Ingredient dictionary

Naturally occurring mineral used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive in skin care products. Also known as aluminum oxide.

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.

Salt that has absorbent and abrasive 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.

Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.