CosmeticLens

Ingredient Glossary

Quick reference for common cosmetic ingredients

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Showing 100 of 100 ingredients
INCI Name中文名称CategoryFunction
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
乙基抗坏血酸
维C乙基醚
Active IngredientsStable Vitamin C derivative; brightening, antioxidant
More stable than L-ascorbic acid; good penetration
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Argireline
乙酰基六肽-8
类蛇毒肽, 六胜肽
PeptidesReduces expression lines; relaxes facial muscles topically
Called 'topical Botox' but effect is much milder
Adapalene
Differin
阿达帕林
达芙文
Active IngredientsRetinoid for acne; normalizes cell turnover
OTC at 0.1%; most well-tolerated retinoid for acne
Alcohol Denat
Denatured Alcohol, SD Alcohol
变性乙醇
变性酒精
SolventsSolvent, penetration enhancer, quick-drying
Can be drying in high amounts
Allantoin
尿囊素
Active IngredientsSoothing, healing, moisturizing
Very gentle; good for sensitive skin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Vera
芦荟叶汁
芦荟
Botanical ExtractsSoothing, hydrating, wound healing
Classic soothing ingredient; often base of gel products
Alpha-Arbutin
Arbutin
α-熊果苷
熊果苷
Active IngredientsBrightening, fades dark spots
Gentler alternative to hydroquinone
Aqua
Water, Purified Water
纯净水
SolventsBase/solvent for most formulations
Almost always first ingredient in water-based products
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Mugwort Extract
艾草提取物
艾蒿提取物
Botanical ExtractsSoothing, anti-inflammatory, calming
Trending K-beauty ingredient; traditional Asian medicine
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid
抗坏血酸
维生素C, 左旋维C
Active IngredientsAntioxidant, brightening, collagen boost
Unstable; needs proper packaging
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AA-2G
抗坏血酸葡糖苷
维C糖苷
Active IngredientsVery stable Vitamin C derivative; brightening
Converted by enzymes in skin; gentler than LAA
Asiaticoside
积雪草苷
Active IngredientsCollagen stimulation, wound healing
Active component of Centella Asiatica; popular in K-beauty cica products
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Colloidal Oatmeal
胶体燕麦
燕麦粉
Active IngredientsSkin protectant, anti-itch, anti-inflammatory
FDA-recognized skin protectant; excellent for eczema
Avobenzone
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parsol 1789
阿伏苯宗
Sunscreen AgentsChemical UVA filter; broad-spectrum UVA1 protection
Best UVA filter in US; needs stabilization
Azelaic Acid
壬二酸
杜鹃花酸
Active IngredientsAcne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation
Gentle multitasker; pregnancy-safe
Bakuchiol
补骨脂酚
Active IngredientsPlant-based retinol alternative; anti-aging, antioxidant
Pregnancy-safe; no photosensitivity
Bentonite
Bentonite Clay
膨润土
ThickenersOil absorbing, pore cleansing
Can be drying; best for oily skin or occasional use
Benzoyl Peroxide
BPO
过氧化苯甲酰
Active IngredientsKills acne bacteria
Very effective; bleaches fabrics
Bisabolol
Alpha-Bisabolol, Levomenol
没药醇
红没药醇
Active IngredientsAnti-inflammatory, soothing, enhances absorption
From chamomile or synthetic; extremely gentle
Butylene Glycol
丁二醇
HumectantsHumectant, solvent, penetration enhancer
Very common; helps absorption
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green Tea Extract, EGCG
绿茶提取物
茶叶提取物
AntioxidantsAntioxidant (EGCG); anti-inflammatory; soothing
Rich in polyphenols; use opaque packaging
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
大麻籽油
火麻仁油
EmollientsRich in omega fatty acids; anti-inflammatory
No THC/CBD; high in linoleic acid
Carbomer
Carbopol
卡波姆
ThickenersGel former, thickener, emulsion stabilizer
Creates gel texture in many products
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cica, Tiger Grass
