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 (mushroom) extract

Ganoderma lucidum is a species of mushroom also known as Reishi mushroom that, when applied to skin, can visibly reduce some types of discoloration.

Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) peel extract

Mangosteen is a fruit with a sweet and sour flavor and is native to several Asian countries.

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...

glucomannan

Glucomannan is prebiotic sugar that combines the simples sugars mannose with glucose.

gluconolactone

glucosamine HCL

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

glucose

A natural sugar that’s often obtained for cosmetics via the breakdown of various natural starches, which are also carbohydrates. Helps bind moisture to skin, adds flavor to lip products, and is part of many saccharides that work as prebiotics.

glucose oxidase

A synthetic enzyme that’s chemically classified as a protein, this sugar-based ingredient works to condition both skin and hair.

glucosylceramides

Glucosylceramides are responsible for the healthy formation and appearance of skin’s upper layers.

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

Functions as a skin-conditioning agent to provide a soft, smooth feel.

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

A naturally occurring substance in skin that helps retain moisture. It is used in skin care products to help defend against dryness.

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

Mixture of portions of glycerin and oleic acid that can serve as an emollient, surfactant, emulsifier, and absorption enhancer within skin care formulas.

glyceryl palmitate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

glyceryl polymethacrylate

A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid whose smooth finish is used to enhance the texture and application of skin care products.

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 citrate

Glyceryl stearate citrate is an ester of citric acid and glyceryl stearate.

glyceryl stearate SE

Emulsifies water and oil; can also be used as a thickener. Derivative of glyceryl stearate that is a self-emulsifying (that’s what the “SE” stands for).

glycine

Glycine soja (soybean) oil

Glycine soja (soybean) oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin.

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

A mixture of glycerin and stearic acid used as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier. May also be used to impart a pearlescent appearance to a formula.

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

This bright, warm red berry, native to Asia, is a very good source of antioxidant compounds.

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

Functions as a synthetic conditioning agent for skin and hair and can play a role in depositing active ingredients.

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...