Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Good |
P. elisabethaeThe “P.” is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Poor |
PABA
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Average |
padimate OSunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Good |
Padina pavonica extract |
Average |
Paeonia albiflora extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Paeonia suffruticosa extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Palmaria palmata extractExtract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse. |
Poor |
palmarosa oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
palmitic acidBlend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids… |
Best |
palmitoyl dipeptide-10
A synthetic peptide made of palmitic acid and dipeptide-10, which contains the amino acids alanine and histidine. This peptide is believed to trigger some amount of repair to damaged collagen and elastin.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl hexapeptide-12Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl oligopeptideA blend of palmitic acid (a fatty acid) with several amino acids, including alanine, arginine,...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Trade name Matrixyl, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. The only research showing this has any...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl prolinePalmitoyl proline combines fatty acid palmitic acid with the amino acid proline.
Categories:
Skin-Softening,
Hydration
|
Best |
palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7A synthetic peptide whose trade name is Matrixyl 3000…
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that can help repair visible skin damage and strengthen skin’s underlying supportive elements.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38An ingredient manufactured by the brand Sederma under the trade name MATRIXYL synthe’6...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl tripeptide-5A synthetic peptide that is believed to play a role in the appearance of skin firmness...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
palmitoyl tripeptide-8
A plant-derived or synthetic peptide made from combining the fatty acid palmitic acid with...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
palm kernel acidA mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add...
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
palm oilHas emollient and antioxidant properties for skin. |
Best |
Panax ginseng root extractGinseng is a popular herbal supplement. When applied topically it delivers antioxidant benefits, boosts hydration, and helps visibly improve signs of skin aging.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Panicum miliaceum
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
pansy extractExtract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has skin soothing and... |
Good |
pantethineAlso known as pantothenic acid.
Categories:
Vitamins
|
Best |
panthenolAlcohol form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid.
Categories:
Vitamins
|
Best |
pantothenic acidAlso called vitamin B5, and often touted for a variety of benefits to skin. However, there is only one...
Categories:
Vitamins
|
Poor |
papainEnzyme extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can aggravate skin...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Exfoliant
|
Average |
papaya extractExtract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin,...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Exfoliant
|
Poor |
para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for sensitizing reactions.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Good |
parabensGroup of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
paraffinWaxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
Paraffinum liquidumThe Latin name for emollient ingredient mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Parsol 1789
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
Good |
Passiflora edulis extractThe layperson term for this Brazilian-based plant oil is passion fruit…
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Passiflora edulis seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil from the passion fruit plant, and a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants... |
Good |
passion fruit extractThere is no research showing this has any benefit for skin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
patchouliFragrant oil derived from mint. It contains eugenol and can aggravate skin. |
Average |
pawpaw extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Exfoliant
|
Good |
PCAPCA (which stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), is an ingredient derived from amino acids that serves as a humectant and is part of the natural moisturizing factor.
Categories:
Hydration
|
Good |
peanut oilEmollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
pecan oilEmollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
pectinNatural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... |
Good |
PEGPEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymerPEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethiconePEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. |
Good |
PEG/PPG-18/4 copolymerA synthetic polymer compound that functions as a solvent.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethiconePEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. |
Good |
PEG-100 stearate
Categories:
Emollients,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PEG-10 dimethicone |
Good |
PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerA synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhere… |
Good |
PEG-10 phytosterolA synthetic or soy-derived (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter) ingredient used in cosmetics as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
PEG-10 rapeseed sterolA blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PEG-12 dimethicone |
Good |
PEG-14A synthetic ingredient that functions as a humectant and solvent. With any PEG...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PEG-150 distearate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearateA complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-32Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PEG-33The synthetic polymer of ethylene oxide used as a binding agent and humectant. With any PEG...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oilEmollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil. |
Good |
PEG-40 stearatePEG-40 stearate typically functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PEG-60 almond glyceridesThe polyethylene glycol derivative of fatty acids from almond oil...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oilThe chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent. |
Good |
PEG-75 shea butter glyceridesAn emulsifying and skin replenishing agent derived from glycerides (fatty acids)...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
PEG-75 stearatePEG-75 stearate is an ester blend of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. |
Good |
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-8
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
PEG-80 sorbitan laurateMild surfactant.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PEG-8 dimethiconeA synthetic skin and hair replenishing agent...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PEG 90M
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Poor |
Pelargonium graveolens oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
pellitoryPlant whose root extract can cause skin sensitivity.
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Pelvetia canaliculata (algae) extractPelvetia canaliculata is a type of brown seaweed also known as Channeled wrack. |
Poor |
pentadecalactoneSynthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
|
Good |
pentaerythrityl tetraisostearateA non-aqueous ester that functions as a thickener and binding agent...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoateSynthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
pentapeptide-59Pentapeptide-59 is a biomimetic peptide that contains amino acids.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
pentapeptidesPentapeptides are a type of peptide where the peptide has five ("penta") amino acids. There are dozens of pentapeptides used in cosmetic products.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
pentasodium pentetateUsed as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
pentylene glycolA synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
peppermintBoth the oil and the extract can have disinfectant properties... |
Best |
peptidesPeptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Average |
Perilla ocymoidesAlso known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant... |
Best |
Persea gratissima (avocado) oilPersea gratisima is the Latin name for avocado, and the oil from this fruit is an excellent source of skin-replenishing fatty acids |
Best |
Persicaria hydropiperAlso known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only... |
Poor |
petitgrain mandarin |
Good |
petrolatumVaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Best |
Peucedanum graveolens (dill) extract
A plant extract with research showing it can improve skin’s resiliency and work as an antioxidant. Dill also has a calming action on sensitized skin...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
PHA
Categories:
Exfoliant
|
Good |
phenoxyethanolCommon cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less sensitizing ones to use in...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
phenoxyisopropanolAlcohol used as a solvent and preservative.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
phenylalanine
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Average |
phenylethyl resorcinolSynthetic antioxidant often seen in skin-brightening products.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
phenyl trimethiconeSilicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.
Categories:
Silicones,
Emollients
|
Best |
phloretinA flavonoid substance derived from apples and the bark of apple trees. As for topical application...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
phosphatidylcholineActive ingredient in lecithin… |
Best |
phosphatidylethanolamine
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
phospholipidType of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
phosphoric acidUsed as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skincare products.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Poor |
photosensitizerIngredient that can cause the skin to have a sensitizing reaction when exposed to...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Average |
phthalatesPhthalates refers to a wide range of substances that are very different from one another...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Best |
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractExtract that has antioxidant and soothing properties… |
Best |
physalis angulata extractThis plant extract has a potent calming effect on skin. |
Good |
phytantriolHair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
phytic acidComponent of plants that has antioxidant properties.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
phytoceramidesPhytoceramides are plant-derived ceramides.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
phytonadioneOne form of vitamin K.
Categories:
Vitamins
|
Best |
phytosphingosineLong-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative... |
Best |
phytosphingosine phosphatePhytosphingosine phosphate is a large mix of esters derived from phytosphingosine and phosphoric acid.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
phytosterolsPhytosterols are naturally occurring, cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods. |
Best |
phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamatePhytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, a mix of amino acids and plant-based sterols, functions in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioner.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Picea abies extractLatin name for Norway spruce. Research has shown its bark...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
pineapple extractContains some antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, particularly from the enzyme bromelain it contains.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Exfoliant
|
Good |
pinecone extractComponents of this extract, specifically linolenic and linoleic acids, can have antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Poor |
pine oilIt can aggravate skin and should never be used on abraded or chafed skin… |
Poor |
Pinus lambertiana wood extractPine extract that may aggravate skin...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Pinus sylvestris extract
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Poor |
Piper nigrum
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
pistachio seed oilEmollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Pistacia vera seed oil
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Pisum sativum (pea) extractPisum sativa (pea) extract has documented antioxidant ability thanks to its natural content of ellagic acid and beta-sitosterol, gallic acid, and quercetin.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
plankton extractA marine species known as Thalasso plankton and derived from various algae, seaweed, or marine skeletons...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
plasticizing agentsIngredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
Plinia cauliflora (jabuticaba) fruit extractJabuticaba is a dark berry native to Brazil and, like many berries, is a rich source of nearly a dozen polyphenolic antioxidants.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
plum extractExtract of Prunus americana that may have antioxidant activity when applied topically (Source:...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
plum seed oilPlum (Prunus domestica) seed oil, also known as plum kernel oil, is non-fragrant oil… |
Poor |
Pogostemon cablin |
Good |
poloxamer 184A synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
Poloxamer 407Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
poloxamers
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polyacrylamide
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyacrylate-17
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyacrylate crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that functions to protect skin's surface, thicken products, and help keep cosmetic...
Categories:
Film-Forming Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyacrylate crosspolymer-6Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic powder ingredient that stabilizes and thickens water-based emulsions.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
polyaminopropyl biguanideSynthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
polybutenePolymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyethyleneA form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded... |
Good |
polyethylene glycolAlso listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Scrub Agents
|
Good |
polyglucuronic acid
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyglycerol monostearateUsed as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/capratePolyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate is a single ester created from polymers and glycerin used in skin care as an emulsifier or solvent. |
Good |
polyglyceryl-10 dioleatePolyglyceryl-10 dioleate is a mixture of the fatty acid esters of oleic acid and a polymer, polyglycerin-10, which functions as a hydrator and emulsifier.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Hydration
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-10 laurateA plant-derived or synthetic ester of lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10. |
Good |
polyglyceryl-10 stearatePolyglyceryl-10 stearate is the ester of stearic acid with a glycerin polymer that functions as a skin-softener and emollient ingredient. |
Good |
polyglyceryl 2 triisostearateA mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxThe ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Best |
polyglyceryl-3 rice branateAn ingredient that serves as a surfactant and emulsifier and is a derivative of the fatty acids that come from rice bran oil.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-3 stearatePolyglyceryl-3 stearate is the ester of the fatty acid stearic acid and polyglycerin-3, which is a polymer of glycerin that contains three units.
