Your Cosmetic Ingredients Encyclopedia

Explore, and understand the building blocks of cosmetic formulation. From emollients to preservatives, find the information you need in one place.

How to Explore This Database

When it comes to creating effective skincare products, understanding cosmetic ingredients is crucial. While it may seem overwhelming at first, researching their functionality and how they are used can help you make informed decisions.

Non-Ionic Emulsifiers- O/W

Olivem 1000 is a Natural Emulsifier made from a combination of a rich blend of fatty acids that closely resembles the natural oils found on your skin. It deeply hydrates while spreading smoothly and evenly.

Read More

Montanov 202 is a plant-based emulsifier that’s free from palm oil. It helps create smooth, lightweight creams that deeply hydrate and leave your skin feeling soft and well cared for.

Read More

Montanov 68 is a natural emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams with a light, luxurious feel. It works in harmony with your skin by mimicking its natural oils, boosting hydration and helping active ingredients absorb more effectively.

Read More

Polyaquol 2W is a plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable creams with a silky, skin-like feel. It supports your skin’s natural barrier, improves how well ingredients are absorbed, and helps maintain a healthy balance of your skin’s natural microbiome.

Read More

Emulsifying Wax NF isn’t fully natural, but it’s made from plant-based ingredients. It’s easy to work with, helps create stable creams and lotions, and adds a soft, silky feel to both skin and hair.

Read More

Sucrose Stearate MB is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps creams feel smooth and comfortable on the skin. It boosts hydration, keeps formulas stable, and is made from renewable sources—plus, it’s completely PEG-free.

Read More

Active Ingredients

A powerful anti-aging ingredient that deeply hydrates while delivering triple firming benefits — helping tighten collagen fibers, protect the skin’s structural support, and fight free radicals.

Read More

An anti-aging and firming ingredient that boosts collagen production to improve skin elasticity and firmness, helping to reshape and define the facial contours.

Read More

Matrixyl 3000 combines two powerful peptides, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, to work together in restoring and preserving a youthful glow. By boosting collagen production, it helps smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture, with countless studies backing its impressive anti-aging benefits.

Read More

Anti-aging, transforms tired, dull, aging skin into a glowing and youthful complexion.

Read More

Humectants

Glycerin is a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated, soft, and smooth. It’s gentle, suitable for all skin types, and enhances the performance of other ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

Read More

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, helping to keep it plump, smooth, and hydrated. It supports a healthy skin barrier and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Read More

Urea is a multi-functional skincare ingredient that helps to deeply hydrate the skin while gently exfoliating dead cells. It improves skin smoothness, supports barrier function, and is often found in advanced and dermatologist-recommended formulations for dry or rough skin.

Read More

Sorbitol is a plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth. It also adds a pleasant texture to formulations, making it a popular choice in gentle and moisturizing skincare products.

Read More

Propanediol is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated while also enhancing the absorption and performance of other ingredients in cosmetic formulas.

Read More

Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring humectant known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to maintain optimal skin hydration. Commonly used in high-end and luxury skincare formulations, it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and well-balanced.

Read More

Propylene Glycol is a versatile humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. It also enhances the absorption of other ingredients, making it a common choice in both everyday and professional skincare formulations.

Read More

Butylene Glycol is a lightweight humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It also improves the texture and spreadability of products, making it a common ingredient in modern, effective skincare formulations.

Read More

Oils & Butters

Ashwagandha Oil is a powerful botanical ingredient prized for its antioxidant and calming properties. It helps soothe stressed skin, improve elasticity, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion, making it ideal for nourishing and restorative skincare products.

Read More

Daikon Radish Seed Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it helps protect the skin from environmental stress while promoting a smooth, balanced complexion. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for sensitive and dry skin formulations.

Read More

Grapeseed Oil is a light, fast-absorbing oil rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It helps moisturize and tone the skin while protecting against environmental damage. Known for its non-greasy feel, it’s perfect for all skin types and supports a smooth, radiant complexion.

Read More

Shea Butter is a deeply moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that helps soothe dry, irritated skin. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it supports skin elasticity and creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Widely used in skincare, it leaves skin soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.

Read More

Jojoba Oil is a lightweight, nourishing oil that closely mimics the skin’s natural oils. It helps moisturize without feeling greasy, balances oil production, and leaves skin soft and smooth, making it a versatile favorite in skincare and haircare products. Read More
Hazelnut Oil is a lightweight, nourishing oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it supports skin elasticity and leaves a smooth, velvety finish. It’s ideal for balancing oily and combination skin types while promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. Read More
Mango Butter is a rich, nourishing butter that deeply moisturizes and softens the skin. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it helps improve skin elasticity and protects against dryness. Its creamy texture makes it a popular choice in soothing and hydrating skincare products. Read More
Apricot Seed Oil is a lightweight, nourishing oil rich in vitamins A and E. It helps moisturize and soften the skin while promoting a healthy, radiant glow. Gentle and easily absorbed, it’s ideal for sensitive and dry skin formulations. Read More

Want Deeper Ingredient Knowledge?

Our courses go beyond the basics — learn how to combine these ingredients into safe, effective, and market-ready formulations.