Beauty Ingredient Definitions A–Z

The definitions below cover the ingredient terms currently listed in the library's A–Z indexes. They explain what each term generally refers to and its common cosmetic role. They do not establish that an ingredient is safe, effective, clean, or suitable for every person. A product's exact INCI label name, formula, use, and market can change the relevant context.

Skin and complexion

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera refers to ingredients derived from the aloe plant, such as leaf juice or leaf extract. In cosmetics, these ingredients are used mainly to condition the skin and contribute water-based texture or moisture.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a botanical name for Withania somnifera. Cosmetic formulas may include its root or other plant extracts as skin-conditioning ingredients; the extract and formula determine what can reasonably be claimed.

Avocado

Avocado-derived cosmetic ingredients include fruit oil and extracts. Avocado oil is an emollient oil used to soften skin and contribute richness to a formula.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. CosIng lists buffering and fragrance as its cosmetic functions; it is also used in topical products whose claims and regulatory status should be assessed separately. A CosIng function does not establish a visible skin benefit.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient. CosIng lists it as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, skin-conditioning, and emollient ingredient. It is chemically distinct from retinoids, and those function listings do not establish that it is equivalent to retinol or always gentler.

Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a family of sugar-based polysaccharides found in sources such as oats, yeast, and some mushrooms. CosIng lists beta-glucan as a bulking and miscellaneous skin-conditioning ingredient. Its properties vary by source and structure.

Bismuth Oxychloride

Bismuth oxychloride is an inorganic mineral pigment used to add color, sheen, or a pearly effect to makeup. Its feel and appearance depend on particle size and the finished formula.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring methylxanthine that can also be made for cosmetic use. CosIng lists skin conditioning, perfuming, and fragrance functions; its presence alone does not establish a particular visible result.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Centella asiatica, also called gotu kola, is a plant used as an extract in cosmetic formulas. CosIng lists functions including skin conditioning, cleansing, smoothing, soothing, and toning for Centella asiatica extract; extracts differ in composition and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Ceramides

Ceramides are a group of lipid molecules found naturally in the outer skin barrier. CosIng lists Ceramide NP as a skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning ingredient; individual ceramides and formulas can have different functions, so the exact label name matters.

Chamomile

Chamomile refers to plants in the Matricaria or Chamaemelum groups and ingredients made from them. Cosmetic extracts and oils are used for fragrance or skin conditioning, depending on the ingredient and formula.

Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein. CosIng lists collagen for skin conditioning, hair conditioning, and moisturizing; a topical product should not be described as rebuilding the body's collagen without evidence for that claim.

Elderberry Oil

Elderberry oil is an oil obtained from elderberry seeds. In cosmetics, plant oils are commonly used as emollients to soften skin and add richness to a formula.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is a plant-associated phenolic compound used in some skin-care formulas. CosIng lists antioxidant and antimicrobial functions; claims about visible skin results depend on evidence for the tested formula.

Fulvic Acid

Fulvic acid is a broad term for a complex mixture of organic compounds formed during the breakdown of plant and other organic matter. Cosmetic source materials and compositions can differ, so the specific ingredient identity should be checked before describing its function.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a small peptide made from three amino acids and found in living cells. It may be used in cosmetic formulas as a skin-conditioning or antioxidant-associated ingredient; topical claims should be tied to evidence for the specific formulation.

Glycerin

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a water-attracting humectant used in many skin, hair, and personal-care formulas. It helps a product retain moisture and contributes to its texture.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a small alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). CosIng lists buffering as its cosmetic function; it is also used in exfoliating products, where concentration, pH, product type, and directions affect use.

Green Tea

Green tea ingredients are usually extracts of Camellia sinensis leaves. Cosmetic formulas use them as skin-conditioning ingredients; extract composition depends on how it is made.

Honey

Honey is a natural mixture of sugars and other components made by bees. In cosmetics it can function as a humectant or skin-conditioning ingredient, depending on the formula.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding polysaccharide. Cosmetic formulas use it and its salts as humectants or skin-conditioning ingredients; molecular form and formulation affect the product's feel and performance.

Iron Oxides

Iron oxides are mineral colorants used to provide red, yellow, brown, or black pigments in makeup and other cosmetics. Different blends create different shades.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a compound produced by certain fungi and fermentation processes. It is used in some skin-care products; claims about changing the appearance of uneven tone need product-specific evidence and appropriate regulatory review.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can be used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster, humectant, or exfoliating ingredient, depending on its concentration and formulation.

