Cosmetic Ingredient Glossary: INCI Names Explained

Cosmetic ingredient lists use INCI names (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) rather than everyday product names, which can make a label hard to read even for an experienced formulator. This glossary explains, in plain language, every raw material INCI name across our catalogue, with a link through to the product itself.

Looking for a specific ingredient category instead? Browse our full ingredients range, or read our in-depth guides to Shea Butter and Mango Butter.

A

• Adansonia digitata — A fast-absorbing oil rich in vitamins A, D, E and F. Shop Organic Baobab Oil.
• Allantoin — A gentle, skin-conditioning agent that calms and softens. Shop Allantoin.
• Argania Spinosa — A vitamin E-rich, lightweight oil popular in hair and facial serums. Shop Argan Oil.

B

• Behentrimonium Methosulfate — A premium conditioning emulsifier for rich, detangling hair treatments. Shop BTMS 85.
• Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid — A paraben-free preservative system across a wide pH range. Shop Benzyl Alcohol + Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative Blend.
• Butyrospermum Parkii — An intensely emollient, naturally rich butter that softens on skin contact. Shop Refined Shea Butter.

C

• Carbomer — A powerful gelling agent that thickens water-based formulas at low use rates. Shop Carbomer 940.
• Carbon — A highly adsorptive powder popular in detoxifying formulas. Shop Activated Charcoal.
• Cetearyl Alcohol — A fatty alcohol that thickens emulsions to a silky finish. Shop Cetearyl Alcohol.
• Cetearyl Alcohol & Polysorbate 60 — A reliable, easy-to-use emulsifier for stable lotions and creams. Shop Emulsifying Wax NF.
• Cetrimonium Chloride — A conditioning agent that improves combability and cuts static. Shop Cetrimonium Chloride 30%.
• Cetyl Alcohol — A lighter fatty alcohol for glide without heaviness. Shop Cetyl Alcohol.
• Citrullus Lanatus — A light, indigenous Southern African oil with a non-greasy finish. Shop Organic Kalahari Melon Oil.
• Citrus Limonum — A fresh, zesty citrus oil for brightening-themed formulas. Shop Lemon Oil.
• Citrus Sinensis — A bright, uplifting citrus oil for mood-boosting blends. Shop Orange Oil.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine — An amphoteric co-surfactant that boosts foam and mildness. Shop Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
• Coco Glucoside — A coconut-derived surfactant that softens as it cleanses. Shop Coco Glucoside.

D

• D Panthenol — A provitamin B5 humectant with soothing properties. Shop D-Panthenol.
• Decyl Glucoside — A mild, plant-derived cleanser gentle enough for sensitive skin. Shop Decyl Glucoside.
• Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate — An effective liquid preservative for water-based formulations. Shop Liquid Preservative Blend (Germall Plus Equivalent).
• Disodium EDTA — A chelating agent that improves preservative efficacy and stability. Shop EDTA Disodium.
• DL-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate — A stable antioxidant form of vitamin E for formula protection. Shop Vitamin E Acetate.

E

• Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol — A broad-spectrum preservative system with a mild boosting effect. Shop Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative Blend.
• Eucalyptus Smithii — A fresh, camphoraceous oil for invigorating body care. Shop Eucalyptus Oil.

G

• Glycerine — A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Shop Vegetable Glycerine USP.
• Glycine Soja Oil — A light, budget-friendly bulk oil for soap and body blends. Shop Soya Bean Oil.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride — A natural-origin conditioning polymer for sulfate-free shampoos. Shop Guar Quat.

H

• Helianthus Annuus — An affordable, lightweight base oil for soap-making and body oils. Shop Sunflower Oil.
• Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil — A plant-derived thickener for vegan balm and cream formulas. Shop Soy Wax.
• Hydrolysed Keratin — A protein-based ingredient that helps reinforce the hair shaft. Shop Hydrolysed Keratin.

K

• Kaolin — A gentle white clay suited to sensitive-skin masks. Shop Kaolin Clay.

L

• Lauryl Glucoside — A mild primary surfactant with good foam for natural-leaning formulas. Shop Lauryl Glucoside.

M

• Macadamia Ternifolia — A silky oil with a fatty acid profile close to skin’s own sebum. Shop Macadamia Oil.
• Mangifera Indica Seed Butter — A firmer, lighter-feeling butter that absorbs faster than shea. Shop Mango Butter.
• Melaleuca Alternifolia — A clean, medicinal-scented oil popular for blemish-prone skin. Shop Tea Tree Oil.
• Mentha Arvensis — A cooling, invigorating oil for scalp and foot care blends. Shop Peppermint Oil.

N

• Niacinamide — A vitamin B3 active that supports barrier function and tone. Shop Niacinamide.

P

• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — A solubiliser for clear, oil-free-looking aqueous formulas. Shop PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
• Persea Gratissima — A rich, deep green oil suited to nourishing, richer formulations. Shop Avocado Oil.
• Petrolatum — A classic occlusive base that seals in moisture. Shop White Petroleum Jelly.
• Phenoxyethanol — A widely compatible, broad-spectrum preservative workhorse. Shop Phenoxyethanol.
• Pinus Sylvestris — A grounding, woody-fresh oil for invigorating bath blends. Shop Pine Essential Oil.
• Polyquaternium-7 — A water-soluble polymer that adds slip and softness to hair formulas. Shop Polyquaternium-7.
• Polysorbate 20 — A water-soluble solubiliser for evenly dispersing oils in water-based formulas. Shop Polysorbate 20.
• Propylene Glycol — A humectant and solvent that helps actives disperse evenly. Shop Propylene Glycol.
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil — A classic, mild all-rounder with a soft nutty character. Shop Sweet Almond Oil.

R

• Ricinus Communis — A thick, glossy oil valued for shine and slip in hair and lip formulas. Shop Castor Oil.
• Ricinus Communis — Certified-organic, cold-pressed castor oil with a milder aroma. Shop Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil.
• Ricinus Communis — Traditionally roasted castor oil with a distinct toasted aroma. Shop Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
• Rosa Rubiginosa — A regenerative oil rich in linoleic acid and natural vitamin A precursors. Shop Organic Rosehip Oil.

S

• Salicylic Acid — An oil-soluble BHA exfoliant for blemish-prone skin and scalp. Shop Salicylic Acid.
• Sclerocarya birrea — A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil with high oleic acid content. Shop Organic Marula Oil.
• Simmondsia Chinensis — A stable liquid wax that closely mimics skin’s natural sebum. Shop Jojoba Oil.
• Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate — A strong foaming surfactant for effective shampoo and wash bases. Shop AOS-40.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate — A widely used cleansing surfactant that generates rich, familiar foam. Shop SLES 70%.
• Stearic Acid — A classic co-emulsifier that adds body to creams and hardness to soap. Shop Stearic Acid.
• Synthetic Beeswax — A vegan structuring wax that performs like natural beeswax. Shop Synthetic White Beeswax.

V

• Vitis Vinifera — A very light, fast-absorbing oil with almost no scent. Shop Grapeseed Oil – Refined.

Z

• Zinc Oxide — A soothing mineral powder with mild UV-filtering properties. Shop Zinc Oxide BP.