Ingredient dictionary

The primary role of this sugar- and palm-derived ingredient is emulsifier, helping to keep the oil and water phases of cosmetics from separating.

An emulsifier, meaning it helps keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in an emulsion.

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

Fatty alcohol-derived surfactant, emulsifier, and stabilising ingredient that’s been ruled safe as it is used in cosmetics.

Fatty alcohol-derived emulsifier that helps water & oil-based ingredients stay mixed in both water- and oil-based solutions.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

This skin conditioning ingredient also works to emulsify cosmetic formulas, ensuring oil and water mixtures don’t separate.

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

This potassium salt of stearic acid is used as an emulsifier in cosmetics, helping keep oil and water formulas from separating.