract. Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine. See chelating agent Categories: Miscellaneous tetrasodium EDTA. Chelating agent used to prevent minerals present in formulations from bonding to other ingredients. Categories: Miscellaneous tetrasodium etidronate. Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent varying mineral components from binding together... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous Theobroma cacao seed butter. See cocoa butter Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts thiamine HCL. Vitamin B1. There is no research showing this to be effective when applied topically on skin. Categories: Vitamins thickening agent. Substances that can have a soft to hard waxlike texture or a creamy, emollient feel, and that can... Read More Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers thioctic acid. Technical name for the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid. Unlike many antioxidants that are either... Read More Categories: Antioxidants thiodipropionic acid. Acid-based synthetic antioxidant. There is no research pertaining to its benefit for skin, but in... Read More Categories: Antioxidants thioglycolate. Compound used in permanent waves and depilatories either to alter the structure of hair or to... Read More Categories: Irritants thiotaurine. Amino acid. Potentially, it can have antioxidant properties for skin (Source: Shiseido Corporation,... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Identical Ingredients threonine. See amino acid Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Identical Ingredients thyme extract. Extract derived from the leaf or flower of the thyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts thyme oil. The most concentrated part of the thyme plant, and a potent source of antioxidants, some of which... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts thymus hydrolysate. Form of animal thymus derived by acid, enzyme, or other methods of hydrolysis. It can have... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous Thymus serpillum extract. Extract of wild thyme. Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts Thymus vulgaris. See thyme extract Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts Tilia cordata. See linden flower extract Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts Tinosorb M. See Tinosorb S Categories: Sunscreen Actives Tinosorb S. In Europe there are two sunscreen ingredientsTinosorb S (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol... Read More Categories: Sunscreen Actives tissue respiratory factor (TRF). Trade name for a form of yeast suspended in alcohol. There is only one independent study, performed... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous titanium dioxide. Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in... Read More Categories: Sunscreen Actives, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Coloring Agents/Pigments tocopherol. See vitamin E Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins tocopherol acetate. See vitamin E Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins tocopheryl acetate. See vitamin E Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins tocopheryl lineolate. See vitamin E Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins tocotrienols. Potent forms of vitamins E that are considered stable and powerful antioxidants. These forms of... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins tomato extract. Extract that has weak antioxidant properties (Source: Free Radical Research, February 2002, pages... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts
tormentil extract. Plant that can be irritating due to its tannin content, which causes skin constriction. Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts tourmaline. Inert, though complex, mineral. One of its unique properties is that it is piezoelectric, meaning... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous tragacanth. Natural gum used as a thickener in cosmetics. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers transforming growth factor (TGF). Stimulates wound healing and collagen growth. Categories: Cell-Communicating Ingredients trehalose. Plant sugar that has water-binding properties for skin. Categories: Miscellaneous tretinoin. Topical, prescription-only medication that can improve skin cell maturation after skin has... Read More Categories: Prescription Drugs, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Antibacterial/Anti-Acne tribehenin. Also known as glyceryl tribehenate, a skin-conditioning agent that is a mixture of glycerin and... Read More Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Identical Ingredients tribehenin PEG-20 esters. A complex mixture of tribehenin and PEG-20, this ingredient has multiple functions in cosmetic... Read More Categories: Emollients, Surfactants/Detergent Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers tricaprylin. Mixture of glycerin and caprylic acid. Has emollient properties and is used as a skinconditioning... Read More Categories: Emollients triclosan. Good antibacterial agent that has been used for over 40 years in many... Read More Categories: Antibacterial/Anti-Acne tridecyl salicylate. Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). When it is no longer an acid (as in this case), salicylic acid... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous tridecyl stearate. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers tridecyl trimellitate. Used as a skin-conditioning agent and thickening agent. Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers triethanolamine. Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer. Like all amines, it has the potential for creating... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous triethoxycaprylylsilane. Silicone that functions as a binding agent and emulsifier. Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer. See silicone, polymer, film-forming agent Categories: Silicones, Film-Forming/Holding Agents triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone. A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin-conditioning... Read More Categories: Emollients Trifolium pratense. See red clover Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Plant Extracts
triglyceride. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract. Latin name for the fenugreek plant. The seeds are used most often, and their fiber content helps... Read More Categories: Irritants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers trihydroxystearin. Mixture of glycerin and fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent. Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Identical Ingredients triisocetyl citrate. A trimester of the fatty alcohol isocetyl alcohol and citric acid. It is used as on occlusive... Read More Categories: Emollients trilaurin. Group of ingredients that are triesters of glycerin and aliphatic acids, and known generically as... Read More Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers trimethylsiloxysilicate. Used as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent. Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients trioclanolin. Derived from lanolin and used as a texture enhancer, most commonly in powder-based products such as... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous trioctanoin. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. Categories: Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers trioctyldodecyl citrate. Mixture of octyldodecanol and citric acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. Categories: Emollients trisodium EDTA. Similar to tetrasodium EDTA. Used as a water-softening and chelating agent (a compound that binds... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous Triticum vulgare oil. See wheat germ oil Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts tryptophan. See amino acid Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Identical Ingredients turmeric. Spice made from the dried, ground root of a plant; its extract is called curcumin. A natural yellow... Read More Categories: Antioxidants, Irritants, Plant Extracts Tussilago farfara. See coltsfoot Categories: Plant Extracts tyrosine. Amino acid in skin that initiates the production of melanin (melanin is the component of skin that... Read More Categories: Miscellaneous
Rating
Ingredient
ubiquinone. See coenzyme Q10

