C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters

A complex mixture of fatty acids from lanolin and cholesterol that conditions skin and helps create thicker textures in cosmetics.

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.

C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Skin-softening, moisture-sealing emollient that can also be used to improve the smooth/even dispersion of a formula.

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.

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.

C13-15 alkane

C13-15 alkane is a synthetic blend of alkanes that functions as a solvent.

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...

caffeic acid

Antioxidant that has multiple benefits for skin…

caffeine

Caffeine is the chief stimulant in beverages such as coffee and tea. It’s often included in skincare products with claims...

cajeputi oil

calamine

Preparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is a...

calcium aluminum borosilicate

Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a mineral-derived thickening agent often used in powders.

calcium ascorbate

Form of vitamin C; other forms include ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and...

calcium carbonate

Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

calcium d-pantetheine-s-sulfonate

calcium gluconate

Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows calcium gluconate...

calcium pantothenate

Also known as pantothenic acid.

calcium PCA

Calcium PCA is the calcium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is a key component of skin’s natural moisturizing factor, or NMF.

calendula extract

Extract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing...

Calendula officinalis flower extract

Non-fragrant antioxidant plant extract that has skin-soothing and redness-reducing properties.

Calluna vulgaris flower extract

Also known as heather extract, this plant has skin-soothing properties...

Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil

Camellia japonica flower extract

Camellia japonica flower extract is also known as Tsubaki, Japanese camellia, common camellia.

Camellia oleifera

Camellia sinensis

camphor

Aromatic substance obtained from the wood of a tree common to Southeast Asia, Cinnamomum camphora,...

cananga extract

Fragrance used in cosmetics; it can be sensitizing to skin, much like ylang ylang.

Cananga odorata

candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters

A natural mixture of polyglycerin-3, candelilla wax, jojoba seed wax, and rice bran wax...

candelilla wax

Extract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products...

cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is one of the components of the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants.

Cannabis sativa oil

canola oil

Plant lipid that has skin restoring and soothing properties…

caprooyl phytosphingosine

A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and phytosphingosine.

caprooyl sphingosine

A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and sphingosine.

caprooyl tetrapeptide-3

A synthetic or plant-derived signal peptide that’s said to help to boost the...

caprylic/capric triglyceride

Emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. Contains fatty acids that help skin resist moisture loss.

capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer

A naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient...

capryloyl glycine

A synthetic amino acid derivative that function as a conditioning agent or...

capryloyl salicylic acid

Capryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative (ester) of salicylic acid developed by L’Oreal.

caprylyl caprylate/caprate

A synthetic ester blend of medium chain fatty acids and fatty alcohol that works as an emollient.

caprylyl glycol

Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a...

caprylyl methicone

A synthetic or plant-derived silicone polymer that conditions skin and provides a permeable barrier that helps prevent moisture loss.

capsaicin

Component of capsicum. When used topically, capsaicin can prevent the transmission of pain. It is...

capsicum

Large group of plants consisting primarily of the pepper family, including chili peppers and...

capsicum oleoresin

Fatty resin derived from capsicum plants. It can be sensitizing to skin...

caramel

Natural coloring agent.

carbomer

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

carbopol

carboxylic acid

cardamom

Plant of the ginger family, used as fragrance in cosmetics. Terpene, one of its major constituents,...

carmine

Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle. It is sometimes used to color...

carnauba wax

Natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but...

carnitine

Naturally occurring amino acid. Deficiencies of this small but essential component can result in...

carnosic acid

Component of rosemary that is an antioxidant...

carnosine

Peptide that offers skin-soothing + antioxidant properties. Studies show promise for improving signs of aging, including wrinkles.

carnosol acid

carrageenan

Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.

carrot oil

Emollient plant oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

Carthamus tinctorius oil

carvone

Essential oil used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in cosmetics. It can be a...

Carya illinoensis oil

casein

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

Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide

Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide is the polysaccharide portion derived from the seed of the Cassia angustifolium plant.

Castanea sativa seed extract

castor isostearate succinate

Derived from castor seed oil, this ingredient conditions and moisturizes skin.

castor oil

Vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its...

catalase

Enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen and that has significant antioxidant...

Caulerpa taxifolia extract

cedarwood

Fragrant plant extract. There is evidence that cedarwood oil is sensitizing...

Cedrus atlantica bark extract

Fragrant oil that can aggravate skin...

cellulose

Primary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other...

Cellulose gum

A natural, plant-derived ingredient that is most often used as a thickener but also used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics.

Centaurea cyanus

Centella asiatica

Extract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has...

cephalin

Phospholipid.