积雪草提取物
积雪草
Active IngredientsSoothing, healing, anti-inflammatory
K-beauty favorite for sensitive skin
Ceramide NP
Ceramides
神经酰胺NP
神经酰胺
EmollientsBarrier repair, moisture retention
Skin-identical; restores barrier
Cetearyl Alcohol
鲸蜡硬脂醇
EmollientsEmollient, emulsifier, thickener
Fatty alcohol—not drying like simple alcohols
Cetearyl Glucoside
鲸蜡硬脂基葡糖苷
EmulsifiersGentle sugar-based emulsifier
Popular in natural/sensitive skin formulations
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Chamomile Extract
洋甘菊提取物
母菊提取物
Botanical ExtractsSoothing, anti-inflammatory, calming redness
Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae/ragweed family
Citric Acid
柠檬酸
pH AdjusterspH adjuster; chelating agent
Not an exfoliant at standard concentrations; purely functional
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Coco-Betaine
椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
SurfactantsGentle cleansing, foam boosting
One of the gentlest surfactants
Copper Tripeptide-1
GHK-Cu, Copper Peptide
铜肽
蓝铜胜肽, 蓝铜肽
PeptidesWound healing, collagen stimulation, antioxidant
Blue color; avoid with Vitamin C and strong acids
Cyclopentasiloxane
D5, Cyclomethicone
环五聚二甲基硅氧烷
D5硅油
EmollientsLightweight silicone; quick-evaporating carrier
Gives silky primer feel; EU environmental restrictions
Decyl Glucoside
癸基葡糖苷
SurfactantsUltra-gentle plant-derived cleansing
Sugar-based; popular in baby and natural products
Dimethicone
Silicone
聚二甲基硅氧烷
硅油
EmollientsSmooths skin, protective barrier
Non-comedogenic despite myths
Disodium EDTA
EDTA
乙二胺四乙酸二钠
PreservativesChelating agent; stabilizes formulations
Binds metal ions that destabilize products
Ectoin
依克多因
Active IngredientsCell protection, anti-pollution, UV damage prevention
From extremophile bacteria; emerging anti-pollution ingredient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate, OMC
甲氧基肉桂酸乙基己酯
Sunscreen AgentsChemical UVB filter
Banned in Hawaii for coral reef concerns; endocrine disruption debate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Octoxyglycerin
乙基己基甘油
PreservativesPreservative booster; skin conditioner
Commonly boosts phenoxyethanol efficacy
Ferulic Acid
阿魏酸
AntioxidantsAntioxidant booster; stabilizes Vit C and E
C+E+Ferulic is gold standard antioxidant combo
Fragrance
Parfum
香精
香料
FragranceProvides scent
Common allergen; 3000+ possible compounds
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Pitera
半乳糖酵母样菌发酵产物滤液
酵母精华
Active IngredientsBrightening, hydrating, improves texture
SK-II's key ingredient; fermented yeast filtrate
Gluconolactone
PHA, Polyhydroxy Acid
葡萄糖酸内酯
聚羟基酸
ExfoliantsUltra-gentle exfoliation; humectant; antioxidant
Best exfoliant for rosacea and very sensitive skin
Glycerin
Glycerol, Vegetable Glycerin
甘油
丙三醇
HumectantsAttracts moisture; strengthens barrier
One of the most effective humectants
Glycolic Acid
AHA
乙醇酸
果酸
ExfoliantsChemical exfoliation, brightening
Strongest AHA; requires sunscreen
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Licorice Root Extract, Glabridin
甘草根提取物
光甘草定
Botanical ExtractsBrightening, anti-inflammatory, soothing
Contains glabridin; gentle brightener popular in Asian skincare
Homosalate
胡莫柳酯
Sunscreen AgentsChemical UVB filter; stabilizes avobenzone
Under EU regulatory scrutiny for hormonal effects
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Low Molecular Weight HA
水解透明质酸
小分子玻尿酸
HumectantsDeeper penetration than standard HA; intense hydration
Best in multi-weight HA products
Hydroquinone
HQ
对苯二酚
Active IngredientsMost potent skin lightener; inhibits melanin
Requires medical supervision; cycle on/off
Isopropyl Myristate
IPM
肉豆蔻酸异丙酯
EmollientsEmollient, penetration enhancer
