Ingredient dictionary

Mineral skin care ingredient best known as one of the gentlest and most effective broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients currently in use.

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. 

Plant extract that can deliver antioxidant properties but is also sensitising if used repeatedly because it denatures proteins that help keep skin healthy.

Solvent and texture enhancing agent that has research backing its synergy with other active ingredients to improve their efficacy. May also positively impact pores/oil control.

A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of Manihot...

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

Skin-calming antioxidant. Can also help temper excessively oily skin.

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

Has multiple uses in cosmetics as a film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and absorbent. It can absorb 100–1000 times its mass in water.

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

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

Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.

Substance derived from silica that can enhance a product's texture and act as a water-binding agent. Claims that it "suffocates" skin have not been proven true.

Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.

This mineral ingredient functions as an absorbent and thickening agent in cosmetics and can help enhance the absorption of other ingredients as well.

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

Form of retinol that is a direct precursor to retinoic acid, with significant research backing its ability to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Can also be used to improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin.

A synthetic precursor to the retinoid adapalene, used to help smooth skin texture, soften lines, and reduce the look of pores + blemishes.

A polyamide (protein-like polymer) derived from an omega fatty acid. The final ingredient is synthetic, and works in cosmetics as a thickener, opacifier, and offers some mild absorption properties. This ingredient's size is too large to penetrate past ski

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.

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.

Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, colouring agent, or to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.

Naturally derived clay-based absorbent that is most often used to enhance the texture and spreadability of a formula.

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.

A type of clay used in cosmetics that enhances texture by imparting a smooth, silky feel.

Tannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant properties.

Plant extract that can deliver antioxidant properties but is also sensitising if used repeatedly because it denatures proteins that help keep skin healthy.