Ingredient dictionary
One page per INCI name: what it is, what it does, and which of the six checks it changes. 7,748 ingredients from the products in our database, most common first.
- AquaWater. The base of almost every cream, lotion, cleanser and toner.11,175 products
- ParfumThe perfume blend. One word on the label can stand for dozens of scent molecules.✕ Fragrance-free8,769 products
- GlycerinA humectant that draws water into the upper skin and keeps products from drying out.8,173 products
- Citric AcidA fruit acid used in small amounts to adjust the pH of a product.5,591 products
- LimoneneA citrus-scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare when it is present above a small threshold.✕ Fragrance-free4,543 products
- Sodium BenzoateA mild preservative, often paired with Potassium Sorbate in products that skip parabens.4,504 products
- LinaloolA floral, lavender-like fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare.✕ Fragrance-free4,411 products
- Sodium ChlorideTable salt, used to thicken shampoos and shower gels.3,914 products
- PhenoxyethanolThe most common preservative in products that avoid parabens.3,370 products
- Sodium HydroxideLye, used in tiny amounts to neutralise acids and set the pH.3,087 products
- Cocamidopropyl BetaineA gentle foaming cleanser made from coconut oil, often paired with sulfates to soften them.2,885 products
- TocopherolVitamin E, added to protect oils in the formula from going rancid and as an antioxidant for the skin.2,636 products
- Benzyl AlcoholA preservative and solvent that is also a mild scent component.2,516 products
- Sodium Laureth SulfateThe most common sulfate cleanser in shampoos and shower gels.✕ Sulfate-free2,395 products
- Propylene GlycolA humectant and solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and keeps products from drying out.2,324 products
- Potassium SorbateA mild preservative against mould and yeast, common in paraben-free products.2,291 products
- CitronellolA rose-and-citronella scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare.✕ Fragrance-free2,246 products
- Xanthan GumA plant-derived thickener made by fermentation.2,236 products
- GeraniolA rose-scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare.✕ Fragrance-free1,990 products
- DimethiconeA silicone that smooths the skin surface and gives creams a silky feel.✕ Silicone-free1,989 products
- Hexyl CinnamalA jasmine-like fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare.✕ Fragrance-free1,976 products
- Cetearyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol that thickens creams and makes them feel rich. It is a wax, not a drying alcohol.1,958 products
- Disodium EDTAA chelating agent that grabs metal ions so they cannot spoil the product or dull the foam.1,861 products
- PanthenolProvitamin B5, a soothing humectant used in skin and hair care.1,783 products
- Tocopheryl AcetateA stable form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant in creams and sunscreens.1,777 products
- Caprylyl GlycolA skin-conditioning agent that also helps preserve the product.1,587 products
- EthylhexylglycerinA skin-conditioning agent that boosts the preservative, usually paired with Phenoxyethanol.1,438 products
- Benzyl SalicylateA faintly floral fragrance ingredient and UV absorber that EU labels must declare as an allergen.✕ Fragrance-free1,408 products
- CoumarinA sweet, hay-like fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare.✕ Fragrance-free1,382 products
- CI 77891A white mineral pigment and sunscreen filter.1,338 products
- Alcohol DenatDenatured ethanol, the drying alcohol that fragrance-free and alcohol-free shoppers look for.✕ Alcohol-free1,292 products
- Glyceryl StearateAn emulsifier that holds the oil and water parts of a cream together.1,290 products
- CarbomerA synthetic gelling agent that gives serums and gels their texture.1,264 products
- CitralA lemon-scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare by name.✕ Fragrance-free1,241 products
- CI 19140Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow dye identified by its colour index number.1,231 products
- Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA light emollient oil made from coconut or palm fatty acids and glycerin.1,214 products
- Cetyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol that thickens and softens. It is a wax, not a drying alcohol.1,164 products