Cera alba

See beeswax...

cera microcristallina

Used as a thickener and to give products a semi-solid to solid smooth texture. Utilized most abundantly in lip care products.

ceramide AP

ceramide EOP

ceramide EOS

ceramide NG

ceramide NP

One of several types of ceramides.

ceramide NS

ceramides

Ceramides are naturally occurring, long chains of lipids (fats) that are major components of skin’s outer...

ceresin

Derived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be...

ceteareth-20

A derivative of non-irritating fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol that works as a cleansing agent and by making other substances more soluble.

ceteareth-25

A fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics.

ceteareth-6 olivate

A mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives. Works to make emulsions stable and offers skin-smoothing emollient properties.

cetearyl alcohol

Beneficial emollient for skin (completely different from damaging/drying forms of alcohol). Also influences the foaming effects of a cleanser.

cetearyl ethylhexanoate

A derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a colorless, thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Works as a rich emollient and is excellent for dry skin.

cetearyl glucoside

Emulsifier that helps keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in a formula.

cetearyl octanoate

cetearyl olivate

Cetearyl olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil.

cetyl acetate

A mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a skin-replenishing agent and emollient.

cetyl alcohol

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...

cetyl dimethicone

A silicone polymer that plays multiple roles in cosmetics. It can be a foam-reducing agent, emollient, emulsifier, and occlusive (meaning it prevents water loss but does not suffocate skin).

cetyl dimethicone copolyol

cetyl esters

A synthetic wax that is a replacement for a wax that’s obtained from sperm whales. Works on skin as an emollient and texture enhancer, typically creating a thicker feel.

cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose

A derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Works as a rich emollient and is excellent for dry skin.

cetyl palmitate

Cetyl palmitate is a blend of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid that conditions skin and helps prevent water loss. The waxy nature of this ingredient makes it preferred for dry skin

cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone

Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

chamomile

Ingredient derived from plant species Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita, and Matricaria chamomilla...

Chamomilla recutita flower extract

charcoal

Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen. One...

charcoal powder

Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen...

chelating agent

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

cherry extract

Also known as wild cherry and sweet cherry, cherry extract is a natural source of vitamin C.

China clay

chitosan

Derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It...

chlorella

chlorophene

Used as a preservative in cosmetics.

chloroxylenol

Chemical compound used as a preservative and cleansing agent due to its action...

chlorphenesin

Type of alcohol used as a preservative in cosmetics...

cholecalciferol

Technical name for vitamin D.

cholesterol

Plays a key role in maintaining skin’s health, softness, and hydration.

choline

Part of the vitamin B complex and a constituent of many other biologically important molecules,...

chondroitin sulfate

Chondrus crispus (algae) extract

Chondrus crispus, also known as red algae, is a type of seaweed that’s a rich source of many nutrients for skin.

chromium hydroxide green

Earth mineral used as a coloring agent/additive and permanently listed (as of 1977) by the FDA for...

chromium oxide green

Chrysanthellum indicum (golden chamomile) extract

Chrysanthellum indicum is a form of chamomile that, like other forms, has soothing properties when applied to skin.

chrysanthemum extract

Can have soothing benefit for skin.

Chrysanthemum parthenium extract

Cichorium intybus

Source of a plant extract with antioxidant properties (Source: Archives of Pharmaceutical Research,...

Cimicifuga racemosa root extract

Cinnamomum

Cinnamomum camphora

cinnamon

Can have antioxidant properties when applied to skin...

cinnamyl alcohol

A volatile fragrance ingredient that contains extracts from cinnamon and balsam of Peru...

citrate buffer

Citrate buffer is a buffered mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid and is used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.

citric acid

Fruit-derived ingredient used in skin care products to adjust pH. In the right concentration/formula, it can also exfoliate skin.

citronellol

A volatile fragrance chemical extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants, citronellol has a characteristic grassy, citrus-like scent.

Citrullus colocynthis

Bitter apple; considered sensitizing to skin.

Citrus amara

Citrus aurantifolia

Citrus aurantium

Citrus aurantium extract

Bitter orange extract. It can have antioxidant properties when eaten (Source: Journal of...

Citrus medica limonium

Citrus unshiu

Plant extract more commonly known as the satsuma. This medium-sized citrus fruit is native to...

