galactoarabinan

Polysaccharide extracted from the western larch tree.

galbanum

Fragrant substance that, because of its resin and volatile oil content, can be extremely sensitizing…

gamma linolenic acid (GLA)

Fatty acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and antioxidant. GLA is considered to...

Ganoderma lucidum extract

Mushroom stem extract. There is no research showing it to be effective when used topically on skin...

Gardenia florida extract

Flower extract used in cosmetics to impart fragrance; also functions as an antioxidant (Source:...

gelatin

Protein obtained from plants or animals and used in cosmetics as a thickening agent.

gellan gum

A plant-derived, high-weight, polysaccharide texture enhancer that also...

Gellidiela acerosa extract

Extract derived from a type of algae.

genistein

Plant component (most often from soy) that is a rich source of antioxidants, though it can also be...

Gentiana lutea (Gentian) root extract

Part of the gentian plant, constituents of which are soothing to skin...

geraniol

A volatile fragrance ingredient extracted from geranium, geraniol is capable of causing sensitivity when applied to skin.

geranium extract

Extract that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Phytomedicine, June 2000, pages...

geranium oil

Fragrant oil that can have beneficial properties but also can be a skin sensitizer...

Geranium pretense

Geranium plant.

Germaben II

Trade name for diazolidinyl urea.

ginger extract

Extract from a plant in the Zingiberacae family that has research showing it has soothing...

ginger oil

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient.

ginseng

Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement. When applied topically it delivers antioxidant benefits, boosts hydration, and helps visibly improve signs of skin aging.

GLA

glabridin

Main ingredient in licorice extract. It has soothing properties. There is research showing...

gluconolactone

glucosamine HCL

A form of glucosamine, an amino sugar that can be considered a skin-restorative...

glucose

Monosaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

glucose oxidase

Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of the sugar glucose.

glucosyl hesperidin

A water-soluble form of hesperidin, a flavonoid found in many citrus plants, as well as evening primrose oil. It has potential as an antioxidant...

glutamic acid

Glutamic acid is an amino acid that helps aid skin hydration.

glutamine

Can help improve the function of skin...

glutathione

Powerful, non-enzymatic antioxidant which naturally occurs in the skin.

gluten ingredients

Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in many types of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley.

glycereth-26

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycereth-26 phosphate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycereth-6 laurate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerin

Also called glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable.

glycerine

glycerol

glycerol monostearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerol triacetate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glycerol trioleate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl ascorbate

A vitamin C derivative, it serves as an antioxidant in skincare products.

glyceryl behanate

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

glyceryl behenate

An ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid...

glyceryl behenate/eicosadioate

A mixture of esters of glycerin, along with behenic and eicosadioic acids, its works as a thickener and stabilizing agent in makeup and skincare products.

glyceryl cocoate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl dibehanate

A complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl...

glyceryl dipalmitate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl distearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl ester

Large group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. At room temperature, the fats are...

glyceryl isopalmitate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl isostearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl myristate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl oleate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl palmitate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl polymethacrylate

A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a film-forming agent. It has a...

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.

glyceryl stearate SE

Widely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (that’s what the “SE” stands for) form of...

glycine

Glycine soja oil

Oil derived from wild soybeans; it has emollient properties.

Glycine soja seed extract

Glycine soja sterols

A sterol is a solid complex alcohol derived from animals and plants. In this case, the sterols are...

glycogen

Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

glycolic acid

A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that, like other ingredients in the category, can act as a water-binding agent and, when properly formulated, as an exfoliant...

glycolipid

Type of lipid composed of sugar (monosaccharide) and fat (lipid) that forms an important component...

glycol stearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent.

glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are a type of peptide naturally present in skin's surface that works with other ingredients to reinforce skin's barrier strength.

glycosaminoglycans

Also known as mucopolysaccharides; these are a fundamental component of skin and are...

glycosphingolipid

glycyrrhetic acid

Extract from licorice that has skin-soothing properties…

glycyrrhetinic acid

One of the components of licorice root extract...

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract

goji fruit extract

gold

An ingredient that seems luxe and helpful but is actually a frequent contact sensitizer…

Gossypium herbacuem seed oil

Also known as cotton seed oil, this non-fragrant plant oil may cause...

gotu kola

grapefruit oil

Citrus oil whose volatile components (chiefly substances known as furocoumarins) are sensitizing...

grapefruit peel extract

Typically listed as citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel extract on the ingredient list...

grapefruit seed extract

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

grape seed extract

Grape seed extract has been shown to help diminish free-radical damage…

grape seed oil

Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil that also has excellent antioxidant properties...

green tea

Significant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea...

gromwell

guarana

Herb that contains two and a half times more caffeine than coffee. It can have constricting...

guar gum

Plant-derived thickening agent...

guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride

guava

Guava extract is a rich source of bioactive antioxidants including gallic acid, quercetin, and tocopherol.

gums

Substances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in...