Ingredient dictionary

This is the most widely used ingredient in skin care, often appearing first in product ingredient lists. Used as a solvent.

Solvent used in nail polish and many other products.

A synthetic solvent with lightweight emollient properties that provides smooth application and soft skin.

Solvent and texture-enhancing ingredient known for delivering a soft, silky after feel—minus greasy residue.

Most often used instead of various silicones and mineral oil, this hydrocarbon solvent has emollient properties with a light, silky finish.

Solvent used in skin care to help dissolve or dilute other substances and ingredients.

Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process to remove components that could interfere with a product's stability and performance.

A form of water also known as "heavy water" that, due to its chemical composition, has a higher mass than regular water.

Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold today.

Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics.

Colourless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is potentially harmful if inhaled.

Dimethyl isosorbide is a clear, slightly oily-feeling liquid that functions as a solvent and may be plant-based or synthetic.

Helps key ingredients absorb more effectively and can also improve formulary texture + spreadability.

A synthetic, viscous alcohol that functions as a solvent.

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Solvent that is well-known for producing smooth spreadability and more pleasing textures in skin care formulas. Also used to enhance the efficacy of cosmetic preservative phenoxyethanol so it works better in lower amounts.

Works as an emollient, solvent, and texture-enhancing ingredient. Contributes a silky, lightweight, non-greasy feel to the overall formula.

“Incidentals” refers to any ingredients in cosmetics that do not have an effect in the formula or on skin, most often due to the amounts of such ingredients being vanishingly low.

Solvent used to dissolve or break down other ingredients, such as gases or solids, to form a solution.

Hydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and.

Synthetic solvent that also adds hydration to skin thanks to its humectant properties.

Also known as rubbing alcohol, this type of alcohol is known to be drying/sensitising to skin when listed among the main ingredients in a formula.

Solvent that can be used to enhance the absorption of other ingredients into skin for improved efficacy. Also provides hydrating properties.

A synthetically created polymer that works primarily as a solvent but also happens to have moisturising and cleansing abilities.