Ingredient dictionary

1,2-hexanediol is a synthetic ingredient with multiple benefits in a cosmetic, from preservative to solvent.

A synthetic ingredient that functions as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent.

2,3-butanediol is a synthetic or plant-derived humectant that also has solvent properties in cosmetics. It also has stabilizing and dispersing properties.

This potent antioxidant is a highly stable form of vitamin C that improves skin tone, helps fade discolorations, and visibly firms skin.

Fatty alcohol (the non-irritating kind) that functions as an emollient and skin-soothing agent.

This plant extract with potential antioxidant properties comes from a tree known as “sweet acacia.”

Used in various capacities to enhance the smooth feel or adhesion of a skin care formula; also functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabilizer. May also deliver skin-soothing properties.

Pronounced "ah-sigh-ee", this small berry has a deep purple colour and is a rich source of antioxidants.

This fruit extract is a potent source of antioxidants and hydrating polysaccharides.

Plant extract that is a source of anti-aging antioxidants; may also be used for skin-conditioning properties.

Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitising to skin.

This solvent is commonly used as nail polish remover and can irritate skin and mucus membranes.

An anti-aging tetrapeptide that works to keep skin youthful, addressing firmness and sagginess by helping to inhibit protein-degrading enzymes within skin’s surface.

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Emollient derived from lanolin.

An ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent.

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Functions as an antioxidant.

A lab-made skin-firming peptide formed from a reaction between acetic acid, cetyl alcohol, and dipeptide-1, which contains the amino acids arginine and tyrosine.

Antioxidant known to help visibly fade discolourations and soothe skin. It also helps skin naturally produce its own hyaluronic acid content.

Enhance skin’s moisture retention and barrier health. May also extend skin’s healthspan.

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Acetyl hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide composed of the amino acids alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan.

This synthetic peptide is composed of amino acids (alanine, proline, serine, and glycine). It works to help skin’s layers maintain adequate hydration.

One of several peptides used in skin care products, this ingredient has skin-restoring and water-binding properties, helping it improve both the look and feel of skin.

Works as a skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant.

A synthetic peptide that is based around octapeptide-3, a peptide complex composed of the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, and methionine.

Often called simply "hexapeptide-5", this peptide is derived from the versatile protein versican, which plays a role in skin’s extracellular matrix. Topical use promotes a firmer look and feel.

Acetyl tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide that helps skin look and feel healthier.

Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide that has calming, smoothing, hydrating, and firmness-enhancing benefits when applied to skin.

Anti-aging peptide that helps visibly restore skin’s natural support.

Related to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening products.

An amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent.

This ginger-derived antioxidant offers a long list of benefits to skin, mostly around offsetting the visible impact of environmental exposure and helping to visibly repair past damage.  

Plant for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin.

This ingredient, also known as yarrow extract, has antioxidant and calming properties for skin.

Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic; above 7 is considered alkaline.

Soaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying.

Functions as a film-forming agent, stabilising ingredient, and texture enhancer.

This synthetic ingredient is used to enhance the texture of skin care and hair care products and has been ruled safe as used in cosmetics.

A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better to skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps enhance the texture of skin care and hair care products. Rinses more easily than some other polymers.

Synthetic polymer commonly used as a film-forming agent and/or thickener. Can improve water-resistance, depending on the formula. Contributes to soft after feel.

Plant extract that is a source of antioxidants.

Actinidia chinensis (kiwi) fruit extract is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C.

Plant extract from the baobab tree, rich in skin-nourishing amino acids and fatty acids, as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds that exhibit strong antioxidant benefits.

Also known as Baobab seed oil, this plant-derived emollient ingredient hydrates, soothes, and provides anti-aging antioxidant benefits.