Licorice Root

Licorice-root ingredients come from Glycyrrhiza plants. Extracts contain different constituents and are used in cosmetics mainly for skin conditioning; a specific benefit should not be assumed from the plant name alone.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in some exfoliating skin-care formulas and sometimes as a pH adjuster. Concentration, pH, and directions matter.

Mimosa Wax

“Mimosa wax” is a common name for a plant-derived floral wax; cosmetic labels may identify it as Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera. Because common names and source materials can vary, confirm the exact INCI name for the ingredient being discussed. It can contribute structure, texture, or emollience to a formula.

Mushroom Extracts: Reishi, Chaga & Tremella

This heading groups extracts from different fungi, including reishi (Ganoderma), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), and tremella (Tremella fuciformis). They are not one interchangeable ingredient; species, plant part, extraction, and formula affect their composition and use.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. CosIng lists smoothing as its cosmetic function; claims about other skin outcomes should be supported by evidence for the concentration and finished formula.

Padina Pavonica

Padina pavonica is a brown alga used as an extract in some cosmetics. The extract's composition and cosmetic role depend on the raw material and manufacturing process.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Cosmetic formulas may use different peptides for skin conditioning or other formulation purposes; “peptides” is a broad category, not one ingredient with one established effect.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid, a type of fat-like molecule found in cell membranes. Its presence in a topical cosmetic does not establish the effects associated with oral supplements or claims about mood and stress.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a plant-associated polyphenol used in some cosmetic formulas. It may serve as an antioxidant-associated or skin-conditioning ingredient; evidence for one formula should not be generalized to all products.

Retinaldehyde

Retinaldehyde, also called retinal, is a vitamin A derivative in the retinoid family. It is used in some topical products; its strength, tolerability, and regulatory status depend on the product and jurisdiction.

Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative in the retinoid family. CosIng lists a miscellaneous skin-conditioning function; product concentration, stability, packaging, directions, and local rules matter.

Rose Water

Rose water is an aromatic water or distillate associated with rose flowers. In cosmetics it may be used as a fragrance ingredient, a water-based product component, or a skin-conditioning ingredient, depending on its specification.

Rose Wax

Rose wax is a waxy material obtained during processing of rose flowers. It can contribute fragrance, texture, or emollience to a cosmetic formula.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid used in cosmetics for functions that can include exfoliation and skin conditioning. It is subject to product- and jurisdiction-specific restrictions, so directions and current regulations should be checked.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a plant fat obtained from shea tree kernels. It is used as an emollient to soften skin and add a richer feel to creams, balms, and other formulas.

Silymarin

Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans associated with milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Cosmetic extracts may be used as skin-conditioning or antioxidant-associated ingredients; extract composition varies.

Squalane

Squalane is a stable, oil-like emollient used to soften skin and improve a formula's slip. It can be made from different sources, so its name alone does not identify whether a product is plant-derived or animal-derived.

Starflower Oil

Starflower oil, commonly called borage oil, is obtained from the seeds of Borago officinalis. It is a plant oil used mainly as an emollient.

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic amino-acid derivative used in some topical skin-care products. Cosmetic claims about the appearance of discoloration should be distinguished from its medical uses and supported by evidence for the specific product.

Turmeric

Turmeric ingredients come from Curcuma longa, especially its rhizome. Cosmetic formulas may contain turmeric powder, oil, or extracts; these forms differ and should not be treated as equivalent.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the common name for ascorbic acid; cosmetic products also use vitamin C derivatives. Forms differ in stability, solubility, and evidence, so the exact ingredient name and formulation matter.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel ingredients come from Hamamelis plants and may be extracts or distillates. Their composition and cosmetic function vary; some preparations contain alcohol, so the full ingredient list is useful for people with sensitivities.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is an inorganic mineral used in cosmetics as a colorant, skin-protecting ingredient, and, where permitted and properly formulated, an ultraviolet filter. Its role depends on the product and applicable regulations.

Hair and scalp

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a plant oil obtained from castor seeds. In hair and skin products it is used mainly as an emollient or conditioning oil; it does not by itself establish a hair-growth claim.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax obtained from jojoba seeds, rather than a conventional triglyceride oil. It is used as an emollient in skin, hair, and nail products.

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay mineral used in cosmetics as an absorbent, opacifying, or bulking ingredient. Its properties depend on grade and formulation.

Rahua Oil

Rahua oil is a plant oil obtained from the fruit of Oenocarpus bataua, a palm native to parts of Central and South America. In cosmetics it is used as an emollient or hair-conditioning oil; sourcing and sustainability claims require separate verification.

Nail care

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients

Formaldehyde is a chemical that may appear directly or be released by certain preservatives over time. Some nail products have also used it as a nail-hardening ingredient; names, exposure, and legal restrictions differ by substance and jurisdiction.

HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

HEMA is a reactive methacrylate monomer used in some UV-cured artificial nail systems. Uncured HEMA can cause allergic sensitization, especially if it contacts skin. In the EU, HEMA nail products are restricted to professional use and must carry an allergy warning; the SCCS and regulation describe the risks of skin contact and misuse. EU Cosmetics Regulation 2020/1682 · SCCS opinion.

Toluene

Toluene is a volatile solvent historically used in some nail products to help dissolve or spread other ingredients. Its use is restricted or treated differently across product types and jurisdictions; check the product and current local rules.

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)

Triphenyl phosphate, also called TPHP or TPP, is a phosphate ester used as a plasticizer in some nail products. In its 2024 final opinion, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety said it could not conclude that TPHP is safe in nail products because genotoxicity could not be excluded. That is a committee assessment, not a general finding about every product or exposure. Check the ingredient list and current rules for the relevant market. SCCS final opinion.

Formula basics and ingredients needing extra context

Water

Water, listed on labels as Aqua or Water, is a common solvent and base for cosmetics. It dissolves or disperses other ingredients and influences a formula's texture and preservation needs.

Aroma Compounds and Essential Oil Components

This heading covers many distinct fragrance substances, including naturally occurring components of essential oils and synthetic aroma ingredients. They contribute scent, but some can irritate or trigger allergy in sensitized individuals; the exact substance and exposure matter.

Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone, listed as Benzophenone-3 on cosmetic labels, is an organic ultraviolet filter used in some sunscreens. Its permitted concentration and product types are regulated and differ by jurisdiction; EU rules set product-specific limits. The ingredient name alone does not establish a product's overall safety or protection. EU Regulation 2022/1176.

Parabens

Parabens are a family of preservatives used to limit microbial growth in some cosmetics. Individual parabens have different regulatory conditions and evidence; avoid treating the entire family as one substance.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a family of chemicals with different uses and properties. Some have been used as plasticizers or solvents, including in fragrance-related applications; the specific phthalate and product context matter.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial substance that has been used in some personal-care products. Its permitted uses are restricted in some jurisdictions and product categories; check current rules and the exact product.

Additional terms in the live A–Z index

These entries complete the coverage of the terms currently listed on the live page. Common names can cover multiple INCI ingredients or plant parts; where that matters, the product label's exact INCI name is the more precise identifier.

Allantoin

Allantoin is a skin-conditioning ingredient used in personal-care formulas. Its presence describes an ingredient, not a guaranteed soothing or healing result.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound also known as thioctic acid. It appears in some topical formulas; claims about antioxidant or skin benefits should be tied to evidence for the particular formula.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil is a plant oil obtained from apricot seeds. It is used as an emollient to soften skin or hair and add oil-phase texture to a formula.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is a plant oil from the kernels of Argania spinosa. In cosmetics it is used as an emollient or conditioning oil; product claims depend on the finished formula.

Baobab Seed Oil

Baobab seed oil is obtained from seeds of Adansonia species. It is used as an emollient oil in skin and hair products; the exact species and INCI name should be checked on the label.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a wax produced by honeybees. In cosmetics it can thicken, structure, or help protect an oil-based formula; it is an animal-derived ingredient.

Benzophenone-1

Benzophenone-1 is an aromatic ketone used in cosmetics as a UV absorber or light-stabilizing ingredient. Its role and permitted use should be checked against the specific product and current market rules.

Bilberry Seed Oil

Bilberry seed oil is a plant oil obtained from bilberry seeds. Like other seed oils, it can act as an emollient; it is distinct from bilberry fruit extract.

Biotin

Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin. It may be included in topical hair or skin products, but topical presence does not establish that it changes hair growth.

Black Tea

Black tea ingredients are generally derived from fermented leaves of Camellia sinensis. Cosmetic extracts can serve as skin-conditioning ingredients; their composition depends on the extract and manufacturing process.

Blackberry Leaf Extract

Blackberry leaf extract is a botanical extract from Rubus leaves. Its composition and cosmetic function depend on the species, plant part, and extraction method.

Butyl Acetate

Butyl acetate is an ester solvent used in some nail-polish formulas to dissolve or carry other ingredients and help the polish spread. It is volatile, so product directions and ventilation matter.

Camellia Seed Oil

Camellia seed oil is obtained from seeds of Camellia species. It is used as an emollient oil; the precise species and composition vary by source.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a lightweight emollient made from glycerin and fatty acids, commonly derived from coconut or palm sources. It helps soften skin and gives formulas a smooth, spreading feel.

Chia Seed Extract

Chia seed extract is a preparation from Salvia hispanica seeds. Extracts and chia seed oil are different ingredients, so the label name and preparation matter.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a lipid found naturally in the skin barrier and used in some topical formulas. It can be included as a skin-conditioning ingredient; it is chemically distinct from dietary cholesterol claims.

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil is an aromatic essential oil obtained from Salvia sclarea. It contributes fragrance and contains multiple aroma compounds; fragrance ingredients can be a concern for some sensitive individuals.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a fat obtained from cacao seeds. It is used as an emollient and structuring ingredient in creams, balms, and body products.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a plant-derived oil used as an emollient, cleansing, or hair-conditioning ingredient depending on the formula. Refined oil, fractionated oil, and extracts are not interchangeable.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is a compound present in human cells and used in some cosmetic formulas. A product's claims should be evaluated using evidence for its concentration, stability, and full formulation.

Cornflower Water

Cornflower water is a water-based preparation or distillate associated with Centaurea cyanus flowers. The exact ingredient may be a hydrosol, extract, or other preparation, so check the INCI name.

Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl acetate is a volatile ester solvent used in some nail products, including nail polish and removers. It helps dissolve or carry ingredients; use products according to their label directions.

Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter, generally derived from milk fat. In cosmetics it may function as an emollient; it is animal-derived and should not be assumed vegan.

Ginger Root

Ginger-root ingredients are derived from Zingiber officinale. Root extracts, powders, and oils differ in composition and may be used for fragrance or skin conditioning.

Ginseng

Ginseng refers to roots from several Panax species and related plants. Cosmetic extracts vary by species and processing; the term alone does not identify one standardized ingredient.

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) used in cosmetics as a humectant, chelating agent, or pH-related ingredient, depending on the formula. It is not identical in use or behavior to every alpha-hydroxy acid.

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil is obtained from grape seeds and used as an emollient oil in skin and hair products. It is different from grape-seed extract.

Grapefruit Extract

Grapefruit extract is a broad common name for preparations from Citrus paradisi. Fruit, peel, seed, and essential-oil materials differ; the exact part and INCI name matter, particularly for fragrance or sensitivity considerations.

Hawthorn Fruit Extract

Hawthorn fruit extract is derived from Crataegus species. The species and extraction method determine its composition; avoid assuming a particular cosmetic effect from the common name alone.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol, is a volatile solvent used in some cosmetics and nail products. It can help dissolve ingredients or evaporate quickly; its effect on feel and dryness depends on the formula and use.

Keratin

Keratin is a family of structural proteins found in hair, nails, and the outer skin. Cosmetic keratin ingredients are processed materials used mainly for conditioning; they do not rebuild living hair or nails.

Kokum Butter

Kokum butter is a plant fat obtained from seeds of Garcinia indica. It acts as an emollient and can add structure to creams and balms.

Lecithin

Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids obtained from sources such as soy or sunflower. It can help condition skin or support emulsification; the source and processing should be checked when relevant to a person's preferences.

Linoleic and Linolenic Acids

Linoleic acid and linolenic acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids found in many plant oils. They can be present as free fatty acids or as part of oils and lipids; the exact form affects how it is named and used in a formula.

Lotus Extract

Lotus extract is a botanical preparation from a Nelumbo species. The plant part and extraction process vary, so the common name does not identify a single composition or proven benefit.

Mango Butter

Mango butter is a plant fat obtained from mango seeds. It is used as an emollient and can add body to creams and balms.

Marula Oil

Marula oil is obtained from the kernels of Sclerocarya birrea. It is used as an emollient in skin and hair products; sourcing claims require separate evidence.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Meadowfoam seed oil is a plant oil from Limnanthes alba seeds. It is used as an emollient and can contribute a smooth feel to oil-based formulas.

Morete Oil

Morete oil is a plant oil commonly associated with the fruit of Mauritia flexuosa, also known as buriti. Confirm the exact ingredient and plant part from the INCI name because common naming can vary.

Moringa Extract

Moringa ingredients are derived from Moringa oleifera and may use leaves, seeds, or other plant parts. An extract is not interchangeable with moringa seed oil; check the precise ingredient name.

Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose is a film-forming polymer used in nail polish to help create a continuous coating as the product dries. The finished formula and directions determine how the product performs.

Oat (Avena sativa) Extract

Oat extract is a preparation from Avena sativa plant material, often the grain. Extracts, oat flour, and oat oil are distinct ingredients with different compositions.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is obtained from the fruit of Olea europaea. It is used as an emollient oil; refined, unrefined, and chemically modified derivatives may have different properties.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Panthenol is a provitamin form related to vitamin B5. It is used as a humectant or conditioning ingredient in skin and hair products; a topical product's effect depends on its formula.

Peach Extract

Peach extract is a preparation from Prunus persica fruit or other plant parts. Extracts and peach kernel oil differ, so the specific INCI name should be checked.

Pomegranate Seed Oil

Pomegranate seed oil is obtained from seeds of Punica granatum. It is used as an emollient oil; it is distinct from pomegranate fruit or peel extracts.

Quinoa

Quinoa-derived cosmetic ingredients may be protein hydrolysates, extracts, or seed materials from Chenopodium quinoa. These forms have different compositions and functions, so the common name is not enough to identify the exact ingredient.

Red Algae

Red algae is a broad group of marine organisms, not one cosmetic ingredient. Extracts and polysaccharides from different species vary; confirm the exact INCI name before describing a particular function.

Rice Starch

Rice starch is a carbohydrate powder obtained from rice. In cosmetics it can serve as an absorbent, bulking, or texture-modifying ingredient.

Rose Oil

Rose oil is an aromatic material obtained from rose flowers, usually by distillation or extraction. It is used primarily for fragrance; rose essential oil, absolute, and rose water are different preparations.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is obtained from seeds of Rosa species. It is used as an emollient oil; it is distinct from rose flower oil.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is obtained from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius. It is used as an emollient; fatty-acid composition varies by cultivar and processing.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil is an aromatic oil from wood of Santalum species. It contributes fragrance; species, source, and purity matter, and fragrance materials can trigger sensitivity in some people.

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factors. It is used as a humectant in skin and hair products.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is obtained from Helianthus annuus seeds. It is used as an emollient; the fatty-acid profile depends on the variety and refining process.

Sunflower Seed Wax

Sunflower seed wax is a waxy fraction obtained during processing of sunflower seed oil. It can thicken or structure a formula and is generally used as a plant-derived alternative to some animal waxes.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is obtained from seeds of Prunus amygdalus dulcis. It is used as an emollient; people with nut allergies should consider individual medical advice and product-specific exposure.

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is a starch obtained from cassava roots. It can absorb oil, add bulk, or modify the feel of powders and creams.

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic mineral used as a white pigment and, in some products and jurisdictions, as a UV filter. Its permitted role depends on product type and applicable regulation; colorant and sunscreen uses should not be conflated.

Tosylamide/Epoxy Resin

Tosylamide/epoxy resin is a film-forming resin historically used in some nail-polish formulas. It is distinct from the related tosylamide/formaldehyde resin; verify the exact label name and current market rules.

Triethyl Citrate

Triethyl citrate is an ester of citric acid used in cosmetics for functions such as solvent, emollient, or deodorant support, depending on the formula. It is not the same as citric acid.

Triphala

Triphala is a traditional botanical blend commonly made from three fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica. Cosmetic preparations vary, so a product's exact composition should be checked.

Urea

Urea is a compound naturally present in skin's natural moisturizing factor and used in topical products as a humectant and, at higher concentrations, a keratolytic. The product concentration and directions matter.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a group of related compounds, including tocopherols and tocopheryl esters. Cosmetic formulas use particular forms as antioxidants or skin-conditioning ingredients; the exact form matters.

Volcanic Pumice

Volcanic pumice is a porous volcanic rock processed into particles and used as an abrasive or exfoliating material. Particle size and product use determine how abrasive it feels.

Willow Bark Extract

Willow bark extract is derived from Salix species and contains a mixture of plant constituents. It should not be treated as equivalent to salicylic acid; composition and evidence differ.

Zinc Ricinoleate

Zinc ricinoleate is a zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, used in some products to help bind or reduce malodor. It is not an antiperspirant and does not stop sweat production.

Naming and sources

These definitions use the European Commission's CosIng database and common ingredient-name glossary as reference points for ingredient nomenclature, reported cosmetic functions, and regulatory references. Names and ingredient identity should be cross-checked against the product's INCI list; INCI names are systematic identifiers for cosmetic ingredients. For broad common names, botanical materials, and grouped terms, the definition stays general because the name alone may not identify one exact substance or extract.

CosIng is informative and has no legal value. A listing is not an approval or a finding that an ingredient is safe or effective in every use. Binding restrictions come from the applicable law; efficacy and safety claims require relevant evidence.

References: European Commission CosIng database · CosIng common ingredient-name glossary · Personal Care Products Council: INCI.

Safety or regulatory notes for specific ingredients link separately to the relevant EU HEMA restriction, SCCS HEMA opinion, SCCS Triphenyl Phosphate opinion, or EU Benzophenone-3/Oxybenzone restriction. Requirements vary by product and market, so readers should check current local rules and product directions.