Ingredient dictionary
Every ingredient, in plain words.
What it is, why it is in the formula, and what official sources say about it. Names as they appear on labels.
In-depth articles
NiacinamideSmooths the surfaceGlycerinHelps attract waterPanthenolKeeps skin in good conditionSalicylic AcidLoosens dead skin cells, and preserves at low levelsParfumAdds scentSodium Laureth SulfateCleanses and foamsSodium Lauryl SulfateCleanses and foamsCocamidopropyl BetaineCleanses and foamsDimethiconeSoftens and smoothsAmodimethiconeConditions and detangles hairLinaloolAdds scentLimoneneAdds scentPhenoxyethanolKeeps the formula freshCetearyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsCetyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsSodium HyaluronateHelps attract waterSodium BenzoateKeeps the formula freshTitanium DioxideColours and covers, and filters UV in sunscreen
The 500 ingredients people meet most. The app itself recognises 34,785 names.
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A
Acacia Senegal GumGum arabic · Forms a light filmAcetyl CedreneAdds scentAcrylates CopolymerForms a light filmAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerHelps oil and water mixAcrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate CopolymerForms a light filmAdenosineKeeps skin in good conditionAlanineKeeps skin in good conditionAlcoholEthanol · Limits microbesAlcohol Denat.Denatured alcohol · Limits microbesAllantoinUsed to sootheAloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractAloe vera extract · Helps attract waterAloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceAloe vera leaf juice · Keeps skin in good conditionAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderAloe vera powder · Keeps skin in good conditionAlpha-Isomethyl IononeAdds scentAluminum ChlorohydrateReduces odor or sweatAluminum HydroxideHelps attract waterAluminum SesquichlorohydrateReduces odor or sweatAluminum StearatesSoftens and smoothsAluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GlyReduces odor or sweatAminomethyl PropanolBalances the pHAmmonium Lauryl SulfateCleanses and foamsAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateHelps oil and water mixAmodimethiconeArticleConditions and detangles hairAmyl CinnamalAdds scentAmyl SalicylateAdds scentAnetholeMakes alcohol undrinkableAnise AlcoholAdds scentAquaWater · Dissolves other ingredientsArachidic AcidCleanses and foamsArachidyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsArachidyl GlucosideCleanses and foamsArgania Spinosa Kernel OilArgan oil · Softens and smoothsArginineKeeps skin in good conditionArginine HCLKeeps skin in good conditionAromaFlavor · FlavouringAscorbic AcidVitamin C · Protects the formulaAscorbyl GlucosideProtects the formulaAscorbyl PalmitateProtects the formulaAspartic AcidKeeps skin in good conditionAvena Sativa Kernel ExtractOat extract · Softens and smoothsAvena Sativa Kernel FlourOat flour · Gives the textureAvena Sativa Kernel OilOat oil · Keeps skin in good conditionAvena Sativa Straw ExtractOat straw extract · Keeps skin in good condition
B
BeeswaxHelps oil and water mixBehentrimonium ChlorideKeeps the formula freshBehentrimonium MethosulfateCleanses and foamsBehenyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsBenzoic AcidKeeps the formula freshBenzophenone-1Shields the formula from lightBenzophenone-4Filters UV lightBenzyl AlcoholKeeps the formula freshBenzyl BenzoateAdds scentBenzyl CinnamateAdds scentBenzyl SalicylateAdds scentBeta-CaryophylleneAdds scentBetaineHelps attract waterBHTProtects the formulaBis-Aminopropyl DimethiconeConditions and detangles hairBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineBemotrizinol · Filters UV lightBisabololUsed to sootheBrassica Campestris SterolsSoftens and smoothsButanePropellantButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone · Filters UV lightButylene GlycolHelps attract waterButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateSoftens and smoothsButyloctyl SalicylateDissolves other ingredientsButylphenyl MethylpropionalAdds scentButyrospermum Parkii ButterShea butter · Keeps skin in good conditionButyrospermum Parkii OilShea oil · Softens and smooths
C
C10-18 TriglyceridesSoftens and smoothsC11-15 Pareth-7Cleanses and foamsC12-15 Alkyl BenzoateSoftens and smoothsC13-15 AlkaneDissolves other ingredientsCaffeineKeeps skin in good conditionCalcium CarbonateBalances the pHCalcium ChlorideGives a tightening feelCalcium GluconateKeeps the formula stableCalcium PyrophosphatePolishes or scrubsCalendula Officinalis Flower ExtractCalendula extract · Keeps skin in good conditionCamellia Japonica Seed OilCamellia seed oil · Softens and smoothsCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractTea leaf extract · Helps attract waterCamphorMakes alcohol undrinkableCaprylhydroxamic AcidKeeps the formula stableCaprylic/Capric GlyceridesSoftens and smoothsCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideSeals moisture inCapryloyl GlycineUsed against flaking and dandruffCapryloyl Salicylic AcidKeeps skin in good conditionCaprylyl GlycolSoftens and smoothsCaprylyl MethiconeKeeps skin in good conditionCaprylyl/Capryl GlucosideCleanses and foamsCaramelAdds colorCarbomerGives the textureCarica Papaya Fruit ExtractPapaya extract · Keeps skin in good conditionCarnitineCleanses and foamsCarrageenanRole not recordedCarvoneAdds scentCelluloseGives the textureCellulose GumHelps oil and water mixCera AlbaBeeswax · Softens and smoothsCera MicrocristallinaMicrocrystalline wax · Helps oil and water mixCeramide 1Keeps skin in good conditionCeramide 3Keeps skin in good conditionCeramide APKeeps skin in good conditionCeramide EOPKeeps skin in good conditionCeramide NPKeeps skin in good conditionCeresinHelps oil and water mixCeteareth-12Cleanses and foamsCeteareth-20Cleanses and foamsCetearyl AlcoholArticleSoftens and smoothsCetearyl GlucosideCleanses and foamsCetearyl IsononanoateSoftens and smoothsCetearyl OlivateSoftens and smoothsCetrimonium BromideKeeps the formula freshCetrimonium ChlorideKeeps the formula freshCetyl AlcoholArticleSoftens and smoothsCetyl EstersSoftens and smoothsCetyl EthylhexanoateSoftens and smoothsCetyl PalmitateSoftens and smoothsCetyl RicinoleateSoftens and smoothsCetylpyridinium ChlorideLimits microbesChamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractChamomile extract · Keeps skin in good conditionCharcoal PowderAbsorbs oil and moistureChlorhexidine DigluconateKeeps the formula freshChlorphenesinKeeps the formula freshCholesterolSoftens and smoothsCI 15510D&C Orange No. 4 · Adds colorCI 15985Yellow 6 · Adds colorCI 16035Red 40 · Adds colorCI 16255Ponceau 4R · Adds colorCI 17200Adds colorCI 19140Yellow 5 · Adds colorCI 42051Adds colorCI 42053Adds colorCI 42090Blue 1 · Adds colorCI 47005Adds colorCI 60730Ext. D&C Violet No. 2 · Adds colorCI 61565D&C Green No. 6 · Adds colorCI 74160Adds colorCI 74260Adds colorCI 77491Red iron oxide · Adds colorCI 77492Yellow iron oxide · Adds colorCI 77891Titanium dioxide · Adds colorCinnamalAdds scentCinnamyl AlcoholAdds scentCitralAdds scentCitric AcidBalances the pHCitronellolAdds scentCitrullineKeeps skin in good conditionCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel OilBergamot oil · Adds scentCitrus Aurantium Peel OilAdds scentCitrus Grandis Peel OilGrapefruit peel oil · Adds scentCitrus Limon Fruit ExtractLemon extract · Seals moisture inCitrus Limon Peel OilLemon peel oil · Adds scentClimbazoleUsed against flaking and dandruffCocamide DEACleanses and foamsCocamide MEAGives the textureCocamidopropyl BetaineArticleCleanses and foamsCocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineCleanses and foamsCoco-BetaineCleanses and foamsCoco-CaprylateSoftens and smoothsCoco-Caprylate/CaprateSoftens and smoothsCoco-GlucosideCleanses and foamsCoconut AcidSoftens and smoothsCocos Nucifera Fruit ExtractCoconut fruit extract · Softens and smoothsCocos Nucifera OilCoconut oil · Keeps skin in good conditionCopernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxCarnauba wax · DepilatoryCopernicia Cerifera CeraCarnauba wax · Softens and smoothsCopernicia Cerifera WaxCarnauba wax · Softens and smoothsCopper GluconateHelps protect skinCoumarinAdds scentCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractCucumber extract · Softens and smoothsCyclodextrinKeeps the formula stableCyclohexasiloxaneSoftens and smoothsCyclomethiconeSoftens and smoothsCyclopentasiloxaneSoftens and smooths
D
