A Z Cosmetics

Rating Ingredient
GOOD 1, 2-Hexanediol
A preservative belonging to a class of agents known as higher molecular glycols.

Categories: Preservatives
GOOD 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
A synthetic ingredient that functions as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent.

Categories: Emollients
GOOD 4-T-butylcyclohexanol
A synthetic fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and soothing agent...

Categories: Emollients, Skin-Soothing
POOR Acacia farnesiana extract
A fragrant extract from a type of acacia tree. There is no research showing it to have any benefit...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
GOOD acacia senegal gum
Herb that can have skin soothing properties, but is used primarily as a thickening agent.
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing
BEST acai
Pronounced "ah-sigh-ee", this small berry with a deep purple color is a source of...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
GOOD acerola fruit extract
Acerola contains vitamin C. However, the dry acerola fruit and powder are unlikely to be a good...
Categories: Plant Extracts
POOR acetic acid
Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitizing to skin...
Categories: Sensitizing
POOR acetone
Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.

GOOD acetylated castor oil
Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Rating Ingredient
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride

GOOD acetylated lanolin
Emollient derived from lanolin.

GOOD acetylated lanolin alcohol
An ester of lanolin alcohol uses as an emollient and occlusive agent. An ester is a compound formed...
GOOD acetylated palm kernel glycerides

BEST acetyl carnitine HCL

Categories: Antioxidants
BEST acetyl glucosamine
Amino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid.
Categories: Skin-Replenishing
GOOD acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate

GOOD acetyl hexapeptide-8
Synthetically derived peptide that is used in a wide range of skincare and makeup...
Categories: Skin-Restoring
GOOD acetyl octapeptide-3
A synthetic peptide that is based around octapeptide-3, a peptide complex composed of the amino acids
aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, and methionine...
AVERAGE acetyl tributyl citrate

Rating Ingredient
Related to citric acid and used as a plasticizer, most commonly in nail polish and nail-hardening...
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents
GOOD acetyl tyrosine
An amino acid complex that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. There is no research proving it...
Categories: Hydration
POOR Achillea millefolium

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE acid
Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic—above 7 is considered alkaline. Water has a pH...
Categories: Miscellaneous
POOR acne soap
Soaps that often contain strong cleansing ingredients, they are often overly drying and...
Categories: Cleansing Agents
GOOD acrylate
Categories: Texture Enhancer
GOOD acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
A synthetic ingredient used to enhance the texture of skincare and haircare products.
GOOD acrylates/dimethicone copolymer
A silicone-enhanced film-forming agent. Also functions as a binding agent so products adhere better...
Categories: Silicones, Texture Enhancer
GOOD acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer
A synthetic polymer that blends stearth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid. Functions as...
GOOD acrylates copolymer

AVERAGE Actaea racemosa

BEST adenosine
Rating Ingredient
Yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring
BEST adenosine triphosphate
An organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All...
GOOD adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer
A synthetic polymer.
POOR advanced glycation endproduct
Advanced glycation endproducts, also known as AGEs, are caused by the body's major fuel source,...
POOR Aerocarpus santalinus

GOOD Aesculus hippocastanum

GOOD agar
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
POOR AGE
AVERAGE Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extract
Research shows this plant extract has antioxidant properties....

BEST AHA
AHA is the acronym for alpha hydroxy acid, which is derived from various plant sources or from milk.
Categories: Exfoliant
GOOD Ahnfeltia concinna extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Emollients
GOOD ahnfeltia extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
Rating Ingredient
GOOD alanine
GOOD Alaria esculenta

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
POOR albumin
Found in egg white, and can leave a film over skin. It can constrict skin temporarily, which can...
POOR alcloxa
More technically known as aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate, alcloxa has constricting properties...
Categories: Uncategorized
AVERAGE alcohol
A group of organic compounds with a vast range of forms and uses in cosmetics...
Categories: Emollients, Cleansing Agents
BEST Aleurites moluccana seed oil

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants
BEST alfalfa extract
Can be an antioxidant in skincare products…

GOOD algae
Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000...
GOOD algae extract

GOOD algin
Brown algae.
Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Plant Extracts
GOOD aliphatic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon contained in natural gas and mineral oils. It is a synthetic fluid with varying...
Rating Ingredient
POOR alkaline
Anything with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline; a pH below 7 is acidic. Water has a pH of 7; skin has...
AVERAGE alkyloamides
Identified on skin-care product labels as DEA, triethanolamine (TEA), and monoethanolamine (MEA),...
BEST allantoin
By-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective skin-soothing and skin-conditioning
agent.
Categories: Skin-Soothing
GOOD allyl methacrylates crosspolymer
A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent.

BEST almond oil
Non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of almonds and used as an emollient.
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD Aloe barbadensis

GOOD aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract

GOOD aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
This form of aloe is the powder form of the aloe barbadensis leaf plant...
GOOD aloe extract

GOOD aloe juice

GOOD aloe vera
There is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way....
Rating Ingredient
BEST alpha bisabolol

BEST alpha glucan oligosaccharide
Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.

BEST alpha hydroxy acid

POOR alpha isomethyl ionone
Alpha isomethyl ionone is a fragrance ingredient that must be listed on products that contain it due to its risk of
causing a sensitized reaction.
Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
BEST alpha lipoic acid
Enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant. Taken...
BEST alpha-tocopherol
Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins
GOOD Alteromonas ferment extract
Alteromonas is found in deep areas of seawater.

GOOD Althaea rosea

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
BEST Althea officinalis
Latin name for the marshmallow plant.

GOOD alumina
Aluminum oxide, which is used as an abrasive, a thickening agent, and an absorbent in cosmetics.
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents, Absorbent
GOOD aluminum
Aluminum is the most common element on Earth. It's also a common source of confusion in terms of its
presence in cosmetics, specifically whether that presence poses a health risk.
Rating Ingredient
GOOD Aluminum hydroxide
A synthetic ingredient that functions as an opacifying agent. Secondary uses...

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
GOOD aluminum magnesium silicate
Salt that has absorbent properties.

Categories: Absorbent
GOOD aluminum powder
Metallic element used as a coloring agent. It is composed of finely ground particles of aluminum....
Categories: Coloring Agents/Pigments
GOOD aluminum silicate
Salt that has absorbent and abrasive properties.

Categories: Absorbent, Scrub Agents
GOOD aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Powdery thickening agent, absorbent, and anticaking agent used in cosmetics.

GOOD aluminum stearate
The aluminum salt of stearic acid that functions as a thickening agent and helps stabilize products.
POOR aluminum sulfate
It can sensitizing to skin.

Categories: Absorbent, Antioxidants
BEST amino acid
Fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body, such as: alanine, arginine, asparagine,...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing
AVERAGE aminobutyric acid
Amino acid that has water-binding properties and may provide soothing benefits for skin. It...
GOOD aminomethyl propanediol
Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

Rating Ingredient
GOOD aminomethyl propanol
Synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.

GOOD ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer
A synthetic polymer and film-forming agent that also serves to thicken cosmetic formulas...
POOR ammonium chloride
Alkaline salt used as a pH balancer in skincare products; it is not used in concentrations that...
BEST ammonium glycolate
Synthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant. It is sometimes paired with...
AVERAGE ammonium hydroxide
Clear, colorless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level. Ammonium hydroxide is...
GOOD ammonium laureth sulfate
Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...
GOOD ammonium lauryl sulfate
Can be derived from coconut; used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent and is considered gentle...
GOOD amodimethicone
Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
GOOD amygdalic acid

Categories: Exfoliant, Antioxidants
POOR amyl cinnamate
Fragrant component.
Rating Ingredient
POOR amyl salicylate
Fragrant component.
POOR amyris oil
Fragrant oil. It has no other known benefit for skin.

POOR Anacyclus pyrethrum

GOOD Anacystis nidulans extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD Ananas sativus fruit extract

Categories: Plant Extracts, Exfoliant
GOOD andiroba oil
Extracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has soothing properties (Source:...
AVERAGE Anethum graveolens

POOR Angelica archangelica root oil
Volatile oil obtained from the angelica plant. The oil contains chemical constituents that can be...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
POOR Angelica polymorpha sinensis root extract

POOR anisaldehyde
Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

POOR anise
Also known as aniseed, it can have antioxidant properties...

Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
GOOD annato extract

Rating Ingredient
Natural plant colorant derived from the flesh surrounding the seed of Bixa orellana, a shrub native...
BEST Anthemis nobilis flower extract

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants
BEST anthocyanin
Group of naturally occurring substances found in plants that give fruits, vegetables, and plants...
BEST antioxidant
General term for a large group of natural and synthetic ingredients that work to reduce...
BEST apple fruit extract
General name for various types of apples, all of which have potent antioxidant ability that, at least in theory,
can benefit skin when applied topically.
AVERAGE apricot kernel
Often used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs. Apricot kernals have irregular and...
Categories: Scrub Agents
BEST apricot kernel oil
Emollient plant oil pressed from the seeds of apricots, and similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.
Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients
GOOD arachidic acid
Derived from peanut oil and used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
GOOD arachidyl alcohol
Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.

GOOD arachidyl glucoside
A mild surfactant (cleansing) and emulsifying agent, made from...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD arachidyl propionate
Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics.

BEST Arachis hypogaea extract
Extract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Plant Extracts
BEST arbutin
Isolated from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, some...
BEST Arctium lappa

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants
BEST Arctium majus

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing
BEST Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf

BEST Argania spinosa

BEST argan oil
Non-fragrant plant oil expressed from the kernels of argan trees. Argan oil contains several beneficial lipids
and fatty acids for skin...
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts
GOOD arginine
Amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can be helpful for soothing skin (Sources: Journal...
AVERAGE Argireline
POOR arnica extract
Extract from the plant Arnica montana. There is research showing that when arnica is taken orally...
AVERAGE aroma/flavor
Rating Ingredient
Seeing "aroma/flavor" on an ingredient list can be either good or bad. For example, if the aroma or flavor
comes from mint....
AVERAGE arrowroot
Thickening agent; it has no known benefit for skin.

GOOD artemia extract

AVERAGE Artemisia absinthium extract

AVERAGE Artemisia vulgaris

GOOD Ascophyllum nodosum
Species of seaweed.
BEST ascorbic acid
Form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Advances in Experimental Medicine and...
BEST ascorbyl glucosamine
Form of vitamin C that has little research showing it has the antioxidant or brightening...
BEST ascorbyl glucoside
Stable form of vitamin C combined with glucose.When properly formulated and absorbed into...
BEST ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate
Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and that functions as an antioxidant and thickening...
Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Vitamins
BEST ascorbyl palmitate
Stable and nonacidic form of vitamin C that is effective as an antioxidant (Source: Biochemical and...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD asparagine
GOOD Asparagopsis armata extract
Extract derived from seaweed.

GOOD aspartic acid

BEST astaxanthin
BEST astaxanthin extract
Carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in plants, algae, and fish, particularly salmon, that functions...
BEST Astragalus membranaceus
Latin name for the Chinese herb Huang-Qi, also known as milk vetch.
GOOD Astragalus sinicus

GOOD Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter
A non-fragrant vegetable fat that's nearly solid at room temperature (much like dairy butter). It functions as an
emollient ingreident that works to keep...
Categories: Emollients, Plant Extracts
BEST ATP
BEST atractylodes macrocephala root powder
A natural plant extract commonly used in Chinese and Korean herbal medicines.
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE Atractyloydes lancea root extract
Also known as Chinese Thistle Daisy, this root extract is used in Chinese and Japanese alternative...
BEST Avena sativa

Rating Ingredient
See oatmeal, oat bran extract, gluten ingredients…

BEST avobenzone
Synthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that...
Categories: Sunscreen Actives
BEST avocado oil
Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. It has antioxidant properties.
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients
POOR awapuhi
English name for wild ginger.

POOR Azadirachta indica

BEST azelaic acid
A component of grains such as wheat, rye, and...

BEST Azelex
AVERAGE azuki beans
Legumes that are often ground up for use in skincare scrub products.
AVERAGE azulene
Chamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and...
GOOD babassu oil
Plant oil that can have emollient properties for skin. There is no research showing it has special...
GOOD bakuchiol
Rating Ingredient
An antioxidant found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea corylifolia...
POOR balm mint extract
Extract derived from a fragrant plant; it poses some risk of causing skin sensitivity…
POOR balsam peru
Fatty resin that when applied topically can cause skin sensitivity…
BEST Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo) leaf/stem extract
Extract from the common bamboo plant. Like many plant extracts, research has shown...
AVERAGE banana extract
Extract from banana fruit that has some weak antioxidant properties (Source: Free Radical Research,...
BEST barberry
Plant whose primary component, berberine, is an alkaloid that can have soothing properties and...
POOR barium sulfate
Mineral used as a whitening agent in cosmetics. It can be sensitizing.

AVERAGE barley extract
Extract from barley plants. Can have antioxidant properties when ingested, but there is no research...
GOOD batyl alcohol
Derived from glycerin and used as a stabilizing ingredient and skin-conditioning agent.
POOR bay leaf oil
Has the potential to provide antioxidant benefits for skin…

Rating Ingredient
GOOD bearberry extract
Latin name Arctostaphylos uva ursi, there is research showing that this extract has soothing...
POOR bee pollen
Can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, April 2001, pages...
GOOD beeswax
Substance made by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb. It is a thickening agent that has...
GOOD beet root extract
Powdered base of the stem (root) of the Beta vulgaris plant. Used as a coloring agent. As with most...
Categories: Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts
GOOD beheneth-5
A synthetic or plant-derived derivative of polyethylene glycol and behenyl alcohol that functions as an
emulsifier and can also be a surfactant.
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers
GOOD behenic acid
Fatty acid used as a thickening agent and surfactant.

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
GOOD behentrimonium chloride
Skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

GOOD behenyl alcohol
Thickening agent used in cosmetics. It is not related to irritating forms of alcohol.

POOR Bellis perennis

GOOD bentonite
Type of clay that is used as an absorbent in cosmetics. It can be drying for skin, though its...
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE benzalkonium chloride
Used as a preservative in skincare products. There is no research showing it...

GOOD benzephenone-3
Also called oxybenzone, a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays and...
GOOD benzoic acid
Preservative used in skincare products; it is considered less sensitizing than some other forms of...
POOR benzoin extract
Balsam resin that has some fragrant properties; it may also be sensitizing to skin…
GOOD benzophenone
Group of compounds used in cosmetics as sunscreen agents to protect mostly from UVB radiation and...
GOOD benzothonium chloride
Compound used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered less sensitizing…

BEST benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective over-the-counter topical acne treatment. Learn more.
Categories: Anti-Acne
GOOD benzyl alcohol
An organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits (apricots, cranberries) and teas.
POOR benzyl salicylate
A volatile fragrance chemical with a sweet, floral odor used to impart scent to cosmetic products and perfumes.
BEST Berberis aristata

Rating Ingredient
POOR bergamot oil
A volatile citrus oil that, when used topically, is a photosensitizer...

GOOD Bertholletia excelsa extract

GOOD beta-carotene
Member of the carotenoid family. There are hundreds of carotenoids, including lycopene and lutein....
BEST beta-glucan
Polysaccharide sugar derived from yeast or oats. It has some antioxidant properties and is a skin-soothing
agent.
BEST beta hydroxy acid

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Exfoliant
GOOD betaine salicylate
Plant extract, similar to cholesterol, that can have antioxidant properties...

BEST beta-sitosterol
Plant extract, similar to cholesterol, that can have antimicrobial properties (Source: Journal of...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD Beta vulgaris root extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Plant Extracts
GOOD Betula alba

BEST BHA (beta hydroxy acid)
BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is more commonly known as salicylic acid.

