Rating | Ingredient | Description | Categories |
---|---|---|---|
Good | 1, 2-Hexanediol | A preservative belonging to a class of agents known as higher molecular glycols. | Preservatives |
Good | 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid | A synthetic ingredient that functions as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent. | Emollients |
Good | 4-T-butylcyclohexanol | A synthetic fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and soothing agent... | Emollients, Skin-Soothing |
Poor | Acacia farnesiana extract | A fragrant extract from a type of acacia tree. There is no research showing it to have any benefit... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | acacia senegal gum | Herb that can have skin soothing properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent. | Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing |
Best | acai | Pronounced "ah-sigh-ee", this small berry with a deep purple color is a source of... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | acetic acid | Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitizing to skin... | Sensitizing |
Poor | acetone | Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers. | Sensitizing |
Best | acetyl carnitine HCL | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | acetyl glucosamine | Amino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | acetyl hexapeptide-1 | Acetyl hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | acetyl hexapeptide-37 | Acetyl hexapeptide-37 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, proline, serine and glycine. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | acetyl hexapeptide-8 | Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is a synthetically-derived peptide that, like all peptides, has water-binding properties and skin-restoring ability. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | acetyl octapeptide-3 | A synthetic peptide that is based around octapeptide-3, a peptide complex composed of the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, and methionine... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | acetyl tetrapeptide-11 | Acetyl tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide that helps skin look and feel healthier. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | acetyl tetrapeptide-5 | Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide that has calming, smoothing, hydrating, and firmness-enhancing benefits when applied to skin. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | acetyl tetrapeptide-9 | Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide that helps visibly restore skin's natural support. | Skin-Restoring |
Average | acetyl tributyl citrate | Related to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening... | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Good | acetyl tyrosine | An amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. There is no research proving it... | Hydration |
Good | acetylated castor oil | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | acetylated lanolin | Emollient derived from lanolin. | Emollients |
Good | acetylated lanolin alcohol | An ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed... | Emollients |
Good | acetylated palm kernel glycerides | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Poor | Achillea millefolium | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | acid | Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidicÛÓabove 7 is considered alkaline. Water has a pH... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | acne soap | Soaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying and... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | acrylate | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | acrylates copolymer | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer | A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | acrylates/dimethicone copolymer | A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better... | Silicones, Texture Enhancer |
Good | acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer | A synthetic polymer that blends stearth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. Functions as... | Texture Enhancer |
Average | Actaea racemosa | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | Actinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extract | Actinidia chinensis (kiwi fruit) extract is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | adenosine | Yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent. | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | adenosine phosphate | Also known as AMP, adenosine phosphate is a skin-soothing and restoring ingredient that's similar to adenosine triphosphate. | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Soothing |
Best | adenosine triphosphate | An organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All... | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring |
Good | adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer | A synthetic polymer. | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) | Advanced glycation endproducts, also known as AGEs, are caused by the body's major fuel source, namely glucose. | Miscellaneous |
Poor | Aerocarpus santalinus | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Aesculus hippocastanum | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | agar | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Agastache mexicana (hyssop) flower/leaf/stem extract | Agastache mexicana (also known as hyssop) is a flowering shrub native to North America thatÛªs an edible plant with an anise-like flavor and aroma. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | AGE | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Average | Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extract | Research shows this plant extract has antioxidant properties.... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | AHA | AHA, also known as alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates skin and improves signs of aging, dry skin and an uneven skin tone. | Exfoliant |
Good | Ahnfeltia concinna extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | ahnfeltia extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts |
Good | Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract | Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract is a type of red algae with calming and hydrating properties for skin. | Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | alanine | TBC | Antioxidants |
Good | Alaria esculenta | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | albumin | Found in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can... | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | alcloxa | More technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties... | Uncategorized |
Average | alcohol | A group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics... | Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Best | Aleurites moluccana seed oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | alfalfa extract | Can be an antioxidant in skincare productsÛ_ | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | algae | Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts |
Best | algae extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts |
Good | algin | Brown algae. | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | aliphatic hydrocarbon | Hydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying... | Uncategorized |
Poor | alkaline | Anything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has... | Uncategorized |
Average | alkyloamides | Identified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),... | Texture Enhancer |
Best | allantoin | By-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent. | Skin-Soothing |
Good | allyl methacrylates crosspolymer | A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent. | Texture Enhancer |
Best | almond oil | Non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | almond/borage/linseed/olive acids glycerides | A mixture of the fatty acid and triglyceride components of several non-fragrant plant oils, including almond, borage, linseed, and olive. | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Hydration |
Good | Aloe barbadensis | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder | This form of aloe is the powder form of the aloe barbadensis leaf plant... | Plant Extracts |
Good | aloe extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | aloe juice | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | aloe vera | There is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way.... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | alpha bisabolol | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | alpha glucan oligosaccharide | Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties. | Emollients |
Best | alpha hydroxy acid | TBC | Exfoliant |
Poor | alpha isomethyl ionone | Alpha isomethyl ionone is a fragrance ingredient that must be listed on products that contain it due to its risk of causing a sensitized reaction. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | alpha lipoic acid | Alpha lipoic acid is an enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant, and is believed to have numerous soothing effects. | Antioxidants |
Best | alpha-tocopherol | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | Alteromonas ferment extract | AlteromonasåÊis found in deep areas of seawater. | Plant Extracts |
Good | Althaea rosea | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts |
Best | Althea officinalis | Latin name for the marshmallow plant. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | alumina | Aluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents, Absorbent |
Good | aluminum | Aluminum is the most common element on Earth. It's also a common source of confusion in terms of its presence in cosmetics, specifically whether that presence poses a health risk. | Uncategorized |
Good | Aluminum hydroxide | A synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses... | Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Good | aluminum magnesium silicate | Salt that has absorbent properties. | Absorbent |
Good | aluminum powder | Metallic element used as a coloring agent. It is composed of finely ground particles of aluminum.... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | aluminum silicate | Salt that has absorbent and abrasive properties. | Absorbent, Scrub Agents |
Good | aluminum starch octenylsuccinate | Powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anticaking agent used in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Good | aluminum stearate | The aluminum salt of stearic acid that functions as a thickening agent and helps stabilize products. | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | aluminum sulfate | It can sensitizing to skin. | Absorbent, Antioxidants |
Best | amino acids | Fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body. | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Average | aminobutyric acid | Amino acid that has water-binding properties and may provide soothing benefits for skin. It... | Skin-Soothing |
Good | aminomethyl propanediol | Used to adjust pH in cosmetics. | Uncategorized |
Good | aminomethyl propanol | Aminomethyl propanol is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster. | Uncategorized, Miscellaneous |
Good | ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer | A synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves to thicken cosmetic formulas... | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | ammonium chloride | Alkaline salt used as a pH balancer in skincare products; it is not used in concentrations that... | Absorbent |
Best | ammonium glycolate | Synthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant. It is sometimes paired with... | Exfoliant |
Average | ammonium hydroxide | Clear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is... | Uncategorized |
Good | ammonium laureth sulfate | Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | ammonium lauryl sulfate | Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | amodimethicone | TBC | Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | amygdalic acid | TBC | Exfoliant, Antioxidants |
Poor | amyl cinnamate | Fragrant component. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | amyl salicylate | Fragrant component. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | amyris oil | Fragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Anacyclus pyrethrum | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | Anacystis nidulans extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | Ananas sativus fruit extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Best | Anastatica hierochuntica extract | Anastatica hierochuntica extract, also known as Rose of Jericho, has research showing it is a potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | andiroba oil | Extracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has soothing properties (Source:... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | Anethum graveolens | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Angelica archangelica root oil | Volatile oil obtained from the angelica plant. The oil contains chemical constituents that can be... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
GOOD | anhydroxylitol | A natural, plant-derived ingredient that acts as a humectant to help skin absorb and retain moisture. | Hydration |
Poor | anisaldehyde | Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | anise | Also known as aniseed, it can have antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | annato extract | Natural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub native... | Plant Extracts |
Best | Anthemis nobilis flower extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | anthocyanin | Group of naturally occurring substances found in plants that give fruits, vegetables, and plants... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | antioxidant | General term for a large group of natural and synthetic ingredients that work to reduce... | Antioxidants |
Best | apple fruit extract | General name for various types of apples, all of which have potent antioxidant ability that, at least in theory, can benefit skin when applied topically. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | apricot kernel | Often used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs. Apricot kernals have irregular and... | Scrub Agents |
Best | apricot kernel oil | Emollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | arachidic acid | Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | arachidyl alcohol | Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | arachidyl glucoside | A mild surfactant (cleansing) and emulsifying agent, made from... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | arachidyl propionate | Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | Arachis hypogaea extract | Extract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing... | Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | arbutin | Isolated from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, some... | Plant Extracts |
Best | Arctium lappa | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | Arctium majus | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing |
Best | Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | argan oil | Non-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of argan trees. Argan oil contains several beneficial lipids and fatty acids for skin... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Argania spinosa | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Argania spinosa kernel oil | Argania spinosa kernel oil is the latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree. | Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | arginine | Amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for soothing skin (Sources: Journal... | Antioxidants |
Good | Argireline | TBC | Skin-Restoring |
Best | Aristotelia chilensis (maqui) | Maqui, also known as Chilean wineberry, is a richly-colored berry that contains a potent type of antioxidant anthocyanidin known as delphinidins. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | arnica extract | Extract from the plant Arnica montana. There is research showing that when arnica is taken orally... | Plant Extracts |
Average | aroma/flavor | Seeing "aroma/flavor" on an ingredient list can be either good or bad. For example, if the aroma or flavor comes from mint.... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | arrowroot | Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | artemia extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Average | Artemisia absinthium extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Average | Artemisia vulgaris | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | Ascophyllum nodosum | Species of seaweed. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Best | ascorbic acid | Form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Advances in Experimental Medicine and... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | ascorbyl glucosamine | Form of vitamin C that has little research showing it has the antioxidant or brightening... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | ascorbyl glucoside | Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C combined with glucose.When properly formulated and absorbed into... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate | Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening... | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Vitamins |
Best | ascorbyl palmitate | Stable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant (Source: Biochemical and... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | asparagine | TBC | Antioxidants |
Good | Asparagopsis armata extract | Extract derived from seaweed. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | aspartic acid | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | astaxanthin | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | astaxanthin extract | Carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in plants, algae, and fish, particularly salmon, that functions... | Antioxidants |
Best | Astragalus membranaceus | Latin name for the Chinese herb Huang-Qi, also known as milk vetch. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Astragalus sinicus | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter | A non-fragrant vegetable fat that's nearly solid at room temperature (much like dairy butter). It functions as an emollient ingreident that works to keep... | Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | ATP | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | atractylodes macrocephala root powder | A natural plant extract commonly used in Chinese and Korean herbal medicines. | Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | Atractyloydes lancea root extract | Also known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative... | Plant Extracts |
Best | Avena sativa | See oatmeal, oat bran extract, gluten ingredientsÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | avobenzone | Synthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that... | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | avocado oil | Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Emollients |
Poor | awapuhi | English name for wild ginger. | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Azadirachta indica | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | azelaic acid | A type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Exfoliant |
Best | azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10 | Azelaoyl bis-dipeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide built around naturally-derived azelaic acid that offers brightening and antioxidant benefits. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | Azelex | TBC | Uncategorized |
Average | azuki beans | Legumes that are often ground up for use in skincare scrub products. | Scrub Agents |
Average | azulene | Chamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | babassu oil | Babassu oil comes from the seed of the Orbignya oleifera plant, which is native to Brazil. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Best | bakuchiol | An antioxidant found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea corylifolia... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | balm mint extract | Extract derived from a fragrant plant; it poses some risk of causing skin sensitivityÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | balsam peru | Fatty resin that when applied topically can cause skin sensitivityÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo) leaf/stem extract | Extract from the common bamboo plant. Like many plant extracts, research has shown... | Uncategorized |
Average | banana extract | Extract from banana fruit that has some weak antioxidant properties (Source: Free Radical Research,... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | barberry | Plant whose primary component, berberine, is an alkaloid that can have soothing properties and... | Skin-Soothing |
Good | barium sulfate | Barium sulfate is an inorganic salt that occurs in nature. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Average | barley extract | Extract from barley plants. Can have antioxidant properties when ingested, but there is no research... | Plant Extracts |
Good | batyl alcohol | Derived from glycerin and used as a stabilizing ingredient and skin-conditioning agent. | Emollients |
Poor | bay leaf oil | Has the potential to provide antioxidant benefits for skinÛ_ | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | bearberry extract | Latin name Arctostaphylos uva ursi, there is research showing that this extract has soothing... | Antioxidants |
Poor | bee pollen | Can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, April 2001, pages... | Uncategorized |
Good | beeswax | Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | beet root extract | Powdered base of the stem (root) of the Beta vulgaris plant. Used as a coloring agent. As with most... | Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts |
Good | beheneth-5 | A synthetic or plant-derived derivative of polyethylene glycol and behenyl alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and can also be a surfactant. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | behenic acid | Fatty acid used as a thickening agent and surfactant. | Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | behentrimonium chloride | Skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | behenyl alcohol | Thickening agent used in cosmetics. It is not related to irritating forms of alcohol. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | behenyl behenate | Behenyl behenate is the wax-like ester of the fatty acid behenic acid and fatty alcohol behenyl alcohol. | Hydration, Emollients |
Poor | Bellis perennis | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | bentonite | Type of clay that is used as an absorbent in cosmetics. It can be drying for skin, though its... | Absorbent |
Average | benzalkonium chloride | Used as a preservative in skincare products. There is no research showing it... | Antioxidants |
Good | benzephenone-3 | Also called oxybenzone, a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sunÛªs UVB rays and... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | benzoic acid | Preservative used in skincare products; it is considered less sensitizing than some other forms of... | Preservatives |
Poor | benzoin extract | Balsam resin that has some fragrant properties; it may also be sensitizing to skinÛ_ | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | benzophenone | Group of compounds used in cosmetics as sunscreen agents to protect mostly from UVB radiation and... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | benzothonium chloride | Compound used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered less sensitizingÛ_ | Preservatives |
Best | benzoyl peroxide | Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective over-the-counter topical acne treatment. Learn more. | Anti-Acne |
Good | benzyl alcohol | An organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits (apricots, cranberries) and teas. | Preservatives |
Poor | benzyl salicylate | A volatile fragrance chemical with a sweet, floral odor used to impart scent to cosmetic products and perfumes. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Berberis aristata | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | bergamot oil | A volatile citrus oil that, when used topically, is a photosensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Bertholletia excelsa extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | beta hydroxy acid | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Exfoliant |
Good | Beta vulgaris root extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts |
Good | beta-carotene | Member of the carotenoid family. There are hundreds of carotenoids, including lycopene and lutein.... | Antioxidants |
Best | beta-glucan | Polysaccharide sugar derived from yeast or oats. It has some antioxidant properties and is a skin-soothing agent. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | beta-sitosterol | Beta-sitosterol is a fatty acid-type ingredient derived from plants, and is similar to cholesterol... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | betaine | Betaine is an ingredient that works to balance skinÛªs hydration. | Hydration |
Good | betaine salicylate | An ingredient derived from sugar beets that is sometimes used as an alternative to... | Exfoliant |
Good | Betula alba | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Betula alba (birch) juice | Betula alba juice is the sap from the birch tree. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | BHA (beta hydroxy acid) | BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is more commonly known as salicylic acid. | Skin-Soothing, Exfoliant, Anti-Acne |
Average | BHT | Butylated hydroxytoluene, a potent synthetic antioxidant that also has negative properties when... | Antioxidants |
Best | bifida ferment lysate | Bifida ferment lysate is a probiotic ingredient derived from a specific type of yeast obtained by the fermentation of Bifida bacteria. | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Best | bilberry extract | Some research shows bilberry (vaccinium myrtillis) to be effective as an antioxidant when ingested... | Plant Extracts |
Best | bioflavonoid | Diverse range of substances that are components of many fruits and vegetables. Many have been shown... | Antioxidants |
Good | biotin | A water-soluble substance produced in the body by certain types of... | Vitamins |
Best | biotin/folic acid/cyanocobalamin/niacinamide/pantothenic acid/pyridoxine/riboflavin/thiamine/yeast polypeptides | A blend of several B vitamins plus peptides derived from a strain of lab-produced yeast. | Skin-Softening |
Good | birch bark extract | Extract derived from the plant Betula albaåÊ(common name white birch). It can have potent... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | birch leaf extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate | Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an skin-soothing ingredient. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane | A synthetic skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and... | Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone | A synthetic, colorless, silicone-based polymer that... | Silicones, Texture Enhancer |
Best | bisabolol | Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an anti-irritant. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | bismuth oxychloride | Also known as synthetic pearl, itÛªs the primary ingredient included in most powders that are referred to as... | Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Poor | bitter orange flower | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | black cohosh | There is no research showing that black cohosh can have this or any effectÛ_ | Plant Extracts |
Best | black currant oil | Non-volatile plant oil. | Plant Extracts |
Best | black elderberry | When taken orally, this has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | black locust extract | Extract that can have antioxidant properties, although it also may have harmful... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | black mulberry | Due to its arbutin content, this extract can have some value in improving the look of discolorations.... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | black pepper extract and oil | It can cause significant skin sensitivity... | Plant Extracts |
Best | black raspberry | Fruit that has antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | black tea | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | blackberry | Berries that have antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | bladderwrack extract | Extract derived from seaweed; it can be an effective antioxidant and has water-binding properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | bloodwort | Also known as yarrow. | Plant Extracts |
Good | blue 1 | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | blue 1 lake | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | Boerhavia diffusa root extract | Extract from a flowering plant. Animal studies have shown that this plant has strong... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | bois de rose oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | bois oil | Fragrant oil that has no research showing it has benefit for skin (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com). | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | borage seed extract | Extract of the plant Borago officinalis, it can have skni-soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | borage seed oil | Non-fragrant plant oil that contains gamma linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Borago officinalis extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Borago officinalis seed oil | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Poor | borate | Group of compounds used in cosmetics in small quantities primarily as pH adjusters (they have a pH... | Preservatives |
Poor | borax | Also known as sodium borate decahydrate, borax is a mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and... | Preservatives |
Good | boric acid | May have skin soothing and restoring benefitsÛ_ | Preservatives |
Good | boron nitride | Synthetic, inorganic powder, which in cosmetics has absorbent properties similar to those of... | Absorbent |
Poor | Boswellia carterii | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | Boswellia serrata extract | An extract from the gum resin of a tree and also a source of Indian frankincense, this plant extract has both positive and negative qualities for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts |
Average | botanicals | General term for a large group of natural ingredients. Botanicals may or may not be organic, and... | Plant Extracts |
Best | boysenberry | Berry that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Brassica campestris | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients |
Good | Brazil nut extract | Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it can have antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | broad spectrum | Term that, when applied to sunscreen, refers to a sunscreenÛªs ability to protect the skin from both... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | bromelain | Bromelain is an extract from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various... | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Poor | bronopol | Technical name 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source:... | Preservatives |
Good | bronze powder | Mineral coloring agent derived from copper. Permanently listed (since 1977) by the FDA as a safe... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | Buddleja davidii extract | Plant also known as summer lilac or butterfly bush (because the flowers are a food source for... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | bumetrizole | Sunscreen ingredient that absorbs primarily UVB light. | Sunscreen Actives |
Average | Bupleurum falcatum extract | A plant used in Chinese medicine for a varitety of ailments ranging from the common cold to liver... | Plant Extracts |
Best | burdock root | Plant extract whose active constituents are skin soothing and antioxidantÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | butyl acetate | Solvent used in nail polish and many other products. | Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Best | butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | butylene glycol | Commonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including.... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | butylparaben | Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben... | Preservatives |
Poor | butylphenyl methylpropional | Synthetic fragrance ingredient with a strong floral scent. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Butyrospermum fruit | Fruit from the karite tree, scientific name Butyrospermum parkii, from which the fat is obtained to... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Butyrospermum parkii | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Butyrosperum parkii (shea) butter extract | Butyrosperum parkii (shea) butter extract doesnÛªt just have a rich texture; itÛªs also a rich source of antioxidants and replenishing antioxidants. | Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Buxus chinensis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters | Blend of cholesterol and fatty acid ester from lanolin. Functions as a skin conditioning agent. | Emollients |
Good | C11-15 pareth-7 | C11-15 pareth-7 is a lightweight, synthetic mixture of fatty alcohols and polyethylene glycols that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | C12-15 alkyl benzoate | Synthetic ingredient used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | C12-16 pareth-9 | C12-16 pareth-9 is a lightweight, synthetic mixture of fatty alcohols and polyethylene glycols that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | C12-18 acid triglyceride | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | C13-14 isoparaffin | A petroleum-derived ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as a thickening or gelling agent. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | C13-15 alkane | C13-15 alkane is a synthetic blend of alkanes that functions as a solvent. | Skin-Softening, Miscellaneous |
Good | C18-36 acid triglyceride | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | C20-40 pareth-40 | Mixture of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weight that can function as stabilizing... | Cleansing Agents |
Best | caffeic acid | Antioxidant that has multiple benefits for skinÛ_ | Antioxidants |
Average | caffeine | Caffeine is the chief stimulant in beverages such as coffee and tea. ItÛªs often included in skincare products with claims... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | cajeputi oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | calamine | Preparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is a... | Sensitizing |
Good | calcium aluminum borosilicate | Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a mineral-derived thickening agent often used in powders. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Best | calcium ascorbate | Form of vitamin C; other forms include ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | calcium carbonate | Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics. | Absorbent |
Good | calcium d-pantetheine-s-sulfonate | TBC | Vitamins |
Good | calcium gluconate | Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows calcium gluconate... | Skin-Soothing |
Good | calcium pantothenate | Also known as pantothenic acid. | Vitamins |
Best | calcium PCA | Calcium PCA is the calcium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is a key component of skinÛªs natural moisturizing factor, or NMF. | Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | calendula extract | Extract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Calendula officinalis flower extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Calluna vulgaris flower extract | Also known as heather extract, this plant has skin-soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | Camellia japonica flower extract | Camellia japonica flower extract is also known as Tsubaki, Japanese camellia, common camellia. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Camellia oleifera | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Camellia sinensis | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | camphor | Aromatic substance obtained from the wood of a tree common to Southeast Asia, Cinnamomum camphora,... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | cananga extract | Fragrance used in cosmetics; it can be sensitizing to skin, much like ylang ylang. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Cananga odorata | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | candelilla wax | Extract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products... | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Best | candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters | A natural mixture of polyglycerin-3, candelilla wax, jojoba seed wax, and rice bran wax... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | cannabidiol | Cannabidiol is one of the components of the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants. | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Soothing |
Best | Cannabis sativa oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | canola oil | Plant lipid that has skin restoring and soothing propertiesÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Replenishing, Plant Extracts |
Best | caprooyl phytosphingosine | A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and phytosphingosine. | Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | caprooyl sphingosine | A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and sphingosine. | Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | caprooyl tetrapeptide-3 | A synthetic or plant-derived signal peptide thatÛªs said to help to boost the... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | caprylic/capric triglyceride | Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, itÛªs considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer | A naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient... | Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | capryloyl glycine | A synthetic amino acid derivative that function as a conditioning agent or... | Hydration |
Best | capryloyl salicylic acid | Capryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative (ester) of salicylic acid developed by LÛªOreal. | Skin-Soothing, Exfoliant |
Good | caprylyl caprylate/caprate | A synthetic ester blend of medium chain fatty acids and fatty alcohol that works as an emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | caprylyl glycol | Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a... | Plant Extracts, Preservatives |
Good | caprylyl methicone | TBC | Silicones, Emollients |
Poor | capsaicin | Component of capsicum. When used topically, capsaicin can prevent the transmission of pain. It is... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | capsicum | Large group of plants consisting primarily of the pepper family, including chili peppers and... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | capsicum oleoresin | Fatty resin derived from capsicum plants. It can be sensitizing to skin... | Plant Extracts |
Good | caramel | Natural coloring agent. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | carbomer | Group of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | carbopol | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Best | carboxylic acid | TBC | Antioxidants |
Poor | cardamom | Plant of the ginger family, used as fragrance in cosmetics. Terpene, one of its major constituents,... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | carmine | Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle. It is sometimes used to color... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | carnauba wax | Natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but... | Plant Extracts, Absorbent, Texture Enhancer |
Best | carnitine | Naturally occurring amino acid. Deficiencies of this small but essential component can result in... | Antioxidants |
Best | carnosic acid | Component of rosemary that is an antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | carnosine | Composed of amino acids, it has soothing and antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | carnosol acid | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | carrageenan | Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties. | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Best | carrot oil | Emollient plant oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. | Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | Carthamus tinctorius oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | carvone | Essential oil used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in cosmetics. It can be a... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Carya illinoensis oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | casein | Substance derived from milk protein that may have some antioxidant properties when applied... | Uncategorized |
Best | Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide | Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide is the polysaccharide portion derived from the seed of the Cassia angustifolium plant. | Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | Castanea sativa seed extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | castor isostearate succinate | A mix of esters formed by the reaction of castor seed oil, isostearic acid, and succinic acid. This ingredient functions... | Emollients |
Good | castor oil | Vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | catalase | Enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen and that has significant antioxidant... | Antioxidants |
Good | Caulerpa taxifolia extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Poor | cedarwood | Fragrant plant extract. There is evidence that cedarwood oil is sensitizing... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Cedrus atlantica bark extract | Fragrant oil that can aggravate skin... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | cellulose | Primary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other... | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Cellulose gum | Any of various fibrous substances derived from plants. Cellulose gum is a natural ingredient.. | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Best | Centaurea cyanus | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Centella asiatica | Extract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | cephalin | Phospholipid. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | Cera alba | See beeswax... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | cera microcristallina | TBC | Emollients |
Best | ceramide AP | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramide EOP | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramide EOS | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramide NG | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramide NP | One of several types of ceramides. | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramide NS | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | ceramides | Ceramides are naturally occurring, long chains of lipids (fats) that are major components of skinÛªs outer... | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | ceresin | Derived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | ceteareth-20 | Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | ceteareth-25 | A fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. | Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | ceteareth-6 olivate | Ceteareth-6 olivate is the ester of a fatty alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. | Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | cetearyl alcohol | Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | cetearyl ethylhexanoate | Oil-like liquid that functions as an emollient to prevent skin from losing moisture. Also... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | cetearyl glucoside | A blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions as an emulsifier. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | cetearyl octanoate | TBC | Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | cetearyl olivate | Cetearyl olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol and fatty acids from olive oil. | Slip Agents, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | cetyl acetate | A mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a skin-replenishing agent and emollient. | Emollients |
Good | cetyl alcohol | Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | cetyl dimethicone | Silicone polymer that functions as skin-conditioning agent. | Silicones |
Good | cetyl dimethicone copolyol | TBC | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | cetyl esters | Synthetic wax used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose | A mixture of cetyl alcohol and Hydroxyethylcellulose. It functions as thickener and stabilizing... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | cetyl palmitate | The ester of cetyl palmitate and palmitic acid, this thickener and emollient helps smooth and condition dry skin while preventing moisture loss. | Emollients |
Good | cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone | Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. | Texture Enhancer, Silicones |
Best | chamomile | Ingredient derived from plant species Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita, and Matricaria chamomilla... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Chamomilla recutita flower extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | charcoal | Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen. One... | Absorbent |
Good | charcoal powder | Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen... | Absorbent |
Good | chelating agent | Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds, preventing them from... | Uncategorized |
Best | cherry extract | Also known as wild cherry and sweet cherry, cherry extract is a natural source of vitamin C. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | China clay | TBC | Absorbent |
Best | chitosan | Derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | chlorella | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | chlorophene | Used as a preservative in cosmetics. | Preservatives |
Good | chloroxylenol | Chemical compound used as a preservative and cleansing agent due to its action... | Preservatives |
Good | chlorphenesin | Type of alcohol used as a preservative in cosmetics... | Preservatives |
Good | cholecalciferol | Technical name for vitamin D. | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | cholesterol | The surface of skin depends on the stratum corneum lipid matrix, which... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | choline | Part of the vitamin B complex and a constituent of many other biologically important molecules,... | Vitamins |
Best | chondroitin sulfate | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Chondrus crispus (algae) extract | Chondrus crispus, also known as red algae, is a type of seaweed thatÛªs a rich source of many nutrients for skin. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Hydration |
Good | chromium hydroxide green | Earth mineral used as a coloring agent/additive and permanently listed (as of 1977) by the FDA for... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | chromium oxide green | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | Chrysanthellum indicum (golden chamomile) extract | Chrysanthellum indicum is a form of chamomile that, like other forms, has soothing properties when applied to skin. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | chrysanthemum extract | Can have soothing benefit for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | Chrysanthemum parthenium extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | Cichorium intybus | Source of a plant extract with antioxidant properties (Source: Archives of Pharmaceutical Research,... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Cimicifuga racemosa root extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Cinnamomum | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Cinnamomum camphora | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | cinnamon | Can have antioxidant properties when applied to skin... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | cinnamyl alcohol | A volatile fragrance ingredient that contains extracts from cinnamon and balsam of Peru... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | citrate buffer | Citrate buffer is a buffered mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid and is used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster. | Miscellaneous |
Good | citric acid | Extract derived from citrus and used primarily to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from... | Uncategorized |
Poor | citronellol | A volatile fragrance chemical extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants, citronellol has a characteristic grassy, citrus-like scent. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrullus colocynthis | Bitter apple; considered sensitizing to skin. | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrus amara | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrus aurantifolia | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrus aurantium | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrus aurantium extract | Bitter orange extract. It can have antioxidant properties when eaten (Source: Journal of... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Citrus medica limonium | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | Citrus unshiu | Plant extract more commonly known as the satsuma. This medium-sized citrus fruit is native to... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Citrus unshiu peel extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | clary oil | Used as fragrance; can be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | clary sage | Also known as Salvia sclarea, the extract from the clary sage plant (not to be confused with common sage leaf) has antioxidant properties, although it isnÛªt nearly as well researched as several other plant extracts with antioxidant benefits... | Antioxidants |
Good | clay | TBC | Absorbent |
Best | Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) flower extract | Clitoria ternatea is a perennial herb more commonly known as butterfly pea because of the pea-shaped, wing-like flowers it produces. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | clove leaf | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | clove oil | Potent skin sensitizer when applied repeatedly... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | clover blossom | Contains eugenol, which can be a skin sensitizer and cause photosensitivity. | Plant Extracts |
Poor | clover leaf oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Average | cocamide DEA and MEA | Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used ingredients to thicken the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties... | Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | cocamidopropyl betaine | One of the more gentle surfactants used in skincare products. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | cocamidopropyl dimethylamine | An antistatic agent derived from coconut oil, though it may be produced synthetically, too... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine | Mild surfactant. | Cleansing Agents |
Best | Coccinia indica (ivy gourd) fruit extract | Ivy gourd is a fruit that acts as a natural skin-conditioning agent. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Hydration |
Good | coco caprylate/caprate | Coco caprylate/caprate functions as a lightweight emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | coco-caprylate | Coco-caprylate is the mixture of esters that occur when the fatty alcohols derived from coconut alcohol reacts with the fatty acid caprylic acid. | Emollients, Hydration |
Good | coco-glucoside | A mixture of fatty alcohol from coconut and glucose. Chiefly functions as a cleansing agent. May be... | Cleansing Agents |
Best | cocoa butter | Oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient and with properties similar to those of other... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | cocoa extract | Can have antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | cocoglycerides | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | coconut | Has degreasing and cleansing properties, which is why detergent cleansing agents are frequently... | Plant Extracts, Cleansing Agents |
Good | coconut acid | A natural mixture of fatty acid found in coconut oil primarily used as a cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Best | coconut oil | Non-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract | The extract of the fruit of the coconut tree, this ingredient is rich in skin-conditioning fatty acids, proteins, and complex B vitamins. | Skin-Softening |
Good | cocoyl proline | Cocoyl proline is a mixture of coconut fatty acids and the amino acid proline, | Hydration |
Best | Cocus nucifera | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Codium tomentosum extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | coenzyme Q10 | Also known as ubiquinone, it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present in skin.... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | Coffea arabica (coffee) fruit extract | Coffee fruit extract is an excellent antioxidant when applied to skin, or consumed orally. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Coffea arabica (coffee) seed oil | The concentrated oil from the coffee bean plant, whichis green, not dark brown as this color doesn't occur until coffee beans are roasted. Research on this oil's effect on skin... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Coffea arabica seed extract | Coffea arabicaåÊis the coffee plant, and there is research showing that coffee extract has... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Cola acuminata seed extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Coleus barbatus | Member of the mint family and also known as forskolin; can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts |
Good | collagen amino acids | Collagen amino acids are made from the hydrolylsis (breaking down with water) of protein... | Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | colloidal oatmeal | TBC | Skin-Soothing |
Poor | colloidal silver | Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution. | Uncategorized |
Poor | comfrey extract | Several studies have shown that comfrey extract can have harmful properties when... | Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Commiphora myrrha extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | coneflower | Another name for echinacea; has soothing properties. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Copaifera officinalis | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | Copernicia cerifera wax | TBC | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Good | copper gluconate | Also known simply as copper, this mineral is an important trace element for human nutrition. The... | Antioxidants |
Good | copper lysinate/prolinate | An amino acid/mineral complex that limited yet potentially exciting research has shown... | Uncategorized |
Good | copper PCA | A synthetic skin-conditioning agent composed of the copper salt of PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic... | Uncategorized |
Good | copper peptides | Copper peptides combine the element copper with three amino acids. Copper peptides occur naturally in the body, and are used in trace amounts to... | Antioxidants |
Average | copper sulfate | Effective for soothing skin, but there is no research showing it has any impact when used... | Uncategorized |
Good | Corallina officinalis extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | coriander | Herb and spice plant, the source of a fragrant component; it can be a potential skin sensitizerÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | corn oil | Emollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils (Source: British... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | cornflower | Can have soothing properties for skinÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | cornmint | Also known as wild mint; it can be sensitizing to skinÛ_ | Plant Extracts |
Good | cornstarch | Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of talc. | Plant Extracts, Absorbent |
Good | Cornus extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Corylus americana | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Corylus avellana | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | coumarin | Organic compound found in plants and derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. It creates the... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | cranberry seed extract | Extract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as proanthocyanidins are responsible for... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | cranberry seed oil | Extract derived from the seed of this red berry; the oil (which is not red) has antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Crataegus monogina extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | creatine | An amino acid found in the human body and most type of meat and fish. This ingredient serves as the... | Skin-Restoring |
Good | cucumber extract | Non-irritating plant extract from the gourd family (think pumpkin) thatÛªs often reputed to be... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Cucumis melo (melon) fruit extract | More commonly known as cantaloupe or honeydew melon, Cucumis melo is a fruit that is a rich source... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Cucumis sativus extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Cucurbita pepo seed extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Cucurbitea peponis | TBC | Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts, Vitamins, Skin-Restoring |
Best | Curcuma longa root | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | curcumin | Antioxidant spice that can be effective in soothing skinÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | Cyamopsis tetragonoloba | TBC | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | cyanocobalamin | TBC | Vitamins |
Poor | cyclamen aldehyde | Synthetic fragrant component in products; it can aggravate skin. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | cyclohexasiloxane | One of the numerous forms of synthetic silicone | Emollients |
Good | cyclomethicone | Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone. | Emollients |
Good | cyclopentasiloxane | Lightweight silicone with a silky, slippery feel that functions as a skin/hair conditioning agent. | Emollients |
Good | cyclotetrasiloxane | TBC | Emollients |
Poor | Cymbopogon citrates | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Cymbopogon martini | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | cysteine | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | cystine | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | d-alpha-tocopherol | Antioxidant that's considered the most optimal form of vitamin E. | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | D&C | According to the FDA, D&C is an identification that indicates a coloring agent has been approved as... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | D&C colors | General term for a wide group of color additives that are approved for use in drugs and cosmetics... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Poor | daisy flower extract | There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin. Also known as tansy, it can... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Daucus carota | Also known as wild carrot. It can have antioxidant properties, but applied topically it can cause... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | DEA oleth-10 phosphate | Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic... | Texture Enhancer |
Best | decarboxy carnosine HCL | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring |
Good | decyl glucoside | Used as a gentle detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | decyl oleate | A skin-conditioning agent derived from the esters of decyl alcohol and oleic acid. | Emollients |
Good | decylene glycol | A synthetic glycol that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | dehydroacetic acid | A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium... | Preservatives |
Average | dehydroepiandrosterone | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | deionized/demineralized water | Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process... | Uncategorized |
Poor | denatured alcohol | Denatured alcohol is a drying type of alcohol that aggravates and weakens skin... | Sensitizing |
Average | deoxyribonucleic acid | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | detergent cleansing agent | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Average | deuterium oxide | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | dextran | Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | dextrin | Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | DHA | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate | Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing... | Texture Enhancer |
Average | diatomaceous earth | Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms.... | Scrub Agents |
Average | diazolidinyl urea | Water-soluble preservative. | Preservatives |
Average | dibutyl phthalate | Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold... | Uncategorized |
Good | dicaprylyl carbonate | An emollient ingredient that may be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily and... | Emollients |
Good | dicetyl phosphate | A mix of portions from cetyl alcohol and phosphoric acid that functions as surfactant and emulsifier. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | diethylhexyl carbonate | A synthetic oil-likeåÊester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. Also used in... | Emollients |
Good | diethylhexyl malate | Emollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent ethyl hexanediol. | Emollients |
Good | diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate | An ester that functions as an antioxidant and helps defend cosmetics products from chemical or physical deterioration... | Antioxidants |
Best | diheptyl succinate | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | dihydrocholeth-30 | A synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | dihydroxyacetone | Ingredient present in all self-tanners that affects the color of skin. Derived from sugar, it... | Uncategorized |
Good | diisopropyl adipate | Used as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | diisopropyl dimer dilinoleate | A synthetic ester that functions as aåÊskin-conditioning agent and emollient. | Emollients |
Good | diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate | Emollient in the silicone family. | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate | A synthetic ester that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. May be animal-derived. | Emollients |
Good | diisostearyl malate | Diisostearyl malate is an ester that functions as an emollient... | Emollients |
Good | diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate | Diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate is an emollient blend of fatty acids often used in cosmetics to enhance coverage. | Skin-Softening, Emollients, Emulsifiers |
Good | dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate | A mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient... | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | dimethicone | A type of silicone, dimethicone is one of the most frequently used emollient ingredients in moisturizers due to its gentleness... | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | dimethicone copolyol | TBC | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | dimethicone crosspolymer | Silicone derivative used as a stabilizing or suspending agent or as a thickener. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Silicones |
Good | dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer | A mixture of the silicone dimethicone with PEG-10 and PEG-15. | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer | TBC | Texture Enhancer, Silicones |
Good | dimethiconol | TBC | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | dimethyl capramide | Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics. | Uncategorized |
Poor | dimethyl ether | Colorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is potentially harmful if inhaledÛ_ | Uncategorized |
Good | dimethyl isosorbide | A solvent derived from the sugar sorbitol... | Uncategorized |
Average | dimethyl MEA | TBC | Skin-Restoring |
Average | Dioscorea villosa extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate | Mixture of fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | dipeptide-2 | Dipeptide-2 is a small, less complex synthetic peptide made up of the amino acids tryptophan and valine. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | dipotassium glycyrrhizate | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | dipotassium glycyrrhizinate | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | dipotassium phosphate | A synthetic salt that helps to adjust and maintain the pH of water-based and... | Miscellaneous |
Good | dipropylene glycol | A synthetic slip agent and texture enhancer. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | disodium cocoamphodiacetate | Mild detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | disodium cocoyl glutamate | A cleansing agent derived from coconut. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | disodium diglyceryl phosphate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | disodium EDTA | Short for disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Used as a chelating agent... | Uncategorized |
Good | disodium glyceryl phosphate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | disodium lauraminopropionate | A mild surfactant. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates | A complex mixture of esters formed from a blend of tocopherol phosphates with lauriminodipropionic... | Uncategorized |
Good | disodium rutinyl disulfate | A water-soluble derivative of the bioflavinoid rutin... | Antioxidants |
Good | disteardimonium hectorite | Used as a suspending agent, often with pigments. | Uncategorized |
Average | DMAE | TBC | Skin-Restoring |
Average | DMDM hydantoin | Formaldehyde-releasing preservative... | Preservatives |
Good | docosahexaenoic acid | TBC | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | dog rose | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | dogwood | There is a small amount of research showing that dogwood has antioxidant and soothing... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Dromiceius oil | TBC | Emollients |
Good | dulse | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Dunaliella salina extract | A type of micro-algae thatÛªs known for being adaptable and able to survive even in harsh natural conditions. ItÛªs a rich source... | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | durian | A tropical fruit that contains high levels of antioxidants such as caffeic acid and quercetin | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Durvillaea antarctica extract | Extract derived from a species of algae (Durvillea antarctica). | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | ecamsule | Sunscreen ingredient that provides UVA protection... | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | Echium plantagineum seed oil | A novel, non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source of saturated fatty acids... | Emollients |
Best | Eclipta prostrata extract | An annual plant common to Korea, Eclipta prostrata has potent antioxidant and skin-calming properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | ectoin | Ectoin is a synthetic ingredient that serves as an emollient on skin and can also have a buffering effect in cosmetic formulas. | Emollients |
Good | EDTA | Acronym for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a stabilizer used in cosmetics to prevent ingredients... | Miscellaneous |
Best | egg yolk | Egg yolk is mostly water and lipids (fats), especially cholesterol, which makes it a good emollient... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | eicosapentaenoic acid | Fatty acid derived from salmon oil; it is a good emollient and replenishing ingredient for skin. | Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | Elaeis guineensis | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | elderberry | Also known as black elderberry or Sambucus nigra, this plant has potent antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | elecampane | Latin name Inula helenium; it is a plant that can be very sensitizing to the skin... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | ellagic acid | Potent antioxidant compound found in pomegranate and most berries. | Antioxidants |
Best | Emblica officinalis (gooseberry) fruit extract | Also known as amla, the fruit extract from gooseberry is among the richest plant sources of antioxidants. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | emollient | Supple, waxlike, lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | emu oil | The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird indigenous to Australia. The oil... | Emollients |
Good | emulsifier | When it comes to cosmetics, an emulsifier refers to any ingredient that helps keep unlike... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Poor | English ivy extract | Plant extract that can be a skin sensitizer due to its stimulant and astringent (skin-constricting) properties. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | Enteromorpha compressa extract | Extract from green algae. | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts |
Poor | environmental damage | Occurrence that takes place at an atomic level and is a complex physiological process. Molecules... | Miscellaneous |
Good | enzymes | Vast group of protein , produced by all living things, that act as catalysts in chemical... | Exfoliant, Skin-Restoring |
Best | epigallocatechin gallate | One of the constituents of green tea believed to be responsible for its many health... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Epilobium angustifolium extract | Extract derived from a plant commonly known as fireweed or willow herb... | Skin-Soothing |
Best | Epilobium fleischeri (willowherb) extract | Epilobium fleischeri, also known as Alpine willowherb, is a plant extract has documented skin-calming and antioxidant benefits | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Equisetum arvense | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | ergocalciferol | Technical name for vitamin D. | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | ergothioneine | A substance derived from animal tissue or various types of mushrooms that has potent antioxidant... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | Eriobotrya japonica | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | erythrulose | Substance chemically similar to the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone. Depending on your skin... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | esculin | Component of horse chestnut, it is considered harmful and is not recommended for skin... | Sensitizing |
Poor | essential oil | TBC | Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | ester | A compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid via the elimination of water.... | Emollients |
Best | Ester-C | Trade name for a combination form of vitamin C that contains mainly calcium ascorbate, but in... | Vitamins |
Poor | ethanol | TBC | Sensitizing |
Good | ethoxydiglycol | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Poor | ethyl alcohol | TBC | Sensitizing |
Average | ethyl hexanediol | A synthetic, viscous alcohol that functions as a solvent and can also be... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | ethyl macadamiate | Mixture of fatty acids from macadamia nut oil. | Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | ethyl vanillin | Flavoring agent derived from vanilla. It has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of... | Antioxidants |
Best | ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | ethylhexyl olivate | A natural ester of skin-conditioning fatty acids derived from olive oil. It can have an occlusive effect on skin. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | ethylhexyl palmitate | A mixture of a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid that functions as an emollient. | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | ethylhexyl stearate | TBC | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | ethylhexylglycerin | A synthetic skin-conditioning agent used as a preservative or as a carrier or suspending agent for... | Miscellaneous, Preservatives |
Good | ethylparaben | Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben... | Preservatives |
Poor | eucalyptus extract | Extract that may have beneficial properties on the skin... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | eucalyptus oil | Fragrant plant oil whose active constituents are found in the leaves and the oil obtained from... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Eugenia aromatica | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Eugenia caryophyllus | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | eugenol | Fragrance chemical that occurs naturally in some plant ingredients... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | Euphorbia cerifera wax | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Average | Euphrasia officinalis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | Euterpe oleracea (acai) sterols | Euterpe oleracea (acai) sterols are the sterol portion derived from the acai plant. | Emollients, Skin-Soothing, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Euterpe oleracea fruit extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | evening primrose oil | Can have significant soothing and emollient benefits for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | Evodia rutaecarpa extract | A species of Asian tree whose fragrant fruit functions as a good soothing agent in... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Ext. D&C | Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA (www.fda.gov), when Ext. D&C is followed by a color,... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Average | eyebright | A plant; although the name sounds like it would be beneficial for the eye area, there are no... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | faex | A type of yeast. | Antioxidants |
Average | farnesol | Extract of plants that is used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance. A few animal studies and some... | Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts |
Average | farnesyl acetate | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | fatty acid | Substance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | fatty alcohol | Made from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | FD&C | Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA, when FD&C is followed by a color, the color is... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | FD&C colors | General term for any color additive deemed to be safe and FDA-approved for use in foods, drugs, and... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Poor | fennel oil | Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | fennel seed extract | Can have antioxidant properties, but on skin it can be a skin sensitizer (Source:... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | ferric ammonium ferrocyanide | Inorganic salt of ferric ferrocyanide. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | ferric ferrocyanide | Also known as Iron Blue, a coloring agent used in cosmetic products, including those designed for... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Poor | Ferula galbaniflua | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | ferulic acid | A plant-based antioxidant. Research suggests that it provides antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | feverfew extract | A plant that can be very soothing but also potentially sensitizing to the skin... | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | fibronectin | Type of protein found in the skin.... | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Ficus carica (fig) fruit extract | Fig is a rich source of a class of antioxidants known as phenolic compounds. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | fig | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | Filipendula glaberrima | Also known as Nakai, the root of this plant extract has been shown to be an antioxidantÛ_ | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Filipendula rubra | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | film-forming agent | Large group of ingredients that are typically found in hair-care products, but that are also widely... | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Poor | fir needle oil | Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | fireweed extract | Extract from the Epilobium angustifoliumåÊplant; also known as willow herb. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | fish cartilage extract | May have water-binding properties, but there is no research showing that this has any benefit for... | Miscellaneous |
Best | flavonoid | TBC | Antioxidants |
Average | flavor | According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the term "flavor" on a product label signifies... | Miscellaneous |
Best | flax | Plant source of linen and edible seeds. Flax seeds and seed oil have antioxidant properties... | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | flaxseed oil | From seeds of the flax plant; a source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | floralozone | One of a number of synthetic fragrant components. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Foeniculum vulgare extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | folic acid | Part of the B-vitamin complex; when taken orally, it is a good antioxidant. That benefit has not... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Average | formaldehyde-releasing preservative | Common type of preservative found in cosmetics... | Preservatives |
Best | Fragaria vesca (strawberry) fruit extract | StrawberryÛªs red color comes from its high amount of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | fragrance | One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | frankincense extract | Fragrant component used in skincare products; it can be a skin sensitizer... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | fructose | Often called fruit sugar, fructose is a type of sugar composed of glucose. It has water-binding... | Skin-Replenishing |
Average | fruit acid | TBC | Miscellaneous, Plant Extracts |
Best | Fu ling | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Fucus vesiculosus extract | Fucus vesiculosus extract, also known as bladderwrack, is a type of brown algae (seaweed) that is edible. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing, Hydration |
Good | fuller's earth | Mineral substance that is similar to kaolin (a clay). Composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Absorbent |
Good | galactoarabinan | Polysaccharide extracted from the western larch tree. | Antioxidants, Hydration, Plant Extracts |
Poor | galbanum | Fragrant substance that, because of its resin and volatile oil content, can be extremely sensitizingÛ_ | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | gamma linolenic acid (GLA) | Fatty acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and antioxidant. GLA is considered to... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Skin-Restoring |
Best | 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. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) peel extract | Mangosteen is a fruit with a sweet and sour flavor and is native to several Asian countries. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Gardenia florida extract | Flower extract used in cosmetics to impart fragrance; also functions as an antioxidant (Source:... | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | gelatin | Protein obtained from plants or animals and used in cosmetics as a thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | gellan gum | A plant-derived, high-weight, polysaccharide texture enhancer that also... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | Gellidiela acerosa extract | Extract derived from a type of algae. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | genistein | Plant component (most often from soy) that is a rich source of antioxidants, though it can also be... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | Gentiana lutea (Gentian) root extract | Part of the gentian plant, constituents of which are soothing to skin... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | geraniol | A volatile fragrance ingredient extracted from geranium, geraniol is capable of causing sensitivity when applied to skin. | Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | geranium extract | Extract that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Phytomedicine, June 2000, pages... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | geranium oil | Fragrant oil that can have beneficial properties but also can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Geranium pretense | Geranium plant. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | Germaben II | Trade name for diazolidinyl urea. | Preservatives |
Good | ginger extract | Extract from a plant in the ZingiberacaeåÊfamily that has research showing it has soothing... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | ginger oil | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Ginkgo biloba leaf extract | Potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | ginseng | Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement. When applied topically it delivers antioxidant benefits, boosts hydration, and helps visibly improve signs of skin aging. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | GLA | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Skin-Restoring |
Best | glabridin | Main ingredient in licorice extract. It has soothing properties. There is research showing... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | glucomannan | Glucomannan is prebiotic sugar that combines the simples sugars mannose with glucose. | Hydration |
Best | gluconolactone | TBC | Exfoliant |
Best | glucosamine HCL | A form of glucosamine, an amino sugar that can be considered a skin-restorative... | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | glucose | Monosaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | glucose oxidase | Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of the sugar glucose. | Miscellaneous |