Categories:
Emollients,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-4 isostearateThe ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-4 lauratePolyglyceryl-4 laurate works as an emollient, emulsifier, and a cleansing agent
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
polyglyceryl-4 olivatePolyglyceryl-4 olivate is the plant-derived or synthetic ester of olive oil and polyglycerin.
Categories:
Emollients,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
polyglyceryl-6 isostearateThe ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
polyglyceryl methacrylate
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
Polygonum cuspidatum root extractPolygonum cuspidatum root extract is a plant whose root is a good source of the potent polyphenolic antioxidant trans-resveratrol.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
polyhydroxy acidIngredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). They...
Categories:
Exfoliant
|
Good |
polyhydroxystearic acidSynthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
polyisobuteneA polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polymerA word that literally means “many parts.” Any of numerous compounds having a high molecular weight...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
polymethylsilsesquioxaneA polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane. |
Good |
polypropylene glycolAlso known by the acronym PPG, polypropylene glycol is...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
polyquaternium-10
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyquaterniumsGroup of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
polysaccharideNatural component of skin that can be a good water-binding agent and potentially have antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
polysilicone-11Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer.
Categories:
Silicones,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polysorbate 20
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polysorbate 60
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polysorbate 80
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
polysorbatesLarge group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts....
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Average |
polyvinyl alcoholA synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
polyvinylpyrrolidoneUsually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
pomegranate extractPomegranate and its extracts have antioxidant properties that, while not conclusively demonstrated on human skin
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Pongamia glabra seed oilOil derived from the seeds of the Millettia pinnata tree, a plant native to South and Southeast Asia...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Emollients
|
Best |
Poria cocos extractAlso known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and... |
Average |
Porphyridium cruentum extractExtract derived from a type of red algae. There is research showing components of red algae contain...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Portulaca oleracea extractExtract that may have soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
potassiumImportant element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus. It is also an earth...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Absorbent
|
Best |
potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphateBlend of vitamins C and E with phosphorus that functions as an antioxidant.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Best |
potassium azeloyl diglycinateA water soluble derivative of azelaic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate is believed to convey many of the same benefits as pure azelaic acid.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
potassium cetyl phosphateUsed as a detergent cleansing agent.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
potassium citratePotassium citrate is a buffering agent that is the potassium salt of citric acid.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Average |
potassium hydroxideAlso known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to modulate the...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Average |
potassium myristateDetergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and aggravate skin for some...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
potassium PCAPotassium PCA is the potassium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), a substance that’s a natural part of skin’s intercellular matrix.
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing,
Hydration
|
Good |
potassium phosphateAn inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
potassium sorbateUsed as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
PPG-12/SMDI copolymerA copolymer that serves as a film-forming agent...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PPG-12 buteth-16Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PPG-14 butyl etherUsed as a hair- and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PPG-20 methyl glucose etherA synthetic ingredient that funtions as hair- and skin-replenishing agent. The "PPG" designation...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PPG-26-Buteth-26PPG stands for polypropylene glycol, and this ingredient combines PPG with a fatty alcohol....
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
PPG-2-deceth-30An emulsifying agent partially derived from a fatty alcohol.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
PPG-2 myristyl ether propionateMixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PPG-3 benzyl ether myristateAn emollient that has a silicone-like feel and multiple functions in cosmetic products...
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
preservativesSubstances used in cosmetics to help defend against contamination of products...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
proline
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
propanediolA glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients…
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
propolisBrownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
propylene carbonateLiquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
propylene glycolAlong with other glycols and glycerol, propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
propylene glycol dibenzoatepropylene glycol dibenzoate
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateA gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It is a mix of propylene glycol...
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
propylene glycol isostearateA mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an...
Categories:
Texture Enhancer,
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol laurateThe ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Good |
propylene glycol stearateMixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
propyl gallateAn ester of gallic acid that is an antioxidant, and helps protect fats and oils used in cosmetics products from becoming rancid...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
propylparaben
Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Average |
Prunella vulgaris |
Good |
Prunus americana
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Prunus armeniaca
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
Prunus domestica seed extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Prunus domestica seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil, more commonly known as plum (and, when dried, prune) that is a rich source of several potent antioxidants. |
Good |
Prunus dulcis
Categories:
Emollients
|
Best |
Prunus serotina (wild cherry) fruit extractCommonly known as black cherry, wild cherry extract is a potent source of antioxidants, notably several kinds of antioxidants known as polyphenols.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Psidium guajava fruit extractGuava extract is a rich source of bioactive antioxidants including gallic acid, quercetin, and tocopherol.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Pueraria lobata
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
pullulanGlucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
pumpkinPlant whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and several antioxidant components, including...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
pumpkin seed extractType of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... |
Best |
Punica granatum extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
purified water
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Best |
purslane
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymerSynthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylatePolymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent dimethylaminomethacrylate.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
PVP copolymer
Categories:
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
pycnogenolAntioxidant derived from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. The term pycnogenol was...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCL)Scientific name for vitamin B6; may have antioxidant benefits for skin when...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Poor |
Pyrus cydonia
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extractPyrus malus (apple) fruit extract is a species of apple; the fruit is a tremendous source of polyphenolic antioxidants. |
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!