A multi-purpose agent that has several uses in cosmetics. It can help adjust the viscosity solutions, help stabilize different ingredients, and improve the antimicrobial effects of preservatives.

An extract derived from the fruit of the acacia tree (Acacia victoriae) that has strong antioxidant properties that protects cells from oxidative stress, and conditions for smooth, supple skin.

An amino acid that has skin-repairing properties. Acetyl glutamine can control and reverse cellular senescence caused by oxidative stress, and increase natural collagen levels in the skin.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (AH8, or Argireline), is a peptide derived from a Botox protein. It relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles, and also has water-binding properties that help moisturize the skin.

Denatured alcohol is alcohol with added flavoring to prevent consumption. Alcohol helps cosmetic ingredients to absorb faster, and has astringent properties to cut through oil and even out skin tone.

Allantoin is a naturally occuring metabolic molecule. It has an important role in skincare for its wound healing and water retaining properties, making it an ideal treatment for dry or irritated skin.

Aloe vera extract has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today science has shown it has strong antioxidant properties, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Aloe vera contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties that help with skin conditioning and wound healing, and studies have shown it to reduce LDL cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is found throughout the body. It helps prevent cell damage and restores levels of Vitamins C and E, and is used to treat a variety of conditions.

Also known as aluminum oxide, alumina is a naturally occurring mineral used as an absorbent, bulking, and anti-caking agent.

Pineapple extracts boost cellular hydratation by attracting and retaining water, resulting in smoother skin. They also counteract oily skin, and reduce the appearance of acne and discoloration.

Derived from pineapples, this extract is bursting with naturally exfoliating bromelain and fruit acids, and has proven antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress that makes skin look older.

An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away! Apple extract contains AHAs that help to increase cell shedding and gently exfoliate for soft, healthy looking skin. Apple extract can also help control oil production and promote collagen production.

Aqua is simply water. In skincare, it is usually used as a solvent in which other ingredients are dissolved to make them easier to apply as a cream or lotion. It also hydrates the skin as it is absorbed.

AKA argan oil, this oil is rich in skin-nourishing ingredients, including about 80% unsaturated fatty acids, twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil, antioxidant phenols and anti-inflammatory stenols.

Avocado oil contains lots of skin-loving ingredients, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to soothe irritated skin. It's a powerful moisturizer that can soften and condition skin, and the fatty alcohols in avocado can also reduce UVB damage to skin cells.

Azelaic acid is an exfoliant gentle enough to leave on your skin, but powerful enough to smooth skin tone and reduce the appearance of discolouration and blemishes, even when used in low concentrations.

Sometimes marketed as B9-Vitapol, and obtained by fermenting folic acid (Vit. B9) and wild soybean using Bacillus. Provides vital vitamins to nourish skin and combat wrinkles, allergies, and UV light.

An alcohol used as a preservative, solvent, and thinner. It helps to dissolve ingredients so they are easier to apply, reduce the viscosity of skincare products, and extend their shelf-life.

Bilberry extract is a great source of antioxidants that protect the skin. Bilberry can reduce signs of redness and increase skin defenses against UVA light.

Borage is the richest known source of Linolenic Acid, an essential fatty acid. It is also a good source of Oleic, Palmitic, and Stearic Acid. Lab tests show borage is highly effective at treating dry, irritated skin and related skin conditions.

A botanical oil derived from a combination of rapeseed oil and tung wood. This ingredient has powerful moisturizing properties and helps to condition skin.

Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that tackle acne and skin irritations and provides cellular protection against oxidative stress.

A colorless, water-soluble compound that is used to condition the skin by helping it retain water. Butylene glycol also helps in the absorption of other ingredients that aren't water soluble.

Used to soften skin and help to evenly distribute active ingredients in sunscreen formulations.

Calendula oil is known for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. As such it is often used to treat acne and skin irritations, and to promote wound healing.

Studies have shown green tea has antioxidant properties that help reduce the signs of aging, and it can also reduce inflammation, provide UV protection, and hydrate and nourish skin.