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Exfoliant, Anti-Acne
AVERAGE BHT
Butylated hydroxytoluene, a potent synthetic antioxidant that also has negative properties when...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD bifida ferment lysate

GOOD bilberry extract
Some research shows bilberry (vaccinium myrtillis) to be effective as an antioxidant when ingested...
BEST bioflavonoid
Diverse range of substances that are components of many fruits and vegetables. Many have been shown...
GOOD biotin
A water-soluble substance produced in the body by certain types of...

Categories: Vitamins
GOOD birch bark extract
Extract derived from the plant Betula alba (common name white birch). It can have potent...
GOOD birch leaf extract

BEST bisabolol
Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an anti-irritant.

GOOD bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate
Can be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an skin-soothing ingredient.

AVERAGE bismuth oxychloride
Also known as synthetic pearl, it’s the primary ingredient included in most powders that are referred to as...
GOOD bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
A synthetic skin conditioning agent and surfactant belonging to the chemical class of siloxanes and...
Categories: Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD bis-phenylpropyl dimethicone

Rating Ingredient
A synthetic, colorless, silicone-based polymer that...

POOR bitter orange flower

BEST blackberry
Berries that have antioxidant properties...

AVERAGE black cohosh
There is no research showing that black cohosh can have this or any effect…
BEST black currant oil
Non-volatile plant oil.

GOOD black elderberry
When taken orally, this has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food...
POOR black locust extract
Extract that can have antioxidant properties, although it also may have harmful...
GOOD black mulberry
Due to its arbutin content, this extract can have some value in improving the look of discolorations....
POOR black pepper extract and oil
It can cause significant skin sensitivity...

BEST black raspberry
Fruit that has antioxidant properties...

Rating Ingredient
BEST black tea

BEST bladderwrack extract
Extract derived from seaweed; it can be an effective antioxidant and has water-binding properties...
POOR bloodwort
Also known as yarrow.

GOOD blue 1
GOOD blue 1 lake

BEST Boerhavia diffusa root extract
Extract from a flowering plant. Animal studies have shown that this plant has strong...
POOR bois de rose oil

POOR bois oil
Fragrant oil that has no research showing it has benefit for skin (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com).
BEST borage seed extract
Extract of the plant Borago officinalis, it can have skni-soothing properties...

BEST borage seed oil
Non-fragrant plant oil that contains gamma linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids for skin.
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Emollients, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
BEST Borago officinalis extract

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts
BEST Borago officinalis seed oil

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants
Rating Ingredient
POOR borate
Group of compounds used in cosmetics in small quantities primarily as pH adjusters (they have a pH...
POOR borax
Also known as sodium borate decahydrate, borax is a mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and...
GOOD boric acid
May have skin soothing and restoring benefits…

GOOD boron nitride
Synthetic, inorganic powder, which in cosmetics has absorbent properties similar to those of...
POOR Boswellia carterii

AVERAGE Boswellia serrata extract
An extract from the gum resin of a tree and also a source of Indian frankincense, this plant extract has both
positive and negative qualities for skin.
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE botanicals
General term for a large group of natural ingredients. Botanicals may or may not be organic, and...
BEST boysenberry
Berry that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,...
BEST Brassica campestris

GOOD Brazil nut extract
Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it can have antioxidant properties...
GOOD broad spectrum

Rating Ingredient
Term that, when applied to sunscreen, refers to a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from both...
GOOD bromelain
Bromelain is an extract from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various...
POOR bronopol
Technical name 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source:...

GOOD bronze powder
Mineral coloring agent derived from copper. Permanently listed (since 1977) by the FDA as a safe...
BEST Buddleja davidii extract
Plant also known as summer lilac or butterfly bush (because the flowers are a food source for...
GOOD bumetrizole
Sunscreen ingredient that absorbs primarily UVB light.

AVERAGE Bupleurum falcatum extract
A plant used in Chinese medicine for a varitety of ailments ranging from the common cold to liver...
BEST burdock root
Plant extract whose active constituents are skin soothing and antioxidant…
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts
GOOD butyl acetate
Solvent used in nail polish and many other products.

Categories: Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD butylene glycol
Commonly-used ingredient that has multiple functions in cosmetics, including....

Rating Ingredient
BEST butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

GOOD butylparaben
Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

POOR butylphenyl methylpropional
Synthetic fragrance ingredient with a strong floral scent.

BEST Butyrospermum fruit
Fruit from the karite tree, scientific name Butyrospermum parkii, from which the fat is obtained to...
BEST Butyrospermum parkii

Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing
BEST Buxus chinensis

Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
BEST C10-30 cholesterol/lanosterol esters
Blend of cholesterol and fatty acid ester from lanolin. Functions as a skin conditioning agent.
GOOD C12-15 alkyl benzoate
Synthetic ingredient used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetics.

GOOD C12-18 acid triglyceride

GOOD C13-14 isoparaffin
A petroleum-derived ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as a thickening or gelling agent.

GOOD C18-36 acid triglyceride

Rating Ingredient
GOOD C20-40 pareth-40
Mixture of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weight that can function as stabilizing...
BEST caffeic acid
Antioxidant that has multiple benefits for skin…

AVERAGE caffeine
Caffeine is the chief stimulant in beverages such as coffee and tea. It’s often included in skincare products with
claims...
POOR cajeputi oil

POOR calamine
Preparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is a...
BEST calcium ascorbate
Form of vitamin C; other forms include ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and...
GOOD calcium carbonate
Chalk; used as an absorbent in cosmetics.

GOOD calcium d-pantetheine-s-sulfonate

GOOD calcium gluconate
Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows calcium gluconate...
GOOD calcium pantothenate
Also known as pantothenic acid.

GOOD calendula extract

Rating Ingredient
Extract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing...
GOOD Calendula officinalis flower extract

BEST Calluna vulgaris flower extract
Also known as heather extract, this plant has skin-soothing properties...

GOOD Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil

BEST Camellia japonica
The leaf has been shown to be an antioxidant...

BEST Camellia oleifera

BEST Camellia sinensis

POOR camphor
Aromatic substance obtained from the wood of a tree common to Southeast Asia, Cinnamomum camphora,...
POOR cananga extract
Fragrance used in cosmetics; it can be sensitizing to skin, much like ylang ylang.
POOR Cananga odorata

BEST candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters
A natural mixture of polyglycerin-3, candelilla wax, jojoba seed wax, and rice bran wax...
GOOD candelilla wax
Extract derived from candelilla plants; used as a thickening agent and emollient to give products...
Rating Ingredient
Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
GOOD Cannabis sativa L. oil

BEST canola oil
Plant lipid that has skin restoring and soothing properties…

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Skin-Replenishing, Plant Extracts
BEST caprooyl phytosphingosine
A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and phytosphingosine.

Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring
BEST caprooyl sphingosine
A mixture of fatty acids caproic acid and sphingosine.

BEST caprooyl tetrapeptide-3
A synthetic or plant-derived signal peptide that’s said to help to boost the...

BEST caprylic/capric triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
GOOD capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer
A naturally-derived (coconut and castor oil) or synthetic ingredient...

Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD capryloyl glycine
A synthetic amino acid derivative that function as a conditioning agent or...

GOOD caprylyl glycol
Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Preservatives
GOOD caprylyl methicone

Categories: Silicones, Emollients
Rating Ingredient
POOR capsaicin
Component of capsicum. When used topically, capsaicin can prevent the transmission of pain. It is...
POOR capsicum
Large group of plants consisting primarily of the pepper family, including chili peppers and...
POOR capsicum oleoresin
Fatty resin derived from capsicum plants. It can be sensitizing to skin...

GOOD caramel
Natural coloring agent.

GOOD carbomer
Group of thickening agents used primarily to create gel-like formulations.

GOOD carbopol
BEST carboxylic acid

POOR cardamom
Plant of the ginger family, used as fragrance in cosmetics. Terpene, one of its major constituents,...
GOOD carmine
Natural red color that comes from the dried female cochineal beetle. It is sometimes used to color...
GOOD carnauba wax
Natural, hard wax obtained from the leaves of palm trees. Used primarily as a thickening agent, but...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Absorbent, Texture Enhancer
BEST carnitine
Rating Ingredient
Naturally occurring amino acid. Deficiencies of this small but essential component can result in...
BEST carnosic acid
Component of rosemary that is an antioxidant...

BEST carnosine
Composed of amino acids, it has soothing and antioxidant properties...

BEST carnosol acid

GOOD carrageenan
Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
BEST carrot oil
Emollient plant oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

BEST Carthamus tinctorius oil

POOR carvone
Essential oil used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in cosmetics. It can be a...
GOOD Carya illinoensis oil

GOOD casein
Substance derived from milk protein that may have some antioxidant properties when applied...
GOOD Castanea sativa seed extract

GOOD castor isostearate succinate

Rating Ingredient
A mix of esters formed by the reaction of castor seed oil, isostearic acid, and succinic acid. This ingredient
functions...
GOOD castor oil
Vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, though its...
BEST catalase
Enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen and that has significant antioxidant...
GOOD Caulerpa taxifolia extract

POOR cedarwood
Fragrant plant extract. There is evidence that cedarwood oil is sensitizing...

POOR Cedrus atlantica bark extract
Fragrant oil that can aggravate skin...

GOOD cellulose
Primary fiber component of plants. Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and to bind other...
GOOD Cellulose gum
Any of various fibrous substances derived from plants. Cellulose gum is a natural ingredient..
BEST Centaurea cyanus

BEST Centella asiatica
Extract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has...
BEST cephalin
Rating Ingredient
Phospholipid.
GOOD Cera alba
See beeswax...
GOOD cera microcristallina

BEST ceramide AP
BEST ceramide EOP

BEST ceramide EOS

BEST ceramide NG
BEST ceramide NP
One of several types of ceramides.

BEST ceramide NS
BEST ceramides
Naturally occurring, long chains of lipids (fats) that are major components of skin’s outer...
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD ceresin
Derived from clay, ceresin is a waxy ingredient used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It can be...
GOOD ceteareth-20
Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable.
Rating Ingredient
GOOD ceteareth-25
A fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics.

Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
GOOD cetearyl alcohol
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...
GOOD cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Oil-like liquid that functions as an emollient to prevent skin from losing moisture. Also...
GOOD cetearyl glucoside
A blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions as an emulsifier.

GOOD cetearyl octanoate

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
GOOD cetyl acetate
A mixture of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid used as a skin-replenishing agent and emollient.
GOOD cetyl alcohol
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
GOOD cetyl dimethicone
Silicone polymer that functions as skin-conditioning agent.

Categories: Silicones
GOOD cetyl dimethicone copolyol

GOOD cetyl esters
Synthetic wax used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

GOOD cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose

Rating Ingredient
A mixture of cetyl alcohol and Hydroxyethylcellulose. It functions as thickener and stabilizing...

GOOD cetyl palmitate
The ester of cetyl palmitate and palmitic acid, this thickener and emollient helps smooth and condition dry skin
while preventing moisture loss.
GOOD cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone
Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Silicones
BEST chamomile
Ingredient derived from plant species Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita, and Matricaria chamomilla...
BEST Chamomilla recutita flower extract

GOOD charcoal
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen. One...
GOOD chelating agent
Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds, preventing them from...
AVERAGE cherry extract
Also known as wild cherry and sweet cherry, this fruit is a natural source of vitamin C and...
GOOD China clay

BEST chitosan
Derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It...
GOOD chlorella
Rating Ingredient
GOOD chlorophene
Used as a preservative in cosmetics.

GOOD chloroxylenol
Chemical compound used as a preservative and cleansing agent due to its action...
GOOD chlorphenesin
Type of alcohol used as a preservative in cosmetics...

GOOD cholecalciferol
Technical name for vitamin D.

BEST cholesterol
The surface of skin depends on the stratum corneum lipid matrix, which...
BEST choline
Part of the vitamin B complex and a constituent of many other biologically important molecules,...
BEST chondroitin sulfate

GOOD Chondrus crispus
Form of red seaweed.

GOOD chromium hydroxide green
Earth mineral used as a coloring agent/additive and permanently listed (as of 1977) by the FDA for...
GOOD chromium oxide green

AVERAGE chrysanthemum extract

Rating Ingredient
Can have soothing benefit for skin.

AVERAGE Chrysanthemum parthenium extract

GOOD Cichorium intybus
Source of a plant extract with antioxidant properties (Source: Archives of Pharmaceutical Research,...
AVERAGE Cimicifuga racemosa root extract

POOR Cinnamomum
POOR Cinnamomum camphora

POOR cinnamon
Can have antioxidant properties when applied to skin...

POOR cinnamyl alcohol
A volatile fragrance ingredient that contains extracts from cinnamon and balsam of Peru...
GOOD citric acid
Extract derived from citrus and used primarily to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from...
POOR citronellol
A volatile fragrance chemical extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants, citronellol has a characteristic
grassy, citrus-like scent.
POOR Citrullus colocynthis
Bitter apple; considered sensitizing to skin.

Rating Ingredient
POOR Citrus amara

POOR Citrus aurantifolia

POOR Citrus aurantium

POOR Citrus aurantium extract
Bitter orange extract. It can have antioxidant properties when eaten (Source: Journal of...
POOR Citrus medica limonium

AVERAGE Citrus unshiu
Plant extract more commonly known as the satsuma. This medium-sized citrus fruit is native to...
AVERAGE Citrus unshiu peel extract

POOR clary oil
Used as fragrance; can be a skin sensitizer.

GOOD clay
POOR clove leaf

POOR clove oil
Potent skin sensitizer when applied repeatedly...

POOR clover blossom
Contains eugenol, which can be a skin sensitizer and cause photosensitivity.

POOR clover leaf oil

Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE cocamide DEA and MEA
Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used ingredients to thicken
the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties...
GOOD cocamidopropyl betaine
One of the more gentle surfactants used in skincare products.

GOOD cocamidopropyl dimethylamine
An antistatic agent derived from coconut oil, though it may be produced synthetically, too...
GOOD cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Mild surfactant.
BEST cocoa butter
Oil extracted from cocoa beans, used as an emollient and with properties similar to those of other...
BEST cocoa extract
Can have antioxidant properties...

GOOD coco-glucoside
A mixture of fatty alcohol from coconut and glucose. Chiefly functions as a cleansing agent. May be...
GOOD cocoglycerides

GOOD coconut
Has degreasing and cleansing properties, which is why detergent cleansing agents are frequently...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Cleansing Agents
Rating Ingredient
BEST coconut oil
Non-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin.
BEST Cocus nucifera

GOOD Codium tomentosum extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
BEST coenzyme Q10
Also known as ubiquinone, it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present in skin....

BEST Coffea arabica (coffee) seed oil
The concentrated oil from the coffee bean plant, whichis green, not dark brown as this color doesn't occur until
coffee beans are roasted. Research on this oil's effect on skin...
BEST Coffea arabica seed extract
Coffea arabica is the coffee plant, and there is research showing that coffee extract has...
AVERAGE Cola acuminata seed extract

POOR Coleus barbatus
Member of the mint family and also known as forskolin; can be a skin sensitizer...
GOOD collagen amino acids
Collagen amino acids are made from the hydrolylsis (breaking down with water) of protein...
Categories: Hydration, Skin-Replenishing
BEST colloidal oatmeal

POOR colloidal silver
Refers to ground-up silver suspended in solution.

Rating Ingredient
POOR comfrey extract
Several studies have shown that comfrey extract can have harmful properties when...
Categories: Sensitizing, Plant Extracts
POOR Commiphora myrrha extract

GOOD coneflower
Another name for echinacea; has soothing properties.

