P. elisabethae

The “P.” is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia.

PABA

padimate O

Sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,...

Padina pavonica extract

Paeonia albiflora extract

Paeonia suffruticosa extract

Palmaria palmata extract

Extract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse.

palmarosa oil

palmitic acid

Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…

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.

palmitoyl hexapeptide-12

Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…

palmitoyl oligopeptide

A blend of palmitic acid (a fatty acid) with several amino acids, including alanine, arginine,...

palmitoyl pentapeptide-4

Trade name Matrixyl, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. The only research showing this has any...

palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide whose trade name is Matrixyl 3000…

palmitoyl tripeptide-1

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that can help repair visible skin damage and strengthen skin’s underlying supportive elements.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

An ingredient manufactured by the brand Sederma under the trade name MATRIXYL synthe’6...

palmitoyl tripeptide-5

A synthetic peptide that is believed to play a role in the appearance of skin firmness...

palmitoyl tripeptide-8

A plant-derived or synthetic peptide made from combining the fatty acid palmitic acid with...

palm kernel acid

A mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add...

palm oil

Has emollient and antioxidant properties for skin.

Panax ginseng root extract

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

Panicum miliaceum

pansy extract

Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has skin soothing and...

pantethine

Also known as pantothenic acid.

panthenol

Alcohol form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid.

pantothenic acid

Also called vitamin B5, and often touted for a variety of benefits to skin. However, there is only one...

papain

Enzyme extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can aggravate skin...

papaya extract

Extract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin,...

para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for sensitizing reactions.

parabens

Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,...

paraffin

Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics.

Paraffinum liquidum

The Latin name for emollient ingredient mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin.

Parsol 1789

Passiflora edulis extract

The layperson term for this Brazilian-based plant oil is passion fruit…

Passiflora edulis seed oil

Non-fragrant plant oil from the passion fruit plant, and a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants...

passion fruit extract

There is no research showing this has any benefit for skin.

patchouli

Fragrant oil derived from mint. It contains eugenol and can aggravate skin.

pawpaw extract

PCA

PCA (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.

peanut oil

Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

pecan oil

Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

pectin

Natural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and...

PEG

PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty...

PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.

PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.

PEG/PPG-18/4 copolymer

A synthetic polymer compound that functions as a solvent.

PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.

PEG-100 stearate

PEG-10 dimethicone

PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhere…

PEG-10 phytosterol

A synthetic or soy-derived (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter) ingredient used in cosmetics as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.

PEG-10 rapeseed sterol

A blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a...

PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate

PEG-12 dimethicone

PEG-14

A synthetic ingredient that functions as a humectant and solvent. With any PEG...

PEG-150 distearate

PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate

A complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,...

PEG-32

Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances...

PEG-33

The synthetic polymer of ethylene oxide used as a binding agent and humectant. With any PEG...

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil.

PEG-40 stearate

PEG-40 stearate typically functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients...

PEG-60 almond glycerides

The polyethylene glycol derivative of fatty acids from almond oil...

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil

The chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent.

PEG-75 shea butter glycerides

An emulsifying and skin replenishing agent derived from glycerides (fatty acids)...

PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate

PEG-8

PEG-80 sorbitan laurate

Mild surfactant.

PEG-8 dimethicone

A synthetic skin and hair replenishing agent...

PEG 90M

Pelargonium graveolens oil

pellitory

Plant whose root extract can cause skin sensitivity.

pentadecalactone

Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate

A non-aqueous ester that functions as a thickener and binding agent...

pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate

Synthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.

pentapeptides

Pentapeptides are a type of peptide where the peptide has five ("penta") amino acids. There are dozens of pentapeptides used in cosmetic products.

pentasodium pentetate

Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together...

pentylene glycol

A synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent.

peppermint

Both the oil and the extract can have disinfectant properties...

peptides

Peptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Skin...

Perilla ocymoides

Also known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant...