An emollient used to make the skin feel soft and smooth. It is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, and is well tolerated by all skin types, meaning it rarely causes irritation or outbreaks.

A type of alcohol derived from fatty acids, caprylyl glycol is used to lock moisture into the skin, leaving it soft and supple. It can also act as a preservative, making skincare products last longer.

Papaya fruit is packed with beneficial antioxidants and vitamins that treat the whole body, not just the outside. In skincare, green papaya extract is used to exfoliate, condition, and nourish skin.

Compounds extracted from papaya fruit have been shown to promote skin healing and improve the appearance of acne and other conditions by reducing harmful bacteria that cause outbreaks and blemishes.

This alcohol has several uses in skincare. It soothes and heals dry skin, making it feel softer and healthier. It also serves as a thickener and stabilizer for cosmetic products.

Chamomile extracts come from the medicinal herb and are often used to relieve inflammatory skin conditions and soothe sensitive skin. These extracts also have antioxidant and wound-healing properties.

The wild or black cherry is packed with Vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants. It can hydrate and nourish skin, and soothe irritations and breakouts.

Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruit. It can be used to adjust skin acidity and promote the regeneration of damaged skin when used with other anti-aging products.

Sourced from the Australian desert lime, glauca fruit extract contains nine key phytoactive compounds, including Vitamin C and ferulic acid, that hydrate and protect the skin and undo oxidative damage.

Lemon extract is naturally astringent and antibacterial, making it a powerful ingredient that can cut through skin oils, combat bacteria, reduce pore size, and promote healthier looking skin.

Collagen is the protein that provides structure for the skin. The common signs of aging are related to collagen loss, so restoring collagen to the skin can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cornflower extract is a natural astringent that can help to tone and brighten skin and control oil production. Antibacterial properties also help to soothe inflammation and redness.

Cucumber has long been prized for its skin nourishing benefits. Cucumber extract is packed with beneficial fats, vitamins and minerals that can soothe irritated skin, improve hydration, and minimize the appearance of pores.

Cucumber extracts are valuable skincare ingredients because they're incredibly mild, but contain powerful antioxidants and are non-sensitizing, so can be used on even the most delicate skin.

A synthetic compound derived from natural silicone, dimethicone helps to hydrate skin and create a silky finish without leaving an oily residue. In sunscreens, dimethicone helps to evenly distribute the active ingredients across the skin.

A type of silicone recognized by the FDA as a “skin protectant." It forms a barrier across the skin that prevents moisture loss, and can help evenly distribute active sunscreen ingredients across the skin's surface.

Dimethiconol is a non-soluble silicone often used in cosmetic and personal care items as an emollient that protects, moisturizes, and lubricates the skin, giving it a smooth, silky texture.

A buffering agent used to adjust the pH of skincare products. Disodium Phosphate also prevents corrosion, making products more shelf-stable.

Made from silicone, this powder helps improve the texture of cosmetic formulations and absorb excess oil.

Echinacea extract can help alleviate redness and irritation, reduce discoloration and hyperpigmentation, and hydrate and smooth skin.

A natural preservative derived from glycerine. Ethylhexylglycerin affects the surface tension of bacteria cells, preventing them from growing. It also lubricates the skin, helping it look and feel healthier.

Evening primrose extract is rich in gamma-linoleic acid, which can soothe a variety of skin conditions associated with dry, irritated, flaky skin.

A sugar found in fruit and honey, fructose can be used for flavoring, as a humectant (regulating the amount of moisture the skin holds), and as a conditioner, improving skin's appearance and texture.

Geranium extract has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that make it a great skincare ingredient. Geranium can reduce inflammation, boost wound healing, and control melanin production for more even skin pigmentation.

Filled with potent antioxidants, ginkgo biloba extract has antibacterial properties and studies show it can improve wound healing by increasing blood flow to the skin.

Ginseng has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can control redness. It also balances oil production, inhibits melanin production to reduce hyperpigmentation, and has a calming effect on skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and helps the skin retain moisture, and helps keep skin smooth and supple. It also has cooling properties that can help soothe inflammation and redness.

A thickener and surfactant used to combine incompatible ingredients (such as oil/water based) in cosmetics formulations. It also helps to condition skin and improve texture.

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that makes the skin more luminous by exfoliating the outer later of dead cells. By stimulating collagen production it helps fill fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin.

An antioxidant extract of licorice root that promotes skin healing and promotes the growth of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, leading to firmer, healthier skin. It also blocks harmful UVB rays.

A natural source of antioxidants and Vitamins C and E, which are important for maintaining skin health and combating the damage caused by oxidative stress.

Coffee doesn't just help you wake up in the morning. Coffee bean extract is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce puffiness, combat signs of aging, and minimize blemishes.

Green tea extract has a number of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic benefits for the skin. As well as making skin look and feel healthier, it can combat underlying damage.

An emollient used to help soften skin and improve texture.

Packed with skin-nourishing alpha hydroxy and amino acids, hibiscus extract supports elastin production, essential for firmer, younger looking skin.

Honey is an amazing skincare ingredient that contains proteins and amino acids, vitamins, enzymes and minerals. It has antimicrobial and emollient, humectant, and soothing properties.

A conditioner that improves the appearance of dry, flaking skin. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found naturally in skin, nerve, and connective tissues, where it aids in water absorption.

A modified version of hyaluronic acid that has a very low molecular weight, and thus greater absorbency, meaning it can moisturize layers of skin that are usually beyond the reach of conventional cosmetic products.

A water-soluble ingredient used as a thickening agent in many cosmetic and personal care products. It is derived from cellulose (plant cells) and produces a clear gel when combined with other ingredients.

A solvent used to enhance the texture of cosmetics and prevent water loss.

A skin softener that leaves a smooth, silky feeling, and is also used to create a powder-like texture in cosmetic products, especially those designed for oily skin.

A natural botanical ingredient, jojoba oil is prized in cosmetics for its hydrating properties. Because it's similar to human skin oil, it can help balance oil production and prevent acne outbreaks.

Kelp rich in minerals and antioxidants that protect and defend skin, while moisturizing properties help keep skin soft and hydrated.

An excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and polyphenols, kiwi can protect against airborne pollutants and acts as a mild astringent on oily skin.

Made from several types of fungi, kojic acid helps exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of discolored or scarred skin. It is also thought to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Glutathione is produced by the liver and used in numerous bodily functions, including building and repairing tissues and boosting the immune system. It combats free radicals and supports the healing process.

Glycine is an important amino acid used by the body to build proteins — especially collagen, vital to healthy skin — and natural antioxidants, which combat damage caused by free radicals.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can boost the skin renewal rate, improving texture and lessening the appearance of wrinkles. It is often used as a milder alternative to glycolic acid.

Similar to laureth-4, laureth-23 is a polyoxyether of lauryl alcohol, but is more viscous and is used as an emulsifier in oil and water solutions. It also thickens the final cosmetic solution.

A synthetic polymer used as a surfactant to decrease surface tension between different substances. This enables laureth-4 to attract dirt and impurities, making them easier to wash away.

Lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for conditioning irritated skin. Lavender can also reduce elastin loss, keeping skin looking firmer and more youthful, and it can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Lecithin plays an important role in our nervous system, and improves skin health by reducing flaking and making the skin more supple. It also helps bind water to the skin, boosting hydration.

A carotenoid hydrocarbon derived from tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, it contains many antioxidants that protect the body from aging, and is used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Oil derived from macadamia nuts, rich in nourishing fatty acids similar to human skin sebum. As such it has strong skin conditioning properties, and also helps lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated.

Malic acid is derived from unripened fruit and used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics. Its acidity also makes it useful as a mild exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin and freshen the complexion.

Maltose is a sugar used as a flavoring and masking (scent) agent in cosmetics. It also increases the osmolality of cosmetic formulas, meaning they can absorb more ingredients without becoming saturated.

A traditional medicinal plant that contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which hydrate skin and defend against UV damage. Can help soothe irritated skin.

A natural source of salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), meadowsweet has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for sensitive skin.

The active ingredient in milk thistle extract is silymarin, which can regulate oil production, defend against UV radiation, and won't clog pores.

A source of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a preferred supplement because it does not cause the skin flushing that is a common side-effect of niacin. Vit. B3 is taken for acne, as well as immune disorders.

A form of vitamin B3 — one of the essential nutrients your skin needs — that helps retain moisture and increase keratin levels, smoothing out the surface of the skin and making it appear younger.

A natural fruit extract containing antioxidants and key vitamins. Also used as a fragrance.

An antioxidant botanical, this extract is used to protect skin cells against oxidative stress and signs of premature aging.

A blend of polyethylene glycol and silicone that helps to condition skin.

A thickening agent used to lubricate formulations and create a creamy texture that leaves skin feeling soft and nourished.

Pentylene Glycol is synthetic humectant that helps bind moisture and hydrate the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties to soothe inflamed skin. It is sometimes used as a thickener and lubricant.

A synthetic preservative used in many cosmetic products that is effective against a wide variety of pathogens across a wide pH range. It is well tolerated by most skin types and keeps products safe.

A blend of silicones used as a texture enhancer and thickening agent.

A skin-softening emollient that also helps to bind oil and water-based formulations, improving the overall texture of the product.

A silicone-based emollient that helps to condition skin and enhance texture.

A silicone-based compound that has water-binding properties. It also creates a fine film that leaves skin feeling supple and smooth.

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier that is common in many food and cosmetic products. In skincare, it is used to reduce surface tension between incompatible ingredients such as oil and water.

A mild preservative used to extend the shelf-life of cosmetic and personal care products by preventing bacterial growth. It is also used as a preservative in food and is considered safe for all skin types.

An emollient, solvent, or preservative used to increase absorption and make active ingredients more effective in skincare.

Used as a humectant to maintain the consistency and moisture of cosmetic products in variable temperatures. It can also make the ingredients in cosmetics solutions absorb into the skin more easily.

Sweet almond oil is an emollient lubricant packed with nourishing triglycerides and fatty acids that soften the skin and improve its texture. It is used widely in many cosmetic products.

A water-binding, thickening agent derived from the starch of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. Its skin-tightening effects make it popular in anti-aging products, and it helps skin retain moisture.

Polygonum cuspidatum is a root extract that contains a form of resveratrol, an antibacterial substance plants produce when injured or attacked. In humans, resveratrol has antioxidant properties.

A powerful antioxidant packed with vitamins and beneficial linoleic and oleic acids. Rosehip oil can help hydrate skin and combat signs of premature aging.

The most common beta hydroxy acid- great for oily skin. BHAs are used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and to improve the overall texture of skin.

An antioxidant extract derived from the Australian quandong fruit. It contains amino acids and skin-nourishing antioxidants that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin soft and supple.

A sugar derived from plants, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken, emulsify, and stabilize cosmetics products. It minimizes the amount of oil required in solutions and prevents them from separating.

Denatured alcohol used as a solvent to combine ingredients in skincare formulations.

Specially denatured" (SD) alcohol is used as an astringent that contracts pores and reduces oil. It can also act as a penetration enhancer, making other cosmetic ingredients more deeply absorbed.

AKA Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). These molecules stimulate cell growth and healing. EGFs have been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, overall skin texture, and pore size.

AKA Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), sh-Oligopeptide-2 helps promote cell growth and healing. Some studies have shown IGF-1 and Epidermal Growth Factors can work together to encourage skin cell proliferation.

A cell-signaling protein that stimulates fibroblast cell growth, healing, and proliferation. These connective tissue cells form the matrix that supports the skin's structure, making skin taut and firm.

A Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) that encourages the growth and proliferation of fibroblast cells that form the connective tissue supporting the skin. FGF may also stimulate skin healing and regeneration.

AKA Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, this protein's main function is to stimulate the growth of blood vessels. In cosmetics, it nourishes fibroblast cells that make up the skin's supportive matrix.

A synthetic polymer derived from salt that binds and enhances the texture of cosmetic solutions. It is also a film-forming agent, meaning it helps the product form a smooth, even layer over hair or skin.

A synthetic polymer used as a thickener and emulsifier to improve the texture of skincare formulations.

A water-soluble form of vitamin C that can help reduce acne breakouts and provide valuable antioxidants that improve the skin's appearance and texture, reducing wrinkles and uneven skin tones.

An antifungal preservative that extends the stability and shelf-life of cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used as a food preservative.

Sodium chloride is the technical name for common salt. It is used in water-based products to increase their thickness. Because it is abrasive, it can also be used in skin scrubs.

A large sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It absorbs up to 1000x its own weight in water, hydrating the skin and allowing other actives to penetrate deeper than the epidermis.

Used in soap for centuries, this highly alkaline ingredient acts as a pH adjuster in cosmetic products, and also reduces and removse oil from the skin thanks to its ability to dissolve fats and grease.

A naturally occurring humectant used to moisturize the skin and adjust the pH of cosmetics. It also acts as a bacteriostatic agent, stopping bacteria from reproducing and contaminating solutions.

An inorganic salt used as a pH adjuster in cosmetic products (also known as a "buffering agent"). It's an effective cleanser and can also prevent corrosion when products are stored in metal packaging.

The sodium salt of an amino acid found in proteins, including in the skin. It is used as a humectant to help moisturize and help other cosmetics ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Contains vitamin C, polyphenols, fruit enzymes and AHAs. Strawberry extract can help brighten and smooth skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many beneficial compounds, including oleic acid, vitamin E, and linoleic acid. It can help hydrate skin while protecting the skin's natural defensive barrier, and won't clog pores.

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and astringent properties that help treat acne and skin irritation.

Tetrasodium EDTA is used as a chelating agent, which means it reacts with metal ions to produce a stable, water-soluble solution. This extends the shelf-life of products by neutralizing bacteria.

A plant sugar that has hydrating properties that help moisturize the skin. It also functions as an antioxidant, helping reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and aging by neutralizing free radicals.

A common spice that has been used in medicine for centuries. Turmeric can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of joint pain and inflammation, allergies, high cholesterol, and immune disorders.

Used in small amounts in cosmetics and skincare products for its water-binding and mild exfoliating properties. Urea helps moisturize the skin and improve skin tone and texture.

An orange-red pigment found in many plants, Beta-carotene is converted by the body into Vitamin A, which is a vital vitamin for supporting skin, eye, and immune system health.

Retinoic palmitate is the major storage form of Vitamin A in the skin. Vitamin A can combat acne breakouts and speed up healing by supporting the skin's natural immune system.

D-panthenol is the molecule the body converts into Vitamin B5. Vit. B5 is vital for the health of skin, hair, nails, and eyes. It promotes healing, is an anti-inflammatory, and reduces blemishes.

Vitamin C is important for many bodily functions. It forms the basis of collagen, cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels. It also aids the absorption of iron, supports the immune system, and has antioxidant benefits.

Vitamin E is found in many foods and is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress, boosts the immune system, and supports metabolic processes within cells.

Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that combats oxidative stress, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also moisturizes the skin and supports the skin's natural protective barrier.

A compound derived from grapes that has strong antioxidant properties. This extract can reduce the appearance of discoloration, aging, and redness, combat oxidative stress, and boost immune response.

Rich in rich in linoleic and oleic acids, Omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E. This is a light, fast-absorbing oil that can hydrate and nourish while balancing oil production.

Xantham gum is a very common ingredient used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic products. It can also be used as a rheology modifier, adjusting the viscosity and flow of pourable solutions.

Has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and can help balance oil production.