Ulmus fulva bark extract. See slippery elm bark

ultramarines. Inorganic pigments (of various colors) permanently listed by the FDA for external use only,... Read More
Ulva lactuca extract. Extract from the plant known as sea lettuce, it has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant... Read More
Uncaria tomentosa extract. Also known as Cats Claw, there is some research showing it to be an effective... Read More
Undaria pinnatifida. Form of brown algae.

undecylenoyl phenylalanine. A white powder composed of amino acids and fatty acids. It appears to have a positive impact... Read More
urea. Component of human and animal urine thats also found in the blood and other tissues,... Read More
Urtica dioica. See nettle extract

UVA. Ultraviolet A radiation. The sun produces a range of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, of which UVA... Read More
Uva ursi extract. See arbutin, bearberry extract

UVB. Ultra-violet B radiation.

Rating
Ingredient
VA/crotonates. Film-forming agent.

VA/crotonates copolymer. See VA/crotonates

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract. Latin term for cranberry.

Vaccinium myrtillus. See bilberry extract

valine. See amino acid

Vanilla planifolia fruit extract. Extract used primarily as a fragrance and flavoring agent. The vanilla plant is a source of... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant
Extracts
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Stimulates the growth of blood vessels.
verbena extract. Fragrant extract that can be a skin irritant.

vetiver oil or extract. Fragrant component in skin-care products that also has some antibacterial properties (Source:... Read More
vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer. Blend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer.
Categories: Silicones, Thickeners
Viola tricolor extract. See pansy extract

Visnaga vera extract. Also known as khella, when taken orally there is concern that it may cause nausea, dizziness,... Read More
vitamin A. Considered a good antioxidant in some of its various forms, particularly as retinol and retinyl... Read More
vitamin B1. See thiamine HCL

vitamin B12. May be effective in the treatment of psoriasis (Source: Dermatology, 2001, volume 203, number 2,... Read More
vitamin B2. There is no research showing this has any benefit when applied topically to skin. However, there is... Read More
Categories: Irritants, Vitamins
vitamin B3. See niacinamide

vitamin B5. Also known as pantothenic acid.

vitamin B6. There is no research showing it to have benefit for skin.

vitamin C. Water-soluble vitamin that is considered a potent antioxidant for skin. It has been shown to... Read More
vitamin D. A fat-soluble vitamin (actually, it's a hormone) that may have antioxidant, antiinflammatory,... Read More
vitamin E. Considered an antioxidant superstar. It is one of the most well-known and researched antioxidants,... Read More
vitamin F. Name sometimes used to represent essential fatty acids of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Cell-Communicating Ingredients, Emollients, Vitamins
vitamin H. See biotin

vitamin K. Technically known as phytonadione, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin manufactured in the liver.... Read More
Vitis vinifera. Latin name for the vines that produce wine grapes. More commonly known as grape seed oil or grape... Read More
Vitreoscilla ferment. Made from a bacterium that can help cells utilize oxygen better in vitro (Source:Journal of... Read More
volatile oil. Group of volatile fluids derived primarily from plants and used in cosmetics primarily as fragrant... Read More
VP/eicosene copolymer. A film-forming agent often used in water-resistant sunscreen products. It helps the sunscreen... Read More
VP/hexadecene copolymer. Synthetic polymer.

Rating
Ingredient
walnut extract. Extract that can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Nutrition, November 2001,... Read More
walnut oil. Emollient, nonfragrant plant oil.

walnut-shell powder. Abrasive used in scrub products; not preferred to polyethylene beads.
water. The most widely used cosmetic ingredient; water is almost always listed first on an ingredient... Read More
watercress extract. There is a small amount of research showing that dietary intake of watercress can inhibit the... Read More
wheat amino acids. A blend of amino acids from wheat protein after it has been broken down via hydrolysis. Most often... Read More
wheat germ glycerides. Used as emollient and thickening agents in cosmetics.

wheat germ oil. Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
wheat protein. See natural moisturizing factor (NMF), protein

whey. Milk contains two primary proteins, casein and whey. When cheese is produced these more liquid... Read More
whey protein. A form of protein derived from milk. An animal-derived ingredient, whey protein functions as a hair... Read More
white nettle. Contains components that can have both anti-irritant as well as inflammatory properties (Source:... Read More
white oak bark extract. See oak root extract

white tea leaf extract. Extract from the minimally processed buds and leaves of green tea. There is research showing that... Read More
white willow. See willow bark

wild ginger. See ginger extract

wild yam extract. The roots of wild yams were used in the first commercial production of oral contraceptives, topical... Read More
willow bark. Contains salicin, a substance that when taken orally is converted by the digestive process to... Read More
willow herb. See Epilobium angustifolium extract

wintergreen oil. Can be very irritating and sensitizing (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com).

witch hazel. Commonly used plant extract that can have potent antioxidant properties (Sources: Phytotherapy... Read More
Categories: Antioxidants, Anti-Irritants, Irritants, Plant Extract
Rating
Ingredient
xanthan gum. Used as a thickening agent.

xanthophyll. Also known as lutein, this is a cartenoid pigment from plants that functions as an antioxidant.
Xi xin. See ginger extract

Ximenia americana oil. Plum oil; it can have emollient properties.

xylitol. See sorbitol

Categories: Slip Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
xylose. Form of sugar. Similar to other sugars, xylose has water-binding properties for skin.
xymenynic acid. Synthetic fatty acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent.

Rating
Ingredient
yarrow extract. Extract for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin. What studies do... Read More
yeast. Group of fungi that ferment sugars. Yeast is a source of beta-glucan, which is a good antioxidant.... Read More
yellow 5. See FD&C colors

yellow 6 lake. See FD&C colors

yerba mate extract. Used for the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage in South America. It has... Read More
ylang ylang. Fragrant, volatile oil that can also be a skin irritant.
yogurt. There is no research showing that yogurt is effective when applied topically on skin. Yogurt... Read More
yucca extract. Plant extract that can have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Rating
Ingredient
Zanthoxylum piperitum. See Szechuan peppercorn

zeolite. Group of minerals used as an absorbent in cosmetics. Zeolites been shown to have anticancer... Read More
zinc. There is growing evidence that zinc can be a significant anti-irritant and antioxidant. It also can... Read More
zinc carbonate. See calamine

zinc gluconate. Combination of zinc with a form of glucose (a sugar) that is commonly used in cold lozenges for its... Read More
zinc oxide. Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in... Read More
Categories: Anti-Irritants, Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
zinc phenolsulfonate. Antimicrobial agent that can also be a skin irritant.

zinc stearate. The zinc salt of stearic acid. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including serving as the... Read More
Categories: Coloring Agents/Pigments, Slip Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
zinc sulfate. Chemical compound resulting from the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. There is little... Read More
Zingiber officinale roscoe. See ginger extract

Zingiber zerumbet. See ginger extract

Zingiberaceae. See ginger extract

Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract. See jujube fruit extract

BHA Beta Hydroxy Acid

BHA este un acid solubil n lipide (ulei), aceast proprietate unic face ca el s ptrund prin sebum i s ajung n profunzimea porilor de unde exfoliaz celulele moarte acumulate n exces care pot bloca porii. BHA-ul este folosit cu succes n ameliorarea punctelor negre i pustulelor prezente n principal n cazul tenului normal/gras i mixt. n acelai timp, BHA (acid salicilic) are potenial iritant mai mic dect AHA, datorit relaiei acidului cu aspirina, aspirin (acid acetilsalicilic) care are proprieti anti-inflamatorii care se regsesc ntr-o anumit msur i n proprietile acidului salicilic. Un alt avantaj pe care l are BHA-ul este faptul c are un uor efect anti-bacterian, iar combinaia lui cu benzoyl peroxide este perfect (BHA folosit seara i benzoyl peroxide dimineaa, sau invers, sau chiar aplicate mpreun). Pentru tenul gras, o loiune cu 1% sau 2% concentraie BHA este ideal. Produsele care pretind c au n compoziie BHA n form natural conin de fapt extract de scoar de salcie (willow bark). Scoara de salcie conine salicin, o substan care, consumat oral, se transform prin procesul digestiei n acid salicilic, dar de aici i pn la a afirma c aceast substan poate provoca exfolierea pielii e cam mult. Pe fa nu exist enzimele necesare pentru a face aceast transformare posibil. Dei scoara de salcie nu exfoliaz, ea are anumite caliti anti-inflamatorii dac se gsete n cantiti suficiente ntr-un produs cosmetic. Atenie: n lista de ingrediente a unui produs, acidul salicilic nu va fi niciodat gsit ca i BHA, aceasta este o abreviere folosit n chimie. Dac ns n lista unui produs apare ingredientul BHA acesta este butylated hydroxyanisole un antioxidant sintetic, dar posibil cancerigen.
De ce trebuie s exfoliem pielea

Cea mai bun comparaie a exfolierii tenului (la o scar mult exagerat) este comparaia cu ndeprtarea stratului cornos de pe clcie. Dac observai clciul, pielea este decolorat, uscat, liniile sunt pronunate, neplcut la pipit. Iar tot acest aspect este dat de grupurile de celule moarte acumulate n stratul superior al pielii. Cnd se ndeprteaz aceste celule (procesul poate fi agresiv, dar nu este duntor cu nimic), clciul arat mult mai bine. Mai mult dect att, acum crema hidratant aplicat chiar poate intra n piele, nemaifiind mpiedicat de celulele moarte. Rezultatul: o piele care arat mai tnr, este catifelat, liniile au disprut. De aceleai rezultate beneficiaz pielea, oriunde pe corp, difer doar metoda de exfoliere, restul corpului nu are nevoie de un tratament agresiv. Totui, cel mai important beneficiu al exfolierii este mbuntirea structurii pielii i stimularea produciei de colagen i a ceramidelor. Exfolierea este benefic pentru cei care au acnee pentru c ndeprtnd excesul de celule moarte se elibereaz porii, sebumul format ajunge la suprafaa fr probleme (acest sebum, dac ntmpin o barier de celule moarte care au blocat porul respectiv, produce inflamarea porului acneea) n acest fel se reduc punctele negre i pustulele. Iar dac porii nu sunt blocai, atunci agenii anti-bacterieni (vezi articolul despre Brevoxyl ) care lupt mpotriva acneei pot ptrunde mai repede i mai aproape de bacteria care cauzeaz acneea (Propionibacterium acnes).
Mar
Tipuri de acnee
Din motive pe care nimeni nu le nelege n totalitate, foliculii (porii) se blocheaz cateodat. Sebumul care ar trebui sa ajung la suprafaa pielii din glandele sebacee se blocheaz formnd un strat pstos ce nchide parial sau total orificiul de evacuare a secreiei de sebum favoriznd nmulirea bacteriei P.acnes. Acest proces de nceput duce la formarea microcomedonului. A. Acnee comedonian microcomedoanele devin comedoane
1.Puncte albe Cand sebumul i bacteriile blocate total n por rmn la suprafaa pielii se formeaza un punct alb. Punctele albe pot fi de dimensiuni foarte mici, cteodat doar se simt prin piele i nu se vad.
2.Puncte negre Cnd porul parial blocat cu sebum se deschide, acest sebum oxideaz i ia culoarea maro/neagr. Punctele negre persist mult timp pentru c sebumul ajunge la suprafaa pielii foarte ncet.
B. Acnee inflamatoare 1. Acnee papulo pustoloas
a.Papule se dezvolt cnd zidul folicular se rupe. Celulele albe ale sngelui (leucocitele) ajung n folicul i acesta se inflameaz devenind o leziune roie, umflat i sensibil la atingere.
b.Pustule sunt urmarea normal a papulelor, se formeaz cteva zile mai trziu atunci cnd celulele albe migreaz spre suprafaa pielii. Aceste pustule sunt denumite popular couri. O leziune inflamat poate infiltra pielea sanatoas din jurul ei ducnd la: 2.Acnee nodulo chistic
a. Noduli cnd un folicul se rupe spre baza lui, se ntampl s rezulte un nodul mare i inflamat care poate fi dureros la atingere. Nodulii duc de obicei la cicatrici, iar dac sunt netratai pot avea o perioad de dezvoltare de cteva luni. Nu incercai sa scoatei singuri acesti noduli.
b. Chisturi cteodat o inflamare sever poate duce la o pustula foarte mare cu un diametru de peste 5mm (absces chistic), dureroas la atingere. Nu ncercai sa scoatei un chist, zona se va infecta i mai ru i vei rmne cu cicatrici foarte mari. C. Acnee sever
Milia este cateodata denumit acnee cu puncte albe, nsa milia se formeaz cand celulele moarte se blocheaz n pori i este comun nou nascuilor. i adulii pot face milia ns mult mai rar. Feb
Produse destinate ngrijirii pielii i integrarea lor n rutina zilnic

nainte de a construi o rutin zilnic de ngrijire a tenului este neaprat necesar s determinm ce tip de ten avem i care sunt problemele pe care vrem s le rezolvm. O dat ce v-ai construit o rutin potrivit tenului i afeciunilor lui este necesar s o urmai zilnic pentru rezultate optime. Pielea are nevoie zilnic de curare, exfoliere, protecie solar i hidratare, dar foarte muli dintre noi avem diverse afeciuni, iar rutina fiecruia se construiete n primul rnd nelegnd cum interacioneaz diversele produse ntre ele i asupra pielii, dar mai ales experimentnd pentru a descoperi felul optim de a folosi aceste produse. Nu exist rutin zilnic general valabil i fiecare din voi i va construi o rutin bazat pe nevoile tenului, preferine spre anumite produse, buget, etc. Rutina zilnic a tenului fr afeciuni cutanate ar trebui s arate aa: Dimineaa: curare, tonifiere (opional), hidratare cu SPF. Seara: curare, tonifiere (opional), exfoliere, hidratare. Pornind de la aceast schem putem indroduce orice produs necesar afeciunii noastre (produse antibacteriene, retinoizi, etc) sau orice produs care duce la mbuntirea aspectului tenului nostru (seruri, anti aging, etc). nainte de a folosi diverse produse este necesar s inei cont de urmtoarele reguli, reguli pe care este important s le urmai deoarece ingredientele funcioneaz doar n anumite condiii. n seciunea dedicat tenului am explicat mai multe, aici a vrea s reamintesc doar cteva: - folosirea SPF-ului zilnic este necesar, nu opional, mai ales dac folosii produse tratament care foto-sensibilizeaz pielea. Dac nu folosii SPF este foarte posibil s v descuamai. - exfolianii chimici se aplic pe pielea curat i uscat. - benzoyl peroxide nu are efect asupra pielii dac aplicai un retinoid n acelai moment al zilei. Mai jos am enumerat cteva generaliti caracteristice fiecare tip de produs n parte, v rog s citii articolele dedicate acestora pentru mai multe detalii. Aceste produse se aplic oriunde pe piele, iar aciunea lor este posibil doar dac respectai ntocmai modul n care ele se folosesc i doar dac sunt formulate corect.
Protecia solar zilnic (indiferent de anotimp) i hidratarea corect (dac nu ai citit nc articolul despre hidratarea pielii v rog s l citii) sunt eseniale, fr ele pielea se poate descuama i irita. Produsele pentru curarea pielii: - trebuie s fie solubile n ap i s nu degreseze exagerat pielea; - se folosesc pentru ndeprtarea excesului de sebum i impuritilor acumulate n pori; - se pot folosi i pentru ndeprtarea produselor de make-up; - nu trateaz acneea i nici alte afeciuni; Tonerele: - sunt produse opionale, se folosesc pentru a da pielii un plus de ingrediente benefice sau chiar pentru o hidratare uoar n cazul tenului gras; - un toner este un produs care conine ingrediente benefice tenului (antioxidani, anti iritani, ingrediente skin identical sau ingrediente reparatoare); - un toner care nu conine ingrediente necesare tenului este doar un produs aplicat degeaba pe piele (n cel mai bun caz) , dar de cele mai multe ori ingredientele coninute n acest tip de produs pot fi iritante (ingrediente astringente, alcool, etc); - nu trateaz acneea i alte afeciuni ale pielii; Protecia solar: - este necesar zilnic, indiferent de anotimp, pentru a preveni mbtrnirea i distrugerea celulelor pielii datorate aciunii radicalilor liberi produi de razele ultraviolete la nivelulul pielii; - este important pentru a completa aciunea produselor destinate afeciunilor pielii (exfoliani, skin lightening, anti bacteriente, etc); Hidratarea: - asigur pielii toate ingredientele necesare pentru a o menine sntoas i anume antioxidani, ingrediente cell communicating, ingrediente skin identical, anti-iritani (cu condiia ca produsul hidratant pe care l folosii s le conin); - este foarte important s asigurai o hidratare corect pielii mai ales n cazul n care folosii produse destinate afeciunilor cutanate, acestea sunt iritante prin definiie i pot duce la descuamri. Exfolianii chimici (AHA, BHA, PHA): - se folosesc zilnic pentru a ndeprta excesul de celule moarte de la suprafaa pielii; - mbuntesc structura pielii i stimuleaz producia de colagen i a ceramidelor; - ajut la ameliorarea punctelor negre, pustulelor, petelor; - previn blocarea porilor, prevenind ntr-o anumit msur formarea punctelor negre, apariia pustulelor, dezvoltarea n exces a unor colonii de bacterii, fungi, etc; - aciunea lor duce la o mai mare eficien a altor produse destinate diverselor afeciuni; Produsele antibacteriene (benzoyl peroxide, acid azelaic, etc): - acioneaz omornd bacteriile care se acumuleaz n pori, sunt eficiente ntr-o anumit msur i asupra unor stafilococi, streptococi, etc (i acetia tot bacterii sunt); - se pot folosi zilnic pe pustule sau pe zone mai extinse dac e nevoie; - nu au nici un efect asupra punctelor negre. Produsele skin lightening (hidroquinona, vitamina C, acid kojic, acid azelaic, etc): - sunt produse destinate ameliorrii zonelor hiper pigmentate;
- nu au efect asupra petelor post acneice; - dac nu folosii SPF zilnic aceste produse nu o s aib efectul pe care l dorii, niciodat. - au nevoie de un timp mai lung pentru efecte vizibile, n general acestea apar dup 6-8 sptmni de folosire zilnic; Tretinoizii (Retin-a, Renova, Tazorac, Aveda, etc) i retinoizii (Differin): - sunt produse care pur i simplu spun celulelor pielii s se nasc sntoase; - sunt folosii pentru a trata diverse afeciuni cutanate (acnee, pete, cicatrici post acneice, etc) i chiar pentru a ameliora ridurile; Serurile: - sunt produse suplimentare care, depinznd de ce anume ingrediente conin, pot aduce un aport important de ingrediente benefice pielii; - pot conine diverse forme de retinol i antioxidani pentru a preveni mbtrnirea pielii i a ameliora ridurile; Alte produse destinate ngrijirii pielii: - produsele pentru ndeprtarea machiajului (mai multe articole aici); - de cele mai multe ori, n cazul folosirii mai multor produse cu aciune iritant (anti bacteriene, exfoliani, tretinoizi, etc) pielea are nevoie de hidratare suplimentar i pentru acest lucru putei folosi un ulei sau un mix de uleiuri vegetale; - scrubul (exfolierea mecanic) este benefic atunci cnd dorii s ndeprtai celulele moarte de la suprafaa pielii care sunt descuamate, dar nu sunt desprinse total din matricea intercelulara. Pielea descuamata excesiv trebuie ndeprtat, hidratarea nu este primul ajutor necesar zonelor descuamate; - mtile sunt benefice n multe cazuri, citii articolul dedicat si de asemenea articolul Masca cu aspirin; - compresele sterile mbibate ntr-un ceai cu aciuni antioxidante i anti iritante sunt benefice n cazul pielii iritate, roii i/sau a pustulelor de orice fel; un ceai concentrat de museel, ceai verde i dou aspirine netamponate dizolvate complet aduce un aport de ingrediente pielii. Atenie: asigurai-va c nu suntei alergici la museel i aspirina. - soluiile micelare citii v rog articolul dedicat; - alte produse. Produse suplimentare destinate afeciunilor cutanate: - orice medicament cu aplicare cutanata poate fi folosit n rutin zilnic, este nevoie s respectai instruciunile date de medicul ce v-a prescris medicamentul, ns regulile de mai sus rmn valabile; - indiferent dac un medic v spune sau nu, s nu uitai de protecia solar zilnic i de hidratare corespunztoare (hidratare nu nseamn emolieni); - Isotrexinul conine un antibiotic (eritromicin) i un isotretinoid, el este medicament; - aceste produse ar trebui introduse n rutina zilnic doar dup o analiz cutanat, nu v hazardai s ncercai produse doar pentru c afeciunea voastr seamn cu cea descris n prospect sau cu a altuia care s-a tratat cu ele; - de asemenea v ncurajez s citii prospectele medicamentelor nainte de a le folosi, oricare ar fi ele. Exist mult mai multe denumiri date produselor de ngrijire a pielii, dar n principiu acestea sunt cele mai uzuale. n cosmetic ingredientele sunt cele importante, nu denumirile pompoase sau compania productoare. De aceea indiferent de cte produse aplicai unul peste altul i de ct de
scumpe sunt ele, dac nu au ingredientele necesare pielii i afeciunii voastre le aplicai DEGEABA (n cel mai bun caz). Bineneles c nu toate produsele bine formulate sunt potrivite pielii voastre, de aceea doar experiena cu un anume produs duce la rspunsul ntrebrii: Este acest produs benefic pielii mele? n cazul n care folosii produse bine formulate i le folosii ntr-o rutin corect ansele c produsul s fie benefic pielii voastre sunt foarte mari. De asemenea este important s avei ateptri realiste de la produsele pe care le folosii i s nelegei c pielea are nevoie de timp pentru a-i ameliora aspectul. Uitai-v n oglind cu atenie la pielea de pe ten i corp. Ce vedei (i bun i ru) este ntr-o mare msur datorat rezultatului tuturor produselor i procedurilor ce le-ai folosit pn acum. n alt msur aspectul pielii voastre se datoreaz tuturor informaiilor pe care le avei pn acum despre piele i ngrijirea ei i mai ales atitudinii voastre fa de diversele probleme ale pielii. Construirea unei rutine se face cu rbdare i poate dura mai multe sptmni. Din experien am nvat c introducerea produselor noi n rutina zilnica produsele noi se face treptat pentru a da timp pielii s accepte ingredientele (exist cazuri n care pielea nu accept anumite ingrediente). Repet, produsele destinate afeciunilor cutanate sunt iritante, iar pielea le accept sau nu, de aceea este important s ncepei aplicarea unui nou produs o dat la cteva zile, depinznd de ct de iritant este acesta. Atenie: s nu confundai un toner iritant cu alcool care distruge celulele pielii cu un produs gen Retin-A care este iritant iniial, dar ajut pielea s fie mai sntoasi Doar dup ce tenul a acceptat un produs putei introduce n rutin urmatorul produs. tiu c procesul este mai lung, dar pentru mine este mai important ca pielea s sufere ct mai puin, timp avei oricum. S presupunem c dorii o schema de tratament care s amelioreze i previn punctele negre, pustulele rare, pete i cicatrici post acneice. Avei nevoie de curare, spf, hidratare, exfoliani, retinoizi i produse antibacteriene. Opional putei folosi produse suplimentare. Rutina zilnic se construiete n funcie de cum reacioneaz tenul la aceste produse i de preferinele de aplicare specifice fiecruia dintre voi. Un exemplu de rutin ar putea fi urmtoarea: Dimineaa: curarea tenului, aplicare produs antibacterian pe pustule, hidratare cu SPF; Seara: o seara curarea ten, exfoliere, hidratare, urmtoarea sear curare ten, produs ce conine tretinoizi sau retinoizi n concentraie mai mare, hidratare. Sptmna 1: se aplic produsul antibacterian o dat la dou zile, seara. Sptmna 2: se aplic produsul antibacterian dimineaa o dat la dou zile i se aplic exfoliantul seara, o dat la 2, 3 zile; Sptmna 3: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea, se aplic exfoliantul de 3 ori pe sptmna i tretinoidul doar o dat; Sptmna 4: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea; se aplic de 3 ori exfoliant i de dou ori tretinoid; Sptmna 5: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea; se aplic o sear exfoliant i o sear tretinoid.
O alta variant de introducere a produselor n rutina, pentru a ajunge la rutina de mai sus: Sptmna 1: se aplic produsul antibacterian o dat la dou zile, seara. Sptmna 2: se aplic produsul antibacterian seara o dat la dou zile i se aplic exfoliantul seara, n zilele n care nu se aplic produsul antibacterian; Sptmna 3: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea, se aplic exfoliantul de 3 ori pe sptmna i tretinoidul doar o dat; Sptmna 4: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea; se aplic de 3 ori exfoliant i de dou ori tretinoid; Sptmna 5: se aplic produsul antibacterian n fiecare diminea; se aplic o sear exfoliant i o sear tretinoid. n acest moment pielea cunoate ingredientele pe care i le dai i tie la ce s se atepte, iritaia este minim i aspectul pielii este vizibil mai bun. Dac oricare din produsele de mai sus nu este acceptat de piele putei rri aplicarea lui atta timp ct este totui integrat n rutin cu o aplicare de cel putin 3 ori pe sptmn. Putei da mai mult timp pielii s accepte produsele sau mai puin, depinde foarte mult de cum reacioneaz pielea voastr. Dac totui pielea nu accept un produs va trebui s renunai la el. Dac v iritai v sunt de folos compresele cu ceaiuri anti iritante sau orice ingrediente anti iritante. Dac v descuamai v este de folos scrub-ul. Descuamarea este un efect advers care v avertizeaz c avei nevoie de mai mult hidratare, protecie solar sau pur i simplu de o folosire mai rar a produselor tratament iritante (vorbesc despre descuamarea datorat doar produselor formulate corect si utilizate corect). Tenul sensibil are nevoie de un timp mai ndelungat de acceptare a acestor ingrediente, rbdarea este foarte important alturi de consecven. Tenul care nu este sensibil se poate adapta la o astfel de rutin n 2,3 sptmni. Aplicarea produselor dimineaa sau seara ine doar de preferina voastr i de indicaiile de aplicare ale fiecrui produs n parte. De exemplu putei aplica exfolianii de dou ori pe zi, benzoyl peroxide dimineaa i retinoizii seara. Treptat putei aduga orice alt produs dorii i de asemenea putei renuna la produse care nu v mai sunt de folos. Dac nu avei pustule nu trebuie s folosii produse antibacteriene (un exemplu). Atenie! Nu folosii dou ingrediente tratament din aceei categorie aplicate unul peste cellalt. Daca folosii benzoyl peroxide nu trebuie s folosii i acid azelaic n acelasi timp, dar putei alege s folositi ambele ingrediente aplicate unul seara i cellalt dimineaa (doar dac pielea nu se irit). Acelai lucru este valabil pentru aproape toate ingredientele folosite n tratamentul afeciunilor tenului. Nu folosii tretinoizi pe piele dac urmai un tratament cu Roaccutane (in articolul dedicat am scris despre alte ingrediene ce nu pot fi aplicate pe piele). AHA i BHA pot fi aplicate simultan cu condiia ca pielea s nu se irite. Sunt multe creme care le conin pe ambele, dar n cele mai multe cazuri concentraiile acizilor sunt destul de mici, produsele nu sunt iritante. Eu am ncercat AHA 8% aplicat peste BHA 2% fr iritaii.
n afar de toate aceste produse destinate ngrijirii pielii i tratrii afeciunilor cutanate singurul ingredient de care avei nevoie este ncrederea n voi i n efectele rutinei voastre. Este de altfel i cel mai important.

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acetone. Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.

acetyl carnitine HCL. See L-carnitine

acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetylated castor oil. Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

acetylated lanolin. Emollient derived from lanolin.

Achillea millefolium. See yarrow extract

acrylate. See film-forming agent

acrylates copolymer. See film-forming agent

acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer. See film-forming agent

Actaea racemosa. See black cohosh

adapalene. See retinoids, Differin

adenine. Component of DNA that carries genetic information to the cell.

adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer . A synthetic polymer.

Aerocarpus santalinus. See red sandalwood

Aesculus hippocastanum. See horse chestnut extract

agar. See algae

AGE. See advanced glycation endproduct

Ahnfeltia concinna extract. See algae

ahnfeltia extract. See algae

alanine . See amino acid

Alaria esculenta. See algae

Aleurites moluccana oil. See kukui nut oil

algae extract. See algae

algin. Brown algae.

all-trans retinoic acid. Active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova.

Aloe barbadensis. See aloe vera

aloe extract. See aloe vera

aloe juice. See aloe vera

alpha bisabolol. See bisabolol

alpha hydroxy acid. See AHA

Categories: Leave-On Exfoliant

Althaea rosea. See mallow

Althea officinalis. Latin name for the marshmallow plant.

aluminum magnesium silicate. Salt that has absorbent properties.

aluminum silicate. Salt that has absorbent and abrasive properties.

aminomethyl propanediol. Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

aminomethyl propanol. Used in cosmetics at concentrations of 1% or less to adjust pH.

amodimethicone. See silicone

amygdalic acid. See mandelic acid

amyl cinnamate. Fragrant component.

amyl salicylate. Fragrant component.

Anacyclus pyrethrum. See pellitory

Anacystis nidulans extract. See algae

Ananas sativus fruit extract. See pineapple extract

Anethum graveolens. See dill extract

Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract. See dong quai

anisaldehyde. Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

Anthemis nobilis flower extract. See chamomile

Arctium lappa. See burdock root

Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf. See bearberry extract

Argania spinosa. See argan oil

Argireline. See acetyl hexapeptide-3

arrowroot. Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.

artemia extract. See algae

Artemisia absinthium extract. See mugwort extract

Artemisia vulgaris. See mugwort extract

Ascophyllum nodosum. Species of seaweed.

asparagine. See amino acid

Asparagopsis armata extract. Extract derived from seaweed.

aspartic acid. See amino acid

astaxanthin. See astaxanthin extract

Astragalus sinicus. See milk vetch root

ATP. See adenosine triphosphate