What are the categories of cosmetic ingredients?
Humectants: attract and hold water to hydrate the skin. Common humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Preservatives: Prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Examples include parabens, phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol.
Colourants: Iron oxides for make-up or dyes for hair colouring.
Fragrance: Ingredient used to add a pleasant scent to cosmetics. Fragrances can be extracted from natural essential oils or synthetically produced.
Emollients: Moisturise and soften the skin, such as oils, butters and waxes.
Surfactants: Contribute to the cleansing and foaming action of products such as shampoos and body washes. Examples include sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine.
Active Ingredients: Ingredients that have a specific effect on the skin or hair, such as antioxidants, retinol or salicylic acid. Active ingredients may be used for moisturising, anti-ageing, soothing or other specific effects.
Cosmetic ingredients are the basic ingredients used to formulate cosmetic products. These ingredients are the base materials used to create various cosmetic formulations (e.g., creams, lotions, shampoos, make-up products, etc.).
Cosmetic ingredients can be derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals and animal by-products, or they can be synthesised in a laboratory. These ingredients are processed and refined to ensure compliance with purity, quality and safety standards.