Best | 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... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | glucosylceramides | Glucosylceramides are responsible for the healthy formation and appearance of skinÛªs upper layers. | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | glutamic acid | Glutamic acid is an amino acid that helps aid skin hydration. | Hydration |
Best | glutamine | Can help improve the function of skin... | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | glutathione | Powerful, non-enzymatic antioxidant which naturally occurs in the skin. | Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring |
Good | gluten ingredients | Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in many types of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. | Miscellaneous |
Good | glycereth-26 | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glycereth-26 phosphate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glycereth-6 laurate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | glycerin | Also called glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable. | Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | glycerine | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | glycerol | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | glycerol monostearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glycerol triacetate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glycerol trioleate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | glyceryl ascorbate | A vitamin C derivative, it serves as an antioxidant in skincare products. | Antioxidants |
Good | glyceryl behanate | A simple mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occuring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl behenate... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Best | glyceryl behenate | An ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid... | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | 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. | Thickeners |
Good | glyceryl cocoate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl dibehanate | A complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl... | Emollients |
Good | glyceryl dipalmitate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl distearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl ester | Large group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. At room temperature, the fats are... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl isopalmitate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl isostearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl myristate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl oleate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | glyceryl palmitate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl polymethacrylate | A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a film-forming agent. It has a... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | glyceryl rosinate | An ester of long chain acids derived from a plant-based ingredient known as rosin. | Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | glyceryl stearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl stearate citrate | Glyceryl stearate citrate is an ester of citric acid and glyceryl stearate. | Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glyceryl stearate SE | Widely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (thatÛªs what the ÛÏSEÛ stands for) form of... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | glycine | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Glycine soja oil | Oil derived from wild soybeans; it has emollient properties. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Best | Glycine soja seed extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Glycine soja sterols | A sterol is a solid complex alcohol derived from animals and plants. In this case, the sterols are... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | glycogen | Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. | Skin-Replenishing, Hydration |
Good | glycol stearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | 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... | Exfoliant |
Best | glycolipid | Type of lipid composed of sugar (monosaccharide) and fat (lipid) that forms an important component... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | glycoproteins | Glycoproteins are a type of peptide naturally present in skin's surface that works with other ingredients to reinforce skin's barrier strength. | Skin-Restoring, Hydration |
Best | glycosaminoglycans | Also known as mucopolysaccharides; these are a fundamental component of skin and are... | Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | glycosphingolipid | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | glycyrrhetic acid | Extract from licorice that has skin-soothing propertiesÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | glycyrrhetinic acid | One of the components of licorice root extract... | Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing |
Best | Glycyrrhiza glabra | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | goji fruit extract | This bright, warm red berry, native to Asia, is a very good source of antioxidant compounds. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | gold | An ingredient that seems luxe and helpful but is actually a frequent contact sensitizerÛ_ | Sensitizing, Miscellaneous |
Good | Gossypium herbacuem seed oil | Also known as cotton seed oil, this non-fragrant plant oil may cause... | Plant Extracts |
Best | gotu kola | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | grape seed extract | Grape seed extract has been shown to help diminish free-radical damageÛ_ | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | grape seed oil | Emollient, non-fragrant plantåÊoil that also hasåÊexcellent antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | grapefruit oil | Citrus oil whose volatile components (chiefly substances known as furocoumarins) are sensitizing... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | grapefruit peel extract | Typically listed as citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel extract on the ingredient list... | Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | grapefruit seed extract | Labelled as Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) seed extract, this is often claimed as a natural preservative... | Uncategorized |
Best | green tea | Significant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | gromwell | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | guar gum | Plant-derived thickening agent... | Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride | TBC | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Miscellaneous |
Poor | guarana | Herb that contains two and a half times more caffeine than coffee. It can have constricting... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | guava | Guava extract is a rich source of bioactive antioxidants including gallic acid, quercetin, and tocopherol. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | gums | Substances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in... | Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Best | Haematococcus pluvialis extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Hamamelis virginiana | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | hamamelitannin | Tannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Sensitizing |
Good | Haslea ostrearia extract | Extract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts |
Poor | hayflower extract | Plant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be sensitizing There is no... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | hazelnut oil | Oil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient. | Emollients |
Good | hectorite | A type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel. | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | Hedera helix | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | hedione | Synthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin sensitizer. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil | Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil is a non-volatile, non-fragrant plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Best | Helianthus oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | hemp seed oil | From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | hesperidin | Flavonoid found in various plants such as citrus and evening primrose oil. It has potential as a... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | hesperidin methyl chalcone | Citrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to improve dark undereye circles. There is... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate | Hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate is a synthetic peptide that helps skinÛªs surface shed properly and speeds up surface renewal for fresher-looking skin. | Skin-Restoring |
Poor | hexyl cinnamal | A fragrance ingredient used in many perfumes and often seen in fragranced skincare products... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | hexyl laurate | Skin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | hexyldecanol | A synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | hexylene glycol | TBC | Slip Agents |
Average | hexylresorcinol | A synthetic ingredient that has been shown to have skin brightening ability but there is very limited research about it on skin... | Antioxidants |
Good | hibiscus | Fragrant plant | Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts |
Good | Himanthalia elongate extract | Extract of a species of algae. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | Hippophae rhamnoides | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Hippophae Rhamnoides (seaberry) fruit extract | Also known as sea buckthorn, seaberry is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, vitamin E. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | histidine | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | hoelen | A mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has... | Plant Extracts, Preservatives |
Best | homosalate | FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is... | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | honey | Substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. Composed primarily of the... | Skin-Soothing, Vitamins, Antioxidants |
Best | honey extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | honeysuckle flower extract | Plant extract that functions as a soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | hops | There is no research showing that hops have any benefit for skin. However, components in hops may... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Hordeum vulgare extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | horse chestnut extract | May have soothing properties for skin... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | horse elder | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | horseradish | Plant that can sensitize skin and should never be applied to abraded skin. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | horsetail extract | Plant extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties, but there's no solid research showing it can and does exert these effects... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Hortonia floribunda leaf extract | No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it and other plant components... | Plant Extracts |
Good | Huang qi | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Humulus lupulus extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | hyaluronic acid | Component of skin that is used in skincare products as a good restorative ingredient.... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Poor | Hydnocarpus anthelmintica | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Hydrastis canadenis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | hydrocotyl extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | hydrogen peroxide | There is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a... | Sensitizing |
Good | hydrogenated coco-glyceride | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | hydrogenated didecene | Skin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Best | hydrogenated lecithin | TBC | Skin-Restoring, Emollients |
Best | hydrogenated olive oil | When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | hydrogenated palm glycerides | Palm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | hydrogenated polydecene | Synthetic polymer that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. | Emollients |
Good | hydrogenated polyisobutene | Synthetic polymer used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Best | hydrogenated soybean oil | Non-fragrant plant oil from soy that has been hydrogenated so it retains a semi-solid rather than liquid state. | Antioxidants, Emollients |
Good | hydrogenated starch hydrolysate | The end product of hydrolyzing starch, a polysaccharide carbohydrate... | Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Hydration |
Good | hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate | A hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics... | Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | hydrolyzed acacia macrostachya seed extract | The extract from the seed of the Acacia macrostachya plant, a tropical shrub. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | hydrolyzed algae extract | The hydrolyzed form of algae extract, and a rich source of polysaccharides for skin. | Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | hydrolyzed corn starch | A form of the natural absorbent corn starch that has been hydrolyzed, which means it has undergone... | Absorbent |
Best | hydrolyzed eruca sativa (arugula) leaf | When applied to skin, arugula is a good source of antioxidants and minerals to help defend skin from environmental damage. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans | A skin-restorative ingredient that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... | Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Softening |
Best | hydrolyzed jojoba esters | Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with... | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | hydrolyzed jojoba protein | Protein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake | Hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake is a plant-derived ingredient that protects skin from moisture loss to support firmness. | Plant Extracts, Hydration |
Best | hydrolyzed rhodophycea (red algae) extract | Hydrolyzed rhodophycea is a type of red algae that, like most other types used in skin care products, helps improve skinÛªs hydration. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Hydration |
Good | hydrolyzed silk | TBC | Antioxidants, Slip Agents |
Best | hydrolyzed soy protein | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | hydrolyzed vegetable protein | Composed of various protein substances derived from vegetables and broken down by water to form a... | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Good | hydrolyzed wheat protein | Protein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the... | Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Best | hydroquinone | Hydroquinone has long been established as the most effective ingredient for reducing brown spots. | Skin-Restoring, Antioxidants |
Good | hydroxyacetophenone | Hydroxyacetophenone is a synthetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. | Antioxidants, Hydration |
Good | hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer | A polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | hydroxyethyl urea | A synthetic ingredient that serves to hydrate skin and help maintain a normal... | Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | hydroxyethylcellulose | Plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Also used (most... | Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Poor | hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid | Also known by the acronym HEPES, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering ingredient typically used to... | Miscellaneous |
Best | hydroxylated lecithin | TBC | Emollients |
Good | hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin | A plant- derived or synthetic carbohydrate that functions as a chelating agent and... | Miscellaneous |
Good | hydroxypropyl guar | TBC | Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | hydroxypropyl starch phosphate | A plant-based or synthetic starch ingredient that functions as a thickener or bulking agent in cosmetics... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | Hypericum extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Best | hyssop | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | idebenone | A synthetic antioxidant similar to coenzyme Q10. Idebenone got a lot of press as the best... | Antioxidants |
Best | Ilex paraguariensis | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Poor | Illicium vernum | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | illite | Illite is a mineral-sourced natural thickener that is sometimes referred to as French green clay. | Thickeners, Absorbent |
Average | imidazolidinyl urea | Considered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea because it is beneficial against... | Preservatives |
Good | inactive ingredient | The list of inactive ingredients is the part of an ingredient label that is not regulated by the... | Miscellaneous |
Best | inositol | Major component of lecithin that may have water-binding properties for skin. It is not a vitamin,... | Skin-Replenishing |
Poor | Inula helenium | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | iodopropynyl butylcarbamate | A synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less. It is very... | Preservatives |
Poor | Iris florentina extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | Irish moss extract | Type of red algae. | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | iron oxides | Compounds of iron that are used as colorings in some cosmetics. They also are used as a metal... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Average | iron powder | Iron 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. | Absorbent |
Good | isoamyl cocoate | Isoamyl cocoate, an ester of isoamyl alcohol and coconut acid, works as a lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient and skin softener in skin care. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | isoamyl laurate | The ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid, this plant- or synthetic-based texture-enhancing ingredient feels velvety-soft. | Emulsifiers, Skin-Softening |
Good | isobutyl acetate | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Good | isobutylparaben | Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben... | Preservatives |
Average | isocetyl salicylate | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Good | isododecane | Hydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and... | Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer |
Best | isoflavone | Plant derivative with antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | isohexadecane | Used as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | isoleucine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | isononyl isononanoate | An ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Occurs naturally in cocoa and lavender oil. | Emollients |
Good | isoparaffin | TBC | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | isopropyl alcohol | TBC | Sensitizing |
Good | isopropyl isostearate | The ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid. It is used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in cosmetics products... | Emollients |
Good | isopropyl lanolate | Derived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | isopropyl myristate | Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | isopropyl palmitate | Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be... | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | isopropyl titanium triisostearate | A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments... | Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer | A synthetic, silicone-enhancedåÊpolymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium triisostearate... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Silicones, Texture Enhancer |
Good | isostearamide DEA | Used as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | isostearic acid | Fatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | ivy extract | Plant extract that can be sensitizing due to its astringent (skin-constricting) properties. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | Japan wax | Vegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | jasmine oil | Fragrant oil, often used as a source of perfume, that can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Jasminium grandiflorum | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | jojoba butter | The fattiest portion of jojoba oil, used as an intensive emollient. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | jojoba esters | Jojoba esters are a mixture of esters from jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil that are used as emollients, occlusives, or as scrub particles in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Scrub Agents |
Best | jojoba oil | Emollient, non-fragrant oil (technically, a polyunsaturated wax) extracted from the seeds of a perennial shrub. | Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | jojoba wax | Semi-solid portion of jojoba oil. | Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Poor | jonquil extract | Fragrant plant extract that poses a strong risk of skin sensitization. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Ju hua | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | jujube fruit extract | Asian plant extract that has soothing properties and may also provide other benefits... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | juniper berry | Can have sothing properties for skinÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Juniperus communis | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | kaolin | Naturally occurring clay mineral (silicate of aluminum) that is used in cosmetics for its absorbent... | Absorbent |
Poor | Kathon CG | TBC | Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Poor | kava-kava extract | Extract of the Piper methysticumåÊplant that has soothing properties, but can... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | kawa extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | kelp extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Average | Kigelia africana extract | Extract of African plant commonly known as the sausage tree. The African lore about this extract is... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | kiwi fruit extract | As a food, kiwi has significant antioxidant properties that may even be greater than those of... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | kojic acid | By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake, Japanese... | Antioxidants |
Good | kojic dipalmitate | A mixture of kojic acid and palmitic acid. It functions as a skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant... | Antioxidants |
Average | kola nut | One of the major components of the kola nut is caffeine, which in high amounts can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | kudzu root | Source of isoflavone, genistein, and daidzein, all plant estrogens.. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | kukui nut oil | Non-volatile oil from a plant native to Hawaii; it has emollient properties for skin (Source:... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | L-ascorbic acid | Form of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing agent... | Skin-Soothing, Vitamins, Antioxidants |
Good | L-cysteine | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | lactic acid | Alpha hydroxy acid extracted from milk, although most forms used in cosmetics are synthetic. It... | Exfoliant |
Best | Lactobacillus ferment | Lactobacillus ferment is a lab-created, non-living probiotic ingredient made by fermentation of the microorganism Lactobacillus. | Hydration |
Best | Lactobacillus/rye flour ferment | Lactobacillus/rye flour ferment is a non-living probiotic made by fermenting rye flour with the microorganism Lactobacillus thatÛªs used to create sourdough bread. | Hydration |
Good | lactobionate | Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin. | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | lactobionic acid | TBC | Exfoliant |
Best | lactoperoxidase | Enzyme derived from milk; it has purifying benefits for skin and may be helpful for... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | lady's mantle extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Miscellaneous |
Best | lady's thistle (milk thistle) extract | Extract for which there is a great deal of research showing it has many applications... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Restoring |
Average | Lagerstroemia indica extract | No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin... | Plant Extracts |
Good | Laminaria digitata | TBC | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Laminaria longicruris | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | Laminaria ochroleuca extract | The Latin name for a species of kelp, also known as brown seaweed. Applied topically, it helps... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Laminaria sacharrina | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | Lamium album flower extract | A species of the nettle plant that is used topically as as a soothing ingredient... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | lanolin | Emollient, very thick substance derived from sheep. Lanolin has long been... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | lanolin alcohol | Emollient derived from lanolin. | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | lappa extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | Larrea divaricata extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Larrea tridentata | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | lauramphocarboxyglycinate | Mild detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Good | laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Good | laureth-23 | Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | laureth-4 | Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | laureth-7 | A form of lauryl alcohol (a non-irritating fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil) that can... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Good | laureths | Substances that in various combinations create a wide range of mild detergent cleansing agents... | Cleansing Agents |
Best | lauric acid | One of several fatty acids found in coconut oil and other natural fats. | Skin-Replenishing, Cleansing Agents |
Good | lauroyl lysine | Amino acid derivative that functions as a skin- and hair-conditioning agent. It also contributes to... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | Laurus nobilis | TBC | Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts |
Good | lauryl alcohol | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | lauryl glucoside | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | lauryl lactate | Mixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | lauryl laurate | An ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid... | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone | A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin/hair... | Emulsifiers, Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Poor | lavandin oil | Essential oil of the hybrid lavender plant Lavandula hybridaåÊand used in cosmetics as a fragrance... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Lavandula angustifolia | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Lavandula officinalis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | lavender extract and oil | In-vitro research indicates that components of lavender oil, specifically linalool and linalyl acetate, can have... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | lecithin | Phospholipid found in egg yolks and may be plant or animal derived. It is widely used in... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Poor | lemon | Potent skin sensitizer. Though it can have beneficial properties... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | lemon balm | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | lemon juice | The juice from the citrus fruit lemon, often touted in the world of skin care as being a natural option for brightening skin. | Antioxidants, Sensitizing |
Poor | lemon oil | Commonly used citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizer, especially on abraded skin. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | lemongrass extract | Extract that can have beneficial properties... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | lemongrass oil | Also known as Oil of Verbena; can be effective as a mosquito repellent... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | lentil fruit extract | Extract that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and likely has antioxidant benefit, too. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening |
Average | Lentinus edodes extract | Extract from the shiitake mushroom that may have antioxidant properties... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants |
Best | Leontopodium alpinum (edelweiss) extract | Edelweiss is a plant extract whose constituents are capable of providing antioxidant and skin-soothing benefit for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Leptospermum scoparium oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | leucine | Amino acid. | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate | Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate is a preservative created by fermenting Raphanus sativus (radish) roots. | Plant Extracts, Preservatives |
Poor | Levisticum officinale root extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | licorice extract | Plant extract that has skin-soothing properties. In addition, licorice root may be effective in... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | licorice root | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Average | Lilium candidum bulb extract | Extract derived from the white lily bulb. There is no research showing this has any benefit for... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | lime oil and extract | Citrus fruit whose volatile compounds are sensitizing... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Limnanthes alba | Plant commonly known as meadowfoam; its seed oil is a non-volatile plant oil used as a... | Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening |
Best | Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil | Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil is a non-fragrant, edible plant oil originally developed as an agricultural crop in the 1950s. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | Limnanthes alba seed oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | limonene | Chemical constituent of many natural fragrant ingredients, notably citrus oils such as lemon (d-limonene) and... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | linalool | Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a skin sensitizer, or... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | linden flower extract | Major constituents in linden are flavonoids and glycosides. Flavonoids are potent... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | linoleic acid | Unsaturated fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. There is some... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Emollients |
Best | linolenic acid | Linolenic acid is a naturally-occurring, colorless polyunsaturated fatty acid liquid... | Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts |
Best | Linum usitatissimum (linseed) seed oil | Linum usitastissimum (linseed) seed oil is more commonly known as flaxseed oil. | Plant Extracts |
Best | Linum usitatissimum extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | lipid | Wide range of ingredients found in plants, animals, and human skin. Lipids include fatty acids,... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | liposomes | Delivery system (not an ingredient) capable of holding other ingredients and releasing them after... | Miscellaneous |
Good | lithium magnesium sodium silicate | Synthetic silica-based clay composed of lithium, sodium, and magnesium. Used as a thickening agent... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Best | Lithospermum erythrorhizon | Also known as gromwell, the root of this plant is believed to have antioxidant and... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Litsea cubeba | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | locust bean | TBC | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Best | Lonicera caprifolium flower extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Lonicera japonica | Honeysuckle extract. A plant with soothing properties for skin. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Lonicera japonica flower extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | loquat extract | Extract derived from a subtropical flower that has antioxidant properties similar to... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | lotus seed extract | Extract that can have soothing and antioxidant properties... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | lovage root extract | In cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance.... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | lupine | Legume that is a source of isoflavones with antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | lupine oil | Extract of Lupinus albus, a legume; it has emollient and antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Lupinus albus (white lupine) seed oil | Lupinus albus (white lupine) seed oil is a non-fragrant plant oil whose unsaturated fatty acid content consists primarily of oleic and erucic acids. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Lupinus albus extract | Species of legume. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | lutein | Carotenoid that has antioxidant propertiesÛ_ | Antioxidants |
Best | Lycium barbarum fruit extract | The extract of the fruit commonly known as goji, goji berry, or wolfberry. This fruit extract is an antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Skin-Softening |
Best | lycopene | Carotenoid pigment that has potent antioxidant propertiesÛ_ | Antioxidants |
Poor | lye | TBC | Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | lysine | Amino acid. | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | lysine HCI | Lysine HCI plays a role in keeping skin hydrated and helping it look smooth and youthful. | Hydration |
Good | macadamia nut oil | Used in cosmetics as an emollient for dry skin. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | madecassoside | One of four principal bioactive compounds in the plant extract Centella asiatica. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | magnesium | Earth mineral that has strong absorbent properties and some disinfecting propertiesÛ_ | Absorbent |
Good | magnesium aluminum silicate | Powdery, dry-feeling, white solid that is used as a thickening agent and powder in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | magnesium ascorbyl palmitate | Fatty acid-basedåÊderivative of vitamin C that can be an effective antioxidant. There is some... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | magnesium ascorbyl phosphate | Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and an effective antioxidant for skin (Sources:... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | magnesium aspartate | Magnesium aspartate is the magnesium salt of aspartic acid that plays a role in maintaining proteins in skin. | Skin-Softening, Hydration |
Good | magnesium carbonate | Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, coloring agent, or to adjust the pH... | Absorbent |
Good | magnesium hydroxide | Active ingredient in milk of magnesia. It is an absorbent and has disinfectant properties for skin. | Absorbent, Miscellaneous |
Good | magnesium laureth sulfate | Mild detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | magnesium oleth sulfate | Mild detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | magnesium palmitoyl glutamate | Magnesium palmitoyl glutamate is an amino acid (glutamic acid) and mineral (magnesium) blend that conditions and softens skin. | Skin-Softening |
Best | magnesium PCA | Magnesium PCA is the magnesium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), which is part of skinÛªs intercellular matrix. | Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | magnesium stearate | Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | magnesium sulfate | Commonly known as Epsom salt, a magnesium salt used as a texture enhancer. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | Mahonia aquifolium root extract | A plant extract known as Orgeon grape... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | malic acid | Malic acid is an exfoliating ingredient derived from unripe fruit. | Exfoliant |
Best | mallow | Can be used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and may have soothing... | Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts |
Best | Malpighia emarginata (acerola) fruit extract | Acerola fruit extract is a potent source of antioxidants and hydrating polysaccharides. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | maltodextrin | A plant-based sugar created by hydrolyzing a saccharide with starch from corn, potato, or rice. | Thickeners, Film-Forming Agents, Absorbent |
Good | maltooligosyl glucoside | A carbohydrate polysaccharide thatÛªs naturally-derived and then combined... | Hydration, Film-Forming Agents, Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Malva sylvestris extract | Extract from the blue mallow flower, it may have some soothing properties for... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | malvaceae extract | Extract from plants of the Malvaceae family, which includes over 1,000 species, found in tropical... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | mandarin orange oil or extract | Primarily used as a fragrance; it can be a skin sensitizer. There is no research showing it has any... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | mandelic acid | A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), also known as amygdalic acid. ThereÛªs some research showing mandelic acid is an effective exfoliant, although itÛªs not as effective as glycolic acid due to its larger size... | Exfoliant |
Average | manganese gluconate | Mineral found in trace amounts in tissues of the body. While manganese plays a vital role in the... | Antioxidants |
Good | manganese violet | Coloring agent/additive permanently listed (as of 1976) by the FDA for use in cosmetic products,... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | Mangifera indica (mango) seed butter | More commonly known as mango butter, this ingredient is a very good plant-based... | Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | Mangifera indica root | Extract derived from the mango tree; it can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | mannitol | Mannitol is a plant-derived or lab-made sugar that works in skin care to bind moisture and condition. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | manuka oil | Extract derived from the New Zealand tea tree; the oil is similar to that of the Australian tea... | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | marigold | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | marionberry | Fruit that has potent antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | marjoram | Herb with a fragrant component used in cosmetics; can be a skin sensitizerÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | marshmallow | A flowering plant native to Africa that has soothing effects... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Mastocarpus stellatus | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | mate extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | matricaria oil | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | MEA | Abbreviation for monoethanolamine. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | meadowsweet extract | Extract that can have skin-soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Medicago sativa | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Melaleuca alternifolia | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | Melaleuca cajeputi oil | There is no research showing that this oil, which is derived from a plant in the same family as the... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | Melia azadirachta (chinaberry) flower extract | The chinaberry is a popular plant throughout India, where use of every part of the plant can be seen in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Melia azadirachta (chinaberry) leaf extract | Latin term for the extract from the leaf of the neem plant. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | Melia azadirachta oil | TBC | Sensitizing |
Good | melibiose | Saccharide that can have good water-binding properties. | Skin-Replenishing |
Poor | Melissa officinalis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Mentha arvensis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Mentha piperita | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Mentha spicata | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Mentha viridis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | menthol | Derived from peppermint; menthol can have the same sensitizing effect as peppermint on skinÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | menthone | Major constituent of peppermint. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | menthoxypropanediol | Synthetic derivative of menthol. It is known to produce effects that are twice as strong as... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | menthyl anthranilate | Also known as meradimate, this is a synthetic sunscreen active is a partially effective UVA... | Sunscreen Actives |
Poor | menthyl lactate | Used as a cooling agent and fragrance in cosmetics. It is a derivative of menthol and is supposed... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | meradmiate | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Poor | methanol | TBC | Sensitizing |
Good | methicone | One of the simpler silicones due to its less complex molecular structure. | Silicones, Emollients, Slip Agents |
Good | methionine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | methyl gluceth-20 | Liquid that functions as a water-binding and skin-conditioning agent. | Skin-Softening |
Good | methyl gluceth-20 benzoate | A synthetic ester and emollient used to improve product spreadability. Methyl... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | methyl glucose sesquistearate | A mixure of the diesters of methyl glucoside and stearic acid. Functions as a skin-conditioning... | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Good | methyl trimethicone | TBC | Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients |
Poor | methylchloroisothiazolinone | In combination with methylisothiazolinone, it goes by the trade name Kathon CG (among others).... | Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Poor | methyldibromo glutaronitrile | Formaldehyde-releasing preservative... | Preservatives |
Poor | methyldihydrojasmonate | Synthetic fragrant component. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | methylglucoside phosphate | A type of monosaccharide (simple sugar) derived from glucose, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent... | Skin-Softening |
Poor | methylisothiazolinone | Preservative thatÛªs generally recommended for use only in rinse-off products such as cleansers or... | Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Good | methylparaben | Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben... | Preservatives |
Good | methylpropanediol | Glycol that functions as a solvent. Methylpropanediol can enhance ingredients such as salicylic acid. | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Good | methylsilanol mannuronate | TBC | Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate | A glyceryl ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. | Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | methylsufonylsulfate | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | Mexoryl SX | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | mica | Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | microcrystalline wax | Plastic-type, highly refined wax derived from petroleum. Used as a thickener and to give products a... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | Microcystis aeruginosa | Latin name for spirulina. | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | milk protein | TBC | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | milk vetch root | Root with potential antioxidant properties, although there isn't conclusive research that it functions that way when applied topically. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | millet seed extract | Extract from a cereal grain that has no established benefit for skin, but is added to cosmetic... | Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening |
Poor | mimosa oil or extract | Extract used as a fragrance in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | mineral oil | Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely... | Emollients |
Poor | mint | Can be a skin sensitizerÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | mixed fruit extracts | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | montan wax | A type of natural wax derived from lignite, which is a type of coal thatÛªs made from wood. Most... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | montmorillonite | A type of clay that is a mix of bentonite and fuller's earth, with the latter being a white to brown substance found in sediment... | Absorbent |
Good | Morinda citrifolia | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Moringa oleifera seed oil | Moringa oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that contains several antioxidants and vitamins. | Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Morus alba (white mulberry) root extract | Morus alba (white mulberry) root extract has antioxidant properties, but its main benefit for skin has to do with calming signs of irritation. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Morus bombycis root extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | Morus nigra root extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | mucopolysaccharide | Also known as glycosaminoglycans. This is a large class of ingredients that includes hyaluronic... | Skin-Replenishing |
Average | Mucor miehei extract | Extract of a type of mold whose enzymes are used as a food additive and flavor enhancer in cheeses.... | Miscellaneous |
Average | mugwort extract | There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin (Sources:... | Plant Extracts |
Best | mulberry extract | Non-fragrant plant extract (Latin name is Morus alba) whose various parts such as the leaf and root, have shown potential to brighten and improve the look... | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | murumuru seed butter | TBC | Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Myrciaria dubia (camu camu) fruit extract | Camu camu is a small berry that, especially when fully ripe, possesses strong antioxidant capacity due to its levels of vitamin C. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate | myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate | Skin-Softening, Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | myristic acid | Cleansing agent that also creates foam and can be drying. | Cleansing Agents |
Best | myristoyl hexapeptide-16 | Myristoyl hexapeptide-16 is a synthetic, fatty acid-linked peptide known to improve skinÛªs resilience, visibly calm, and help skin look and feel smoother. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | myristoyl pentapeptide-17 | Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 is a synthetic peptide known to increase skin's hydration and resilience. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | myristoyl tripeptide-31 | A synthetic peptide made from combining the fatty acid myristic acid with tripeptide-31. This peptide is believed to have a retinol-like effect on skinÛªs appearance. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | myristyl alcohol | A lighter-weight fatty alcohol that functions as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and emollient. | Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | myristyl myristate | Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | myristyl nicotinate | A derivative of nicotinic acid, a component of vitamin B3 (niacin) that isnÛªt the same ingredient... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | myrrh | Fragrant gum resin that can be a skin sensitizer. There is little research showing it has any benefit... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | myrtle extract | Contains volatile oil and tannins... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Myrtus communis extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | N-acetyl-L tyrosine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | N-hydroxysuccinimide | N-hydroxysuccinimide is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as an ester to soften and condition skin. | Skin-Softening |
Average | N6-furfuryladenine | Technical name for kinetin. | Plant Extracts, Skin-Restoring |
Good | NaPCA | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Poor | Narcissus poeticus wax | Fragrant flower extract that can cause sensitizing reactionsÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Nardostachys jatamansi | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Average | Nasturtium officinale extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | natto gum | Fermentation product of soy protein. It may be a potent antioxidant (Source: Journal of... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | natural moisturizing factor (NMF) | One of the primary elements in keeping skin feeling and looking healthierÛ_ | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | neem extract | Neem extract has antioxidant and skin-calming benefits and may also help reduce the population of harmful microbes on skinÛªs surface. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | neem oil | Neem oil contains a chemical known as nimbidin that gives it a sulfur-like odor. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate | Used as an emollient and texture enhancer. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | neopentyl glycol diheptanoate | Mixture of texture-enhancing ingredient neopentyl glycol and grape-derived fatty acid heptanoic acid... | Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening |
Poor | neroli | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | neroli oil | Fragrant plant oil that can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | nettle extract | Extract that may have soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | niacin | TBC | Skin-Restoring, Vitamins |
Best | niacinamide | Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, niacinamide is a very effective skin-restoring ingredient... | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring, Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | nicotinamide | TBC | Skin-Restoring, Vitamins |
Best | nicotinic acid | TBC | Skin-Restoring, Vitamins |
Good | noni juice | Also known as morinda or Morinda citrifolia, comes from a small evergreen tree. The juice from this... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | nonoxynols | Used as a mild cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | nylon-12 | Powder substance that is used as an absorbent and texture enhancer... | Texture Enhancer, Absorbent |
Best | Nymphaea tetragona | Also known as pygmy waterlily. The stem has been shown to be an antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | o-cymen-5-ol | Preservative used in cosmetics. | Preservatives |
Poor | oak root extract | Extract that can be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants |
Best | oat beta-glucan | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | oat bran extract | Oat bran extract is a portion of the oat plant that contains antioxidant and soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | oat kernel extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | oatmeal | Can have skin-soothing propertiesÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | octinoxate | Also known as octyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateÛ_ | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | octisalate | Technical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl... | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | octocrylene | Globally-approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight. | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | octyl methoxycinnamate | Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sunÛªs UVB raysÛ_ | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | octyl palmitate | Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | octyl salicylate | Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sunÛªs UVB rays... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | octyl stearate | Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | octyldodecanol | Opacifying agent, used primarily as a texture enhancer in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient properties. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | octyldodecyl myristate | Mixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a... | Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening, Emollients |
Good | octyldodecyl neopentanoate | Skin-softening agent and emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Best | Oenothera biennis oil | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | Olea europaea fruit oil | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables | An unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | oleanolic acid | A skin-soothing ingredient, especially when used in synthetic rather than natural form... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | oleic acid | Oleic acid is a natural, monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid thatÛªs found in many plants. | Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | oleth-10 | A form of fatty alcohol that functions as a texture enhancer and cleansing agent. | Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | oleths | Mild cleansing agents. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | oleyl erucate | Skin-softening agent derived from oleyl alcohol, which is obtained chiefly from fish oil. | Skin-Softening |
Poor | olibanum extract | TBC | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | olive oil/olive fruit oil | Emollient plant oil similar to many other non-fragrant plant oils. The concept of olive oil having... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | Optunia ficus-indica stem extract | A type of cactus also known as prickly pear whose stem is a bountiful source of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | orange blossom | Fragrant extract that can also be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Orbignya martiana | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Orbignya oleifera seed oil | Orbignya oleifera seed oil is more commonly known as babassu oil, a non-fragrant nut oil that smooths and softens skin as well as being a good antioxidant. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Poor | orchid | Fragrant flower that can be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | oregano | Has beneficial properties, but can also be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Origanum majorana | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | Origanum vulgare flower extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | orris root | Used primarily as a fragrant component due to its violet-like scent (Source:... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract | Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract is a plant ingredient used in cosmetics to condition and soften skin. | Skin-Softening |
Best | Oryza sativa cera | A natural, non-fragrant wax obtained from rice bran. It functions as a skin-softening agent... | Skin-Softening |
Good | Oryza sativa oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | oryzanol | Component of plants and their products, such as rice bran, that has potent antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | oxidoreductase | Large group of enzymes that block oxygen in different forms from generating environmental damage. | Antioxidants |
Best | oxybenzone | Oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) is a sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | ozokerite | Mineral that is used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks and stick... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | P. elisabethae | The ÛÏP.Û is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Poor | PABA | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Average | padimate O | Sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sunÛªs UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,... | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | Padina pavonica extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Average | Paeonia albiflora extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Average | Paeonia suffruticosa extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | palm kernel acid | A mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add... | Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Best | palm oil | Has emollient and antioxidant properties for skin. | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | Palmaria palmata extract | Extract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | palmarosa oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | palmitic acid | Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acidsÛ_ | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Cleansing Agents |
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. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 | Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acidsÛ_ | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl oligopeptide | A blend of palmitic acid (a fatty acid) with several amino acids, including alanine, arginine,... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 | Trade name Matrixyl, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. The only research showing this has any... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl proline | Palmitoyl proline combines fatty acid palmitic acid with the amino acid proline. | Skin-Softening, Hydration |
Best | palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 | A synthetic peptide whose trade name is Matrixyl 3000Û_ | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl tripeptide-1 | Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that can help repair visible skin damage and strengthen skinÛªs underlying supportive elements. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | An ingredient manufactured by the brand Sederma under the trade name MATRIXYL syntheÛª6... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl tripeptide-5 | A synthetic peptide that is believed to play a role in the appearance of skin firmness... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | palmitoyl tripeptide-8 | A plant-derived or synthetic peptide made from combining the fatty acid palmitic acid with... | Skin-Restoring |
Best | 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. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Panicum miliaceum | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Average | pansy extract | Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has skin soothing and... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | pantethine | Also known as pantothenic acid. | Vitamins |
Best | panthenol | Alcohol form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid. | Vitamins |
Best | pantothenic acid | Also called vitamin B5, and often touted for a variety of benefits to skin. However, there is only one... | Vitamins |
Poor | papain | Enzyme extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can aggravate skin... | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Average | papaya extract | Extract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin,... | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Poor | para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) | Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for sensitizing reactions. | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | parabens | Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,... | Preservatives |
Good | paraffin | Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | Paraffinum liquidum | The Latin name for emollient ingredient mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin. | Emollients |
Best | Parsol 1789 | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Good | Passiflora edulis extract | The layperson term for this Brazilian-based plant oil is passion fruitÛ_ | Plant Extracts |
Best | Passiflora edulis seed oil | Non-fragrant plant oil from the passion fruit plant, and a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | passion fruit extract | There is no research showing this has any benefit for skin. | Plant Extracts |
Poor | patchouli | Fragrant oil derived from mint. It contains eugenol and can aggravate skin. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | pawpaw extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Good | 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. | Hydration |
Good | peanut oil | Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | pecan oil | Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | pectin | Natural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and... | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | PEG | PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty... | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG 90M | TBC | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-10 dimethicone | TBC | Silicones, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer | A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhereÛ_ | Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-10 phytosterol | A synthetic or soy-derived ingredient used in cosmetics as a cleansing agent and emulsifier. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | PEG-10 rapeseed sterol | A blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a... | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-100 stearate | TBC | Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG-12 dimethicone | TBC | Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-12 glyceryl dimyristate | A skin-replenishing ingredient that is a polymer of ethylene oxide. | Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG-14 | A synthetic ingredient that functions as a humectant and solvent. With any PEG... | Uncategorized |
Good | PEG-150 distearate | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate | A complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,... | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-32 | Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PEG-33 | The synthetic polymer of ethylene oxide used as a binding agent and humectant. With any PEG... | Uncategorized |
Good | PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil | Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | PEG-40 stearate | PEG-40 stearate typically functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG-60 almond glycerides | The polyethylene glycol derivative of fatty acids from almond oil... | Emollients |
Good | PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil | The chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate | TBC | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-75 shea butter glycerides | An emulsifying and skin replenishing agent derived from glycerides (fatty acids)... | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | PEG-75 stearate | PEG-75 stearate is an ester blend of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | PEG-8 | TBC | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG-8 dimethicone | A synthetic skin and hair replenishing agent... | Uncategorized |
Good | PEG-80 sorbitan laurate | Mild surfactant. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer | PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone | PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. | Silicones, Emollients, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PEG/PPG-18/4 copolymer | A synthetic polymer compound that functions as a solvent. | Uncategorized |
Good | PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone | PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol. | Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Poor | Pelargonium graveolens oil | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | pellitory | Plant whose root extract can cause skin sensitivity. | Plant Extracts |
Best | Pelvetia canaliculata (algae) extract | Pelvetia canaliculata is a type of brown seaweed also known as Channeled wrack. | Antioxidants, Hydration, Plant Extracts |
Poor | pentadecalactone | Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics. | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate | A non-aqueous ester that functions as a thickener and binding agent... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate | Synthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | pentapeptide-59 | Pentapeptide-59 is a biomimetic peptide that contains amino acids. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | pentapeptides | Pentapeptides are a type of peptide where the peptide has five ("penta") amino acids. There are dozens of pentapeptides used in cosmetic products. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | pentasodium pentetate | Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together... | Uncategorized |
Good | pentylene glycol | A synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent. | Texture Enhancer |
Poor | peppermint | Both the oil and the extract can have disinfectant properties... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | peptides | Peptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Skin... | Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring |
Average | Perilla ocymoides | Also known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Persea gratissima (avocado) oil | Persea gratisima is the Latin name for avocado, and the oil from this fruit is an excellent source of skin-replenishing fatty acids | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Persicaria hydropiper | Also known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing |
Poor | petitgrain mandarin | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | petrolatum | Vaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant. | Skin-Soothing, Emollients |
Best | Peucedanum graveolens (dill) extract | A plant extract with research showing it can improve skinÛªs resiliency and work as an antioxidant. Dill also has a calming action on sensitized skin... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | PHA | TBC | Exfoliant |
Good | phenoxyethanol | Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less sensitizing ones to use in... | Preservatives |
Good | phenoxyisopropanol | Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative. | Preservatives |
Good | phenyl trimethicone | Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone. | Silicones, Emollients |
Good | phenylalanine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Average | phenylethyl resorcinol | Synthetic antioxidant often seen in skin-brightening products. | Antioxidants |
Best | phloretin | A flavonoid substance derived from apples and the bark of apple trees. As for topical application... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | phosphatidylcholine | Active ingredient in lecithinÛ_ | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | phosphatidylethanolamine | TBC | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | phospholipid | Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | phosphoric acid | Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skincare products. | Uncategorized |
Poor | photosensitizer | Ingredient that can cause the skin to have a sensitizing reaction when exposed to... | Uncategorized |
Average | phthalates | Phthalates refers to a wide range of substances that are very different from one another... | Uncategorized |
Best | Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract | Extract that has antioxidant and soothing propertiesÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | physalis angulata extract | This plant extract has a potent calming effect on skin. | Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | phytantriol | Hair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties. | Uncategorized |
Good | phytic acid | Component of plants that has antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | phytoceramides | Phytoceramides are plant-derived ceramides. | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | phytonadione | One form of vitamin K. | Vitamins |
Best | phytosphingosine | Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative... | Preservatives, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Best | phytosphingosine phosphate | Phytosphingosine phosphate is a large mix of esters derived from phytosphingosine and phosphoric acid. | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | phytosterols | Phytosterols are naturally occurring, cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods. | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Soothing |
Best | 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. | Emollients |
Best | Picea abies extract | Latin name for Norway spruce. Research has shown its bark... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | pine oil | It can aggravate skin and should never be used on abraded or chafed skinÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | pineapple extract | Contains some antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, particularly from the enzyme bromelain it contains. | Plant Extracts, Exfoliant |
Good | pinecone extract | Components of this extract, specifically linolenic and linoleic acids, can have antioxidant... | Antioxidants |
Poor | Pinus lambertiana wood extract | Pine extract that may aggravate skin... | Plant Extracts |
Good | Pinus sylvestris extract | TBC | Antioxidants |
Poor | Piper nigrum | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | pistachio seed oil | Emollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Pistacia vera seed oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Pisum sativum (pea) extract | Pisum sativa (pea) extract has documented antioxidant ability thanks to its natural content of ellagic acid and beta-sitosterol, gallic acid, and quercetin. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | plankton extract | A marine species known as Thalasso plankton and derived from various algae, seaweed, or marine skeletons... | Plant Extracts |
Average | plasticizing agents | Ingredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial... | Texture Enhancer |
Best | 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. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | plum extract | Extract of Prunus americanaåÊthat may have antioxidant activity when applied topically (Source:... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | plum seed oil | Plum (Prunus domestica) seed oil, also known as plum kernel oil, is non-fragrant oilÛ_ | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | Pogostemon cablin | TBC | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | poloxamer 184 | A synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | Poloxamer 407 | Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | poloxamers | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | polyacrylamide | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyacrylate crosspolymer | A synthetic polymer that functions to protect skin's surface, thicken products, and help keep cosmetic... | Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 | Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic powder ingredient that stabilizes and thickens water-based emulsions. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | polyacrylate-17 | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyaminopropyl biguanide | Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative. | Preservatives |
Good | polybutene | Polymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyethylene | A form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Scrub Agents |
Good | polyethylene glycol | Also listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed... | Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents |
Good | polyglucuronic acid | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyglycerol monostearate | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate | A mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | polyglyceryl methacrylate | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | 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. | Cleansing Agents, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | 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. | Emulsifiers, Hydration |
Good | polyglyceryl-10 laurate | A plant-derived or synthetic ester of lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10. | Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Skin-Softening |
Good | 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. | Cleansing Agents, Emollients, Emulsifiers |
Good | polyglyceryl-3 beeswax | The ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and... | Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate | TBC | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | 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. | Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Good | polyglyceryl-3 stearate | Polyglyceryl-3 stearate is the ester of the fatty acid stearic acid and polyglycerin-3, which is a polymer of glycerin that contains three units. | Emollients, Emulsifiers |
Good | polyglyceryl-4 isostearate | The ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a... | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | polyglyceryl-4 laurate | Polyglyceryl-4 laurate works as an emollient, emulsifier, and a cleansing agent | Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | polyglyceryl-4 olivate | Polyglyceryl-4 olivate is the plant-derived or synthetic ester of olive oil and polyglycerin. | Emollients, Emulsifiers |
Good | polyglyceryl-6 isostearate | The ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in... | Emollients |
Best | Polygonum cuspidatum root extract | Polygonum cuspidatum root extract is a plant whose root is a good source of the potent polyphenolic antioxidant trans-resveratrol. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | polyhydroxy acid | Ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). They... | Exfoliant |
Good | polyhydroxystearic acid | Synthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent. | Uncategorized |
Good | polyisobutene | A polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polymer | A word that literally means ÛÏmany parts.Û Any of numerous compounds having a high molecular weight... | Uncategorized |
Good | polymethylsilsesquioxane | A polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane. | Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | polypropylene glycol | Also known by the acronym PPG, polypropylene glycol is... | Uncategorized |
Good | polyquaternium-10 | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyquaterniums | Group of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming... | Texture Enhancer |
Best | polysaccharide | Natural component of skin that can be a good water-binding agent and potentially have antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | polysilicone-11 | Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer. | Silicones, Texture Enhancer |
Good | polysorbate 20 | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | polysorbate 60 | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | polysorbate 80 | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Good | polysorbates | Large group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts.... | Cleansing Agents |
Average | polyvinyl alcohol | A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and binding agent. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | polyvinylpyrrolidone | Usually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients... | Texture Enhancer |
Best | pomegranate extract | Pomegranate and its extracts have antioxidant properties that, while not conclusively demonstrated on human skin | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Pongamia glabra seed oil | Oil derived from the seeds of the Millettia pinnata tree, a plant native to South and Southeast Asia... | Antioxidants, Emollients |
Best | Poria cocos extract | Also known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Porphyridium cruentum extract | Extract derived from a type of red algae. There is research showing components of red algae contain... | Plant Extracts |
Best | Portulaca oleracea extract | Extract that may have soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | potassium | Important element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus. It is also an earth... | Plant Extracts, Absorbent |
Best | potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate | Blend of vitamins C and E with phosphorus that functions as an antioxidant. | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | 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. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | potassium cetyl phosphate | Used as a detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | potassium citrate | Potassium citrate is a buffering agent that is the potassium salt of citric acid. | Miscellaneous |
Average | potassium hydroxide | Also known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to modulate the... | Cleansing Agents |
Average | potassium myristate | Detergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and aggravate skin for some... | Cleansing Agents |
Best | potassium PCA | Potassium PCA is the potassium salt of PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), a substance thatÛªs a natural part of skinÛªs intercellular matrix. | Skin-Replenishing, Hydration |
Good | potassium phosphate | An inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH... | Uncategorized |
Good | potassium sorbate | Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives. | Preservatives |
Good | PPG-12 buteth-16 | Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning... | Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PPG-12/SMDI copolymer | A copolymer that serves as a film-forming agent... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PPG-14 butyl ether | Used as a hair- and skin-conditioning agent. | Uncategorized |
Good | PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate | Mixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PPG-2-deceth-30 | An emulsifying agent partially derived from a fatty alcohol. | Uncategorized |
Good | PPG-20 methyl glucose ether | A synthetic ingredient that funtions as hair- and skin-replenishing agent. The "PPG" designation... | Uncategorized |
Good | PPG-26-Buteth-26 | PPG stands for polypropylene glycol, and this ingredient combines PPG with a fatty alcohol.... | Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Good | PPG-3 benzyl ether myristate | An emollient that has a silicone-like feel and multiple functions in cosmetic products... | Emollients |
Good | preservatives | Substances used in cosmetics to help defend against contamination of products... | Preservatives |
Good | proline | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | propanediol | A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredientsÛ_ | Uncategorized |
Good | propolis | Brownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | propyl gallate | An ester of gallic acid that is an antioxidant, and helps protect fats and oils used in cosmetics products from becoming rancid... | Antioxidants |
Good | propylene carbonate | Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | propylene glycol | Along with other glycols and glycerol, propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient... | Texture Enhancer |
Good | propylene glycol dibenzoate | propylene glycol dibenzoate | Emollients |
Good | propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate | A gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It is a mix of propylene glycol... | Uncategorized |
Good | propylene glycol isostearate | A mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an... | Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Good | propylene glycol laurate | The ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats. | Emollients |
Good | propylene glycol stearate | Mixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | propylparaben | Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben... | Preservatives |
Average | Prunella vulgaris | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Prunus americana | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Prunus amygdalus dulcis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Prunus armeniaca | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Prunus domestica seed extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | 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. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | Prunus dulcis | TBC | Emollients |
Best | 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. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | Psidium guajava fruit extract | Guava extract is a rich source of bioactive antioxidants including gallic acid, quercetin, and tocopherol. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Pueraria lobata | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | pullulan | Glucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good... | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer |
Best | pumpkin | Plant whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and several antioxidant components, including... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | pumpkin seed extract | Type of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Texture Enhancer, Emollients |
Best | Punica granatum extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | purified water | TBC | Uncategorized |
Best | purslane | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer | Synthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PVP | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PVP copolymer | TBC | Texture Enhancer |
