Ingredients Dictionary
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Often used in personal care products as a lightweight emollient that can help improve skin texture and hydration.
Plant based?
Can be derived from both plant and animal sources, but it is commonly plant-based, typically sourced from coconut or palm oil.
Concentration
Functional Process
Forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration.
Side Effects
in rare cases, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
A multifunctional ingredient used in skincare products to exfoliate, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce acne and other skin blemishes.
Plant based?
This is a synthetic ingredient, not plant-based.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works by penetrating deep into the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog them. It also helps to regulate sebum production, which can help prevent breakouts and improve skin texture.
Side Effects
Common side effects of using skincare products containing Capryloyl Salicylic Acid may include skin irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling.
Caprylyl Glycol
A versatile ingredient commonly used as a humectant, emollient, and preservative in cosmetic and personal care products.
Plant based?
No. It’s a synthetic ingredient typically derived from palm or coconut oil.
Concentration
Functional Process
Moisturizes and softens the skin while also preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage or infections.
Side Effects
Generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, some people may experience mild skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Carbomer
Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various personal care products, including lotions, creams, gels, and hair products.
Plant based?
This is a synthetic polymer, not plant-based.
Concentration
Functional Process
Absorbs water and swelling to create a gel-like consistency, which helps to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Side Effects
Side effects may include skin irritation, dryness, and redness.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits for the skin.
Plant based?
Yes, it is a plant-based ingredient derived from the seeds of the safflower plant.
Concentration
Functional Process
Releases beneficial components of safflower oil into the skin gradually, providing long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe for skincare products and have no known side effects.
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm, and other fungal infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Plant based?
Yes. Derived from the Cassia alata plant, also known as the ringworm shrub or Senna alata.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains compounds such as chrysophanic acid and emodin with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, these compounds can help to reduce inflammation and fight off fungal infections.
Side Effects
May cause allergic reactions in some people, resulting in skin rash, itching, and redness. Overuse or prolonged use of products containing Cassia Alata Leaf Extract may also lead to skin irritation and dryness.
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
A versatile polymer used in various applications for its excellent toughness, clarity, and resistance to impact, chemicals, and weathering.
Plant based?
No, it is a synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, a renewable and sustainable plant-based material.
Concentration
Functional Process
Forms a strong, flexible, and durable coating or film on the surface it is applied to, providing protection and enhancing the properties of the material.
Side Effects
Skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and environmental concerns related to its production and disposal.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Commonly used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic and personal care products, providing a smooth texture and improved stability to the product formulation.
Plant based?
Can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. While it can be derived from plants like coconut and palm oil, it can also be derived from petrochemical sources.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic and personal care products by helping to mix together water-based and oil-based ingredients, and by adding viscosity to the product formulation.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe.
Cetearyl Glucoside
A popular emulsifying agent used in skincare products. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Plant based?
Yes, this is a plant-derived ingredient often sourced from coconut or palm oil.
Concentration
Functional Process
Reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix more easily. This creates a stable emulsion that helps improve skincare products’ texture and consistency.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe and has no known side effects.
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl alcohol is commonly used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and moisturizer in personal care products. It helps to soften and soothe the skin and can improve the texture and spreadability of creams and lotions.
Plant based?
Typically derived from coconut oil or palm oil, but it can also be produced synthetically.
Concentration
Functional Process
Emulsifier and emollient. It helps to thicken and stabilize formulations while also softening and smoothing the skin.
Side Effects
Safe for use.
Cetyl Esters
Commonly used in cosmetics as an emollient and thickening agent.
Plant based?
Cetyl esters can be derived from both plant and animal sources.
Concentration
Functional Process
Forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to retain moisture and improve skin texture.
Side Effects
Skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Cichorium Intybus Root Extract
Known for its potential benefits in improving digestive health and reducing inflammation.
Plant based?
Yes, derived from the Chicory plant, making it plant-based.
Concentration
Functional Process
Stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can lead to improved digestive function and reduced inflammation in the body.
Side Effects
Allergic reactions, digestive discomfort, and potential interactions with certain medications.
Citral
A natural compound with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Plant based?
Yes, a natural compound found in many plants, such as lemongrass, lemon myrtle, and lemon verbena.
Concentration
Functional Process
Inhibits certain enzymes and signaling pathways that promote inflammation and cancer cell growth.
Side Effects
High doses of citral can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Citric Acid
Can act as an antioxidant, chelator, and preservative in food and cosmetic products. It can also help enhance the flavor and texture of food.
Plant based?
Can be derived from plant sources such as citrus fruits, but it can also be produced synthetically using a fermentation process.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works by chelating metal ions, which can help prevent spoilage and maintain product stability. It can also enhance food flavor by activating taste receptors on the tongue.
Side Effects
Can cause mild side effects such as stomach upset, mouth sores, and skin irritation in some individuals.
Citronellol
Has a pleasant floral scent and is often used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
Plant based?
Yes, it’s a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including roses, geraniums, and citronella grass.
Concentration
Functional Process
Believed to work as a natural insect repellent by masking the scents that attract insects, making it harder for them to locate and bite or sting humans.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe in cosmetics and personal care products, but some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It can also help improve skin tone, reduce dark spots, and provide a natural fragrance.
Plant based?
Yes. Derived from the outermost layer of the lime fruit, which is a plant-based source.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains natural compounds that help protect and repair the skin, such as vitamin C and flavonoids. It can also act as an astringent and help control excess oil production.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe for topical use, but can cause skin irritation in some people, particularly those with sensitive skin. In rare cases, it may also cause photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn.
Citrus Aurantium (Bergamot) Peel Oil
Commonly used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and calming properties. It is also used in skincare products for its cleansing and purifying properties.
Plant based?
Yes. Derived from the peel of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit.
Concentration
Functional Process
Stimulates the olfactory system, which can positively affect mood and emotions. It is also believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin.
Side Effects
Can cause photosensitivity, which may lead to skin irritation or burning when exposed to sunlight. It can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*
Can be used as a natural fragrance or flavoring agent in personal care and food products. It also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Plant based?
Yes. Derived from the orange peel.
Concentration
Functional Process
Works as a natural fragrance or flavoring agent, and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties can help to preserve and protect products.
Side Effects
Can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation in some people.
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Also known as mandarin essential oil, is believed to have various benefits, including relief from stress and anxiety, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting healthy skin.
Plant based?
Yes. A plant-based oil extracted from the peel of the mandarin fruit.
Concentration
Functional Process
Absorbs into the skin or inhaled, its active compounds interact with the body to produce its various benefits.
Side Effects
Generally considered safe for most people when used in appropriate amounts, but it can cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil
May help reduce stress and anxiety. Can be used as a natural disinfectant.
Plant based?
Yes. Derived from the peel of the grapefruit fruit.
Concentration
Functional Process
Contains compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce stress and anxiety. It also has natural antimicrobial properties, making it effective as a natural disinfectant.
Side Effects
Can cause skin irritation, photosensitivity, and allergic reactions in some people. It should be used with caution and diluted properly before use.