- CI 42090Brilliant Blue FCF, a synthetic blue dye identified by its colour index number.1,148 products
- Tetrasodium EDTAA chelating agent that binds metal traces so a product stays clear and stable.1,108 products
- Alpha-isomethyl IononeA violet-scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare by name.✕ Fragrance-free1,071 products
- Stearic AcidA fatty acid that thickens creams and helps them hold together.1,036 products
- SorbitolA sugar alcohol used as a humectant and as a sweetener and texture agent in toothpaste.1,021 products
- SilicaA mineral powder that absorbs oil, adds a matte finish and thickens.985 products
- Lactic AcidAn alpha hydroxy acid used to adjust pH and as a humectant and exfoliating acid.983 products
- Butylene GlycolA small glycol that dissolves plant extracts and keeps products moist and easy to spread.979 products
- AromaA flavouring blend, the oral care and lip product cousin of Parfum.977 products
- Hydrated SilicaA soft mineral abrasive that gives toothpaste its polishing action.952 products
- Sodium Lauryl SulfateA strong sulfate cleanser and foaming agent.✕ Sulfate-free947 products
- BHTA synthetic antioxidant that keeps oils and fragrance in a product from going rancid.943 products
- Glycol DistearateThe pearlising wax that makes shampoos and body washes look creamy and opalescent.933 products
- Sodium SaccharinA synthetic sweetener that takes the bitterness out of toothpaste.903 products
- Coco-glucosideA mild foaming cleanser made from coconut fatty alcohol and glucose.889 products
- Butyrospermum Parkii ButterShea butter, a rich plant butter from the nuts of the shea tree.810 products
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceThe juice of the aloe vera leaf, used as a skin conditioning agent.785 products
- Cellulose GumA plant-derived thickener, better known as carboxymethylcellulose.783 products
- Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideA conditioning polymer from guar beans that makes hair easier to comb.773 products
- Sodium HyaluronateThe salt form of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that holds many times its weight in water.745 products
- Helianthus Annuus Seed OilSunflower seed oil, a light plant oil used as an emollient.737 products
- PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA solubiliser that lets fragrance and oils dissolve in a water-based product.731 products
- Sodium FluorideThe fluoride source in most toothpaste.717 products
- MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative that EU rules restrict to rinse-off products.712 products
- Sodium CitrateThe sodium salt of citric acid, used to set pH and bind metal traces.711 products
- Benzoic AcidA preservative found in nature that stops mould and yeast in acidic products.689 products
- CI 77491Red iron oxide, a mineral pigment identified by its colour index number.687 products
- Glyceryl OleateAn emulsifier and emollient made from glycerin and oleic acid.685 products
- IsobutaneA propellant gas that pushes aerosol deodorants, hair sprays and mousses out of the can.662 products
- AlcoholEthanol, the drying alcohol that the alcohol-free check is about.✕ Alcohol-free659 products
- ButaneA propellant gas used in aerosol deodorants, hair sprays and shaving foams.655 products
- PropaneA propellant gas used with butane and isobutane in aerosols.653 products
- NiacinamideVitamin B3, a widely used skin-conditioning ingredient.645 products
- AllantoinA skin conditioning agent found in comfrey root and made synthetically for cosmetics.641 products
- CI 17200Red 33, a synthetic red dye identified by its colour index number.610 products
- EugenolA clove-scented fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare by name.✕ Fragrance-free609 products
- MicaA mineral that gives makeup and highlighters their shimmer.608 products
- Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance solvent and declared allergen with a faint balsamic scent.✕ Fragrance-free605 products
- CI 77499Black iron oxide, a mineral pigment identified by its colour index number.586 products
- C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA light, dry-feeling emollient that helps sunscreen filters spread.585 products
- MethylchloroisothiazolinoneA preservative used with methylisothiazolinone in rinse-off products.585 products
- TriethanolamineAn alkaline pH adjuster used to neutralise gel thickeners and acids.579 products
- MentholThe cooling molecule from mint, used for its taste and fresh feel.578 products
- PropanediolA corn-derived glycol used as a solvent and humectant; not a drying alcohol.578 products
- Stearyl AlcoholA waxy fatty alcohol that thickens creams; it is not a drying alcohol.578 products
- Polyquaternium-7A conditioning polymer that leaves hair and skin feeling smooth after rinsing.571 products
- Salicylic AcidA beta hydroxy acid used to exfoliate and clear pores.567 products
- Palmitic AcidA fatty acid used to thicken and emulsify creams and soaps.557 products
- Polysorbate 20A solubiliser that keeps fragrance and small amounts of oil dissolved in water.553 products
- Butylphenyl MethylpropionalLilial, a fragrance allergen that the EU banned from cosmetics in 2022.✕ Fragrance-free548 products
- HydroxycitronellalA lily of the valley fragrance allergen that EU labels must declare by name.✕ Fragrance-free547 products
- Isopropyl AlcoholRubbing alcohol, a drying alcohol used as a solvent and antimicrobial.✕ Alcohol-free545 products
- OctyldodecanolA branched fatty alcohol used as a light, non-greasy emollient.545 products
- MethylparabenA paraben preservative, the most widely used member of the family.✕ Paraben-free540 products
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA gel thickener that also holds oils in suspension.534 products
- CyclopentasiloxaneA light, fast-evaporating silicone that gives serums and primers their weightless feel.✕ Silicone-free532 products
- DimethiconolA silicone that adds shine and slip, common in hair serums and conditioners.✕ Silicone-free532 products
- Pentylene GlycolA glycol used as a humectant and solvent that also helps preserve a product.530 products
- CI 77492Yellow iron oxide, a mineral pigment identified by its colour index number.527 products
- Butyrospermum Parkii Shea ButterShea butter, a rich plant butter from the nuts of the shea tree.526 products
- Decyl GlucosideA mild sugar-based cleanser used in baby washes and sulfate-free shampoos.523 products
- Polyquaternium-10A cellulose-based conditioning polymer that makes wet hair easier to comb.521 products
- Titanium DioxideA white mineral pigment and sunscreen filter.515 products
- Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone, the most common UVA filter in sunscreens.508 products
- PEG-7 Glyceryl CocoateA gentle solubiliser and refatting agent used in cleansers and shower gels.506 products
- Cocamide MEAA coconut-derived foam booster that thickens shampoos and body washes.495 products
- Acrylates CopolymerA film-forming plastic polymer that adds hold, water resistance and texture.492 products
- Isopropyl PalmitateA light emollient ester that gives creams and makeup a smooth, dry slip.480 products
- Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Seed OilSunflower seed oil, a light plant oil used as an emollient.459 products
- Cetrimonium ChlorideA conditioning agent that detangles hair and cuts static.454 products
- Isopropyl MyristateA light emollient ester used in lotions, deodorants and makeup removers.454 products
- Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctisalate, a UVB filter that also helps dissolve other sunscreen filters.447 products
- Paraffinum LiquidumMineral oil, a highly refined petroleum-derived emollient.441 products
- Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA plant-based chelating agent used as an alternative to EDTA.439 products
- 2-hexanediolA small glycol used as a solvent and to support preservation.432 products
- Lauryl GlucosideA mild sugar-based cleanser used in gentle shampoos and face washes.431 products
- PEG-100 StearateAn emulsifier that keeps oil and water together in creams and lotions.430 products
- HydroxyethylcelluloseA plant-derived thickener that gives gels and shampoos a smooth body.421 products
- Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay treated to mix with oils; it thickens and stabilises oil-based formulas such as sunscreens and foundations.418 products
- LecithinA natural emulsifier from soy, sunflower or egg yolk.410 products
- CI 15985Sunset Yellow, a synthetic orange dye identified by its colour index number.407 products
- Styrene/Acrylates CopolymerA plastic film former that makes formulas look opaque and white, common in body washes and sunscreens.406 products
- Cocos Nucifera OilCoconut oil, a plant oil used as an emollient and in soaps.402 products