A man-made silicon-based polymer used in skin care to lubricate and condition. It is used in several skin care products, particularly moisturizers as well as a bonding agent for many types of makeup. Who it's for: All skin types (allergic reactions are rare since it's naturally occurring), but particularly helpful for dry or mature skin in need of deep hydration. Licorice extract is commonly found in creams and serums that reduce redness and calm skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. AHA also may boost collagen production with long term use to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making it a popular ingredient in eye creams and other anti-aging products. This seafoam green powder not only offers a distinct flavor as a beverage but also provides antioxidant, anti-acne and moisturizing benefits when used in skin care. Vitamin C. Short Definition Ferulic acid is said to be one of the most potent antioxidants available, and enhances the stability of other antioxidants, vitamins C and E. A humectant present in fats, animal, vegetable or synthetic. Mica is an earth-derived mineral used in the formulation of a wide variety of beauty products. a constituent element of anything; component: a component of a mixture, compound, etc, esp in cooking, The new wine rules: Drink what you like with what you want to eat, TikTok partners with Whisk to pilot a recipe-saving feature on food videos. It has a smooth texture and is water-soluble, used most commonly in lotions, creams and balms to bind ingredients together and help create a stable, uniform consistency. Peptides, which could be both naturally occurring or synthetically made, are the master builders for your skin. Because antioxidants inhibit free radicals that break down collagen, cause dark spots and accelerate skin aging, they are used topically, usually as a cream or serum, to help keep the skin looking youthful. Apply sparingly on brows or lashes, taking care to avoid contact with eyes. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. As a result, phospholipids are great for keeping skin hydrated. Niacinamide cannot be made by the body, it must come from outside sources like fish, chicken, turkey, pork and beef if consumed or via topical skin care products. Though thats since been debunked, its ability to de-puff and soothe inflammation has made it a mainstay in eye creams and treatments. A stimulant found in coffee, tea, soda and other products. Although generally recommended for sensitive and baby skin, because it is part of the compositae family, there is risk of allergic reaction. As for hair products, panthenol is said to thicken strands, reduce tangles and seal in moisture, leaving hair silky and shiny. FYI: Any new ingredient can cause a reaction. Recommended for both men and women with androgenic alopecia (a common form of hair loss), minoxidil when used properly, delivers healthy and fuller-looking hair. A non-fragrant plant oil rich in fatty acids essential for healthy skin. When applied to skin, theyve been shown to stimulate skin growth at the cellular level and are believed to have positive effects on the early signs of aging. Known for their water retention abilities, ceramides can both restore moisture levels in skin and defend it against dehydration. Along with retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid and tretinoin, retinol is part of the retinoid family of topical vitamin A ingredients. The skincare boom has understandably brought an onslaught of new ingredients, each sounding better than the next (and some sounding downright insane). Benzoyl Peroxide is a common over-the-counter white powder that is commonly used to treat acne. Arbutin also has antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from free radical damage. A group of natural acids found in plants used in skin care to exfoliate skin. Also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H, biotin helps the body break down and process fats and proteins. A component of many plants including comfrey that may help slow down aging. Serums and moisturizers containing glycolic acid use between 5 to 10 percent concentration. It boasts vitamins A and C, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. A fat-soluble nutrient that improves the look and feel of the skin. Also known as phytonadione, vitamin K is used in many skin care products to reduce redness and inflammation and assist in minimizing the appearance of pigmentation. Who it's for: People with oily and acne-prone skin, particularly those who want to treat and prevent whiteheads and blackheads. A popular ingredient found in exfoliating cleansers, creams and peels, lactic acid works by gently breaking down the material that holds onto dead skin cells, causing a gentle chemical exfoliation to reveal healthier-looking skin. This helps strengthen the skins protective barrier and improve moisture retention, healing dry, irritated skin conditions including eczema. What it does: Humectants are water-loving ingredients that draw moisture into skin to help increase moisture content over time. Packed with more antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or blueberries, acai is a potent source of the antioxidants ferulic acid, epicatechin and vitamins A, B, C and E, which is why its used often in anti-aging skin care products. Honey gets it sweetness from fructose and glucose and has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant components, making it a highly effective ingredient in skin care products that aim to calm and heal the skin. FYI: May cause irritation on dry or sensitive skin, or superficial burns at concentrations over 10%. They are an integral part of the cell membrane, protecting other parts of the cell against free radicals. Its composition is similar to skin's natural sebum, so it won't clog pores yet is deeply hydrating. Along with proteins, carbs and nucleic acids, lipids (fats) are biological molecules that make up all living things. Its antimicrobial properties also make it a popular ingredient among products that fight acne and control excess oil. Ideal for those experiencing gradual thinning, minoxidil works by increasing blood flow which stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It matters not how great the velocity of his movements, time is an essential ingredient to all motion, whether rapid or slow. A naturally occurring bacteria that promote a healthier gut. An itch-relieving compound derived from the leaves and bark of the camphor tree. Found naturally in citrus fruits, L-ascorbic acid is a highly potent form of vitamin C, an antioxidant and anti-aging powerhouse. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that acts as a mild disinfectant used to clean cuts, burns and stitches. Unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division. BHAs) are known for their ability to penetrate deep into the pores, ridding them of dirt, oil and bacteria, making them ideal for products designed to address oily or acne-prone skin (which are prone to congestion). Kombucha is a beverage produced by adding a colony of bacteria and yeast to sugar and tea and allowing the mix to ferment. This makes it a popular ingredient in skin care products, such as moisturizers, lotions and serums, as well as hair products designed to condition and repair damaged strands. FYI: Castor oil is commonly diluted in a carrier oil for skincare. Calendula may also help hydrate and soothe dry, damaged and sensitive skin. You may know one of these better as the acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid. The only FDA-approved ingredient clinically proven to help regrow hair. To avoid irritation, steer clear of pairing vitamin C with retinol or exfoliating ingredients like AHAs. When tapped, youre directed to a Whisk page where you can view recipe photos, see ingredients and choose to save the recipe to your own collection, if youre a Whisk user. Need a quick primer on what the ingredients in your beauty product labels mean? Often used as a substitute or in combination with cocoa and shea butter, kokum butter contains antioxidants and vitamin E and exhibits excellent emollient properties. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods such as salmon, nuts and flaxseeds. It also features anti-inflammatory benefits that may help alleviate eczema symptoms and irritated skin. Who it's for: All types of skin, but particularly for soothing dry skin and eczema, but it's also oily skin-friendly since it's lightweight, non-greasy, and unlikely to clog pores. It has been traditionally used to treat bruises, hemorrhoids, digestive problems and sore throats. A powerful antioxidant made from camellia sinensis leaves. Kokum butter is one of the most stable kinds of butter. Who it's for: Safe for all skin types, but best for mature skin types or anyone who wants to prevent signs of aging. Aside from offering exfoliation benefits, it works by chelating iron, calcium and copper, inhibiting the production of skin pigment. Salt that is produced by the evaporation of seawater. Like all AHAs, lactic acid is great for exfoliation and hydration. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Who its for: Thick and heavy, occlusives are best for people for dry, dehydrated, sensitive or reactive skin. Saccharide isomerate extract is made to mimic the effects of natural carbohydrate mixtures in the skin, which attract and bind water to cells to provide deep and long-lasting hydration. Willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylic acid, which is commonly used to treat acne-prone skin. It can also be used as a natural cleanser to reduce buildup of hair products. Rich in vitamins A, E and F, this fatty oil is often used in skin care, body and hair care products designed soothe dryness, promote collagen production and hydrate skin during pregnancy to help minimize the risk of stretch marks. Future Makes Us Rethink Everything We Thought We Knew About Rap Artists, Europeans Recall Fireball Whiskey Over a Sweetener Also Used in Antifreeze. How to use it: Apply as a spot treatment or swap in a salicylic acid-laced face cleanser once or twice per week, increasing frequency as tolerated. When ingredient information is standardized, consumers and retailers can better understand labels, and the CPG company reaps branding and operational benefits. Ingesting or applying camphor to broken skin are also unsafe in high concentrations. A natural oil that is rich in fatty acids known for providing external and internal health benefits. It may also help improve the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne. A natural extract produced from bark and leaves of the North American Witch-hazel shrub. A member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) class and a natural substance found in fruits, vegetables and the human body. How to use it: It can be added into any skincare routine and doesnt interfere with products like vitamin C, retinol or niacinimide. The database is used by chemical suppliers, formulators, manufacturers, marketers, retailers, NGOs, state & federal regulatory agencies and trade associations as a means for ingredient communication. This Valentines Day, we couldnt help but wonder, which Sex and the City character will you most eat like? It prevents collagen degeneration, encourages skin cell turnover, and strengthens skin against wrinkle formation. One key ingredient of the stuff: Propylene glycol, a synthetic liquid that absorbs water. Apple cider vinegar is made from squeezing the juice of apples and adding yeast and bacteria that cause the juice to ferment to vinegar. Due to its healing properties, oats are known for their ability to reduce itching and inflammation and can be used to calm skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. It also is a surfactant and emulsifying agent to help ingredients blend together and have a cosmetically elegant feel. Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. A lightweight, very fine clay used in skin care for its natural absorbent properties. The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) began compiling consumer product ingredient data in 2008. The most abundant protein in the human body, collagen peptides are found in the skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, linings of the bones and blood vessels and help the body maintain its shape. Studies show glycerin combined with emollients (moisturizers) promotes healing, reduces irritation and restores normal skin barrier function. This process can help to diminish the appearance of dry skin, dark spots and large pores. Rich in proteins and lipids, oats also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When shes not writing about the latest breakthroughs in skin care or interviewing industry experts on their best beauty tips, she likes to indulge in good coffee and bad reality TV. Benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep into the pore, flooding it with oxygen that kills acne-specific bacteria. As an anti-inflammatory, it may help reduce skin flare-ups like eczema, psoriasis and acne. Argan oil has become one of the biggest oils in the beauty industry. Because of its anti-fungal, anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, sulfur is used in skin care to help ease the effects of acne, psoriasis, warts, dandruff, eczema and folliculitis. What it does: This type of naturally-occurring fat holds skin cells together to help form a waterproof seal and healthy skin barrier that keeps skin hydrated. A mixture of enzymes derived from pineapples. Samantha would treat herself to the proper ingredients for a proper Manhattan. A powerful antioxidant, caffeine can help prevent and repair skin damaged by UV light. FYI: Since humecants draw moisture from anywhere, they might increase skin dryness if you live in a very dry environment by absorbing water from the skin instead of the air. Witch hazel is widely known for its soothing and antioxidant benefits, which makes it a popular ingredient in toners and serums designed to calm skin redness and irritation. Because of its natural absorbent qualities, kaolin is also often used in face masks, soaps, exfoliants, deodorants, facial powders and other skin and hair care products designed to control excess oil but can be drying. We have a challenge that will make you blush: do you know the many words and ways to describe the opposite of red? Since skin will be freshly exfoliated, it may feel irritated at first: Start slow, avoid using alongside other exfoliants and always follow up with SPF! DMAE can be found naturally in the brain but is most commonly sourced from sardines and anchovies. Hyaluronic acid is also used as a natural alternative to synthetic fillers injections. Apply once to twice daily. By Kaleena Stroud. It is a leading ingredient in sunscreen due to its protective properties against primarily UVB rays. A compound that helps support brain activity and skin tenacity. By Rebecca Booth, M.D. We mix and match ingredients and spices from around the world. Why? It has properties that have been shown to help strengthen the skin and regenerate new cells to help with healing and smoothing scars, which is why youll find this ingredient most commonly in anti-aging creams, scar creams and moisturizers. A green leafy cruciferous vegetable loaded with vitamins and essential nutrients that support skin and hair health. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Aloe also contains antioxidants and other nutrients, such as proteolytic enzymes, which help encourage collagen and elastin growth. FYI: Petrolatum, silicones, shea butter and beeswax are all occlusives. It's anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and increases collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. A hard, vegan wax derived from a tropical palm tree. Copper peptides are the element copper combined with three amino acids. What it does: A BHA best known for its exfoliating, pore-cleaning, and bacteria-fighting powers. Because of its absorbent qualities, bentonite clay is often used in masks and other skin care products designed to reduce excess oil, reduce the appearance of pores and exfoliate dead skin cells. Also known as white clay or china clay, kaolin clay is a soft mineral clay widely used in the making of paper, porcelain and china. How to use it: Twice a day, after cleansing and applying serum, apply a few drops of squalane oil to the face and follow with moisturizer. This ingredient is often found in cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers and frizz-fighting hair treatments. Applying straight castor oil may lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and dryness. An antioxidant that helps form and maintain connective tissue. Most commonly used in sunscreens, zinc oxide creates a natural barrier to prevent UVA and UVB rays from damaging skin cells. Which of the following colors is used to symbolize AIR? How to use it: Apply daily in a lotion or cream alone or following retinoids, hydroxyacids, and exfoliants to stave off potential irritation. This wax can be manipulated into many different forms, making it one of the most used, commercial waxes in beauty. Sea salt is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of essential fatty acidsfats that your body cant make and must get from food. Long term use (daily for months) can lead to thinning of the skin. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. A chemical compound used as a bleaching agent and antiseptic. It is largely repurposed as tablets or capsules and works to send signals to specific neurotransmitters in the brain, improving memory and many cognitive brain functions related to our ability to focus, achieve mental clarity and accomplish difficult tasks. What it does: These moisturizing agents form a protective layer on skins surface to prevent moisture loss and shield skin from external irritants like friction, cold, wind and pollen. Who it's for: Everyone, but particularly those with mature skin and eczema-prone, irritated, or dry, itchy skin. By Annie Ryu, How to use it: It's typically formulated into leave-on products like serums and creams and best used twice per day. Youve come to the right place! A water-soluble vitamin produced by the body and found in certain foods. Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from olives, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin, with a long history of being used as a home remedy for skin care. In 2019, skincare brought in nearly $5.9 billion in sales and outpaced makeup growth by 12%, according to the NPD Group, a market research company. Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that help the body perform various processes such as building muscle and regulating immune function. A natural skin brightening compound made from extracts of the bearberry, licorice, cranberry or blueberry plants. Tambal sa ubu nga may sambug nga makapakatlug, Cough medicine that has an ingredient that will put you to sleep. A water-soluble vitamin also known as vitamin B3. Frequently used in exfoliants and masks, rice powder is used to buff away dead skin cells, giving skin a brighter and healthier appearance. By Deanna Pai. Subscribe to theConsumer Product Ingredients Databaseand have full accessto technical data on ingredients used in consumer specialty products. There are numerous benefits to a uniform system of labeling names for cosmetic ingredients, including the consistency and transparency provided to consumers as ingredients are identified by a single labeling name regardless of the national origin of the product. It is also a humectant, able to pull water into the skin. The first edition of the Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary was published in 1973 and was cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the primary source of ingredient names for the FDA regulation requiring cosmetic ingredient labeling (U.S. An herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known assilybum marianum. Charcoal, a natural agent made from burned carbon, is prized in skin care for its ability purify and detoxify the skin, acting as a sponge to soak up surface oil, deep-seated debris and environmental pollutants. It is one of the only oils that is made by extracting the meat, rather than the seed of the fruit. FYI: Allergies to rosehip oil are rare, but any new ingredient can potentially trigger a reaction. Bamboo leaf extract contains over 70% silica, the silicon- and oxygen-rich compound that is responsible for restoring and strengthening the connective tissues in the body. Absolute consistency in the appearance of your label and the ingredients on that label is a key component of meeting and exceeding those expectations, not to mention regulatory requirements. Who it's for: Safe for all skin types and those concerned with anti-aging, but particularly great for skin types that cannot tolerate retinol (e.g. Lifes Essentials: Serious Work, Serious Fun. It can also be found in nail treatments that strengthen weakened nails. It also gives skin care and cosmetics a smoother, creamier feel, which adds to a products appeal. Shea butter is a triglyceride (fat) derived from the Shea tree, also known as the African Karite tree. How to use them: Peptides work well with other skincare ingredients, making them easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine once to twice daily. A cousin of the guava, camu camu is widely considered a superfruit in its native Brazil as it contains more vitamin C that any other plant. Today, HCPA has taken this data and created the consumer product ingredients database. Plus the good bacteria and yeast found in the fermentation process have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits as well. FYI: Retinol can be irritating and cause redness, dryness, peeling at first: Don't use alongside any chemical exfoliants or acids. Or what if an ingredient in your beer or cocktail machines has gone bad without knowing it? A natural derivative of sugar cane used in various skin care products. This may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. But in that case the new monopoly will still lack the one vital ingredient: the power to fix prices. review process. Tea tree oil, which is made from distilling the tea trees leaves, has made a name for itself as a naturopathic treatment for skin ailments. Extracted from plants, particularly grapes and tamarinds, tartaric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. FYI: Though rare, it does have the potential to cause some side effects such as a rash or allergic reaction. FYI: Look for an opaque or dark-colored, airtight container and ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid to improve stability and efficacy. Kokum butter is a natural plant butter produced from the Kokum trees found in India. A plant-derived protein made by grinding soybeans. For a special occasion, drive north to Kapalua and Merrimans, where locally sourced ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes and line-caught mahi mahi steal the show. Kombucha is a fermented beverage believed to have numerous health benefits. Glyceryl stearate is formed after glycerin reacts with stearic acid, a fatty acid found in plant oils as well as our body. Benzoyl peroxide is also commonly used as a chemical indicator in the application of acrylic nails, turning liquid into a solid. We cannot search for an empty value, please enter a search term. A form of cortisol, used in topical medications that relieve itch, redness, swelling and discomfort. Because of its antimicrobial properties, mandelic acid is great for tackling a variety of skin concerns. The need for uniformity in cosmetic ingredient nomenclature has been recognized in countries around the world. Arbutin is a compound made from the extracts of the bearberry, licorice, cranberry or blueberry plants. How to use it: Safe for use once to twice daily, morning or night. The chief ingredient in that stuff is rum, she avowed to me as we walked home, stretching up her neck in displeasure. It also has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help reduce inflammation associated with acne, rosacea, psoriasis and many other skin concerns and is well tolerated by sensitive skin. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free radicals that damage collagen, as well as brighten skin and even out skin tone. Lactic acid is naturally produced during the bacterial fermentation of milk. The glabridin extracted from a licorice root gives us more than just that sweet-flavored candy. A white, naturally occurring solid best known for its protective properties against sun damage. Since it increases sun sensitivity, use SPF every day. Here weve compiled the most common ingredients found in your skin care, hair care and makeup products, as well what they are and what theyre used for. Luckily, OTC ceramides are bio-identical to what skin naturally produces. A fat-soluble antioxidant best known for its anti-aging properties. An organic compound used in products designed for hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin. The third most abundant mineral in the human body. If you have oily skin, try using it every other day or mixed in with a moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, olive oil wards off free radicals and other environmental aggressors so you can maintain a more youthful appearance. Matcha is a finely ground powder processed from green tea leaves. If you have oily skin, dont use straight vitamin E oil on its own as it might exacerbate clogged pores. It is also used in skin products to adjust their pH. It is naturally found in our bodies but is also used in hair care products that reduce frizz, accelerate growth and repair damaged, brittle and over-process hair. Derived from vitamin B3, niacinamide helps the body perform critical functions like cell signaling, DNA repair and energy metabolism. Camphor It is often paired with menthol to calm itchiness caused by anything from irritation to dryness to poison ivy. The bacteria and yeast produce important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E as well as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. What it does: Harvested from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip oil is packed with anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and C which smooth, firm, and brighten skin and fade scars, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! What it does: A gentle chemical exfoliant, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) sloughs dead skin cells away from the surface for a smoother and more even texture. A naturally occurring compound found in human tissues. The high vitamin E content present in this oil nourishes hair follicles and may even contribute to increased volume and fullness of hair. By Janeca Racho, Since it is typically distilled using alcohol, the ingredient can be irritating to sensitive skin. Sourced from the soybean plant, soy protein is a cosmetic-grade, enzymatically hydrolyzed protein that binds waterprotecting the skin from dryness and environmental damage. Its fatty acids closely mimic our skins natural oils, which makes it well tolerated and particularly effective as an emollient in moisturizers and hair conditioners. This is why the Household & Commercial Products Association worked with its membership to create the Consumer Product Ingredients Dictionary, a unified source for ingredient names that arenow required by the state of California and accepted by Walmart, Target, and the EPA Safer Choice program.