POOR Copaifera officinalis

GOOD Copernicia cerifera wax

Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
GOOD copper gluconate
Also known simply as copper, this mineral is an important trace element for human nutrition. The...
GOOD copper lysinate/prolinate
An amino acid/mineral complex that limited yet potentially exciting research has shown...
GOOD copper PCA
A synthetic skin-conditioning agent composed of the copper salt of PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic...
AVERAGE copper peptides
Copper peptides combine the element copper with three amino acids. Copper peptides occur naturally in the
body, and are used in trace amounts to...
AVERAGE copper sulfate
Effective for soothing skin, but there is no research showing it has any impact when used...
GOOD Corallina officinalis extract

Rating Ingredient
GOOD coriander
Herb and spice plant, the source of a fragrant component; it can be a potential skin sensitizer…
BEST cornflower
Can have soothing properties for skin…

POOR cornmint
Also known as wild mint; it can be sensitizing to skin…

BEST corn oil
Emollient oil with properties similar to those of other nonfragrant plant oils (Source: British...
GOOD cornstarch
Starch obtained from corn and sometimes used as an absorbent in cosmetics instead of talc.
Categories: Plant Extracts, Absorbent
GOOD Cornus extract

GOOD Corylus americana

GOOD Corylus avellana

GOOD coumarin
Organic compound found in plants and derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. It creates the...
BEST cranberry seed extract
Extract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as proanthocyanidins are responsible for...
BEST cranberry seed oil
Extract derived from the seed of this red berry; the oil (which is not red) has antioxidant...
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Crataegus monogina extract

BEST creatine
An amino acid found in the human body and most type of meat and fish. This ingredient serves as the...
GOOD cucumber extract
Non-irritating plant extract from the gourd family (think pumpkin) that’s often reputed to be...
BEST Cucumis melo (melon) fruit extract
More commonly known as cantaloupe or honeydew melon, Cucumis melo is a fruit that is a rich source...
GOOD Cucumis sativus extract

BEST Cucurbita pepo seed extract

BEST Cucurbitea peponis

Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts, Vitamins, Skin-
Restoring
BEST Curcuma longa root

BEST curcumin
Antioxidant spice that can be effective in soothing skin…

GOOD Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

GOOD cyanocobalamin
POOR cyclamen aldehyde
Synthetic fragrant component in products; it can aggravate skin.

Rating Ingredient
GOOD cyclohexasiloxane
One of the numerous forms of synthetic silicone

GOOD cyclomethicone
Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.

GOOD cyclopentasiloxane
GOOD cyclotetrasiloxane
POOR Cymbopogon citrates

POOR Cymbopogon martini

GOOD cysteine
GOOD cystine
GOOD D&C
According to the FDA, D&C is an identification that indicates a coloring agent has been approved as...
GOOD D&C colors
General term for a wide group of color additives that are approved for use in drugs and cosmetics...
POOR daisy flower extract
There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin. Also known as tansy, it can...
BEST d-alpha-tocopherol
Antioxidant that's considered the most optimal form of vitamin E.

Rating Ingredient
POOR Daucus carota
Also known as wild carrot. It can have antioxidant properties, but applied topically it can cause...
GOOD DEA oleth-10 phosphate
Used as an emulsifying agent, which is a group of ingredients essential to most cosmetic...

BEST decarboxy carnosine HCL

GOOD decylene glycol
A synthetic glycol that functions as a skin-conditioning agent.

GOOD decyl glucoside
Used as a gentle detergent cleansing agent.

GOOD decyl oleate
A skin-conditioning agent derived from the esters of decyl alcohol and oleic acid.
GOOD dehydroacetic acid
A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium...
AVERAGE dehydroepiandrosterone
GOOD deionized/demineralized water
Filtered water used in cosmetics. All water used in cosmetic formulations goes through this process...
POOR denatured alcohol

AVERAGE deoxyribonucleic acid

Rating Ingredient
GOOD detergent cleansing agent

AVERAGE deuterium oxide

GOOD dextran
Polysaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

GOOD dextrin
Carbohydrate that is classified as a polysaccharide. It is used as an adhesive when mixed with...

GOOD DHA
AVERAGE diatomaceous earth
Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms....
AVERAGE diazolidinyl urea
Water-soluble preservative.
AVERAGE dibutyl phthalate
Also known as DBP, it is a common ingredient in nail polish and most synthetic fragrances sold...
GOOD dicaprylyl carbonate
An emollient ingredient that may be derived from synthetic or animal sources. It spreads easily and...
GOOD dicetyl phosphate
A mix of portions from cetyl alcohol and phosphoric acid that functions as surfactant and emulsifier.
GOOD diethylhexyl carbonate
A synthetic oil-like ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient. Also used in...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD diethylhexyl malate
Emollient and skin-conditioning agent derived from the solvent ethyl hexanediol.
GOOD diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate
An ester that functions as an antioxidant and helps defend cosmetics products from chemical or physical
deterioration...
BEST diheptyl succinate

GOOD dihydrocholeth-30
A synthetic ingredient that functions as an emulsifier...

GOOD dihydroxyacetone
Ingredient present in all self-tanners that affects the color of skin. Derived from sugar, it...
GOOD diisopropyl adipate
Used as a film-forming agent, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent.

GOOD diisopropyl dimer dilinoleate
A synthetic ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.

GOOD diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate
Emollient in the silicone family.

GOOD diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate
A synthetic ester that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. May be animal-derived.
GOOD diisostearyl malate
Diisostearyl malate is an ester that functions as an emollient...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate
A mixture of fatty acids and a fatty alcohol. This synthetic ingredient...

Categories: Emollients, Texture Enhancer
GOOD dimethicone
GOOD dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer
A mixture of the silicone dimethicone with PEG-10 and PEG-15.

GOOD dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Silicones
GOOD dimethicone copolyol

GOOD dimethicone crosspolymer
Silicone derivative used as a stabilizing or suspending agent or as a thickener.

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients, Silicones
GOOD dimethiconol
GOOD dimethyl capramide
Functions as a stabilizer and solvent in cosmetics.

POOR dimethyl ether
Colorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol products. It is potentially harmful if inhaled…

GOOD dimethyl isosorbide
A solvent derived from the sugar sorbitol...

AVERAGE dimethyl MEA

AVERAGE Dioscorea villosa extract

Rating Ingredient
GOOD dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate
Mixture of fatty acids used as an emollient and thickening agent.

BEST dipotassium glycyrrhizate

BEST dipotassium glycyrrhizinate

GOOD dipotassium phosphate
A synthetic salt that helps to adjust and maintain the pH of water-based and...
GOOD di-PPG-3 myristyl ether adipate
Derivative of myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and adipic acid (a buffering and neutralizing...
GOOD dipropylene glycol
A synthetic slip agent and texture enhancer.

GOOD disodium cocoamphodiacetate
Mild detergent cleansing agent.

GOOD disodium cocoyl glutamate
A cleansing agent derived from coconut.

GOOD disodium diglyceryl phosphate

GOOD disodium EDTA
Short for disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Used as a chelating agent...

GOOD disodium glyceryl phosphate

Rating Ingredient

GOOD disodium lauraminopropionate
A mild surfactant.
GOOD disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates
A complex mixture of esters formed from a blend of tocopherol phosphates with lauriminodipropionic...
GOOD disodium rutinyl disulfate
A water-soluble derivative of the bioflavinoid rutin...

GOOD disteardimonium hectorite
Used as a suspending agent, often with pigments.

AVERAGE DMAE
AVERAGE DMDM hydantoin
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative...
GOOD docosahexaenoic acid

GOOD dog rose

GOOD dogwood
There is a small amount of research showing that dogwood has antioxidant and soothing...
GOOD Dromiceius oil

GOOD dulse
Rating Ingredient
BEST Dunaliella salina extract
A type of micro-algae that’s known for being adaptable and able to survive even in harsh natural conditions.
It’s a rich source...
GOOD durian
A tropical fruit that contains high levels of antioxidants such as caffeic acid and quercetin
GOOD Durvillaea antarctica extract
Extract derived from a species of algae (Durvillea antarctica).

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients
BEST ecamsule
Sunscreen ingredient that provides UVA protection...

BEST Echium plantagineum seed oil
A novel, non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source of saturated fatty acids...
GOOD ectoin
Skin-softening ingredient that also functions in cosmetics as a stabilizer. There's limited research...
GOOD EDTA
Acronym for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a stabilizer used in cosmetics to prevent ingredients...

BEST egg yolk
Egg yolk is mostly water and lipids (fats), especially cholesterol, which makes it a good emollient...
BEST eicosapentaenoic acid
Fatty acid derived from salmon oil; it is a good emollient and replenishing ingredient for skin.
Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
Rating Ingredient
BEST Elaeis guineensis

GOOD elderberry
Also known as black elderberry or Sambucus nigra, this plant has potent antioxidant properties...
POOR elecampane
Latin name Inula helenium; it is a plant that can be very sensitizing to the skin...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
BEST ellagic acid
Potent antioxidant compound found in pomegranate and most berries.

GOOD emollient
Supple, waxlike, lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and...
GOOD emulsifier
When it comes to cosmetics, an emulsifier refers to any ingredient that helps keep unlike...
GOOD emu oil
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird indigenous to Australia. The oil...
POOR English ivy extract
Plant extract that can be a skin sensitizer due to its stimulant and astringent (skin-constricting) properties.
GOOD Enteromorpha compressa extract
Extract from green algae.

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
POOR environmental damage
Occurrence that takes place at an atomic level and is a complex physiological process. Molecules...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD enzymes
Vast group of protein , produced by all living things, that act as catalysts in chemical...
Categories: Exfoliant, Skin-Restoring
BEST epigallocatechin gallate
One of the constituents of green tea believed to be responsible for its many health...
BEST Epilobium angustifolium extract
Extract derived from a plant commonly known as fireweed or willow herb...

POOR Equisetum arvense

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
GOOD ergocalciferol
Technical name for vitamin D.

BEST ergothioneine
A substance derived from animal tissue or various types of mushrooms that has potent antioxidant...
BEST Eriobotrya japonica

GOOD erythrulose
Substance chemically similar to the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone. Depending on your skin...
POOR esculin
Component of horse chestnut, it is considered harmful and is not recommended for skin...
POOR essential oil

Categories: Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
GOOD ester
A compound formed from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid via the elimination of water....
Rating Ingredient
BEST Ester-C
Trade name for a combination form of vitamin C that contains mainly calcium ascorbate, but in...
POOR ethanol
GOOD ethoxydiglycol
POOR ethyl alcohol

AVERAGE ethyl hexanediol
A synthetic, viscous alcohol that functions as a solvent and can also be...
GOOD ethylhexylglycerin
A synthetic skin-conditioning agent used as a preservative or as a carrier or suspending agent for...

Categories: Miscellaneous, Preservatives
BEST ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

GOOD ethylhexyl palmitate
A mixture of a fatty alcohol and palmitic acid that functions as an emollient.

GOOD ethylhexyl stearate

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD ethylparaben

GOOD ethyl vanillin
Flavoring agent derived from vanilla. It has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of...
POOR eucalyptus extract

Rating Ingredient
Extract that may have beneficial properties on the skin...

Categories: Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
POOR eucalyptus oil
Fragrant plant oil whose active constituents are found in the leaves and the oil obtained from...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
POOR Eugenia aromatica

POOR Eugenia caryophyllus

POOR eugenol
Fragrance chemical that occurs naturally in some plant ingredients...

Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
GOOD Euphorbia cerifera wax

Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
AVERAGE Euphrasia officinalis

BEST Euterpe oleracea fruit extract

BEST evening primrose oil
Can have significant soothing and emollient benefits for skin.

GOOD Evodia rutaecarpa extract
A species of Asian tree whose fragrant fruit functions as a good soothing agent in...
GOOD Ext. D&C
Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA (www.fda.gov), when Ext. D&C is followed by a color,...
AVERAGE eyebright
A plant; although the name sounds like it would be beneficial for the eye area, there are no...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD faex
A type of yeast.
AVERAGE farnesol
Extract of plants that is used in cosmetics primarily for fragrance. A few animal studies and some...
Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE farnesyl acetate

BEST fatty acid
Substance typically found in plant and animal lipids (fat). Fatty acids include compounds such as...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD fatty alcohol
Made from fatty acids; fatty alcohols are used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients....
GOOD FD&C
Type of coloring agent. According to the FDA, when FD&C is followed by a color, the color is...
GOOD FD&C colors
General term for any color additive deemed to be safe and FDA-approved for use in foods, drugs, and...
POOR fennel oil
Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

POOR fennel seed extract
Can have antioxidant properties, but on skin it can be a skin sensitizer (Source:...
GOOD ferric ammonium ferrocyanide

Rating Ingredient
Inorganic salt of ferric ferrocyanide.

GOOD ferric ferrocyanide
Also known as Iron Blue, a coloring agent used in cosmetic products, including those designed for...
POOR Ferula galbaniflua

BEST ferulic acid
A plant-based antioxidant. Research suggests that it provides antioxidant...

GOOD feverfew extract
A plant that can be very soothing but also potentially sensitizing to the skin...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts
GOOD fibronectin
Type of protein found in the skin....

POOR Ficus carica fruit extract

POOR fig
Fruit that contains psoralens, which are compounds that may cause sensitizing reactions...
BEST Filipendula glaberrima
Also known as Nakai, the root of this plant extract has been shown to be an antioxidant…
BEST Filipendula rubra

GOOD film-forming agent
Large group of ingredients that are typically found in hair-care products, but that are also widely...
Rating Ingredient
BEST fireweed extract
Extract from the Epilobium angustifolium plant; also known as willow herb.
POOR fir needle oil
Volatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

AVERAGE fish cartilage extract
May have water-binding properties, but there is no research showing that this has any benefit for...
BEST flavonoid
AVERAGE flavor
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the term "flavor" on a product label signifies...
BEST flax
Plant source of linen and edible seeds. Flax seeds and seed oil have antioxidant properties...
BEST flaxseed oil
From seeds of the flax plant; a source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3.
POOR floralozone
One of a number of synthetic fragrant components.

POOR Foeniculum vulgare extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
GOOD folic acid
Part of the B-vitamin complex; when taken orally, it is a good antioxidant. That benefit has not...
AVERAGE formaldehyde-releasing preservative

Rating Ingredient
Common type of preservative found in cosmetics...

POOR fragrance
One or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart...
POOR frankincense extract
Fragrant component used in skincare products; it can be a skin sensitizer...

GOOD fructose
Often called fruit sugar, fructose is a type of sugar composed of glucose. It has water-binding...
AVERAGE fruit acid

Categories: Miscellaneous, Plant Extracts
BEST Fucus vesiculosus extract

BEST Fu ling
GOOD fuller's earth
Mineral substance that is similar to kaolin (a clay). Composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Absorbent
GOOD galactoarabinan
Polysaccharide extracted from the western larch tree.

Categories: Antioxidants, Hydration, Plant Extracts
POOR galbanum
Fragrant substance that, because of its resin and volatile oil content, can be extremely sensitizing…
BEST gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Fatty acid used in cosmetics as an emollient and antioxidant. GLA is considered to...
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Skin-Restoring
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Ganoderma lucidum extract
Mushroom stem extract. There is no research showing it to be effective when used topically on skin...
POOR Gardenia florida extract
Flower extract used in cosmetics to impart fragrance; also functions as an antioxidant (Source:...
Categories: Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
GOOD gelatin
Protein obtained from plants or animals and used in cosmetics as a thickening agent.
GOOD gellan gum
A plant-derived, high-weight, polysaccharide texture enhancer that also...

GOOD Gellidiela acerosa extract
Extract derived from a type of algae.

BEST genistein
Plant component (most often from soy) that is a rich source of antioxidants, though it can also be...
BEST Gentiana lutea (Gentian) root extract
Part of the gentian plant, constituents of which are soothing to skin...

AVERAGE geraniol
A volatile fragrance ingredient extracted from geranium, geraniol is capable of causing sensitivity when
applied to skin.
Categories: Sensitizing, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
BEST geranium extract
Extract that can have potent antioxidant properties (Source: Phytomedicine, June 2000, pages...
POOR geranium oil

Rating Ingredient
Fragrant oil that can have beneficial properties but also can be a skin sensitizer...
POOR Geranium pretense
Geranium plant.
GOOD Germaben II
Trade name for diazolidinyl urea.

GOOD ginger extract
Extract from a plant in the Zingiberacae family that has research showing it has soothing...
POOR ginger oil

Categories: Antioxidants, Sensitizing, Plant Extracts
BEST Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
Potent antioxidant and soothing ingredient.

BEST GLA
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Skin-Restoring
BEST glabridin
Main ingredient in licorice extract. It has soothing properties. There is research showing...
BEST gluconolactone
BEST glucosamine HCL
A form of glucosamine, an amino sugar that can be considered a skin-restorative...

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD glucose
Monosaccharide that has water-binding properties for skin.

Rating Ingredient
GOOD glucose oxidase
Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of the sugar glucose.
BEST glucosyl hesperidin
A water-soluble form of hesperidin, a flavonoid found in many citrus plants, as well as evening primrose oil. It
has potential as an antioxidant...
AVERAGE glutamic acid
Amino acid derived from wheat gluten. It can have water-binding properties for skin. There is no...
BEST glutamine
Can help improve the function of skin...

BEST glutathione
Powerful, non-enzymatic antioxidant which naturally occurs in the skin.

Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring
GOOD gluten ingredients
Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in many types of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley.
GOOD glycereth-26

GOOD glycereth-26 phosphate

GOOD glycereth-6 laurate

BEST glycerin
Rating Ingredient
Also called glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable.
BEST glycerine
BEST glycerol
GOOD glycerol monostearate

GOOD glycerol triacetate

GOOD glycerol trioleate

GOOD glyceryl behanate
A simple mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occuring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl behenate...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
BEST glyceryl behenate
An ester emollient of fatty acid behenic acid...

GOOD glyceryl cocoate

GOOD glyceryl dibehanate
A complex mixture of glycerin and the naturally-occurring fatty acid behenic acid. Glyceryl...
GOOD glyceryl dipalmitate

Rating Ingredient

GOOD glyceryl distearate

GOOD glyceryl ester
Large group of ingredients that are composed of fats and oils. At room temperature, the fats are...
GOOD glyceryl isopalmitate

GOOD glyceryl isostearate

GOOD glyceryl myristate

GOOD glyceryl oleate

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
GOOD glyceryl palmitate

GOOD glyceryl polymethacrylate
A blend of glycerin and polymethacrylic acid that functions as a film-forming agent. It has a...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD glyceryl rosinate
An ester of long chain acids derived from a plant-based ingredient known as rosin.
Categories: Emulsifiers, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
Rating Ingredient
GOOD glyceryl stearate

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Emollients
GOOD glyceryl stearate SE
Widely used ingredient that is a self-emulsifying (that’s what the “SE” stands for) form of...
GOOD glycine
BEST Glycine soja oil
Oil derived from wild soybeans; it has emollient properties.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Antioxidants
BEST Glycine soja seed extract

BEST Glycine soja sterols
A sterol is a solid complex alcohol derived from animals and plants. In this case, the sterols are...
GOOD glycogen

Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Hydration
BEST glycolic acid

BEST glycolipid
Type of lipid composed of sugar (monosaccharide) and fat (lipid) that forms an important component...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD glycol stearate
Used as an emollient and thickening agent.

BEST glycosaminoglycans
Also known as mucopolysaccharides; these are a fundamental component of skin and are...
Rating Ingredient
BEST glycosphingolipid
BEST glycyrrhetic acid
Extract from licorice that has skin-soothing properties…

BEST glycyrrhetinic acid
One of the components of licorice root extract...

Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Soothing
BEST Glycyrrhiza glabra

BEST Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract

GOOD goji fruit extract

POOR gold
An ingredient that seems luxe and helpful but is actually a frequent contact sensitizer…
Categories: Sensitizing, Miscellaneous
GOOD Gossypium herbacuem seed oil
Also known as cotton seed oil, this non-fragrant plant oil may cause...
BEST gotu kola

POOR grapefruit oil
Citrus oil whose volatile components (chiefly substances known as furocoumarins) are sensitizing...
POOR grapefruit peel extract
Typically listed as citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel extract on the ingredient list...
Categories: Sensitizing, Plant Extracts
POOR grapefruit seed extract

Rating Ingredient
Labelled as Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) seed extract, this is often claimed as a natural preservative...
BEST grape seed extract
Grape seed extract has been shown to help diminish free-radical damage…
BEST grape seed oil
Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil that also has excellent antioxidant properties...
BEST green tea
Significant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea...
BEST gromwell
POOR guarana
Herb that contains two and a half times more caffeine than coffee. It can have constricting...
GOOD guar gum
Plant-derived thickening agent...

Categories: Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
GOOD guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Miscellaneous
GOOD gums
Substances that have water-binding properties, but that are used primarily as thickening agents in...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
BEST Haematococcus pluvialis extract

POOR Hamamelis virginiana

POOR hamamelitannin
Rating Ingredient
Tannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant...
Categories: Antioxidants, Sensitizing
GOOD Haslea ostrearia extract
Extract derived from a water plant also known as blue algae. In pure concentrations this extract...
Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts
POOR hayflower extract
Plant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be sensitizing There is no...
GOOD hazelnut oil
Oil extracted from the hazelnut and that is used as an emollient.

POOR Hedera helix

POOR hedione
Synthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin sensitizer.

BEST Helianthus annuus seed oil

BEST Helianthus oil

GOOD hemp seed oil
From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Because both hemp and marijuana are from the genus Cannabis,...
BEST hesperidin
Flavonoid found in various plants such as citrus and evening primrose oil. It has potential as a...
GOOD hesperidin methyl chalcone
Citrus bioflavonoid often seen in products claiming to improve dark undereye circles. There is...
Rating Ingredient
POOR hexyl cinnamal
A fragrance ingredient used in many perfumes and often seen in fragranced skincare products...
GOOD hexyldecanol
A synthetic, non-drying fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

Categories: Emollients, Skin-Softening
GOOD hexylene glycol

Categories: Slip Agents
GOOD hexyl laurate
Skin-softening agent and emollient that is a mixture of hexyl alcohol and lauric acid.
AVERAGE hexylresorcinol
A synthetic ingredient that has been shown to have skin brightening ability but there is very limited research
about it on skin...
GOOD hibiscus
Fragrant plant
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts
GOOD Himanthalia elongate extract
Extract of a species of algae.

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
GOOD Hippophae rhamnoides

GOOD histidine
BEST hoelen
A mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Preservatives
BEST homosalate
FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is...
Rating Ingredient
BEST honey
Substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. Composed primarily of the...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Vitamins, Antioxidants
BEST honey extract

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Vitamins
BEST honeysuckle flower extract
Plant extract that functions as a soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids...
AVERAGE hops
There is no research showing that hops have any benefit for skin. However, components in hops may...
AVERAGE Hordeum vulgare extract

GOOD horse chestnut extract
May have soothing properties for skin...

POOR horse elder

POOR horseradish
Plant that can sensitize skin and should never be applied to abraded skin.
AVERAGE horsetail extract
Plant extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties, but there's no solid research showing it can and does
exert these effects...
AVERAGE Hortonia floribunda leaf extract
No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin although it and other plant components...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD Huang qi
AVERAGE Humulus lupulus extract

BEST hyaluronic acid
Component of skin that is used in skincare products as a good restorative ingredient....

Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring
POOR Hydnocarpus anthelmintica

POOR Hydrastis canadenis

BEST hydrocotyl extract

GOOD hydrogenated coco-glyceride

GOOD hydrogenated didecene
Skin-conditioning agent derived from didecene, which is a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
BEST hydrogenated lecithin

Categories: Skin-Restoring, Emollients
BEST hydrogenated olive oil
When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is chemically converted gas from a liquid to a semi-solid or...
GOOD hydrogenated palm glycerides
Palm glycerides are the fatty acid component of palm oil. When a plant oil is hydrogenated, it is...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
GOOD hydrogenated polydecene
Synthetic polymer that functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.

Rating Ingredient
GOOD hydrogenated polyisobutene
Synthetic polymer used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient.

BEST hydrogenated soybean oil
Non-fragrant plant oil from soy that has been hydrogenated so it retains a semi-solid rather than liquid state.
GOOD hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
The end product of hydrolyzing starch, a polysaccharide carbohydrate...

Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Hydration
GOOD hydrogenated vegetable glycerides citrate
A hydrogenated blend of vegetable glycerides that functions chiefly as an emollient and emulsifier in
cosmetics...
Categories: Emollients, Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
POOR hydrogen peroxide
There is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a...
GOOD hydrolyzed corn starch
A form of the natural absorbent corn starch that has been hydrolyzed, which means it has undergone...
BEST hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans
A skin-restorative ingredient that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the...
Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Softening
BEST hydrolyzed jojoba esters
Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Softening
GOOD hydrolyzed jojoba protein
Protein fraction of seeds from the jojoba plant that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical...
GOOD hydrolyzed silk

Categories: Antioxidants, Slip Agents
Rating Ingredient
BEST hydrolyzed soy protein

GOOD hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Composed of various protein substances derived from vegetables and broken down by water to form a...
Categories: Miscellaneous, Hydration
GOOD hydrolyzed wheat protein
Protein fraction from wheat that has been hydrolyzed, which is a chemical process involving the...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
BEST hydroquinone
Hydroquinone has long been established as the most effective ingredient for reducing brown spots.
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Antioxidants
GOOD hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer
A polymer that functions as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and opacifying agent.

GOOD hydroxyethylcellulose
Plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. Also used (most...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
POOR hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid
Also known by the acronym HEPES, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering ingredient
typically used to...
GOOD hydroxyethyl urea
A synthetic ingredient that serves to hydrate skin and help maintain a normal...
Categories: Hydration, Skin-Replenishing
BEST hydroxylated lecithin

GOOD hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
A plant- derived or synthetic carbohydrate that functions as a chelating agent and...

GOOD hydroxypropyl guar

Rating Ingredient
Categories: Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
GOOD hydroxypropyl starch phosphate
A plant-based or synthetic starch ingredient that functions as a thickener or bulking agent in cosmetics...
GOOD Hypericum extract

AVERAGE hyssop
Fragrant plant extract that may have some beneficial properties...

BEST idebenone
A synthetic antioxidant similar to coenzyme Q10. Idebenone got a lot of press as the best...
BEST Ilex paraguariensis

POOR Illicium vernum

AVERAGE imidazolidinyl urea
Considered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea because it is beneficial against...
GOOD inactive ingredient
The list of inactive ingredients is the part of an ingredient label that is not regulated by the...
BEST inositol
Major component of lecithin that may have water-binding properties for skin. It is not a vitamin,...
POOR Inula helenium

GOOD iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
A synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less. It is very...

Rating Ingredient
POOR Iris florentina extract

GOOD Irish moss extract
Type of red algae.

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
GOOD iron oxides
Compounds of iron that are used as colorings in some cosmetics. They also are used as a metal...
AVERAGE iron powder
Iron powder is, as the name states, a powdered versoin of the mineral iron. A natural ingredient, it's used as an
opacifying agent in cosmetics.
GOOD isoamyl laurate
The ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid, this plant- or synthetic-based texture-enhancing ingredient feels
velvety-soft.
Categories: Emulsifiers, Skin-Softening
GOOD isobutyl acetate

GOOD isobutylparaben

AVERAGE isocetyl salicylate

GOOD isododecane
Hydrocarbon ingredient used as a solvent. Isododecane enhances the spreadability of products and...
Categories: Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer
BEST isoflavone
Plant derivative with antioxidant properties...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD isohexadecane
Used as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD isoleucine
GOOD isononyl isononanoate
An ester that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. Occurs naturally in cocoa and lavender oil.
GOOD isoparaffin
POOR isopropyl alcohol

GOOD isopropyl isostearate
The ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid. It is used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in
cosmetics products...
GOOD isopropyl lanolate
Derived from lanolin, it is used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

GOOD isopropyl myristate
Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.

GOOD isopropyl palmitate
Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics. It can potentially be...

GOOD isopropyl titanium triisostearate
A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as a surface treatment for cosmetic pigments...

Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD isopropyl titanium triisostearte/triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer
A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that occurs from combining isopropyl titanium triisostearate...
Rating Ingredient
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Silicones, Texture Enhancer
GOOD isostearamide DEA
Used as a surfactant, water-binding agent, and thickening agent.

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
GOOD isostearic acid
Fatty acid used as a binding agent and thickener.

POOR ivy extract
Plant extract that can be sensitizing due to its astringent (skin-constricting) properties.
GOOD Japan wax
Vegetable wax obtained from sumac berries, and used as a thickening agent and emollient in...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
POOR jasmine oil
Fragrant oil, often used as a source of perfume, that can be a skin sensitizer...
POOR Jasminium grandiflorum

BEST jojoba butter
The fattiest portion of jojoba oil, used as an intensive emollient.

BEST jojoba esters
A complex mixture of esters from jojoba oil and hydrogenated jojoba oil. The result is an...
BEST jojoba oil
Emollient, non-fragrant oil (technically, a polyunsaturated wax) extracted from the seeds of a perennial shrub.
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
BEST jojoba wax

Rating Ingredient
Semi-solid portion of jojoba oil.

POOR jonquil extract
Fragrant plant extract that poses a strong risk of skin sensitization.

GOOD Ju hua
GOOD jujube fruit extract
Asian plant extract that has soothing properties and may also provide other benefits...
POOR juniper berry
Can have sothing properties for skin…

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
POOR Juniperus communis

GOOD kaolin
Naturally occurring clay mineral (silicate of aluminum) that is used in cosmetics for its absorbent...
POOR Kathon CG
Categories: Preservatives, Sensitizing
POOR kava-kava extract
Extract of the Piper methysticum plant that has soothing properties, but can...
POOR kawa extract

GOOD kelp extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE Kigelia africana extract
Extract of African plant commonly known as the sausage tree. The African lore about this extract is...
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE kiwi fruit extract
As a food, kiwi has significant antioxidant properties that may even be greater than those of...
GOOD kojic acid
By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake, Japanese...
GOOD kojic dipalmitate
A mixture of kojic acid and palmitic acid. It functions as a skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant...
AVERAGE kola nut
One of the major components of the kola nut is caffeine, which in high amounts can be a skin sensitizer...
BEST kudzu root
Source of isoflavone, genistein, and daidzein, all plant estrogens..

BEST kukui nut oil
Non-volatile oil from a plant native to Hawaii; it has emollient properties for skin (Source:...
BEST lactic acid
Alpha hydroxy acid extracted from milk, although most forms used in cosmetics are synthetic. It...
GOOD lactobionate

BEST lactobionic acid

BEST lactoperoxidase
Rating Ingredient
Enzyme derived from milk; it has purifying benefits for skin and may be helpful for...
POOR lady's mantle extract

Categories: Plant Extracts, Miscellaneous
BEST lady's thistle (milk thistle) extract
Extract for which there is a great deal of research showing it has many applications...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Restoring
AVERAGE Lagerstroemia indica extract
No research shows this plant as having any benefit for skin...

GOOD Laminaria digitata

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
GOOD Laminaria longicruris

Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
GOOD Laminaria ochroleuca extract
The Latin name for a species of kelp, also known as brown seaweed. Applied topically, it helps...
GOOD Laminaria sacharrina

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
BEST Lamium album flower extract
A species of the nettle plant that is used topically as as a soothing ingredient...

GOOD lanolin
Emollient, very thick substance derived from sheep. Lanolin has long been...
GOOD lanolin alcohol
Emollient derived from lanolin.

GOOD lappa extract

Rating Ingredient
GOOD Larrea divaricata extract

GOOD Larrea tridentata

BEST L-ascorbic acid
Form of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing agent...