Moderately comedogenic (rating 3); avoid if acne-prone
Kaolin
White Clay
高岭土
白陶土
ThickenersGentle oil absorbing, mild cleansing
Gentler than bentonite; suitable for sensitive skin masks
Kojic Acid
曲酸
Active IngredientsTyrosinase inhibitor; brightening
Fungal-derived; unstable, often formulated as kojic dipalmitate
Lactic Acid
AHA
乳酸
果酸
ExfoliantsGentle exfoliation, hydrating
Gentler than glycolic; has humectant properties
Madecassoside
羟基积雪草苷
Active IngredientsWound healing, barrier repair, collagen synthesis
Key triterpenoid from Centella Asiatica
Mandelic Acid
AHA
扁桃酸
杏仁酸
ExfoliantsGentle exfoliation; antibacterial; safe for darker skin tones
Largest AHA molecule = least irritation
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Tea Tree Oil
茶树油
Botanical ExtractsAntimicrobial; anti-inflammatory; acne treatment
5% comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for acne; never use undiluted
Methylisothiazolinone
MIT, MI
甲基异噻唑啉酮
PreservativesStrong antimicrobial preservative
Banned in EU leave-on products; high allergen risk
Methylparaben
Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
对羟基苯甲酸甲酯
尼泊金甲酯
PreservativesPrevents bacterial growth; extends shelf life
Most studied preservative; safe per CIR/SCCS at permitted levels
Mineral Oil
Paraffinum Liquidum
矿物油
液体石蜡
OcclusivesOcclusive moisturizer; barrier protection
Cosmetic-grade is safe and non-comedogenic per CIR
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide
烟酰胺
维生素B3
Active IngredientsBrightening, oil control, barrier repair
Well-tolerated, versatile active
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Rice Bran Extract
大米提取物
米糠提取物
Botanical ExtractsBrightening, antioxidant, moisturizing
Staple in Japanese skincare (sake lees)
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Matrixyl
棕榈酰五肽-4
基质肽
PeptidesStimulates collagen; reduces wrinkles
One of the most studied peptides in skincare
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Matrixyl 3000 component
棕榈酰三肽-1
PeptidesCollagen production, skin repair signaling
Part of Matrixyl 3000 with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Panthenol
Pro-Vitamin B5
泛醇
维生素B5前体
HumectantsMoisturizing, healing, soothing
Extremely well-tolerated
Petrolatum
Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline
凡士林
石油冻
OcclusivesSeals moisture, protects barrier
Most effective occlusive; non-comedogenic
Phenoxyethanol
苯氧乙醇
PreservativesPrevents microbial growth
Common paraben alternative
Polyglutamic Acid
PGA, γ-PGA
聚谷氨酸
HumectantsHolds 4-5x more water than HA; inhibits hyaluronidase
Next-generation humectant; can layer with HA
Polysorbate 80
Tween 80
聚山梨酯80
吐温80
EmulsifiersEmulsifier; solubilizes essential oils
Long safety record; common in cleansers
Potassium Sorbate
山梨酸钾
PreservativesInhibits yeast and mold growth
Popular in 'clean beauty'; works best below pH 6
Propanediol
1,3-Propanediol, Zemea
丙二醇
HumectantsHumectant, solvent; bio-based glycol alternative
Corn-derived; popular in clean beauty
Propolis Extract
Bee Propolis
蜂胶提取物
蜂胶
Botanical ExtractsAntibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Not vegan; avoid if allergic to bee products
Propylparaben
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
对羟基苯甲酸丙酯
尼泊金丙酯
PreservativesBroadens preservative spectrum; anti-fungal
Often paired with methylparaben
Resveratrol
白藜芦醇
AntioxidantsPotent antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; anti-aging
From grape skins; unstable, needs good packaging
Retinal
Retinaldehyde
视黄醛
A醛
Active IngredientsAnti-aging; antibacterial; one step from retinoic acid
Stronger than retinol, gentler than tretinoin
Retinol
Vitamin A
视黄醇
A醇
Active IngredientsAnti-aging, cell turnover, reduces wrinkles