Decyl GlucosideCleanses and foamsDecyl OleateSoftens and smoothsDecylene GlycolKeeps skin in good conditionDehydroacetic AcidKeeps the formula freshDiazolidinyl UreaKeeps the formula freshDibutyl AdipateSoftens and smoothsDicaprylyl CarbonateSoftens and smoothsDicaprylyl EtherSoftens and smoothsDichlorobenzyl AlcoholKeeps the formula freshDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateFilters UV lightDiethylhexyl Butamido TriazoneFilters UV lightDiisopropyl AdipateSoftens and smoothsDimethiconeArticleSoftens and smoothsDimethiconolHelps attract waterDimethyl IsosorbideDissolves other ingredientsDipotassium PhosphateBalances the pHDipropylene GlycolDissolves other ingredientsDisodium Cetearyl SulfosuccinateCleanses and foamsDisodium CocoamphodiacetateCleanses and foamsDisodium Cocoyl GlutamateCleanses and foamsDisodium EDTAKeeps the formula stableDisodium Laureth SulfosuccinateCleanses and foamsDisodium PhosphateBalances the pHDisodium PyrophosphateBalances the pHDistarch PhosphateAbsorbs oil and moistureDisteardimonium HectoriteGives the textureDistearyldimonium ChlorideConditions and detangles hairDMDM HydantoinKeeps the formula freshDrometrizole TrisiloxaneFilters UV light
E
Ecklonia Radiata ExtractKeeps skin in good conditionEDTAKeeps the formula stableEpigallocatechin Gallatyl GlucosideProtects the formulaErythritolHelps attract waterEthoxydiglycolHelps attract waterEthyl EtherDissolves other ingredientsEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateOctinoxate · Filters UV lightEthylhexyl PalmitateSoftens and smoothsEthylhexyl SalicylateOctisalate · Filters UV lightEthylhexyl TriazoneFilters UV lightEthylhexylglycerinKeeps skin in good conditionEthylparabenKeeps the formula freshEucalyptolAdds scentEucalyptus Globulus Leaf ExtractEucalyptus leaf extract · Keeps skin in good conditionEucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilEucalyptus oil · Adds scentEugenia Caryophyllus OilClove oil · Adds scentEugenolAdds scent
F
G
Gallyl GlucosideProtects the formulaGellan GumGives the textureGeraniolAdds scentGeranyl AcetateAdds scentGluconolactoneKeeps the formula stableGlucoseHelps attract waterGlutamic AcidHelps attract waterGlycereth-26Helps attract waterGlycerinArticleHelps attract waterGlyceryl CaprylateSoftens and smoothsGlyceryl OleateSoftens and smoothsGlyceryl StearateSoftens and smoothsGlyceryl Stearate CitrateSoftens and smoothsGlyceryl Stearate SEHelps oil and water mixGlycineBalances the pHGlycine Soja OilSoybean oil · Softens and smoothsGlycogenHelps attract waterGlycol DistearateSoftens and smoothsGlycol StearateSoftens and smoothsGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideKeeps skin in good condition
H
Helianthus Annuus Seed OilSunflower seed oil · Softens and smoothsHexyl CinnamalAdds scentHexylene GlycolCleanses and foamsHistidineHelps attract waterHyaluronic AcidHelps attract waterHydrated SilicaGives the textureHydrogenated Castor OilCastor wax · Softens and smoothsHydrogenated Coco-GlyceridesSoftens and smoothsHydrogenated PolyisobuteneSoftens and smoothsHydrogenated Starch HydrolysateHelps attract waterHydrogenated Vegetable OilSoftens and smoothsHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHelps attract waterHydrolyzed KeratinHelps attract waterHydrolyzed Vegetable ProteinKeeps skin in good conditionHydrolyzed Wheat ProteinKeeps skin in good conditionHydroxyacetophenoneProtects the formulaHydroxycitronellalAdds scentHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerHelps oil and water mixHydroxyethylcelluloseHelps oil and water mixHydroxymethoxyphenyl DecanoneKeeps skin in good conditionHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideConditions and detangles hairHydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseCleanses and foamsHydroxypropyl Starch PhosphateGives the texture
I
InulinKeeps skin in good conditionIodopropynyl ButylcarbamateKeeps the formula freshIsobutanePropellantIsoceteth-20Cleanses and foamsIsododecaneSoftens and smoothsIsoeugenolAdds scentIsohexadecaneSoftens and smoothsIsopropyl AlcoholDissolves other ingredientsIsopropyl MyristateSoftens and smoothsIsopropyl PalmitateSoftens and smooths
K
L
Lactic AcidHelps attract waterLanolinSoftens and smoothsLanolin AlcoholSoftens and smoothsLaureth-4Cleanses and foamsLauric AcidCleanses and foamsLauryl GlucosideCleanses and foamsLavandula Oil/ExtractLavender · Adds scentLecithinSoftens and smoothsLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateUsed against flaking and dandruffLevulinic AcidKeeps skin in good conditionLimoneneArticleAdds scentLinaloolArticleAdds scentLinalyl AcetateAdds scent
M
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilMacadamia nut oil · Softens and smoothsMagnesium Aluminum SilicateGives the textureMagnesium ChlorideGives the textureMagnesium HydroxideBalances the pHMagnesium NitrateConditions and detangles hairMagnesium StearateHelps attract waterMagnesium SulfateEpsom salt · Gives the textureMaltodextrinHelps oil and water mixMannitolHelps attract waterMaranta Arundinacea Root PowderArrowroot powder · Keeps skin in good conditionMaris SalSea salt · Keeps skin in good conditionMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilTea tree oil · Adds scentMentha Piperita OilPeppermint oil · Adds scentMentha Viridis Leaf OilSpearmint oil · Gives a tightening feelMentholUsed to sootheMethyl SalicylateAdds scentMethylchloroisothiazolinoneKeeps the formula freshMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolFilters UV lightMethylisothiazolinoneKeeps the formula freshMethylparabenKeeps the formula freshMethylpropanediolDissolves other ingredientsMicrocrystalline CelluloseHelps oil and water mixMineral OilSoftens and smoothsMyristic AcidCleanses and foamsMyristyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsMyristyl MyristateSoftens and smooths
N
O
OctocryleneFilters UV lightOctyldodecanolSoftens and smoothsOlea Europaea Fruit OilOlive oil · Keeps skin in good conditionOleic AcidSoftens and smoothsOryza Sativa Bran CeraRice bran wax · Keeps skin in good conditionOryza Sativa Bran OilRice bran oil · Softens and smoothsOryza Sativa StarchRice starch · Gives the texture
P
Palmitamidopropyltrimonium ChlorideConditions and detangles hairPalmitic AcidSoftens and smoothsPanax Ginseng Root ExtractGinseng root extract · Softens and smoothsPanthenolArticleProvitamin B5 · Keeps skin in good conditionPanthenyl Ethyl EtherConditions and detangles hairPantolactoneHelps attract waterParaffinKeeps skin in good conditionParaffinum LiquidumMineral oil · Softens and smoothsParfumArticleFragrance · Adds scentPCAHelps attract waterPEG-100 StearateCleanses and foamsPEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateHelps oil and water mixPEG-150 DistearateCleanses and foamsPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateHelps oil and water mixPEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl PalmateCleanses and foamsPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilCleanses and foamsPEG-40 StearateCleanses and foamsPEG-55 Propylene Glycol OleateCleanses and foamsPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesHelps oil and water mixPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilCleanses and foamsPEG-7 Glyceryl CocoateCleanses and foamsPEG-8Helps attract waterPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateProtects the formulaPentylene GlycolDissolves other ingredientsPersea Gratissima Fruit ExtractAvocado extract · Helps attract waterPersea Gratissima OilAvocado oil · Keeps skin in good conditionPetrolatumPetroleum jelly · Softens and smoothsPhenoxyethanolArticleKeeps the formula freshPhenylalanineKeeps skin in good conditionPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidEnsulizole · Filters UV lightPhosphoric AcidBalances the pHPhytosphingosineKeeps skin in good conditionPineneAdds scentPoloxamer 407Cleanses and foamsPoloxamine 1307Cleanses and foamsPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Helps oil and water mixPolyethyleneGives the texturePolyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateHelps oil and water mixPolyglyceryl-3 DistearateHelps oil and water mixPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateHelps oil and water mixPolyquaternium-10Forms a light filmPolyquaternium-39Forms a light filmPolyquaternium-6Forms a light filmPolyquaternium-7Forms a light filmPolysilicone-11Forms a light filmPolysorbate 20Cleanses and foamsPolysorbate 60Cleanses and foamsPolysorbate 80Cleanses and foamsPotassium HydroxideBalances the pHPotassium PhosphateBalances the pHPotassium SorbateKeeps the formula freshPPG-14 Butyl EtherKeeps skin in good conditionPPG-15 Stearyl EtherSoftens and smoothsPPG-3 Myristyl EtherSoftens and smoothsPPG-5-Ceteth-20Cleanses and foamsPropanePropellantPropanediolDissolves other ingredientsPropylene CarbonateDissolves other ingredientsPropylene GlycolHelps attract waterPropylparabenKeeps the formula freshPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilSweet almond oil · Keeps skin in good conditionPVPHelps oil and water mix
