Cosmetic Ingredients
From LoveToKnow Makeup
Cosmetic ingredients used today number 10,000 or more. Listing everything that is used in making cosmetics would be a huge task, but here you will find a list of some of the more commonly used cosmetic ingredients. You can use this aid to help you translate the list of ingredients on the products you buy.
| Ingredient Name | What it is Used For | Ingredient Name | What it is Used For |
| Acetone | A solvent used in nail polish removers | Hydroquinone | Used as a skin lightening agent, a maximum strength of 2% is allowed in over the counter products |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | A skin softening agent | Isopropyl Isostearate | An emollient agent |
| Acrylates/Octylpropenamide Copolymer | A water repellant used in waterproof cosmetics | Lanolin | An emollient and a moisturizer |
| Alcohol SD-40 | A high grade purified cosmetic alcohol that is used to transport ingredients to your skin's surface | Lecithin | A water attracting agent that hydrates your skin and improves the texture of the product it is in |
| Alpha Hydroxy Acid | Derived from fruit acids, this helps to exfoliate the top layer, or epidermis, of your skin | Lenoleic Acid | Used to create emulsions and to hydrate your skin |
| Ascorbic Acid | Also known as vitamin C, this is used as an antioxidant or as a skin lightener | Lysine | A conditioning agent |
| Beeswax | Provides moisture and allows emulsion between water and oil | Octyl Methoxycinnamate | An FDA approved sunscreen |
| Benzoil Peroxide | An antibacterial agent that kills acne germs, available in strengths from 2.5% to10% | Octyl Palmitate | Hydrates your skin and acts as a solvent that does not leave a greasy residue on your skin |
| Beta Hydroxy Acid | Also known as salicylic acid, this is used as an exfoliant | Octyl Salicylate | Used in sunscreens as a preservative |
| Carbomens | Used to stabilize and thicken products | Oxybenzone | An FDA approved UVA absorbing agent used in sunscreens |
| Carmine | A red pigment found in many mascaras | Polybutene | This helps to create viscosity in liquids |
| Cellulose | This plant matter is used as a thickener | Propylene Glycol | Used to hydrate your skin |
| Ceteareth | The combination of cetearyl and stearyl alcohols to create a lubricant | Retinyl Palmitate | A chemical that normalizes your skin's texture and minimizes fine lines |
| Cetyl Alcohol | A lubricant that also emulsifies water and oil | Silica | Aids in the absorption of oils |
| Collagen | The main supporting fibers within the middle layer, or dermis, of your skin; used as a moisturizer in cosmetics | Silicone | Protects your skin |
| Cyclic Acid | Also known as Hyaluronic acid, this hydrating complex hold 1000 times the amount of water in your skin | Silk Powder | Aids in absorbing oil |
| Cyclomethicone | This gives products smooth texture | Silk Proteins | Prevents dehydration commonly used in eye creams |
| EDTA | A preservative | Sodium Borate | Used as a preservative |
| Elastin | Similar to collagen, this protects your skin from moisture loss | Sodium Laurel Sulfate | Used in soaps and cleansers for its foaming qualities |
| Ellagic Acid | Slows the formation of sun spots and age spots | Sorbic Acid | Used as a preservative |
| Glycerin | This chemical hydrates and provides a barrier for your skin | Sorbitol | Used to hydrate your skin |
| Glycine | A necessary chemical for the production of collagen | Vitamin A | Smoothes dry skin, keeps your pores clean and minimizes fine wrinkles |
| Glycogen | Used as a conditioner | Vitamin E | An antioxidant that helps to prevent UV damage |
| Glycol Stearate | A thickening agent that also gives a luminescent appearance | Witch Hazel | An astringent that removes excess oils from your skin |
| Grape Seed Extract | A botanical antioxidant | Xanthan Gum | A thickening agent |
Safety in Cosmetic Ingredients
Don't be intimidated by this alphabet soup of chemical names. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) has created the Consumer Commitment Code. Reflecting many years of safety practices within the cosmetics industry, the code also provides consumers and others information on new practices designed to protect consumers. Participation is voluntary, but companies that do participate maintain records on formulas, testing and any adverse experiences. If there are any problems, the FDA can examine these records if deemed necessary. As a whole, the cosmetics industry is continually working to make your cosmetics safe.
For a more extensive list, you can go to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Made up of doctors and scientists, this panel has spent 30 years reviewing and assessing the safety of cosmetic ingredients. You can also go to the FDA website for a list of banned cosmetic ingredients.
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