Good | PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate | Polymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent dimethylaminomethacrylate. | Texture Enhancer |
Best | pycnogenol | Antioxidant derived from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. The term pycnogenol was... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCL) | Scientific name for vitamin B6; may have antioxidant benefits for skin when... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Poor | Pyrus cydonia | TBC | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Best | Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract | Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract is a species of apple; the fruit is a tremendous source of polyphenolic antioxidants. | Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | quaternium ammonium compounds | A wide range of ingredients, called ÛÏquatsÛ for short, that share a unique molecular structure that... | Uncategorized |
Average | quaternium-15 | Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in cosmetics. It can be a skin sensitizer, as can all... | Preservatives |
Good | quaternium-18 hectorite | Used as a suspending agent and also has emulsifying properties. | Texture Enhancer |
Best | quercetin | A bioflavonoid ingredient from plants. Quercetin occurs naturally in red wine, tea, onions, kale, tomatoes, berries, and many other fruits and vegetables... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | quercus | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Poor | Quercus infectoria extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Good | quillaja extract | Extract of the Chilean soap bark tree. It contains a good amount of saponins, which have cleansing,... | Plant Extracts |
Poor | quince seed | Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, but also has skin-constricting properties... | Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer |
Good | quinoa oil | Derived from quinoa grain, it may have disinfectant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | rapeseed oil | Nonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin (Source: British... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Best | Raphanus sativus (radish) seed oil | Raphanus sativus (radish) seed oil is non-fragrant plant oil thatÛªs a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Good | raspberry seed extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | raspberry seed oil | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | red 27 lake | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | red 28 | Red 28 is a synthetic coloring agent that uses a combination of colors to create its red hue. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | red 33 | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | red 6 lake | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | red 7 lake | Red 7 lake is a synthetic coloring agent approved for use in drugs and cosmetics. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | red algae | TBC | Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | red clover | Can have antioxidant and soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | reducing agent | Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a... | Cleansing Agents |
Best | resveratrol | Potent polyphenolic antioxidant that is abundant in red grapes and, therefore, in red wine... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | retinol | Retinol, the name for the entire vitamin A molecule, is a skin-restoring ingredient and an antioxidant. | Antioxidants, Vitamins, Skin-Restoring |
Best | retinyl ascorbate | An ester of vitamin A (retinoic acid) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that functions as an antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | retinyl palmitate | Combination of retinol (pure vitamin A) and the fatty acid palmitic acid. Research has shown... | Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Vitamins |
Best | retinyl retinoate | A synthetic, "new generation" retinol with research showing its usefulness for skin... | Skin-Restoring, Vitamins |
Best | Rhodiola rosea root extract | The extract of the plant Rhodiola rosea, also known as Arctic root or golden root, that is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. | Antioxidants |
Average | riboflavin | TBC | Vitamins |
Good | rice bran oil | Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | rice oil | Emollient similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | rice starch | Absorbent substance sometimes included in products rather than talc.... | Plant Extracts, Absorbent |
Good | ricinoleate | Glyceryl triester used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. | Texture Enhancer |
Good | Ricinus communis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | Robinia pseudacacia extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa canina | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa centifolia | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa centifolia flower | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Rosa damascena oil | Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa eglanteria | TBC | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Rosa gallica flower extract | Fragrant extract. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa mosqueta | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Rosa roxburghii extract | Extract from the chestnut rose; can be a source of antioxidants for skin, and does not impart... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosa rubiginosa | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | rose flower | Highly fragrant substance that can be a skin sensitizer. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | rose flower oil | Fragrant, volatile oil that can aggravate skin. There is no research showing... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | rose hip | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | rose hip oil | Good emollient oil that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Journal of Agricultural Food... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | rose oil | Fragrant, volatile oil that can aggravate skin. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | rosemary extract | Extract that can have antioxidant benefit for skin (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | rosemary oil | Fragrant plant oil derived from rosemary, Latin name Rosmarinus officinalis. This ingredient is primarily used as a fragrance in cosmetics... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | rosewood oil | Fragrant plant oil with a spicy-sweet scent, also known as bois de rose. It is extracted from wood... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Rosmarinus officinalis extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | royal jelly | The myriad claims about royal jelly are anecdotal and have no research to substantiate them. | Uncategorized |
Best | Rubus chamaemorus (cloudberry) fruit extract | Rubus chamaemorus (also known as cloudberry) is a plant grown primarily in Scandinavian countries whose golden-red berries are rich sources of anthocyanins, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. | Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Rubus idaeus | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extract | Red raspberry gets its red color from the presence of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Rubus occidentalis | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Rubus ursinus | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Rubus ursinus x idaeus | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Rubus villoscus | The Latin name for blackberry fruit extract. This plant extract has antioxidant ability... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | Ruscus aculeatus | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | rutin | Bioflavonoid that is extracted from various plants and used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and... | Antioxidants, Emollients |
Good | saccharide isomerate | Good water-binding agent and emollient for skin. | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | saccharides | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Average | Saccharomyces calcium ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of calcium ions. It has no known benefit for skin. | Miscellaneous |
Average | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | Saccharomyces, from the Latin, literally means ÛÏsugar fungus,Û and is the scientific name for the... | Skin-Replenishing |
Average | Saccharomyces copper ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. There is no known benefit for skin,... | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces iron ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of iron ions. | Antioxidants |
Best | Saccharomyces lysate | Saccharomyces lysate is a probiotic yeast obtained by fermentation. | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces magnesium ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of magnesium ions. | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces manganese ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of manganese ions. | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces officinarum ferment | Derived from the sugarcane plant. Glycolic acid is also derived from sugarcane, but sugarcane... | Plant Extracts |
Average | Saccharomyces potassium ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of potassium ions. | Antioxidants |
Good | saccharomyces selenium ferment | An ingredient created by the fermentation of the Saccharomyces yeast with the mineral selenium. | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces silicon ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of silicon ions. | Antioxidants |
Average | Saccharomyces zinc ferment | Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of zinc ions. | Antioxidants |
Best | safflower seed oil | Emollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) plant. | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Average | sage extract | Plant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | salicin | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | salicylic acid | Also called beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this multifunctional ingredient addresses many of the systemic causes of acne. | Skin-Soothing, Anti-Acne, Exfoliant |
Good | Salix alba extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Salix nigra (willow) bark extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil | Non-fragrant plant oil whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring |
Poor | Salvia officinalis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Good | Sambucus canadensis | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | Sambucus cerulea | Blue elderberry. May have antioxidant properties for skin. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Sambucus nigra | When taken orally, this has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Sambucus nigra (elderberry) fruit extract | Sambucus nigra is a dark purple to black shrub-growing berry with potent antioxidant properties. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | sandalwood oil | Fragrant oil that can cause skin-sensitizing reactions... | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | Santalum album seed extract | Latin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | Sapindus mukurossi peel extract | A plant extract that is a natural source of saponin... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | Saponaria officinalis extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Cleansing Agents |
Good | saponin | Group of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | sarcosine | A synthetic amino acid derivative that functions as a skin conditioning... | Hydration |
Good | Sargassum filipendula extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | sausurrea oil | Also called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Average | Saxifraga sarmentosa extract | TBC | Plant Extracts |
Best | Schisandra chinensis (magnolia) fruit extract | Also known as five flavor fruit and Chinese magnolia vine, magnolia fruit is a small red berry loaded with beneficial compounds. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | sclareolide | Fermented from clary sage and used as a fragrant component in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Sclerocarya birrea | More commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source... | Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | sclerotium gum | A plant-derived, gel-like polysaccharide (sugar-based) ingredient thatÛªs used in cosmetics to thicken and stabilize formulas. It is considered safe as used in cosmetics, and is similar to xanthan gum. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | Scutellaria baicalensis root extract | Scutellaria baicalensis root extract comes from a flowering plant native to China. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | SD alcohol | TBC | Sensitizing |
Poor | SD alcohol 40-2 | Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and sensitizing to skin when one of the main... | Sensitizing |
Best | sea buckthorn | Also known as seaberry, sea buckthorn is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, and vitamin E. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Average | sea salt | Can be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB... | Scrub Agents, Sensitizing |
Best | sea whip extract | Extract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing |
Good | Seamollient | Trade name for an algae extract. | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | seaweed | Group of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatin-like... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | sebacic acid | Used as a pH adjuster. | Miscellaneous |
Best | selenium | Mineral considered to be a potent antioxidant... | Antioxidants |
Average | Serenoa serrulata extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | sericin | Scientific name for silk protein. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | serine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Sesamum indicum | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil | Sesame oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamin E and lignans. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | sesquioleate | Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | shea butter | Shea butter is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants |
Average | Siegesbeckia orientalis | Chinese herb (also known as St. PaulÛªs wort) for which there is no research showing that it has any... | Plant Extracts |
Good | silanetriol | TBC | Uncategorized |
Good | silica | Mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Absorbent |
Good | silica dimethyl silylate | Used as a slip and suspending agent. | Silicones, Slip Agents |
Good | silica silylate | Silica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics. | Emollients, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | silicate | Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Absorbent |
Good | silicone | Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a... | Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients |
Good | silk | TBC | Antioxidants |
Good | silk powder | Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent. | Absorbent, Slip Agents |
Good | silk protein | Protein substance (also called sericin) formed by converting silk, which is the soft, lustrous... | Antioxidants |
Good | siloxane | TBC | Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients |
Good | silt | A sediment obtained from various bodies of water. SiltÛªs absorbent nature helps it function to... | Absorbent |
Poor | silver | Metallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can... | Sensitizing |
Average | silver chloride | An inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics. | Sensitizing |
Best | silver tip white tea leaf extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | Silybum marianum (milk thistle) fruit extract | Silymarin marianum is a plant whose many components have pronounced antioxidant and skin-calming ability. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Silybum marianum extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | simethicone | Mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent. | Silicones, Slip Agents |
Best | Simmondsia chinensis | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | skin-replenishing ingredients | These are skincare ingredients that help enrich skinÛªs surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and keeping it there. | Skin-Replenishing |
Best | skin-restoring ingredients | Skincare ingredients that nourish skinÛªs surface in a way that helps transform it on many levels... | Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring |
Good | skullcap extract | Herbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant soothing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | slip agent | Term used to describe a range of ingredients that help other ingredients spread over the skin and... | Slip Agents |
Good | slippery elm bark | Can be a skin-soothing ingredient. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | soap | True ÛÏsoapsÛ are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list... | Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | soapberry extract | Extract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | soapwort | Plant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties. | Plant Extracts, Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium acetate | The sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts. | Uncategorized |
Good | sodium acrylate/acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer | Synthetic polymer used as a stabilizing and suspending agent and as a thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | sodium acrylates copolymer | Sodium acrylates copolymer is a synthetic, acrylic-based polymer that functions in cosmetics as a texture enhancer, binder, and film-forming agent. | Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Best | sodium ascorbate | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | sodium ascorbyl phosphate | Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant. | Skin-Soothing, Vitamins, Antioxidants |
Good | sodium benzoate | Salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative. | Preservatives |
Good | sodium bicarbonate | A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda. It has many functions in cosmetics, including pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive, such as in face or body scrubs. | Miscellaneous, Scrub Agents |
Average | sodium bisulfite | Used in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline... | Sensitizing |
Poor | sodium borate | TBC | Sensitizing |
Poor | sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate | Can be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially... | Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium carbomer | A blend of sodium (salt) and carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent. | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Poor | sodium carbonate | Absorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer. | Absorbent, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan | A carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions as a binding agent and texture... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | sodium cetearyl sulfate | A mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium chloride | More popularly known as common table salt. Used primarily as a binding agent in skincare products... | Scrub Agents |
Best | sodium chondroitin sulfate | Derived from natural mucopolysaccharides, it functions as a skin-softening agent and helps... | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | sodium citrate | Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and... | Antioxidants, Preservatives |
Good | sodium cocoamphoacetate | A gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and... | Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sodium cocoate | Used as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin. | Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium cocoyl amino acids | The salt form of amino acids... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium cocoyl glutamate | A cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium cocoyl glycinate | Sodium cocoyl glycinate is an amino acid-derived cleansing agent and skin-softening ingredient in skin care and hair care products. | Cleansing Agents, Skin-Softening |
Good | sodium cocoyl isethionate | Derived from coconut, it is a mild detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium dehydroacetate | Organic salt used as a preservative. | Preservatives |
Good | sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine | A plant-derived ingredient that helps replenish skin and hair... | Emulsifiers, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | sodium gluconate | The salt form of gluconic acid, sodium gluconate is a mild acid produced from the sugar glucose. | Skin-Softening, Miscellaneous |
Good | sodium hexametaphosphate | Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Preservatives, Cleansing Agents |
Best | sodium hyaluronate | The salt form of skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid. | Skin-Replenishing, Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring |
Best | sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer | A modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure | Skin-Replenishing, Film-Forming Agents, Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Average | sodium hydroxide | Also known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to... | Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium hydroxymethylglycinate | Derived from amino acids and used as a skin- and hair-softening agent, and to a lesser extent as... | Preservatives, Hydration |
Good | sodium lactate | Sodium salt of lactic acid. Used primarily as a hydrating and buffering agent (to adjust a... | Miscellaneous |
Average | sodium lactobionate | White, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in... | Preservatives |
Good | sodium laureth sulfate | Can be derived from coconut; it is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. It is considered... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium laureth-13 carboxylate | Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium lauroamphoacetate | Mild surfactant also used as a lather agent. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium lauroyl lactylate | Used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Best | sodium lauroyl oat amino acids | A skin-soothing salt created by condensing the chloride form of a fatty acid with amino acids derived from oats. | Cleansing Agents, Skin-Soothing |
Good | sodium lauroyl sarcosinate | Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a synthetic or plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) that also works as an emulsifier. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate | A gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically. | Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sodium lauryl sulfate | Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as aåÊsurfactant... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium levulinate | Sodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin. | Skin-Softening, Preservatives |
Average | sodium metabisulfite | Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in... | Antioxidants, Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Good | sodium methyl cocoyl taurate | Mild surfactant. | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium methyl taurate | Mild surfactant often combined with... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium myreth sulfate | Detergent cleansing agent similar to sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate... | Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sodium palm kernelate | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sodium palmate | A soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate | Sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate is the salt of palmitoyl sarcosinate, which is derived from the amino acid derivative sarcosine. | Cleansing Agents, Hydration |
Best | sodium PCA | PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a natural component of skin that is also a very good... | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate | A mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters from polyethylene glycol... | Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | sodium phytate | The salt form of the corn-derived plant component phytic acid, used as a chelating agent in... | Miscellaneous |
Good | sodium polyacrylate | A synthetic polymer with multiple functions, including film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent,... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Emollients, Absorbent |
Good | sodium polyacrylate starch | Sodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer. | Absorbent, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Average | sodium salicylate | Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). Because it is not the acid form of salicylate (i.e., salicylic... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | sodium silicate | Highly alkaline and potentially sensitizing mineral used in cosmetics... | Sensitizing |
Good | sodium stearoyl glutamate | Sodium stearoyl glutamate is a synthetic or animal-derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics to condition skin or work as an emulsifier. | Emulsifiers, Hydration |
Good | sodium stearoyl lactylate | A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient... | Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Average | sodium sulfite | Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic... | Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Poor | sodium tallowate | Sodium salt of tallow. | Miscellaneous, Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sodium thioglycolate | A synthetic ingredinet that functions as a reducing agent in cosmetics, most typically hair-removal lotions... | Sensitizing |
Good | sodium trideceth sulfate | TBC | Cleansing Agents |
Average | Solanum lycopersicum extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Solanum tuberosum extract | Extract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Good | solvent | Describes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down... | Miscellaneous |
Good | Sonojell | Trade name for petrolatum. | Skin-Soothing, Emollients |
Best | soothing agent | Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of sensitivity in skin... | Skin-Soothing |
Good | sorbeth-230 tetraoleate | Sorbeth-230 tetraoleate is a mixture of oleic acid with sorbitol derivatives that can help thicken cosmetic formulas. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | sorbic acid | Preservative derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Sorbic acid is used... | Preservatives |
Good | sorbitan laurate | Sorbitan laurate is an ester that works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | sorbitan oleate | Synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents |
Good | sorbitan olivate | Sorbitan olivate is a mixture of the fatty acids from olive oil plus a sugar known as sorbitol. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | sorbitan sesquioleate | TBC | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | sorbitan stearate | Used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | sorbitol | Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Hydration, Slip Agents |
Best | soy extract | Potent antioxidant and soothing agent for skin... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | soy isoflavones | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | soy oil | Emollient oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Poor | spearmint oil | Fragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin sensitivity. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | SPF | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Best | sphingolipids | Sphingolipids are complex lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients... | Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract | Spiraea ulmaria extract, commonly known as meadowsweet, is a plant whose various parts have been shown to calm factors in skin that lead to signs of irritation. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | spirulina | TBC | Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | squalane | Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient thatÛªs also a source of skin-replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. | Hydration, Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Best | squalene | Oil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives). It is a natural component... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | St. John's wort | Contains several components that are harmful to skin in the presence of sunlight (Sources: Planta... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | star anise | TBC | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | steapyrium chloride | Antistatic agent used in hair-care products. | Miscellaneous |
Good | stearalkonium chloride | Antistatic ingredient used in hair-care products to control flyaways and aid in helping a brush or... | Miscellaneous |
Good | stearalkonium hectorite | Used as a suspending agent. | Miscellaneous |
Good | stearates | TBC | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | steareth-20 | Derived from the benign fatty ingredient stearyl alcohol, this functions primarily as a surfactant... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | stearic acid | Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | stearyl alcohol | Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | stearyl dimethicone | Stearyl dimethicone is a synthetic skin-conditioning agent that's a siloxane polymer... | Silicones, Slip Agents |
Best | stearyl glycyrrhetinate | The fatty acid form of the skin soothing glycyrrhetinic acid, which is derived from licorice. | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | stearyl methicone | Silicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent. | Silicones, Emollients, Slip Agents |
Good | stearyl stearate | A plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols. | Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | styrax benzoin | TBC | Preservatives |
Good | styrene/acrylates copolymer | Synthetic polymer. | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Good | sucrose | Monosaccharide that has hydrating properties for skin. | Skin-Replenishing, Hydration |
Good | sucrose stearate | Sucrose stearate is an ester of stearic acid and sugar that works as an emollient and cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents, Emollients, Emulsifiers |
Average | sugarcane extract | Ingredients like sugarcane extract, fruit extracts, mixed fruit extracts, and milk solids may claim... | Plant Extracts |
Good | sulfates | Sulfates are a group of ingredients that have many consumers worried but in truth, misinformation, not sulfates, are the actual problem... | Cleansing Agents |
Poor | sulfur | Disinfectant agent that can be a potent skin sensitizer... | Sensitizing |
Best | sun protection factor | Most commonly seen as SPF, it is a number that is assigned to a product that identifies its ability... | Miscellaneous |
Best | sunflower seed oil | Non-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Best | superoxide dismutase | Enzyme considered to be an antioxidant... | Antioxidants |
Good | surfactant | Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and... | Cleansing Agents |
Good | sweet almond | Most often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an... | Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Good | sweet almond oil | Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil. | Emollients |
Poor | Symphytum officinale extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | synthetic beeswax | An artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | synthetic fluorophlogopite | Synthetic fluorophlogopite is a synthetic mineral material used in cosmetics to add bulk and to thicken emulsions. | Thickeners, Texture Enhancer |
Good | synthetic wax | A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent. | Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | Szechuan peppercorn | From a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | talc | Naturally occurring silicate mineral (any group of substances containing negative ions composed of... | Miscellaneous |
Poor | tallow | Substance extracted from the fatty deposits of animals, especially from suet (the fat of cattle and... | Miscellaneous |
Good | tamanu oil | From a tree native to Polynesia. It is reputed to have wondrous skin-restoring properties, as wellÛ_ | Skin-Soothing, Hydration, Plant Extracts |
Average | Tanacetum parthenium | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | tangerine oil | Fragrant, volatile citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizerÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | tannic acid | Polyphenol that's considered a very good antioxidantÛ_ | Antioxidants |
Good | tapioca starch | A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of Manihot... | Thickeners, Texture Enhancer |
Best | tartaric acid | Tartaric acid is a naturally-occurring crystalline organic acid found in many plants, including grapes and tamarinds. | Exfoliant |
Good | TEA | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Good | tea tree oil | Also known as Melaleuca, from the name of its native Australian plant source, Melaleuca alternifolia. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | TEA-lauryl sulfate | While there is abundant research showing sodium lauryl sulfate is a sensitizing cleansing agent,... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Sensitizing, Cleansing Agents |
Best | terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid | TBC | Sunscreen Actives |
Best | Terminalia chebula fruit extract | Terminalia chebula is an Ayurvedic plant extract thatÛªs native to South Asia, where itÛªs known as ÛÏThe King of MedicineÛ. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | tetradibutyl pentaerithrityl hydroxyhydrocinnamate | TBC | Antioxidants |
Best | tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate | Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable form of vitamin C that is considered an analogue of L-ascorbic acid. Unlike pure vitamin C... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin | Antioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane | A synthetic antioxidant derived from curcumin. | Antioxidants |
Best | tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane | A synthetic antioxidant that provides the effects of the antioxidant curcumin but... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane | Antioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Best | tetrahydromethoxycurcumin | Antioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine | TBC | Miscellaneous |
Best | tetrapeptide-30 | Tetrapeptide-30 is a peptide that targets the appearance of discolorations and uneven skin tone. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | tetrasodium EDTA | Chelating agent used to prevent minerals present in formulations from bonding to other ingredients. | Miscellaneous |
Good | tetrasodium etidronate | Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent varying mineral components from binding together... | Miscellaneous |
Good | tetrasodium glutamate diacetate | Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is a chelating agent that can boost the effectiveness of preservatives. | Miscellaneous |
Best | Theobroma cacao seed butter | TBC | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | thiamine HCL | Vitamin B1. There is no research showing this to be effective when applied topically on skin. | Vitamins |
Good | thickening agent | Substances that can have a soft to hard waxlike texture or a creamy, emollient feel, and that can... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | thioctic acid | Technical name for the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid. Unlike many antioxidants that are either... | Antioxidants |
Average | thiodipropionic acid | Acid-based synthetic antioxidant. There is no research pertaining to its benefit for skin, but in... | Antioxidants |
Good | thiotaurine | Amino acid. Potentially, it can have antioxidant properties for skin... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | threonine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Average | thyme extract | Extract derived from the leaf or flower of theåÊthyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant... | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | thyme oil | The most concentrated part of the thyme plant, and a source of antioxidants, some of which... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | thymus hydrolysate | Form of animal thymus derived by acid, enzyme, or other methods of hydrolysis. It can have... | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Poor | Thymus serpillum extract | Extract of wild thyme. | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Average | Thymus vulgaris | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Thymus vulgaris oil | Thymus vulgaris oil is more commonly known as thyme oil. | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Best | Tilia cordata | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | titanium dioxide | Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in... | Sunscreen Actives, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | tocopherol | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | tocopherol acetate | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | tocopheryl acetate | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | tocopheryl lineolate | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | tocotrienols | Potent forms of vitamins E that are considered stable and powerful antioxidants. These forms of... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Average | tomato extract | Extract that has weak antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | tormentil extract | Plant that can be irritating due to its tannin content, which causes skin constriction. | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | tragacanth | Natural gum used as a thickener in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Best | tranexamic acid | A synthetic amino acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and astringent. | Miscellaneous |
Good | trehalose | Plant sugar that has hydrating properties for skin. | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Best | tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract | TBC | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | tribehenin | Also known as glyceryl tribehenate, a skin-conditioning agent that is a mixture of glycerin and... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients |
Good | tribehenin PEG-20 esters | A complex mixture of tribehenin and PEG-20, this ingredient has multiple functions in cosmetic... | Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Emollients |
Good | tricaprylin | Mixture of glycerin and caprylic acid. Has emollient properties and is used as a skin-softening... | Emollients |
Good | trideceth-12 | Trideceth-12 is a synthetic mixture of a fatty alcohol (tridecyl alcohol) and polyethylene glycol that functions as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. | Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers |
Good | trideceth-6 | An emulsifier, meaning it helps keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in an emulsion... | Emulsifiers |
Good | tridecyl salicylate | Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). When it is no longer an acid (as in this case), salicylic acid... | Miscellaneous |
Good | tridecyl stearate | Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | tridecyl trimellitate | Used as a skin-conditioning agent and thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Hydration, Skin-Softening |
Good | triethanolamine | Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer. Like all amines, it has the potential for creating... | Miscellaneous, Emulsifiers |
Good | triethoxycaprylylsilane | Silicone that functions as a binding agent and emulsifier. | Silicones, Slip Agents |
Good | triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer | A silicone polymer used to enhance a product's texture. | Silicones, Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Good | triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone | A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin-conditioning... | Emollients |
Good | triethylhexanoin | Triethylhexanoin is a synthetic mixture of glycerin and a fatty acid that functions as a solvent, occlusive, and skin-conditioning ingredient. | Emollients |
Good | Trifolium pratense | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | triglyceride | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Average | trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract | Latin name for the fenugreek plant. The seeds are used most often, and their fiber content helps... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Good | trihydroxystearin | Mixture of glycerin and fatty acids that is used as an emollient and thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | triisocetyl citrate | A trimester of the fatty alcohol isocetyl alcohol and citric acid. It is used as on occlusive agent. | Emollients |
Good | trilaurin | Group of ingredients that are triesters of glycerin and aliphatic acids, and known generically as... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Best | trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone | Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone is a synthetic silicone-based polymer that functions as a conditioning agent, hydrating and smoothing skinÛªs surface due to its lightweight yet silky, non-greasy feel. | Hydration, Texture Enhancer |
Good | trimethylsiloxysilicate | Used as a skin-softening and occlusive agent. | Silicones, Slip Agents, Skin-Softening, Emollients |
Good | trioclanolin | Derived from lanolin and used as a texture enhancer, most commonly in powder-based products such as... | Miscellaneous |
Good | trioctanoin | Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients |
Good | trioctyldodecyl citrate | Mixture of octyldodecanol and citric acid used as a skin-softening agent and emollient. | Emollients, Skin-Softening |
Best | tripeptide-1 | Tripeptide-1, aka GHK (glycine, histidine, lysine - the amino acids that comprise it), is a synthetic signal peptide that teaches skin to rebuild damaged areas. | Skin-Restoring |
Best | tripeptide-29 | Tripeptide-29 is a synthetic peptide consisting of amino acids glycine and proline plus hydroxyproline (an amino acid derivative) shown to improve uneven texture and the look of fine lines. | Skin-Restoring, Hydration |
Good | tripeptide-32 | A synthetic peptide with the "tri" (meaning three) designation referring to this peptide's mix of the amino acids proline, serine, and threonine. | Skin-Restoring |
Good | Tripleurospermum maritimum extract | Also known as false mayweed or sea mayweed, this plant extract encompasses the entire plant. Raw material... | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Good | trisodium EDTA | Similar to tetrasodium EDTA. Used as a water-softening and chelating agent (a compound that binds... | Miscellaneous |
Good | Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract | Extract from the germ portion of the wheat plant. In cosmetics, this ingredient functions as a... | Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening |
Good | Triticum vulgare oil | TBC | Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening, Emollients |
Best | troxerutin | A flavonoid ingredient that's extracted from the Japanese plant Sophora japonica. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | tryptophan | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Best | turmeric | Turmeric is a spice made from the dried, ground root of the Curcuma longa plant. | Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | ubiquinone | it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Good | Ulmus fulva bark extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Good | ultramarines | Inorganic pigments (of various colors) permanently listed by the FDA for external use only,... | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | Ulva lactuca extract | Extract from the plant known as sea lettuce, it has some soothing and antioxidant... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Average | Uncaria tomentosa extract | Also known as catÛªs claw, there is some research showing it to be an effective soothing... | Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing |
Best | Undaria pinnatifida (algae) extract | Undaria pinnatifida, also known as brown algae, is a type of seaweed thatÛªs also edible. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Hydration, Skin-Soothing |
Good | urea | Component of urine, although synthetic versions are used in cosmetics. In small amounts urea has... | Exfoliant, Hydration, Skin-Replenishing |
Average | Urtica dioica | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | UVA | Ultraviolet AåÊradiation. The sun produces a range of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, of which UVA and... | Miscellaneous |
Best | Uva ursi extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | UVB | Ultra-violet BåÊradiation. | Miscellaneous |
Good | VA/crotonates copolymer | TBC | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Best | Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract | Latin term for cranberry. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) fruit extract | Bilberry is one of the best sources of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry) fruit extract | Vaccinium vitis-idaea (also known as lingonberry) is a wild-growing Scandinavian-native berry thatÛªs similar in nutrient profile and size with its plant ÛÏcousinÛ, blueberry. | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | Vaccinum Angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract | Blueberry fruit extract is rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. | Antioxidants |
Good | valine | TBC | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing |
Good | Vanilla planifolia fruit extract | Extract used primarily as a fragrance and flavoring agent. The vanilla plant is a source of... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | verbena extract | Fragrant extract that can be a skin sensitizer... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Poor | vetiver oil or extract | Fragrant component in skincare products that also has some beneficial properties... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts |
Good | vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer | Blend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer. | Thickeners, Silicones, Texture Enhancer |
Average | Viola tricolor extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Best | vitamin A | TBC | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | vitamin B1 | TBC | Vitamins |
Good | vitamin B12 | Overall there is limited research showing vitamin B12 has any benefit when applied topically on skin | Vitamins |
Average | vitamin B2 | There is no research showing this has any benefit when applied topically to skin. However, there is... | Sensitizing, Vitamins |
Best | vitamin B3 | TBC | Skin-Restoring, Vitamins, Hydration |
Good | vitamin B5 | Also known as pantothenic acid. | Vitamins |
Average | vitamin B6 | There is no research showing it to have benefit for skin. | Vitamins |
Best | vitamin C | Vitamin C is a top rated skin care ingredient to help maintain healthy-looking and radiant skin... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Good | vitamin D | A fat-soluble vitamin (technically, it's a hormone)åÊthat may have antioxidant, soothing, and... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | vitamin E | One of the most well-known and researched antioxidants for the body and for skin. Vitamin E occurs... | Antioxidants, Vitamins |
Best | vitamin F | Name sometimes used to represent essential fatty acids of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These... | Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Vitamins, Emollients, Skin-Restoring, Hydration |
Good | vitamin H | TBC | Vitamins |
Good | vitamin K | Technically known as phytonadione, vitamin K is a fat-soluble.... | Vitamins |
Best | Vitis vinifera | Latin name for the vines that produce wine grapes. More commonly known as grape seed oil or grape... | Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts |
Poor | volatile oil | Group of volatile fluids derived primarily from plants and used in cosmetics primarily as fragrant... | Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Good | VP/eicosene copolymer | A film-forming agent often used in water-resistant sunscreen products. It helps the sunscreen... | Film-Forming/Holding Agents |
Good | VP/hexadecene copolymer | Synthetic polymer. | Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Average | walnut extract | Extract that can have antioxidant properties... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | walnut oil | Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil... | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Average | walnut shell powder | Abrasive used in scrub products; not preferred to polyethylene beads. | Scrub Agents |
Good | water | The most widely used cosmetic ingredient; water is almost always listed first on an ingredient... | Miscellaneous |
Average | watercress extract | Research indicates that watercress extracts can have antioxidant activity, but that information is limited... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Best | watermelon fruit extract | Extract from the fruit Citrullus lantus, commonly known as watermelon... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | wheat amino acids | A blend of amino acids from wheat protein after it has been broken down via hydrolysis. Most often... | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Good | wheat germ glycerides | Used as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer |
Good | wheat germ oil | Emollient plant oil similar to all non-fragrant plant oils. | Plant Extracts, Emollients |
Good | wheat protein | TBC | Skin-Replenishing |
Good | whey protein | A form of protein derived from milk. An animal-derived ingredient, whey protein functions as a hair... | Miscellaneous, Skin-Softening |
Average | white nettle | Contains components that can have both soothing and sensitizing properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | white oak bark extract | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | white tea leaf extract | Extract from the minimally processed buds and leaves of green tea. There is research showing that... | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Good | white willow | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | wild ginger | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | willow bark | Contains salicin, a substance that when taken orally is converted by the digestive process to... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Best | willow herb | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |
Poor | wintergreen oil | A type of mint often used to ease the discomfort of sore muscles... | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | witch hazel | Commonly used plant extract that can have antioxidant properties... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Sensitizing |
Good | xanthan gum | Used as a thickening agent. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer |
Best | xanthophyll | Also known as lutein, this is a cartenoid pigment from plants that functions as an antioxidant. | Antioxidants, Plant Extracts |
Poor | Xi xin | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Ximenia americana oil | Latin name for plum oil; it can have emollient properties. | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Emollients |
Best | xylitol | Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that may be plant-derived or synthetic. | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Slip Agents |
Good | xylitylglucoside | An ingredient derived from two water-binding plant sugars, xylitol and glucose. | Hydration |
Good | xylose | Form of sugar. Similar to other sugars, xylose has hydrating properties for skin. | Miscellaneous, Hydration |
Good | xymenynic acid | Synthetic fatty acid that functions as a skin-softening agent. | Miscellaneous, Skin-Softening |
Poor | yarrow extract | Extract for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin. What studies do... | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | yeast | Group of fungi that ferment sugars. Yeast is a source of beta-glucan, which is a good antioxidant.... | Antioxidants |
Good | yeast extract | TBC | Antioxidants |
Good | yellow 5 | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | yellow 5 lake | Yellow 5 lake is synthetic coloring agent approved for use in foods, drugs and cosmetics. | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Good | yellow 6 lake | TBC | Coloring Agents/Pigments |
Best | yerba mate extract | Plant ingredient used in the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage in South America. It has... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants |
Poor | ylang ylang | Fragrant, volatile oil that can also be a skin sensitizerÛ_ | Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Average | yogurt | There is no research showing that yogurt is effective when applied topically on skin. Yogurt... | Miscellaneous |
Average | yucca extract | Plant extract that can have soothing benefits... | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants |
Average | Yucca schidigera | TBC | Uncategorized |
Poor | Zanthoxylum piperitum | TBC | Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Best | zinc | There is growing evidence that zinc can be a significant soothing agent and antioxidant. It also can... | Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants |
Poor | zinc carbonate | TBC | Miscellaneous, Sensitizing |
Good | zinc gluconate | Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid produced from glucose that functions as a preservative. | Preservatives, Hydration |
Best | zinc oxide | Zinc oxide is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. | Skin-Soothing, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers |
Best | zinc PCA | A synthetic skin-softening ingredient derived from zinc, research has shown it to have anti-aging benefits due to... | Miscellaneous |
Good | zinc stearate | The zinc salt of stearic acid. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including serving as the... | Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Slip Agents, Texture Enhancer |
Poor | zinc sulfate | Chemical compound resulting from the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. There is little... | Preservatives, Sensitizing |
Poor | Zingiber officinale roscoe | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Zingiber zerumbet | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing |
Poor | Zingiberaceae | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts |
Good | Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract | TBC | Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts |