Cosmetic Ingredients Key Terms

Delve into both natural and man-made cosmetic ingredients key terms

By Lydia Block

There are many types of ingredients that are necessary to make cosmetics, and there are many cosmetic ingredients key terms specific to the industry. Cosmetic lines can include all types of make-ups, moisturizers and other skin care products. Many ingredients on the market are made from natural products such as walnut shells, botanicals, and oils. Other ingredients are synthetic chemicals made especially for the cosmetic industry. The number of ingredients derived from different sources is impressive, and a variety of sources can affect the texture, color and fragrance of the cosmetics.

Learn the following cosmetic ingredients key terms you'll need to navigate the chemical makeup of makeup.

Botanicals

Botanicals include naturally derived products and oil-free emollients, some of which are water soluble. These ingredients are used for products for the skin, lips and nails. Fragrances and many body washes are also made out of botanicals.
Try: Learn more about botanical ingredients and their uses from CosmeticsInfo.org.

Walnut shell media

Walnut shell media is used in the cosmetic industry as an exfoliant in facial, body and foot scrub products.
Try: See what Ecoshell offers in walnut shell media to makeup manufacturers.

Preservatives

Preservatives help create shelf-stable cosmetic products, allowing manufacturers to create products for a global market that would otherwise spoil within just a few days. A consumer movement for paraben and formaldehyde free preservatives has created a natural preservatives movement within the cosmetics industry. This has prompted some manufacturers to research the effectiveness of ingredients such as cinnamon, curry and grapefruit as cosmetic preservatives.
Try: The Spectrum Chemical site carries many different ingredients and explains their uses well. Cosmetics & Toiletries Magazine offers an insider's view of the anti-preservative movement.

Aromatics

Aromatics can include waxes, waters and distillates. The waxes are from aromatic plants. The waters are a by-product of essential oils and the distillates are available in non-floral varieties.
Try: A&E Connock carries a large inventory of aromatics.

Speciality oils

Suppliers of specialty oils to the cosmetic industry, specifically in North America, use sources such as plants or marine life. Examples of plant oils are almond oil, black currant oil, avocado oil, peach kernel oil or olive oil. The oils are available in very large or small quantities depending on the needs of the manufacturer.
Try: The Jedwards International site has many natural products including specialty oils.

Humectants

Humectants are moisturizers and are important ingredients in many skin care products. Humectants prevent loss of moisture which is important in the production and use of cosmetics. Some of the compounds that are used actually attract moisture.
Try: Visit Makingcosmetics.com to learn about humectants and see examples within the company's product line.