Persea gratissima oil

Persicaria hydropiper

Also known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only...

petitgrain mandarin

petrolatum

Vaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.

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...

PHA

phenoxyethanol

Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less sensitizing ones to use in...

phenoxyisopropanol

Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative. 

phenylalanine

phenylethyl resorcinol

Synthetic antioxidant often seen in skin-brightening products.

phenyl trimethicone

Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.

phloretin

A flavonoid substance derived from apples and the bark of apple trees. As for topical application...

phosphatidylcholine

Active ingredient in lecithin…

phosphatidylethanolamine

phospholipid

Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential...

phosphoric acid

Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skincare products.

photosensitizer

Ingredient that can cause the skin to have a sensitizing reaction when exposed to...

phthalates

Phthalates refers to a wide range of substances that are very different from one another...

Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract

Extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties…

physalis angulata extract

This plant extract has a potent calming effect on skin.

phytantriol

Hair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties.

phytic acid

Component of plants that has antioxidant properties.

phytonadione

One form of vitamin K.

phytosphingosine

Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative...

phytosterol

Cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods; the highest concentrations are found in...

phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate

Phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, a mix of amino acids and plant-based sterols, functions in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioner.

Picea abies extract

Latin name for Norway spruce. Research has shown its bark...

pineapple extract

Contains some antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, particularly from the enzyme bromelain it contains.

pinecone extract

Components of this extract, specifically linolenic and linoleic acids, can have antioxidant...

pine oil

It can aggravate skin and should never be used on abraded or chafed skin…

Pinus lambertiana wood extract

Pine extract that may aggravate skin...

Pinus sylvestris extract

Piper nigrum

pistachio seed oil

Emollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics.

Pistacia vera seed oil

Pisum sativum

Latin name for the garden pea. It does have antioxidant activity, but there is no research showing...

plankton extract

A marine species known as Thalasso plankton and derived from various algae, seaweed, or marine skeletons...

plasticizing agents

Ingredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial...

Plinia cauliflora (jabuticaba) fruit extract

Jabuticaba is a dark berry native to Brazil and, like many berries, is a rich source of nearly a dozen polyphenolic antioxidants.

plum extract

Extract of Prunus americana that may have antioxidant activity when applied topically (Source:...

plum seed oil

Plum (Prunus domestica) seed oil, also known as plum kernel oil, is non-fragrant oil…

Pogostemon cablin

poloxamer 184

A synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent.

Poloxamer 407

Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients...

poloxamers

polyacrylamide

polyacrylate-17

polyacrylate crosspolymer

A synthetic polymer that functions to protect skin's surface, thicken products, and help keep cosmetic...

polyaminopropyl biguanide

Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.

polybutene

Polymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant.

polyethylene

A form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded...

polyethylene glycol

Also listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed...

polyglucuronic acid

polyglycerol monostearate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate

Polyglyceryl-10 caprylate/caprate is a single ester created from polymers and glycerin used in skin care as an emulsifier or solvent.

polyglyceryl-10 dioleate

Polyglyceryl-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.

polyglyceryl-10 laurate

A plant-derived or synthetic ester of lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10.

polyglyceryl-10 stearate

Polyglyceryl-10 stearate is the ester of stearic acid with a glycerin polymer that functions as a skin-softener and emollient ingredient.

polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate

A mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a...

polyglyceryl-3 beeswax

The ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and...

polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

polyglyceryl-3 rice branate

An ingredient that serves as a surfactant and emulsifier and is a derivative of the fatty acids that come from rice bran oil.

polyglyceryl-4 isostearate

The ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a...

polyglyceryl-4 laurate

Polyglyceryl-4 laurate works as an emollient, emulsifier, and a cleansing agent

polyglyceryl-6 isostearate

The ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in...

polyglyceryl methacrylate

polyhydroxy acid

Ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). They...

polyhydroxystearic acid

Synthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent.

polyisobutene

A polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening...

polymer

A word that literally means “many parts.” Any of numerous compounds having a high molecular weight...

