Ingredient dictionary

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

Safe, well-tolerated preservative that can also be used to achieve an ideal pH.

Compound used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered less sensitising.

Derived from natural sources, this non-drying alcohol serves as a preservative in cosmetics products, and is considered one of the least-sensitizing preservatives in use.

This group of compounds is primarily used in small amounts in cosmetics as pH adjusters.

May have skin soothing and restoring benefits.

Preservative that research has shown can cause sensitization.

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben.

Conditions skin and hair and is a moisturising ingredient in many skin care products. Because of its antibacterial action, it also is an effective cosmetics preservative.

Preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination, particularly in water-based formulas.

Used as a preservative in cosmetics.

Chemical compound used as a preservative and cleansing agent.

Effective skin care preservative that inhibits contamination and helps stabilise the formula’s shelf life.

Nanosized gold particles that offer preservative properties & can help enhance the delivery/efficacy of other key ingredients.

Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution.

A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium dehydroacetate) is used, as it is more soluble in certain types of cosmetic formulas.

Water-soluble preservative.

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

Skin-softening agent with hydration boosting properties. Also plays an important preservative role to help keep cosmetic formulas stable.

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives.

Common type of preservative found in cosmetics.

Trade name for diazolidinyl urea.

Considered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea.

A synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less.

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben.

This cosmetics preservative is well known for its sensitizing and irritating impact on skin.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is a skin sensitizing organic compound used as a preservative when combined with methylisothiazolinone.

An acid derived from conifer tree bark that serves as an antimicrobial agent in cosmetics.

Methyldibromo glutaronitrile is a well-known skin sensitizer that has preservative properties.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI or MIT) is a skin sensitizing compound used as a preservative in cosmetics alongside methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI).

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives.

Preservative used in cosmetics.

This gentle preservative fights both bacterial and yeast contamination in cosmetics.

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

Safe preservative known to be well-tolerated by skin; offers wide spectrum protection against unwanted microbials in a formula.

Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative.

Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.

This synthetic cosmetics and food preservative has been ruled safe in both applications.

This preservative, which can be naturally derived, is often used in conjunction with others because of its weak activity. It also is used to help preserve foods like dried meats and cheeses.

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