Citrus unshiu peel extract

clary oil

Used as fragrance; can be a skin sensitizer.

clary sage

Also known as Salvia sclarea, the extract from the clary sage plant (not to be confused with common sage leaf) has antioxidant properties, although it isn’t nearly as well researched as several other plant extracts with antioxidant benefits...

clay

Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) flower extract

Clitoria ternatea is a perennial herb more commonly known as butterfly pea because of the pea-shaped, wing-like flowers it produces.

clove leaf

clove oil

Potent skin sensitizer when applied repeatedly...

clover blossom

Contains eugenol, which can be a skin sensitizer and cause photosensitivity.

clover leaf oil

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.

Coccinia indica (ivy gourd) fruit extract

Ivy gourd is a fruit that acts as a natural skin-conditioning agent.

cocoa butter

Oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient and with properties similar to those of other...

cocoa extract

Can have antioxidant properties...

coco-caprylate

A lightweight, easy-to-spread emollient ingredient that smooths and softens skin.

coco caprylate/caprate

An emollient that leaves a non-greasy, soft finish on skin. Can also function as a prebiotic to help feed skin’s natural supply of probiotics.

coco-glucoside

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

cocoglycerides

Derived from coconut oil, these serve to moisturize skin and can help thicken skin care products to their desired texture.

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.

coconut oil

Non-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin.

cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract

The extract of the fruit of the coconut tree, this ingredient is rich in skin-conditioning fatty acids, proteins, and complex B vitamins.

cocoyl proline

A blend of coconut acid with the amino acid proline. This synthetic or plant-derived ingredient helps to soften skin and condition hair.

Cocus nucifera

Codium tomentosum extract

coenzyme Q10

Also known as ubiquinone, it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present in skin....

Coffea arabica (coffee) fruit extract

Coffee fruit extract is an excellent antioxidant when applied to skin, or consumed orally.

Coffea arabica (coffee) seed oil

The concentrated oil from the coffee bean plant, whichis green, not dark brown as this color doesn't occur until coffee beans are roasted. Research on this oil's effect on skin...

Coffea arabica seed extract

Coffea arabica is the coffee plant, and there is research showing that coffee extract has...

Cola acuminata seed extract

Coleus barbatus

Member of the mint family and also known as forskolin; can be a skin sensitizer...

collagen amino acids

Collagen amino acids are made from the hydrolylsis (breaking down with water) of protein...

colloidal oatmeal

colloidal silver

Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution.

comfrey extract

Several studies have shown that comfrey extract can have harmful properties when...

Commiphora myrrha extract

coneflower

Another name for echinacea; has soothing properties.

Copaifera officinalis

Copernicia cerifera wax

Primarily used as a thickening agent, but also has film-forming and absorbent properties. Can be used to impart glossy shine.

copper gluconate

The salt form of the mineral copper combined with glucoronic acid, which is a building block of hyaluronic acid. It helps transport water and other substances within skin.

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 peptides

Copper peptides combine the element copper with three amino acids. Copper peptides occur naturally in the body, and are used in trace amounts to...

copper sulfate

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

Corallina officinalis extract

coriander

Herb and spice plant, the source of a fragrant component; it can be a potential skin sensitizer…

cornflower

Can have soothing properties for skin…

cornmint

Also known as wild mint; it can be sensitizing to skin…

corn oil

Emollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils (Source: British...

cornstarch

Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of talc.

Cornus extract

Corylus americana

Corylus avellana

coumarin

Organic compound found in plants and derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. It creates the...

cranberry seed extract

Extract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as proanthocyanidins are responsible for...

cranberry seed oil

Extract derived from the seed of this red berry; the oil (which is not red) has antioxidant...

Crataegus monogina extract

creatine

An amino acid found in the human body that helps contribute to skin health.

cucumber extract

Non-irritating plant extract from the gourd family (think pumpkin) that’s often reputed to be...

Cucumis melo (melon) fruit extract

More commonly known as cantaloupe or honeydew melon, Cucumis melo is a fruit that is a rich source...

Cucumis sativus extract

Cucurbita pepo seed extract

Cucurbitea peponis

Curcuma longa root

curcumin

Antioxidant spice that can be effective in soothing skin…

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

cyanocobalamin

cyclamen aldehyde

Synthetic fragrant component in products; it can aggravate skin.

cyclohexasiloxane

One of the numerous forms of synthetic silicone

cyclomethicone

Silicone that is used to improve the aesthetics of a formula (its dry finish can help make moisturizers feel less greasy).

cyclopentasiloxane

Lightweight, conditioning silicone that creates silky-smooth spreadabilty and an enhanced sensorial feel. Also promotes even distribution of other ingredients in a formula.

cyclotetrasiloxane

A type of silicone that is most often utilized for contributing emollience to a formula and delivering a skin-softening effect.

Cymbopogon citrates

Cymbopogon martini

cysteine

cystine