GOOD lauramphocarboxyglycinate

GOOD laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein

GOOD laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein

GOOD laureth-23
Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD laureth-4
Derived from lauryl alcohol and used either as a surfactant or emulsifier (or, in many cases, as...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Cleansing Agents
GOOD laureth-7
A form of lauryl alcohol (a non-irritating fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil) that can...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents
GOOD laureths
Substances that in various combinations create a wide range of mild detergent cleansing agents...
BEST lauric acid
One of several fatty acids found in coconut oil and other natural fats.
Rating Ingredient
Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Cleansing Agents
GOOD lauroyl lysine
Amino acid derivative that functions as a skin- and hair-conditioning agent. It also contributes to...
POOR Laurus nobilis

Categories: Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Plant Extracts
GOOD lauryl alcohol

GOOD lauryl glucoside

GOOD lauryl lactate
Mixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and...
Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Emollients
BEST lauryl laurate
An ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid...

GOOD lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone
A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin/hair...
Categories: Emulsifiers, Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
POOR lavandin oil
Essential oil of the hybrid lavender plant Lavandula hybrida and used in cosmetics as a fragrance...
POOR Lavandula angustifolia

POOR Lavandula officinalis

POOR lavender extract and oil
In-vitro research indicates that components of lavender oil, specifically linalool and linalyl acetate, can have...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD L-cysteine
BEST lecithin
Phospholipid found in egg yolks and may be plant or animal derived. It is widely used in...
POOR lemon
Potent skin sensitizer. Though it can have beneficial properties...

POOR lemon balm

POOR lemongrass extract
Extract that can have beneficial properties...

POOR lemongrass oil
Also known as Oil of Verbena; can be effective as a mosquito repellent...

POOR lemon juice
The juice from the citrus fruit lemon, often touted in the world of skin care as being a natural option for
brightening skin.
Categories: Antioxidants, Sensitizing
POOR lemon oil
Commonly used citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizer, especially on abraded skin.
GOOD lentil fruit extract
Extract that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and likely has antioxidant benefit, too.
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening
AVERAGE Lentinus edodes extract
Extract from the shiitake mushroom that may have antioxidant properties...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants
BEST Leontopodium alpinum extract

Rating Ingredient
Plant extract whose constituents are capable of provding antioxidant and soothing benefit...
GOOD Leptospermum scoparium oil

GOOD leucine
Amino acid.
POOR Levisticum officinale root extract

BEST licorice extract
Plant extract that has skin-soothing properties. In addition, licorice root may be effective in...
BEST licorice root

AVERAGE Lilium candidum bulb extract
Extract derived from the white lily bulb. There is no research showing this has any benefit for...
POOR lime oil and extract
Citrus fruit whose volatile compounds are sensitizing...

GOOD Limnanthes alba
Plant commonly known as meadowfoam; its seed oil is a non-volatile plant oil used as a...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening
GOOD Limnanthes alba seed oil

POOR limonene
Chemical constituent of many natural fragrant ingredients, notably citrus oils such as lemon (d-limonene) and...
POOR linalool
Rating Ingredient
Fragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a skin sensitizer, or...
BEST linden flower extract
Major constituents in linden are flavonoids and glycosides. Flavonoids are potent...
BEST linoleic acid
Unsaturated fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. There is some...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Emollients
BEST linolenic acid
Linolenic acid is a naturally-occurring, colorless polyunsaturated fatty acid liquid...

Categories: Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts
BEST linseed oil
Non-volatile plant oil. Linoleic acid is a component of linseed oil.

BEST Linum usitatissimum extract

BEST lipid
Wide range of ingredients found in plants, animals, and human skin. Lipids include fatty acids,...
GOOD liposomes
Delivery system (not an ingredient) capable of holding other ingredients and releasing them after...
GOOD lithium magnesium sodium silicate
Synthetic silica-based clay composed of lithium, sodium, and magnesium. Used as a thickening agent...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
BEST Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Also known as gromwell, the root of this plant is believed to have antioxidant and...
Rating Ingredient
POOR Litsea cubeba

GOOD locust bean

Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
BEST Lonicera caprifolium flower extract

BEST Lonicera japonica
Honeysuckle extract. A plant with soothing properties for skin.

BEST Lonicera japonica flower extract

BEST loquat extract
Extract derived from a subtropical flower that has antioxidant properties similar to...
BEST lotus seed extract
Extract that can have soothing and antioxidant properties...

POOR lovage root extract
In cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance....

GOOD lupine
Legume that is a source of isoflavones with antioxidant properties...

AVERAGE lupine oil
Extract of Lupinus albus, a legume; it has emollient and antioxidant properties, though it may also...
GOOD Lupinus albus extract
Species of legume.
Rating Ingredient
BEST lutein
Carotenoid that has antioxidant properties…

GOOD Lycium barbarum fruit extract
The extract of the fruit commonly known as goji, goji berry, or wolfberry. This fruit extract is an antioxidant...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Softening
BEST lycopene
Carotenoid pigment that has potent antioxidant properties…

POOR lye
Categories: Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing
GOOD lysine
Amino acid.
GOOD macadamia nut oil
Used in cosmetics as an emollient for dry skin.

BEST madecassoside
One of four principal bioactive compounds in the plant extract Centella asiatica.
GOOD magnesium
Earth mineral that has strong absorbent properties and some disinfecting properties…
GOOD magnesium aluminum silicate
Powdery, dry-feeling, white solid that is used as a thickening agent and powder in cosmetics.
GOOD magnesium ascorbyl palmitate
Fatty acid-based derivative of vitamin C that can be an effective antioxidant. There is some...
Rating Ingredient
BEST magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Form of vitamin C that is considered stable and an effective antioxidant for skin (Sources:...
GOOD magnesium carbonate
Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, coloring agent, or to adjust the pH...
GOOD magnesium hydroxide
Active ingredient in milk of magnesia. It is an absorbent and has disinfectant properties for skin.
Categories: Absorbent, Miscellaneous
GOOD magnesium laureth sulfate

GOOD magnesium oleth sulfate

GOOD magnesium stearate
Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

GOOD magnesium sulfate
Commonly known as Epsom salt, a magnesium salt used as a texture enhancer.

GOOD Mahonia aquifolium root extract
A plant extract known as Orgeon grape...

GOOD malic acid
An AHA ingredient derived from unripe fruit that also occurs naturally in the human body…
BEST mallow
Can be used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and may have soothing...

Rating Ingredient
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts
GOOD maltooligosyl glucoside
A carbohydrate polysaccharide that’s naturally-derived and then combined...

Categories: Hydration, Film-Forming Agents, Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
AVERAGE malvaceae extract
Extract from plants of the Malvaceae family, which includes over 1,000 species, found in tropical...
GOOD Malva sylvestris extract
Extract from the blue mallow flower, it may have some soothing properties for...
POOR mandarin orange oil or extract
Primarily used as a fragrance; it can be a skin sensitizer. There is no research showing it has any...
AVERAGE mandelic acid
Alpha hydroxy acid, also known as amygdalic acid. There is scant research showing this to be an...
AVERAGE manganese gluconate
Mineral found in trace amounts in tissues of the body. While manganese plays a vital role in the...
GOOD manganese violet
Coloring agent/additive permanently listed (as of 1976) by the FDA for use in cosmetic products,...
BEST Mangifera indica (mango) seed butter
More commonly known as mango butter, this ingredient is a very good plant-based...
GOOD Mangifera indica root
Extract derived from the mango tree; it can have antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD manuka oil
Extract derived from the New Zealand tea tree; the oil is similar to that of the Australian tea...
GOOD marigold
GOOD marionberry
Fruit that has potent antioxidant properties.

POOR marjoram
Herb with a fragrant component used in cosmetics; can be a skin sensitizer…

BEST marshmallow
A flowering plant native to Africa that has soothing effects...

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
GOOD Mastocarpus stellatus

BEST mate extract

BEST matricaria oil

AVERAGE MEA
Abbreviation for monoethanolamine.

GOOD meadowfoam seed oil
Non-fragrant, edible plant oil originally developed as an agricultural crop in the 1950s. It...
BEST meadowsweet extract
Extract that can have skin-soothing properties...

Rating Ingredient
BEST Medicago sativa

GOOD Melaleuca alternifolia

POOR Melaleuca cajeputi oil
There is no research showing that this oil, which is derived from a plant in the same family as the...
POOR Melia azadirachta

GOOD melibiose
Saccharide that can have good water-binding properties.

POOR Melissa officinalis

POOR Mentha arvensis

POOR Mentha piperita

POOR Mentha spicata

POOR Mentha viridis

POOR menthol
Derived from peppermint; menthol can have the same sensitizing effect as peppermint on skin…
POOR menthone
Major constituent of peppermint.

POOR menthoxypropanediol
Synthetic derivative of menthol. It is known to produce effects that are twice as strong as...
Rating Ingredient
BEST menthyl anthranilate
Also known as meradimate, this is a synthetic sunscreen active is a partially effective UVA...
POOR menthyl lactate
Used as a cooling agent and fragrance in cosmetics. It is a derivative of menthol and is supposed...
BEST meradmiate
POOR methanol
GOOD methicone
One of the simpler silicones due to its less complex molecular structure.
Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Slip Agents
GOOD methionine
POOR methylchloroisothiazolinone
In combination with methylisothiazolinone, it goes by the trade name Kathon CG (among others)....
POOR methyldibromo glutaronitrile
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative...
POOR methyldihydrojasmonate
Synthetic fragrant component.

GOOD methyl gluceth-20
Liquid that functions as a water-binding and skin-conditioning agent.

Categories: Skin-Softening
GOOD methyl gluceth-20 benzoate

Rating Ingredient
A synthetic ester and emollient used to improve product spreadability. Methyl...

GOOD methyl glucose sesquistearate
A mixure of the diesters of methyl glucoside and stearic acid. Functions as a skin-conditioning...
GOOD methylglucoside phosphate
A type of monosaccharide (simple sugar) derived from glucose, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent...
POOR methylisothiazolinone
Preservative that’s generally recommended for use only in rinse-off products such as cleansers or...
GOOD methylparaben

GOOD methylpropanediol
Glycol that functions as a solvent. Methylpropanediol can enhance ingredients such as salicylic acid.
GOOD methylsilanol mannuronate

GOOD methylsilanol PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate
A glyceryl ester used as an emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics.

GOOD methylsufonylsulfate
GOOD methyl trimethicone

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Emollients
BEST Mexoryl SX
GOOD mica
Rating Ingredient
Earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine.

GOOD microcrystalline wax
Plastic-type, highly refined wax derived from petroleum. Used as a thickener and to give products a...
GOOD Microcystis aeruginosa
Latin name for spirulina.

GOOD milk protein

GOOD milk vetch root
Root with potential antioxidant properties, although there isn't conclusive research that it functions that way
when applied topically.
AVERAGE millet seed extract
Extract from a cereal grain that has no established benefit for skin, but is added to cosmetic...
POOR mimosa oil or extract
Extract used as a fragrance in cosmetics.

GOOD mineral oil
Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely...
POOR mint
Can be a skin sensitizer…

GOOD mixed fruit extracts

GOOD montan wax

Rating Ingredient
A type of natural wax derived from lignite, which is a type of coal that’s made from wood. Most...
GOOD montmorillonite
A type of clay that is a mix of bentonite and fuller's earth, with the latter being a white to brown substance
found in sediment...
GOOD Morinda citrifolia

GOOD Morus alba root extract
Latin name for mulberry.

GOOD Morus bombycis root extract

GOOD Morus nigra root extract

BEST mucopolysaccharide
Also known as glycosaminoglycans. This is a large class of ingredients that includes hyaluronic...
AVERAGE Mucor miehei extract
Extract of a type of mold whose enzymes are used as a food additive and flavor enhancer in cheeses....
AVERAGE mugwort extract
There is no research showing this extract has any benefit for skin (Sources:...
GOOD mulberry extract
Non-fragrant plant extract (Latin name is Morus alba) whose various parts such as the leaf and root, have
shown potential to brighten and improve the look...
GOOD murumuru seed butter

Rating Ingredient
GOOD myristic acid
Cleansing agent that also creates foam and can be drying.

GOOD myristyl myristate
Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer and emollient.

BEST myristyl nicotinate
A derivative of nicotinic acid, a component of vitamin B3 (niacin) that isn’t the same ingredient...
POOR myrrh
Fragrant gum resin that can be a skin sensitizer. There is little research showing it has any benefit...
POOR myrtle extract
Contains volatile oil and tannins...

POOR Myrtus communis extract

AVERAGE N6-furfuryladenine
Technical name for kinetin.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Restoring
AVERAGE N-acetyl-L tyrosine

GOOD NaPCA
POOR Narcissus poeticus wax
Fragrant flower extract that can cause sensitizing reactions…

GOOD Nardostachys jatamansi

Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Nasturtium officinale extract

GOOD natto gum
Fermentation product of soy protein. It may be a potent antioxidant (Source: Journal of...
BEST natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
One of the primary elements in keeping skin feeling and looking healthier…
AVERAGE neem extract or oil
Extract from leaves of the neem tree, it has potential sensitizing effects, although it also has been...
GOOD neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
Used as an emollient and texture enhancer.

GOOD neopentyl glycol diheptanoate
Mixture of texture-enhancing ingredient neopentyl glycol and grape-derived fatty acid heptanoic acid...
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening
POOR neroli
POOR neroli oil
Fragrant plant oil that can be a skin sensitizer...

AVERAGE nettle extract
Extract that may have soothing properties...

BEST niacin
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Vitamins
BEST niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, niacinamide is a very effective skin-restoring ingredient...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Skin-Restoring, Antioxidants, Vitamins
Rating Ingredient
BEST nicotinamide
BEST nicotinic acid

GOOD noni juice
Also known as morinda or Morinda citrifolia, comes from a small evergreen tree. The juice from this...
GOOD nonoxynols
Used as a mild cleansing agent.

GOOD nylon-12
Powder substance that is used as an absorbent and texture enhancer...

BEST Nymphaea tetragona
Also known as pygmy waterlily. The stem has been shown to be an antioxidant...
POOR oak root extract
Extract that can be a skin sensitizer.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants
BEST oat beta-glucan

BEST oat bran extract
Oat bran extract is a portion of the oat plant that contains antioxidant and soothing properties...
BEST oat kernel extract

BEST oatmeal
Can have skin-soothing properties…

Rating Ingredient
BEST octinoxate
Also known as octyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate…

BEST octisalate
Technical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl...
BEST octocrylene
Globally-approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight.
GOOD octyldodecanol
Opacifying agent, used primarily as a texture enhancer in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient
properties.
GOOD octyldodecyl myristate
Mixture of octyldodecanol (thickener) and myristic acid that forms a new compound used as a...
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Skin-Softening, Emollients
GOOD octyldodecyl neopentanoate
Skin-softening agent and emollient.

BEST octyl methoxycinnamate
Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays…
GOOD octyl palmitate

BEST octyl salicylate
Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays...
GOOD octyl stearate

Rating Ingredient

GOOD o-cymen-5-ol
Preservative used in cosmetics.

BEST Oenothera biennis oil

GOOD Olea europaea fruit oil

Categories: Antioxidants, Emollients, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing
BEST Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables
An unsaponifiable oil is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
BEST oleanolic acid
A skin-soothing ingredient, especially when used in synthetic rather than natural form...
GOOD oleic acid
Fatty acid used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer.

Categories: Cleansing Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD oleth-10
A form of fatty alcohol that functions as a texture enhancer and cleansing agent.
GOOD oleths
Mild cleansing agents.

GOOD oleyl erucate
Skin-softening agent derived from oleyl alcohol, which is obtained chiefly from fish oil.
POOR olibanum extract

Rating Ingredient
GOOD olive oil/olive fruit oil
Emollient plant oil similar to many other non-fragrant plant oils. The concept of olive oil having...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
POOR orange blossom
Fragrant extract that can also be a skin sensitizer.

GOOD Orbignya martiana

GOOD Orbignya oleifera

POOR orchid
Fragrant flower that can be a skin sensitizer.

POOR oregano
Has beneficial properties, but can also be a skin sensitizer.

POOR Origanum majorana

POOR Origanum vulgare flower extract

POOR orris root
Used primarily as a fragrant component due to its violet-like scent (Source:...

GOOD oryzanol
Component of plants and their products, such as rice bran, that has potent antioxidant properties.
BEST Oryza sativa cera
A natural, non-fragrant wax obtained from rice bran. It functions as a skin-softening agent...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD Oryza sativa oil

BEST oxidoreductase
Large group of enzymes that block oxygen in different forms from generating environmental damage.
BEST oxybenzone
Oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) is a sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the...
GOOD ozokerite
Mineral that is used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks and stick...
GOOD P. elisabethae
The “P.” is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia.

POOR PABA
AVERAGE padimate O
Sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,...
GOOD Padina pavonica extract

AVERAGE Paeonia albiflora extract

AVERAGE Paeonia suffruticosa extract

GOOD Palmaria palmata extract
Extract from a type of algae whose common name is dulse.

POOR palmarosa oil

Rating Ingredient
GOOD palmitic acid
Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Cleansing Agents
BEST palmitoyl hexapeptide-12
Blend of the fatty acid palmitic acid with several amino acids…
BEST palmitoyl oligopeptide
A blend of palmitic acid (a fatty acid) with several amino acids, including alanine, arginine,...
BEST palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
Trade name Matrixyl, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. The only research showing this has any...
BEST palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
A synthetic peptide whose trade name is Matrixyl 3000…

BEST palmitoyl tripeptide-1

BEST Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
An ingredient manufactured by the brand Sederma under the trade name MATRIXYL synthe’6...
BEST palmitoyl tripeptide-5
A synthetic peptide that is believed to play a role in the appearance of skin firmness...
GOOD palmitoyl tripeptide-8
A plant-derived or synthetic peptide made from combining the fatty acid palmitic acid with...
GOOD palm kernel acid
A mixture of fatty acids derived from palm oil. Used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, or to add...
Rating Ingredient
BEST palm oil
Has emollient and antioxidant properties for skin.

AVERAGE Panicum miliaceum

AVERAGE pansy extract
Extract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has skin soothing and...
GOOD pantethine

BEST panthenol
Alcohol form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid.

BEST pantothenic acid
Also called vitamin B5, and often touted for a variety of benefits to skin. However, there is only one...
POOR papain
Enzyme extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can aggravate skin...
AVERAGE papaya extract
Extract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin,...
POOR para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for sensitizing reactions.
GOOD parabens
Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD paraffin
Waxy, petroleum-based substance used as a thickener in cosmetics.

GOOD Paraffinum liquidum
The Latin name for emollient ingredient mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin.
BEST Parsol 1789

GOOD Passiflora edulis extract
The layperson term for this Brazilian-based plant oil is passion fruit…
BEST Passiflora edulis seed oil
Non-fragrant plant oil from the passion fruit plant, and a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants...
GOOD passion fruit extract
There is no research showing this has any benefit for skin.

POOR patchouli
Fragrant oil derived from mint. It contains eugenol and can aggravate skin.
AVERAGE pawpaw extract

GOOD peanut oil
Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

GOOD pecan oil
Emollient plant oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

GOOD pectin
Rating Ingredient
Natural substance found in plants, especially apples, and used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
GOOD PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer
PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.
Categories: Cleansing Agents, Emollients
GOOD PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone
Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
GOOD PEG/PPG-18/4 copolymer
A synthetic polymer compound that functions as a solvent.

GOOD PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone
Categories: Silicones, Cleansing Agents, Emollients
GOOD PEG-100 stearate

GOOD PEG-10 dimethicone

Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
GOOD PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
A synthetic, silicone-enhanced polymer that helps products adhere…

GOOD PEG-10 phytosterol
A synthetic or soy-derived (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter) ingredient used in cosmetics as a cleansing
agent and emulsifier.
Categories: Cleansing Agents, Emulsifiers
GOOD PEG-10 rapeseed sterol
A blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a...
GOOD PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate

Rating Ingredient

GOOD PEG-14
A synthetic ingredient that functions as a humectant and solvent. With any PEG...
GOOD PEG-150 distearate

GOOD PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate
A complex mixture of a glycol with a fatty acid and glucose that funtions multiple ways: emollient,...
GOOD PEG-32
Peg-32 also functions as an emulsifier, which is a type of ingredient that keeps unlike substances...
GOOD PEG-33
The synthetic polymer of ethylene oxide used as a binding agent and humectant. With any PEG...
GOOD PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Emollient ingredient that is a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with castor oil.
GOOD PEG-40 stearate
PEG-40 stearate typically functions as a cleansing agent, but also helps keep ingredients...
GOOD PEG-60 almond glycerides
The polyethylene glycol derivative of fatty acids from almond oil...

GOOD PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil
The chief function of this ingredient is cleansing agent.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Cleansing Agents
GOOD PEG-75 shea butter glycerides

Rating Ingredient
An emulsifying and skin replenishing agent derived from glycerides (fatty acids)...
GOOD PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate

GOOD PEG-8
GOOD PEG-80 sorbitan laurate
Mild surfactant.
A synthetic skin and hair replenishing agent...

GOOD PEG 90M

GOOD PEG compound
PEG is the acronym for polyethylene glycol. Various forms of PEG compounds are mixed with fatty...
POOR Pelargonium graveolens oil

POOR pellitory
Plant whose root extract can cause skin sensitivity.

POOR pentadecalactone
Synthetic fragrance used in cosmetics.

GOOD pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate
A non-aqueous ester that functions as a thickener and binding agent...

GOOD pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate

Rating Ingredient
Synthetic compound as an emollient and thickening agent.

BEST pentapeptides
Pentapeptides are a type of peptide where the peptide has five ("penta") amino acids. There are dozens of
pentapeptides used in cosmetic products.
GOOD pentasodium pentetate
Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent various mineral components from binding together...
GOOD pentylene glycol
A synthetic skin-replenishing agent and solvent.

POOR peppermint
Both the oil and the extract can have disinfectant properties...
BEST peptides
Peptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
Skin...
AVERAGE Perilla ocymoides
Also known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant...
BEST Persea gratissima oil

BEST Persicaria hydropiper
Also known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing
POOR petitgrain mandarin

GOOD petrolatum
Rating Ingredient
Vaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Emollients
BEST PHA
GOOD phenoxyethanol
Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less sensitizing ones to use in...
GOOD phenoxyisopropanol
Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative.

GOOD phenylalanine
AVERAGE phenylethyl resorcinol
Synthetic antioxidant often seen in skin-brightening products.

GOOD phenyl trimethicone
Silicone with a drier finish than dimethicone.

BEST phloretin
A flavonoid substance derived from apples and the bark of apple trees. As for topical application...
BEST phosphatidylcholine
Active ingredient in lecithin…

Categories: Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
BEST phosphatidylethanolamine
BEST phospholipid
Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD phosphoric acid
Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skincare products.

POOR photosensitizer
Ingredient that can cause the skin to have a sensitizing reaction when exposed to...
AVERAGE phthalates
Phthalates refers to a wide range of substances that are very different from one another...
BEST Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract
Extract that has antioxidant and soothing properties…

BEST physalis angulata extract
This plant extract has a potent calming effect on skin.

GOOD phytantriol
Hair- and skin-conditioning agent that also has water-binding properties.

GOOD phytic acid
Component of plants that has antioxidant properties.

GOOD phytonadione
One form of vitamin K.

BEST phytosphingosine
Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative...
Categories: Preservatives, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring
BEST phytosterol
Cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods; the highest concentrations are found in...
Rating Ingredient
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Soothing
BEST Picea abies extract
Latin name for Norway spruce. Research has shown its bark...
GOOD pineapple extract
Contains the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between dead skin to...
GOOD pinecone extract
Components of this extract, specifically linolenic and linoleic acids, can have antioxidant...
POOR pine oil
It can aggravate skin and should never be used on abraded or chafed skin…
POOR Pinus lambertiana wood extract
Pine extract that may aggravate skin...

GOOD Pinus sylvestris extract

POOR Piper nigrum

GOOD pistachio seed oil
Emollient plant oil with uses similar to peanut oil in cosmetics.

GOOD Pistacia vera seed oil

GOOD Pisum sativum
Latin name for the garden pea. It does have antioxidant activity, but there is no research showing...
GOOD plankton extract

Rating Ingredient
A marine species known as Thalasso plankton and derived from various algae, seaweed, or marine skeletons...
AVERAGE plasticizing agents
Ingredients that place a thin layer of plastic over the skin. Typically these are used in facial...
GOOD plum extract
Extract of Prunus americana that may have antioxidant activity when applied topically (Source:...
BEST plum seed oil
Plum (Prunus domestica) seed oil, also known as plum kernel oil, is non-fragrant oil…
POOR Pogostemon cablin

GOOD poloxamer 184
A synthetic polymer that functions as a cleansing agent.

GOOD Poloxamer 407
Liquid polymer that functions as a surfactant. This ingredient can also keep unlike ingredients...
GOOD poloxamers
GOOD polyacrylamide
GOOD polyacrylate-17
GOOD polyacrylate crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that functions to protect skin's surface, thicken products, and help keep cosmetic...
Categories: Film-Forming Agents, Texture Enhancer
GOOD polyaminopropyl biguanide

Rating Ingredient
Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.

GOOD polybutene
Polymer derived from mineral oil and used as a thickener and lubricant.
GOOD polyethylene
A form of plastic (synthetic polymer) that has numerous functions in cosmetic products. Rounded...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Scrub Agents
GOOD polyethylene glycol
Also listed as PEG on ingredient labels, polyethylene glycol is an ingredient that self-proclaimed...
Categories: Texture Enhancer, Scrub Agents
GOOD polyglucuronic acid

GOOD polyglycerol monostearate

GOOD polyglyceryl-10 laurate
A plant-derived or synthetic ester of lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10.
Categories: Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Skin-Softening
GOOD polyglyceryl 2 triisostearate
A mixture of the fatty acid Isostearic acid and a form of glycerin that functions as a...
GOOD polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
The ester of fatty acids from beeswax and polyglycerin-3 that functions as a surfactant and...
GOOD polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

GOOD polyglyceryl-4 isostearate

Rating Ingredient
The ester of isostearic acid and polyglycerin-4 that functions as an emollient and can also be a...
GOOD polyglyceryl-6 isostearate
The ester of isostearic acid and a form of glycerin. Functions as an emollient and an emulsifier in...
GOOD polyglyceryl methacrylate

BEST polyhydroxy acid
Ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA). They...
GOOD polyhydroxystearic acid
Synthetic polymer related to stearic acid. It functions as a suspending agent.

GOOD polyisobutene
A polymer of the hydrocarbon isobutylene obtained from petroleum oil. It functions as a thickening...
GOOD polymer
A word that literally means “many parts.” Any of numerous compounds having a high molecular weight...
GOOD polymethylsilsesquioxane
A polymer formed from the condensation and hydrolysis of the silicone methyltrimethoxysilane.
GOOD polypropylene glycol
Also known by the acronym PPG, polypropylene glycol is...

GOOD polyquaternium-10
GOOD polyquaterniums
Rating Ingredient
Group of ingredients used primarily in hair-care products for their antistatic and film-forming...
BEST polysaccharide
Natural component of skin that can be a good water-binding agent and potentially have antioxidant...
GOOD polysilicone-11
Specialized, synthetic crosslinked siloxane that functions as a film-forming agent and polymer.
GOOD polysorbate 20
GOOD polysorbate 60
GOOD polysorbate 80
GOOD polysorbates
Large group of ingredients most often derived from lauric acid, which is derived from coconuts....
AVERAGE polyvinyl alcohol
A synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in cosmetics as a gel-based thickener, film-forming, and
binding agent.
GOOD polyvinylpyrrolidone
Usually listed on ingredient labels as PVP or PVP copolymer, it is one of the primary ingredients...
BEST pomegranate extract
Pomegranate and its extracts have antioxidant properties that, while not conclusively demonstrated on human
skin
BEST Poria cocos extract
Also known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and...
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Porphyridium cruentum extract
Extract derived from a type of red algae. There is research showing components of red algae contain...
BEST Portulaca oleracea extract
Extract that may have soothing properties...

GOOD potassium
Important element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus. It is also an earth...
BEST potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate
Blend of vitamins C and E with phosphorus that functions as an antioxidant.

GOOD potassium cetyl phosphate
Used as a detergent cleansing agent.

AVERAGE potassium hydroxide
Also known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to modulate the...
AVERAGE potassium myristate
Detergent cleansing agent that is a constituent of soap; it can be drying and aggravate skin for some...
GOOD potassium phosphate
An inorganic (not composed of plant or animal matter) salt used as a buffering agent and pH...
GOOD potassium sorbate
Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.

Rating Ingredient
GOOD PPG-12/SMDI copolymer
A copolymer that serves as a film-forming agent...

GOOD PPG-12 buteth-16
Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a skin-conditioning...

GOOD PPG-14 butyl ether
Used as a hair- and skin-conditioning agent.

GOOD PPG-20 methyl glucose ether
A synthetic ingredient that funtions as hair- and skin-replenishing agent. The "PPG" designation...
GOOD PPG-26-Buteth-26
PPG stands for polypropylene glycol, and this ingredient combines PPG with a fatty alcohol....
Categories: Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents
GOOD PPG-2-deceth-30
An emulsifying agent partially derived from a fatty alcohol.

GOOD PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate
Mixture of glycols and fatty alcohols used as a skin-conditioning agent and, in some cases, as a...
GOOD PPG-3 benzyl ether myristate
An emollient that has a silicone-like feel and multiple functions in cosmetic products...
GOOD preservatives
Substances used in cosmetics to help defend against contamination of products...

GOOD proline
Rating Ingredient
GOOD propanediol
A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients…

GOOD propolis
Brownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has...
GOOD propylene carbonate
Liquid used as a solvent and film-forming agent.

GOOD propylene glycol
Along with other glycols and glycerol, propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient...
GOOD propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
A gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It is a mix of propylene glycol...

GOOD propylene glycol isostearate
A mixture of propylene glycol and isostearic acid. See both. This ingredient is used as an...
GOOD propylene glycol laurate
The ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid, which is a constituent of many vegetable fats.
GOOD propylene glycol stearate
Mixture of propylene glycol and stearic acid used as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier.
GOOD propylparaben

AVERAGE Prunella vulgaris

Rating Ingredient
GOOD Prunus americana

GOOD Prunus amygdalus dulcis

GOOD Prunus armeniaca

GOOD Prunus domestica seed extract

BEST Prunus domestica seed oil
Non-fragrant plant oil, more commonly known as plum (and, when dried, prune) that is a rich source of several
potent antioxidants.
GOOD Prunus dulcis

BEST Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae

BEST Pueraria lobata

GOOD pullulan
Glucan gum produced by black yeast that contains polysaccharides, which makes it a good...
Categories: Antioxidants, Texture Enhancer
BEST pumpkin
Plant whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and several antioxidant components, including...
BEST pumpkin seed extract
Type of squash that is a very good source of antioxidant cartenoids. Pumpkin seed oil and extract...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Texture Enhancer, Emollients
BEST Punica granatum extract

GOOD purified water

Rating Ingredient
GOOD PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer
Synthetic polymer used as a film-forming and thickening agent.

GOOD PVP
GOOD PVP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate
Polymer formed from PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and the film-forming agent dimethylaminomethacrylate.
GOOD PVP copolymer

GOOD pycnogenol
Antioxidant derived from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree. The term pycnogenol was...
GOOD pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCL)
Scientific name for vitamin B6; may have antioxidant benefits for skin when...
POOR Pyrus cydonia

GOOD Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract
Species of apple; the pectin derived from it is used as a thickener in cosmetics.

Categories: Skin-Restoring, Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
AVERAGE quaternium-15
Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in cosmetics. It can be a skin sensitizer, as can all...

GOOD quaternium-18 hectorite
Used as a suspending agent and also has emulsifying properties.

GOOD quaternium ammonium compounds
A wide range of ingredients, called “quats” for short, that share a unique molecular structure that...
Rating Ingredient
BEST quercetin
A bioflavonoid ingredient from plants. Quercetin occurs naturally in red wine, tea, onions, kale, tomatoes,
berries, and many other fruits and vegetables...
POOR quercus
POOR Quercus infectoria extract

GOOD quillaja extract
Extract of the Chilean soap bark tree. It contains a good amount of saponins, which have cleansing,...
POOR quince seed
Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics, but also has skin-constricting properties...

GOOD quinoa oil
Derived from quinoa grain, it may have disinfectant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food...
BEST rapeseed oil
Nonfragrant oil that has emollient and potential antioxidant properties for skin (Source: British...
GOOD raspberry seed extract

GOOD raspberry seed oil

GOOD red 27 lake

GOOD red 33
GOOD red 6 lake

Rating Ingredient
GOOD red algae

GOOD red clover
Can have antioxidant and soothing properties...

GOOD red raspberry extract
Fruit extract that has potent antioxidant properties...

GOOD reducing agent
Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions as a...

BEST resveratrol
Potent polyphenolic antioxidant that is abundant in red grapes and, therefore, in red wine...
BEST retinol
Retinol, the name for the entire vitamin A molecule, is a skin-restoring ingredient and an antioxidant.
Categories: Antioxidants, Vitamins, Skin-Restoring
BEST retinyl ascorbate
An ester of vitamin A (retinoic acid) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that functions as an antioxidant...
BEST retinyl palmitate
Combination of retinol (pure vitamin A) and the fatty acid palmitic acid. Research has shown...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring, Vitamins
BEST retinyl retinoate
A synthetic, "new generation" retinol with research showing its usefulness for skin...
AVERAGE riboflavin
GOOD rice bran oil

Rating Ingredient
Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any...
GOOD rice oil
Emollient similar to other nonfragrant plant oils. There is no research showing this has any...
GOOD rice starch
Absorbent substance sometimes included in products rather than talc....

GOOD ricinoleate
Glyceryl triester used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

GOOD Ricinus communis

POOR Robinia pseudacacia extract

GOOD Rosa canina

GOOD Rosa centifolia

GOOD Rosa centifolia flower

POOR Rosa damascena oil
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics.

GOOD Rosa eglanteria

POOR Rosa gallica flower extract
Fragrant extract.
Rating Ingredient
GOOD Rosa mosqueta

BEST Rosa roxburghii extract
Extract from the chestnut rose; can be a source of antioxidants for skin, and does not impart...
GOOD Rosa rubiginosa

POOR rose flower
Highly fragrant substance that can be a skin sensitizer.

POOR rose flower oil
Fragrant, volatile oil that can aggravate skin. There is no research showing...
GOOD rose hip

GOOD rose hip oil
Good emollient oil that has antioxidant properties (Sources: Journal of Agricultural Food...
GOOD rosemary extract
Extract that can have antioxidant benefit for skin (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry,...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Antioxidants
POOR rosemary oil
Fragrant plant oil derived from rosemary, Latin name Rosmarinus officinalis. This ingredient is primarily used
as a fragrance in cosmetics...
POOR rose oil
Fragrant, volatile oil that can aggravate skin.

POOR rosewood oil
Fragrant plant oil with a spicy-sweet scent, also known as bois de rose. It is extracted from wood...
Rating Ingredient
POOR Rosmarinus officinalis extract

AVERAGE royal jelly
The myriad claims about royal jelly are anecdotal and have no research to substantiate them.
GOOD Rubus idaeus

BEST Rubus occidentalis

GOOD Rubus ursinus

BEST Rubus ursinus x idaeus

BEST Rubus villoscus
The Latin name for blackberry fruit extract. This plant extract has antioxidant ability...
AVERAGE Ruscus aculeatus

BEST rutin
Bioflavonoid that is extracted from various plants and used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and...
GOOD saccharide isomerate
Good water-binding agent and emollient for skin.

BEST saccharides
AVERAGE Saccharomyces calcium ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of calcium ions. It has no known benefit for skin.
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces, from the Latin, literally means “sugar fungus,” and is the scientific name for the...
AVERAGE Saccharomyces copper ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. There is no known benefit for skin,...
AVERAGE Saccharomyces iron ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of iron ions.

GOOD Saccharomyces lysate

AVERAGE Saccharomyces magnesium ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of magnesium ions.

AVERAGE Saccharomyces manganese ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of manganese ions.

AVERAGE Saccharomyces officinarum ferment
Derived from the sugarcane plant. Glycolic acid is also derived from sugarcane, but sugarcane...
AVERAGE Saccharomyces potassium ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of potassium ions.

GOOD saccharomyces selenium ferment
An ingredient created by the fermentation of the Saccharomyces yeast with the mineral selenium.
AVERAGE Saccharomyces silicon ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of silicon ions.

Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE Saccharomyces zinc ferment
Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of zinc ions.

BEST safflower seed oil
Emollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) plant.

AVERAGE sage extract
Plant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage...
GOOD salicin
BEST salicylic acid
Also called beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this multifunctional ingredient addresses many of the systemic causes of
acne.
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Anti-Acne, Exfoliant
GOOD Salix alba extract

GOOD Salix nigra (willow) bark extract

BEST Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil
Non-fragrant plant oil whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids...
Categories: Emollients, Skin-Replenishing, Skin-Restoring
POOR Salvia officinalis

Categories: Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents
GOOD Sambucus canadensis

GOOD Sambucus cerulea
Blue elderberry. May have antioxidant properties for skin.

GOOD Sambucus nigra

Rating Ingredient
POOR sandalwood oil
Fragrant oil that can cause skin-sensitizing reactions...

AVERAGE Santalum album seed extract
Latin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have...
GOOD Sapindus mukurossi peel extract
A plant extract that is a natural source of saponin...

GOOD Saponaria officinalis extract

GOOD saponin
Group of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential...

GOOD sarcosine
A synthetic amino acid derivative that functions as a skin conditioning...

GOOD Sargassum filipendula extract

POOR sausurrea oil
Also called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin...
AVERAGE Saxifraga sarmentosa extract

POOR sclareolide
Fermented from clary sage and used as a fragrant component in cosmetics.

BEST Sclerocarya birrea
More commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD sclerotium gum
Used as a thickening agent in cosmetics.

GOOD Scutellaria baicalensis extract

POOR SD alcohol
POOR SD alcohol 40-2
Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and sensitizing to skin when one of the main...
GOOD sea buckthorn
Berry extract that grows on a shrub-like tree. Sea buckthorn is believed to have several topical...
GOOD Seamollient
Trade name for an algae extract.

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients
AVERAGE sea salt
Can be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB...
Categories: Scrub Agents, Sensitizing
GOOD seaweed
Group of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatin-like...
Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
BEST sea whip extract
Extract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its soothing properties...
GOOD sebacic acid
Used as a pH adjuster.
BEST selenium
Rating Ingredient
Mineral considered to be a potent antioxidant...

AVERAGE Serenoa serrulata extract

GOOD sericin
Scientific name for silk protein.

GOOD serine
GOOD sesame oil
Emollient oil similar to other nonfragrant plant oils.

GOOD Sesamum indicum

GOOD sesquioleate
Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

BEST shea butter
Shea butter is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics.
AVERAGE Siegesbeckia orientalis
Chinese herb (also known as St. Paul’s wort) for which there is no research showing that it has any...
GOOD silanetriol
GOOD silica
Mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and...
GOOD silica dimethyl silylate

Rating Ingredient
Used as a slip and suspending agent.

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents
GOOD silicate
Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.

GOOD silicone
Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a...
GOOD silk
GOOD silk powder
Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.

Categories: Absorbent, Slip Agents
GOOD silk protein
Protein substance (also called sericin) formed by converting silk, which is the soft, lustrous...
GOOD siloxane
GOOD silt
A sediment obtained from various bodies of water. Silt’s absorbent nature helps it function to...
POOR silver
Metallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can...
AVERAGE silver chloride
An inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics.

BEST silver tip white tea leaf extract

Rating Ingredient
BEST Silybum marianum extract

GOOD simethicone
Mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent.
BEST Simmondsia chinensis

Categories: Plant Extracts, Emollients, Skin-Replenishing
BEST skin-replenishing ingredients
These are skincare ingredients that help enrich skin’s surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and
keeping it there.
BEST skin-restoring ingredients
Skincare ingredients that nourish skin’s surface in a way that helps transform it on many levels...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring
GOOD skullcap extract
Herbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant soothing properties...
GOOD slip agent
Term used to describe a range of ingredients that help other ingredients spread over the skin and...
Categories: Slip Agents
GOOD slippery elm bark
Can be a skin-soothing ingredient.

POOR soap
True “soaps” are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list...
GOOD soapberry extract
Extract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins.
GOOD soapwort
Rating Ingredient
Plant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties.

GOOD sodium acetate
The sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts.
GOOD sodium acrylate/acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer
Synthetic polymer used as a stabilizing and suspending agent and as a thickening agent.
BEST sodium ascorbate

BEST sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant...

GOOD sodium benzoate
Salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.

AVERAGE sodium bisulfite
Used in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline...
POOR sodium borate

POOR sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate
Can be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially...
GOOD sodium carbomer
A blend of sodium (salt) and carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent.
POOR sodium carbonate

Rating Ingredient
Absorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer.

Categories: Absorbent, Sensitizing
GOOD sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan
A carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions as a binding agent and texture...
GOOD sodium cetearyl sulfate
A mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant.

GOOD sodium chloride
More popularly known as common table salt. Used primarily as a binding agent in skincare products...
BEST sodium chondroitin sulfate
Derived from natural mucopolysaccharides, it functions as a skin-softening agent and helps...

GOOD sodium citrate
Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and...
Categories: Antioxidants, Preservatives
GOOD sodium cocoamphoacetate
A gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and...
POOR sodium cocoate
Used as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin.
GOOD sodium cocoyl amino acids
The salt form of amino acids...

GOOD sodium cocoyl glutamate
A cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD sodium cocoyl isethionate
Derived from coconut, it is a mild detergent cleansing agent.

GOOD sodium dehydroacetate
Organic salt used as a preservative.

GOOD sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine
A plant-derived ingredient that helps replenish skin and hair...

Categories: Emulsifiers, Skin-Replenishing
GOOD sodium hexametaphosphate
Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Preservatives, Cleansing Agents
BEST sodium hyaluronate
The salt form of skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid.

Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Antioxidants, Skin-Restoring
BEST sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
A modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure

Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Film-Forming Agents, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
AVERAGE sodium hydroxide
Also known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to...
GOOD sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Derived from amino acids and used as a skin- and hair-softening agent, and to a lesser extent as...
Categories: Preservatives, Hydration
GOOD sodium lactate
Sodium salt of lactic acid. Used primarily as a hydrating and buffering agent (to adjust a...
AVERAGE sodium lactobionate
White, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD sodium laureth-13 carboxylate
Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent.

GOOD sodium laureth sulfate
Can be derived from coconut; it is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. It is considered...
GOOD sodium lauroamphoacetate
Mild surfactant also used as a lather agent.

GOOD sodium lauroyl lactylate
Used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it...
GOOD sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
Surfactant known (and used) for its foam-boosting properties.

GOOD sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate
A gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically.
POOR sodium lauryl sulfate
Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant...

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Sensitizing
AVERAGE sodium metabisulfite
Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in...
Categories: Antioxidants, Preservatives, Sensitizing
GOOD sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
Mild surfactant.
Rating Ingredient
GOOD sodium methyl taurate
Mild surfactant often combined with...

GOOD sodium myreth sulfate
Detergent cleansing agent similar to sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate...
POOR sodium palmate
A soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or...
POOR sodium palm kernelate

BEST sodium PCA
PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a natural component of skin that is also a very good...
GOOD sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate
A mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters from polyethylene glycol...
GOOD sodium phytate
The salt form of the corn-derived plant component phytic acid, used as a chelating agent in...
GOOD sodium polyacrylate
A synthetic polymer with multiple functions, including film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent,...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Emollients, Absorbent
AVERAGE sodium salicylate
Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). Because it is not the acid form of salicylate (i.e., salicylic...
POOR sodium silicate
Highly alkaline and potentially sensitizing mineral used in cosmetics...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD sodium stearoyl lactylate
A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient...

Categories: Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer
AVERAGE sodium sulfite
Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic...
POOR sodium tallowate
Sodium salt of tallow.

Categories: Miscellaneous, Cleansing Agents
POOR sodium thioglycolate
A synthetic ingredinet that functions as a reducing agent in cosmetics, most typically hair-removal lotions...
GOOD sodium trideceth sulfate

AVERAGE Solanum lycopersicum extract

GOOD Solanum tuberosum extract
Extract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in
cosmetics.
GOOD solvent
Describes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down...
GOOD Sonojell
Trade name for petrolatum.

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Emollients
BEST soothing agent
Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of sensitivity in skin...

GOOD sorbic acid

Rating Ingredient
Preservative derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Sorbic acid is used...
GOOD sorbitan oleate
Synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent.

GOOD sorbitan sesquioleate

GOOD sorbitan stearate
Used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.

GOOD sorbitol
Can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. Similar to glycerin, it is a...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Hydration, Slip Agents
BEST soy extract
Potent antioxidant and soothing agent for skin...

BEST soy isoflavones

BEST soy oil
Emollient oil similar to all nonfragrant plant oils.

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants, Plant Extracts, Emollients
POOR spearmint oil
Fragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

BEST SPF
BEST sphingolipids
Sphingolipids are complex lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients...
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Skin-Replenishing
Rating Ingredient
BEST Spiraea ulmaria

GOOD spirulina
Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Emollients
BEST squalane
Categories: Hydration, Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
BEST squalene
Oil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives). It is a natural component...
GOOD St. John's wort
Contains several components that are harmful to skin in the presence of sunlight (Sources: Planta...
POOR star anise

GOOD steapyrium chloride
Antistatic agent used in hair-care products.

GOOD stearalkonium chloride
Antistatic ingredient used in hair-care products to control flyaways and aid in helping a brush or...
GOOD stearalkonium hectorite
Used as a suspending agent.

GOOD stearates
GOOD steareth-20
Derived from the benign fatty ingredient stearyl alcohol, this functions primarily as a surfactant...
GOOD stearic acid

Rating Ingredient
Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier...

GOOD stearyl alcohol
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation.
GOOD stearyl dimethicone
Stearyl dimethicone is a synthetic skin-conditioning agent that's a siloxane polymer...

BEST stearyl glycyrrhetinate
The fatty acid form of the skin soothing glycyrrhetinic acid, which is derived from licorice.
GOOD stearyl methicone
Silicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent.

Categories: Silicones, Emollients, Slip Agents
GOOD stearyl stearate
A plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols.
POOR styrax benzoin

GOOD styrene/acrylates copolymer
Synthetic polymer.
GOOD sucrose
Monosaccharide that has hydrating properties for skin.

Categories: Skin-Replenishing, Hydration
AVERAGE sugarcane extract
Ingredients like sugarcane extract, fruit extracts, mixed fruit extracts, and milk solids may claim...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD sulfates
Sulfates are a group of ingredients that have many consumers worried but in truth, misinformation, not sulfates,
are the actual problem...
POOR sulfur
Disinfectant agent that can be a potent skin sensitizer...

BEST sunflower seed oil
Non-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.

BEST sun protection factor
Most commonly seen as SPF, it is a number that is assigned to a product that identifies its ability...
BEST superoxide dismutase
Enzyme considered to be an antioxidant...