polymethylsilsesquioxane

A polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane.

polypropylene glycol

Also known by the acronym PPG, polypropylene glycol is...

polyquaternium-10

polyquaterniums

Group of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming...

polysaccharide

Natural component of skin that can be a good water-binding agent and potentially have antioxidant...

polysilicone-11

Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer.

polysorbate 20

polysorbate 60

polysorbate 80

polysorbates

Large group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts....

polyvinyl alcohol

A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent.

polyvinylpyrrolidone

Usually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients...

pomegranate extract

Pomegranate and its extracts have antioxidant properties that, while not conclusively demonstrated on human skin

Pongamia glabra seed oil

Oil derived from the seeds of the Millettia pinnata tree, a plant native to South and Southeast Asia...

Poria cocos extract

Also known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and...

Porphyridium cruentum extract

Extract derived from a type of red algae. There is research showing components of red algae contain...

Portulaca oleracea extract

Extract that may have soothing properties...

potassium

Important element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus. It is also an earth...

potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate

Blend of vitamins C and E with phosphorus that functions as an antioxidant.

potassium azeloyl diglycinate

A water soluble derivative of azelaic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate is believed to convey many of the same benefits as pure azelaic acid.

potassium cetyl phosphate

Used as a detergent cleansing agent.

potassium citrate

Potassium citrate is a buffering agent that is the potassium salt of citric acid.

potassium hydroxide

Also known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to modulate the...

potassium myristate

Detergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and aggravate skin for some...

potassium phosphate

An inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH...

potassium sorbate

Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.

PPG-12/SMDI copolymer

A copolymer that serves as a film-forming agent...

PPG-12 buteth-16

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning...

PPG-14 butyl ether

Used as a hair- and skin-conditioning agent.

PPG-20 methyl glucose ether

A synthetic ingredient that funtions as hair- and skin-replenishing agent. The "PPG" designation...

PPG-26-Buteth-26

PPG stands for polypropylene glycol, and this ingredient combines PPG with a fatty alcohol....

PPG-2-deceth-30

An emulsifying agent partially derived from a fatty alcohol.

PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate

Mixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a...

PPG-3 benzyl ether myristate

An emollient that has a silicone-like feel and multiple functions in cosmetic products...

preservatives

Substances used in cosmetics to help defend against contamination of products...

proline

propanediol

A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients…

propolis

Brownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has...

propylene carbonate

Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.

propylene glycol

Along with other glycols and glycerol, propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient...

propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate

A gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It is a mix of propylene glycol...

propylene glycol isostearate

A mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an...

propylene glycol laurate

The ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats.

propylene glycol stearate

Mixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

propyl gallate

An ester of gallic acid that is an antioxidant, and helps protect fats and oils used in cosmetics products from becoming rancid...

propylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

Prunella vulgaris

Prunus americana

Prunus amygdalus dulcis

Prunus armeniaca

Prunus domestica seed extract

Prunus domestica seed oil

Non-fragrant plant oil, more commonly known as plum (and, when dried, prune) that is a rich source of several potent antioxidants.

Prunus dulcis

Prunus serotina (wild cherry) fruit extract

Commonly known as black cherry, wild cherry extract is a potent source of antioxidants, notably several kinds of antioxidants known as polyphenols.

Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae

Psidium guajava fruit extract

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

Pueraria lobata

pullulan

Glucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good...

pumpkin

Plant whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and several antioxidant components, including...

pumpkin seed extract

Type of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract...

Punica granatum extract

purified water

purslane

PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer

Synthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent.

PVP

PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate

Polymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent dimethylaminomethacrylate.

PVP copolymer

pycnogenol

Antioxidant derived from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. The term pycnogenol was...

pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCL)

Scientific name for vitamin B6; may have antioxidant benefits for skin when...

Pyrus cydonia

Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract

Species of apple; the pectin derived from it is used as a thickener in cosmetics.