R
S
Salicylic AcidArticleLoosens dead skin cellsSerineKeeps skin in good conditionSilicaGives the textureSimmondsia Chinensis Seed OilJojoba oil · Softens and smoothsSodium AcetateBalances the pHSodium AnisateLimits microbesSodium Ascorbyl PhosphateProtects the formulaSodium BenzoateArticleKeeps the formula freshSodium BicarbonateBaking soda · Helps protect skinSodium C12-13 Pareth SulfateCleanses and foamsSodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateCleanses and foamsSodium Cetearyl SulfateCleanses and foamsSodium ChlorideSalt · Gives the textureSodium CitrateBalances the pHSodium Coco-SulfateCleanses and foamsSodium CocoamphoacetateCleanses and foamsSodium Cocoyl GlutamateCleanses and foamsSodium Cocoyl IsethionateCleanses and foamsSodium FluorideUsed in oral careSodium GluconateKeeps the formula stableSodium HyaluronateArticleHelps attract waterSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerHelps attract waterSodium HydroxideCaustic soda · Balances the pHSodium Hydroxypropyl Starch PhosphateGives the textureSodium IsethionateCleanses and foamsSodium LactateHelps attract waterSodium LaurateCleanses and foamsSodium Laureth SulfateArticleCleanses and foamsSodium Lauroyl IsethionateCleanses and foamsSodium Lauroyl LactylateHelps oil and water mixSodium Lauroyl Methyl IsethionateCleanses and foamsSodium Lauroyl SarcosinateCleanses and foamsSodium Lauryl SulfateArticleCleanses and foamsSodium LevulinateKeeps skin in good conditionSodium MetabisulfiteKeeps the formula freshSodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateCleanses and foamsSodium MonofluorophosphateUsed in oral careSodium NitrateUsed to sootheSodium Palm KernelateCleanses and foamsSodium PalmateCleanses and foamsSodium PCAHelps attract waterSodium PhosphateUsed against flaking and dandruffSodium PolyacrylateSoftens and smoothsSodium SaccharinSaccharin · Used in oral careSodium SalicylateKeeps the formula freshSodium StearateCleanses and foamsSodium Stearoyl GlutamateCleanses and foamsSodium SulfateGives the textureSodium XylenesulfonateDissolves other ingredientsSorbic AcidKeeps the formula freshSorbitan IsostearateHelps oil and water mixSorbitan OlivateHelps oil and water mixSorbitan StearateHelps oil and water mixSorbitan TristearateHelps oil and water mixSorbitolHelps attract waterSqualaneSoftens and smoothsStearamide AMPGives the textureStearamidopropyl DimethylamineCleanses and foamsSteareth-100Gives the textureSteareth-2Cleanses and foamsSteareth-20Cleanses and foamsSteareth-21Cleanses and foamsStearic AcidSoftens and smoothsStearyl AlcoholSoftens and smoothsStevia Rebaudiana ExtractStevia extract · FlavouringStyrene/Acrylates CopolymerForms a light filmSucraloseKeeps skin in good conditionSucroseTable sugar · Helps attract water
T
Tapioca StarchGives the textureTEA-DodecylbenzenesulfonateCleanses and foamsTerpineolAdds scentTetramethyl AcetyloctahydronaphthalenesAdds scentTetrapotassium PyrophosphateBalances the pHTetrasodium EDTAKeeps the formula stableTetrasodium EtidronateHelps oil and water mixTetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateKeeps the formula stableTetrasodium PyrophosphateBalances the pHTheobroma Cacao ExtractCocoa extract · Keeps skin in good conditionTheobroma Cacao Seed ButterCocoa butter · Softens and smoothsThreonineConditions and detangles hairThymolKeeps skin in good conditionTitanium DioxideArticleFilters UV lightTocopherolVitamin E · Protects the formulaTocopheryl AcetateVitamin E acetate · Protects the formulaTrideceth-10Cleanses and foamsTrideceth-12Cleanses and foamsTrideceth-9Cleanses and foamsTriethanolamineCleanses and foamsTriethyl CitrateDissolves other ingredientsTriisostearinKeeps skin in good conditionTrisodium EDTAKeeps the formula stableTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateKeeps the formula stableTrisodium PhosphateBalances the pHTromethamineBalances the pH