GOOD surfactant
Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and...
GOOD sweet almond
Most often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an...
GOOD sweet almond oil
Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil.

POOR Symphytum officinale extract

GOOD synthetic beeswax
An artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters...

Rating Ingredient
GOOD synthetic wax
A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent.
Categories: Miscellaneous, Texture Enhancer
POOR Szechuan peppercorn
From a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black...
GOOD talc
Naturally occurring silicate mineral (any group of substances containing negative ions composed of...
POOR tallow
Substance extracted from the fatty deposits of animals, especially from suet (the fat of cattle and...
GOOD tamanu oil
From a tree native to Polynesia. It is reputed to have wondrous skin-restoring properties, as well…
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Hydration, Plant Extracts
AVERAGE Tanacetum parthenium

POOR tangerine oil
Fragrant, volatile citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizer…

BEST tannic acid
Polyphenol that's considered a very good antioxidant…

GOOD tapioca starch
A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of Manihot...
Categories: Thickeners, Texture Enhancer
GOOD tartaric acid
A naturally-occurring crystalline organic acid found in many plants, including grapes and tamarinds. It is one...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD TEA
POOR TEA-lauryl sulfate
While there is abundant research showing sodium lauryl sulfate is a sensitizing cleansing agent,...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Sensitizing, Cleansing Agents
AVERAGE tea tree oil
Also known as Melaleuca, from the name of its native Australian plant source, Melaleuca alternifolia.
BEST terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid

GOOD tetradibutyl pentaerithrityl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

BEST tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Stable form of vitamin C that is considered an analogue of L-ascorbic acid. Unlike pure vitamin C...
BEST tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin
Antioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract.

BEST tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
A synthetic antioxidant derived from curcumin.

BEST tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin
BEST tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
A synthetic antioxidant that provides the effects of the antioxidant curcumin but...
BEST tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane

Rating Ingredient
BEST tetrahydromethoxycurcumin

GOOD tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine

GOOD tetrasodium EDTA
Chelating agent used to prevent minerals present in formulations from bonding to other ingredients.
GOOD tetrasodium etidronate
Used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to prevent varying mineral components from binding together...
BEST Theobroma cacao seed butter

GOOD thiamine HCL
Vitamin B1. There is no research showing this to be effective when applied topically on skin.
GOOD thickening agent
Substances that can have a soft to hard waxlike texture or a creamy, emollient feel, and that can...
BEST thioctic acid
Technical name for the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid. Unlike many antioxidants that are either...
AVERAGE thiodipropionic acid
Acid-based synthetic antioxidant. There is no research pertaining to its benefit for skin, but in...
GOOD thiotaurine
Amino acid. Potentially, it can have antioxidant properties for skin...

GOOD threonine
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE thyme extract
Extract derived from the leaf or flower of the thyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant...
POOR thyme oil
The most concentrated part of the thyme plant, and a source of antioxidants, some of which...
AVERAGE thymus hydrolysate
Form of animal thymus derived by acid, enzyme, or other methods of hydrolysis. It can have...
POOR Thymus serpillum extract
Extract of wild thyme.

AVERAGE Thymus vulgaris

POOR Thymus vulgaris oil
Thymus vulgaris oil is more commonly known as thyme oil.

BEST Tilia cordata

BEST titanium dioxide
Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in...
Categories: Sunscreen Actives, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
BEST tocopherol
BEST tocopherol acetate

BEST tocopheryl acetate

BEST tocopheryl lineolate

Rating Ingredient
BEST tocotrienols
Potent forms of vitamins E that are considered stable and powerful antioxidants. These forms of...
AVERAGE tomato extract
Extract that has weak antioxidant properties...

POOR tormentil extract
Plant that can be irritating due to its tannin content, which causes skin constriction.
GOOD tragacanth
Natural gum used as a thickener in cosmetics.

BEST tranexamic acid
A synthetic amino acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and astringent.

GOOD trehalose
Plant sugar that has hydrating properties for skin.

BEST tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract

GOOD tribehenin
Also known as glyceryl tribehenate, a skin-conditioning agent that is a mixture of glycerin and...
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Skin-Replenishing, Emollients
GOOD tribehenin PEG-20 esters
A complex mixture of tribehenin and PEG-20, this ingredient has multiple functions in cosmetic...
Categories: Emulsifiers, Cleansing Agents, Emollients
GOOD tricaprylin
Mixture of glycerin and caprylic acid. Has emollient properties and is used as a skin-softening...
Rating Ingredient
GOOD tridecyl salicylate
Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). When it is no longer an acid (as in this case), salicylic acid...
GOOD tridecyl stearate
Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

GOOD tridecyl trimellitate
Used as a skin-conditioning agent and thickening agent.

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Hydration, Skin-Softening
GOOD triethanolamine
Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer. Like all amines, it has the potential for creating...
Categories: Miscellaneous, Emulsifiers
GOOD triethoxycaprylylsilane
Silicone that functions as a binding agent and emulsifier.

GOOD triethoxycaprylylsilane crosspolymer
A silicone polymer used to enhance a product's texture.

Categories: Silicones, Film-Forming/Holding Agents
GOOD triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone
A silicone polymer that has multiple functions in cosmetic products, including skin-conditioning...
GOOD Trifolium pratense

GOOD triglyceride

AVERAGE trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract
Latin name for the fenugreek plant. The seeds are used most often, and their fiber content helps...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
Rating Ingredient
GOOD trihydroxystearin
Mixture of glycerin and fatty acids that is used as an emollient and thickening agent.
GOOD triisocetyl citrate
A trimester of the fatty alcohol isocetyl alcohol and citric acid. It is used as on occlusive agent.
GOOD trilaurin
Group of ingredients that are triesters of glycerin and aliphatic acids, and known generically as...
GOOD trimethylsiloxysilicate
Used as a skin-softening and occlusive agent.

Categories: Silicones, Slip Agents, Skin-Softening, Emollients
GOOD trioclanolin
Derived from lanolin and used as a texture enhancer, most commonly in powder-based products such as...
GOOD trioctanoin

GOOD trioctyldodecyl citrate
Mixture of octyldodecanol and citric acid used as a skin-softening agent and emollient.
GOOD tripeptide-32
A synthetic peptide with the "tri" (meaning three) designation referring to this peptide's mix of the amino acids
proline, serine, and threonine.
GOOD Tripleurospermum maritimum extract
Also known as false mayweed or sea mayweed, this plant extract encompasses the entire plant. Raw material...
GOOD trisodium EDTA

Rating Ingredient
Similar to tetrasodium EDTA. Used as a water-softening and chelating agent (a compound that binds...
GOOD Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract
Extract from the germ portion of the wheat plant. In cosmetics, this ingredient functions as a...
GOOD Triticum vulgare oil

Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Softening, Emollients
BEST troxerutin
A flavonoid ingredient that's extracted from the Japanese plant Sophora japonica.
GOOD tryptophan
GOOD turmeric
Spice made from the dried, ground root of a plant; its extract is called curcumin. A natural yellow...
BEST ubiquinone
it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance.

GOOD Ulmus fulva bark extract

GOOD ultramarines
Inorganic pigments (of various colors) permanently listed by the FDA for external use only,...
GOOD Ulva lactuca extract
Extract from the plant known as sea lettuce, it has some soothing and antioxidant...
AVERAGE Uncaria tomentosa extract
Also known as cat’s claw, there is some research showing it to be an effective soothing...
Categories: Plant Extracts, Skin-Soothing
Rating Ingredient
GOOD Undaria pinnatifida
Form of brown algae.

Categories: Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Plant Extracts, Hydration
GOOD urea
Component of urine, although synthetic versions are used in cosmetics. In small amounts urea has...
Categories: Exfoliant, Hydration, Skin-Replenishing
AVERAGE Urtica dioica

POOR UVA
Ultraviolet A radiation. The sun produces a range of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, of which UVA and...
BEST Uva ursi extract

POOR UVB
Ultra-violet B radiation.
GOOD VA/crotonates copolymer

BEST Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract
Latin term for cranberry.

GOOD Vaccinium myrtillus

GOOD valine
GOOD Vanilla planifolia fruit extract
Extract used primarily as a fragrance and flavoring agent. The vanilla plant is a source of...
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts
POOR verbena extract

Rating Ingredient
Fragrant extract that can be a skin sensitizer...

POOR vetiver oil or extract
Fragrant component in skincare products that also has some beneficial properties...
GOOD vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer
Blend of silicone polymers that functions as a thickening agent and texture enhancer.
Categories: Thickeners, Silicones, Texture Enhancer
AVERAGE Viola tricolor extract

BEST vitamin A
GOOD vitamin B1
GOOD vitamin B12
Overall there is limited research showing vitamin B12 has any benefit when applied topically on skin
AVERAGE vitamin B2
There is no research showing this has any benefit when applied topically to skin. However, there is...
Categories: Sensitizing, Vitamins
BEST vitamin B3
Categories: Skin-Restoring, Vitamins, Hydration
GOOD vitamin B5

AVERAGE vitamin B6
There is no research showing it to have benefit for skin.

BEST vitamin C
Rating Ingredient
Vitamin C is a top rated skin care ingredient to help maintain healthy-looking and radiant skin...
GOOD vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin (technically, it's a hormone) that may have antioxidant, soothing, and...
BEST vitamin E
One of the most well-known and researched antioxidants for the body and for skin. Vitamin E occurs...
BEST vitamin F
Name sometimes used to represent essential fatty acids of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These...
Categories: Antioxidants, Skin-Replenishing, Vitamins, Emollients, Skin-Restoring, Hydration
GOOD vitamin H
GOOD vitamin K
Technically known as phytonadione, vitamin K is a fat-soluble....

BEST Vitis vinifera
Latin name for the vines that produce wine grapes. More commonly known as grape seed oil or grape...
POOR volatile oil
Group of volatile fluids derived primarily from plants and used in cosmetics primarily as fragrant...
GOOD VP/eicosene copolymer
A film-forming agent often used in water-resistant sunscreen products. It helps the sunscreen...
GOOD VP/hexadecene copolymer
Synthetic polymer.
Categories: Film-Forming/Holding Agents, Texture Enhancer
Rating Ingredient
AVERAGE walnut extract
Extract that can have antioxidant properties...

GOOD walnut oil
Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil...

AVERAGE walnut shell powder
Abrasive used in scrub products; not preferred to polyethylene beads.

GOOD water
The most widely used cosmetic ingredient; water is almost always listed first on an ingredient...
AVERAGE watercress extract
Research indicates that watercress extracts can have antioxidant activity, but that information is limited...
BEST watermelon fruit extract
Extract from the fruit Citrullus lantus, commonly known as watermelon...

GOOD wheat amino acids
A blend of amino acids from wheat protein after it has been broken down via hydrolysis. Most often...
GOOD wheat germ glycerides
Used as emollient and texture enhancer in cosmetics.

Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients, Texture Enhancer
GOOD wheat germ oil
Emollient plant oil similar to all non-fragrant plant oils.

GOOD wheat protein

Rating Ingredient
GOOD whey protein
A form of protein derived from milk. An animal-derived ingredient, whey protein functions as a hair...
Categories: Miscellaneous, Skin-Softening
AVERAGE white nettle
Contains components that can have both soothing and sensitizing properties...
POOR white oak bark extract

BEST white tea leaf extract
Extract from the minimally processed buds and leaves of green tea. There is research showing that...
GOOD white willow

POOR wild ginger

GOOD willow bark
Contains salicin, a substance that when taken orally is converted by the digestive process to...
BEST willow herb

POOR wintergreen oil
A type of mint often used to ease the discomfort of sore muscles...

POOR witch hazel
Commonly used plant extract that can have antioxidant properties...

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Sensitizing
GOOD xanthan gum
Used as a thickening agent.

Rating Ingredient
BEST xanthophyll
Also known as lutein, this is a cartenoid pigment from plants that functions as an antioxidant.
GOOD Ximenia americana oil
Latin name for plum oil; it can have emollient properties.

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Emollients
POOR Xi xin
GOOD xylitol
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Texture Enhancer, Slip Agents
GOOD xylose
Form of sugar. Similar to other sugars, xylose has hydrating properties for skin.
GOOD xymenynic acid
Synthetic fatty acid that functions as a skin-softening agent.

Categories: Miscellaneous, Skin-Softening
POOR yarrow extract
Extract for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin. What studies do...
GOOD yeast
Group of fungi that ferment sugars. Yeast is a source of beta-glucan, which is a good antioxidant....
GOOD yeast extract

GOOD yellow 5
GOOD yellow 6 lake

BEST yerba mate extract

Rating Ingredient
Plant ingredient used in the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage in South America. It has...
POOR ylang ylang
Fragrant, volatile oil that can also be a skin sensitizer…

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
AVERAGE yogurt
There is no research showing that yogurt is effective when applied topically on skin. Yogurt...
AVERAGE yucca extract
Plant extract that can have soothing benefits...

Categories: Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts, Sensitizing, Antioxidants
AVERAGE Yucca schidigera

POOR Zanthoxylum piperitum

BEST zinc
There is growing evidence that zinc can be a significant soothing agent and antioxidant. It also can...
POOR zinc carbonate

Categories: Miscellaneous, Sensitizing
BEST zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in
cosmetics.
Categories: Skin-Soothing, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Antioxidants, Thickeners/Emulsifiers
BEST zinc PCA
A synthetic skin-softening ingredient derived from zinc, research has shown it to have anti-aging benefits due
to...
GOOD zinc stearate
The zinc salt of stearic acid. It has multiple functions in cosmetics, including serving as the...
Rating Ingredient
Categories: Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Coloring Agents/Pigments, Slip Agents, Texture Enhancer
POOR zinc sulfate
Chemical compound resulting from the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. There is little...
POOR Zingiberaceae
POOR Zingiber officinale roscoe

POOR Zingiber zerumbet

GOOD Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract


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A Z Cosmetics

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Rating Ingredient

A preservative belonging to a class of agents known as higher molecular glycols.

GOOD 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid

A synthetic ingredient that functions as a skin-conditioning and occlusive agent.

A synthetic fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and soothing agent...

POOR Acacia farnesiana extract

GOOD acacia senegal gum

GOOD acerola fruit extract

POOR acetic acid

Strong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.

GOOD acetylated castor oil

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

Categories: Texture Enhancer, Emollients

GOOD acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

GOOD acetylated lanolin

Emollient derived from lanolin.

GOOD acetylated lanolin alcohol

GOOD acetylated palm kernel glycerides

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

BEST acetyl carnitine HCL

BEST acetyl glucosamine

GOOD acetyl glyceryl ricinoleate

Used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.

GOOD acetyl hexapeptide-8

GOOD acetyl octapeptide-3

AVERAGE acetyl tributyl citrate

GOOD acetyl tyrosine

POOR Achillea millefolium

POOR acne soap

GOOD acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

GOOD acrylates/dimethicone copolymer

GOOD acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer

GOOD acrylates copolymer

AVERAGE Actaea racemosa

Yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.

BEST adenosine triphosphate

GOOD adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer

POOR advanced glycation endproduct

POOR Aerocarpus santalinus

GOOD Aesculus hippocastanum

AVERAGE Agrimonia eupatoria leaf extract

Research shows this plant extract has antioxidant properties....

GOOD Ahnfeltia concinna extract

GOOD ahnfeltia extract

GOOD Alaria esculenta

BEST Aleurites moluccana seed oil

BEST alfalfa extract

Can be an antioxidant in skincare products…

GOOD algae extract

GOOD aliphatic hydrocarbon

GOOD allyl methacrylates crosspolymer

A synthetic, non-aqueous polymer whose chief function is film-forming agent.

BEST almond oil

GOOD Aloe barbadensis

GOOD aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract

GOOD aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

GOOD aloe extract

GOOD aloe juice

GOOD aloe vera

BEST alpha bisabolol

BEST alpha glucan oligosaccharide

Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties.