detergent cleansing agent

dicetyl phosphate

A mix of portions from cetyl alcohol and phosphoric acid that functions as surfactant and emulsifier.

dihydrocholeth-30

A synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier...

cocamide DEA and MEA

Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used ingredients to thicken the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties...

cocamidopropyl betaine

Gentle cleansing ingredient used in face and body washes that can help increase lather. It can be naturally derived from coconut oil or produced synthetically.

cocamidopropyl dimethylamine

An antistatic agent derived from coconut oil, though it may be produced synthetically, too...

cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine

A coconut-derived mild cleansing agent that is often used with stronger cleansing agents or to help a cleanser create an aesthetically pleasing lather.

coco-glucoside

A mixture of fatty alcohol from coconut and the sugar glucose that chiefly functions as a mild cleansing agent.

coconut

Has degreasing and cleansing properties, which is why detergent cleansing agents are frequently...

coconut acid

A natural mixture of fatty acid found in coconut oil primarily used as a cleansing agent.

decyl glucoside

A synthetic cleansing agent considered very mild on skin. It’s made from a mix of fatty alcohol decyl alcohol and the sugar glucose.

behenic acid

A fatty acid that is used as a thickener, cleansing agent, and opacifier in cosmetics.

bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane

A synthetic wax-like skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and silicones.

C11-15 pareth-7

C11-15 pareth-7 is a lightweight, synthetic mixture of fatty alcohols and polyethylene glycols that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant.

C12-16 pareth-9

C12-16 pareth-9 is a lightweight, synthetic mixture of fatty alcohols and polyethylene glycols that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant.

C20-40 pareth-40

Mixture of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weight that can function as stabilizing...

acne soap

Soaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying and...

alcohol

A group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics...

ammonium laureth sulfate

Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...

ammonium lauryl sulfate

Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...

arachidyl glucoside

A mild cleansing agent that is formed from the condensation of archidyl alcohol and glucose.

disodium cocoamphodiacetate

Mild cleansing agent derived from coconut; considered one of the gentlest surfactants used in facial cleansers.

disodium cocoyl glutamate

Gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut, generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

disodium lauraminopropionate

A mild surfactant.

sucrose stearate

Sucrose stearate is an ester of stearic acid and sugar that works as an emollient and cleansing agent.

sulfates

Sulfates are a group of ingredients that have many consumers worried but in truth, misinformation, not sulfates, are the actual problem...

surfactant

Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and...

sorbeth-230 tetraoleate

A complex mixture consisting primarily of fatty acid oleic acid and a sugar known as sorbitol. Works as a cleansing agent, thickener, and emulsifier.

sorbitan laurate

Sorbitan laurate is an ester that works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.

sorbitan oleate

A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetics. Considered safe as used in cosmetics.

sorbitan olivate

Sorbitan olivate is a mixture of the fatty acids from olive oil plus a sugar known as sorbitol.

steareth-20

Derived from the benign stearyl alcohol, it functions primarily as a surfactant but also adds stability to products, especially those containing active ingredients in a water-and-oil emulsion.

isohexadecane

A synthetic ingredient with a powder-like finish.Used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics, particularly beneficial for those for oily skin.

nonoxynols

Used as a mild cleansing agent.

TEA-lauryl sulfate

While there is abundant research showing sodium lauryl sulfate is a sensitizing cleansing agent,...

oleic acid

Oleic acid is a natural, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that’s found in many plants.

oleth-10

A form of fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier, penetration enhancer, and cleansing agent.

oleths

Mild cleansing agents.

isostearamide DEA

Used as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent.

olive oil PEG-7 esters

Olive oil PEG-7 esters comes from a process known as transesterification.

tribehenin PEG-20 esters

A complex mixture of tribehenin and PEG-20, this ingredient has multiple functions in cosmetic...

trideceth-12

Trideceth-12 is a synthetic mixture of a fatty alcohol (tridecyl alcohol) and polyethylene glycol that functions as an emulsifier and cleansing agent.

palm kernel acid

A mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add...

palmitic acid

Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…

lauramphocarboxyglycinate

Mild detergent cleansing agent.

laureth-23

Used either as a cleansing agent or texture enhancer (sometimes as both). Derived from lauryl alcohol (a non-sensitizing fatty alcohol).

laureth-4

Used either as a cleansing agent or texture enhancer (sometimes both). Derived from lauryl alcohol (a non-sensitizing fatty alcohol).

laureth-7

Form of lauryl alcohol (a non-sensitizing fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil) that can function as a cleansing agent and/or texture enhancer.

laureths

Substances that in various combinations create a wide range of mild detergent cleansing agents...

lauric acid

One of several fatty acids found in coconut oil and other natural fats.

lauryl alcohol

lauryl glucoside

A mild surfactant (cleansing agent) used in hair and skin care products.

PEG-10 dimethicone

A synthetic blend of polyethylene glycol and skin-protecting silicone that conditions skin and hair.

PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhere…

PEG-10 phytosterol

A synthetic or soy-derived (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter) ingredient used in cosmetics as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.

PEG-10 rapeseed sterol

A blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a...

PEG-100 stearate

PEG-12 dimethicone

A silicone blend of skin-protective dimethicone and a lightweight polyethylene glycol. It functions as a hair and skin-conditioning agent.

PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate

PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate

PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate is an ester of the fatty acid isostearic acid combined with polyethylene glycol and glycerin.

PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate

A mix of polyethylene glycol, methyl glucose, and stearic acid that serves as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics. Good example of combining natural and synthetic.

PEG-40 stearate

The blend of a polyethylene glycol derivative with the fatty acid stearic acid. Works as both a cleansing agent and to keep ingredients soluble.

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil

The chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent.

PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate

A complex blend of a polyethylene glycol derivative and coconut + glycerin-derived cleansing agent. The blend can be an emollient, emulsifier, and surfactant.

PEG-75 stearate

PEG-75 stearate is an ester blend of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid.

PEG-8

A synthetic polymer that works to bind moisture to skin and as a solvent for other cosmetic ingredients, helping them penetrate more efficiently.

PEG-80 sorbitan laurate

Mild surfactant.

PEG 90M

PEG

PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty...

PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer

A synthetic glycol-created polymer that works primarily as a solvent but can also be an emollient and cleansing agent.

PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.

PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.

Salvia officinalis

glyceryl behanate

A simple mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occuring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl behenate...

Saponaria officinalis extract

glyceryl oleate

Mixture of portions of glycerin and oleic acid that can serve as an emollient, surfactant, emulsifier, and absorption enhancer within skin care formulas.

glyceryl rosinate

An ester of long chain acids derived from a plant-based ingredient known as rosin.

glyceryl stearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

lye

magnesium laureth sulfate

Mild detergent cleansing agent.

magnesium oleth sulfate

Mild detergent cleansing agent.

poloxamer 184

Functions as a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps water mix with debris and oil to be rinsed off skin.

Poloxamer 407

Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients...

poloxamers

polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate

Polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate is a single ester created from polymers and glycerin used in skin care as an emulsifier or solvent.

polyglyceryl-10 laurate

A plant-derived or synthetic ester of lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10.

polyglyceryl-10 stearate

Polyglyceryl-10 stearate is the ester of stearic acid with a glycerin polymer that functions as a skin-softener and emollient ingredient.

polyglyceryl-3 beeswax

A mix of beeswax, glycerin polymer, and fatty acids that works in cosmetics as a surfactant and emollient.

polyglyceryl-3 rice branate

An ingredient that serves as a surfactant and emulsifier and is a derivative of the fatty acids that come from rice bran oil.

polyglyceryl-4 isostearate

The ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a...

polysorbate 20

Used in cosmetics primarily as a mild cleansing agent, this coconut-derived ingredient is considered extremely stable and safe. It’s also used as a food additive and to help with drug delivery in oral medications.

polysorbate 60

polysorbate 80

polysorbates

Large group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts....

soap

True “soaps” are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list...

soapwort

Plant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties.

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...

potassium myristate

Detergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and aggravate skin for some...

PPG-12 buteth-16

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning...

PPG-26-Buteth-26

A derivative of butyl alcohol (a non-irritating fatty alcohol) that works to condition skin and hair in cosmetics.

sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate

Can be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially...

sodium cetearyl sulfate

A mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant.

sodium cocoamphoacetate

A gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and...

sodium cocoate

Used as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin.

sodium cocoyl amino acids

The salt form of amino acids hydrolyzed from coconut. Can be used as a gentle surfactant and/or skin-replenishing ingredient.

sodium cocoyl glutamate

A cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove...

sodium cocoyl glycinate

Sodium cocoyl glycinate is an amino acid-derived cleansing agent and skin-softening ingredient in skin care and hair care products.

sodium cocoyl isethionate

Derived from coconut, a mild soap-free cleansing agent  known for its ability to mitigate disruption to skin’s barrier; compatible with sensitive skin.

sodium hexametaphosphate

Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,...

sodium hydroxide

Also known as lye, this ingredient is highly alkaline, meaning it is on the basic side of the pH range (its pH is naturally 13). It is used in small amounts in cosmetics (such as cleansers and exfoliants) adjust their pH.

sodium laureth-13 carboxylate

Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. 

sodium laureth sulfate

Safe, gentle, widely used cleansing agent known for its lathering/foaming effects. Can be derived from coconut.

sodium lauroamphoacetate

A coconut-derived gentle cleansing agent and foam booster.

sodium lauroyl lactylate

A naturally derived ingredient that is used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it functions as a surfactant.

sodium lauroyl oat amino acids

A skin-soothing salt created by condensing the chloride form of a fatty acid with amino acids derived from oats.

sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a synthetic or plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) that also works as an emulsifier.

sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate

A gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically. Often used to improve the sensorial effects.

sodium lauryl sulfate

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant...

sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

Mild surfactant derived from coconut; often used in cleansers when the desired effect is a creamy foam.

sodium methyl taurate

Mild surfactant often combined with...

sodium myreth sulfate

Detergent cleansing agent similar to sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate...

sodium palm kernelate

sodium palmate

A soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or...

sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate

Sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate is the salt of palmitoyl sarcosinate, which is derived from the amino acid derivative sarcosine.

sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate

A mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters with polyethylene glycol (PEG).

myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate

myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate

myristic acid

Cleansing agent that also creates foam and can be drying.

reducing agent

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a...

sodium tallowate

Sodium salt of tallow.

sodium trideceth sulfate