| Rating | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Good |
maltooligosyl glucosideA polysaccharide that’s naturally-derived and then combined with a starch. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including binding agent, emulsifier, hydrator, texture enhancer, and film-forming agent. |
| Good |
hydrogenated starch hydrolysateOffers multifunctional properties, mainly acting as humectant (hydrator) and film-forming agent for added barrier protection. May be plant-derived or synthetic.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents,
Hydration
|
| Average |
acetyl tributyl citrateRelated to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening...
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
film-forming agentLarge group of ingredients that are typically found in hair-care products, but that are also widely...
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
glyceryl polymethacrylateA blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid whose smooth finish is used to enhance the texture and application of skin care products. |
| Good |
gumsSubstances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in... |
| Good |
hydrolyzed wheat proteinVersatile ingredient that can function as a film-forming agent, hydrator, and conditioning agent for skin or hair. |
| Good |
hydroxyethylcelluloseA plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. |
| Good |
locust bean |
| Best |
sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure |
| Good |
sodium polyacrylateA versatile, synthetic polymer used as a film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent, thickening agent, and emollient. |
| Good |
styrene/acrylates copolymerSynthetic polymer.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
sodium carbomerA blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymerA silicone polymer used to enhance a product's texture.
Categories:
Silicones,
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
VA/crotonates copolymer
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
VP/eicosene copolymerA film-forming agent often used in water-resistant sunscreen products. It helps the sunscreen adhere better to skin and resist breaking down in water.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
| Good |
VP/hexadecene copolymerSynthetic polymer.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
| Good |
capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerA naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient...
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!