Gold standard anti-aging; avoid in pregnancy
Retinyl Palmitate
Vitamin A Palmitate
棕榈酸视黄酯
维A棕榈酸酯
Active IngredientsGentlest retinoid; mild antioxidant
Weakest retinoid; often a marketing ingredient
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Rosehip Oil
玫瑰果油
EmollientsRich in vitamins A and C; scar-fading
Popular for post-acne scarring
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Yeast Ferment
酵母菌发酵产物滤液
酵母滤液
Active IngredientsHydrating, barrier strengthening, brightening
May exacerbate fungal acne in some individuals
Salicylic Acid
BHA
水杨酸
β-羟基酸
Active IngredientsExfoliant, unclogs pores, anti-inflammatory
Oil-soluble; penetrates into pores
Shea Butter
乳木果油
EmollientsRich moisturizer, softens skin
Great for dry skin; may be heavy for oily
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Jojoba Oil
荷荷巴油
霍霍巴油
EmollientsMimics skin sebum; non-comedogenic oil
Technically a wax ester; suitable even for oily skin
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Snail Mucin
蜗牛分泌滤液
蜗牛原液
Botanical ExtractsHydrating, wound healing, soothing
K-beauty staple; not vegan; contains glycoproteins and HA naturally
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
SAP
抗坏血酸磷酸酯钠
维C磷酸酯钠
Active IngredientsStable Vitamin C; brightening, anti-acne
Works at skin-friendly pH 6-7; also has anti-acne properties
Sodium Benzoate
苯甲酸钠
PreservativesPrevents yeast, bacteria, mold; best at low pH
Popular paraben alternative; often paired with potassium sorbate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
SCI
椰油基羟乙基磺酸钠
SurfactantsUltra-gentle cleansing; rich lather
Found in Dove Beauty Bar; one of the mildest surfactants
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid, HA
透明质酸钠
玻尿酸
HumectantsHolds 1000x its weight in water
Salt form with better penetration
Sodium Hydroxide
Lye, Caustic Soda
氢氧化钠
烧碱
pH AdjusterspH adjuster (raises pH)
Sounds scary but fully reacted in final products; safe
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLES
月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
SurfactantsEffective cleansing; good foaming; milder than SLS
Most common surfactant in personal care
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS
月桂基硫酸钠
十二烷基硫酸钠
SurfactantsStrong cleansing and foaming
Can irritate dry/sensitive skin
Sodium PCA
NaPCA
吡咯烷酮羧酸钠
HumectantsNMF component; powerful humectant
More hygroscopic than glycerin
Squalane
角鲨烷
鲨烷
EmollientsLightweight moisturizing, mimics sebum
Non-comedogenic; good for oily skin too
Sulfur
Colloidal Sulfur
硫磺
Active IngredientsAntibacterial, keratolytic, anti-fungal
Old-school acne treatment; pregnancy-safe
Titanium Dioxide
二氧化钛
Sunscreen AgentsPhysical UV filter, mainly UVB
Often combined with zinc oxide
Tocopherol
Vitamin E
生育酚
维生素E
AntioxidantsAntioxidant, moisturizing, stabilizer
Often stabilizes Vitamin C formulas
Tranexamic Acid
TXA, t-AMCHA
传明酸
氨甲环酸, 凝血酸
Active IngredientsInhibits melanin production; treats melasma and PIH
Rising star in Asian skincare for brightening
Tretinoin
Retinoic Acid, Retin-A
维A酸
全反式维甲酸
Active IngredientsGold standard anti-aging; acne treatment; cell turnover
Prescription only; avoid in pregnancy
Triethanolamine
TEA
三乙醇胺
pH AdjusterspH adjuster, emulsifier
Safe at cosmetic concentrations per CIR
Urea
Carbamide
尿素
HumectantsPowerful humectant; keratolytic at higher concentrations
Part of skin's NMF; dermatologist favorite for very dry skin
Xanthan Gum
黄原胶
ThickenersThickener, emulsion stabilizer
Non-active; purely functional texture ingredient
Zinc Oxide
氧化锌
Sunscreen AgentsBroad-spectrum UV protection
Gentle mineral filter; may leave white cast
Zinc PCA
吡咯烷酮羧酸锌
Active IngredientsSebum regulation, antimicrobial
Often paired with niacinamide for oil control