Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Good |
10-Hydroxydecanoic AcidA synthetic ingredient that functions as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
4-T-butylcyclohexanol
A synthetic fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and soothing agent...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
acetyl glyceryl ricinoleateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated castor oilUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated lanolinEmollient derived from lanolin.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated lanolin alcoholAn ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
acetylated palm kernel glyceridesUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipateCan be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an skin-soothing ingredient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneA synthetic skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and... |
Best |
borage seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil that contains gamma linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids for skin. |
Best |
Borago officinalis extract |
Best |
Borago officinalis seed oil |
Best |
Brassica campestris
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Best |
Butyrospermum fruitFruit from the karite tree, scientific name Butyrospermum parkii, from which the fat is obtained to...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Butyrospermum parkii |
Best |
Buxus chinensis |
Best |
C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol estersBlend of cholesterol and fatty acid ester from lanolin. Functions as a skin conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
C12-15 alkyl benzoateSynthetic ingredient used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
C12-18 acid triglycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
C18-36 acid triglycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
agar |
Good |
Ahnfeltia concinna extract |
Good |
ahnfeltia extract |
Good |
Alaria esculenta |
Average |
alcoholA group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics...
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
algaeAlgae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... |
Best |
algae extract |
Good |
alginBrown algae. |
Best |
almond oilNon-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
alpha glucan oligosaccharideEmollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
amodimethicone |
Good |
Anacystis nidulans extract |
Best |
apricot kernel oilEmollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
arachidic acidDerived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
arachidyl alcoholWaxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
arachidyl propionateWaxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
Arachis hypogaea extractExtract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing... |
Best |
argan oilNon-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of argan trees. Argan oil contains several beneficial lipids and fatty acids for skin... |
Good |
artemia extract |
Good |
Ascophyllum nodosumSpecies of seaweed. |
Good |
Asparagopsis armata extractExtract derived from seaweed. |
Good |
Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterA non-fragrant vegetable fat that's nearly solid at room temperature (much like dairy butter). It functions as an emollient ingreident that works to keep...
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
avocado oilEmollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Best |
babassu oilBabassu oil comes from the seed of the Orbignya oleifera plant, which is native to Brazil. |
Good |
batyl alcoholDerived from glycerin and used as a stabilizing ingredient and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
beeswaxSubstance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
behentrimonium chlorideSkin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
candelilla waxExtract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products... |
Best |
Cannabis sativa oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
caprylic/capric triglycerideDerived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. |
Good |
caprylyl methicone
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Best |
carrot oilEmollient plant oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. |
Best |
Carthamus tinctorius oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Carya illinoensis oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
castor isostearate succinateA mix of esters formed by the reaction of castor seed oil, isostearic acid, and succinic acid. This ingredient functions...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
castor oilVegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Caulerpa taxifolia extract |
Best |
cephalinPhospholipid.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cera microcristallina
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
disodium glyceryl phosphateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
docosahexaenoic acid
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
Dromiceius oil
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
dulse |
Good |
Durvillaea antarctica extractExtract derived from a species of algae (Durvillea antarctica). |
Best |
Echium plantagineum seed oilA novel, non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source of saturated fatty acids...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
ectoinEctoin is a synthetic ingredient that serves as an emollient on skin and can also have a buffering effect in cosmetic formulas.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
egg yolkEgg yolk is mostly water and lipids (fats), especially cholesterol, which makes it a good emollient...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
eicosapentaenoic acidFatty acid derived from salmon oil; it is a good emollient and replenishing ingredient for skin.
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing,
Emollients
|
Best |
Elaeis guineensis |
Good |
emollientSupple, waxlike, lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
emu oilThe emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird indigenous to Australia. The oil...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
esterA compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid via the elimination of water....
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
ethyl macadamiateMixture of fatty acids from macadamia nut oil. |
Good |
ethylhexyl palmitateA blend of non-drying ethylhexyl alcohol with palm-derived palmitic acid. Uses include emollient, solvent, and skin conditioning.
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
ethylhexyl stearate |
Good |
Euphorbia cerifera wax |
Best |
evening primrose oilCan have significant soothing and emollient benefits for skin. |
Best |
fatty acidSubstance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as... |
Good |
fatty alcoholMade from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.... |
Good |
cetearyl alcoholFatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetearyl ethylhexanoateOil-like liquid that functions as an emollient to prevent skin from losing moisture. Also...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetearyl octanoate |
Good |
cetyl acetateA mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a skin-replenishing agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl alcoholFatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl dimethicone copolyol
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl estersSynthetic wax used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl hydroxyethylcelluloseA mixture of cetyl alcohol and Hydroxyethylcellulose. It functions as thickener and stabilizing...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
cetyl palmitateThe ester of cetyl palmitate and palmitic acid, this thickener and emollient helps smooth and condition dry skin while preventing moisture loss.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
chlorella |
Best |
cholesterolThe surface of skin depends on the stratum corneum lipid matrix, which...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
cocoa butterOil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient and with properties similar to those of other...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
cocoglyceridesUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
coconut oilNon-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Cocus nucifera
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Codium tomentosum extract |
Good |
Corallina officinalis extract |
Best |
corn oilEmollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils (Source: British...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Corylus americana
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Corylus avellana
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
cyclohexasiloxaneOne of the numerous forms of synthetic silicone
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
cyclomethiconeSilicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
cyclopentasiloxaneLightweight silicone with a silky, slippery feel that functions as a skin/hair conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
cyclotetrasiloxane
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
decyl oleateA skin-conditioning agent derived from the esters of decyl alcohol and oleic acid.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
dicaprylyl carbonateAn emollient ingredient that may be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily and...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
diethylhexyl carbonateA synthetic oil-like ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. Also used in...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
diethylhexyl malateEmollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent ethyl hexanediol.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
diisopropyl adipateUsed as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
diisopropyl dimer dilinoleateA synthetic ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicateEmollient in the silicone family.
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
diisostearyl dimer dilinoleateA synthetic ester that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. May be animal-derived.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
diisostearyl malateDiisostearyl malate is an ester that functions as an emollient...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleateA mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
dimethiconeA type of silicone, dimethicone is one of the most frequently used emollient ingredients in moisturizers due to its gentleness...
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
dimethicone copolyol
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
dimethicone crosspolymerSilicone derivative used as a stabilizing or suspending agent or as a thickener. |
Good |
dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymerA mixture of the silicone dimethicone with PEG-10 and PEG-15.
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
dimethiconol
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Good |
dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprateMixture of fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
disodium diglyceryl phosphateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)Fatty acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and antioxidant. GLA is considered to... |
Good |
Gellidiela acerosa extractExtract derived from a type of algae. |
Best |
GLA |
Good |
glycereth-26Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycereth-26 phosphateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycereth-6 laurateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycerol monostearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycerol triacetateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycerol trioleateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl behanateA simple mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occuring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl behenate... |
Good |
glyceryl cocoateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl dibehanateA complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl dipalmitateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl distearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl esterLarge group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. At room temperature, the fats are...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl isopalmitateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl isostearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl myristateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl oleateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
glyceryl palmitateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
glyceryl stearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
isononyl isononanoateAn ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Occurs naturally in cocoa and lavender oil.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl isostearateThe ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid. It is used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in cosmetics products...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl lanolateDerived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. |
Good |
isopropyl myristateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl palmitateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
isopropyl titanium triisostearateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments... |
Good |
Japan waxVegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in... |
Best |
jojoba butterThe fattiest portion of jojoba oil, used as an intensive emollient. |
Best |
jojoba estersJojoba esters are a mixture of esters from jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil that are used as emollients, occlusives, or as scrub particles in cosmetics. |
Best |
jojoba oilEmollient, non-fragrant oil (technically, a polyunsaturated wax) extracted from the seeds of a perennial shrub. |
Best |
jojoba waxSemi-solid portion of jojoba oil. |
Good |
kelp extract |
Best |
kukui nut oilNon-volatile oil from a plant native to Hawaii; it has emollient properties for skin (Source:...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Laminaria longicruris |
Good |
Laminaria sacharrina |
Good |
lanolinEmollient, very thick substance derived from sheep. Lanolin has long been...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
lanolin alcoholEmollient derived from lanolin.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
lauryl lactateMixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and... |
Best |
lecithinPhospholipid found in egg yolks and may be plant or animal derived. It is widely used in...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
glyceryl stearate SEWidely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (that’s what the “SE” stands for) form of...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
Glycine soja (soybean) oilGlycine soja (soybean) oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin. |
Best |
Glycine soja seed extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Glycine soja sterolsA sterol is a solid complex alcohol derived from animals and plants. In this case, the sterols are...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
glycol stearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
glycolipidType of lipid composed of sugar (monosaccharide) and fat (lipid) that forms an important component... |
Best |
grape seed oilEmollient, non-fragrant plant oil that also has excellent antioxidant properties... |
Good |
Haslea ostrearia extractExtract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... |
Good |
hazelnut oilOil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oilHelianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a non-volatile, non-fragrant plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics. |
Best |
Helianthus oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
hemp seed oilFrom the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
hexyl laurateSkin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
hexyldecanolA synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
Himanthalia elongate extractExtract of a species of algae. |
Good |
hydrogenated coco-glycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Best |
hydrogenated lecithin
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Emollients
|
Best |
hydrogenated olive oilWhen a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or... |
Good |
hydrogenated palm glyceridesPalm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is... |
Good |
hydrogenated polydeceneSynthetic polymer that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
hydrogenated polyisobuteneSynthetic polymer used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
hydrogenated soybean oilNon-fragrant plant oil from soy that has been hydrogenated so it retains a semi-solid rather than liquid state.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Good |
hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrateA hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics... |
Best |
hydrolyzed jojoba estersEssential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with... |
Good |
hydrolyzed jojoba proteinProtein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
hydroxylated lecithin
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
Irish moss extractType of red algae. |
Best |
linoleic acidUnsaturated fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. There is some... |
Best |
lipidWide range of ingredients found in plants, animals, and human skin. Lipids include fatty acids,... |
Best |
lupineLegume that is a source of isoflavones with antioxidant properties. |
Best |
lupine oilExtract of Lupinus albus, a legume; it has emollient and antioxidant properties. |
Best |
Lupinus albus extractSpecies of legume. |
Good |
macadamia nut oilUsed in cosmetics as an emollient for dry skin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
peanut oilEmollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
pecan oilEmollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
pectinNatural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... |
Good |
PEG-10 dimethicone |
Good |
PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerA synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhere… |
Good |
PEG-10 rapeseed sterolA blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-100 stearate
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PEG-12 dimethiconeA silicone blend of skin-protective dimethicone and a lightweight polyethylene glycol. It functions as a hair and skin-conditioning agent. |
Good |
PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearateA complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oilEmollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil. |
Good |
PEG-60 almond glyceridesThe polyethylene glycol derivative of fatty acids from almond oil...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oilThe chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent. |
Good |
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-8
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG 90M
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEGPEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymerPEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethiconePEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. |
Good |
PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethiconePEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. |
Good |
pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoateSynthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
Persea gratissima (avocado) oilPersea gratisima is the Latin name for avocado, and the oil from this fruit is an excellent source of skin-replenishing fatty acids |
Good |
petrolatumVaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Good |
phenyl trimethiconeSilicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Best |
phosphatidylcholineActive ingredient in lecithin… |
Best |
phosphatidylethanolamine
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
phospholipidType of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
phytosterolsPhytosterols are naturally occurring, cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods. |
Good |
pistachio seed oilEmollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Pistacia vera seed oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
plum seed oilPlum (Prunus domestica) seed oil, also known as plum kernel oil, is non-fragrant oil… |
Best |
Mangifera indica (mango) seed butterMore commonly known as mango butter, this ingredient is a very good plant-based... |
Good |
Mastocarpus stellatus |
Best |
Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oilLimnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil is a non-fragrant, edible plant oil originally developed as an agricultural crop in the 1950s. |
Good |
methiconeOne of the simpler silicones due to its less complex molecular structure. |
Good |
methyl glucose sesquistearateA mixure of the diesters of methyl glucoside and stearic acid. Functions as a skin-conditioning...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
methyl trimethicone |
Good |
methylsilanol mannuronate |
Good |
methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoateA glyceryl ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. |
Good |
Microcystis aeruginosaLatin name for spirulina. |
Good |
milk protein
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
mineral oilClear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
murumuru seed butter
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
myristyl myristateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateUsed as an emollient and texture enhancer.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyl palmitateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyl stearateUsed in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyldodecanolOpacifying agent, used primarily as a texture enhancer in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient properties.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
octyldodecyl myristateMixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... |
Good |
octyldodecyl neopentanoateSkin-softening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
Oenothera biennis oil |
Good |
Olea europaea fruit oil |
Best |
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiablesAn unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty... |
Good |
olive oil/olive fruit oilEmollient plant oil similar to many other non-fragrant plant oils. The concept of olive oil having... |
Good |
Orbignya martiana
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Orbignya oleifera seed oilOrbignya oleifera seed oil is more commonly known as babassu oil, a non-fragrant nut oil that smooths and softens skin as well as being a good antioxidant. |
Good |
Oryza sativa oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Padina pavonica extract |
Good |
palm kernel acidA mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add...
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
palm oilHas emollient and antioxidant properties for skin. |
Good |
Palmaria palmata extractExtract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse. |
Good |
palmitic acidBlend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids… |
Good |
Paraffinum liquidumThe Latin name for emollient ingredient mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
polyethyleneA form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded... |
Good |
polyglycerol monostearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl 2 triisostearateA mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-4 isostearateThe ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-6 isostearateThe ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
polymethylsilsesquioxaneA polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane. |
Good |
PPG-3 benzyl ether myristateAn emollient that has a silicone-like feel and multiple functions in cosmetic products...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol isostearateA mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol laurateThe ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Prunus armeniaca
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Prunus domestica seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil, more commonly known as plum (and, when dried, prune) that is a rich source of several potent antioxidants. |
Good |
Prunus dulcis
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
pumpkin seed extractType of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... |
Good |
quinoa oilDerived from quinoa grain, it may have disinfectant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
rapeseed oilNonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin (Source: British... |
Good |
sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylateA mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters from polyethylene glycol...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
sodium polyacrylateA synthetic polymer with multiple functions, including film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent,... |
Good |
SonojellTrade name for petrolatum.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Best |
soy oilSoy oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin. |
Good |
spirulina |
Best |
squalaneSqualane is a moisturizing ingredient that’s also a source of skin-replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. |
Best |
squaleneOil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives). It is a natural component... |
Good |
stearates |
Good |
stearic acidFatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier... |
Good |
stearyl alcoholFatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
stearyl methiconeSilicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent. |
Good |
stearyl stearateA plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols.
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
sunflower seed oilNon-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
sweet almondMost often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an...
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
sweet almond oilEmollient, non-fragrant plant oil.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
synthetic beeswaxAn artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
red algae |
Good |
rice bran oilEmollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
rice oilEmollient similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Ricinus communis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Rosa canina |
Good |
Rosa centifolia |
Good |
Rosa centifolia flower |
Good |
Rosa eglanteria |
Good |
Rosa mosqueta |
Good |
Rosa rubiginosa |
Good |
rose hip |
Good |
rose hip oilGood emollient oil that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Journal of Agricultural Food... |
Best |
rutinBioflavonoid that is extracted from various plants and used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Good |
saccharide isomerateGood water-binding agent and emollient for skin.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
safflower seed oilEmollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) plant. |
Best |
Sclerocarya birreaMore commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
SeamollientTrade name for an algae extract. |
Good |
seaweedGroup of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatin-like... |
Best |
Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oilSesame oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamin E and lignans.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Sesamum indicum
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
sesquioleateUsed in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
shea butterShea butter is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics. |
Good |
siliconeSubstance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a... |
Good |
siloxane |
Best |
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil |
Best |
Theobroma cacao seed butter
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
tribeheninAlso known as glyceryl tribehenate, a skin-conditioning agent that is a mixture of glycerin and... |
Good |
tribehenin PEG-20 estersA complex mixture of tribehenin and PEG-20, this ingredient has multiple functions in cosmetic... |
Good |
tricaprylinMixture of glycerin and caprylic acid. Has emollient properties and is used as a skin-softening...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
tridecyl stearateUsed in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethiconeA silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin-conditioning...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
triglycerideUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
trihydroxystearinMixture of glycerin and fatty acids that is used as an emollient and thickening agent. |
Good |
triisocetyl citrateA trimester of the fatty alcohol isocetyl alcohol and citric acid. It is used as on occlusive agent.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
trilaurinGroup of ingredients that are triesters of glycerin and aliphatic acids, and known generically as...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
trimethylsiloxysilicateUsed as a skin-softening and occlusive agent. |
Good |
trioctanoinUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
trioctyldodecyl citrateMixture of octyldodecanol and citric acid used as a skin-softening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
Triticum vulgare oil |
Best |
vitamin FName sometimes used to represent essential fatty acids of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These... |
Best |
Vitis viniferaLatin name for the vines that produce wine grapes. More commonly known as grape seed oil or grape... |
Good |
walnut oilEmollient, non-fragrant plant oil...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
wheat germ glyceridesUsed as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. |
Good |
wheat germ oilEmollient plant oil similar to all non-fragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Ximenia americana oilLatin name for plum oil; it can have emollient properties. |
Good |
methyl gluceth-20 benzoate
A synthetic ester and emollient used to improve product spreadability. Methyl...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
Pongamia glabra seed oilOil derived from the seeds of the Millettia pinnata tree, a plant native to South and Southeast Asia...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Best |
glyceryl behenateAn ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
glyceryl rosinateAn ester of long chain acids derived from a plant-based ingredient known as rosin. |
Best |
lauryl laurateAn ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids... |
Best |
Argania spinosa kernel oilArgania spinosa kernel oil is the latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree. |
Good |
myristyl alcoholA lighter-weight fatty alcohol that functions as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Best |
hydrolyzed algae extractThe hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin. |
Good |
caprylyl caprylate/caprateA synthetic ester blend of medium chain fatty acids and fatty alcohol that works as an emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
ethylhexyl olivateA natural ester of skin-conditioning fatty acids derived from olive oil. It can have an occlusive effect on skin.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
isoamyl cocoateIsoamyl cocoate, an ester of isoamyl alcohol and coconut acid, works as a lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient and skin softener in skin care.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
sucrose stearateSucrose stearate is an ester of stearic acid and sugar that works as an emollient and cleansing agent. |
Good |
polyglyceryl-10 stearatePolyglyceryl-10 stearate is the ester of stearic acid with a glycerin polymer that functions as a skin-softener and emollient ingredient. |
Good |
triethylhexanoinTriethylhexanoin is a synthetic mixture of glycerin and a fatty acid that functions as a solvent, occlusive, and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Butyrosperum parkii (shea) butter extractButyrosperum parkii (shea) butter extract doesn’t just have a rich texture; it’s also a rich source of antioxidants and replenishing antioxidants. |
Good |
Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extractAhnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin. |
Best |
phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamatePhytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, a mix of amino acids and plant-based sterols, functions in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioner.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Moringa oleifera seed oilMoringa oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that contains several antioxidants and vitamins. |
Good |
diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleateDiisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate is an emollient blend of fatty acids often used in cosmetics to enhance coverage. |
Best |
Euterpe oleracea (acai) sterolsEuterpe oleracea (acai) sterols are the sterol portion derived from the acai plant. |
Good |
ceteareth-6 olivateCeteareth-6 olivate is the ester of a fatty alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. |
Good |
silica silylateSilica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics. |
Good |
polyglyceryl-4 lauratePolyglyceryl-4 laurate works as an emollient, emulsifier, and a cleansing agent
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
coco-caprylateCoco-caprylate is the mixture of esters that occur when the fatty alcohols derived from coconut alcohol reacts with the fatty acid caprylic acid.
Categories:
Emollients,
Hydration
|
Good |
coco caprylate/caprateCoco caprylate/caprate functions as a lightweight emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Best |
polyglyceryl-4 olivatePolyglyceryl-4 olivate is the plant-derived or synthetic ester of olive oil and polyglycerin.
Categories:
Emollients,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
behenyl behenateBehenyl behenate is the wax-like ester of the fatty acid behenic acid and fatty alcohol behenyl alcohol.
Categories:
Hydration,
Emollients
|
Best |
Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharideCassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide is the polysaccharide portion derived from the seed of the Cassia angustifolium plant.
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 stearatePolyglyceryl-3 stearate is the ester of the fatty acid stearic acid and polyglycerin-3, which is a polymer of glycerin that contains three units.
Categories:
Emollients,
Emulsifiers
|
Best |
Silybum marianum seed oilSilybum marianum seed oil comes from the milk thistle plant. |
Good |
diisooctyl succinateDiisooctyl succinate is a synthetic or plant-derived (Paula’s Choice uses the latter) transparent liquid emollient.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
olive oil PEG-7 estersOlive oil PEG-7 esters comes from a process known as transesterification. |
Best |
Raphanus sativus (radish) seed oilRaphanus sativus (radish) seed oil is non-fragrant plant oil that’s a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. |
Good |
propylene glycol dibenzoatepropylene glycol dibenzoate
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearatePEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate is an ester of the fatty acid isostearic acid combined with polyethylene glycol and glycerin. |
Best |
hydrogenated rapeseed oilHydrogenated rapeseed oil works as an emollient, thickening agent, and occlusive. |
Good |
glyceryl stearate citrateGlyceryl stearate citrate is an ester of citric acid and glyceryl stearate.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!