Ingredient dictionary

Cleansing/emulsifying agent that can also be used to adjust the viscosity and stiffness of cosmetic formulations. It might contribute to a pore-clogging residue on skin.

A natural polysaccharide derived from soil bacteria. Not widely used in cosmetics, but can help enhance texture and help emulsify.

Glycerin-based ingredient that functions as an emulsifying agent and surfactant.

This synthetic ingredient is used as an emulsifier and pH adjuster in cosmetics.

A derivative of polyethylene glycol and non-drying behenyl alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in skin care products. It can be synthetic or plant-derived.

A synthetic or plant-derived skin- and hair-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

An emulsifier (aka the substance that keeps water and oil together in a formula) with emollient benefits for skin.

This synthetic polymer serves as a film-forming, opacifying, viscosity-controlling and emulsifying agent in cosmetics.

This surfactant and emulsifying agent is often used in oil-based cleansers.

An emulsifier used to improve stability and sensory aesthetics of creams, lotions and other types of cosmetics.

This moisturizing ingredient keeps products blended and can improve texture aesthetics, leaving a silky-smooth feel.

This versatile moisturizing ingredient can be an emollient, emulsifier, or secondary cleansing agent in cosmetics.

Texture-enhancing ingredient that works to emulsify formulations so they’re cohesive and smooth.

Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic formulations.

Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

Dicetyl phosphate does double duty as a cleansing agent and emulsifier that helps control the thickness of liquids. Learn more at Paula’s Choice.    

A synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier.

Diisostearyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate is an emollient blend of fatty acids often used in cosmetics to enhance coverage.

Stabilises the water phase of formulas that contain hydrating ingredients. Works via its interaction with proteins and starches, where it can also help modify a product’s texture.

This derivative of sorbitol functions as a surfactant and emulsifier in skin care products.

When it comes to cosmetics, an emulsifier refers to any ingredient that helps keep unlike ingredient from separating in an emulsion.

Emulisifier/thickener that enhances the texture and stabilises the formula.

Synthetic emulsifying agent used to help mix oil and water-based ingredients and keep them blended. Often used in a blend alongside C12-20 alkyl glucoside.