Ingredient dictionary

Starch obtained from corn that can be formulated to serve a variety of roles, including working as an absorbent, viscosity increaser, film-forming agent, skin protectant or abrasive agent. 

Naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon which combine to form what's known as anhydrous (contains no water) magnesium silicate.

Sodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer.

This synthetic silicate functions as an absorbent, opacifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Absorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer.

This synthetic polymer is used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

A sediment obtained from various bodies of water. Silt's absorbent nature helps it function to absorb excess surface oil.

Absorbent substance; sometimes used in high amounts in powders meant for those with very oily skin.

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.

Plays a variety of roles in cosmetic formulations including as an absorbent, emulsion stabiliser, slip modifier, scrub ingredient and viscosity-increasing agent. Can be “upcycled” as a by-product of agricultural industries or created synthetically.

Versatile ingredient that can be used as a texture-enhancing ingredient, film former, and/or absorbent in cosmetic formulations. May also be used as “microspheres” to gently release potent active ingredients into skin.

This versatile plant-based sugar is used as an absorbent, stabilizer, film-forming agent, and skin softener in cosmetics

Active ingredient in milk of magnesia. It is an absorbent and has disinfectant properties for skin.

Earth mineral that has strong absorbent properties and some disinfecting properties.

Kaolin is a clay mineral known for its absorbent properties, particularly popular in facial masks aimed at reducing skin’s oil. Learn more at Paula’s Choice.

Illite is a mineral-sourced natural thickener that is sometimes referred to as French green clay.

Modified version of corn starch that delivers humectant (hydrating) properties. May also be used to adjust the opacity, viscosity & cohesiveness of the formula.

This type of bandage helps lessen the duration of whitehead pimples.

Mineral substance that is similar to kaolin (a clay).

Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of talc.

Natural, highly absorbent ingredient that also helps to thicken cosmetics, modify product slip, add opacity, and prevent makeup and skin care formulas from caking.

Natural, highly absorbent clay that also helps to thicken cosmetics, modify product slip, add opacity, and prevent makeup and skin care formulas from caking.

Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen.

Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen.