Ingredient dictionary

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

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 component of green tea that’s well known for its potent antioxidant abilities for skin, as well as its properties as a soothing ingredient.

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

Research has established that topical application of green tea leaves or extracts have many benefits for skin, including anti-ageing properties.

Better known as green tea, this plant is a rich source of antioxidants.

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

Sugar-derived ingredient that helps maintain skin’s hydration and even coloration. One of the backbones of hyaluronic acid.

This inorganic material found in some minerals has many formulary benefits in cosmetics, including as an opacifying agent and absorbent.

Salt that has absorbent properties.

A synthetic powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anti-caking agent used in skin care and makeup products.

Type of clay that is most famously used as an absorbent in oil-reducing face masks. Also functions as a thickener, emulsion stabiliser, and opacifying agent in cosmetic formulations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.

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.

Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.

Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with water.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

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