alcloxa

More technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties...

aliphatic hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying...

alkaline

Anything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has...

aluminum

Aluminum is the most common element on Earth. It's also a common source of confusion in terms of its presence in cosmetics, specifically whether that presence poses a health risk.

aminomethyl propanediol

Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

aminomethyl propanol

Aminomethyl propanol is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.

ammonium hydroxide

Clear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is...

Azelex

Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo) leaf/stem extract

Extract from the common bamboo plant. Like many plant extracts, research has shown...

bee pollen

Can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, April 2001, pages...

casein

Substance derived from milk protein that may have some antioxidant properties when applied...

disodium EDTA

Short for disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Used as a chelating agent...

disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates

This blend is part natural, part synthetic and offers multiple functions, including working as a cleansing agent and mild preservative. Research indicates it may also help calm redness.

disteardimonium hectorite

Used as a suspending agent, often with pigments.

chelating agent

Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds, preventing them from...

citric acid

Extract derived from citrus and used primarily to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from...

colloidal silver

Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution.

copper lysinate/prolinate

An amino acid/mineral complex that limited yet potentially exciting research has shown...

copper PCA

A synthetic skin-conditioning agent composed of the copper salt of PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic...

copper sulfate

Effective for soothing skin, but there is no research showing it has any impact when used...

dehydroepiandrosterone

deionized/demineralized water

Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process...

deoxyribonucleic acid

deuterium oxide

DHA

dibutyl phthalate

Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold...

dihydroxyacetone

Ingredient present in all self-tanners that affects the color of skin. Derived from sugar, it...

dimethyl capramide

Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics.

dimethyl ether

Colorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is potentially harmful if inhaled…

dimethyl isosorbide

A solvent derived from the sugar sorbitol...

grapefruit seed extract

Labelled as Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) seed extract, this is often claimed as a natural preservative...

PEG-14

A lightweight synthetic polymer that serves as solvent and humectant (moisture-binding) ingredient in cosmetics.

PEG-33

A synthetic polymer whose role in cosmetics is both solvent and humectant (moisture-binding).

PEG-8 dimethicone

A blend of a synthetic polyethylene glycol polymer with skin-protective dimethicone. It conditions both skin and hair.

PEG/PPG-18/4 copolymer

A synthetic glycol-based polymer that functions as a solvent.

pentasodium pentetate

Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together...

phosphoric acid

Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skincare products.

photosensitizer

Ingredient that can cause the skin to have a sensitizing reaction when exposed to...

phthalates

Phthalates refers to a wide range of substances that are very different from one another...

phytantriol

Hair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties.

Mexoryl SX

polyhydroxystearic acid

Synthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent.

polymer

A word that literally means “many parts.” Any of numerous compounds having a high molecular weight...

polypropylene glycol

Also known by the acronym PPG, polypropylene glycol is...

potassium phosphate

A synthetic mineral-derived ingredient primarily used in cosmetics to adjust (buffer) the formula’s pH value.

PPG-2-deceth-30

An emulsifying agent partially derived from a fatty alcohol.

PPG-20 methyl glucose ether

A synthetic blend of polypropylene glycol and methyl glucose derivatives that helps smooth and conditions skin and hair. Excellent for hydrating due to its humectant (water-binding) properties.

propanediol

Improves ingredient absorption while adding moisturizing properties for skin. Can also be used to support the stability of a formula.

propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate

A mix of hydrating solvent propylene glycol and the fatty acids caprylic and capric, both derived from coconut. Works to condition skin and has occlusive properties.

purified water

quaternium ammonium compounds

A wide range of ingredients, called “quats” for short, that share a unique molecular structure that...

royal jelly

The myriad claims about royal jelly are anecdotal and have no research to substantiate them.

silanetriol

A silicone-derived synthetic ingredient that helps improve formulary esthetics. It may also enhance the penetration of other key ingredients.

sodium acetate

The sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts.

Yucca schidigera

PPG-14 butyl ether

A synthetic mix of a polypropylene glycol derivative and butyl alcohol which forms a new compound that functions as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent since it restores a supple feel.