Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Best |
idebenoneA synthetic antioxidant similar to coenzyme Q10. Idebenone got a lot of press as the best...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Ilex paraguariensis
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Poor |
Illicium vernum |
Good |
illiteIllite is a mineral-sourced natural thickener that is sometimes referred to as French green clay.
Categories:
Thickeners,
Absorbent
|
Average |
imidazolidinyl ureaConsidered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea because it is beneficial against...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
inactive ingredientThe list of inactive ingredients is the part of an ingredient label that is not regulated by the...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Best |
inositolMajor component of lecithin that may have water-binding properties for skin. It is not a vitamin,...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Poor |
Inula helenium
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less. It is very...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Poor |
Iris florentina extract |
Good |
Irish moss extractType of red algae. |
Good |
iron oxidesCompounds of iron that are used as colorings in some cosmetics. They also are used as a metal...
Categories:
Coloring Agents/Pigments
|
Average |
iron powderIron powder is, as the name states, a powdered versoin of the mineral iron. A natural ingredient, it's used as an opacifying agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Absorbent
|
Good |
isoamyl cocoateIsoamyl cocoate, an ester of isoamyl alcohol and coconut acid, works as a lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient and skin softener in skin care.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
isoamyl laurateThe ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid, this plant- or synthetic-based texture-enhancing ingredient feels velvety-soft.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
isobutyl acetate
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
isobutylparabenParabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Average |
isocetyl salicylate
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
isododecaneHydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and...
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
isoflavonePlant derivative with antioxidant properties...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
isohexadecaneUsed as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics. |
Good |
isoleucine
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
isononyl isononanoateAn ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Occurs naturally in cocoa and lavender oil.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
isoparaffin
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
isopropyl alcohol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Good |
isopropyl isostearateThe ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid. It is used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in cosmetics products...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl lanolateDerived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. |
Good |
isopropyl myristateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
isopropyl palmitateTexture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be...
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
isopropyl titanium triisostearateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments... |
Good |
isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymerA synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium triisostearate... |
Good |
isostearamide DEAUsed as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent. |
Good |
isostearic acidFatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
ivy extractPlant extract that can be sensitizing due to its astringent (skin-constricting) properties.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
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!