Ingredient library
What each INCI name actually does. We describe function and tolerance — we never label an ingredient good or bad.
1,2-Hexanediol
A solvent and humectant that also supports preservation, allowing shorter preservative systems.
BaseBronopol
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
A preservative that protects water-based products from bacteria. Listed in Annex V with a maximum concentration.
Preservative2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
A lab-made lipid with a ceramide-like structure that conditions skin and hair.
Gum arabic
Acacia Senegal Gum
A plant gum that forms a tightening film and thickens formulas.
Acetic Acid
The acid of vinegar, used to adjust pH and add shine in hair rinses.
pH adjusterAcetyl Cedrene
A woody, cedar-like fragrance component.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
A peptide used in comfort-focused formulas for skin that reacts easily.
Argireline
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A signal peptide used in products aimed at expression lines.
PeptideAcrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer
A conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic gelling polymer that thickens creams and gels and keeps emulsions stable.
TextureAcrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
A film-forming polymer that improves wear and water resistance.
Acrylates Copolymer
A film-forming polymer that improves wear, fixes hair and keeps formulas stable.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
A silicone-acrylate polymer that forms a flexible, long-wearing film.
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
A film-forming polymer that improves wear and water resistance.
Baobab oil
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
A plant oil rich in omega fatty acids that softens and supports the barrier.
Adenosine
A small molecule widely used in firmness-focused formulas.
PeptideAlanine
An amino acid that is part of the skin's natural moisturising factor.
Ethanol
Alcohol
Pure ethyl alcohol. Gives quick-drying, weightless textures and helps actives penetrate. Evaporates fast.
BaseTextureDenatured alcohol
Alcohol Denat.
Used to give quick-drying, weightless textures and to help actives penetrate. Evaporates fast.
BaseAlgae Extract
A general seaweed extract used for hydration and a comforting film on the skin.
HydratingAlgin
A seaweed-derived gum that thickens gels and forms a hydrating film.
TextureAllantoin
A classic comfort ingredient that helps skin feel smooth after cleansing or exfoliating.
SoothingAloe vera extract
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
An extract of the whole aloe vera plant that conditions the skin.
Aloe vera extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
An aloe extract used for a cooling, comforting feel and light hydration.
HydratingAloe vera
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
A watery plant juice used for an immediate cooling, comforting feel.
SoothingHydratingAloe powder
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Concentrated aloe in powder form, used for a cooling, comforting feel and light hydration.
Alpha-Arbutin
A tone-evening ingredient that works gradually and is generally well tolerated.
BrighteningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A violet-like fragrance component used in many scented products.
FragranceAluminium oxide
Alumina
A mineral powder used to absorb oil, coat pigments and give a soft-focus finish.
TextureAluminum Hydroxide
A mineral used to coat pigments and UV filters so they disperse evenly and feel smoother.
HydratingBarrier supportTextureAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
A modified starch that absorbs surface oil and gives creams a soft, powdery finish.
TextureAluminum Stearate
An aluminium salt of stearic acid used to thicken oils and stabilise pigments.
TextureAluminum Stearates
Aluminium salts of stearic acid used to thicken oils and keep pigments evenly dispersed.
TextureAminomethyl Propanol
A pH adjuster used to neutralise gelling polymers.
pH adjusterAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that gives gels a light, bouncy feel.
TextureALS
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
A foaming surfactant used in shampoos, slightly milder than SLS.
CleansingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
A synthetic polymer that thickens gels and creams and keeps them stable, with a light, bouncy feel.
TextureAmodimethicone
A silicone that bonds selectively to damaged spots on the hair, smoothing without buildup.
Amyl Cinnamal
A jasmine-like fragrance component.
FragranceAnhydroxylitol
A sugar derivative used with xylitol to help the skin hold water for longer.
HydratingAnise Alcohol
A fragrance compound with a sweet, anise-like scent.
FragranceWater
Aqua
The solvent almost every water-based cosmetic is built on. Carries the other ingredients and makes textures spreadable.
BaseArachidic Acid
A long-chain fatty acid that thickens creams and helps them stay emulsified.
EmulsifierCleansingArachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol — waxy, not drying — that thickens creams and softens the skin.
TextureArachidyl Glucoside
A sugar-based emulsifier, usually paired with arachidyl and behenyl alcohol, used in gentle creams.
EmulsifierCleansingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
A vitamin-E-rich oil that softens without feeling heavy on most skin.
SofteningAntioxidantArginine
An amino acid used to adjust pH and support hydration.
pH adjusterHydratingArnica extract
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
A traditional botanical used in comfort-focused formulas.
FragranceVitamin C
Ascorbic Acid
The pure form of vitamin C — an antioxidant used for radiance and tone. Needs a low pH and careful packaging.
AntioxidantBrighteningAscorbyl Glucoside
A stable vitamin C derivative that converts on the skin. Gentler than pure ascorbic acid.
AntioxidantBrighteningAscorbyl Palmitate
An oil-soluble vitamin C derivative used mainly to protect the oils in a formula from oxidising.
AntioxidantAspartic Acid
An amino acid that is part of the skin's natural moisturising factor.
Astaxanthin
A strongly coloured carotenoid antioxidant from algae.
AntioxidantAvena Sativa
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
An oat-derived extract used in formulas for easily irritated skin.
SoothingBarrier supportOat flour
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Finely ground oats used to soften water and comfort easily irritated skin.
TextureOat oil
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil
An oil pressed from oat kernels that conditions the skin.
Azelaic Acid
A dicarboxylic acid used for evenness of tone and for skin that flushes easily.
BrighteningSoothingBakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a gentler alternative to retinoids for texture and firmness.
AntioxidantBamboo extract
Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract
A silica-rich plant extract used for hydration and a smoothing feel.
AntioxidantHydratingCera Alba
Beeswax
A wax that thickens balms and forms a soft protective layer. Not vegan.
SealingTexture